Happy Fall Y'all!

Saturday, October 10, 2015

8:37 PM

It is fall for sure in Branson.  The leaves are turning more and more everyday. Our friends arrived to join everyone. 

 

We all rented a boat and enjoyed a day on the river. The weather was perfect - only a couple little fish caught . The ride up (or down?) the river was so relaxing and beautiful.

Driving the boat

Good friends!

Hamburgers on the grill are a must.  The pavillion here is the perfect place for our group of 13. Everyone brings something and no one has to do all the work! Dennis is a great burger chef.

The cousins had to go home on Friday morning. 

Inside of restaurant

In front of restaurant

The rest of us went to lunch at The College of the Ozarks. The college uses students to run the entire campus - we were told that it is built like a city and is self - sufficient. They raise cows, pigs, chickens, and grow vegetables. The students work a certain amount of hours a week in exchange for tuition and room and board. When they leave college they are debt free. The restaurant is like a 4 star. Excellent food and good prices. Read all about it online. 

   

Smoke on the Mountain play

Saturday we went to the play, Smoke on the Mountain. One of actors is a longtime friend of ours and Bill and Janice. She comes to Branson once a month to act in the play. We happen to be here on her weekend. Wonderful play filled with humor and music.

Everyone had to leave on Sunday to go in different directions. All making reservations for next year!!

We are heading south; making our way back home. Dennis does a good job of researching campgrounds online before we make reservations. We have never arrived at one that we could not stay - at least one night. Our planned two night stop in a campground in Oklahoma on our way to Lake Murray was not one of those. After arriving we decided that it was not a place for even one night. So, we continued on to Lake Murray. It was the longest we had traveled in one day. We were tired, especially the driver, but made it right at dark. We did not; however, dine at any 4 star restaurants. Lunch was a slice of pizza in the truck at a Flying J and dinner was peanut M & M's while driving……. Life on the road is sometimes that way.

We will meet up with sister and hubby in Ardmore for a meal in the next couple of days. They are on the way to a golf tournament and we will head to Conroe for our last stop before home. Rig has to be washed and cleaned up inside - and hopefully, time for a concert at the winery - before putting the girl back in storage for a while.

 

Again, Happy Trails to you all! And a very happy Fall Y'all!!

 

More Fun in Branson

This week in Branson is beginning with lots of family time. Dennis's cousins are here and  they are enjoying catching up and remembering their growing up days. I am enjoying hearing their stories.

Fishing is so so with small trout the only ones being caught. However, just sitting on the dock and watching the river is enough.

My uncle, Les Gilliam, spent 3 weeks every October for almost 20 years entertaining at Silver Dollar City. Since he stopped doing that his fans have had a reunion once a year in Kimberling, MO, a small town close to Branson. We were all invited to attend. These people came from all over the country every year when he performed at Silver Dollar City, some of them staying all 3 weeks. Many close friendships were formed. His show was called Barn Dance and he sang and they danced. 

Monday we all drove over to the reunion, ate lunch with them, and enjoyed the singing and dancing. A wonderful afternoon had by all. I also enjoyed catching up with my Aunt Martha and Uncle Les; precious people; my mother's younger brother.

 Back at camp, Dennis' cousin Sonya cooked out for us and we enjoyed food and conversation in the pavillion provided by the camp. Wonderful weather, too!!

                                              Next night, hot dogs and Smore's cooked over an open fire.

Coming up: play at Sight and Sound Theatre;

 friends arrive; and boating and fishing.

A pic of part of campground at Cooper Creek

What else can I say?  Nice.....

Branson

 

Enjoying relaxing days in Branson. The Mickey Gilley show Tuesday night was very entertaining, using video clips of his history and his still strong voice - he is almost 80!! His back up  singers and band  - wow! He still can't play piano because of his accident years ago, but he can still sing!

When we picked up the tickets the worker bee told us the doors open at 6:45 for the 7:30 show, but we might come earlier as the parking lot fills up early. He meant most of the people coming are old and get to places early….. He was right. We arrived at 6:30 and half the crowd was already there; waiting to go into their RESERVED seat. Aren't old people wonderful? Happy to be one of them!

 

Our RV viewed from fishing dock

The campground here is very nice.

 Good view of the river and easy access to the docks.

Dennis caught a small trout this morning. We overheard a woman tell her husband, "Who are you trying to tell me how to fish? I catch all the fish!" Well…..

Dennis fishing viewed from our RV 

Branson Landing down by old town Branson has a nice walking trail along the river. Next to the walkway are nice shops and restaurants. Pleasant weather made it a good afternoon to be out.

We rode the zip line at Branson Landing. Well, it is a baby zip line, but still we rode it across the river and it was fun!  Lunch at the Branson Café. In business since 1910.

Then, it is to grocery store. Relatives start arriving tomorrow. More fun times to come!