Branson Adventures

The weather in Branson has been super nice.  Like many areas of the country, the temperatures have been unseasonably warm.  That is until the weekend before Thanksgiving Day.  The first freeze of the season blew in and I mean literally blew in.  Wind gusts up to 45 MPH in the area stripped our little yellow tree of most of its leaves.  We even took the flag down because of the strong winds.  Now it really feels like Christmas, temperature wise.

Here's our little yellow tree; pre-leaf stripping winds

One of the shows we saw was ‘Moses’ at the Sound and Sight Theatre.  It was amazing in more ways than one.  First of all the story line is amazing because of God’s love and redemptive works for His people and I am not only talking about the children of Abraham but about all peoples.  Secondly the effects and live animals used during the performance brought the story to life right in front of our eyes.  We have seen numerous Broadway plays but this exceeded even the best of those.  Highly recommend a visit when you are in the area.  Watching the waters part is just one aspect of a spectacular production.

Outside Sound and Sight Theatre in front of Lamb and Lion Statue

We also made a trek to Silver Dollar City.  We love this place at Christmas time.  It really puts you into the spirit of the season.  We saw a live production of "A Christmas Carol" and ‘It’s A Wonderful Life” plus listened to some mighty fine Cajun music by Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection.  At the end of the day, we watched the Christmas parade wind its way through the park and finished the day with a cup of hot chocolate watching a performance of the giant Christmas tree flashing its lights to music.  You can see a piece of the performance in the clip below.  Yep, a mighty fine day I would say!

Tree Performance at Silver Dollar City: Make sure your computer speakers are on.


This cold weekend we met up with our close friends from Longview, Rick and Janet.  We spent the day together.  We set out to a place called ‘Top of The Rock.’  After eating a fine lunch and letting the sun warm the air a few more degrees, we rented golf carts to drive on the trail to view some very picturesque Ozark scenery.  It was a blast, fun and cold wise both at the same time.  Along the way we found some really beautiful waterfalls and spectacular views.  This is a must do too.

Pathway and waterfall inside a cave

Hang on Janet, Rick is about to do a wheelie!

Scenery outside the cave

..and more waterfall, they were beautiful and peaceful

Later at night we drove through the Trail of Lights at the Shepherd of the Hills location.  Then we took a ride up to the top of the Observation Tower to view the lights surrounding the area at the end of the drive.  Afterwards we headed to Branson Landing downtown to grab a quick bite to eat and watch the dancing water fountains with the choreographed water, lights and fire set to Christmas music to top off a wonderful day.  It was a day we spent catching up with each others’ lives and reminiscing about past trips and events we have shared.  A very nice, relaxing way to have fun and visit with our friends.

Dancing waters, lights, fire and music at Branson Landing

A trip to Branson is not complete unless you drive towards Springfield to visit Lambert’s Café, the home of ‘throwed rolls.’  You better plan on not eating before you go so you can hold more of their wonderful home cooked food.  When you order an entrée, they allow you to choose two sides then during the meal they come around with what they call ‘pass-arounds.’  These dishes are more vegetables such as fried okra, blackeyed peas, fried potato and onions, mac and tomatoes; all the time enjoying the fresh hot homemade rolls that constantly come through the dining area.  If you need a roll you just hold up your hand and they will ‘throw’ or ‘toss,’ depending upon how far away they are from you, a roll in your direction.  Your job is then to catch and eat that roll.  We had so much food that we ended up making five meals off the one purchase made that day.

This is just the meal, pass-arounds are coming!

Previously, I have never made it to Springfield to see the Granddaddy of Bass Pro Shops.  It is the very first one and located right in Springfield.  This is one of the ultimate guy toy stores to visit.  There are plenty of things for the ladies and kids too.  Don’t kid yourself if you think you can walk in and spend several hours perusing the merchandise and not find something you ‘need’.  You will definitely find it and purchase it.

Speaking of eating, we stopped at Mel’s Hard Luck Diner located right on 76 in Branson.  This is a unique place where the waiters and waitresses sing.  They have to try out before they are hired and then when hired they wait tables and take turns singing for the patrons.  The diner reminds one of the 50s style diners and the food is terrific.  This is another stop on a repeat visit to Branson as far as I am concerned.

Our next show was SIX.  This group is an acapella group made up of six brothers.  Actually there are ten total brothers and the explanation is that mom and dad wanted a daughter but never got one so they just kept on trying, hence ten sons.  In listening to them you would think there is a huge band accompanying them but it is only their voices.  One is almost exclusively doing drumming sounds but even he sings and has a beautiful voice.  They are very entertaining, funny and delightful to listen to their rendition of songs.

Thanksgiving Day is a special day to give thanks.  We, even though away from family, had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day experience at the campground.  About 17 years ago the owners of ABC started this tradition that has grown over the years of providing smoked turkey, dressing, gravy and mashed potatoes for those who attend.  Everyone else brings their favorite sides and desserts to share as a potluck at the dinner.  As you can see from the photos, there was a 24’ table of desserts and a 30’ table of food to choose from.  It was great fun to share a Thanksgiving meal with 150 plus other folks from various walks of life.

Bibi's contribution was corn and banana pudding.  The banana pudding recipe makes a lot of pudding and even if you cut it in half it is too much for the two of us.  So we thought this was a way to share and get a little pudding for ourselves.  So she made it and kept a little (very little) in a separate bowl for us in case there was not any left or we did not manage to get some at the feast.  To our surprise we had a little left (about the same amount as we had previously kept out) to take home.  That was the perfect amount for us to enjoy and not be inundated with an overwhelming amount to eat or throw out.  ...And as usual it was DELICIOUS!

The serving line is formed

Here are the food selections and lines

..and the all important desserts

Prior to the meal, the owners had everyone register for free show tickets.  During the meal, they would draw names and call out names with their site number to come pick up a free show tickets for 2 adults.  Each person that was called had to take the microphone and say one thing they were thankful for before choosing their show tickets.  As it ended up, everyone there received show tickets and shared what they are thankful for that day.

We met and sat with a couple that has been showing up for this event for 15 years.  They live in Texas just on the south side of Dallas around their children with a number of grandchildren and great grandchildren.  We had a very nice time visiting and sharing experiences with them during the meal and were fortunate to hook up with folks that knew the ropes and could tell us how things worked and what was going on.  The smoked turkey was definitely the hit of the meal and was some of the best we have ever eaten and the tryptophan from the turkey worked its magic and provided a nice nap afterwards.

We will post another update soon.  We must head back to Texas for some doctor appointments soon.  We will meet with family for ‘Thanksmas’ or as my son-in-law alternatively labeled it ‘Chrisgiving’ before heading out of state once again.  Until then be safe and here are a few more Silver Dollar City images to enjoy.

On the Road Again.....

We are on the road again!  After a few months of getting a house ready to put on the market, we have finally got it listed.  This frees us up to start adventuring again.  Our first stop is Branson, Missouri.  We have been here several times before but it was during our work life and we always hit the ground running trying to cram in as much as we could in the short 3 or 4 day stay on each trip.  Not this time.  We are spending the month of November and taking it slow and easy the whole time.

We had hoped to catch a glimpse of magnificent Fall’s seasonal color but it is not to be.  Evidently it has been too dry, too warm for so long or a combination of the two.  It appears the trees went from green to basic brown without any stops in between.  But that is okay, we have a beautiful little tree right beside us at our campground.  By itself it is supplying us with the most beautiful vibrant yellow display.

We love staying at America’s Best Campground.  It is family owned and close to all the action Branson provides.  There is a Thanksgiving meal planned at the campground.  The owners provide smoked turkey, dressing, gravy and potatoes with campground residents bringing additional dishes to share and add to the feast.  We are looking forward to the experience and will provide more information later.  

We also love Branson in November.  They have a wonderful Veteran’s week of parade and events as well as the shows are all Christmas themed during the month.  It is easy to get into Christmas season with all the beautiful lights, shows, songs and colder temperatures.  We even have a freeze warning for the area tonight.  

Our first show was Neal McCoy, our hometown guy, performing in Branson for a couple of days.  If you have not had the opportunity to see his live performance, you should find one to attend.  You will not be disappointed.  Also find him on Facebook.  He says the Pledge of Allegiance each and every morning.  Well worth your time to find him and participate with this super patriotic guy to say the pledge every day.

Ready for Veterans' Day now

Later in the week we attended the Veterans’ Day parade.  It was great and so heartwarming to see the love, affection, appreciation and warm greetings provided during this event.  Branson does a super job of hosting and supporting our veterans.  Having grown up during the Vietnam era, it is so great to see the Vietnam vets get the welcome home and appreciation they did not receive when they came back originally.  So many of them did not come back and even those who did return did not receive the proper respect due them.  It is supremely touching to see them getting that respect now.

Even the dogs are interested and attending today!

Here Come the Mustangs

...now the '57 Chevys

..and the Corvettes!

Here is a WWII Vet - that is a picture of him receiving a medal!

Finally a salute to those who did not return.

There were plenty of local bands, ROTC and others in the parade.  These pictures just give a flavor of the type of tribute and celebration.  We were standing by a family and in particular a cute little girl.  A lot of the parade participants were passing/throwing out candies for the little ones.  This little girl was a candy magnet.  By the time the parade was over with she had a WalMart sack completely full of candies.  She will be on a sugar high for weeks.  Until next time, stay safe.