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The Celebration of the Lakes has come and gone. Sadly, Mother Nature had alternative plans and decided to kick up the winds last weekend. All three balloon launches were scratched because of inclement weather. Saturday we had a blizzard during the first launch and high winds for the second. Sunday's launch was very close to taking place, but the winds were just outside of the "safety zone," so it was another no go. It figures, the one year that I muster enough guts to actually ride in a balloon, they don't take off.

Despite no balloons taking flight and nasty conditions on Saturday, the celebration was still a success. Sunday brought out the crowds and the Chili Cook-Off was a huge hit. The medallion hunt had a great turnout, and there were lots of entries in the coloring contest. The main tent on Sunday was constantly full and everyone was in great spirits.

Many thanks need to go out to the Celebration of the Lakes Committee. Greg Shaleen, Mary Cordts, Shari Bachman, Renee Dabill, John Schmidt, Carrie Frike, Brenda Palmquist, Amber Lindo, Erin Fagan and Josh Leonhardt, among others, worked very long hours to make the celebration a success. Even though the balloons didn't take flight, these individuals still made the weekend a great one.

Grab your electric blankets and bring the wood in now, because from all accounts it is going to get down right bitter cold this weekend.

I was going through last year's bills comparing my gas bill from this year to last year. Remember this fall when all over the media it was talked about how we can expect to see significant reductions in our heating bills this winter? Well, after comparing bills guess what I found? My heating bills were almost identical to last year's. I am trying to incorporate heating the Press building every other day in order to cut costs -- it hasn't been well received so far.

The other day I had completely forgotten to eat breakfast or lunch and was famished. (I know what you are thinking, he could stand to skip a meal every now and then.) I decided to stop in at the Quick Stop in Lindstrom. Zach, the owner, was excited to show me his new deli he had installed. He then proceeded to force one of his homemade gyros upon me. I have had gyros in the past, but his was outstanding. He then let me try some of the other ethnic foods he sells at Quick Stop like tabouli and humus. I'm telling you, if you are in the mood for something a little different, stop in and see Zach, his food is wonderful.

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