MarytheKaytheBlog

Branson's Best Hiking Trail, and How I Realized I'm Not in as Good of Shape as I Thought...

First, I should be honest.  I have only hiked a couple of places in Branson.  Now, I do plan to remedy that fact, because our family had the BEST TIME this weekend hiking a GORGEOUS trail--the Lakeside Wilderness Hiking Trail.

In case you didn't notice in the title, this is also the story of how I felt pretty confident going in...and came out a sweaty, huffing, tired, and muscles quivering kind of mess.  Albeit a smiling sweaty mess.

Our family has been wanting (okay, maybe only ONE of us has been wanting) to hike this trail for quite a while.  However, we sort of stumbled onto it this weekend, as we were on some geo-caching hunts.  This particular hunt was called "Soldier's Cave."  And it was a spectacular hunt, indeed!

Our hunt for the soldier's cave took us down the blue trail, and we ended up going even farther--as far as Rebecca is pointing.  On our way back up, an experienced hiker told us the trail leads as far as Sunset Park--at the Branson Landing. (Although, supposedly, a land owner recently put up a fence blocking part of it at the end.)

This hiking trail is located on Fall Creek Road--directly across the street from Dick Clark's theater.  There's a nice gravel parking lot, and even public restrooms.

From the moment we arrived, all 4 of us kept saying, "This is just so neat!"  "This is beautiful!"

One of my favorite things about this hike is the fact that Dr. Lyle Owen's abandoned old rock home is in the middle of the woods on the hike.  Even though we knew the house was nestled in the woods there, when we came up on it, we felt like we were the first ones to discover it!  Surrounding the old homeplace are beautiful hand-laid rock walls.  I could just picture Dr. Owen, a rocket scientist who retired to this homesite in Branson in the 1930s, carrying rock after rock after rock to form the graceful wall.  

The picture above is the lovely entrance from the home's yard to the staircase of hand-laid fieldstone that winds down the bluff towards Lake Taneycomo.  Dr. Owen and 2 other men spent 2 years (1937 and 1938) building the lovely staircase--315 steps in all.

Exploring down these weather-worn and foot-worn steps made me feel like we were traveling back in time.  It made me wonder what the men were thinking each day as they'd add another couple of steps.  Did they have any idea that 75 years later, people would still be admiring their beautiful craftsmanship?

Once we reached the bottom of the stairs, we kept going.  We were on the hunt for a secret cave that a Confederate soldier hid in during the Civil War!  All along the way, we just marveled at the beauty surrounding us--the lush greenery, little peeks of Lake Taneycomo down below, the rock cliffs carved out by dripping water and waterfalls.

We met a couple of families on the way, whose kids were just as thrilled as ours to be running ahead of the parents, in search of the next "amazing thing" ahead!

We found 2 caves, both of which we braved it, and walked into the darkened caverns.  The girls loved learning how quickly their eyes adjusted to the darkness just by closing them for 30 seconds.  The Confederate's cave was larger than we had imagined.  It was thrilling to imagine him living there, and braving the elements.  (Yes, we FOUND the geo-cache!)

Sweet Sara Beth was excited to find some pretty wildflowers along the way.  By this time, we were on our way back up the stairs--remember there are 315 of them!!  Of course, she handed the delicate bouquet to her mama, who in an out-of-breath huffing voice said, "You.  Are.  Going.  To.  Have.  To.  Hold.  Them.  Mama.  Is.  Too.  Tired.  To.  Hold.  Thank.  You.  Sweet.  Girl."

We stopped and rested a few times on the way back up--mostly to give the mama a chance to catch her breath, and wipe away more sweat.  We had to move up the steps pretty quickly, as we were trying to "beat the dark home" (a quote from one of my FAVORITE movie sequels) and get some dinner in our ravenous tummies.

We all fell into our seats in the car, and were silent for a few moments as we all sucked on water bottles.  I noticed that, even though we all were exhausted and sweaty and tired, we were all smiling.

This was a family hike that I think we will all remember.  It was just a family MOMENT we will all remember--a family adventure that was free of fussing and complaining, and that was just plain FUN.

What's a memorable adventure YOU'VE experienced?

What makes me smile?

These things make me smile...on a regular basis:

1.  Watching tourists walk around our downtown.  I love seeing their smiles, their hand-holding, and their leisurely pace.  Seeing them always reminds me to slow down, and enjoy more.

2.  When I hear my daughters' voices singing beside me at church.

3.  When I see someone walking a dog in a park, and having to pick up the (eek! fresh!) doggie poo.  (I'm sorry--I'm just being honest here.  I freely admit that my humor is on a junior high level.)

4.  When someone else's baby is screaming at the top of her lungs in Target.  Because I have BEEN THERE.  A LOT.  I usually try to give the frazzled mom an empathetic smile that says, "Hang in there, mama.  This phase will pass soon."

5.  When the "Hot Now" sign is lit at Krispy Kreme

6.  I smile even bigger when my husband turns the car into the parking lot.

7.  When I see an elderly couple holding hands tenderly.  Even better when he's holding her pocketbook.

8.  I also smile when I see an elderly man with a comb-over.

9.  Men with mullets also make me smile.  And I have to say--there are some mighty impressive mullets that come through our town.

10.  Groups of older women walking down the beach together.  There's nothing better than lifelong friendships.

11.  When my junior high daughter reaches out to hold my hand

12.  Miniature-sized things 

13.  When I see the verification phrase: "Prove that you're not a robot"

14.  When I get a new text notification

15.  When I see my husband snuggling with our daughters at bedtime, and telling them his Little Mouse stories.

16.  "Welcome to Florida" signs

 17.  Whenever we sing some of my old favorites at church:  Amazing Grace, Holy Holy Holy...and because of my 3rd grade Sunday School class--a rousing rendition of He Lives.

18.  Any Napoleon Dynamite quote

19.  Fresh falling snow

20.   People who comment!  :-)

 Now it's YOUR turn!  What makes YOU SMILE?

The whole idea for this post is from the brilliant Mama Kat's Writer's Workshop. Please hop on over to her blog to read about what makes other people smile.

My TOP TEN Favorite Places to Eat in Branson

 Let's talk food today, shall we?  One of my favorite subjects--and also the reason I had to take up running.  *sigh*

I get asked frequently by guests my favorite restaurant recommendations.  Just the other day I made a list for a family friend coming to town.   I thought it would be fun to tell you about my top ten favorites--and to ask YOU about your favorites when you come to Branson.  

If your answer is, "I've never been to Branson."  I would ask--"WHY the heck NOT??" Branson is such a GREAT family vacation!

Come visit!  And while you're here--here are some good vittles!  (That's Branson-talk, for you tourists!)

All right, grab a snack...'cause this list is gonna put a hankerin' in ya...

 

1.  Billy Gail's -  They serve breakfast and lunch, but eat the breakfast--which is served all day!  Hands down, this is the best Ozarks breakfast experience in town!  Their pancakes are BIGGER than your plate!   Expect to wait 20ish minutes for a table--but worth it!  While you're waiting, you'll have time to explore the antique/thrift items for sale, and there's even an area with toys for kids!

Recently, I tried Billy Gail's "Sloppy Biscuit"--which happened to include all my breakfast favorites: biscuit, fried egg over medium, sausage, shredded hashbrowns, cheese, and GRAVY.  It was AMAZING!!!

2. The Keeter Center (located on the College of the Ozarks campus) - Their Sunday brunch is pricey, but AMAZING.  Totally worth it for a special occasion!  Reservations here are helpful--especially on a busy weekend.  If you can't do the Sunday brunch, eat lunch or dinner there.  I especially like eating there when I want a quiet, non-hurried meal. Chef Stricklin's menu is creative, and is focused on using fresh, local ingredients.

3. Big Cedar Lodge- Devil's Pool Restaurant--For several years, this was my go-to place for our anniversary dinner--I'd like the prime rib with horseradish sauce, please!  Mmm, melt in your mouth good!  Reservations are nice, but not required.  LOVELY rustic atmosphere and totally worth the drive.  Be sure to walk around Big Cedar's grounds, and check out the interesting gift shop.

 

4.  Danna's BBQ - My FAVORITE BBQ in town!!!  And maybe in the whole wide world!  There are 3 locations--and all 3 share the same yummy menu--but our family prefers the out-of-the-busy-traffic one in Kirbyville.  Their burgers are the amazing old-fashioned kind that require a couple of napkins.  I'm kind of in love with their stuffed baked potato with pulled pork.  Plus, they serve Coke in a styrofoam cup:  pure perfection.

5.  Cantina Laredo - Really wonderful and fresh Mexican food on The Branson Landing.  Get the Top Shelf guacamole, made fresh at your table.  My husband and I love sharing the Botanas Platter as our entree, and saving room for an ice cream dessert (see #10 below!)  

6.  The Dixie Stampede- This is always in our TOP 5 fun things to do in Branson that we suggest to our guests.  It combines a GREAT meal and a very entertaining show--all into one AMAZING experience!  Mmm, my stomach is growling right now just thinking about their yummy food.

7. Billy Bob's Dairyland- Great place for an old fashioned burger and milkshake.  It's a small diner, but so fun with its 50's decor!  In my humble opinion, this is the best burger in Branson--with Danna's being a VERY CLOSE 2nd.

8. Panera bread- I know this is a chain, but it really is a great place for wonderful, fresh food--especially if you're in a bit of a hurry.  They serve great salads, sandwiches, soups,  and bread!  Currently, my favorites are the Asian Sesame Chicken Salad and the Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich.

9. Vasken's Deli- This is a local hangout, and a local's well-kept secret! They serve wonderful Greek/Mediterranean sandwiches and salads.  The chicken gyro (and add the olive relish!) is my favorite!

10.  Cold Stone - What would a list of restaurants be without DESSERT???  Boring, is what that would be!  We absolutely love the friendly and fun atmosphere at Cold Stone. My current favorite is chocolate ice cream with chocolate shavings--in a waffle bowl, please!  

 

There ya have it!  My TOP TEN favorite places to eat in Branson.

Want MORE Branson recommendations?  I have a whole category dedicated to Branson Fun:  What Happens in Branson...is Fun! 

Now--what are some of YOUR favorite places to eat?

 

Summer blessings...picking berries with friends

One of my very favorite summer things to do in the Branson area is picking berries at Persimmon Hill Farms.  Persimmon Hill is about an hour from Branson--and worth every single mile!

It's become a yearly tradition in early June to meet my sister and her dear friend Wendy--and all the kids--and to go blueberry picking.  (Click here for Wendy's AMAZING blueberry cobbler recipe! Scroll to the bottom...)

That's exactly what we did last Wednesday.  It was a PERFECT day to pick!  Cool and sunny, and not too crowded.

Here are the youngest 3 ready to get started.  Aren't they sweet...as blueberry pie?

Persimmon Hill provides the buckets and rope to tie around your waist...or messenger bag style like Sara Beth.  

We started in the blueberry section, but realized there weren't many blueberries left.  The mild winter and spring brought the berries extra early this year--and we were about a week past the peak blueberries.

So, we headed over to the blackberries.  I had never picked blackberries before, and was happy to find out that they were just as easy to pick as blueberries.

 Here's Nathan, showing me his blackberry.  But, he did NOT want to eat it, no siree.

So, I ate it.  And maybe another one...or fifteen...

When the kids got tired, they just found a shady spot beneath the bushes, and sat a while...and ate a few berries, too!

 I really love this next picture.  We only see Caroline and her sisters a couple of times a year, but Sara Beth and Caroline picked right up just like they were best buddies!

Right after I took this picture, they assured me I could go on and leave them.  Since Sara Beth was 7 and Caroline was 6, Sara Beth could babysit.

 

Normally, I am rushing around through life, and don't always take time to notice the little things... But, when I took the picture below--of me with a handful of blackberries, I remember thinking how BLESSED I felt in that moment.  

Blessed to be enjoying the sun-warmed fruits plucked right off their stems.  Blessed to be enjoying the sweet-tasting berries God created for his children to enjoy.

In that moment, I stopped and wondered what other blessings in life do I miss?  The amazing things God gives to me--all ready to pluck and enjoy--that either I rush past, or gobble up, without recognizing its generous giver.

But, I am thankful that last Wednesday, I was able to stop for a moment, and thank the Creator of the juicy blackberries and blueberries.

Have you had a moment of quiet gratefulness recently?

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
     Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!    -Psalm 34:8

Playing Tourist in Branson

Two of Dave's aunts came to visit last week, so our family got to play tourist guides.  I have to tell you--we sometimes forget what a FUN town we live in.  Typically, we take all the shortcuts driving around town, and avoid certain restaurants and activities during high tourist season.  We've become pretty savvy about avoiding all the tourist hot spots.

But, this weekend?  We were smack dab in the middle of it all.  And we had a blast!  (Of course, 2 fun aunts sure added to the excitement!)

The activity that topped the list for me was the brand new Joseph musical at the Sight and Sound theater.  I was really looking forward to the new musical--especially since it has already gotten great reviews.  But, WOW.  It far exceeded my expectations!  The set design is AMAZING.  Joseph's elaborate sets and costumes would rival any Broadway show.  The beautiful songs and upbeat dances kept all of us entertained the entire 2 hours.  The story of forgiveness that runs through the whole story was believeable, and had me thinking about it even after it was over.  Seriously, I recommend you do NOT MISS this show while it's here!

Next, on my list of fun was the Dixie Stampede.  It's been a couple of years since I've been, and there were some amazing additions!  I couldn't stop giggling the entire time the miniature horses were racing around the track.  I also loved the addition of the bird "dancer" flying through the air.  I was happy that I was really hungry when we arrived, and of course, the food did NOT disappoint!  (Anybody else want to "amen" the buttery cheese biscuits?)

One night, we decided to go play miniature golf.  Our town is filled with great miniature golf courses.  We have so many to choose from!  We picked an outdoor one, since the weather was PERFECT that evening!  However, in the hundred-degree summer, I love that our little town has a couple of nice and cool INDOOR miniature golf courses.

The activity that was both at the top AND the bottom of my list...was our 2-day garage sale.  We were uncertain about having a garage sale, since our aunts were in town...but (once they saw our garage!!!), they encouraged us to have the sale, and offered to pitch in.  The sale was at the top of my list--because, hello, CASH MONEY!!  The sale was at the bottom of my list--because, ugh, I really hate garage sales.  But, the best part of every garage sale (besides the CASH) is that beautiful feeling of bagging everything up afterwards, and dropping it off at the thrift store.  Even though I was tired and sweating in that moment, I felt exhilirated to be getting RID of so much stuff.  I think I could easily get addicted to that feeling.

Sadly, Dave's aunts have gone home, and we are back to normal life in Branson.  We're back to driving the shortcuts and avoiding the tourist spots.  But, it sure was FUN for a couple of days!!!  (We already miss you, Ginger and Jean!!)

What did you do this weekend?

Celebrating a Birthday...Airborne!

I want to give a birthday shout out to my sweet 12-year-old Rebecca!!!  Where have the years gone?  It seems like only yesterday I was holding a sweet little fuzzy blond-haired baby girl. 

Well...she wasn't all that little... (Click here if you want to read about Rebecca's birth story, as well as find out how much she weighed at birth.  I PROMISE you will not guess her birth weight...)

Dave and I prayed and prayed a long time for a baby.  Every day of her life--now for 12 years--we have thanked God for such a sweet blessing, our daughter, our Becca Boo.

To celebrate her last year as a pre-teen (sigh), we invited a couple of dear friends to go ziplining!  Because nothing says "Happy Birthday" like FLYING THROUGH THE AIR!

Sweet friends, and an adoring little sister who was thrilled to be included!

We started out at the Sky Surfer Zipline.  This is brand new to our town, and is the only one of its kind in the world!  I have to tell you--it is AMAZING!!!  We all LOVED it! 

Even I rode it--and I am afraid of heights.  I just hiked up my big girl pants, and decided I didn't want to miss out!  The fact that I could sit down on the "surf board" and hang on for dear life made it much easier.  I am SO GLAD I joined in!  I loved every second of my ride!!

Our Flight Instructor was amazing!  In fact, everyone at the Sky Surfer was all about good customer service!   (I promise they didn't pay me to say this!  They were just so friendly, and so helpful!)

 

You can even STAND UP on the Sky Surfer!  A couple of the girls--and Dave--literally surfed through the skies!

 

Next, on our airborne adventures was the Adventure Ziplines of Branson...

And, once again, the people there could not have been ANY nicer or more helpful!  (Big shout out thank you to Kate and Jared Story!!!)

I may have been a big girl at the Sky Surfer, but this spiral staircase at the entrance told me I would be the designated "picture taker" and "watcher." 

And, very contently, I sat in one of the rocking chairs on their back deck with Rebecca's Grandma and Grandpa, and sipped on a cold Coke while we enjoyed the GORGEOUS afternoon!

Look what we got to watch...

Well, here's the birthday girl herself!

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

 I really love this pic...Photo credit: Kate Story, Adventure Ziplines

 

After a full afternoon of ziplining, and after a starving girls dinner at Freddy's, we loaded up and headed to our FAVORITE place for ALL celebrations--COLD STONE!!! 

What a sweet way (literally!) to end a fun day celebrating our Rebecca.

Cold Stone treats = Smiling girls!  (And smiling mama taking the picture)

We love you, sweet girl!

(Just so you know, no one paid me to say any of these nice things...but if they WANT to pay me--I would happily accept some cash-ola!  *grin*)

What's your favorite birthday adventure memory?

Farmers have Invaded my Kitchen!

I don't mean to alarm you...but farmers have invaded my kitchen.

Want to see what I mean?

My husband and daughters are starting a brand new gardening project tonight!  This summer our urban sports camp is going to sport a mighty fine vegetable garden.  Dave found some wonderful heirloom seeds from the nearby Baker Creek Seed Company, and has gotten some good advice from our local College of the Ozarks Landscaping Department.  He's hoping to supply our camp kitchens this summer with some home-grown vegetables--like lettuce, watermelon, tomatoes, spinach, peppers, chives, and basil.  We have lots of other hopes for our garden, too, including getting the inner-city campers involved!

But, for tonight, in this first week of March, there are farmers in my kitchen planting tiny seeds in some dark fertile soil.

Just like life, huh?  Sometimes you have to plan far in advance...planting tiny seeds along the way, lovingly watering and caring...and waiting for results that we won't get to enjoy for quite some time.

What have you been planting and cultivating lately?

After the Storm

I almost didn't write tonight.  But, since the last post I wrote was 2 days ago, and it was about the tornado that hit our little town, I figured I'd better post something, or you all would send in a search team to find me.  Only...you'd find me tidying up my messy house, doing a load of laundry, making a batch of strawberry freezer jam, and putting away approximately 42 pairs of my daughters' shoes they have strewn all over the house.

And none of those things are tornado-related.  I have no excuse for not writing after the tornado--except life.

We have power back at our house, and are SO thankful that no lives were lost in the tornado's destructive path.

We have friends who have lost trees in their yard, and lived through the tornado's terrifying roar, while destroying their neighbor's homes.  We know people who have lost their homes.  And we know people who have lost their jobs and their businesses to the tornado.

And yet, we have hope. 

Branson is a small town, with a mighty spirit.  Just ask anyone who lives here.

Oh, but we don't have any special formula for that hope.

There's no big secret why our town has such a mighty spirit. 

Once you get to know us, it's pretty clear... Whether times are good and our economy is booming and people are smiling; or times seem devastating, and crumbled buildings and homes and lives seem overwhelming...

We look to the One who created it all, created us all.  He will carry us through.  Good or bad, He will sustain us.  He will give us peace.

Our town worships a faithful God.  Inside brick churches and wood, big churches and little, wild and crazy churches and stuffy ones, and even a log cabin church or two.

And come Sunday--we will be worshipping Him again.  Thanking Him for life, and for protection.  Thanking Him for the strength to rebuild and renew.

Surely my soul remembers
And is bowed down within me.
This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope. 

 The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness. 
“The LORD is my portion,” says my soul,
“Therefore I have hope in Him.”

-Lamentations 3:20-24

How do you stay hopeful?

Photo credit

Friday Five: Moles, Movies, Cards, and Junk...

In case inquiring minds want to know...or even if they don't, here are 5 things I've been up to this week.

 

1.  Today, I felt like I was inside an old-school video game.  I was one of the little aliens in Space Invaders, and the mean ole dermatologist zapped me over 100 times.  Okay, he used liquid nitrogen to freeze off some moles/skin growths.  (Sorry, do the words "skin growths" make your stomach tense up?  I agree.) 

I'm sorry. Did you see that number above?  100 times.  Have you ever been stung by a bee?  Multiply that by 100.  Dang, it hurt.  Hurt 100 times in a row.  At one point, I asked the doctor, "Am I supposed to say 'Uncle or something?'"  So now, for about a week, my neck and back look like I've got the Pox or the Scaly Mumps.  I thought of posting a picture...but I guess I have a teeny shred of dignity left, and decided against it.  But, if you see me in public, feel free to ask to see the war zone on my neck.

 

2.  I've seen more movies at the theater recently than I have in a very long time.  Here are the movies I've seen:

War Horse--loved it!!  However, sensitive viewers beware--some scenes are difficult to watch.  I loved the storyline, and learning something I'd never thought about--how horses were used in the war.

New Year's Eve--thoroughly enjoyed it!  I didn't know what to expect, and hadn't even seen a preview of this movie beforehand.  I LOVED all of the cameo appearances.

Joyful Noise--loved, loved it!!!  Now, this movie was predictable, and I knew that going in.  I just let myself enjoy Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.  What I didn't expect?  The amazing voices, and just how much I would enjoy the music.

 

3.  Here are the upcoming movies I CAN'T WAIT to see:

Red Tails

(Click here if you cannot see the link below)

 

The Iron Lady

(Click here if you cannot see the link below)

 

and I still haven't seen Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

(Click here if you cannot see the link below)

 

 

4.  I've played 2 card games recently, and I have LOVED both of them.  I don't always love games...especially games that require counting or keeping track of scores.  (Like Nertz--my brain just doesn't work as fast as my opponents, I guess.)  But, recently, I played Spoons and Golf (the card game), and thoroughly enjoyed them!

 

5.  On Saturday, we are joining in a HUGE INDOOR garage sale.  Please come by and buy some of our junk.  And, if my husband's not looking, I may even GIVE you some...just to get rid of it.  You may remember how MUCH I despise garage sales...

 

That's it for me!  What have you been up to this week? 

Happy Birthday, America!

We've been celebrating America's birthday for about a week now.  One of our all-time favorite traditions in Branson is Honor America, sponsored by College of the Ozarks.

 I would show you pictures of all the fun we had last weekend at Honor America...but I am wrestling my computer right now.  Since I live and work in THE BOONIES and have to use my cell phone to provide internet for my personal laptop, my poor laptop and cell phone are being stubborn about uploading pictures.  Sorry.  (I am currently breathing deeply, and reciting these words:  "Working at a summer camp really is worth it...Working at a summer camp really is worth it..."  Inconveniences like this really make me wonder sometimes.)

So, in lieu of pictures, I give you Honor America, 2010.  Because, really--the traditions are the exact same every year.  And, in my book--that's a GOOD thing!!!

Go on, now.  Click on last year's post.  You'll also get a BONUS and find my EASY BREEZY recipe for homemade vanilla ice cream!  I'm probably churning my very own batch right now as you're reading this.

What about you?  What are you doing to celebrate America's birthday?