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Even with lower fuel prices, our trips continue to be a combination of stops and visits. Such was the case for our April 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. On our way to the cemeteries in Okla., we drove by our old home near Choctaw. Less than three weeks before, there had been a major wildfire in that area - within a mile of our former residence, we saw at least three burned out houses and large areas of burned woods.
Enroute from Okla. to Branson, we stopped by the cemetery in Harrison, Ar. to decorate Willardene's uncle Bill's grave. Also enjoyed the dogwoods that were in full bloom as we traveled through the Arkansas Ozarks.
During our week in Branson, we went to Harrison three times to spend the afternoon with Willardene's aunt Elberta and uncle Alex. Both Elberta and Alex are pretty much confined to home these days, but enjoy family and friends dropping in for a visit. Alex has recently been provided a new herbal medicine that seems to really relieve the pain of his shingles. The Harrison area had a serve ice storm during the winter - the whole neighborhood where Elberta and Alex live still have large piles of tree branches waiting to be hauled away.
We took in the usual array of shows in Branson. 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 visit the complex shops and check what was playing in the Imax.
After returning from our afternoon visit with Elberta and Alex on Wednesday, we attended the Grand Olde Gospel Hour evening service. This was only the second time they had offered this free-will offering, mid-week service. It was a modern service with loud music by a 'praise team' and a message by Pastor Sam for our current time. It was the type service that is not our favorite and that we aren't likely to attend again.
The Imax had at least two new films, so after a late lunch at McFarlain's, which is in the Imax complex, we attended two shows back-to-back. The first was Adventures in Wild California, which included a great sequence about two researchers studying the giant sequoias. The other was a review of the work of the 19th century impressionist artist, Van Gouch; which was interesting but not as enjoyable as the first film.
The only live performance we attended was Jim Owen morning show. He does a combination country music and comedy show with a female trio (Sunshine Express) accompanying him. Jim had open heart surgery in Jan. 2008, so his show isn't a real fast, high-energy performance. He is a song writer and performs many of his own songs. One of his most recent songs is "I Saw Jesus Waving The Stars and Stripes" - a tribute to our military - it is very touching.
No trip to Branson is complete without stops at the various craft malls and factory outlet centers. While we spent much time looking, we didn't buy much. Branson has an array of great places to eat, and we always enjoy visiting our favorites. Like many springs in the Ozarks, the week was cool and rainy - so we didn't get to use the condo's pool facilities.
On the way to Wichita, we stopped in Independence to decorate the graves of Harry's grandparents (his dad's parents) and an aunt. Then we stopped for a visit and dinner with Harry's cousin, Freda and her husband Don McDonald at their home near Rose Hill. It had been a few years since we last saw them, so we spent the evening catching up on family events. Saturday morning, we took Willardene's brother, David, to a late breakfast before heading for home. Didn't get to see Jonathan and Martha as they were attending the funeral of Martha's sister-in-law.
Didn't take many pictures this trip - only three new ones below, plus three carry overs from last fall.
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previous trip page - click here