Sight and Sound

While in Branson we went to a production of Noah at the Sight and Sound Theater. There is one other location in PA. The one in PA was founded by a man nearly 30 years ago. It was an unbelievable production using 61 live animals. From horses, llamas, pigs, sheep and many other animals.

It cost 65 million to build over 3 years. It is a mammoth building. They house the animals that are used in the production. We took a behind the scenes tour. They did not allow us to film or take pictures except for three locations.

This pic was allowed before our production began.

Part of the lobby with a gift shop.

The lobby ceiling.

The doors to the auditorium.

Pictures of the outside grounds.

Another pic of the inside.

A view of the side of the building.

The theater has the largest stage in MO. When the second half of the play begins the side wings of stage also open up and you feel like you are inside the ark.
This pic is a replica of the theater. It goes all around the seating area and is three stories high housing all the animals. Some of them are mechanical but you can't tell the difference. They move like they are real.

This is our tour guide. She also has a part in the play.

If you ever get a chance to go to either location, you are in for a treat!

Thanks for visiting today!

It's quieter since the kids left but we're still clipping at a fast pace.
We had such a good time with the kids and grandkids! We went non-stop getting in all we could in nearly two weeks. The following pic is right before church one Sun.
We miss them already!! The bigger kids enjoying the swing in the backyard on a warm sunny day.

Having fun just being together. They played so well together.

We celebrated three birthdays while they were here from CA. Ivy turned 1 and has just started walking. It's so much fun watching her take those first uncertain steps.

She dug right in, without any coaxing from the crowd.

Emma's turning 10 and loves to read. She loves the American Girl books and DVDS.

She was so excited to get new silver earrings from us. I'm so glad she liked them.

There's one more B-day that was celebrated but we won't say which one. lol

Until next time. Have a happy day!

Unusual Run Ins

A couple of years ago, G. Clooney came to town to make the movie "Leather Heads". Our run in with him was just a chance meeting. Hubby and I were having lunch at a little restaurant in the town of Greer. We had finished and got into our vehicle and a van pulled up behind us. Low and behold quite a few guys got out and there was George and his crew. He was there to sign contracts with some of the store owners that were allowing their stores or store fronts to be used in the movie.

We had no camera with us--but a news reporter had one and took this picture.When George came back to film the movie we had another encounter with him as we watched some of the filming. He was dressed for the movie in this picture. Hubby was taking the pic with the zoom on, no less, and we have a super close up of our noses. lol

The day my sis arrived a couple of weeks ago, we picked her up at the airport and headed to lunch. She wanted to go downtown to Brick Street Cafe. We take all our company there at least once. Very old bldg. turned into a quaint little restaurant with great food and pastries.

As we entered a waiter told us "As The World Turns" was filming upstairs for an upcoming episode. We went up looking for a table and ran into one of the crew members. I asked how they came to pick Greenville to film. He said they go wherever the town is receptive to them.

They were filming right in front of us and finished a scene while we were still talking to the crew member. A couple of the stars walked right up to us.

Here is hubby with Michael Parks, a.k.a. Jack and Mark Collier, a.k.a. Mike.

This is sis and I with executive producer Chris Goutnan.

Now our turn to get a hug from the guys.

There's never a dull moment around this town.

Hubby thinks he was standing where the camera was filming and might be in an episode. We'll see. The segments air on Nov. 11th, 12th, & 13th.

That's what's happening around our neck of the woods.

Family

I mentioned earlier that Jonas was going to change his costume for Halloween. He decided to wear the mouse costume I made about 30 years ago. He's such a cute little mouse but anything but quiet. He sings up a storm and has quite the personality.

I've lost track of how many kids have worn this outfit, but I think around 10. Ceekay of Thinkin' of Home just reminded me that her kids wore it also. I know my two children, two of my sister's children and her grandchildren, Ceekay's two, 3 of my grandchildren and some neighbors kids wore it. I guess it's no worse for the wear. lol

My sister and niece have come and gone from MI. I had the chance to take her to the mountains before her daughter arrived. We drove to Boone and Blowing Rock, NC.

Here's a pic taken in Blowing Rock.

Here's one in Valle Crucis . The oldest operating country store in America is there. Barely standing but still operating. lol

This is a view from a chalet we stayed in that a friend of mine owns. Gorgeous view of the Fall colors .

My niece arrived for a few days and we went to an Art Museum. It holds the largest collection of religious art in the Western Hemisphere. Twenty seven rooms to be exact. It was a fun time together and we had to get a picture of us girls to savor the memories.

Aimee, me (holding Ivy) Barb and my daughter Sarah.

That's some of what's been happening at our house.
Hope you're enjoying the beautiful Fall weather at your house.

Pumpkin Cobbler Recipe

I wanted to share a recipe with you that I made for my decorating class. It's easy too!

Pumpkin Cobbler

This is SO yummy!

1 Large can pure pumpkin

12 oz evaporated milk

3 eggs

1 cup of sugar

1 tsp salt

1 TB cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cloves

1 yellow cake mix

1/2 cup pecans (optional)

3/4 cup melted butter

Combine first 8 ingredients.

Pour into 9x13 pan.

Sprinkle cake mix on top. (sprinkle pecans)

Pour melted butter over cake mix

Bake @ 350 for 50 minutes.

It was a big hit with everyone and no left overs. I did use pecans I think they add to the flavor.

Happy Fall!

Smoked Pork

We bought some Boston Butt Roasts to smoke for Barbecue. We knew a lot of company was coming to town and it would be easy dinners.

Our friends took the third one. It was at their house that they smoked for 7 hours in their smoker. Don't they look yummy!

We put them in foil for another 2 hours.

We did this on the day I had my decorating class so hubby could go over their in the evening and pull pork while I taught the class.

It is quite a job to pull all that pork but hubby found time to have a little fun.

Standing or sitting it takes a couple of hours.

The end result is so worth it. The taste is wonderful! Into the freezer it went and will be easy to warm with our choice of barbecue sauce. We like Sweet Baby Ray.

Life is busy here with the company. I'm sorry I haven't been around to visit you lately. I will try to stop by soon. I'll have lots to share after my company is gone.

What's happening in your neck of woods? Love to hear from you!