Along The Side Roads: November 2008

Sometimes a Sign Says it all...

We went for a drive today and spotted these two signs. Yes, Mike had to turn around for me to take the pictures, but these were too good to pass up. And no, I am not calling Dr. Stiff anytime soon!

"Can I Blow The Siren, Andy?" ... "Please!"

Actually, he was bored today and accidently hit the button and blew the siren; scared the shit out of a couple that was walking by... scared Mike too! Deputy Barney (you know him as Mike) is enjoying his job. And... I just love a man in uniform!

On the six days a week when we are not working, we continue to explore the many entertainment opportunities. This past week, Silver Dollar City offered free entrance for all of us in the "tourism industry" in Branson. So, off we went for seven hours in an amazing place that really goes all out for Christmas. Neither of us can remember for sure, but I think we were told there are over a million lights!

These displays were found throughout the park. (You may need to click on the picture to enlarge it in order to read it.)

While there we went to one of the theaters. A beautiful building when all lite up.

And they put on a well staged performance of Dicken's Christmas Carol. These are the performers at curtain call.

We also went to the tavern (nonalchoholic drinks only for $8 each) and Mike once again got to participate in the stage show - he must have just the right look... for a straight man.

This was a great shot that I blew completely - I think I was laughing when I took the picture.

These are some pictures of the grounds and the parade at Silver Dollar City.

It was a wonderful way to spend some time and the price was right. On another day, we went to The Magnificent Seven, a show we walked out on - performers were anything but magnificent!

Overall, life is good. The weather is getting a little cooler so we don't golf as often and Mike doesn't do as much fishing, but we are still enjoying the area. Till next time...

Monday Morning Update

I am hard at work this morning... And since I have only had one "customer" in my opening hour, I decided to make good use of time and do an update.

Last week, we went to see Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. It is a dinner show and the entire meal is "finger food" - no it is not appetizers, it is a full meal that you eat without utensils; soup, a whole little chicken, corn on the cob, half of a baked potato, and apple turnover for desert. It was a feast with a very good show thrown in. No, Dolly wasn't there, but nonetheless it was against policy to take pictures so what you see is the outside of the theater.

(I don't know the people on the steps, but it gives you an idea of the size of the building.)

We also went to see Shoji's Christmas Show. As usual, his theater is so decorated, it would take an hour to see it all; I've decided I will go back sometime to just take pictures. Sorry these pics of the show are blurred, I wasn't using flash. These Santas were moving quickly.

And Shoji changed jackets at least 8 times during the performance; one was flashier than the next one. He and his violin are always good entertainment. But the glitz is really amazing!

There is always something to do in Branson (I sound like a commercial, don't I). There was an FLW Bass Fishing Tournament this past week - we went to look at the boats and for the amateur weigh-in. If you are into this kind of thing, it was (or will be) televised. Mike is posing by his dream boat... it is on his Christmas List...

"Branson Does Not Forget Its Veterans" is the banner that you see all over town this week. From November 5 through Veteran's Day on November 11, the town has opened its collective door to all Veterans. Many of the shows are free to Vets, there are all kinds of exhibits at the Convention Center and each day there is a free lunch for Vets with spouses paying only $4. And the meal comes complete with entertainment; some of the best acts in Branson entertain. This 10-year old girl is one of the Country Tonight performers and does she have a voice. I think she looks like my great niece Lauren.

This local school group sang some patriotic songs and it made me miss the Veteran's Day Celebration that was always held at North Branch Primary School when I was there (I here my predecessor has not continued the tradition).

A couple of WWII Vets from MN share a story - Mike introduced them.

The band from Fort Leonard Wood performed by one of the outlet malls on a cool dreary afternoon but the music was inspiring.

More later.

Mansions and Palaces

Here in Branson, Mo, there is one of each and we went to both this past weekend.

At the Mansion, we saw THE PROMISE. As you would expect, it is the story of Jesus life on earth. The young man who played the devil and one who portrayed Jesus both had exceptional performances. The rest of the characters were good, but not fantastic. The scenery was simple and served the purpose. I did not have my camera along so there are no pictures to share, but you all know the story and can use your imaginations. The cruxifiction was memorable and the resurrection brought the entire audience to their feet. I would recommend it. I took these pictures of the building and the sign the following day.

One day we went to see the Osmond Brothers Spirit of Christmas. Photography is not permitted at this show since it may be telecast, but this is a look at the lobby of the theater. They do go all out in this town to decorate.

On Sunday after church we tried another buffet which turned out to be the same. I think we are done with that type of dining - it may be cheap but icky and nasty describe our experiences. From there we went to The Palace - a photographers delight (yes, Bobbi, I will definitely go back with you). Butterflies in a rain forest setting made for a wonderful two hours - we left when I hit 100 pictures - Mike said that was plenty! But, I know I could have spent several more hours. Here is a sampling of what we saw.