Our Midwest Tour, October 2014

On October 2 we left Gulf Shores and returned after 26 days. It was a long time away from home, and we were certainly ready to get back, but our Midwest tour allowed us to take in a great many events and see a lot of wonderful people as well. There were some surprises, too! Even though the weather was not completely kind to us southerners, we did get to enjoy several sunny days during our trip. However, the temperatures were way below what we have gotten used to! The trip was good medicine for Jim's recovery -- seeing so many loving friends and family. Here are a few photos from our trip.

October 3. First stop was Union City's First Friday social event, which is usually held in this building. The west side of it is receiving a nice facelift with this exquisite mural depicting Union City's heritage.

October 4. Jeff flew in from Colorado to surprise us and be with Jim on his special day, the
UCCHS Cross Country reunion at Harter Park. The weather was ugly, but hearts were warmed at the event.

Jim introduces his teammates and coach of the 1964 Tri Eastern Conference champions at the 2014 TEC meet.
A good many cross country runners that Jim had coached also attended the event.

One of the former runners had these t-shirts made for us.

October 5. Sunday worship service at our beautiful old church, Wesley United Methodist, Union City.

October 12. From Union City to the Chicago area to visit Jim's sister and family.  (This was
after a stop in North Manchester, IN, for Jim's 45th college reunion at Manchester College.
No pictures of reunion.) The photo above was taken at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, IL, where Jenny
and I took her two little granddaughters out for a sunny day's activities. It's a gorgeous place.

October 15. Cadillac, MI, to visit friends Chet and Ann Wasson. We had one window of sunshine during our time in MI. Just enough sun to capture the beauty of the autumn leaf color.
Here are the two Union City boys, childhood pals, Jim and Chet. 

Jim, Linda, Ann, Chet

October 19. Back to Ohio and celebrating my parents' 66th wedding anniversary.
I love them so much!

October 20. A visit with some of Jim's family at the home of cousin Larry Wiist in Greenville, OH.
Jack and Carol were visiting from Colorado, and Aunt Joyce prepared a delicious lunch.

Some of the MUHS Class of '67 getting together for a pig roast. Ugly weather again, but
we always manage to have a good time in spite of the weather.

Another party at Karann's. Always so much fun to get together with this group! 

Our always gracious hostess, Karann, with Becky.

Jim, Linda, Sandy, classmate Terry, Gary at Karann and Rick's.

October 25. The final and most emotional event of our trip -- the auction.
The final auction of equipment, tools and household items at the farm. 

My dear, sweet parents standing beside the first new tractor they bought in 1953 ready to be sold at the auction.

One last Ohio sunrise before heading home to Gulf Shores.