Highlights

Soaring over Lake Taneycomo at Branson, Missouri.

No, this isn't Gene and me. We may have had a whirlwind romance and flying high along the way, but this is a bit above our risk-taking level in our "old age." But it was fun to watch. I would have enjoyed seeing the view of the Ozarks that these two were enjoying!

Our week in Branson was great! The weather cooled off. The days were sunny and clear. The summer swarm of tourists was gone -- mostly. Our accommodations, which we selected sight unseen online, were terrific. The shows we took in were a lot of fun, particularly the Showboat Branson Belle dinner cruise on Lake Taneycomo . . . which is when each of these pictures was taken.

The main drag of Branson where most of the theatres are located is definitely "touristy" and crowded, with the usual hokey shops and tourist traps and junk. But tucked in and about are fun shops, some great shows, and good food.

But if you get only a mile (or even less) away from the all the touristy stuff, Branson is a beautiful, quiet town, nestled in the Ozarks of Missouri. One of the things we enjoyed about our condo was that it was secludedand quiet, yet close to everything.

A great addition to Branson is Branson Landing, located at the east side of town, along the edge of Lake Taneycomo. It's an outdoor mall, of sorts, with great shopping, new restaurants, boutique shops, a "dancing water" show at the edge of the lake and a Bass Pro Shop for you outdoorsmen. It's just a great place to spend an evening outdoors. And it's free . . . well the walking part is. And up the street in the old part of Branson is Dick's 5 and 10 Store -- one of only a few that remain.