you literally had me at the thumb . !! ..
this is exceptional .. its a stunning image in every single way ...
i havent seen all your competition but this could very well get a ribbon ..
i'm not voting yet .. :)
Great depth and dramatic sky. I think I would have cropped a touch off the right side as the house and tree have similar weight and share the focal point of the photo. This winds up throwing off the 'rule of thirds' balance for me.