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2006 BRANSON REUNION |
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Some folks ask me where I get such a great attitude
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(Survivors who attended our 2006 Branson Reunion) The 2006 reunion was another absolute success! We had members join us from well over twelve states and Canada. On Wednesday evening, t here were already seventeen members at the hotel. So, we decided to invade the Grand Country Inn Buffet. We took over a large section of their dining area and had a really good time.Don Hansche, who had been doing a bit of female bashing online previously, although he swears he didn't intend it as such (yeah, right, Don, we believe you where thousands wouldn't), was standing with his hand over his eye and tears running down his face. I knew he wasn't overcome with emotion to see us all and I told him he was not getting any sympathy vote to avoid his due comeuppance. What it was, was his eye. It had been hurting for a long while and he couldn't stand the light. Thursday, after a little gentle persuasion (which doesn't work, for future reference) followed by much brow beating, he agreed to let Kathy take him to the eye doctor. After the eye doctor had numbed his eye (and let some of the solution run into his mouth, numbing it, too), he felt better. Unfortunately, he could still talk. The rest of the day we spent visiting with one another. We even took a parade of power chairs and scooters (I think 17, not sure) to Quiznos for lunch, followed by more chatting. If exercise was really as slimming as we are told, none of us would have a double chin as our jaws were either chattering or eating the whole time. Thursday evening there were more than 50 of us that met at Lambert's (home of the Throwed Rolls). The food was, as usual, delicious. And, as usual, those in chairs or scooters ate free.
(Lambert's Café)
Toni had promised to save Judy a
roll, so she did, carefully wrapped in foil. Later, she presented
it to Judy after removing it from under her arm where she was
keeping it warm. Rain saved one too, which she dunked in iced tea
and then told Judy she'd dropped it in the toilet by accident.
Judy was suitably impressed. There was a table of used books for exchange, a lot of clothing for exchange and a craft table with some things for sale. Tom had some lovely plant stands and other things that he'd made. Gleason had some beautiful handmade items, but not sure if they were on the craft table. Annie had some lovely photos that were taken from her wheelchair. There were also bumper stickers created by Don, and also key chains. There may have been more there, but forgotten what all they were. Friday night, we were served a lovely meal with table cloths, candle light and the works. Rick, Dale, Jack and Gleason grilled chicken breasts and Pat made green beans with almonds and rice pilaf. Cake was for dessert. Saturday was a busy day. Most of us went to the Dixie Stampede about 2pm. It was very enjoyable. It's a mini rodeo type show with horses, buffalo, dancing, singing, riding and a full meal. While the performance was on, we were served our dinner with no silverware. We got a bowl of cream of vegetable soup to drink, a garlic/cheese biscuit, a Cornish Game Hen, a slice of pork loin, half a baked potato, short ear of corn and a flaky apple turnover for dessert. Plus, all the iced tea, Pepsi, and coffee you wanted. Normal price runs about $40 each, but we got in for $20. A real bargain! After the Stampede, we returned to the hotel for group pictures. Afterwards, we had our survivor and supporter meetings, which lasted for 2˝ to 3 hours. Millie Lill was the facilitator for the survivors and Tom Post for the supporters. Sunday morning, Millie gave her 'sermon' speech on 'Humor Heals'. It lasted about half an hour. This was followed by a meal of lasagna and lots of other good stuff. Pat Grimes ran the kitchen this year and you must know... she did a marvelous job! We've had different arrangements over the years, from a sit down dinner cooked by the hotel staff to the buffet we had the night of Jaan and Millie's wedding, but Pat's food is head and shoulders above all of it. Then we had our raffle. Annie Bassham won Gleason's rocking horse. It was really beautiful. David Bridges' teddy bear rocking chair went to Gail Genereau, and Jean Vrana won Jaan's cross stitch piece. We had our door prizes, too. This year, we numbered the gifts. Denise sort of volunteered for that job. Well, Okay, she was volunteered, but she fell to it with a will and really did a great job. Sunday evening was Karaoke Night. It was fabulous! As usual, Nitize was right in the heart of it all, singing her little off key heart out and dancing (bumping) with all the guys. Everyone enjoyed it so much. Don Eades, John Dulany, and Paul Genereau got up on stage and were performing a chorus line dance when Jack Fenner joined in but just couldn't quite get the beat. Then, Tom Post and Don Hansche joined in and all the guys got swingin' to "Good Night, Irene" - never quite in step - and several of us needed Depends. It was an ABSOLUTE HOOT!!!!! Hilarious!!! It will be on the video, so I hope you order one! We'll also to put it on the website as soon as we get the chance! They have been given orders for next year... practice A LOT and mark the TOP SIDES of their shoes with "R" and "L"! Plans may even be in the works for tutus. (Maybe we should buy Depends by the case next year???) People started leaving on Sunday, some even on Saturday evening. We had some newbies and some of the oldies didn't make it, but it was as wonderful as usual. Ann was very much missed. We found out it takes an army to replace her and, in fact, she is irreplaceable. We bumbled along and got the job done, though. Monday, there were not too many people left. Toni and Jack, Don and Judy, Paul and Gail, Millie and Nitize, Don and Sharon and Sheena ate breakfast at the buffet in the hotel. Don and Judy finally hit the road only to come back about 45 minutes later to find Judy's purse... AGAIN!!! (second year in a row she lost her purse). Those who had not left by noon, yakked up a storm, then paraded back to Quiznos and ate again. Toni and Jack left, came back, and left again. Lots of goodbyes, teary smiles, and promises to return. Those of us who were still there till Tuesday had a meeting. We set up an executive committee and hammered out some duties. Kathy took notes and will fill everyone in as soon as she has the time. Tuesday morning, everybody headed out. Most have already made reservations for next year and are looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Everyone had a wonderful time. As usual, the wait for the Branson Bash week took forever, but the week we were there was over in an eye blink.
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