I grew up on a farm in the Red River Valley of North Dakota, on land that was once the bottom of glacial Lake Agassiz. Where we lived had some of the best farm land in the world. When I was young, I remember people visiting and being amazed by the flat land and the black dirt. Back then I didn't understand what all the fuss was about…wasn't all dirt black? I did have to admit that the flat land with the only trees those planted on farmsteads or as shelter belts was rather boring, but it was perfect for farming.
It wasn't until much later, after I had moved away, that I realized that along with the flat land comes the most incredible skies…and it seems like you can see forever.
We were back in North Dakota this weekend for a family wedding, and I was struck by the amazing open sky filled with fluffy clouds. I remember my first visit to the mountains…seeing them in the distance looked just like clouds on the horizon!
I used to love standing on our creek bank with my father and watching storms roll in as a child. I still love watching storms and miss following them from miles away. We joke about how Midwesterners talk so much about the weather…it is an important part of our sense of place, and open skies help track it.
Minneapolis is known as the "City of Lakes", which play an important role in the sense of place of Minnesota, "Land of 10,000 Lakes". Although you don't find the flatlands of the Dakotas in Minnesota it still has its share of sky…I think of lakes as Minnesota's flatlands.
Now, rather than just considering North Dakota's vistas boring, I recognize that the flat land gives the gift of immense, incredible, open sky.
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – Email – HomesMSP.com
