I'll be certain to leave the last stick alone for a while then! As my yard needs attention (been gone nearly a week with temps over 100) I'll likely be out tomorrow too to help it as I can.

I'd have to say, though I had no idea, that your explanation seemed point on. It had been at 70-73% RH for several weeks prior to setting it aside for about 4-5 days, and though the previous stick worked out just fine our humidity levels were below 60% as it didn't feel humid, whereas today felt like Panama!