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.