Brrrrr!

Last day in Branson-- when I stepped out of the room this morning, I stepped back in to get my heavy sweater to wear under my cape. The high today was supposed to be 42, but I'm not sure it ever made it.

Our first show was the Dalena Ditto show. A variety show with singing of various sorts, a lady ventriloquist doing the old "Who's on First" routine (very well, I might add), a lady fiddler and about 10 costume changes for the star. Every time she left the stage she came back in something more spectacular than before. She was even Minnie Pearl (that outfit was not too spectacular). A wonderful pair of Russian dancers rounded out the entertainment. A really good show, even tho' the star was not a "big name" entertainer.




The bus then left us at the Country Market. We were reminded that supper on the Showboat would be early (about 5:30) and not to eat too much, so we would be able to enjoy the Showboat food. I ate a little salad and a cookie and looked around the shops. Didn't buy anything.



In one of the eating areas of the Country Market--Nick and Banjo




We still have two travelers that are not joining us because of illness. Sorry they missed today.

Report on the Branson Belle tomorrow morning .............

Gimmicks and Humor

I feel sure I'll be asked about the weather when I get back home. The answer is Yes! It was cold, it was windy, it was sunny, it was very warm, but no rain as yet, altho we do take a ride on the Branson Belle for supper (of course) and a show this evening. Yesterday I ended up carrying my wool cape, it was really a nice warm fall day.

As we drive around, we see marquee ads for all sorts of shows and we have learned that you can't tell a great deal about the show from its ad, but we continue to see one for THE TWELVE IRISH TENORS. I mention this one because we have some folks in Bwd who highly prize this sort of music and the more tenors the better. They'd love this show, I am sure. As far as I am concerned, that is about 10 tenors too many. Personal preference.

That brings me to the show we saw/ experienced last evening. Wonder why I'd never heard of Jim Stafford before? He was a guest star on many t.v. shows, we saw the clips. Before I go any further, the show was WONDERFUL. Not quite sure how to describe it for you. There was a ballet from the Nutcracker, extremely well done, and a gypsy dance while the star of the show played the accompanying music. We had comedy country music and very serious country, Jerry Lee Lewis style rock n' roll (by the star's 15 yr old son), patriotic music and Christmas music with a prayer at the end. Very eclectic musical offerings and HUMOR. I hesitate to say comedy- I guess there's not much difference, but this humor was wry, dry and self effacing. N laughed so hard, I thought he might hurt himself. The star threw "cow patties" into the audience ( Frisbee shaped damp sponges)- not very sophisticated, but it went w/ the song he had just sung Cow Patty- about a girl gunslinger. And there were such unusual "special effects" that I hesitate to mention because I certainly can't explain them. At one point, he sat on the edge of the stage playing a lovely old piece on the harmonica and he mentioned that anyone wanting to come down, this would be a perfect time for a photo opportunity. Someone did (probably a cast member from backstage) and just as he got his camera aimed at Jim Stafford, the star swooshed across the front of the stage to the other side. Not sure how it was accomplished, but it was startling. As I write this, the show really sounds strange, and it was-- in a very entertaining way. If you ever get the chance to see the Jim Stafford show take it, I don't think you'll be disappointed. And I'm still wondering where I've been that I never heard of him before.

I suppose all successful restaurants in Branson must have a gimmick. (like the flying rolls, or the dinner show) McFarland's gimmick at first glance was shops. Not little booths but good sized stores and an I Max movie theatre. Should I say it was a shopping complex w/ a restaurant tucked in the back? There was a large jewelry counter, several "gift" shops w/ tourist souvenirs, clothing stores, a leather shop, a kiosk selling the usual mall-type kids' toys being demonstrated by a talented young man who continued to operate a toy helicopter by throwing it up and having it come back to him. You would think this was enough gimmick for any place, if you had the time to check out the stores. (Which we did) We were seated at tables and booths on one side of the really large dining room. We ordered from the 4 choices available to us.. I mentioned the tables and booths because we had one long table and one round table and several booths. The folks at the round table all of a sudden started mentioning that their chairs weren't tall enough. They finally figured out that the staff were "messing with them"--- the table had a hydraulic lift and was going up and up til the diners chins were at table level. One of the wait staff told them that they had to sing and it would go down. They did and it finally went down to "normal" level. About the time our food was delivered another table across the way (different group) started rising. Every place needs a gimmick, I guess. Oh the folks at the round table got a certificate from the "high table" society.

I've told this in backward order, but that's okay, it is the way I remembered it.

I have some other stories that I'll save for another day. We're off to another show this morning--never heard of this person, either, so it'll be a surprise. Then we go shopping at a "Country Market" and the highlight of the trip comes early this evening with the Branson Belle. The folks we have talked to (who have more experience w Branson ) have all said this is the best show here, so.... we'll see..
We start home tomorrow.

Motown

After breakfast, we loaded the bus for a trek to see the Platters. No, not the original '60 's group, but a group doing their musical arrangements and the music of several other Motown groups and singles. We heard Ray Charles' music, Smokey Robinson, Chuck Berry, Chubby Checkers, Diana Ross, and several other groups in addition to all the Platters' hits from the 60's and 70's. The show was fast paced, had really pretty costumes (sparkly) and was staged like a 60's show complete with Do Wop back up vocals. One of the singers we heard this morning WAS a member of the original group, the others were good performers and singers. As far as I know no one in our group bought a poodle skirt as a souvenir, but they were available.

Interesting--a room full of about 600-700 "elderly" white people really "groovin'" to the music they heard as teenagers. And not a word was mentioned about race. It was a fun show even tho' we were packed in like sardines.

We were then delivered to "downtown" Branson, about a 4 block area w/ tourist type shops. We had lunch in a place so packed that we shared a table w/ a couple from upstate New York, until they left and then we shared with a couple from Hot Springs, AK. Hamburgers and sandwiches, but quite adequate.

The folks from Arkansas had about a 2 hour drive to get to Branson, while the New Yorkers had a 3 day trip, staying overnight twice to get here. We got some insights into what they enjoyed about Branson and what they didn't like. We didn't have much to offer to the conversations because this is our first trip here.

Our Bwd group is having some health problems. Our leader has been sick w/ a stomach problem for 2 days and we had another in the group get dizzy and faint this afternoon, trying to get on the bus to come back from downtown. It is thought that her problem is blood pressure connected. Not sure what is going on, but I hope the rest of us can stay healthy.

N is napping and I need to walk a little to stretch from SO MUCH SITTING. We're going to see Jim Stafford tonite and it will be another late night I think, My usual bedtime at home is 10 or so and we haven't been getting back to the room til 10:45 or 11, so I nod off on the bus getting us back to the room.
Be talking to you more tomorrow.

Flying Bread and music history

Isn't it interesting that 15 people can be served the same meal, and some just hate it and others think it's really good. Our choices for supper were a rib eye steak, fried catfish, chicken fried steak, or brisket. The majority of our group had fish or steak. Some wouldn't eat it because it was "not crispy, too greasy, not cooked right,". Those were the comments I heard. My steak was really good and medium is how I like it. (Not that I needed another large meal, but.....) N had fish, and ate it. And seemed to like it. The "entertainment" in this restaurant were the big guys throwing rolls. They had a very large basket of really hot rolls and they walked between tables and gently tossed them to the customers.




Then they went upstairs on the balcony and chunked them down to specific people who waved that they wanted one. Their aim was amazing. The service was efficient and we were kept entertained by flying bread. Oh, did I mention, the rolls were really good and felt as if they had just come out of the oven.

One chore of this trip is loading and unloading from the bus. Not a fast process. And N is becoming adept at helping the two folks who need the lift. He's a good guy and them seem to appreciate his help.

Got to the Welk Theatre--that name should have given us a hint, but no one seemed to realize that we were there to see the Lennon sisters and Tony Orlando. All we were told was a Christmas Spectacular. We had about 45-50 minutes of Lennon sister history and music, with pictures from the L. Welk show dating back 54 years, when the eldest was 16--you do the math. They sang and told us about their family. This went over well with most of our group, however I only watched that t.v. show when my grandmother MADE me, so I was not as emotionally tied to the history as most seemed to be. The music was very, very good.

Oh, if you are one of the fans, I should mention that of the original 4 sisters who performed, we saw two and a younger sister, who filled in for the others when they were unable to be on the L. Welk, Andy Williams, Jimmy Durante shows. The others have retired now and the group is permanently a trio.
The second half of the production was made up of every hit Tony Orlando ever had. We heard "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" in about 4 different incarnations, ending w/ Rap ( YUCK) There was a patriotic portion of the program which was touching, but awfully schmaltzy. His band was very good and had a notable song/jingle writer on keyboard. She has written some "famous" commercials notable the "Meow, meow, meow" for the cat food as well as the "I'm a pepper, she's a pepper" commercial for Dr. Pepper. When we finally got to some Christmas music, he sang "Mary do you know" and RUINED it. In my opinion his arrangement was way overblown and just awful.
The show was LONG (2 1/2 hrs) and was a trot down memory lane. While others in the audience LOVED the show, it was not my favorite.

Last night as we were waiting for the show to begin, the folks behind us asked the stock question "Do you live in Brownwood?" (We have been asked that at least 5-8 times a day- yep sometimes by the same people) When we responded "yes, for about 9 years", they responded "where in Bwd?" When we said "Oak Park Drive", they said "NO", It seems they live on the other end of Oak Park. They were embarrassed, not sure why.

Today we hear the Platters and shop downtown Branson. I'm wearing layers, it'll be cold in downtown. See ya.....

The Landing

We loaded up the bus and headed for "The Landing" --95 acres of shopping with over 100 specialty stores and restaurants. 2 1/2 hours hardly seems time to do it justice. We walked the length of the stores (maybe 6-7 blocks long) and browsed at Bass Pro Shop. Nick was disappointed that it was the smallest BPS he had seen. But we were able to spend 30 minutes looking. We had barbecue lunch (okay- not great) at Famous Dave's and looked some more. Found the Rocky Mountain Chocolate factory and each had a dark choc. almond cluster. (You do realize that dark chocolate is GOOD for you!) Then we happened by The Big Popper for some specialty popcorn. We'll probably save it for the trip back. Went into Brookstone and found a gift we were hoping to buy while here.

Met the bus and are back in the room "kicking back" for a couple of hours. Tonite is a Christmas Spectacular Show (no one here seems to care that Thanksgiving is still more than a week away) , but first we eat at the Fall Creek Steak and Catfish House. Their motto is "all the rolls you can catch and eat". Okay, we'll see.............Should be another late night-----talk to you in the morning.

Let the MUSIC begin!

After finding our rooms in the Windmill Inn, getting settled, and trying to figure out the heater/ac, we rested a bit, changed clothes and were ready to go to supper.

In the meantime, the thoughtful bus driver had repaired the very needed walker, so all is well in that area, sort of.

The bus driver does his driving well--parking in close places, turning the coach around in small areas--it's his personal skills that need work. He yells lots. (another day another story)

We were taken to Golden Corral (I can hear Nki saying Euw) but not like any other G C you have ever visited. Billed as the world's largest (can't say for sure, since we were kinda stuck in one room), IT HAD A DINNER SHOW. Yep, A DINNER SHOW. First of all, tour groups (about 6 or 8) are treated a little differently at Branson Golden Corral. We go in a different door, tell a young lady if we want chicken, beef or ham and then sit at our designated tables. Salad and dessert, tea and water are already on the tables and we are brought our meal (which was described to us by a tour guide person before we left the bus- so as to make a good choice). Service was fast and efficient. About the time we were finishing our red velvet cake, the "show" began. A gentleman was introduced and he sang and sang. Very "lounge singer" style of entertainment--t.v. screens showed us pictures of his family (4 girls and a baby boy) and his patter continued with him eventually introducing his mother who moved mike stands and generally assisted. We were told that she runs the gift shop there. (I know--a gift shop in G C !) There was no "fee" for the show, "just put what you want in the jar on the table, remember I have 4 weddings to pay for". Way, cheesy.

We moved from Golden Corral to the Mickey Gilley Theatre. Wow, are there lots of theatres, here. Several on each block it seems.

This one was large, about half full for the show and comfortable. The show began w/ information about Mickey Gilley on video screens--3 huge ones on either side and at the back of the stage. It was like having the entertainers in your lap. The music was very much to my liking and the comedy was well timed, a tad off color, but not too much. And most of the humor was directed at the "star" of the show. There was discussion during the show about Mickey Gilley's famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart. His piano playing style is VERY like JL Lewis, just not as exuberant. All in all a really engaging and entertaining evening. I enjoyed it so much, I bought a cd. I think that will be encouraged at each show we attend and I probably won't buy from each one, but we'll see. The show began at 8 and we got back to the room about 10:45. The traffic in "downtown" Branson is really slow because the whole town is out and around in private cars and coaches and everything moves at a snail's pace.

The room heater is tricky - turn it on high heat, and you get cool air, put it on low heat and you do indeed receive warm air. At least that's a good lesson to know, since we'll be here for 3 more nights and there is a real chill in the air after dark.

Breakfast in awhile and on to the Yakov Smirnoff Show and then shopping at The Landing -- there is a Bass Pro Shop--am I excited?

First half day in Branson

We're here--in Branson and ready for the shows and shopping. It's a little cooler than I expected, but I have sweaters and my wool cape from Scotland, so I'm ready for that too.

What to do on a bus for an inordinate number of hours? Some folks just chatted. Some played cards (Skip Bo and something else I'd never heard of) Some snacked the whole time. Some napped and I read. I'm re-reading a series that I began about 15 years ago. Several new volumes have been written since I read the 3 books and I figured it had been so long since reading the first ones, I should start over and read all 6 (or is it 7?) in the series. Today I finished #1 and began #2. The books are long and I am thinking I may finish #2 while here and I have #3 waiting in the suitcase for the trip back.

Driving through towns sometimes give the traveler no clue to "where you are". There are Starbucks, Subways, Home Depots and absolutely nothing on the main street to give any idea as to the name of the town. With no commentary from the driver or anyone else, the traveler is at a loss---unless following a map and watching the roadways. Anyway, with my nose in the book, I couldn't tell anyone how we got here.

The bus has a wheelchair lift which is used for two of our folks. They sit on their walker seats as the lift takes them up and down. A wheel broke on one of the walkers and the gentleman who needs it, NEEDS IT. The hotel got him a loaner wheel chair, but he has no one to push it. Looks like we may be doing that.

We're getting ready for supper and then our first show, so----- more later.