Tuesday, October 29 - Wednesday, October 30, 2019

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 - Laundry, Grocery Store, Walmart Run with Cindy & Misti, Evening of Baking

I was up a little after 5 this morning.  I put the first load of clothes in the washer (I brought them down the night before to keep from waking Dean), then did my morning exercises.  We haven't been able to walk for almost a week now due to rain so I decided I could at least do these until it clears up a bit and we are able to walk in the park again. 

This morning was a trial run using my NUTRiBullet.  I used 1 banana cut in chunks, 1 cup of mixed berries (raspberry, blueberry and strawberry), 1/2 c almond milk unsweetened, and 1 T flax seed.  I ended up adding about 1/4 to 1/3 cup water as well because it was very thick.  We both enjoyed the smoothie.  We'll probably switch every other day or so with the protein shake we've been drinking.

I am going to enjoy having these in the morning, and I'm looking forward to making an ice coffee shake too.

I needed to go to the grocery store to get a few things - most importantly for lunch.  We didn't have anything left to fix quickly.  Misti called to see if I could print something for her, and she stopped by a little later to print a few more things as well.

Cindy had called me earlier to see if I wanted to go to Parsons with her later this afternoon.  Misti wanted to go too, so she stayed to visit while we were waiting on Cindy to pick us up.  Dean and I enjoyed visiting with her.  I gave her the glass that I painted for her while we were at the Heartland rally in Durant.  I was waiting until I knew she had the results of her finals.  I was sure she had passed but getting the news and knowing for sure is what she needed.  I dated it 2019 because even though it's a been a very busy, difficult year for her working for her degree to be a Physical Therapy Assistant, it's a huge milestone in her life and I want her to remember this year for the special one it has been.  I am extremely proud of her for reaching this goal of hers.

Cindy picked us up around 1pm.  Our first stop was at a new boutique, Gia Rose, in downtown Parsons.  We've all been wanting to stop there.  I was interested to see what they have, but I really wanted to see the counter/cabinets that my son Marc built for the owner.  They really are beautiful.  I will check in occasionally to see what new things they have.

Our next stop was Walmart.  I had bought a waffle crew shirt while we were in Branson, but I needed to return it for a different size.   I found two more colors as well (I like wearing them under my flannel shirts or a sweater, and a pair of lined tights.  They will be great for wearing around Bentley as the weather gets cooler.  I get cold easy.  We decided to start closing the bedroom door - since heat rises and it's "upstairs" - 3 steps.  It has made some difference in keeping the downstairs area a little more comfortable.

I had a couple of Frozen Pot Pies in the freezer, so I popped them in the microwave for a quick dinner.  While they were cooking, I baked some brownies in the convection oven, and then made a cheesecake in my Instapot for a very special birthday event tomorrow.

Dean and I enjoy watching HGTV.  We started watching a new home improvement show that is based in Northeast Arkansas tonight.  I recently saw a post to check it out on one of my Facebook friends page.  We really liked it and I look forward to future episodes.  

Today was a busy, but productive day.  







Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - Happy Birthday Haleigh "Bug" Kay!  Getting Things Done and Making Plans

Happy 18th birthday to our first born granddaughter - Haleigh Kay!  When she was little we started calling her Haleigh Bug and it's hard to let go of.  She was named after my mama Barbara Kay.  

I had a 10:00am appointment in Vinita at the Cherokee Health Center to have a dexa-scan (bone density test).  Instead of setting an alarm last night to make sure I got up at 5, I overslept and didn't get up until almost 6 this morning.  That made things a little tight but we made it to the Center by 9:35.  They wanted me to come in early to fill out some paperwork.  Amazing, we left the clinic just a few minutes after 10.  

We made a quick stop at Walmart.  I intended to get some command hooks yesterday but failed to put it on my list.  Dean needed some Diesel Cleaner for the truck.  We found both items and headed to the checkout.  Once we returned home, Dean left to have the propane bottles filled and I decided to defrost the freezer.  Dean had brought our big cooler yesterday to store the food in.  I put bowls of HOT water in each side of the freezer, then made our lunch, so the water could do it's magic to melt all of the frost/ice buildup.  By the time we had finished lunch, I just had to scrape a few places to loosen it up a bit.

After lunch Dean went to the garage to piddle.  I continued doing laundry and gathered up a few things we don't use often that I want to store in the under bed storage area, and made a list of things I want to get done this week.

Rainy, foggy weather to and from Pittsburg.

Dean and I headed to Pittsburg around 3:30.  We made stops at Home Depot, UPS to check for mail, and at The Dollar Tree before meeting Haleigh & Misti at The Mall Deli for Haleigh's birthday dinner.  

Haleigh and her hot chocolate!!

Mom-Cheri, Daughter-Misti, Granddaughter-Haleigh

We had a wonderful meal.  It was rainy and cold outside, so I enjoyed a grilled cheese sandwich and a cup of chicken noodle soup.  They were both delicious!  Dean chose a chicken salad sandwich, Misti had french dip and Haleigh chose a hamburger.  Very good food!

Dean and I headed back to Bentley.  Misti and Haleigh had to make one more stop.  When they get back they are going to stop by for Haleigh's birthday cake when they get back to Oswego.  I can't believe I forgot to take a picture of the cheesecake I made her.  I have to say it came out perfect - much better than the one I made to take to Cindy and Elmer's a month or so ago.  I sent the remainder of it home with them.  We are eating too many things we shouldn't so I just can't keep it around.

We turned the baseball game on before they arrived, turned the sound off while they were here, then watched the remainder of it.  We have no alliance to either team but we were both kind of rooting for Washington....even though they won it wasn't quite the same as seeing the Chiefs or the Royals win!  

Today was a very good day - spending time with my loves was amazing!  

Monday, October 28, 2019 - On the Road Again; Spotty Rain; Sister Talk; Dinner and Dancing with the Stars

Monday, October 28, 2019 - On the Road Again; Spotty Rain; Sister Talk; Dinner and Dancing with the Stars

It was about 5:15 when I got up to start the coffee.  I wanted to finish the blog update for the past three days so I could get it posted this morning.  Once that was done, we had our morning breakfast shake.  I showered, and while Dean showered I changed the sheets on the bed so I could wash them when we returned to Oswego.  Dean decided to go ahead and empty the tanks before we left even though he had had just done it a few days ago.  I washed the morning dishes and started packing things away.  It was 9:55 when we pulled out of Treasure Lake Campground, and 1:11 when we finished setting up at Hillside RV Park in Oswego.  

The drive went well, but we decided we are not the type to follow each other.  We miss traveling together.  Driving makes me sleepy and while I did okay, I did eat a few mints to keep me alert!  It's that last 30 miles or so that's hard.  We agree taking the car with us to nearby places works great due to the savings in fuel, but any further than Branson, and we'll leave it at home.  Of course, it makes a difference how long we are there as well.  We were gone 15 days and saved a lot by not driving the truck everywhere.

It was spitting rain when we left Branson, and the fog was fairly heavy, but once it cleared it wasn't bad.  We ran into some very light (nuisance rain) outside of Baxter Springs and it continued off and on until we arrived in Oswego.  Unfortunately, driving does not allow me to take pictures, so a second day without any.  I'll try to do better this week.

Once we were parked, Dean finished setting up outside while I put the slides out and started getting things back in place inside.  It takes about 15 minutes or so.  I cranked the furnace up as it was pretty cold inside - the worse thing about pulling Bentley in hot or cold temperatures - we either need the ac or the heater on as soon as we arrive.  Someone has published a map showing where to travel if you want to maintain 70 degree temperatures the entire time.  Sounds nice, doesn't it?  

We had some more "redneck tacos" for lunch, along with our celery and pimento cheese, followed by an apple (mine with peanut butter).  I'm ready for some lunch meat!  G&W, tomorrow here I come.

I called Cindy to catch up on what's been going on while we have been gone, and Dean headed to the garage.  I do miss my sister's when we are gone, but that's what phones, text messaging and emails are for, right?  

When Dean returned I was making dinner - beef tips over mashed potatoes and a side of cauliflower.  We had just finished, when we heard a knock on the door.  It was my cousin Todd - and since we had plenty of food left we filled him a plate.  We had a nice visit with him.  Tomorrow is his birthday!  I may have told this story before.  Aunt Lil was living in Chetopa in an apartment my grandparents had off their garage while Todd's dad was in Vietnam.  She was pregnant with Todd.  I told her I sure hoped she had him on my birthday - well, the stinker decided he wanted his own day to celebrate and arrived six days later.  We sure loved getting to help out and play with a live baby doll.  We stayed with Aunt Lil during the day while Daddy and Mama worked so we saw a lot of Todd and his brothers during that year or so, they were in Chetopa.  

Shortly after Todd left, we watched Dancing with the Stars.  About midway I got up to do the dishes.  I sure didn't want to come downstairs in the morning to find that waiting for me!!  HA!

Afterwards we watched The Good Doctor.  It's getting close to Hallmark Christmas season though and that will most likely be our shows of choice, unless Dean wants to watch his shows on the History Channel.  I kind of half watch everything anyway.  When the TV is on that's when I try to catch up on emails or look at Facebook.  I have a hard time staying on Facebook for very long anymore though.  I probably miss a lot of stuff from friends and family, but it's just not what it used to be.  There is just too much junk!

Thanks again for following along.  I love hearing from you, if you'd like to comment.  

October 27, 2019 - Late Morning Sleep; Decisions; Meeting our Neighbor; Shopping; Desk Design; Billy Bob's Dairyland

October 27, 2019 - Late Morning Sleep; Decisions; Meeting our Neighbor; Shopping; Desk Design; Billy Bob's Dairyland

I guess it was a day to catch up on my sleep.  It was close to 7 before I finally crawled out of bed for the day.  I guess the nights I was up way beyond my 10:00 bedtime finally caught up with me.  

Several days ago I realized that we needed to cancel our stay here in Treasure Lake for October 29.  Shortly after we arrived here I was checking the calendar for something else.  I realized I had a doctor's appointment on the 29th, so I stopped in the office to let them know we would be leaving a day early.  They refunded me for one night.  The reason for that story is we decided today that we should leave for Oswego tomorrow (28th) because the weather is going to change.  We do not want to be tearing down and sitting up in really cold temperatures and rain.  So we stopped at the office again this morning to cancel another day.  

When we returned it was so nice outside, I left the door open.  As I was latching it outside, our neighbor next door, Chuck, said hello.  We started talking and had a nice conversation about places we've traveled and such.  He told me they had just visited their 50th state (Oregon).  Which reminded me, I need to add the last two "new" states we have visited in Bentley to our state map that we have displayed on our storage bin door, Wyoming and Montana.

Dean and I had a quick lunch then we headed out to look at a miter saw.  Dean had one that he gave to one of the boys, as he knew he wanted to upgrade his when the time came.  We visited another store here in Branson.  After looking at what was available at all of the big box stores while we have been here, he decided we'll wait until we return to Oswego before he makes a final decision and a purchase, but it will be soon.  He's ready to get started on the desk - and I'm ready for him to.  It will be a wonderful addition to Bentley.

Once we returned Dean wanted to take some measurements and make a decision on how he would build the combination desk/dining table in Bentley.  We spent two to three hours talking through every step of it, measuring and remeasuring to make sure we have sufficient room between our recliners and the desk, where the cabinets, drawers and shelves will be located, and what size they should be, etc.  We will need to have easy access to open and close the window which is between the desk and the recliners.  We also discussed the table he will build between our chairs and the storage it will provide.  Currently, we have a small file cabinet as an end table. It's much wider than it needs to be.  We want it to deeper than what we have now so we can sit our table lamp on it and eliminate a stand we have been using.  It will have a drawer for remotes, and a storage area to hold items when we move, that sit out when we are parked  The desk will be a great addition for us - providing more space; allowing me to move some lightweight items from my kitchen cabinets and drawers that are not often used, providing better organization in the kitchen, and having a dining table we can use every day.  Right now our table is our desk 95% of the time.  We rarely eat at it, and we both prefer a dedicated table area.

It was almost 5:30 when we finished our "design work".  We were both hungry so we drove to Billy Bob's Dairyland to have a cheeseburger and fries.  It's a cute 50's type diner.  The burger was huge and while we liked it we both thought it was a bit dry and more than we really needed at 1/2#.  We could have shared one - so if we go ever go back, that's what we will do.  

When we returned to the park, Dean immediately turned on the Chiefs game.  He had set it to record earlier today, so we were able to see the game from the beginning and stayed up until it was over.  

It was a beautiful day with wonderful temperatures outside, and it was nice to leave the door open and enjoy the sunshine streaming in.  No heater needed and short sleeves, however it sounds like as if it might be the last time for awhile.  I hope your day was equally good.  Thank you for following along.

Thursday - October 24 - Saturday, October 26, 2019 - Branson Fun

Thursday, October 24, 2019 - Billy Gail's Breakfast; Saying Goodbye to our Friends; Shopping with Dean; Phone Call from Someone Very Special


I woke up around 3 this morning to the sound of light rain - it has started and according to the weather reports it will continue all day.  I'm glad Donna and I went shopping yesterday!  It did not keep me awake very long.  When I woke up a little after 5, I laid in bed for another 5-10 minutes before I got up and started the coffeepot.  

I wanted to get yesterday's blog post finished and at 7:15 I was done.  Yesterday was such a great day and absolutely beautiful outside - lots of sunshine.  I'm grateful to have heard from so many family and friends throughout the day, and to have had such a wonderful day with our friends, David and Donna.  Thank you to each and everyone of you for making my birthday extra special!  I love you all!

Total change of subject!  I really, really do not like ants!  I'm sure there is a purpose for them but they should not be allowed to come into any type of living space.  Moving from site to site we probably run into this more than anything.  With the rain that started overnight, guess who decided to invade us?  We hit them hard and I haven't seen anymore since.  Mice, ants, ugh!  The woes of living in a camper.  Fortunately, they are few and far between.

We picked David and Donna up at their cabin this morning about 9:00 and headed to Billy Gail's restaurant on Highway 265, near Silver Dollar City.  It's one of our favorite breakfast stops in the Branson area.  They seated us in a different room with lots of windows which I enjoyed - even if it was raining.  When we pulled in, we were blessed to get a parking spot right in front of the door.  As I think back, I'm not sure what anyone else ordered but I chose "The Sloppy Biscuit"!  It consisted of a biscuit, scrambled egg, cheese and a sausage patty covered with gravy and hash browns on the side.  It was delicious.  I couldn't eat quite all of it, but I know I will not need any lunch today, and I'm not sure about supper.  Yes, it was a lot of food!

Our friends, Donna & David

Dean - he tickled himself!

Me, Donna, David & Dean

We headed back to Branson and made a quick drive down the strip before heading back to Treasure Lake.  David and Donna had to check out by 11, and we were just a little late getting back.  Fortunately, they didn't have any problem at check-out.  I was glad of that.

Dean and I rested for a little while.  Later we drove to the Branson Post Office to pick up the items I ordered from Amazon a few days ago.  Our next stop was at Menard's.  Dean likes to look around at any home improvement store and I have to admit I kind of like to look too.  He was actually looking for a part to go on the gas grill but had no luck at Menard's. When we stopped at Lowe's, he found what he was looking for plus some drip pans for our Weber grill that he needed.  

Our final stop was at Walmart.  I've been wanting a NUTRiBULLET for quite awhile, so that was my birthday present from Dean.  Once we returned to Bentley, it started raining, and it was raining hard enough we plan to stay in for the rest of the day.

At 4:30 I warmed up the last of the white chicken chili from a few days ago for dinner.  It's time to return to our normal eating habits.  It's fun to have breakfast/lunch/dinner out, but we prefer the lighter meals on a daily basis.  

We were watching TV - much later than normal, when I received a text.  It was from my grandson Logan wanting to know if I was still up.  Things happen sometimes for a reason - we are almost always in bed at 10, but tonight for some reason we were still watching something on TV a little after 10:30  I told him yes we were still up.  A short time later he called and we talked for quite awhile.  It was so good to hear from him.  I sure miss him.  It was a great way to end the evening!

Grandson Logan

Friday, October 25, 2019 - Slow Morning; Goldwing Express; Treasure Lake Cookout; Pumpkin Nights at Silver Dollar City

We had planned to attend the Board Meeting at the Clubhouse this morning at 9, but we slept late, and it was raining again this morning.  We piddled around here until about 10:30 and then headed to the Clubhouse to hear Goldwing Express.  We've enjoyed their music  at Dolly's Stampede here in Branson the past two years and they also performed at Val's where we stay in Mission.  We enjoy their music.  The group is made up of three brothers and occasionally their dad will join them as well.  He happened to be here this morning.  The show was nearly two hours long.

Dad in the back of the three boys

Goldwing Express - three brothers

Afterwards, we returned to Bentley and had the rest of the taco soup.  One of the things I recently ordered from Amazon were some stainless steel straws we can use with our insulated metal cups we bought.  I got those washed up and ready for us to use.  I also bought a cleaner that we can use on our phone and computer screens as well as the TV called Whoosh.  I used it on my phone and it worked great.  I also bought several stylus' to have on hand.  I use one with my phone all the time.  These are great - they are not spongy like the ones I've had in the past, and they work very well on my phone screen.

At 5:15 we headed to the Lodge here in the park to have free hamburgers.  The Treasure Lake Board of Directors cooks hamburgers every year prior to the annual meeting for all those who sign up to attend.  I'm glad we went a little early because it was packed by the time we left.  We each had a hamburger/bun with all of the condiments, chips and a cookie.  They were very good.  We set at a table with a couple from Arkansas.  They are also full-time RVer's.  During our conversation mail service was discussed and I mentioned that we had recently changed to the Escapees program.  A couple had set down next to us and he asked me about it.  When I turned to them to answer his question I immediately thought they looked very familiar but I couldn't place them.  At one point I told his wife they looked very familiar to me.  The more he talked, it finally hit me...they were friends of our friends Frank and Joyce.  We had met them last year in Texas and actually spent some time with them.  Once I told them how I remembered them, they too remembered.  It's a small world.

We stopped to visit with our Escapee friends Raymond and Carolyn at the hamburger meal for a few minutes, before we left for Silver Dollar City.  We have two days left to visit before we leave.  The park is only open Wednesday-Saturday this week.  Then the park will shut down to prepare for their Christmas season.  We are going to see their pumpkin nights.  I took lots of pictures but I'll just share a few with you.  We enjoyed seeing the lights and the decorations.  We left about two hours later, and people were still coming in large numbers.  It's open until 10, however most of the stores are closing at 7.  I'm glad we decided to leave when we did to beat the large crowds waiting to eat.

Picture of Ozark mountains from SDC parking lot

As we were waiting for our tram to drive off, I was able to take the above picture.  I wish the sun would have been just a bit brighter.

Pumpkins Galore

Pumpkin Tree near Entrance to SDC

The decorations are really beautiful

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness - the month of October

Outside the Culinary Arts Center - The Chef

Loved how the lights were on the trees 

Beautiful decorations.

The swings

Owl and his pumpkins

More great decorations and trees

These were set up for people to stand behind.  I don't know these people but it shows off the props and how they are to be used.

Cute pumpkin cabin

Unfortunately we were not able to do everything we wanted to, so we might come back for an hour or two tomorrow, if there is a break in the rain.


Saturday, October 26, 2019 - Annual Treasure Lake Owners Meeting; Lunch; Silver Dollar City; Godfather's Pizza for Dinner

I slept in this morning.  The coffee was barely done when I heard Dean stirring upstairs.  I poured our morning coffee, then I took mine upstairs so I could call my sister Cindy, while Dean watched TV.

This morning is the Annual Treasure Lake Owners Meeting at Mickey Gilley's Grand Shanghai Theatre.  It starts at 9, so we planned to leave here at 8:30.  While it's less than two miles from here, with all of the people attending, we knew the roads would be busy and it was raining again this morning.  We should have left by 8:15.  The parking lots were already getting very full, and many others came in after us.

Treasure Lake does a great job of managing the facility.  There are a number of volunteer workers, besides those that are hired to operate the office and provide maintenance in the park.  Many of the volunteers are workcampers.  I'm not sure if they are paid, but they are able to stay in the park at no cost in exchange for the hours worked.  It's a win-win for both parties.  Today we learned who the new board members are, and a review from the auditing firm that prepares the annual audit for Treasure Lake.  They make improvements every year to keep up the park and they are the #1 large resort park in Missouri and #2 in the nation.  We do enjoy coming here.  We enjoy attending music events at the lodge. They bring in many of the local people for evening events.  Many are free, some have a fee and many are freewill offerings.  

There were at least four entertainers at the program and the last group Abundance Quartet will be playing on Sunday night here in the park.  They were a great southern gospel group and we plan to attend that event.  Treasure Lake also operates a cafe - The Rock & Roll Cafe.  They have a full menu, and offer specials almost daily.

Sunday morning from April through October they hold church service at the Clubhouse.  Tomorrow will be the last service of this year.  The number of RVer's drop considerably at this time of year, due to the weather, however people utiltize it year round.  They do shut certain areas down during the winter months due to the reduced numbers.

We came back to Bentley after the annual meeting and had a hot dog (Red Neck taco).  Afterwards I cleaned up (made the bed, washed the dishes) since we were short on time before we left this morning.  About 3 or so, we drove back to Silver Dollar City and walked around to a few places.  We discussed having dinner here, but since most of the places to eat required sitting outside, and everything was wet and cold, we decided to leave and stop at Godfather's Pizza before heading back to Bentley for the evening.  

Sign we saw at SDC today.

This is the last night SDC will be open until after they decorate for the Holiday season.  I hope we can make it down here for a night or two once the decorations are up.  It's been 10 years since we were here to see the Christmas lights, back in November 2009, when we were here with our friends Donnie & Janie.  Ten years - maybe we need to do it again?

There is always lots of fun and much laughter with these two!

We were introduced to Godfather's a few years ago at an Escapee meeting here at Treasure Lake.  A fellow Escapee friend, Vern told us about it when we ate their as a group.  We really liked it.  They have a buffet which includes a nice salad bar, broasted chicken (excellent) with mashed potatoes & gravy, mac and cheese, vegetable medley, green beans, pizza bar and dessert bar.  All drinks were $1.39.  We typically order water and that's what we had today.  The food was very good, as usual.

We had a quiet evening here in Bentley.  Dean watched TV and I dozed off and on, so now at almost midnight, since I couldn't sleep, I'm trying to finish this up so I can post it.  

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - Happy Birthday to Me! Friends Arrive; Lunch Outdoors; Girl Shopping; Dinner & Dessert; Evening Visit

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 - Happy Birthday to Me!  Friends Arrive; Lunch Outdoors; Girl Shopping; Dinner & Dessert; Evening Visit 

I woke up around 4:30, but I laid in bed for about fifteen minutes before I decided I wasn't going back to sleep.  It was 42 outside and 60 in Bentley.  We left the fireplace on last night to keep the chill off.

I finished my post from yesterday.  I tried last night but I kept falling asleep.  Typical!!

Dean got up at 6:30, late for him, so then I felt like I was able to get up and do a few things.  Since I hear every little sound I think he can too.  However, once his hearing aids come out each evening I'm not sure I could disturb him too much.  

Once he was up, I made the bed and cleaned the bathroom, which didn't take too long since I had already cleaned the shower.  When you have a postage stamp for a bathroom it doesn't take too long.

We walked 2.25 miles this morning.  It was much warmer outside today.  Today we chose a different direction than our last few walks, heading to the south end of the park so I have several pictures to share.

Our neighbor's Fall decoration just a short distance from our door.

Sun coming up

After we returned from our walk, we had our morning shake and juice.  Speaking of the juice, many times when I mention to someone that we drink Bragg's apple cider vinegar with a fruit juice each morning they ask me how much of each.  I've always guessed at the amount, but this morning I measured it.  I use 2 Tablespoons of the vinegar with 1/4 to 1/3 cup of fruit juice.  We prefer the apple juice because the orange juice adds to the acidity, but if I can't get the apple juice I want, we'll slip in a can of orange juice now and then.  I prefer to use the frozen - it's cheaper and makes quite a bit.

The path we took today - we get a great workout on this trail as its up and down both ways.

Bridge with waterway below - it will be full later this week with the predicted rain.

It's a beautiful day, so we are going to have lunch outside at our picnic table.  I pulled out my outdoor table cloth and my tray to carry the condiments for the soup outside.   I made taco soup, with condiments of avocado, sour cream, cheese and baked tortilla strips.  

Bench with eagle and owl carved into it.

Another section of the trail.

Our friends Donna and David (former RVer's) are coming to visit us.  They are staying at one of the cabins here in the park - just a short distance from our site.  I am fixing lunch for us and then we'll decide what to do after that.

Sunshine highlights the trees.

They arrived about 12:15, where we met them at the office to check them in.  After completing their check-in they followed us to their site.  Dean pointed out where we were parked and they will walk up once they get settled.  I warmed the soup up as I had turned it off about 30 minutes earlier, and gathered up the condiments on the tray to carry outside.  Everything was almost ready when they made it to the rig.  Donna brought a loaf of pumpkin bread she had made.  Yumm!  Before we ate though, I had something I wanted to give Donna.  I bought this for her from Debbie B. at the Heartland rally.  Donna raises chickens for the eggs, so a few pictures below - you will see the hand towel I gave her.

Decorative items throughout the park.

Miniature golf course in the park

 We took the food outside to the picnic table since we don't have the best seating inside the rig.  We only have two chairs at the table, and while we could make it work inside it was so nice outside today.  (The wind did decide to blow a little so we had to keep an eye on light weight items - like the napkins and lids for the bowls the condiments were in). Lol!

If you enlarge this you can see the top of the ferris wheel that is on the strip (76 Highway).  Beautiful view.

The flag (sorry no wind today) is the location of a Veteran's Memorial in the park.

A short distance in front of this, we turned around to head back.  

 We were so glad David and Donna took the time to drive here and spend some time with us.  We miss them since they no longer RV and it was great spending the day with them.  After our lunch, I washed the dishes real quick, then we each had a thick piece of pumpkin bread that was delicious.  Shortly afterwards, Donna and I took off for Tanger Mall.  She was looking for a pair of shoes, and our first stop was at the Skechers Outlet to look for them.  As I started to get out of the car I realized I had left my phone at the RV - so I did not have my card to make any purchases!  What a disappointment!  Oh well, it was fun to look and I just enjoyed spending the time with Donna. 

I had not been in the Skechers store before and I was amazed at all of the shoe styles they have.  I've only seen their shoes on display in large shoe stores with many other brands.  One of the things I like about their shoes is they are slip-on's. 

The fishing pond.  At this point, we turned around and started the walk back to Bentley.

Another shot of the miniature golf course.

Donna and I stopped at a number of other stores - and while we found some cute things neither of us made any other purchases.  We mostly visited as we walked through several different dress stores.  At 3-3:30 we decided we should go back and get ready for dinner - to beat the crowd.  That turned out to be a good idea.  When we returned we talked about where to eat, but they told me the decision where to go was mine since it was my birthday.  

Many benches are along the trail.

 Dean and I got ready, then I set down to look at options.  I was leaning towards BarBQue, so I asked google for BBQ restaurants in Branson.  They have several and I was trying to decide between Gettin' Basted or Big D's.  Our friends Donnie and Janie introduced us to burnt ends and that is our choice of BBQ chow now.  That's what I was looking for.  In looking at their menu I wasn't sure if Gettin' Basted had them, but as I read the reviews they were mentioned.  When Donna and David arrived, I asked if they liked BBQ and David's eyes lit up - it's his favorite.  He had a friend that recommended they try Gettin' Basted - so that sealed the decision on where we would go.  

Such a beautiful morning.

Same flag - different angles.  

Our site - #200

 The hand towel I gave to Donna:

I bought this at the Heartland Rally to give to our friend Donna.  A mutual RVing friend of ours did the applique on the towel.  Since Donna raises chickens for the eggs, I immediately thought of her and had to buy it.  Just a fun gift.

We arrived at the restaurant early enough we were able to park out front.  While we didn't see any signs to indicate there was parking in the back, we assumed surely there must be as large as the facility was.  Later I did ask a waiter and they said told us there was.  Good to know for future visits.

We all ordered the burnt ends. They were very good.  Dean and I decided to share a plate.  Our sides were potato salad (one of his favorites) and waffle sweet potato fries.  Donna and David both had baked beans (3 different beans).  Donna had fresh vegetables of carrots and broccoli (which I wish I had ordered instead of the waffle fries), and I think David might have had the potato salad as well.  The meal was great and the waiter was kind enough to take our picture.   Later, after Donna had posted the picture on Facebook, she saw someone was concerned I didn't get anything to eat - can you see why in the picture?

 

My birthday dinner with Dean and our good friends David & Donna.  We had not yet, split our meal up between us - but I assure you, I did get some food!

After we finished our dinner, Dean asked the waiter if they had dessert for the birthday girl, but they did not.  So David said he would like to buy dessert for us if we knew of a good place.  I told him "there's only one place to get the best - Cakes and Creams."  I am not sure when the first time I was there but it's the one place we've gone back to over and over again.  I'm pretty sure it was in the late 70's - so it's been just a few years!  It was as good as usual.  We all ordered peach cobbler with ice cream, except for Donna and she chose blackberry.  So good, but now we were really stuffed.

Dean took us on another drive down the strip to the Landing and then back to the campground.  When we got back we asked if they wanted to come in for awhile and we visited for probably and hour before we decided to call it a night.

What a great day it has been.  Throughout the day I received many text messages, Facebook messages and a few phone calls from family and friends.  Each and everyone of them was special and meant so much to me.  I feel extremely blessed that each of you took time out of your day to comment.  Thank you!  I love you all!