Everybody was Kung-Fu fightin'

Do you remember that 'ole 70s song? 

"Everybody was kung-fu fighting
Those cats were fast as lightning

In fact it was a little bit frightning
For they fought with expert timing"

That song was playing in my head as we set off to see the show, "The Legend of Kung-Fu."

The Legend of Kung Fu features a cast of more than 60 performers who share the ancient art of Kung Fu in a theatrical setting.  The show has been performed more than 4000 times around the world, having performed in China, Russia, London, Vancouver, Japan, just to name a few.  It was chosen as the main show for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  This Broadway-style show is one of the largest theatrical productions in Branson.

The story follows a fearful, young boy named Chun Yi as he enters into the apprenticeship of a Buddhist monk.  Under the teachings of a wise master, he struggles against distractions as he tries to find the dedication to adapt to the strict disciplined lifestyle.  Along the way, he learns the skills of martial arts.

The Legend of Kung Fu is filled with acrobatic stunts, martial arts displays and emotion-filled dancing.  This performance is a unique opportunity to experience lighting, sound and special effects as the story unfolds.  The transformation that Chun Yi goes through in his life is very interesting.

There was so much energy in this show, I was exhausted by the time it was over and we left the theater!

Would I go see it again -- probably not, simply because once is enough.  However, we are happy we had the opportunity to see it, as it is worth the $36 (adult) ticket.

On Tuesdays, "Famous Dave's" -- a BBQ restaurant, offers this platter for $23, regularly $34... 

The fixins' consist of ribs, brisket, chicken, cole slaw, french fries, beans, corn muffins and corn-on-the cob and is actually served atop a garbage can lid.  We always have enough to bring home for lunch the following day.


Several workampers joined us last Tuesday for  this delicious meal -- you can tell, we take eating very seriously!

We also are working out at the Branson Rec-Plex -- trying to build up strength and perhaps lose some of the weight we have gained from eating all the delicious food in the Branson area.

There's also a water park...

Branson is a VERY busy place.  This week there is a girls softball tournament going on and last week there was a national dance competition with over 120 dance studios from around the country participating. We continue to enjoy our time here -- although it is very HOT!  However, listening to the news and weather forecast, it's pretty much hot all over -- except for you lucky folks in the Northwest who apparently are receiving everyone else's rainfall.

Thanks for taking the time to stop by.  Until next time, God bless YOU -- one and all!

Celebration of the 1960s

The "#1 Hits of the 60s" is in its 9th season and was voted "Branson's Best Matinee Show for 2010."  I grew up in the 60s and remember how important the music was.  On Saturday nights during the Summer, many of my friends gathered at Lake Nixon to dance the night away to our favorite music.  Songs such as "I Can't Get No Satisfaction,"  "California Girl," "I Got You Babe," "R-E-S-P-E-C-T," "I Want To Hold Your Hand" -- just to name a few.  We did the Twist, the Mashed Potato, the Pony, the Swim -- we had a blast.  

I relived that time last night at the 60s Show.  Many Top 40 songs were sung, as well as several #1 Hits.  We had a blast remembering and honoring the 60s.  

Some of us dressed in tie-dye dresses -- although I have to admit I don't remember wearing such dresses in the 60s.  I do remember go-go boots and mini-skirts.

The three young ladies and three young men brought the 1960s alive in this fun-filled, face-paced celebration of an entire decade of music.

Tickets for this show are $30 for adults, $9 for kids 9-12 and special price for Active Military and Veterans of $19.60.  It was a good show and a great time had by all.

I wanted to show you what happened to our hummingbird feeder -- 

We had to take it down:(  The little hummingbird keeps coming by looking for it -- any thoughts on how to remedy the problem?

Thanks for stopping by.  May God bless you, one and all!

Shoji Tabuchi

There's something for everyone in Branson -- from shows to Silver Dollar City to water slides to go-carts -- you name it, Branson has it.

One of the most popular shows is Shoji Tabuchi.

Would you expect to see a Japanese country music fiddler?  Well, that's what you will find in Tabuchi, who is also a singer.  He has been a part of Branson for over 22 years.

Shoji Tabuchi was born in 1944 in Daishoji, Japan.  At the young age of 7, his mother encouraged him to learn to play the violin.  Tabuchi has always loved American country music and promised that one day he would make it to America.  

When country legend Roy Acuff took his show to Japan, Tabuchi attended his concert and afterwards met Acuff.  Acuff told Tabuchi if he ever made it to Nashville to look him up.  Tabuchi eventually traveled to America with his violin and only $500 in his pocket.  After spending some time in San Francisco, Kansas City and Louisiana for 11 years, he finally made his way to Nashville to meet Acuff.  Acuff arranged an appearance for Tabuchi on the Grand Ole Opry radio variety program.

Tabuchi arrived in Branson in the late 80s and after successfully performing for a few years, he took a gamble and built one of the most elaborate theaters in the area.  Although Tabuchi has never produced a recording on any major label, he ranks among the most popular musicians in the United States and has created a multi-million dollar entertainment empire.  He employs nearly 200 people at his elaborate 2000 seat theater where he performs two shows daily.

His theater is known for its elegant restrooms.  The men's room has ice in the urinals...

...and a billiard table as well.

The entrance to the ladies' room greets you with beautiful fresh flowers...

...along with a fireplace...

...and a sweet lady stands ready to give you a squirt of hand lotion after you wash your hands.

Shoji Tabuchi is the biggest production and the most extravagant show we've seen thus far. 

Would we go again?  Probably not -- only because it is also the most expensive show in town -- $64.49 if purchased by telephone, or $59.49 if purchased via the Internet.  And we understand his Christmas show costs even more.

Shoji Tabuchi is definitely living the American Dream. 

May God continue to bless you, one and all!

SIX

Have you had the opportunity to visit Branson?  For those who do not know, Branson is located in the southwest area of Missouri and is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains.  It is a unique place and well known for it's family-friendly shows.  There is a lot to see and do -- so not only are we learning our jobs, we are also taking in the shows.  

We recently had the pleasure of seeing SIX.  What is SIX you ask?  It's a group of six brothers.  They actually come from a family of ten brothers, no sisters.  Can you imagine having ten boys -- YIKES!  When they were very young, their father noticed they could make up songs and harmonize without help from him or anyone else. Being musically talented himself, he decided to sit them down at an old piano and teach them gospel hymns.  There are six voices, zero instruments, but it sounds like various musical devices are being played as they sing.  Actually,  it's the six brothers making all the sounds.  Families seem to be important in all the shows we have attended, as are Veterans.  All military personnel, past and present, are recognized at every show.  

Video and/or audio recordings are not allowed inside the theater.  However, I did find some of SIX' music on YouTube.  Here is SIX paying tribute to those who have served and are currently serving in our military:

Brother Owen with a drum solo

Each brother drives a Chevy Camaro -- all six are parked in a line outside the Hughes Brothers Theater when SIX is performing.

 

Apparently, on this particular day, one brother rode with another -- since there were only five cars in the parking lot.

In the lobby of the theater, this plaque lists the names of various celebrities who have entertained in the Hughes Brothers Theater:

I want to welcome a new follower -- Sara.  You can find her blog here.  Sara is in the process of preparing to retire and then will start her adventure as a fulltimer.  Welcome, Sara!

Also "onelittlemonkey" left a comment.  I could not find a blog for you -- if you have one, please let me know.  We try to watch Dr. Cloer online on Sunday mornings.  Thanks for the nice words and we look forward to visiting Englewood again! 

Stay tuned as I will continue to report on other shows we have seen in Branson.  In the meantime, may God continue to bless our voyage, as well as our family and friends everywhere.

A Relaxing 4th of July

We had a great 4th of July.  We worked Saturday and Sunday this week and watched the RVs roll in for the 4th of July holiday.  Last night we were all set up near the lake waiting for the fireworks to begin when a storm blew in and knocked out the power in the park.

Checking on things in the office -- thank goodness for flashlights!

We were without power for approximately three hours.  We needed to check out our generator anyway, so this was a good time to do that.  The rain did cool things down a bit.

Today all the workampers got together for a 4th of July cookout:

 

We were entertained by Deborah who played the guitar and...

...John and Deborah who also played the dulcimer.

The neighbors even brought over their leftover homemade banana ice cream -- YUM!

Afterwards, we moved to the lake to watch fireworks.

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I want to say welcome to our newest follower -- "The Old Geezer Blog."  To check out his blog, click here.  I'm sure you will enjoy reading his wonderful posts, as well as the great information he shares on his blog.


I want to thank everyone who is praying for Gina and Jo.  Gina is home and will continue her antibiotic for 5-6 weeks.  Then, she will return to Chicago to have her Hickman line put back in and to make sure the infection is no longer attacking her body.  Jo will see the doctor again this Wednesday, but she is feeling better and we are praying the doctor will find her infection is gone and that no more surgery will be required.  Again, thank you for praying for these ladies.  Your prayers are working!

We hung a hummingbird feeder outside our window and were happy when we saw our first visitor!

Thanks for stopping by -- hopefully, I am now back in the swing of posting on our blog.  I haven't been posting as often as I would like -- it's not because I have nothing to say.  We have been busy settling into our first workamping job and I'm proud to say it has been a very positive experience thus far.  We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to live the lifestyle of fulltime RV'ers. 


Again, thanks for stopping in.  May God bless you, one and all, and may God continue to bless our voyage.