When temperatures hit the 90s and the dew point is over sixty, we Minnesotans have a remedy for that. The Land of Ten Thousand Lakes beckons to those in search of refreshment from the summer sun and the disgusting sweat it causes. You have your choice of swimming holes here. Some choose to go to the cabin and spend the summer with the flies and mosquitos, while others choose a backyard pool and the luxury of air-conditioning. Stepping on pebbles and hot sand can be magic to some, while a sun umbrella, sunscreen and a mint julep appeal to others. Whatever your choice, you have a lot of options in my state.

For me, the city girl, I prefer staying at home in a nicely air-conditioned house. With allergies and asthma, it makes more sense for me to do this, but my husband was born to be at the lake. Maybe it’s because he spent much of his youth at his grandparents’ summer home. He developed a beautiful tan and muscles as he crewed on sail boats of the wealthy neighbors. He loved tooling around in his little fishing boat with a motor and enjoyed all the water sports available to him. The adventurer in him surfaced at an early age. I, on the other hand, disliked the idea of jumping in a lake or river filled with fish and other assorted creatures. I preferred the local swimming pool, but rarely went in the water, because I felt like a blimp in a swimsuit.

Years have passed since our early youth, but we seem to have gotten used to some of our old habits. I’m still pretty much a homebody and Paul would prefer to be outside in a natural setting. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. I simply can’t breathe when I’m in it. So, we make compromises. After almost 58 years of marriage, you learn to do that. When the air is fresh, and the temp is below 80, I agree to partake of the natural beauty. When the temp goes above that, I stay inside, while he warms up outside. Part of compromise is deciding what works for all involved parties.

As this is the height of our summer season, I will probably spend most of the month indoors or inside of an air-conditioned car. Paul will most likely be outside enjoying the sound of birds chirping or jackhammers pounding, while I sip my mint julep. I can still enjoy the wildlife by looking out the window. Our neighborhood is full of it. So go jump in the lake – or NOT,,