A refreshing trait of the folks there is they don't use profanity. I don't recall hearing a single word of it from the locals during our stay, with one 'exception'. I was in a gas station and some young folks were having a heated discussion about their cell phone plans. One young man used the word 'freakin' to describe his plan and immediately caught himself and turned to me and apologized for 'swearing'. Refreshing indeed! As I've said before, it would be a fine place to live and raise a family.
We were privileged to work with three other couples, Becky and Dave, Bob and Terri, and Lynn and Barry, all from Texas. They taught us how to tolerate the heat there in Branson; learn to go quickly from your air conditioned camper to your air conditioned car before you work up a sweat. ;) ;) Seriously, we had a great time with them and hope to meet up again. We wish them the very best in their future endeavors.
The last two days we worked were Wednesday and Thursday, August 29 and 30. I took pictures of some of the good folks we were privileged to work with during our two months. These are not all the people we worked with, but they are the ones who were there on our last two days.
This is Gala, our creative and hard-working director who handles the day-to-day operations of the visitor center, and our 'boss'. (I use that word with great affection) We certainly enjoyed working with her and wish her the best.
This is Morgan, who is director of special events at the visitor center and does a wonderful job promoting the visitor center to all visitors, both kids and adults.
This is Sherryl, (with Barb) who helps us to keep things running smoothly in the visitor center, gives tours of the dam when necessary, and provided Barb with a supply of tasty, fresh veggies.
This is Charlie, one of the tour guides and trolley drivers for the Table Rock Dam tours. Though he works for 'Ride the Ducks', he is one of the best ambassadors for the Dewey Short Visitor Center and Branson.
Here's Charlie at work
This is Alfred, one of two hard working janitors who keep the visitor center looking like new. As you can see, we have to protect ourselves from his 'enthusiasm' sometimes.
This is Beth, the other hard-working janitor and friend. Good luck with future endeavors, Beth.
Here's Bob and Dave, fellow volunteers, trying to figure out why there are no visitors. (Hint: Try unlocking the doors....duh)
And here we are in front of the hand painted map.
One final look at the entrance to our workplace for two months........see you next year!
After leaving Branson Thursday evening, we found our way to Flippin, Arkansas where we spent the night. Friday we made our way to Jackson, Tennessee where we met up with internet friends Betty and Noel. We enjoyed conversation and a good meal with them before calling it a day.
Saturday we continued South and East to Jacksonville, Alabama to spend a few days with good, good friends Carl and Mary. As usual, we had a great time visiting with them and their wonderful family.
Tuesday morning we left Jacksonville heading for very special friends, Janie and Jim, in North Carolina. We spent a couple days reminiscing and catching up with family news and especially enjoyed Janie's homemade biscuits in the morning. ;)
Friday afternoon we said our goodbys and started the last leg of our trip back home to Pennsylvania. Originally we had planned to stop overnight and finish the journey Saturday morning. However, I felt good as night fell and continued the 543 mile drive till we got home at 1:00am Saturday morning. I'm sure the anxiety of getting home helped keep me going, and it was well worth the effort.
Barb fell in love with her washer, dryer and dishwasher and I got to know real work again as we were faced with the chores of keeping up a home. Though, I must say, the kids did a fantastic job caring for our place while we were gone. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!
Well, that about brings us up to date for now, and we're looking forward to new adventures next year. Till then, be kind, be safe, and see you down the road.
Ron & Barb
