Branson, MO

Everyone has been asking how Jim's gall bladder surgery went. It went very well. The had his gall bladder out on Wednesday before we left on our trip and was behind the wheel on Monday. He has had no problems whatsoever. The only regret he has is that they shaved half his hairy belly (1st pic) and he's worried about what the ladies will think when he goes to the beach later in the month.

Mem, Janice and Donna have had a ball teasing him about his half hairy belly! We sure have been busy since we arrived in Branson on Sunday. Our first night we had dinner with our good friends, Mason and Flo Young. Mason and Jim worked together at Aeromet in Tulsa, OK and we have been best of friends ever since. Flo cooked dinner for us on Sunday evening and we really enjoyed our visit with them and got some insights on what to do and see in Branson. On Monday, the Parsons, Jim and I and Mason rode the Duck. (See 2nd pic-that's Janice and Ralph behind us and Mason took the pic). It is one of those old military amphibious vehicles that gave us a tour of land and lake. We went up by Table Rock Dam and and climbed up a huge hill with a gorgeous view of Branson then we went into the lake and floated around awhile while getting some local Branson info. It was a beautiful day and we had a great time. That evening the Youngs had the whole gang over for dinner. This us in front of their statue of liberty light post in 3rd pic above. Tuesday, the Parsons' and Jim and I went to see the Twelve Irish Tenors show. I had seen them on Oprah one time and thought they were fabulous. And they were fabulous in person too. They were all so talented and cute! I was thinking, hmmmmm, if I was 20 years younger which one could I have a crush on. I picked out at least 3 haha. That evening, the Young's treated the Parsons, Bodins and Jim and I to the Presleys show. The Presleys were actually one of the original shows in Branson. We had a fantastic time. Wednesday, the Parsons and Jim and I went to tour the traveling Titantic Experience. What a wonderful tour. We spent at least 3 1/2 hours learning all about the Titantic; how it was built, what it was like to watch it leave the port, and they had actual recordings of some survivors as well as those that were involved in the rescue and they told their experiences. It was so interesting and sad. We met the whole gang at one of the local favorites' BBQ called, Dana's, for a late lunch/early dinner. That evening the whole gang went to see the Shoji Tabuchi show. Shoji is a japanesz violin player. (Sounds kind of boring huh?) Well Shoji is no ordinary violin player. He first came to the US with the intention of becoming a country fiddle player but his "American Dream" turned out to be much more than that. He plays every gendre of music you can think of. He also has a cast of musicians, dancers and singers to include his daughter. Shoji said one of his proudest accomplishments was becoming a US citizen 8 years ago. It was a fabulous show. We had great seats (second row) and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the show up close and personal. Of course most evenings start with a happy hour gathering which makes our experience even better!! (Last pic). Well until next time...