Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Harrison Township, MI

We had a peaceful night on Annie docked at cousin Marty's home. The wakes from the passing boats that had troubled Marty Fred ended as night progressed and we slept quite soundly. I was up early, made coffee, posted today's blog and then went in to visit with cousin Marty. 

Picture of cousin Marty's home from Annie

Once everyone was up we decided to go to brunch at a nice downtown restaurant near a shop that was repairing cousin Marty's van. Marty hoped the repairs were done and that I could drive one of the cars home, which actually worked out. What did not work out was that we got stuck in the restaurant waiting for this torrential rain storm to end. We had parked about a block away and had no umbrellas or raingear. We must have sat there for an hour after finishing dinner waiting for the rain to slow. The restaurant was packed with courthouse workers from across the street all waiting for an opportunity to get back to work. Kerry talked the waitress into another Coke refill while Donna June got a huge plastic garbage bag from her to make a poncho sort of garment. Eventually the rain slowed and we were free.

Rain, Rain Go away

Cousin Mike and his wife, Georgina, arrived from Salem, Indiana about 4:30. The party was ready to start. The final cousin, Pat, also from Salem, could not come as she suffered a dangerous tick bite and was advised to stay home. 

There's no better way to start a party than with a couple of pitchers of frozen margaritas which is exactly what we did.

Don, Cousin's Mike and Cousin Marty

Marty, Donna June, Kerry and Georgina

We enjoyed a nice Mexican dinner, featuring hard and soft tacos and taco salads. Apple pie and vanilla ice cream finished the dinner. Much reminiscing took place at dinner as you would expect. I learned lots about all the family members, some of which I had never knew of.  Kerry and Marty got lots of material and clarifications for their yet to be finished "Chronicles" book of their history growing up. The way they are progressing on this book, I suspect it will be titled something like " The Unfinished Chronicles of the Gray Family!"

Mike is a super gun enthusiast and extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of fire arms. I picked his brain about little hand guns. Kerry and I both have our concealed carry permits, but we have never packed. From time to time Kerry says she would like to have a small weapon, but I have always thought that would put me in too much danger at times.

We made it back to Annie just before another major set of thunderstorms came through. The drops were falling as we closed the door. More rain is expected tomorrow, our last full reunion day. We depart on Friday to meet the Orros in Port Huron.