Weep with those who weep, rejoice with those who joy!

Leaving Texas we headed Northeast towards Branson, Mo.

First boundary the Admiral guided us through was Oklahoma. This border inspired us to do way 'off' Broadway renditions of songs from that great musical. We saw a lot of hawks making lazy circles in the sky. We knew we belong to the land, and the land we belong to is grand...Having to stop on the way Sunday night,  we stayed at Hidden Lake RV park in Ardmore, OK where we ran into a family from Los Angeles on our right, and a retired couple checking in from Bothell, Washington. Then we changed our tune to "It's a small world after all! We drove all day until we ended up at the Will Rogers overpass and truckstop around midnight. We had to look up Will Rogers to understand who he was. Hint, his companion did not call him, "Kemo Sabe."

Holy Catfish, the bugs are big in the south. The Admiral is always in the front taking care of us as we travel.  At left he ushers us into Missouri.









We stopped in Norman, OK to purchase a foam topper for our mattress. It has been miserable and I have not been sleeping well. It really helped and was worth the money, but is straining our weeks budget. We made it all the way to Branson, yesterday.  Parked along a riverside and railroad bridge the Branson Landing RV is a great little place. We made some calls and started planning the next legs of the journey.  Bob caught these views on his early morning walk-about. The Ozark 'mountains' are very interesting. They consist of scrub cedar, small oaks, and several other broadleaf trees. It is early October and the mountains have the first flush of color at the leaves changing. The hills and fivers are cut through stone. It was interesting to find out that there are many caves in this area. Some large enough you can be cart driven through them.  Rain has been visiting us here to refresh our PNW longings.

The sound of rain on the rig made soothing rhythms on its metal sides. Fishermen cast for trout that are found in this area. It is still a warm balmy day with a much quieter pace on the streets and more congested time on the roadways. People stay in or travel covered when it rains. Perhaps Bass Pro Shops down the road should sell rain gear, or they should buck up and realize it is only rain. We did have our reality shaken when we saw the Tornado safe areas in restaurants and the Urgent Care clinic that I went to.



One of the reasons we wanted to come to Branson, Missouri was to visit this place and be with Pastor Bruce Haynes. We just missed a concert on Sunday because we were not here by Sunday, but we did arrive Monday night hoping to join together with this special person on Tuesday. Sadly tragedy hit this congregation Tuesday morning. We did not want to interfere but were able to join a prayer meeting last night. It was very sweet, although we could feel the pain, we could also feel the trust they had in their loving Savior.  We could hear affirmation of the trust knowing Jesus left his Holy Spirit to be their comfort even in the midst of their biggest sorrows. There was a kinship of spirit and a sharing of purpose. God be glorified even in our pain. It was a privilege to join them. May God indeed guide and care for them during this particularly tough season and change in their life. The peace and sweetness in the chapel was a gift to us.

The side walls were adorned with beautiful banners stating the Jehovah names of God, and this banner was particularly meaningful seeing that the USA is right in the middle of Jerusalem. When we pray for their peace, we join in praying for the unity and peace of the USA, also.

Our stand with Jerusalem and Israel is important and must be protected. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem and it will go well with us.
Psalm 122:6

We want to visit their 'Restoration Center', also. I have been sick hurting my back, I had to go to the doctor today, but am getting some help and should be great again in a couple of days.

This is a multifaceted town, it has entertainment 'palaces' and theaters with all kinds of shows: Country, Gospel, Magic, Dance, Acrobatics.

There are also two other faces to Branson, it is a lovely smaller homey town with a true Southern feel, farm to menu restaurants, small stores, and farmer's markets. There are some great fishin' holes and local hangouts. I went to the doctor and got in quickly and had great service. I was relieved and am looking forward to feeling better. I went out to lunch with Bob so I could take my medicine on a full stomach and we loved the place we found.

The other town Branson is, it is almost Carmel like, with many trendy stores, activities, fashion houses, and novel coffee shops. Food, nightlife, bars, and Uber to take you wherever you need to go, as well as old-time trolleys, and area golf-cart assistance to wherever you need to go in the area.

Since we have had some unexpected expenses we are not going to take in any of the big shows. This saves us the stress of making a decision. We are going to feel better and get on the road again!