Budweiser Super Bowl XLVIII Commercial -- "Puppy Love"

Branson, Missouri Continued...

One of the best attractions on our discovery journey through Branson was the Titanic Museum.  The building is a replica of the huge ship (cut in half).  Inside are many of the stories of some of the passengers and the crew.  It is a very solemn historical account of the tragedy that happened in the North Atlantic when "unsinkable" meets gigantic iceberg!

One story I particularly liked to browse, was the story of "Molly Brown."  I remember the movie, "Unsinkable Molly Brown" and now know that parts of it were actually true, while many parts of it were embellishments for a good story.  The movie "Titanic" also gives a glimpse into the tragedy and tells another embellished story.

It doesn't matter how much of the stories are truth or how many are fiction...the tragedy did happen, and many lives were lost in the cold, cold north Atlantic that night.

Probably the best show in Branson is "Shoji!"  He is a Japanese/American who has a story to tell about how and why he came to America.  And how much he loves this country.  But the amazing violin renditions of some of our favorite pieces were phenomenal.  His daughter joins the show early.  She has a fantastic voice.  We were truly entertained that evening.

Like all of the other shows in Branson, Shoji ends his with an amazing patriotic review.  We had a lovely time that evening.

I'm going to diverge just a little bit, and talk about the taxi rides we had throughout the town.  For the most part the drivers were courteous and fair.  But we managed to get one driver who must have had a really bad chip on his shoulder.  He was rude, he over-charged, and he argued with Dean over the fare.  Or was it Dean arguing with him over the high charges?  Doesn't matter...it was an insult.  We hoped that was the last ride with that driver--ever!  Well, it wasn't.  On our last night in Branson, we had walked and walked and walked...literally for miles...to the theater for a great show.  After it was over, we called a cab.  Well, guess who?  Billy was very polite to the cab driver and told him Dean would be right there.  I don't know what took Dean so long, but the cab driver told Billy he wasn't going to wait because "your dad is a rude man and doesn't know how to add.  He needs to go back to school."  And he drove away, leaving us stranded.  Needless to say, we reported him to the cab company.  There is no excuse for anyone to be that rude.  Fortunately for us, there was a very nice couple at the theater who offered to drive us to our timeshare.  It was out of the way for them, but they didn't mind.  After all was said and done, we were so glad we didn't have to ride in any more cabs...until our trip to the airport!

I think one of our favorite shows was the Russian Ballet portrayal of the story of Marco Polo.  The whole company danced on stage with an amazing digital screen behind them that portrayed the amazing scenes that Marco Polo traveled through.  We were mesmerized with the beauty of this ballet.

Afterward, we got to meet the Company in the lobby.  None of them spoke English, but bowed their heads in greeting and smiled.  The dancer that portrayed Marco Polo was from the very north country of  Russia.  He did speak a little English and we loved to talk to him about the brilliant production and the beautiful talents displayed on stage.

One of the most fun attractions in Branson is the adventure of getting to "Ride the Ducks!"  We had heard so much about it, that we had to experience it for ourselves.  This company has transformed old WWII Amphibious vehicles into carriers for people.  The adventure starts out like a bus ride through town, except they pass out these "duck whistles" that we blow every time we pass another Ride the Ducks vehicle.  It was great fun, and the kids especially liked their duck whistles.

Our trip took us to the lake, behind the Branson Belle, where we entered the water and became a water vessel.  What a great adventure!  We "drove" all around the lake, and then up another ramp to be on land again.  Our next trip was up a hillside, where we could view a graveyard of old WWII vehicles and a few funny houses at the top.

One of the great things about the whole experience, was learning that each and every vehicle is piloted and narrated by Vets, from various theaters throughout the world.  They had many interesting stories to tell and our particular driver had a great sense of humor...making us feel at ease and entertaining us, as well.

On our last day in Branson (the day we did a lot of walking), we played a little game of Miniature Golf, ate lunch at an Italian Restaurant (that tried to poison Billy and I...thought for another story), and saw an amazing last show...the Chinese Acrobats.  They were so amazing.  Like the Ballet Company from Russia, these troopers didn't speak any English.  We were thoroughly entertained.

The above pictures were taken on our last dull day in Branson, as we walked through the "Strip!"  A lot of fun memories there.

Our check-out day at the Timeshare.  We finally got to see some color.  Top:  Billy and Dean with the amazing Tenor who entertained us on the first day.  Middle:  The trees are finally beginning to look like fall.  Bottom:  A view from the drive to the airport of the beautiful river and countryside near Branson.

Safely tucked inside the quaint, mid-western airport, Billy, Dean and I shared a last few moments together, as we prepared to fly out on two different flights to Portland.  Pretty stupid, but it is just how it worked out.  We had a wonderful time here and made some lasting memories.  That is what I like about traveling the most...the making of memories.  These are the sights and sounds and feelings that will last a lifetime.  We live in a beautiful world and are so blessed to still have a great country to be able to live in freedom.

Thank you, Branson, for reminding us of all of these things.  God bless you, until we return one day.

Recalling Our Fall Vacation to Branson, Missouri...

Welcome to Branson, Missouri

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to go to Branson.  Many friends and family who have been there, praised the town as a wholesome, family place to visit.  And so, Dean and I made plans to go in the fall. (2013)

We booked a flight that lands in the relatively new Branson Airport, rather than in Kansas or St. Louis, Missouri.  That airport wasn't available to visitors in years past.  We decided before we left home that we would not rent a car; rather we would rely on public transportation and Taxi's to get us to where we needed to go.  We found there were pluses and minuses in this decision.  On the plus side, we didn't have to battle the traffic and try to find parking at the venues we had booked for shows and walking is healthy.  On the negative side...there is no public transportation, the town is so huge and spread out (and full of hills),  and Taxi's can get pretty expensive.  We shall weigh in on those things the next time we visit.  (And we will go back one day!)

For the first 3 days, we were joined with Dean's good friends, David Haas and his wife, Karen, from Kansas.  We have all been friends for over 30 years.  David is a Pharmacist and went to school with Dean in Oklahoma.  His wife is a retired Nurse--like me, and she is also older than David--like me.

We began "experiencing" Branson by enjoying a night out for dinner, followed by a show at the Presley Theater.  No, no relation to "The King!"  The Presley's were the first family to come to Branson and open up a theater.  Their show was very entertaining, and full of humor.  And, the one thing I would come to love about all of the shows in Branson, was their wholesome entertainment, deeply religious spirit, and red, white and blue patriotism.  Every show included some good old Country Hymns and salutes to both our country and our troops.

Our first full day in Branson, included a ride on the railroad.  We were only slightly disappointed in the trees!  We were just a bit early for a full fall color blast!  But, what we saw was beautiful country as we traveled through the Ozark's.

After the train ride, we enjoyed a walk through "Old" Branson and stopped at a Deli for some really good sandwiches.

Another day, another highlight!  There is an amazingly beautiful Lake on the west side of Branson.  It was created by a dam and is several miles long and maybe a mile wide.  Our treat for the day was to ride on the Branson Belle, a steamboat that not only entertains, but feeds us like royalty as it chugs its way around the lake.  Amazing!

How do I describe a once in a lifetime experience.  I felt like we were on the Mississippi in the good old days, traveling from New Orleans to St. Louis.  Our movement was so slow and steady, that it felt like we were sitting still on the lake.  If I hadn't walked out on the deck and witnessed the paddle wheels turning and watched the movement around the lake, I wouldn't have believed we were actually moving.

The entertainment was top notch.  A regular Vegas Style stage show, without all the skimpy costumes and bad language.  We were treated to the gifts of an amazing pianist, a wild fiddler, and a lot of fun and singing.  We loved the experience.

Karen and David had to get back to their home, and so we said good-bye to their company.  But, we weren't left alone for very long, because Billy flew in to Branson from Portland to spend the rest of our time together in our timeshare unit..

Our first celebration with Billy was Dean's "60th" Birthday!  Will you look at that cake?  Awesome...and we  have to eat it all gone in 4 days!  Good luck!  We had a wonderful day together.  We played shuffle-board (I really suck at that game) and walked around the resort.  Dean braved the pool and spa.  We were entertained in the evening by an amazing tenor who sang with The Twelve Tenors and is now doing solo work.  What a lovely entertainment -- and right there in our World Mark Timeshare Complex.

I think I have exhausted the use of pictures for this one Blog.  I shall continue later with the "rest of the story!"  A good old Missouri "Bye, for now!"

In With The New...

I have been given a new page in a New Year to write my story.  Today "is the first blank page of a 365 page book.  Write a good one."  Will I accomplish that?  Will I write what is in my heart and the experiences that are going to fill my year?  Will I write a best seller?  Will it matter?

The past year was full of memories, and I tried to record most of them.  This year will also be full of making memories and I will record them.  I wish to list here some of the things I desire and pray for for myself, my family, our country.

     1.  I will endeavor to be a better person...to be kind to my husband and family and those with whom I come in contact.
     2.  I will endeavor to dig deep into my roots and try diligently to find the stories of my ancestors.  When I think that 100 years from now, no one will remember who I am, it frightens me.  I want my descendants to remember me and I want to know my ancestors.
     3.  I will try very hard to take better care of me and my health.  I am no spring chicken and health has become a huge focus for me.  I will eat healthy foods, stay away from sugar and chocolate, never let fatty foods enter my body and I will work hard on my exercise plan.
     4.  I will be a better citizen of my community, my state and my country.  If there is anything I can do to bring about the cause of peace to our land and the world, I will do my best to help.
     5.  I will not waste time on frivolous things...rather, I will spend more time writing about my life, about the things are important to me, and about my ancestors.

Today marks my 75th New Year, and that means I have been on this earth for three quarters of a century.  That is remarkable.  And I feel very blessed to be able to continue my journey.  I have had a very interesting life.  It has had its hills and valleys.  It has brought me sadness, grief and sorrow...but it has also brought me joy.  And "Man is, that he might have joy!"

My Heavenly Father has truly blessed this daughter of God and given me such amazing experiences that have molded me and brought me to where I am on my path through life.  One other thing I have to add to my list, is more study of the scriptures.  It is through the pages of those books that I find answers to perplexing problems.  The Bible and its companion, The Book of Mormon are my lifelines to an eternal perspective and (I believe) were prepared for us so that we will know of God's love and His plan for all of His children.

With that, I will simply say, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and may we enjoy every single day of the journey!  Stretch yourself!  Step out of your comfort zones!  Be grateful for who and where you are!