kc
Branson, MO

Well, another day has passed and we were what now passes for productive.  I feel guilty, knowing there are so many people, in harm and danger's way, working hard to keep us safe and worry-free.  I think the best way to honor all those brave and strong men and women is to make this country better from within.  And, with any luck, we'll be able to contribute to the local economy and ecology in healthy ways.

Yesterday, we walked through "downtown" Branson, and visited several of th area's merchants. We paid our respects at the grave Mrs. Mary and Mr. (Robert?) Branson, the founders of this town.  Seems that Mr. Branson operated a general store, way back in the 1800's, and he accepted mail for his patrons, even though he was not an officially designated stage stop.  So, he wrote away to the government, asking & getting permission, however, the gov't decided to call the town Branson.  That was not his intent, so he protested, and the gov't official wrote back, saying that since he hadn't specified a new or different name, they assumed it was to be Branson.  See, assumptions caused grief, even way back then.  Ain't nuthin' changed.

After a quick lunch at the camper, we decided to see how the comp policy worked.  We returned to the theater district, where we'd found a magic act that incorporated an 800# white Siberian tiger, a pink-maned unicorn, and a leopard, and were able to get tickets for the show for only $5.60 each.  This is the customary "locals" rate to see a $29 show.  We were even still eligible to pony-up an additional $10 each, for a backstage pass that allowed us a close-up view of their dressing rooms, the animals and some of the props.  PLUS, we could fork over another $20 or $50 to get a stuffed tiger.  I was not permitted to spend our money on either.    Not even when they reminded us that we would be able to get a free coloring book if we purchased a tiger.  We DID get good seats, though (5th row), and that made up for it.  

We came back afterwards and walked up the Landing to Joe's Crab Shack.  We'd eaten at one of them in San Antonio, and had had a really nice dinner for not much money.  Well, THAT has sure changed.  We arrived around 6 pm, were seated at 7, and acknowledged at 7:08.  At 7:35, our food arrived.  Cold.  Heck, NO, we didn't send it back!!  Dick had ordered the all-you-can-eat shrimp, and he took advantage of the supply.  After 3 plates, he was full, as was I.  We were eager to leave by then, and walked back to the camper, previewing the band playing the Landing on the way.  They weren't good enough to hold our interest or persuade us to return with Sunny, so we just made a pitcher of margaritas instead.  Sure makes waiting for the laundry to finish go by easier.  When we walked up to switch machines, Jim & Sherrell were out on their patio, and they hailed us as we went by.  We had a lovely visit with them and their 2 Pomeranians.  We visited until 1 am, actually!!!!  That was fine & enjoyable, but SOMEone had committed us to take them geocaching with us in the morning.

Won't say who, but when she realized what she'd done, she asked for the alarm clock to be set.  Who knew retirement would be so taxing and difficult?  Well, today dawned bright and early, when the alarm went off.  We hustled a bit, to get the coordinates of the 2 closest caches, but we made it back to their camper by the promised 8 am.  Good thing, too — they were ready & waiting.  So, off we went.

We knew the first cache (a micro) was in the vicinity of the fountains, but we didn't know exactly where.  After a fruitless search by the most "logical" place, Sherrell found the hollowed-out pen tube stuck under a rock by the steps.  Might I mention, she found it WITHOUT a GPS in hand??  You go, girl!

Oops - guess what we forgot!  A writing utensil!  Back a block, I go, to the Duck kiosk, where I know they have stored a pen under the counter.  Of course, there was no one there yet, so I was unable to ask permission, but I made a mental promise to return it on the way back.  Ever the goody-two-shoes.

By the time I returned to the fountain area, I found they'd been given a pen by a passer-by, so it was all for naught.  Except that I'd jogged, so it did burn about 10 extra calories.  Whoopdy-do.

Both Jim & Sherrell seemed intrigued, so we offered to go on to the next cache, which was not far, and would be a regular cache, with treasures.  And, supposedly, 5 travel bugs.  Turns out, the owner of the cache found us on our approach, so we were just plain busted.  And, since he knew Jim & Sherrell, we found ourselves engaged in conversation.  We'd forgotten what living in a small town was like - everyone knows everyone.  It was neat, tho, finding out that he & his wife had cached for a while, and our friends had never known.  Amazing, the things you discover geocaching.

Back to the camper for some salad, then off to discover the local supermarket.  Dunno how things got CHEAP again, but I'm glad they did.  Lettuce, .79; avocado, .89; tomatoes, .89/lb; 8 oz. filet mignon, 4.99/ea.  We spent quite a bit there, and should eat well for the next 5 days!!!

 

Back to the camper and Dick has washed some road-grime off the truck, so now it sparkles in the sun.  Sunny and I are sitting in the lounger, under the tree, watching the Duck go by & waving at the people.  We start "work" on Wednesday, and we really cannot wait.  There's just so much lounging and sight-seeing a body can take.

 

Who knows what tonight or tomorrow will bring.  I think tomorrow may be a great day to visit the Veterans' Memorial and Museum.  (I know there's a cache, there, too!  Wouldn't that be cool if it were our 100th find??)

 

Y'all take care and stay outta trouble!!