October 23, 2017

My thanks to JoAnn Rainwater for the following news about their recent trip to Branson, Missouri.

For their 25^th wedding anniversary on October 12 (and also Jo Ann’s birthday), Richard and Jo Ann Rainwater spent a week in Branson, MO. Branson had changed a lot since they were last there about 20 years ago with John Ralph and Sandra Pouland.

After a restful night following the 9-hour drive to Branson, Wednesday was spent walking the hills of Silver Dollar City and enjoying some of the entertainment there. Thursday the 12th was set aside for celebrating birthday/anniversary. Recalling the wonderful dinner at sunset following their wedding at Lake Tahoe on this date 25 years ago, Jo Ann had booked a window table at the Top of the Rock Osage Restaurant overlooking Table Rock Lake. At sunset a bagpiper began playing on the patio below for 15 minutes, creating a beautiful blend of sound and scenery, followed by a delicious dinner to complete a perfect evening!

A highly recommended Biblical production of “Moses” at the Sight & Sound Theater was Friday’s event. This 2,000-seat state-of-the-art theater features a massive 300-foot panorama stage that wraps around the audience with the ability to house sets four stories tall. When the seas parted for Moses and the Israelites to pass through, it was as though they were parting for the audience also. This massive production featured live animals running down the aisles – horses, sheep, goats, camels, etc. All had to perform perfectly 100 times for the trainers before they could become a part of the show. Past productions have included “Ruth”, “Joseph”, “Jonah”, “Noah” and “Moses”, ending its two-year stint October 20. Next up is “Samson” beginning in March 2018. Will the temple columns “topple” on the audience???  Dinner afterwards was at a great Italian restaurant, Florentina’s.

The Rainwaters chose an entertaining dinner cruise on the 700-seat Showboat Branson Belle for their event on Saturday. The paddle wheeler cruised the pristine waters of Table Rock Lake while guests enjoyed a nice meal, accompanied by a live band playing on stage. This was followed by entertainment from a magician, a trio of tap dancers, and the singing group The ShowMen and the talented and lovely Cassandre.

The gastronomical trip would not be complete without Sunday Brunch at the Chateau Grille, located at the Chateau on the Lake resort and convention center. It was an amazing display of food, food, and more food.

A visit during the day on Monday was to College of the Ozarks and the beautiful Keeter Center. Known as Hard Work U, College of the Ozarks is unique among American universities because students work, rather than pay, for their education. Not one student pays a penny for tuition; instead, each works 15 hours a week at a campus job.

Jo Ann has become a “groupie” of The Texas Tenors, who spend part of their time when not touring performing at the Starlite Theater in Branson. Monday was the beginning of a three-week stint in Branson for the Tenors, so what better way to end a fun week than by going to their concert. They never disappoint!!! The Rainwaters already have tickets for their Christmas show in Galveston on December 15^th.

Don’t forget this Friday, October 27, will be the last day to sign up to attend and support The Diboll Family Education Center’s annual Literacy Luncheon. The luncheon will be November 2^nd. This is an opportunity to support a great program that provides adult basic education, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, Citizenship preparation as well as parent education. The center uses the funds from this event to pay the costs for students to take their GED and also supports the annual parent conference held in January. To make reservations or for more information, contact Charlotte Morris Carter at 675-1310.  You can also email her at cmorris@dibollisd.com with the number attending and make your donation at the door.

Mark your calendar for a good family outing in Diboll’s city park (Old Orchard) November 4^th for a Praise Fest from 10AM in the morning with vendors and games for the children until 6PM when more music will be provided by various vocals groups. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the food, fun and festivities.

“Grandma” recipes and traditional Christmas baking just seem to go together. The Diboll Business Association realized that Grandma dropped her recipes and they are scattered all over Diboll. They are sponsoring a fun event this year; a scavenger hunt that will allow you to collect recipes and also a have an opportunity to win CASH. Each participating business will have a playing card with all the places for you to go to collect a recipe and also get your playing card stamped plus enter your name to win a Christmas stocking, CASH and other prizes that will be given away. Complete details will be printed on the playing card which should be available by November 1^st.

Enjoy the fall weather and come see us…’round the table.