Mood:  hug me

Last week, I finally got in my yearly trip to Branson. Usually I go in the spring, when it's cooler, but this year life got in the way, so it was off to Branson in July. Luckily, it wasn't too hot. Oh, it was hot all right, but I've been there at times when it felt like the asphalt was going to melt the soles of your shoes.

 Anyway, I saw 50s at the Hop, News Country Show, and The Rankin Brothers (picture below).

I've seen a lot of changes in Branson throughout the years, from the uncontrolled growth in the early 90s, to the economic slowdown in the last few years. It just finally got too big. There was a time when you saw a lot of no-vacancies on motels, and you bought your show tickets way ahead of time. But now, there are too many shows, too many malls, and too many choices. I still love Branson and will go there, but it'll be interesting to see what changes the current slowdown brings.

 The highlight of the trip was finding a wonderful, charming restaurant called Billy Gail's. It's on highway 265. Go west on 76, and turn left on 265, and it's just a little ways ahead. The atmosphere is charming and the food was out of this world. I WILL be going back.

The pancakes were out of this world. I should say...pancake (singular). One pancake was the size of a hubcap! And good!!!!!

Try Billy Gails.

Till next time...