Dude, like I said, I spent 5 years in that region. You 'only' moved in Feb-March last year. In Denver, people get snow in May, too but they do get to 'enjoy' 65 degree weather in March. Does it mean that their winter is short? Spend 3 years in the midwest and lets have a conversation. Actually, come back in May and then tell me how short did you really find Des Moines winter.