Bemidji...

Oh how do I love thee...let me count the ways.

Fourth of July weekend Greg and I decided to venture on up to Bemidji. I don't know why I don't go there more often. It's probably the 4 hour drive but I really wish I made it up there more often. Every summer my family would head up there for a summer week full of swimming, fishing, and time with my grandparents. Time that I cherish more now that I am older. My grandfather passed away not too long ago but my grandmother still lives up in Bemidji....

Anyway G and I stayed at the cabin. We arrived Thursday evening. The silence was almost uncomfortable for us since we're both so used to the darn city noise. I love it though. The chirps from the frogs, a song from a loon on the nearby lake, or just the wind through the trees....the melody of the woods is breathtaking.

The week consisted of, well... relaxing, fishing, a trip to Itasca State Park, soaking in the sun and the sunsets. I LOVE the sunsets on the lake. Peaceful and contentment seem to surround me when I'm there. We even had a wonderful Thunderstorm one evening. We stood on the dock and just watched the lightning show, it was amazing.

G and I had some good luck on the lake. We caught perch, bluegill, sunny's, rock bass, and one northern that got away.

On the fourth we took Grandma into town with us for the Bemidji Parade. It was ... okay. It's a voting year so instead of floats there was politicians. Instead of temp. tattoos for the kids there was political candidate stickers. I wasn't impressed nor was G or my grandma. O'well, there were a few high points which included the beginning of the parade where Veterans held the flag and marched. It literally brought me to tears. You could just see the pride in those gentlemen. Their eyes on the flag knowing that they did there service for every one of us there.

The week went by so fast. Too fast, of course. That's what happens when you are on a vacation that you love to be on. The time flies, and I didn't get to spend enough time doing this or that but I am appreciative of the time I did spend with my Grandma. She sat with us one evening and told us about the resort, how when Grandpa proposed that she said no at first, and her knitting. I love those stories and really wish I could video tape her telling these stories. I could write a book! :)

Saying our goodbyes I as well as Grandma became a little overwhelmed. But it's okay, she's such a strong women and I hope to have the love that she does some day. Until next time...... which will hopefully be this fall!