new thread
Hey Raul,
I was struck by your comment that the only places in the U.S. commonly shown to others by the mainstream media are L.A. and N.Y.C. From what I've heard others say, one common misunderstanding held by many people from outside of the U.S. is just how HUGE our country is, and the tremendous variety of locales that entails. We're more than just a couple of big cities. In fact, I've spent a blessedly small amount of my life even visiting cities, and have never lived in a "large" one! We have everything from frozen tundra, to deserts, mountains, swamplands, rain forests, vast plains, tropics, coastlands, and expansive forests.
For myself, I grew up on a small farm in the "northwoods" of northern Wisconsin, and now live an arrow shot away from Lake Superior, the largest fresh water sea on the planet. The town in which I live has what can accurately be described as a "maritime" culture, which I find quite charming and unique, considering that it's not on an ocean or salt water sea. Fishing is an important industry here, as are farming, sustainable logging, and tourism.
I've really enjoyed your pictures of the Scandinavian landscapes, and hope to make it over there one day (especially to visit the Lindstrom side of my family in Sweden). Here are a few snapshots of the area in which I live :)
--Val
This is what it looks like right now :)
Winter activities :)
OMG, do I ever miss the autumn colors of the Northwoods and Great Lakes region. Before I move out West, my 2 favorite spots to go vacationing / camping were Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park near traverse City, and Porcupine Mt. State Park in the UP, near the town of Ontonogan (SP?)...
Still to this day, I have a "secret" love affair with Lake Superior (as well as the Northern sections of Lake Michigan and Huron). As much as I love Northern Calif. (and I do I do!), I left a part of my heart still back in the Northwoods of the Midwest.
Those pics are hands-down BEAUTIFUL, Val, thanks so much for sharing -- I love it love it love it!!!
Off to work now....
- Ken
After living in the this region for years I'm not fond of the autumn colors. Between cleaning up after all those leaves,
the traffic from leaf peepers, and the drains that clogged up from the falling leaves I'm not fond of the autumn colors. If you've seen one autuomn you've seen them all. Besides after those leaves fall comes the falling of snow and i've had it with the snow for this year.
I just take the best of all seasons for what they have to offer, and enjoy the present reality for what it is. As for cleaning up leaves, I simply don't... that's nature's way of returning nutrients to the soil.
--Val
Exactly. I enjoy all the seasons. I never rake leaves up from my yard. This year I just left them entirely but sometimes I'll run the lawnmower through them as it speeds their decomposition.
I do admit I'm very ready for Spring at this point. We were forecasted to get about 4 inches of snow and ended up with over a foot. It's the cleaning of my bike after rides that I dislike the most.
Great photos, Val.
Unfortunetly the leaves have to be cleaned up. If they aren't cleaned up they blow all over the place in the wind, will kill the
grass, and look bad.
Well just come on down here to good ole San Antonio, Texas in August. You can get your share of 100 degree days with unbearable humidity. But, while you're here you can also eat some of the best barbecue and Mexican food you ever had.
There are many times I would love to see the Fall colors in person. But I cannot handle the cold weather. That's why I will remain in South Texas for the rest of my days. I do appreciate everything that Mother Nature does though. Even if it makes things rough for a time. Great pics Val. Thanks for posting and have a great weekend my friend!
Ted
Just curious if there is any season or place that you like.
I like the weather here during the spring and fall. Before it
gets too hot in the summer and too cold and snowy in the winter.
Out of all the seasons I like spring and summer the best:) Fall is nice but its
just a reminder that winter is on its way. Thankfully where I am in NJ the last
two winters have been very tolerable.No big snowfalls and whatever we got
melted away rather quickly.Still I'm no fan of cold weather especially since I have
to work outdoors at times.Just yesterday I spent the day on a rooftop working
when it was snowing.Its days like that that I'd love a desk job;) lolCheers
Mârk
I was actually born in Ontonagon, and lived there until I was 7, at which time my family moved south, to northern Wisconsin.
Let me know if your hankering to visit this area ever wins out... you're more than welcome in our home!
--Val
Great idea Validus! The US also has some wonderful small cities that remain unknown to the world (and most Americans). One such city is my home, Louisville. Its a small city located in Kentucky. I'm adding a picture since most even in the States aren't familiar with it. Its a quiet town with a couple of colleges and a regional airport!
Thanks for sharing, Growlur :) That's quite the night time cityscape! I'm always a bit surprised to hear what people refer to as a "small city." To me, a community of 15-20,000 people constitutes a small city!
Take care,
Val
Val,
Certainly a matter of perspective! I grew up in a town of 5,000! At about a million, Louisville is considered tiny by my friends from New York and Chicago. Interesting.
Nice to see where others call home no matter how large or small!
Tony
Hey Val,
I really appreciate you taking notice to my comment the other day, and taking the time out of your day to post some pictures and background info on your hometown! It really warms the heart, and I feel that we should probably all do a little summary like this, and show and tell about our hometowns, or current places of residence, as it´s a real interesting experience :)
Wiconsin looks a lot like some parts of Northern Europe, actually. The snow, the woods and even the docks and ships... a real nice mixture of cultural touches, which all makes for a great place to grow up in, I´m sure :)
Thanks again for sharing, buddy! And have a great weekend on!
No problem, Raul :) It's probably no coincidence that many of the people in northern Wisconsin are descended from Northern Europeans, myself included!
Cheers,
Val