July 21, 2011 -- At Leech Lake

For the first time in more than a week I awoke to weather that wasn't hot, humid and stifling. The humidity was at 70%, and that's 20% lower than it's been many days this past week. The temperature was 68 degrees and the wind was at 8-15 mph out of the WSW. I could actually wear pants, shoes and socks when I went into town and I wasn't too hot.

Of course I spoke too soon. Once in Bemidji, I dropped my truck off for service at Dondelinger GM and walked about 2 miles to the Perkin's for breakfast. It wasn't yet noon and the temperature in Bemidji was 85 degrees, and while I have no idea what the humidity was, it was significant enough to where I was definitely hot when I arrived at the restaurant.

After breakfast I walked back to the shop to pick up my truck. The service guy met me and had a troubled look about him. He started to apologize for the "little problem" that they caused and I started to worry. He then went on to tell me that after the truck was fully serviced (which cost all of $42) they washed my truck and accidently left the de-greaser on too long which caused some streaking. I told him it was no big deal, but he insisted that the next time I come into town that I leave the truck with them for 2-3 hours and they'll do a complete wax job on my truck and buff out all of the marks -- for free. This is the type of small-town, Northwoods service you never get in a big city such as San Jose.

I ordered some paint at Sherwin Williams -- so Joe and I can paint the out buildings when he's here -- got some groceries, and then drove back to the lake.

When I arrived it was still very windy with the wind out of the SW at 12-20 mph. There were white caps rolling across the lake. The temperature was 80 degrees and the humidity varied for the rest of the day between 64-70%. The lower humidity made it very comfortable, and the wind kept the deer flies and mosquitoes at bay, so I was actually able to lay in the hammock for about an hour. What a wonderful gift; not just the hammock (which Kathleen did get me for a gift) but for the time to be able to lay in it.

As the evening moved toward sunset the wind slowed a little, but not enough to where I felt like taking the boat out fishing, so I spent the evening reading the newspapers I bought in town, and working the various puzzles (Sudoku and crosswords), while listening to music. I only wish Kathleen could have been here with me. That would have made it a perfect night.

Tomorrow I have various chores to attend to around the property. I hope the lower humidity holds. Until then...