Buffalo The Beautiful

                                     Buffalo The Beautiful

       It is late June of 2016, as I write this missive. These last five weeks in Buffalo have been the most idyllic that I have ever lived through in this redoubtable City on Lake Erie’s shores.

      Cool mornings, with sunny afternoons in the 70’s and 80’s have even the most negative critics warbling pleasant comments about this urban jewel on Lake Erie.

     As retirees, we have enjoyed many rounds of golf, visited Canal side in downtown Buffalo several times and driven along the shores of both Lake Ontario and lake Erie. The dazzling sunlight reflecting from the picturesque lakes makes one shade the eyes while touring.

    The golf courses and the farmers are a little nervous at the lack of rainfall. Precipitation has come with heavy storms both north and south of this Miami of the North, but not much here.

     Every day, throngs of lunchers flock to the Erie Basin Marina or just enjoy the golden glow of the warming sun outside their offices. Canal side, the Naval Park and every attraction along the water are aswarm with families. There are even indeed tourists visiting the area. The Buffalo River if crowded with canoes, kayaks and all manner of water-craft. The Miss Buffalo and the sunset catamaran are crowded to the gunnels with camera carrying enthusiasts, on their daily cruises

    During the balmy evenings, tens of thousands flock canal side for the weekly concerts. Buffalo’s  Olmstead Parks are busy urban hubs aswarm with people just enjoying their time in the sun.

      If you think my praise of Buffalo is effusive, you are right. As a life long resident of the area, I am used to much grayer and stormier skies. In times past, we used to call a sunny day a “Buffalo syndrome day.” That means everyone and their brother would be out as long as the sun was shining, a not too frequent event in times past. Maybe the whole global warming thing has swung the environmental balance in favor of “The Big B.”

        The NFL Buffalo Bills and the NHL Buffalo Sabres still rock the town. The AAA Baseball Bisons are drawing them in too. The food and music festivals occur weekly, one crowding in on the other. The city rocks with activity. You hear laughing people enjoying the warming glow of a benevolent nature.  I hope it continues forever. Rock on "Big B, the Miami of the North.!"

                                             -30-

                                      (411 words)

                               Joseph Xavier Martin