kc
Branson, MO

WOW, have we really been here two weeks????  My goodness, how time flies when you're having fun!  We jumped right into our assignment, only 5 days after arrival.  I think the norm, or at least what we're TOLD is the norm, is about 2-3 weeks.  Good thing we came when we did, 'cuz we sure used the newly-gained knowledge over Labor Day weekend. 

We got a really brief review of office procedures, a glimpse of the reservation system, a show preview, and then there we were!  Reporting for duty!  It was really kind of exciting, being on the other side of the counter for once!!  Who knew that people could take their camping so seriously!!  I don't recall ever being so insistent on getting a particular site or pitching a fit because someone else reserved "my" site before I did, for the same time as I was wanting.  But, that's the way it is!  Kinda like the WSEC people, but this time, I know they're not making the campground the "billions" of dollars that WSEC brokers always said they were making for the bank.

Oh, well, we're here, and things are a-cookin.  I've gotten the hang of the reservations system and other office processes (at least those they've told me about - I'm sure there are others!!) and Dick is an expert at parking (well, he *was* pretty experienced to start with...having done it once or twice already in the last 50 yrs). 

We have located all the good grocery stores, cached a couple more times, found the shortcuts (yes, some were intended routes taken), found the best local produce stand and Staples.  Heck, we even journeyed up to Springfield and shopped at Sam's Club and JoAnn Fabric stores!  Just like a real city! 

Oh yeah, we found a doctor, too!  Turns out, the chigger bites didn't go away, and in fact, they got much, much worse.  Well, SOME of them.  MOST of them.  Apparently, I must have gotten some poison ivy juice on my hands or fingers somewhere along the way, and when I scratched the chigger bites, well, you can figure it out, I'm sure.  And yes, prednisone still works wonders.  Gosh, if I ever get desensitized to that drug, I will certainly DIE.  And all that for a mere $3.00!!!!!!  ($15, if you count the $12 dr visit)

Let's get back to some of the shows we've seen!!  I've talked about Kirby Van Burch, the magician already, and he was really good.  We went to see SIX the other night.  SIX is a group of six brothers that perform onstage, using nothing but their voices as instruments.  They have another brother on lights, one on camera, and one as stage manager.  There's another one (10, total), but I cannot recall if he was part of the show or not.  They put on a magnificent performance, spanning several generations of song and were tremendously energetic throughout their 2 hour performance.  If you EVER get the chance to see 'em, GO! 

Yesterday, we went to Silver City and were treated to a Taste of Home Cooking School.  That was pretty cool.  They demonstrated 4 different recipes and gave out a few door prizes (two of which were VIVA paper towel 2-packs), none of which Dick or I won.  That's OK, tho, because, as you may recall, we carried an ENTIRE case of paper towels along with us when we set out.  In fact, that very same case was the bane of my existence for more than 3 weeks, and we are just NOW getting it under control.  There was a cookbook and an apron also given out, neither of which we need, so no big disappointment for either of us.  We walked around the amusement park a little bit more after the show, but our companions had limited time available (plus, we didn'twant to abuse our doggie-sitter), so we didn't stay long.  The park is a LOT like DollyWood, in Pigeon Forge, TN, with terrific plantings of beautiful flowers and foliage.  It's also tremendously CLEAN with lots and lots of shows along with rides.  There's a water park, too and NO, we didn't take advantage of it...it was thunderstorming big time, on and off, and it wasn't exactly WARM, until we were LEAVING.  sn!

LAST night, we went to see The Presley's Country Jubillee.  That show is the original show in Branson,and they have been performing as a family for over 40 years.  The oldest one performing was 83 and the youngest 16 months.  They were really good!!!  They covered a lot of different kinds of music and incorporated some slapstick (which I don't particularly care for, but this was funny..).  It was a good, family show, but I believe that some of you would think it corny.  Plus, it didn't really have the pizazz of the SIX show.  They were certainly talented, though, with most of them playing 3 or more instruments, PLUS singing.

Today, we worked again - me for 8 hours, Dick for 4.  Life is rough, and now we're doing laundry.  The weather reports indicating severe and flash flooding are accurate.  We have standing water throughout the park, and a dishpan I had set out for dog-foot-washing was overflowing around noon today.  That didn't stop the rains, tho. The natural waterfall (of which we do NOT have a picture) in front of our site is going full blast, and it's really quite charming.  As long as it doesn't wash us into the lake in our sleep, I'm good with it. 

I have no idea what's in store for us tomorrow, but I'm sure it'll be an adventure!

Y'all take care, and don't work too hard!!