October 25, 2021

Monday October 25, 2021

Blog time 1600 sitting in Fairfield Inn in Gaylord, Mi

Up this morning at 0700.  Today is a travel day.  We are heading to Gaylord, Mi to attend a Memorial Service on Tuesday for our Brother in Law, Donald Crandall.

It pouring rain and 45 when we left home.  Quick stop at Panera for coffee and bagel.

Despite the rain the drive north was very pleasant.  Full fall colors most of the way.

Arrived in Gaylord at 1230.  Stopped at Helen and Don’s farm to drop off cookies and wine.  

Tonight the families and Gaylord friends are meeting in the Crandall’s garage for drinks and food.  

Family member already in Gaylord are Don’s daughter Shirley Short, Jennifer Finnegan and sons Jerry Crandall and Jason Crandall.  

Later today Shirley’s husband Howie and daughter Hanna will arrive. Also Jerry’s son Jerud. They all had flight problems out of Denver.  

We arrived at the Crandall’s garage at 1630. My sister Helen and her kids, Jason and Jennifer had already placed the tables and chairs.  Shawn Finnegan, Jennifer’s husband did a lot of the heavy lifting as did Jennifer’s three daughters. 

Jason had a fire going in garage’s pot bellied iron stove.  It was toasty warm.  The temperature outside was in high 30s.

The women from the First Congregational Church provided the food.  It was great.  Pulled pork sandwiches, salads, deviled eggs were set up buffet style.  Thank you church ladies.

Howie Short, daughter Hanna and Jerry’s son Jerud arrived about 1830.  The airport group stopped at Frankenmuth, Mi and picked up Jason’s daughter Kennedy.  

Don Crandall’s nephew and wife from Homer also joined the event.  Don and Helen’s foster daughter, Shelli and her friend Jean also attended.

It was a family affair.  It was a great time.  Good food, fine wine and conversation.  Don would have loved it.

We got home about 2200 and headed straight to bed.  It was a busy day.