BALDKNOBBIN' & BUSHQUACKIN'

baldknobbers: def by Wikipedia (gotta be right): a group of non-racially motivated vigilantes in the southern part of Missouri who were active from 1883-89.  They are commonly depicted wearing hoods with horns, a distinction that evolved during the rapid proliferation of the group into neighboring counties apart from it's Taney Co origins. The group got its name from the grassy bald knob summits of the Ozark Mtns in the area. The hill where they first met is called Snapp's Bald, located just north of Kirbyville, MO. The Baldknobbers for the most part sided with the North in the Civil War.

baldknobbers: def by Laci Goff:  Old geezers who hang out in Branson.

bushquackers: soon to be defined

Keasha's fun fact for Missouri:  The birthplace of the ice cream cone!

gotta love pinterest!

My fave tree since I was a kid - Mimosa!

they are loaded here in the Ozarks

the San Fran trolley used for the dam tours - uh, tours of the dam

David gettin' ready for a dam tour

4-20-12:  Arrived in Branson via Hwy 65.  Beautiful drive through the Buffalo River Nat'l Park, Ozarks -- where the temp was suddenly down to 48 degrees -- and the Ozark wildflowers were popping!

this falls from trees around Stagecoach RV Park

then it fuzzes out once it hits the ground.  What is it?

We stayed at Stagecoach RV Park, near Table Rock Dam.  I would recommend it.  Nice, quiet, clean, and the owners are very sweet. After having "lupper" at Danna's BBQ, we drove over and met some of the other workampers.

Table Rock Dam from 165 Scenic Overlook

Drove back to the Scenic View on 165.

4-22-12:  drove around Branson and saw some of the tornado damage from Leap Day, Feb 29.  Lots of businesses putting themselves back together.  Others look like they were totaled.  The worst of it was on the strip.

Laura Lee and Jake

Skyped tonite with Laura Lee.  Thankful for this technology that allows us to "see" our loved ones while traveling!

4-23-12:  Today is my baby girl's 30th birthday. Hard to believe it's been that long.  And I'm not sure how this happened because I'm only 29!

Ozarks

Today we drove around and got a feel for the area.  I've said it before and I'll say it again -- IT'S HARD TO BEAT THE BEAUTY OF THE OZARKS!  I also started going to the Curves here.  No more excuses!

Our home for the next 6 months

4-25-12:  After worrying about the tightness, David got us into our workamper site like a champ!  And what a beautiful site it is!  When he posted pix to FB, Jerri told him to be sure I didn't fall off the edge!  Well -- guess who fell off the edge first.  hint: it wasn't me.

Tho winding, the roads are so scenic around here.  I could live here, Cuz K!!!  We explored historic downtown Branson today. It'll be fun to walk around downtown off and on.  I know it'll get crowded, but it'll be fun.

Mulberry leaf

Branson Belle (not really a steamboat)

Walked a mile on the trail behind our site - the Table Rock Lakeshore Trail. Very nice with a good view of the lake and the showboat, Branson Belle.

sunset behind old visitor center

Then we grabbed a bench behind the old Dewey Short Visitor Center (now the COE administrative offices) and watched the sun go down over Table Rock Lake.  We feel so blessed with this gig!

4-26-12: Those of you who glance at my blogs may have noticed my references to the song "Texarkana Baby", by Eddy Arnold.  The Texarkana Gazette reported this morning that the record was stolen from the Texarkana courthouse.  It was released as a 78 rpm.  On March 31, 1949, a 45 rpm version was recorded making "Texarkana Baby" the first 45 in the world, according to a BBC newstory in 2009.

front of the Dewey Short Visitor Center

downstairs exhibits

back of the bldg -- the 3rd floor observation deck was our duty post on dinner nite

looking toward front door from 3rd floor

looking toward exhibits from 3rd floor

We had our first hours of volunteering tonite.  The Ozark Rivers Heritage Foundation (who we are volunteering for) had a dinner tonite to show off the new Dewey Short Visitor Center.  Dewey Short was a republican US rep from MO from 1929-56 (no term limits then either). You might google the VC – it’s impressive. Our job was to stand at the 3rd floor observation deck and make sure no more than 20 people got on it -- fire code. What a job!  Had to stand for a few hours with the best view in southern MO, with a C of O (College of the Ozarks) jazz band playing right next to us. The group Six sang some patriotic songs along with the Star Spangled Banner.  Not sure I've ever heard it sound better!  When you google the VC, look at the Ozark Rivers Heritage Foundation's purpose.  Quite a huge blessing to this area and the COE! Proud to be involved with it!

While at our post we were able to meet a few of the Branson area residents, learned about some hiking trails, shows to attend, watched the fireworks for the event that went off from Observation Point, and got to know the other volunteers a little better. Oh and we met a political candidate who tried to talk us into establishing residency here so we can vote for him.  Gonna be a fun stay!

drop stitch scarf

Finished my 4th dropstitch scarf tonite and only one more to go before trying a potato chip pattern.

middle school aged girls playing in front of Dick's

4-27-12:  It doesn't sound like it, but David and I are actually counting calories!!  Anywho, we ate breakfast at the historic downtown Branson Cafe.  It's a yummy little greasy spoon and we will def go back to it.  We walked through Dick's Five and Dime.  You never know when there might be some talent out front!

4-28-12:  Doggie!  David and I did the 4.4 round trip Lakeside Trail along Table Rock Lake. And since it's right behind where we stay, we plan to do that amap!  Wonderful walk. There are butterflies and lizards and squirrels galore around here (and gnats).

these look totally black -- until you take their pic

 And some black prickly caterpillars.  They don't look as soft as your normal caterpillars, but maybe we will find out when Asher gets here.  We are also experiencing No See Ums.  I would've included a pic, but.......

Pinky and June on 3rd floor observation deck at VC

4-30-12:  Pinky and June are visiting Branson.  They were one of the first couples we got to know  when we started traveling. Met them in San Antone and have stayed in touch ever since.  He was Santa Claus and the bingo caller at Admiralty.  Today we met them for lunch (yes we really ARE counting calories) , took a look around the very nice timeshare where they are staying, then showed them around the Dewey Short VC.  After a bit more visiting at our campsite, we said our goodbyes - til September we hope.  It's always good to see Santa and his sweet bride!

5-1-12:  It's that time of year -- time to get Rocky caught up on shots.  We found a vet in Branson West.  He's in great health now other than needing to, like us, COUNT CALORIES!  Here we go....

oops

5-2-12:  Training day at Dewey Short.  Went to training all decked out in our "uniforms" thinking we'd be put to work til 5.  We were outa there by 9:45  Grueling!  Soooo, I decided it was time to visit a fabric shop.  Went to Quilts & Quilts.  They were destroyed in the tornado, but have moved even closer to us.  Wonderful shop -- I may have to move here!

5-3-12:  Started scouting the resale shops in town.  Went to 4 downtown.  Not too impressed, but there are many others I will see in the next 6 mths.  Tandy and Mack gave me one of their beautiful wire-wrapped necklace/earring sets for the grooming kit I gave them.  Tonite I played with the sewing machine Edith gave me.  Dug out scraps and made 5 tablerunners, a doz or so kleenex cozies, and 10-12 fabric gift bags.  Fun stuff!

5-5-12:  First full day on the job. Really fun!!  What a sweet and helpful group to work with. Took dam tour --- soooo interesting.  There is a "basketball court" and goal in the powerhouse for the employees.  You might google the Table Rock Dam -- it was finished in 1959.  Built for flood control, today it does provide power for several surrounding states. All parts of it are original except for 2 brass turbines which they replaced with stainless. 163 steps on the tour - not all at once - so a good workout. It has a fallout shelter deep inside.  269 or so people are on "the list" that can go to it.  It used to be stocked with food, water, and other provisions. Homeland Security rules are pretty strict about the tours:  must be US Citizen, state or federally issued ID, no cameras, phones, purses, water, etc on the premises. We were delivered to the dam and back on an actual San Francisco trolley.  Learned today that Lake Taneycomo is NOT a Native American name as we thought it might be.  It means, Taney County Missouri.  That kinda busted a bubble.  lol

JCRV's new sign

5-6-12:  Got word today that our "3rd Home", Johnson Creek RV Park in the hill country of TX, was named #1 Small RV Park in TX for the 2nd year in a row!  Well-deserved!! Love our JCRV peeps!!

Six is a great show!

the "Six" btothers are loaded w talent

5-7-12:  Went to see Six this afternoon.  Such a fun show.  The six brothers do everything a capella -- even the instruments are actually human voices.  They are sort of like Straight No Chaser except there are only 6 of them.  One of the perks of our gig is getting into some places free. This was one of them.

5-8-12:  Played golf at the city's Par 3 course.  I only played 9, but David played 18.  I had dishrags to finish knitting!!  The course is pretty nice.  Different than anything I've seen.  It's 9 holes with only 5 greens!!!!  I love par 3's in that I can usually get on the green on my tee shot.  But then I 4 or 5 putt.  ugggh.  Oh well, it was a beautiful day to be out there with my hubby!

back of J and D's cabin

blue winged warbler -- he really put on a show for us

Jackie and me

5-9-12:  Today we drove over the other side of the lake to visit Jackie and Dave at their cabin.  They are a St. Louis couple that we met a couple of winters ago at JCRV.  We've been in touch since, and have come really close to each other on the road.  But this is the first time we've been able to get together since we met.  It was wonderful to get to spend the day with them and they really rolled out the red carpet!

Bria loves the lake!

me and my boys

The Benedick Family

David and Dave awaiting Jackie's yummy pork steaks

Dave and Jackie in their new bibs!

We walked a trail around the area for a couple of hours.  Rocky and Bria went for a walk IN Table Rock.  Couldn't really call it a swim for they just walked out belly deep, sipped a bit, and looked around. That was a first for Rocky!  In fact, it was a day of firsts for him:  the deepest he's gone out into a lake, the longest he's walked without a leash (and he stayed right with us), his first boat ride, and his first time to be attacked by another dog.  We'll get to that, but first the boat ride.

Their cigarette boat

Bria and Jackie

cruisin' Table Rock

Captain Dave

David riding shotgun

Dave and Jackie have an amazing cigarette boat that they took us cruising on.  We loved it!  Dave was very easy on us, I'm sure he coulda punched it across the lake if he'd wanted to.  Princess Bria sat on the back of the boat the whole time like she was in heaven!!!

Rocky's first boat ride

 Rocky pretty much stayed by my side or in my lap. Afterwards they introduced us to grilled pork steaks.  We are hooked.  Will def be buying some of those!  Such a beautiful setting at their cabin.  We were able to do a lot of bird watching from their deck.

About Rocky getting attacked.  He was not hurt at all and it was kinda funny - especially since he's feeling so much better these days and instigated the first one.  Bria, their Cocker, doesn't know she's a dog either and therefore does not like her butt to be sniffed.  Rocky doesn't either, but it's the ole double-standard.  He doesn't realize when he's the smallest dude around and disregards growls of warnings.  We (and Bria) told him repeatedly to leave her alone, but he kept at it while we were on our walk.  Finally, she'd had enough.  In a split second she had him down in a half nelson and was telling him about it!!!  The guys broke it up and Rocky didn't bother her again the rest of the day.  However, as we were setting the table later, Rocky was getting pretty antsy.  After 10 years he still thinks he should have a place at the table (thank you very much, Crystal).  So he's under the table and on our heels, and Bria had enought of that, too. Pinned again!  I pulled her off and he trotted on inside to check on the status of the pork steaks. Bria was put back in charge of guarding the front door while we ate out back.  Rocky slept all the way home. When we got home, he emailed Bria a letter of apology.

Rocky got his hair did -- a Larry cut

5-10-12:  Since Rocky hasn't been startled quite enough for one week, we took him to a groomer this morning in Branson West.  He really loves it when we talk about him getting a haircut and gets all excited.  Today he was hilarious when we picked him up.  He LED David quickly out the same door we entered this morning while I was left to pay.  The groomer did such a good job and did everything  just like I asked.  I guess I mis-communicated on the ears though.  I told her that his ears were short enough for now -- meaning the length.  So she didn't thin them up at all.  David says he looks like Larry from the 3 Stooges.  But he's a happy dog.  "Sweet Doggy, Warm Doggy, Little Ball of Fur.  Happy Doggy, Sleepy Doggy........." (Big Bang Theory)

5-13-12:  Working 3 days in a row, this being our 2nd.  It's so much fun that the time goes by quickly.  Loving the peeps we are working with.  Very knowledgable, so we are learning a lot from them.  And funny, so I am very comfortable with them.  David got to tail a dam tour and we had a wonderful rainshower while the tour was gone.  Great view of the rain heading our way, then the sound of it on the roof!  ahhhh.

Tammy and Dammy

I found a kindred spirit!  Tammy found this rock, gave her a face, and named her Dammy. (Table Rock Dam and rhymes with Tammy).  I sent Dammy's pic to Herman Therock on FB.

Today is Mother's Day, so Laura and Jake face-timed me tonite so I could meet him.  What a sweetie!  And a great Mom's Day treat!! Thx you 2!!!

5-16-12:  Noticed the flags at half staff at C of O, so I called them to see why.  They had to look it up, but it's because today is National Peace Officers Memorial Day.  Had to post that on FB with a special salute to my grandpa, William Madison Goff.  I never had the honor of meeting him because he was killed in the line of duty when my dad was around 4.  Very proud of and thankful for his dedication to the cause.

the good life

Sat outside tonite knitting and listening to the various birds singing.  And the sounds of the countless "ducks" that came by. (the ones that are filled with tourists).  Also watched a pretty good size rabbit chow down in the same spot for over an hour.  Good life.

David and me at SDC

the Alabama strangers who got us in free

5-17-12:  David and I headed for Silver Dollar City this morning.  Our first visit there.  We were armed with our "letter" from the visitor center that allows us to get in for $10.  When we got off the tram at the gate, a couple from Mississippi stopped us and said they'd like to get us in free with their passes.  What a blessing!  (I think we will be able to pay that forward).

We picked today because school will be out soon and then it'll be even more crowded.  We were a little sad to see some school buses unloading fieldtrippers at the gate.  LOL.  But it was a nice morning there.

my first time to play a dulcimer

One of the first things that stopped us inside the gates was a lady playing a dulcimer.  My sister, Julie, used to play one. So I stopped to listend to her play, then she showed me how to play a little tune.

Yodeler

We walked on to the Gazebo where some ladies were singing.  One of them was yodeling a Christian song.  How special! I could have listened to that all day.

at one of the cabins in SDC

steam tractor

another authentic cabin

pettin' ole Georgia

this place has great burgers!

We ate an early lunch there (yep, that pretty much took up all the calories I have for today) and it was delish.

 SDC sight

infinite coaster

all aboard.........

my honey and me on the SDC steam train

getting held up along the way

 We basically just walked around to see what was there and rode the steam train.  Just walking around SDC is good exercise because it is fairly hilly in there.

Aw, and Donna Summer, the Disco Queen of the 70's (what? I thought I was the Disco Queen of the 70's), died today after a battle with cancer.  My college peeps and I disco'd out to her tunes back in the day.

Chillin' tonite, blogging, and listening to Darrell, the nextdoor neighbor strum and sing.  I can totally dig this.

5-18-12:  Our first summer on the road we met a sweet couple, Bruce & Celia from Santa Fe, in Sioux Falls.  We were all staying at the same KOA and met because they have 2 gorgeous Burnese Mountain Dogs, Annie and Kelly. I'd never seen this kind of dog and they definitely make ya do a double-take!  Bruce and Celia were gracious enough to let us take pix and get plenty of Burnie lovin'!  We have stayed in touch with our friends regularly since then via emails and Bruce's fun blogs. Today we are so excited to see them again in Branson!!

Celia, Kelly, me, and Rocky

Bruce, Celia, and the girls

Bruce, Celia, and the girls came out to our camper and we all took the Lakeshore Trail behind us. The guys and Annie got way ahead of us for awhile. It was funny when folks saw Celia, Kelly, Rocky, and me coming and their eyes would get big and they'd say "we just saw another one of those dogs -- are they twins??" (they are half sisters).  At one point we acted surprised when they mentioned that and said "there is ANOTHER one?"  One fella looked at the all the dogs and asked what kind ROCKY is?  haha.

an amphibious duck coming back to shore

 Celia and I watched a Duck come out of the water and they all blew quackers at us. (remember this -- a reference will be made in the next blog).

Kelly and Annie

she's going in!

now they've got it! hang on, Celia!

Bruce and Annie

Then we all went down to "the beach" so the babies could get their feet wet and lap some agua. Annie and Kelly weren't quite sure what to do with all that water.  They'd lap a little, then get their feet a teensy wet.  Annie finally frolicked a tad deeper and seemed to enjoy it, so Kelly followed her sis right in.  Too cute and literally like horseplay!

Celia taught me a new term today.  I mentioned that I'd been told when dogs stop and sniff every tree, bush, post, blade of grass, etc, that it's the equivelent to us reading the newspaper.  They find out all the scoop as to who and what has been there.  She calls it "pee-mail".  Love it!

resting after a romp in the water

Had a great visit with them back at the camper while all 3 babies laid down in the shade and snoozed a bit.  Wonderful morning!

Morgan's wildflower hike

Fragrant Sumac -- squishing the berries sets of a scent

Queen Ann's Lace is abundant here

Moth Mullen

Mayapple

Sicamore tree

If you see 3, leave it be -- Poison Ivy

Wild Petunias

more poison ivy

not to be confused with non-poisonous Virginia Creeper (5 leaves)

Primrose

5-19-12:  Did the Wildflower Hike this morning with Morgan and the other folks who had signed up.  So interesting!  I learned so much.  Learned names of many of the local wildflowers, as well as a couple of trees I'd been curious about.  The Mulberry tree and the Sycamore tree have HUGE leaves and we see them often in the Ozarks.  Glad to know now what they are. The Cone flowers and Queen Ann's Lace are abundant around here and so so beautiful!  And my fave trees in the world, Mimosas, are really popping now!

After doing some laundry, David and I went to the driving range.  You know you are in the Ozarks when 100% of the men there (except David) were shirtless.  And since we were the youngest there, it was NOT purdy!

divers in Table Rock

Saw our first group of scuba divers at Table Rock.  They used to dive closer to the dam.  But that's off limits now because of the geothermal heat pump underwater for the new visitor center where we are working.  So this group was diving behind the COE offices. Sure would like to know what they saw under there.

sunset over Table Rock

David, Rocky, and I went down to the shore to catch the sunset this evening.  Soooo nice.  Loved the sounds of waves crashing, boys skimming rocks, boats, the Branson Belle horns, and a man playing the fiddle for a child's bday party.

David and Morgan back from the crick

5-20-12:  Morgan and David went down to the "crick" today to get some tadpoles and other Creek Critters for her kids' class this afternoon.

Bec, David, Celia, Bruce in Dewey Short VC

5-20-12:  Worked today.  Bruce and Celia came in to see us at the center and took a Dam Tour. This evening we went with them to try McFarlains for supper.  Fun place that I'd recommend.  If for nothing else, the desserts!!  We had carrot cake which had some serious icing!  Bruce had some peach cobbler that made us all drool.  We figured he wouldn't be able to eat all of it, but he put it away like a champ!  Shoulda taken pix, huh Bruce?

Bruce snapping on the 165 overlook

David and Bruce checking out Taneycomo

fog coming up from Taneycomo

We stopped by the scenic overlook on 165.  We'd had a little shower during supper, and this was the night of the Ring of Fire Eclipse.  Between us being in the wrong part of the country, and the rain clouds still out there, we figured we wouldn't be able to see much of it.  But man, oh man, what a view we did get!  The sunset afterglow and the fog from the rain rolling off of Taneycomo into the mountains!!  Such a blessing to be able to see a sight like that with friends!

This will be our last night with Bruce and Celia as our GRANDBABIES (yay) are arriving tomorrow.
Hasta Luego mi Amigos!!!  Such a wonderful visit with ya'll and we look forward to seeing ya'll again down the road.

Readers, you noticed I did not define part of the title of this blog: "bushquackers".  Stay tuned for the next blogpost for all the scoop on that!

Much love,

Dewey, Gladys, and Short