Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Flown South

This fine art photo, taken several years ago, shows a heron rookery in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Brecksville, Ohio. The Great Blue Herons have flown south for the winter, leaving behind a scene of still beauty in glimmering metallic tones of gold and aqua.

Nearby Cleveland, Ohio, just a hop, a skip, and a jump away was recently ranked number one by Forbes magazine on its list of America's Worst Winter Weather Cities?!?

Personally, I think there's some mistake, as a Cleveland winter is normally absolutely gorgeous. What the editors of Forbes * really * meant to say was that Cleveland is absolutely at the top when it comes to the best winter weather ever!

The crazy thing to me about the Forbes list is that Buffalo, NY of Blizzard of '77 fame didn't even make the top ten. Wow. I grew up in the Buffalo area, which more than likely gave me a lifelong fondness for snow.

So how do you feel about the Forbes "America's Worst Winter Weather Cities" list? Is your city there? Does it deserve to be? Do you like the weather where you live?

Enquiring minds wanna know ...

10 comments:

Montanagirl said...

I love the colors in that photo!

Gary Keimig said...

I don't know why people hate winter so much. There is such a beauty to winter and in association with the other seasons makes life so interesting and the variation of those seasons makes life such a blessing.
With that being said we in Dubois, Wyoming tell folks we have only 3 seasons here. This winter, next winter and last winter. Seriously we do have no spring and even in summer can get frost[and do]any day of the summer. There is no growing season here. Love the bridge post.

Unknown said...

I agree i think Ohio has beautiful winters. I live in ashtabula county, in the snow belt. We get alot more snow than Cleveland here. Sometimes we even have to get out the roof rake, to clear the snow off the roof, because of the weight of the snow on the roof. It's all good though, i wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

Annie Jeffries said...

Love the colors. Do the nexts get used year after year?

Poetic Artist said...

The colors in this photo is wonderful. This is the first year in several years we have gotten snow. I like it here because it snows and by the next day it is gone.
I was in Cleveland 2 yrs ago and the snow was beautiful. Cold but beautiful.
Take care my friend.
Katelen

CountryDreaming said...

Montanagirl: Many thanks to you!

Gary Keimig: Together with the wonderful artwork on your blog, your comments about the three seasons of this winter, next winter, and last winter are really making me want to travel to Dubois, Wyoming. Which winter month would you recommend as being the best?

Kim: It's always great meeting someone local. I look forward to following your blog and getting to know you better!

Annie: Yes, the nests are filled with life and noisy heron squawks come spring. It reminds you of primordial times.

Poetic Artist: Here's hoping you're enjoying whatever winter weather is currently coming your way. Thanks for your support and encouragement!

Janie said...

Fun to see all of those big nests. I hope all the herons make it back for another year.
I like our weather, except for those few days that reach 20 below!

Mary said...

I love that rookery photo! I wish I could take some of the ones I have and make them look that cool. In the past I have generally loved my weather and thought this was the best place to be...a little snow, but not much, fairly mild winters. This year we have had several snow storms and I am really sick of winter!

Stacy Lee said...

That is a gorgeous photograph!!! I love the crazy snow I've been getting where I live except for when I have to drive in it (which has been quite often lately). Thanks for the comment and visit and glad you could offer up prayers for your friend!

CountryDreaming said...

Janie: 20 below ... Experienced one of those days in the Buffalo, NY area once. It felt like I was starting to breathe a freezing liquid! Now that's cold.

Mary: From the photos of your area, it definitely is a great place to be ... wildlife both within a convenient drive as well as right in your own backyard. And you have such a special way with the birds in any season!

Stacy Lee: Thanks for your kind encouragement! The snowfall is definitely zany this year throughout the US. Makes even daily living an adventure.