yes funny...My niece reported that they had freezing weather and snow beginning in Oct. (I just can't do that anymore!) I've lived in Seattle for 30 years and now cold to me is in the 30s. Although there really is nothing prettier than snow on all the trees and like you said cardinals everywhere!!! From Seattle I can get into the mountains in about an hour and there is snow and there are bluejays but no cardinals, they just don't fly past the rockies for some reason! (I know the bluejays are a different type but they're still pretty here!) And there is a mountain or gray jay and those are really sweet. A little larger than a cardinal (and smaller than a bluejay) and extremely friendly! They'll fly right onto your head if you're stopped for lunch! (yes like squirrels they invite themselves to a meal! )