Thursday, June 28, 2007

Vacation rising!

Since my "model change" at work was Tuesday night and I had old parts to pull from the line, racks to set and new parts to set during the "gap" we decided I needed my wits about me and so instead getting up early, we slept 'til noon. We went and voted (local issues) and then I took the vent fan in the bathroom down to see if I could fix it instead of replacing it; so far I won!

So, at work anyway, it's 2008 now! Strange thought...

Friday we set things so the construction people can work while we are off for two weeks. I'm looking forward perhaps even to an "early out"!

Dottie has taken vacation days to cover what should have been her work days so she will be off for this two weeks as well. Last year we had our 4th of July family celebration here and then went to Vermont to spend the rest of it with her family. I wish we were again this year, but instead I need to roof my garage and there are lots of other things to be done here. If I am lucky I will get a line wet somewhere between all of them!

During the 2nd week we are going to Branson for a couple of days; we haven't been since 1983. We were there with my Dad that spring for the last "family vacation" the way we used to do them before his cancer put him in the hospital; then later in the year her Mom came out from Vermont to visit and we went back because she really wanted to see the Ozarks though she was dying from lung cancer at the time. She got some time on the lake, and we took her to Silver Dollar City; though we pushed her in a wheelchair through the park, she rode every ride! She and Dottie also got a flight in a helicopter over the city and out over Table Rock Lake. Her Mom had been a mechanical engineer for Pratt and Whitney during WW2, laying out assembly lines and hiring for them, among other things. She truly loved that helicopter ride, not only for the beauty of the country, but the appreciation of the aircraft as well!

It's going to be very strange going back there again; I know enough things have changed that the memories won't be quite so vivid, but having spent every summer there from 1967 to 1983 with the exception of the years I was in California (even making one from there the summer after Dottie and I were married) I have a lot of memories...

The first time I saw Silver Dollar City it was one block square; you parked in front of the "1881 hotel"; it was free and it cost a quarter to go down into Marvel Cave! It was early 1962, and Dad had rented a camper for the back of his 1961 Ford pickup to see if "camping" was something we could all enjoy. We spent a few days at Roaring River State Park and then went to Branson and stayed at "Stormy Point" campground...

That fall, my sister and I were amazed to see this place we had just been show up on television. They were calling it "Bug Tussle" and it was supposedly where "The Beverly Hillbillies" had come from.

So, 45 years later, I guess we'll see what it looks like now!

Anyway, with Dottie off my time here will become scarce; I hope you all forgive me!

Thinking of you all!

alan

20 comments:

Green tea said...

Hi Alan, Just want you to know
you won the poll on my blog..LOL

I haven't been to Branson since 1991

I enjoyed the time there very much.

I too would like to see the Ozarks, but my main goal is to see the Clinton Library someday even if I have to go by my self, since retirement is not in Hubba's vocabulary.
Enjoy your time with Dottie we will be here when you come back.

Lori said...

Alan,

We used to go to the Branson often, too though I haven't been there since about 1994. Our neighbors are retiring next year and moving there. A high school classmate of mine used to have a dulcimer shop there (Troy Heard) Look him up for me will you?!

Your memories are precious, especially seeing Dottie's mother have so much joy from her trip. That is priceless.

Wishing you both a wonderful trip. Enjoy yourself for all of us!
Be safe.

P.S. Thank you for your sweet comments at my blog. Very appreciated, my friend.

Lois Lane said...

Forgiven! Have fun, take pictures, post them soon!!!

Kranki said...

I've never heard of Branson so I hope you can post lots of photos for a stoopid Canadian like me. Have a wonderful rest (I laughed when I typed that because you always get so much done in your down time)and we'll see you when you get back.

Take care!

Heidi said...

Enjoy every min of your vacation!..Don't worry about us. ;)

Connie in FL said...

The Ozarks was a must summer vacation when I was growinng up in Missouri. We piled tents in the boat and spent the day in our bathing suits swimming and waterskiing that vast beauty.

I haven't been to Silver Dollar City since the 70's. Still a craftsman's paradise more than an amusement park. I have some gorgeous handmade baskets and brooms. I hear now it's sort of a cross between Las Vegas and small town USA.

Enjoy your vacation! Post some of that beautiful photography and RELAX!

Anonymous said...

The story about Dottie's Mom was great...I can just picture that helicopter ride. How wonderful for her Mom.
I hope you enjoy your time with Dottie.
Try and get some rest in there somewhere! :)

stay safe

Angeline Rose Larimer said...

So much going on in this post.

I haven't been to Branson, but this made me want to go.
My people get together in Michigan, but we're not going this year.
We lost Grandpa a few years ago, and the family still scrambles to make it what it was...good times on the lake. Trouble is, we've had a time and a half with opinions v. my son, so I've lately thought about starting new traditions and moving on.
This post made me wonder what it's gonna be like, going to that lake in twenty years...
Been going to it for thirty years, and it's near time for the cottage to be sold. I've been preparing myself for it. It's gonna be rough, but so much is over built these days, and I heard the Boy Scout camp just sold all its land to developers.

Ah, life.
Memories.
Ups and downs.
I hope you're having a great time making new memories.
Looking forward to the pictures, as well.

mckait said...

I have never been to Branson...but it sounds like you enjoy every bitof it... I am glad that you will be going again.. what a nice thing.. to do family vacations like that...

oh and good for Dottie's mom!
riding every ride.... just thinking of most of them make me dizzy...

sounds like a good time is in store for you... and I look forward to the photos!

puhpaul said...

Have a great vacation Alan!

paul

Hawaiianmark said...

Go speedracer, GO!


Enjoy, enjoy!

ALoha!

Dr. Deb said...

I've never been there.

dragonflyfilly said...

i remember you telling us about your trip to Silver Dollar City awhile back.

i have been thinking about you there in Kansas, since a tornado blew through the small town of Creston, BC, causing some damage and injuring people...

on a lighter note, hope you have a wonderful time and look forward to your vacation photos.

pj

dragonflyfilly said...

p.s. when you get back hurry over to submit your suggestion to name my one and only teddy...
also, note that you are still in first place at "The Blethering Place" Links!

Me said...

OMG, that sounds like fun! I'm jealous.

Hurry back, you hear?

:-)

CrackerLilo said...

I hope you and Dottie have a great time, and look forward to your blog about your vacation adventures!

Taradharma said...

That Branson trip with mom sounds like a true life highlight! How great for all of you!

So buddy...when you get back, I have tagged you! Play if ya want - ck my blog.

Happy Trails!

Puffer said...

I hope u are having a great time!

Barbara said...

I remember your Vermont vacation and can't wait to hear about your trip to Branson. Will you post pics too?
Have fun,
Barbara

Green tea said...

Hope you are having a nice peaceful vacation..
Enjoy those sumer days on the lake..