'Spaw,

ah yes, the leaves' smell . . . I moved away from the New Jersey of my childhood 54 years ago, but I still remember that leafy smell. After a while on the ground it has an aroma almost like grapes that have been crushed for wine (I know that smell too, thanks to my Italian grandpa).
And you're right--it's a great loss, to no longer have that half-acrid, half-sweet smell of leafsmoke. Mebbe if we get rid of the cars we can burn leaves again?

darkriver (doug m.)