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Due to high fuel prices, our trips are becoming more and more a combination of stops and visits. Such was the case for our Oct. trip to Branson. We started with a visit to cemeteries in Okla., to decorate the graves of Harry's parents, grandparents (his mother's parents) and an uncle's grave. While at one of the cemeteries, we picked up some information about a headstone we are considering for our cemetery lot here in Stockton.
Enroute from Okla. to Branson, we stopped by the cemetery in Harrison, Ar. to decorate Willardene's uncle Bill's grave. Also saw some additional headstones that were of interest.
The trip had been planned to permit visiting with aunt Elberta on her 88th birthday, Oct. 8th, which we were able to do. Elberta wasn't feeling real well that day, but sure seemed to enjoy the cake and ice cream we brought to her. Both Elberta and Alex are pretty much confined to home these days, but enjoy family and friends dropping in for a visit. During our week in Branson, we went to Harrison three times to spend the afternoon with them.
We took in more shows in Branson this trip than usual. Starting on Sunday, we attended two different country gospel music shows that were free or rather free-will offering. One was by Leroy New - we have been to his regular show in the passed and enjoy his music. The other was a group named Crossties - they also presented a good Sunday morning gospel show. Since both of these shows were in the Imax theater complex, it provided the perfect opportunity to see the newest Imax film - 'Greatest Places' - while we were there.
At the Saturday welcome breakfast at our resort, we received as a door prize of one ticket to the Doug Gabriel show. So, we purchased a second ticket and took in this morning show on Tuesday. Doug and his wife, along with the instrumentists accompaniment put on a great, two plus hour show. Doug has been recognized seven times as Branson's male vocalist of the year. We brought home information about their road trip shows, which the local theater management is checking into for having them come to Stockton.
The tickets to Doug Gabriel's show gave holders half-price admission to the Denny Yearly show. So, we took in that show on Thursday afternoon. Denny is also a male vocalist - one of the best base voices you can find anywhere. Denny's show includes his wife and daughter and a little comedy routine. It was well worth the bargain price.
Doug Gabriel ticket holders also received a 20% discount at Denny's restaurant, so we enjoyed another 'bargain' meal while in Branson. We always look for coupons / discounts to the local restaurants that we are familiar with and enjoy visiting. The variety of restaurants and shopping is Branson's biggest attraction for us. We did enjoy spending one evening at the new Branson Landing watching their water fountains an fire cannons show. Didn't care much for the music they sequenced the show to, but the fountains and fire cannons are impressive.
The final part of the trip was an overnight stay in Wichita, so Harry could take part in some of the events of his 50th high school class reunion. We attended the social on Friday evening at the old town hotel and toured North High School buildings Saturday morning, including being part of the class picture in front of the Tower. Several class members commented they would look forward to the 60th!
On the way to Wichita, we had stopped in Independence to decorate the graves of Harry's grandparents (his dad's parents) and an aunt. The stay in Wichita allowed us to visit Willardene's brother, David - had lunch with him on Saturday. Also visited with a college friend - Herb Mendenhall - whom we hadn't seen in several years.
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previous trip page - click here