Horizontal-Lines

North Dakota Thunderstorms: It's all in your perspective

By Kylie Blanchard, Staff Writer

I have lived in North Dakota almost all my life, only leaving to attend college. I was born here, raised here and now am living in my hometown with my own family. My husband and I both agree we wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

There are many things I love about this state, including the changing seasons. In particular, when summer rolls around (sometime between late April and early July) I love to be outside enjoying many activities under the blue sky or even partly cloudy sky. But, I'll be honest, when dark, ominous clouds begin to build on the horizon and the sky begins to rumble, I don't particularly like summer in North Dakota.

Ever since I was a little kid, I can remember being rattled by thunderstorms moving into the area. I have been awakened from a dead sleep by house-rattling thunder, covered my head with blankets when lightening lit up the room and scooted downstairs when the sirens sounded. I drove a car dubbed the "Golden Golf Ball" in high school after a storm mercilessly pelted hail at my poor vehicle. And recently, I had to pull off the Interstate after catching myself in the tail end of a doozey making its way across the state. To this day I stay pretty glued to the television, radio or internet when storm warnings come into play.

Now some people are just crazy enough to go out and chase the storms that run across the prairie each summer, but I have never felt the need to chase North Dakota Thunderstorms and prefer to be in the comfort of my own home when they decide to visit.

That is why I was surprised, when flipping through the 2012 North Dakota Horizons calendar, that I was drawn to Scott Christiansen's photograph Thunderstorm and Rainbow over Wheatfield, West of Minot, featured in the month of April and pictured at left. He photographed a thunderstorm in motion, a moment when I am filled with a manageable level of anxiety, and captured the true beauty of such a scene. I was a little shocked upon seeing this picture to find myself thinking, "this is really beautiful." Since first seeing a North Dakota thunderstorm in this light, this has caused me to pause more than once to really look at the storm clouds forming on the horizon. Even if they do look a little threatening, there really is some beauty in the scene as well. I have learned when it comes to North Dakota thunderstorms, it is all in your perspective and, thanks to this picture, mine may have changed just a bit.

2012 North Dakota Horizons calendars include many beautiful, scenic photographs from across North Dakota and its changing seasons. It can be purchased at retail locations across the state, online at www.ndhorizons.com or by telephone toll-free at 866-462-0744. The calendar sells for $10.95 and discounts are available when ordering multiple calendars.

And be looking for the next issue of North Dakota Horizons magazine, due out next month, for a full article on all of the 2012 calendar photographers.

Shop Local with North Dakota’s Locally Grown Foods

By Nicolette Borlaug, Staff Assistant, North Dakota Horizons

Are you eating your fruits and veggies? It is recommended to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day, but let’s be honest; this can sometimes be a struggle. Farmers markets make it easier by providing delicious locally grown produce in over 55 markets all around North Dakota.

I recently attended Farmers Market Day at the Capitol to buy some fresh vegetables. On the left is a photo of some items being sold by Diane’s Home Creations out of Mandan. Diane sells homegrown produce, frozen juneberries, pies, jelly and syrup, slippery hots, salsa, pickles and pickled beets.

Check out the online directory of ND Farmers Market and Growers Association vendors across the state. You can also stay connected with North Dakota’s local food movement here.

If it tends to seem like a chore to try to get in your daily recommended servings, perhaps change up your usual cooking routine. Summertime is a great opportunity to grill some fresh cucumbers (yes, cucumbers) and sprinkle with olive oil and chopped dill. Or slice up some red potatoes with peppers, mushrooms and onions, all wrapped up in aluminum foil, and add some lemon juice and your favorite seasonings to taste.

Don’t be afraid to get a little creative with your cooking, and most of all, have fun with delicious locally grown foods!

Watch for the Fall issue of North Dakota Horizons featuring stories on agri-tourism and harvest in North Dakota.