It Took Two Days

It took two days and a boatload of gasoline

to get us to our vacation location.

Branson, Missouri.

Along the way I saw names of towns

to which I have shipped candles

and where my many friends live.

Bloggy or Etsy friends.

How I wished we could have stopped

and met up with these dear people.

But time was limited.

The weather has been great.

Other than a pretty serious wind storm

during the time I was driving it was 

smooth sailing.

Mom said, 

"Welcome to the midwest!"

When I was too young to remember we

lived in Nebraska.

She said it was often quite windy out there.

On our way around St. Louis

we accidentally took a detour which gave us a 

great view of the Arch.

 

I had a blast taking pictures of

this famous structure from our moving vehicle.

We are finding Branson to be a wonderful 

place to visit.

On our way into Branson on Sunday we met up 

with some dear friends who used to live in Lancaster.

We went to Lambert's.

"Home of the throwed rolls".

That is what they say.

And it is true.

All the way across the restaurant.

They toss HOT rolls. 

If crowds and  large amounts of food are not

your thing you won't like this place.

But, if you are interested in all you can eat 

for a great price you'll probably like it.

Bring cash or your check book..

They don't take credit cards.

We are saddened at the damage that is still very 

evident from the February tornado along The Strip

here in Branson.

It didn't occur to us right away that this was what 

we were seeing.

Mom noticed that her favorite grocery store was 

no longer open....

in fact it is demolished.

Still standing but the roof is gone and 

the cinder blocks just

crumbled.

As we drove in my first thought was that Branson 

must be in horrible disrepair but the contrast between

the stuff that wasn't harmed and the storm damage 

quickly became obvious.

What a shame.

So glad to know that it isn't because this area is failing.

Far from it.

We saw two shows yesterday.

Six.

This show is put on by six brothers who do everything 

with just their voices...or weird mouth noises that little 

kids get in trouble for making.

There are no words to express how awesome this is.

For me it was a little slow getting going but after a while

their personalities let loose and you are hooked.

So much fun...and so much talent.

We adored their tribute to their parents and

their honoring of our armed services.

Those who have served and who are serving now.

We also greatly enjoyed the return to their roots.

Hymns.

Wow...the harmonies.

Truly worth your time and money.

 Shoji.

Not my favorite.

The best thing I can say is 

that the father, daughter

and the band

are crazy talented.

There were many distractions for me.

I wouldn't go back....

although it would be tempting to see them 

when they come to Lancaster in February

because nearly everything I hated about the show had to do 

with the theater that they own.

I felt that if only I could get in touch with 

"my inner tacky" 

all would be well.

That sounds so harsh but it is the truth

for me.  Others seemed to have the time of their lives

so I may be willing to 

 give them a second chance outside of that venue.

Well, enough for now.

We have another full day planned.

I'll see when I get around to logging more of it

here for our memories and your "enjoyment?".