Driving through Nature in Siouxland, Rural Cherokee County

Some days driving about Siouxland I just enjoy the look of nature, even if it incorporates a bit of agriculture. It’s still bucolic and relaxing and away from any glitz and hubbub of life in any fast lane. Cows are only interested if you brought any feed with you as long as you are stopping by. They gaze, then go about grazing again, just enjoying the day and the quiet of the countryside.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

A bucolic scene in rural Cherokee County, Iowa Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

 

A bucolic scene in rural Cherokee County, Iowa Friday, Sept. 7, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Summer in Siouxland, Rural Cherokee County

During most of the summer in Siouxland the weather like in other places is swinging widely between normal and extreme. Early spring was very cold, then wet, then extremely hot for June and cool again with temperatures pushing somewhat back to normal, which for later summer is normally hot and humid. But the weather extremes can make compelling images, or at least interesting. As I have gotten older my desire to get out into the extremes grows less intense and so during the winter, I will have my second cup of coffee and remark how cold it is out. During summer during a heat, I am glad for the technology of air conditioning. But after attending a Fourth of July Festival parade in Storm Lake, I saw some weather on my way back home and thought, why not.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Storm clouds overhead in rural Cherokee County, Iowa Wednesday July 4, 2018. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)

Waiting for the Green in Siouxland, Cherokee County

St. Patrick’s Day is approaching here in Siouxland, like elsewhere. Come that day people will be sporting green attire and possibly drinking green beer. It like other holidays is a good reason to celebrate. But unlike others, I am waiting for the green to appear in the countryside as I start to get out and meander about Siouxland this spring. There are predictions for snow again in the coming days. Moisture is always welcome, but this time of year I would rather dodge the puddles that scoop the white stuff. Even though it doesn’t last long, I am looking for my exercise walking around looking for photographs rather than bending my arms and moving snow.

On a recent drive through Cherokee County coming back from a visit north, I spotted some cattle outside in a field enjoying themselves. It seemed to me a little coolish to wade in any water, but then, they may be tired of being inside during the winter too.

Jerry Mennenga

Sioux City, Iowa

Enjoying a spring-like day of their own, cows stand in a creek along Highway 10 in rural Cherokee County, Iowa, Sunday, March 6, 2016. (photo by Jerry L Mennenga©)