Building One's Self Up

I ran away from HOME last week.  Went to Branson.  Drove there all by myself.  Spent a few days in a quiet condo relaxing to become more spiritual and calm.  Making PEACE.  

Events in my LIFE that began to build up got the best of me.  I needed a three day HOLIDAY where I had time to pray, read, talk out loud to GOD and gather my thoughts.

I wrote down on paper just what was bothering me.

Things that I wanted to compare with my HUSBAND's list that he wrote earlier.

We're still talking.  Comparing notes.

It will take some time and effort to finish the lists.

For the time being, I needed some R and R.

Sometimes we need some time for heart to heart talks.

My time had come.

I did super on my diet.

Yogurt and salads.

Water and black coffee.

Husband joined me a few days later and we returned to tour the TITANIC.  October 2017 was our first time in Branson.  I wanted to return to see the TITANIC again plus do a few things we didn't get accomplished in 2017.  Also wanted to revisit the Dime Store like none other.  A place like stepping back in time.  We did for a short time.  Just like the good old days.

RETURN TO THE TITANIC, EAT AT THE FARMHOUSE FAMILY RESTAURANT, 

GO TO THE DOLLY PARTON'S STAMPEDE, DICK'S FIVE AND DIME, GO THROUGH RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT 

AND SEE A SHOW.  

TITANIC MUSEUM

My back gave me fits while we toured.

Frequently sitting I got through the TITANIC.

My spirits did not sink.

When you enter the TITANIC MUSEUM

you are given a character card.

Mine survived the tragedy as she was 38 year old 

Gertrude Maybelle Thorne who was the mistress of traveling companion George Rosenshine who used Gertrude's last name and posed as husband and wife on the TITANIC.

She survived.  He did not.

humpf.

My character in October 2017 was 48 year old Lady Duff Gordon

who survived as well.  I was fortunate.

Truly, the TITANIC staircase and the example of a first class bedroom was outstanding.  This museum is fully loaded with information about the TITANIC.  Very well done.

THIS PIC DOESN'T DO THIS 

FIRST CLASS BEDROOM JUSTICE.

Eating fried chicken at the FARMHOUSE FAMILY RESTAURANT was one of those things that HUBBY wanted to do.

So we had a very delicious meal at the FARMHOUSE FAMILY RESTAURANT.

DOLLY PARTON's STAMPEDE

The illusionist 

Rick Thomas's Magic SHOW 

was beyond smooth and entertaining.

DICK's 5 and Dime

A huge dime store on main street attracts so many people it's difficult getting around.

Ripley's Believe It Or Not

Leaving Branson took place and I got a HURT's DONUT for the road.  My yearly pig out took place after doing so well on my diet during my stay.

How do I put it...it hurts donut???

I'm HOME now.
The drive was a long one, but worth it.
I'd like to go back again to Branson and do a few more things I didn't get to do this go round.  ~d

We Took A Vacation

Settling in for the evening.  Busy day.  Traveled to TOPEKA for my Husband's 6 month sonogram.  We spent the day in Topeka.  The weather was so pretty it was a pleasure to be outside.  Clear blue skies and whispy clouds.

The morning was chilly, but warmed as the clock ticked.  From chilly to just fine.  Little breeze and little on my mind.  Much going on in the world, but I was willing to let it be.

After his appointment we dined at McFarlands Family Restaurant.  Had the Pork Chop SPECIAL which fed my appetite with smoked pork chop, green beans, cream styled corn, roll with butter.  Warm coffee was sipped as I ate chocolate cake.  We sat visiting.  Warm coffee and conversation.    

Nearly out of gas.  Fuel for body then fuel for the auto.  Close to SAMs needing batteries, milk and coffee creamer.  We didn't stay long before moving on to shop at the local K-MART going out of business with clearance prices to encourage customers to spend.  They had their CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS displayed with 30% off prices.  

Smiling I picked up the last of the snowflakes I have been buying through the years.  They had them.  Originally I was going to CHRISTMAS shop early in hopes of getting more snowflakes before they melted away in this red hot sale in someone else's shopping cart.  

They've been so popular that they go fast.  Yesterday we stopped at the Kansas City K-MART hoping to pick up Jaclyn Smith's snowflakes.  NONE.  

Today, I was fortunate to purchase 12 big flakes.  I went HOME with them for Christmas decorating.  I can see them in my imagination dangling from garland somewhere in the house.

Iridescent, transparent and light blue snowflakes.  My collection grows as I know in the near future that Jaclyn Smith's decorations will disappear as K-MART stores do.  I think K-MART will vanish as SEARS and MONTGOMERY WARDS has.  A trend in the world of discount stores.  Gone.  

Today was a great day to gather snowflakes.

At the thrift shop, I quickly pushed a shopping cart about browsing for bargains.  A small silver plated tray caught my eye and that was enough.  We headed home so I could pay a utility bill due.    

Husband slept as I admired the landscape that is so pretty to see.    The turning of the leaves is more advanced than what I viewed in Missouri in Branson.  WE TOOK OUR VACATION.  I did rest and got refreshed wishing I could have stayed for a month.  More on that later.  We spent a very nice week in the OZARKS.  I've never been and neither had my Husband.

Very nice week together as Husband and Wife.  In 43 years, we have NEVER had a vacation as empty nesters until this October.  We did it.  Now to get the laundry caught up and get back at decluttering as I remember the fun we had in Branson.  

This is where I watched so many cowboy shows and rode the make believe ponies.  Gitty up.   
  
WONDERFUL,
d