Stupenabulous!

That’s the word I made up to describe Andy Williams' show! He deserves his own word because regular words cannot describe his performance. No intermission, two hours of show primarily all Andy. A full theater which must seat nearly 3000 was enthralled the entire time. One routine was his new song, at least new to me, "Words" done to Ode to Joy, Beethoven's 9th I believe. One phrase there is, .."We have one life to live but words will last forever...” You know how I love words, reading and writing so this song really struck home with me. I'll look for that on the internet after we return home. Now that lovely melody is running in my mind.

We were surprised that Andy is such a small man, but as Jerry said, "we are not all basketball players." Andy is shorter than Jerry, maybe 5' 5", white hair which reminded both of us of Rick Bruni the first time he walked on stage. But as far as I know, Rick does not sing, maybe they have golf in common though. Andy is 82, having just celebrated his birthday. He is quite agile and not humped or slumped or slow and stands the entire time. I could see that his hands are wrinkled like someone in their 80's but otherwise who would know?

I purchased an autographed copy of his new memoir which was just released in October. He discussed that it took him over a year to write it and his efforts at sitting down to write. I appreciated that because sometimes these words come and sometimes blank. These books were available throughout the theater. The gift shop was so full that I did not spend much time there. Wish there had been a booklet about the complex which is the finest we have seen anywhere! Classy place with antique Navaho rugs hanging along a wall into one door of the seating. Japanese silk kimonos are encased along the back of the theater .Photos of Andy through his life and with ever so many entertainers are displayed everywhere in the lobby.

Other performers included his full accompaniment band on stage in a gorgeous white snowy setting, dressed in white; Andy is a contrast in his black tux; the Warlock sisters who are a quartet of young women singers and part of his vocal back up, whom Andy introduces as his new Osmond brothers; a couple who were Russian Bolshoi ballet dancers, the woman changed costumes so many times on stage with the wave of feathers and silk right before our eyes leaving us all gasping in wonder at how she changed instantly in front of us, we lost count of the costume changes; and an outstanding male vocalist whose name I don't recall but who sang along with Andy in one number where Andy reminisced whom he'd select if he were to do an album of duets. This man sang perfect imitations of all the other singers, Dean Martin, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Tony Bennett, and even Andy himself! Hearing Andy in a duet with Andy was beyond.

I am so thoroughly pleased with myself for the array of venues I chose and for getting us tickets to Andy who can't be topped so it is just as well that we leave today. Oh my hand is now tired from patting myself on my back. Earlier this week when we went to get tickets to Andy, the box office said there were 475 seats left. There was not an empty seat last night in the beautiful Moon River Theater with the exquisite sound system. One regret is I did not take my camera. Every show cautions people to not take photos nor to record and to turn off cell phones. So I did not see any reason to take the camera. We were the third row and could have reached out to touch his hand when he walked along People were snapping photos all over. We were appalled but it seemed to be permissible. Drats! We have to rely on our memories.

We did not notice as many busloads herded to this performance. Perhaps because the tickets are among the most expensive in Branson. Our seats were $46 each. Arriving inside requires walking through acres of hundreds of trees all strung with white lights. It's quite a hike so there were not as many feeble folks at the performance, though we did notice a wheel chair or two. Busses cannot drive up to the doors of Moon River. Andy's Moon River restaurant looks quite the place too and is adjacent to the theater. He says this place is his pride and joy and we can fully understand that. For a boy from Iowa farmland, Andy Williams has triumphed.

When he sang Ave Maria with angelic ballet dancers down the aisles in white filmy apparel the entire theater hushed with awe. I kept my eyes on him nearly the entire time in wonder at where that magnificent voice came from, such a small man in stature with the most magnificent voice! Have always been a fan of Mr. Moon River, but seeing him in person is almost indescribable. We have seen shows all over the country, Tahoe, La Vegas, even Broadway, but this performance has to be the top or right among top three. For the entire time, no intermission, Andy entertained and sang. His only breaks were when the sisters performed a micro selection from Sound of Music, tho' he vocalized "Do, a Deer" with them then stepped aside, and when the Russian clothes change artistic dancers performed. Stamina personified in the Voice! Moon River was nearly his last number and that brought the audience to our feet!

We are preparing to leave Branson now, so I cannot continue to write more about Andy Williams. Anyone who gets the chance to see him should do it immediately. He is someone we would see again. I still cannot figure out how that voice comes from that small man! Such are the miracles of life!

A fine way to wrap up our visit and entertainment of the week! I have seen nearly every Andy Williams TV Christmas show, but this tops that. I am thankful for the experience and better for it!

Branson Update 12-4 Friday

Back in our motor home now recovering from the morning business & resting up for tonight’s Andy Williams' Christmas show. Andy Williams’s birthday was yesterday and he is 82 or 83! That is hard to believe, Mr. Moon River is an octogenarian. That happens to be the name of his theater too, Moon River. What a place it is, one of the most magnificent here in Branson. Waterfalls, cliffs, ornamental huge statutes of moose, deer, more wrought iron and brass outside and all around the area thousands of trees with white lights. When I picked up our tickets yesterday, the box office said there were 400 seats left. I don't know the seating capacity but will ask. We are in the third row from the front. Lucky, but picture taking has been prohibited in all the shows so cannot imagine that Andy Williams venue will be different.
The Twelve Irish Tenors were superb entertainers. In an over two hour long show, they performed a great array of wonderful songs: (well yes there were arias in that array. yuk, yuk. Enough with the corniness, I have been hanging around the Branson shows too long. There are usually several corny jokes...this is an encouraging influence for someone like me who thrives on that type of play.)

• Irish medleys including Danny Boy and McNamara's Band which has been wandering through my head ever since we heard it yesterday; why do some things stick in the head?

• Pavarotti's selections from Puccini;

• Tributes to Mario Lanza'(memories of my grandmother who idolized Mario );

• Beatles Medley;

• Barry Mani low songs;

• Christmas songs including an Irish drinking song;

• Frank Sinatra songs;

• Josh Groan songs including my favorite "You Raise Me Up";

• And my tear jerker’s, "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel; (This was my mom's favorite. I used it at her funeral and at Steve's service.). The other, "I Believe" another that Mom liked and one I have often hummed to myself when I could call up music in the dark times of my life. Why does this one remind me of the old TV show, Hit Parade? Must have heard it a lot then.

• Too many more to list.

The Branson Variety Theater seats 1600, but was only about half full and most of that with busloads. I have friends in La Crescent who have been to Branson on these bus tours. We have ever slightly considered doing that. Right decision because after observing the herds of elderlies on these tour busses, we would not be happy! Got to hand it to the folks, at least they are getting out, but several can barely walk and many look like they don't know where they are. Some use a cane or walker with someone on each side to hold them up. Looks like they emptied out care facilities. On the other hand Baptist churches from Texas, Arkansas, and Arizona and all over bring bus loads.

We drove over to the Lawrence Welk Theater, far outside the main Branson strip. The Welk resort is another small town, with condos and a gold course. My 92 year old friend Rena, from CA called me with a request when she got the email that we were going to Branson. Another assignment from Rena! I used to tease her that I was moving out of CA to avoid further assignments from her. She is a dear friend and up to teasing. It's the way this southern lady asks, no one ever refuses her. She is quite active and can keep her family and many of us friends busy. It was Rena who lured me to the Rose Societies and had me elected president twice! I have known her for a long time. She invited me to Business and Professional Women in the late 70's and had me elected President, and then expected me to go on to be district president. She was just waiting for me to retire to join the Arrangers Guild and the Garden Clubs. Ash, Rena is a story unto herself. But she wanted a Christmas CD by the Lennon sisters and cannot find one in CA, can I find out. Of course we would. Jerry likes her as much as I do, and remembered we had a task from Rena. The Welk Theater is where the Lennons perform along with Tony Orlando, the "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" guy. The Christmas show is on now. While I cruised the gift shop, Jerry checked out the auditorium--he said it must seat 3000. And the busloads were pouring in! But when did Tony Orlando, my contemporary reach the age of Welk performance? My 92 year old mother in law delights in Lawrence Welk reruns on PBS. When did Tony Orlando get so old? This is getting scary. I know I and my friends have our Medicare cards, but come on....we're not that old!

I just asked Jerry what has been his favorite so far and he concluded that it is impossible to pick a favorite. Each show has been so different that they can't be compared. He was stuck before he said it's not possible to choose one. The Duttons are a talented family of 4 generations now with the grandkids being added to the singing dancing, song writing, instruments; The Stampede was fun and western; the Tenors have magnificent voices, this morning's Christmas show was spectacular. Nope can't just pick one! This makes me smile and say, "YES" I selected these for an array of entertainment and we got it! I did well if I do say so meself...

One short coming was my booking us into this morning's Christmas show at 10:00. The show was the Broadway review of singers, dancers, costumes, and a mime and put the holiday mood into our hearts. But we had to get up and be about this morning before we wanted to do so. It has been freezing cold here and we'd have been happy to stay inside till later in the day. We came south for warm weather but MO has been colder than MN. These same phenomena occurred in 2004 when we went to spend Christmas in Louisiana with our friends and it froze. That year it snowed in New Orleans and Houston! We will be happy to head to the warmth of the north!

The Broadway Branson Christmas show was delightful from opening curtain. We were surprised when we noticed three of the Irish tenors in the cast; why not though, the pay must be better to perform in two venues. I noticed that most all the performers are small people, with the exception of the one tall blond tenor who is over 6'. Most appeared 5' 8" max with the girls maybe. How different from the Radio City Rockettes all of whom are to be minimum 5' 9" if I recall correctly, the taller the better. Costume changes and sequins galore. Sparkles for the season. This is the same theater where the tenors perform. Busloads came in for this performance too. We were familiar with our seat area from yesterday so we were standing for a bit because it would be a long time in the seats and ours were at the end of the row, so we were letting the row fill up.

It really is a small world, and I can hear God say, "I know, I made it!" We were talking with another couple from Mission, TX discussing the different venues. Most frequently when we say we are from La Crescent, MN no one has ever heard of it. But this man smiled. "So do you know Mac Dahl?" With mouth wide open and Jerry laughing, I replied, "very well. We go to the same church. We are frequently at the Legion together. Barb, his wife and I have the same birthday!" He revealed they are cousins! Can't wait to share that story back home.

Last night we ate at Starvin' Marvin's a Cajun seafood buffet among other foods. We got the senior discount of $19 each at the seafood buffet which included crab legs, fried catfish, boiled crawdads, shrimp (fried and boiled), other fish, and frog’s legs. For non seafood eaters or to balance out the proteins, fried chicken, and pork ribs Umm umm umm, Did we ever fill up! Hush puppies, fried okra, potatoes, green beans, giant size onion rings. Salad bar was full with veggies and all the expected standards and the very best ranch dressing I have ever had! Well I love crab but hate cracking it. Jerry usually foregoes the experience. The crab was so good that I got into it and then some, cracking and pulling it through the shell, dipping it into butter. Not only did I feast, I wore that crab! Although a roll of paper towels is provided it does get messy. I've not had crawdads since our Louisiana trips. Most of us just eat the meat from the tails, but we talked about our friend Marilyn who likes to suck out the bodies! After all that food, vanilla ice cream and choice of fresh cobbler. We both chose blackberry. Was it any wonder I had indigestion last night requiring dousing with Canada Dry ginger ale? I never have indigestion, so this was an event. I made a trip to the ladies room to scrub up and woke right up, only cold water wash! I really scrubbed up when we got home, had to get that crab, shrimp, fish smell gone! Worth the experience one time!

We will top all this with Andy Williams tonight. It has been a pleasurable trip and we are glad we came in the off season. Our short visit to Dick's 5 and 10 in old downtown Branson today sent us gladly to the motor home. Just seeing 5 and 10 advertised took me back to the glory days of New Kensington and Murphy's 5 & 10. Dick's is a massive variety store, a full city block. The herds of folks discouraged me from looking too long. Weekend is arriving and the final crowds for the season are arriving. Sadly I noticed most items made in China, so much for 5 & 10! Have not bought trinkets this trip. Only my two tops at Dressin Gaudy!

Still Branson 12-3

Yesterday, Wednesday,  I found the neatest women's botique, Dressin' Gaudy!  All things glitz and bling.  I passed up all the costume jewelry easily because of my accumulation at home, but  I did buy two tops with sequins that I can wear most anywhere.  I asked if they have a website and unfortunately they do not but have been in business in Branson for  nearly 20 years.  Although the crowds are small here now, the shop was busy with women, many older than me buying and browsing.  Jackets were paired with tops and skirts and jewelry to give shoppers ideas for the entire ensemble.   Clever marketing strategy because it works.  I saw many women buying the entire outfit from necklace to purse and all else!  I'd noticed this shop on the Branson Info Mercial TV channel that we can pick up here in the RV park.  Could not remember where it was but yesterday driving around looking for a post office, which was in a bank, I spotted it in the same center.

That is another strange thing about Branson--we have not seen a single post office! I had some postcards to mail.  We have seen mail boxes, just no post offices.   I inquired in the Stone Hedge Winery where we'd stopped so I could pick up some Missouri wine.  I was sure surprised when the woman said to go to the bank which had a teller counter set up as a post office.  Bank tellers also worked the post office window.  That was something I have never seen anyplace.  Private sector employees taking over the post office?  I bet those tellers wish they had the UPS benefits!  Earlier we had noticed several banks with flags outside and thought those were post offices but as we drove by we noticed they were banks.  Maybe they too had post offices inside thier banks.

We drove all over yesterday to see the scenery.  It is lovely here but so many of the hillsides have been carved out into making new  roads.  Lots of development  going on,.  Hope it does not overtake the Ozark setting and become like Lake Tahoe, over commercialized.  Table Lake Mt. and the Lake were gorgeous.  But lots of condos  going up; big places many many stories high.  We also checked out other RV parks and likely we would use ABC next Branson trip.  Shenanigans, where we are is ok, peaceful, but very tight spaces.  If we wanted to we could not put ot the awning on our motor home.  There are few of us here this time of year.  Someone really used imagination and planning to carve these spots out of the hillside!

The Dixie Stampede last night was quite an experience.  At the pre show we met Curt, a reitred Merced, CA fireman who will be leaving CA too.  He'd been in TN & most recently in Arkansas helping a sick friend.  He's on his way back to CA to wrap things up before moving out.  We  talked about the decline of CA.  He is a rare breed, a CA native, raised in Castro Valley and  lived in Merced & Atwater as a fire captain.  Newly divorced.  His ex-wife lives in Lincoln.  He said we were fortunate to get out when we did to which we couldn't have agreed more!

The Dolly Parton Stampede show was super.  It was the first venue we have attended that  was full, sold out.  Much to see and absorb, with all the horses, pig races by some cute little pot bellieds, miniature horse races, trick riding,Skeeter the clown  and more.  The nativity was beyond-beyond.  I have seen and enjoyed many live nativity portrayals, but this one took the cake!  Live camels carried the Magi into the manger setting.  Shepherds herded in real flocks of many many sheep.  It was magnificent.  An angel descended from the ceiling and at the end a white homing pigeon released from somewhere flew into the angel's outstretched hands while Alleluias played.  Very touching.  Very Christian. 

However this was a dinner show and as we were warned there was plenty of food, all delicious.  BUT no forks or knives were provided.  All eating was to be done with fingers.  We were seated next to a couple from Okibijiwe (sp?) Iowa.  She and I looked for our soup spoons as our  bowls were filled with a scrumptious creamy soup.  Huh?  No one had any utensils.  Well, we could drink that from the  bowls, just not  all of it.  Delicious cheesy biscuit reminiscent of what Red Lobster serves.  No problem eating that with our fingers.  Next came a full rotisserie chicken to each one of us.  Now we were really puzzled. 

The servers each carried huge trays and placed the food on our plates.  It was very well done as our food arrived plenty hot!  We were still looking for our forks!  The emcee invited us to dig in, use your fingers. Dixie style!  I could not believe this!    We were served more food, a slice of pork tenderloin, a half huge  potato slatered in butter, an ear of corn on the cob.  I just did not like pulling that chicken apart with my fingers.  Luckily I had some  clean wipes in my purse.  Jerry was not at all happy about this either.  But what to do, dig in! 

I should not have been so apalled because all my life I had to be reminded to keep my fingers out of my food.  As a kid growing up, I was always being swatted to keep my fingers out of my food.  A few years back inPA I was eating with my Aunt Jinx when she reached over and swatted my fingers which had found their way onto something on my plate!  I don't even realize when I do this. Jinx commented, "Patty, you always did pick around with your fingers!  You never did out grow that bad habit! I thought by now you woudl not have your fingers poking around your food!"  Well I am quite proper eating out, etc, but there are just times when these fingers go for something! But to eat an entire meal without any utensils!   Nah, that's too okie for me.   Besides we have okie friends and I have  never seen them gnaw into food without utensils, and they all set a nice table with knives, forks, and spoons.  Jerry said for the price they could have given us platic at least.  I suppose this is easier and less mess for the crew. Less danger of anything making its way into the arena.  We were in front row seats and  close enough to touch the horses if we stood up.   It was all efficiently served. Just this morning, Jerry noticed that the envelope with our tickets said, Come prepared to eat with your fingers, Dixie Stampede style."  He said he's have taken his fold up multi purpose all in one  tool with him ,had he read that ahead of time. 

 Plenty of coffee, Pepsi, tea, water to drink.  That caused me concern, how would I get out of such a long table.  It is theater seating with rails and long tables.  Maybe 20 some people, no room to get out.  As we were coming in I remarked to Jerry, "Now just what will I do if I have to go to the bathroom?"  The couple from Iowa heard me and said, "we can move down so you can sit on this end."  Wasn't that nice!  Here  in the Midwest people are so accommodating.

Dessert was a scrumptious apple turnover, flaky melt in the mouth crust and full of apples. That was easy to eat by hand.  Most of us had take out bags, except Jerry who managed to pack away his meal.  When our server came by for our dessert plates, she commented, "well you didn't eat all your food but you sure did that dessert."  It was a one time experience, glad we did it, but not one to repeat.    

We ate breakfast this morning at the Plantation restaurant, upp the hill.  A good buffet spread which will keep us going all day.  This afternoon is the 12 Irish Tenors show.  I do not have time now to proof or spell scheck,  so will post this and edit way later. 

We are enjoying our stay and loving Branson.  A clean place.  Many elderly people are here by the busloads.

First Day out around Branson

We arrived yesterday afternoon at the Shenanigan's RV Park.  It is lovely driving into Branson.  Although this is reportedly 3 blocks from the strip, we walked yesterday and it is up some very steep hills..quite a trek that we really don't care to repeat.  Even as athletic (?) as we are, nope.  There are cabs and shuttles, too but after considering all options, we want a car to come and go as we like.  Spoiled that way.  "Should have towed," Jerry remarked.  Oh well we knew we could rent  and so called Enterprise today for a rental. First question after where we were staying so they could pick us up, "are you a veteran?" "Yes, my husband is." "Well, mam that entitles you to another 5% discount on the rental." Branson is BIG on veterans....Very big, places welcoming vets all over. We had a 10% discount from the RV park as well as 10% Good Sam...on the rental which we will keep till Saturday AM. Enterprise accepted all discounts where most places will only give one discount. Hooray for Branson hospitality. We are driving a Hyundai (sp?) Elan....shudder.  It will be fine for these  4 days.


I learned today when I went to pick up our tickets for the Dolly Parton Christmas Stampede that the show includes dinner. In fact the cordial young lady at the box office told me, "Y'all come hungry now...there is a 4 course meal served during the show. It starts with a choice of soup, then three salads, chicken, beef and vegetables, potatoes grits and gravy, and pie and cake for dessert And we give you choice of coffee or sweet tea too.!" I thanked her for warning me as I didn't expect we'd be fed. The place is huge and we will take a photo of the outside tomorrow when we have the bigger camera with us. We walked along and saw the horses in the stables for what seemed like a mile outside. Dolly P is doing well--inside it says there is a Dolly Stampede home in Myrtle Beach, SC too...these in addition to her own Dollywood in the Smokie Mts. So our two tickets for $89.26 including our discount coupon from the RV park are quite a deal==the pre-show starts at 4:15, dinner show at 5:30. Will report on it Thursday but expect it to be spectacular. No photo taking allowed inside and of course they have their own gift shop.

Prices are very good here in Branson. We ate lunch to be our big meal today at Sadie's Sideboard, a bar-b-que buffet. We had a two for one coupon from the RV park so total for both was $14 including tip. Home made soups, salad bar and smorgasbord spread including pork ribs, sauerkraut and sausage, chicken livers, fried chicken, catfish, mashed potatoes, gravies (white and dark), macaroni and cheese,stuffings cornbread and sausage bread (I tried a dip of both), fried okra, carrots, green beans, baked beans, and more. I loved the okra and chicken and chicken livers. Jerry feasted on ribs, livers, chicken, potatoes, beans,and more. I had a small salad from the salad bar which he passed up. They had scrumptious pickled beets, one of my favorites, and all the greens, veggies, pastas, pickled okra, which I also sampled, jello's & more. Then they had a dessert table too with steamers of 4 cobblers--peach, cherry, apple, blackberry and chocolate cakes. We each had some cobbler, cherry for me, berry and apple for Jerry. We waddled out of Sadie's to the rental car and cruised more of Branson. As much as we try we just can't pack much away at those buffets. I find that even regular order off the menu restaurants serve too much food for me.

Then we spotted the Veterans' Museum. We spent several hours in there. That leaves tomorrow afternoon open as we'd planned to spend Wednesday there. It is a private museum and I just cannot say enough about it! $29 admission for veteran (Jerry) & spouse. (Includes veteran discount)

No government funds used in anyway or received to this museum. In the entry is a lifesize bronze statue of 3 soldiers in combat gear. Ten halls dedicated to soldiers and our armed forces beginning with WWI and through Iraq  now Afghanistan.  Numerous artifacts and  all sorts of exhibits. That 70 foot long statute of 50 life size soldiers in one of the WWII rooms, took my breath away when I stepped into that room.  Even though I knew about it, it is magnificent.  I was teary eyed when I looked at that massive wall with the names of 400,000 killed in WWII. I found my dad's name right away, still teary. You'd think I'd be over this after 65 years!

I took some pictures which I have not yet downloaded and will wait till we get home. The exhibits of uniforms and memorabilia donated by people from all over are interesting. There is a write up about each individual. There is one window dedicated to George Herbert Bush and his days as a Navy pilot and the bronze model bust which was the first cast for the original now in his presidential library. I was astounded when I saw the exhibit of the "underaged" in WWII 14 and 15 year olds (from Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas,) who lied about their age and went to defend this country. I keep learning new things about WWII as much as I've read, there is always more. By comparison we have cowards in this country who stick their head in the sand rather than enlist, they look the other way and have no sense of patriotism or duty. They are there for a handout and demand student grants though so they can go to college! What a different world. Not better! My soapbox please! Jerry remarked that there was not as much on the Korean War. The Vietnam War hall is bigger. By far WWII has the most halls. Men and women have contributed part or all of their collections. An array of uniforms, medals, documents, photots, etc. Many rifles, guns, weapons of all kinds. Even a room of German exhibits, Nazi uniforms, Japanese and Russian pilots uniforms, medical equipment, and more. The very last room exhibits photos of Arlington and foreign cemeteries where our soldiers are buried and graves memorialized--France, Philippines,, In the center is a big wooden box with a folded flag It is one of two surviving boxes in which the bodies of those killed in WWII were shipped home. Gulp and a few more tears.

One observation I had among many--the uniforms of the Americans are tiny! We had lots of small men and women in the services in WWI & WWII. The SS & Nazi uniforms are way bigger. Even their shoes are bigger. I know there were all sizes, but for some reason we look little.

We both liked the exhibit of the WWII ski patrol soldier, hunched over,Eskimo like, white uniform to blend in snow. Jerry's Uncle Joe who received bronze stars and purple hearts from WWII did that as well as other things. Jerry looked at it and said, "Uncle Joe!"

I expected to find a book available about the museum in the gift shop but there were none. Fred Hoppe who sculpted the statutes and spear headed the museum effort deserves an award. The gift shop did have postcards of the statue and lots of t-shirts and hats for the services. I told Jerry we should buy one that says, "Dysfunctional veteran, leave me alone!" for my Uncle Carl..We did find a WWII Veteran cap for him, but I know he will tuck it away in his room. Sending it to him anyway.

I told the nice young man in the gift shop that I'd like to get a photo of my dad's name on the WWII wall but that I didn't think they would appreciate my moving the bench in that room and climbing on it. I am amazed at my self control. Of course, Jerry was near by and would not have permitted that eccentric act! My dad's name is near the top and three names in from the right side in that column. This young man didn't blink but said, "well I can help you with that, let me get the ladder." He went to a closet, returned with a ladder and back we went to the room with the walls of 400,000 names and statute. I pointed it out, he climbed up with my camera and snapped photo's for me. He said he is allowed to climb but I cannot!

On our way to the Dutton family show now.  So much to chose from here that it is really difficult to decide.  But I have made some selections.  A show a day shoudl be enogh, but we may be tempted to more!



My AWON group had a conference in Branson in 2002 and presented a plaque of appreciation to the museum for remembering our dads. I intend to send them some additional $$ next year. The WWII museum in New Orleans is magnificent but this is smaller scale and done with love in the effort. It was not busy in there as this is an off time for Branson but there were several folks wandering through. I think we spent the longest time in there. I would go back again. Not this trip but another time.

3 Reads updates

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows was a delight.  It sounds repetitive of the many reviews but this  little book, Mary Annn's first and last was an absolute fun, joy read.   My cousin, Carol mentioned this and when we met  in Oct. I was just reading it and loving it.  This book is very different written as letters to and from Juliet, the  primary character and her friends and agent.   It's like reading someone's diary.  Because of the brevity of the letters, back and forth it is a book that can be read here and there,  pieces at a time without any loss to the story line.  It really deserves its multiple honors and selections of best book of the year.  The characters reminded me of different people I have known or know in my life.  Juliet Ashton is an author and  supposed to be  working on a new book but finds herself stuck for inspiration and then the letter arrives which  spins this story.  The tale is set in the aftermath of WWII and the Guernsey Channel Islands off the English coast.  The  horrors of WWII are  felt in the Nazi occupation of the island yet even  then there is something good abrew.   Actually this book demonstrates that good can and does come out of bad if we persevere.  The array of so many characters from Sydney, her agent to Dawsey Adams, a local islander and society member,  to Markham Reynolds, her avid suitor, Amelia Maugery, Isola Pribby, the eccentric who is one of my faves and so many more, each contribute something in their letters and notes to demonstrate the magnitude in ranges of human attributes.  I was already enjoying  this book and then on page 53,  I read, "Reading good books ruins you for enjoying bad books."   This  certainly is the former.  The final  lines in afterword, "We are transformed..into the literary society eachtime we pass a book along, each time we ask a question about it, each time we say, .."If you liked that, I bet you'd also like this."  Whenever we are willing to be delighted and share our delight as Mary Ann did, we are part of the ongoing story...."   A book to keep and to share! A booklover's must read!


Dewey by Vicki Myron.  This true story of Dewey Readmore Books, the small town library cat who touched the world.  It's written by Vicki the librarian who finds this  frozen kitten one wintry January morning in the book drop box at the Spenser Iowa library.  I have wanted to read this book for a while.  I'd bought it and sent it to Steve when it came out because the picture of Dewey on the cover resembled Spazmo, a cat he had.  Dewey takes over the library and the hearts of the patrons. His job becomes patron care from the youngest to the oldest to the staff.    I thoroughly enjoyed the  historical descriptions of Iowa, of Spenser and the way of life in that very small farming community.  After reading this book, I am more curious about Iowa, where we have friends, cousins  and visit frequently.  Even more,  I am  more appreciative of the Midwest  lifestyle.  Pg. 2, "..northwest Iowa is.. always changing.  Not in the way suburbs change as one chain restaurant replaces another or the way cities change as buildings crowd each other ever higher, but in the way the country changes, slowly, back and forth in a gentle motion that is always sliding forward, but never very fast...".    Dewey does become world famous and some of his visitors to Spenser are  comical and heart warming.  Dewey begins the morning with Vicki but is always at the door to greet people.   When he does escape  and disappears intown for a few days, my heart was in my throat reading along.  Maybe because I am an animal lover, I found his antics endearing.  I  liked the way Vicki personalized parts by including anecdotes of her life.  I thought she wove  that well into Dewey's  life.    One of my local friends whose book club read this mentioned that she did not enjoy that as much.  Over all, it is a well written book.  I am sure a movie will follow and I can't imagine where they will find a cat to portray Dewey!   Sadly as all animals, we outlive them, Dewey is gone, RIP, Dewey.   

A Killer Stitch by Maggie Sefton is a quick read.  This is the second in this series I have read and enjoyed as it is just a good clean mystery set in a knitting shop in fictitious Ft. Conner, Colorado.  Kelly Flynn continues her adventures as the newest transplant, now  happily  ensconsed with her online accounting business and learning to knit so well that she accomplishes a couple projects through the book.  It is  similar to the books by Diane Mott Williams which feature a catering business.  This  book includes instructions for knitting the cable knit scarf and the recipe for mint fudge.   The book has romance at a high level and  intrigue with out nasty 4 letter words.  Doubts are  conveyed about all the characters through the story,  making it unlikely to fathom the real culprit.  I will read more in the series, enjoyable and quick reading.     Reminds me of  my enjoyment of Nancy Drew  mysteries as a young girl.    

Sarah's "Going Rogue"

The following  is just one tidbit about Sarah Palin's book. I knew I would want to read Sarah's book because I admire what she has done, her fresh air approach and mannerisms.  I cannot stand how she has been treated. Such media venom! I just had not planned to buy her book right now until I saw it in Sam's Thursday.  By that time, I'd watched several of her "book interviews" and thought, "good for you!"  On Thursday AM at Curves I had to  chime in defending her  from gossip of two liberals who were merely repeating media drivel.  I find it quite funny that everyone is so stirred  by her.  I think she is doing a good thing, making $$ of it all.  Why is she such a threat to the libs?  She's not in a position to raise our taxes, ruin our healthcare, spend us into oblivion, etc.  To me this speaks to the liberal shallowness and how tentative thier control may be.  

I remember when  she was chosen as McCain's running mate.  I thought, "huh? Who?"  But I grew quite fond of her and the more she was  maligned the better I liked her.  If this is her way to get back and take her turn as ringmaster of the 3 ring circus that surrounds her, hooray for Sarah!  I don't know that she will run for anything again.  I think that resigning as governor of Alaska will haunt her.  But I wanted to contribute this way by buying her book. I have kept my Mc Cain Pailin t shirt and wear it from time to time working out!

I'll be able to start reading it today because I just finished another short mystery last night.  Not that I don't have a full shelf of books awaiting my reading.  But it has been a while since I  bought a new book, hot off the press and delved into it.  But I am itching to start turning those pages.  I don't expect stunning revealation, just an accumulation of  why and what from Sarah's perspective.  I find it interesting and include the clip about the research:

Accountability Journalism   Wall St. Journal, 11-19-09, Best of Web Today 
An Associated Press dispatch, written by Erica Werner and Richard Alonso-Zaldivar, compares the House and Senate ObamaCare bills. We'd like to compare this dispatch to the AP's dispatch earlier this week "fact checking" Sarah Palin's new book. Here goes:


Number of AP reporters assigned to story:

• ObamaCare bills: 2

• Palin book: 11

Number of pages in document being covered:

• ObamaCare bills: 4,064

• Palin book: 432


Number of pages per AP reporter:

• ObamaCare bill: 2,032

• Palin book: 39.3

On a per-page basis, that is, the AP devoted 52 times as much manpower to the memoir of a former Republican officeholder as to a piece of legislation that will cost trillions of dollars and an untold number of lives. That's what they call accountability journalism.

I'll review it here later, but now I have pies to bake to donate to the Auxiliary for tonite's steak dinner and
bake sale. 

Anna Ball's Granddaughters

In October in PA I finally got to be with my cousin, Carol  after maybe 47 years and just no contact.   She's  is the cousin  I  remember most from my father's brother, Eddie's family.  We had  little contact because my mother did not  get along with my father's mother, my grandmother Ball, photo here from 1958.  I remember Carol.  Her son found me through the AWON website and the tribute I'd written on my father.

Carol and her hubby Les are Floridians but spend time through the  summer in PA where they also have a condo.  It was all too short of a visit.  But when she and I talked this trip to PA I had already made up my mind that whatever date she picked would work!  We'd missed getting together  in  July and they were not in PA in May when we met with Chrissie, another cousin and Carol's sister and her hubby Larry.  Well, the day Carol suggested for us to visit them for hors d'oeuvres and drinks happened to be our 42nd anniversary.  We had other dinner plans that evening, but I said, "yes."   That shortened the  time we had to spend with them.  But then as Chrissie and I discussed after we met, this is all so new and we don't really know what to expect.  So maybe a short visit was the best for the first time anyway.  What if we did not like each other?  I was nervous again. 

On our short drive to their condo, we decided to ignore the turnpike directions she'd  given me and take the shorter roads back through the hills of PA from Mt. Top in Tarentum , where we park our  motor home.  Gertrude Pauline Spaghillicuddy (GPS) could take us there if we got lost.  It was not so  far but wouldn't you know it we ran into back road construction and detours.  How we got just where we needed to be, only My People & Angels  know!  But we made it despite my fretting that "Jerry, now we are going to be late!  We should have gone the other way!"  Should haves are  something I try not to  say, but it creeps back in frustration.  Should'a, could'a, would'a....are all worthless concepts.  Late, no.  In fact we were a little early and that generated further comments from me, "Now we are early and that might just be rude."   I had worked my mind through a frenzy about this visit.

From the minute I saw her I felt like I had regained another part of myself.  I don't know how skeptical Carol felt about our visit, but all my frenzies vanished.  I felt like I was  looking into a mirror too.  We have such a close  resemblance.  Well both of us color our hair, mine lightened as it has gotten way darker over the years and Carol's a redish tone.  Larry, Chrissie's husband had said in May, "You and Carol look alike especially the eyes."  Carol says everyone tells her she looks like Grandma Ball, and I agreed.  That means I must resemble my grandma Ball too. 

All my life I have been told I look just like my father.  I never thought any further back in the Ball family.  I remember when Carol's father saw me the last time in CA at  my uncle Henry's ( his & dad's baby brother.)  Uncle Eddie  started to  cry, tears flowed, "Patty, you look so much like your dad."  I was not very comfortable with him because I did not have pleasant memories from childhood and my mother's tales.  I  recall  thinking, "well who would I look like!"

 But if I look like my Dad and Carol and I share resemblances, and she looks like Grandma Anna Ball, then I must too and my dad must have favored his mother.  I can see looking at  photos  now how that is so.  When I first saw Chrissie in May I marveled at how much she looked  just like her dad, Uncle Eddie.  And I can see in some old photos how Eddie looked more like Granpap Frank  Ball, his father. 

This brings us back to Anna.  It has taken me a little bit of time to  actually get this onto the blog. It remains another of those puzzles about what do we inherit and what do we develop from our environment.  This is a lifelong puzzle to me and something I read about whenever I can.

Not only do Carol and I have a strong resemblance but we share similar interests--many  the same that Anna had sewing and gardening.  I  prefer roses while Carol grows magnificent orchids.  I have been into  dumping coffee grounds,  peelings, and all  else into the garden.  Carol reminded me that Anna did the same thing.  Carol called said Anna was the undiscovered, Alice Waters of her generation.  But the biggest interest Carol and I share is reading.  We email back and forth about what books we are reading.  Les, her hubby is an avid reader too so that must make it interesting at their home.  What to read?.  I mentioned that I tend to keep and collect books to which Les replied, "well they become friends."  I believe he said they have  about 5000 books.  Wow, I have not counted mine and I have downsized and donated, but I would be surprised if I have  that many.  Our shelves are full in the study though .  I could no more have a home without a place for books than I don't know what.

Carol and I both remember Grandma Ball's kitchen and the cookie jar.  How one time on one of my visits there she and I ate all the cookies inthe jar.  I don' think we got into any trouble for that trick.

Below is another  photo of our grandmother Anna.  I don't have a color photo of Anna  but the  facial similarities are certainly there.  What do you think?

And let's not forget Chrissy, Carol's sister, also my cousin.  We met in May.  When I saw her except for her blond hair, she looks just like her dad.  So perhaps Uncle Eddie looked like his father and my dad looked like his mother?   But there is a  resemblance between me & Chrissy also.  Who knows, guess we all just look like ourselves! 

I think Anna Ball's smiling somewhere that her grand daughters got together finally. 

Doggone it!  This blog will not allow me to put these photos adjacent to each other.  Some things have changed on Blogger and I'm not  pleased with those changes!!

Veterans Day memories 2009

This morning Jerry got up before me, nothing unusual about that, but he went out side and put up our flag. We had taken it down before we left for PA and so on this special day it had to come out just as the day light broke! If we had a horn reveilee would be heard! When I got up I went out to place the several small flags along the lawn and rose garden.

This is a day to remember and honor veterans. For me it is a very special day where I think about my dad, 2 Lt. Lewis S Ball, pilot on that fatal flight June 1944, gone forever with his combat crew 193. I never knew him but over the years from 2004 on especially I am learning more all the time. The suitcase of photos and documents at Mom's house afte she died opened up my world. I knew the story of his death and the disappearance of the plane. I had some records and momentos. But nothing like what was in Mom's house. I learned early on not to ask questions because no one would answer. And my Grandma Ball would cry whenever she saw me. I wouldn't ask her for the world because I did not want to see her cry. That's just the way it was then, they kept it all quiet. Unlike today when we have to know everybody's business down to the nitty gritty. Privacy is an unfamiliar concept in 2009, not so growing up in PA in the 50's and 60's.

My mother had little to no contact with my father's family even though we lived close in PA just across the river. Now I've been blessed with contact with cousins from that side. I have learned a bit more about the Ball family. In October in PA I had a visit after 47 years with my cousin Carol. What a joy that was though too brief, but a start. She told me about the War memorial in Harwick with my dad's name. I never knew it was there. Of course we went to see it! To my small dismay his name is misspelled. No not the Ball, that would take some doing. But the Lewis. Sure enough there it is "Louis Ball" NO! He was officially Lewis.  However I can understand how this went wrong. He went by Lou and or Louie. He signed cards and notes "Lou." But his official documents and Army Air Corp records have Lewis S. Ball. That was his official legal signature. 

So today, Veterans Day is for the men and women who serve this country in uniform. It is especially the day for those who gave their lives. Here is my dad, Dorr Field FL  1943.  I have that aviator cap. 

But back to another Veteran's Day story. My birthday is November 13, very close to Veterans Day. In my small town growing up there was always a big parade on Veterans Day. I loved parades and was always there front row with my grandma to watch. Uncle Carl who is now the last of the family at 92 and in assisted living with varying stages of dementia always marched in those parades. He was a fireman and marched with spit shined shoes and white gloves in a dress up uniform!   It must have been a dilemma for him  to choose  which group to march with because he too was a WWII vet, US Army, tank destroyers. But here he is the proud young fireman, Uncle Carl, New Kensington Fire Department.

Sometime in my very young years Uncle Carl told me that the parade "is for you, Patty. Your birthday is coming up!" So of all parades I especially loved the one on Veterans Day. After all, I believed it was all about me! How proud I was. Kind of a little queen standing there nodding to each and every group! Music and marching all for me!

I was such an innocent trusting child. But then back in our day we all were.  No TV's to distort our beliefs.  I believed in Santa Claus until I was nearly 12 or maybe I was 13. I loved my delusions even then! Or was it the wonderful make believe world. I was quite happy with my fairy tales! I was upset in grade school, maybe it was 3rd grade Brownies? Our Scout leader explained the true purpose of Veterans Day parades. I remember interrupting, "and don't forget the parade is for me! It's always before my birthday!" I was so proud. I'd even convinced some of my neighborhood playmates of the same thing. I'd told them, "don't forget to go to my parade tomorrow!" My parade, that's what I believed. And they believed it too.

This was an early and life long trait I have, the ability to convince people of what I believed to be true. They had no reason to doubt at 8-9 years old. Back to the Brownie meeting. I am sure I had heard of Veterans Day but to me that was an aside to my birthday parade. So I continued to interrupt and my friends supported me, nodding their heads in agreement, "yes, it's Patty's parade!" I don't think the scout leader knew what to do.

Somehow I came to the realization that maybe it was really not just for me. This did not seem to upset me, I still stood proudly. Maybe my young mind just adjusted better and made the case that it could be for the soldiers after all. Still, today here in 2009 as I approach my 65th birthday, I continue to enjoy Veterans' Day parades. Somewhere inside deep is that little girl, Patty, who knew it was all about her! I think she emerges and taps her feet to the marching music still! Proudly reviewing each passing group!

Veterans' Day--all about me and you too! It's about all of us in this country. It's about all those who sacrifice their lives for our freedoms. I pray we can keep all those freedoms. Celebrate and honor this Day and display the flag proudly!