Magic By Night

 Although Dave and I had gone to Missouri Botanical Garden in May, I revisited it with some friends at night.

 We got there a little after 7 PM, so it was still light out. 

 But, at 8:00 PM, the lights came on while we were in the Chinese Garden.

 The dragons on the mural above moved and there was music in several places.

 Often the lanterns lined the walks.

 And often, they told a Chinese Folktale.

They did have several displays showing how these were made (on site). Teams of Chinese artisans worked on the parking lot in tents for several month preparing this exhibit.  And, yes, it was warm.

Drought and Heat

 With 10 days over 100 degrees and very little rain, my yard has begun showing signs of stress---dried out leaves,

 and brown patches of grass that the irrigation system doesn't get to.

 Even the honeysuckle bushes are showing drooping leaves (they are considered an invasive series and SHOULD be eradicated).

But, I hate to see my dogwoods with curled leaves!

 And, my hydrangeas and other shrubs that I planted (high bush cranberry?)

 Below shows where how our underground gutter run-off is keeping the grass green.

 So, with irrigation on daily, hoses dripping to the trees all day and night (see an earlier photo), we are hanging in there.  But, I still have the irresistible urge to save and toss my dish water to D's frustration!

Photo Book

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Welk Resort

 The longer we stayed there, the more we liked the Welk Resort.  We stayed on the first level which meant we had no one across the hall from us and could easily walk outside where there was a playground, a pool, a large grassy area, mini-golf and a covered walk to take us to the restaurant and theater.

 Our children and grandchildren didn't really know who Lawrence Welk was, but they did have a statue and some memorabilia in the theater lobby.

It might not have been the greatest mini-golf, but the kids loved it.

The theater is a short distance, but they were having a national dance competition while we were there.  Later this summer will be "The Price is Right" with great prizes and Tony Orlando will be there for the Holiday Show.

 Several times we ate at the Stage Door Canteen (between the hotel and theater) and ordered room service and pool-side service from there.

The food was good, reasonable and so convenient.

 There was an atrium in the hotel which was right outside our rooms.  It was a great place for Grandpa to sit and read as well as a gathering spot for everyone.  We could eat or work at the tables.  It was very convenient.

In addition to the Splash-a-torium, there was a "boring pool" which was like having a private pool most of the time.  All in all we would recommend the Welk Resort---a mile from Table Rock, three miles from the strip with a lot of fun right there on site!

Branson Shows

What makes Branson different from other tourist places are the shows.  After some discussion with the children, we all decided the Amazing Pet Show was a must. We ALL wanted to see performing cats.

We discovered from the concierge at the hotel that there was a family pass:  2 adults and 6 children for $70.  We had to pay for the rest of the adults, but when we divided it out, we only had to pay about $17 per person.

We loved the show, but couldn't take photos.  Many of the animals in the act had been rescue animals.  The cats and dogs did not disappoint.  One dog even rode a bike (with training wheels).  We were especially delighted with the Siberian Huskey act.

During the intermission, we could have the kids photos made with one of the dogs.  Anna was a little jealous of the dogs fancy outfit.