Chicago

November 28-30, 2014

We arrived in Chicago on Friday and after another great dinner attended the play Camelot at the Drury Lane Theatre.  This is the only shot I got of the show (stage). I was immediately accosted and told there were absolutely no photos allowed at all.  Evidently frowned upon..........pompous asses!!

After the show we enjoyed a drink with Shirley Walters. 

Saturday we were off to downtown Chicago. 

First stop was the Navy Pier, where we got a chance to stretch our legs a bit. 

Next stop was the Museum of Technology.  A great museum, where one if the highlights for me was seeing Craig Breedlove's Spirit of America, the jet car that set land speed records of 500+ mph in the 60's. 

Back in the bus for a tour of the downtown including a drive by of the Macy's windows decorated for Christmas. Downtown Chicago is beautiful. 

Our lunch was at Tommy Gun's where we enjoyed a great meal and a dinner show. 

Back to the hotel where we enjoyed our last dinner of the trip.  Every dinner has been like a banquet in surroundings similar to this!

One last picture with our hosts, the fabulous Walters Family.  They are truly very special people. 

A great trip for sure, but it will still be good to get home tomorrow. 

Last Day in Branson

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Our first show this morning was the Red NeckTenors, a good mix of comedy and some amazing voices.  

We returned to the Ozark College for an excellent lunch.   We've been turning away desserts like these most of the week as we prepare for our target weights before our Hawaii trip next March. 

Our last show of the trip was to see Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers.   Our two best shows have been the first (Oak Ridge Boys) and the last.  Both groups sounded as good as they did 40 years ago. 

One last Bradley Walters surprise was a meet and greet with the band afterwards.  There have been many other bus groups at these shows, but we have been the only group that has had this privilege.  

Brad goes out of his way to ensure we stay at the best hotels and have the best meals.  At our last dinner in Branson, the mayor came out to thank us for our visit. 

That's our tour buddies, Dianne and Ted Westbrook  seated with us. 

The girls sat down after dinner for a fancy drink with Betty, one of the bus drivers. 

We've had a great few days in Branson, now it's time to move on to Chicago. 

A Long Day

Tuesday, November 25, 2014

We started our day with the first of four shows.  Clay Cooper was very entertaining and by far the best show of the day. 

He came out for the second set wearing a Canadian T-Shirt. 

We followed that with lunch at the Chateau on the Lake.   A very impressive facility and location overlooking Table Rock Lake. 

Then it was off to see the Chinese Circus or whatever they call it. 

Followed by a dinner show at the Dixie Stampede.  A great show for kids.  

I have been looking forward to seeing Neal McCoy, but it was the most disappointing show of the week.  

Finally back to the hotel after a long day. 

Osmonds & Lennon Sisters

Monday, November 24, 2014

Breakfast at the hotel this morning and then a bit of time to go for a walk along Branson Landing to work off some of the meals we've been having.  

Then it was off to Landry's for a great lunch (Talapia) before heading for a tour of the Ozark College.  The college is only one of six working colleges in the U.S.  They only take students who cannot financially afford to go and in return the students have to work off their tuition.  You can see the Johnny Morris influence in their hotel and conference facility. 

Then it was time to leave for the Branson Belle for a dinner show.  

They pulled Shirley Walters up on the stage to help with Silver Bells. It was a very entertaining show which featured an amazing female violin player. 

We finished the day with an Osmond Brothers & Lennon Sisters show at the Andy Williams Theatre. 

I used to hate the Lennon Sisters when they were on the Lawrence Welk Show because I would always have to wait till the show was over before I could watch Hockey Night in Canada.  That was 40 years ago!   I now have an appreciation for their music and could listen to them for hours.  Still phenomenal harmony!

Another Bradley Walters surprise was a meeting after the show with the Osmonds.  There are three Osmonds in the band.  That's little Jimmie on the right!  He just recently purchased the Andy Williams Theatre.  

Another great day. 

Oak Ridge Boys

Sunday, November 22, 2014

We left Indianapolis this morning and then after a long rainy drive, arrived at the Hilton Hotel, our home for the next 4 nights.  After a quick dinner it was off to see the Oak Ridge boys. 

We saw them back in September, but this was their Christmas show.   They're worth the price of admission anytime. 

Really liked this portion where they reminisced about their childhood.

One of the highlights was our first Bradley Walter surprise.   We stayed in our seats after the show and the OakRidge  Boys came back out for a meet and greet.  They took the time to shake everyone's hand and make conversation.  

Lynn got to meet William Golden again!

A great start to this week. 

Week in Review

November 11- 21, 2014

I went to the Remembrance Day service in Brantford this year.  It was a very impressive crowd and a well done service. 

It was somewhat sobered by the view of these two gentleman on the roof of the Armories.  I guess it's a sign of the times.  

Wednesday I had to take the boat to get serviced at Bay City and took the opportunity to have lunch with Cousin Moe and sister Judy.  It was good to see them and catch up on news.  

Wednesday, I went down to Terry's to visit his family.  It was great to see them all.   Baby Maia is cuter than ever!!

 

Thursday I put the boat to sleep.   I (Lynn actually) found a great storage place just outside of Brantford.  

It's reassuring to see it in a safe dry place till next spring. 

Saturday we got together with Paul and his family at Mother's Pizza to celebrate his 42nd birthday.  It was great to see them and we had a great visit.  

We spent this past week getting the basement de-littered and organized. We celebrated by attending the Walters' Family Christmas Show.  

A great show.   

We join the Walters tomorrow on our Bradley Walters Bus Trip to Branson and Chicago. 

Branson or Bust

 Saturday, November 22, 2014

Up at 5:00 this morning to catch our bus.  We're on a 9 day trip to Branson and Chicago.  Today's destination is Indianapolis.  This will be a test as I will be working to someone else's schedule for the next 9 days. 

We won today's draw for VIP!  That means that we get the front seat for the day.   First off the bus for our meals and pit stops :)

Our view of the road.  

We stopped at Turkeyville for lunch.  

We enjoyed a great lunch with Lynn's friends Ted and Dianne. 

We stayed the first night at The Sheraton in Indy.  A real nice hotel.  They easily accommodated our 4 bus loads. 

After dinner I polished off my Uchre skills that I haven't used in 10 years to team up with Ted to destroy the girls. :)

Up early tomorrow for the trip to our destination in Branson.