The next morning we had the pleasure of meeting our hosts and hostess at the Polar Bear Inn. "Grandpa", "Grandma" and of course Ron!! They couldn't have been more pleasant. Anything we wanted or needed was offered to all of us. We had use of the lobby and pool area anytime we wanted. I believe we will never find the kind of "warmth" that we had with this wonderful family!!

Jim scouted the area so he could tell everyone "where to go" as they arrived. LOL While I stayed to enjoy the pool and get unpacked and organized.

Wednesday evening around five I was doing my hair and had the motel door open when I saw a familiar vechile pull into the parking area. It was Barb and her hubby George from New Jersey. I bolted out of my chair and got a big hug from George, and ran down to greet Barb!! She was disappointed that she wasn't able to surprise me. NOW she knows me better than that!! LOL

After they checked into their room, Barb, Jim and I went to find something to eat. We went to McDonald's....and FYI Barb stole a salt shaker at Jim's request!! LOL I believe George stayed to rest.

Now I just knew that some of the Grannies would arrive before Friday and sure enough Thursday Vi and Vel showed up. And more HUGS!!

They told us that in the room next to them Mary Lynn, Lonnie, Judy and Larry had checked in. They had gone to dinner. I paced from Vi and Vel's room to the balcony watching for them to come back........I wanted those hugs!! Boy did those "HUGS" feel good!!

Mary Lynn and Judy were VERY nervous to say the least. But they would soon learn to overcome that feeling. I on the other hand have never been known to be shy! And wanted to make everyone feel at ease.

Thursday night we were up rather late, talking and LOL a lot!! And with all the excitement falling asleep was not an easy thing to do. Finally.....sleep came....when all of a sudden, there was a LOUD knocking sound at our door!! Jim jumped up, opened the door,and there was Sammy,live and in person looking for the OGG!! LOL Now remember, I was not awake!!! LOL I put on my glasses, so I could see 8) Jumped up and got a HUG!! Then as I was coming to, I remembered that Kath and Joan were riding with Sammy. I ran out to the car for more hugs!! What did they do then? Went to sleep, now that I was awake!! What a great way to wake up!! Thanks Sammy.

Friday Jim and I drove to the Springfield airport to pick up Frances, Barney, Glo and Dennis. But first I had to drop off a map at the car rental desk for Trish, Twila and Jan.

Trish flew in from New Hampshire and was renting a car. Then she would wait for Twila and Jan from Alaska to arrive. Trish had ask if I would leave a trail of popcorn leading to the motel in Branson. "Hey", I always try to oblige!! So, I took a map and taped popcorn on the road to Branson!! The girls at the rental desk had a good laugh.

I was getting very excited about seeing Glo again!! We went to the desk to check the arrival times and the first thing I saw was,"Glo's flight was cancelled"!! The ONLY flight that was cancelled was hers!! I called her cell phone and found her in Texas, yep Texas!! Leave it to her to take time to sightsee!! LOL We made arrangements to have them shuttled to the motel once they got in later that afternoon.

Now it is time to finally meet Frances. While watching the people come down the ramp a lady walked over and asked if I was a "Grannie".Think maybe my OGG shirt was a clue? I don't know why, but knew it was Arlene Burch, a friend of Judy's, from Florida. She had flown in from Ohio and was waiting for Judy. YES, Judy was on the same filght as Frances. It was getting better all the time!!

I overheard a lady say the name Judy and just knew it had to be Frances and her hubby Barney. So I went to her and said,"Frances"? And another HUG!!!! She radiated friendship from the start!!

Then looking down the ramp there was Judy. I had seen her picture, and her purple Grannie shirt was a definite sign!!

Judy was so EXCITED I can't even put it into words!!! We hugged, and hugged!! She was literally shaking, and talking non--stop!! After what seemed like forever, at least it seemed that way to Jim and Barney, we got everyone's luggage, and the rental car that Judy had reserved. Now it was off to Branson again!!

Amelia's flight was due in earlier that morning so she would be at the motel when we got back. Barb was Amelia's OGG since I was not available. And she did a fine job too!!

Amelia and I had already met last year in Ohio and we were both looking forward to meeting again. You see, we got along very well!!! Yep, another HUG!!!!

Then it seemed like everywhere you looked another Grannie began to appear. It was like mass hugging if you know what I mean. You had to be there!! A few would arrive later in the day or on Saturday.

Sandy and Pete finally arrived. You see, we had met before too!! Poor Sandy had taken a bad fall and her face was so bruised! But I am so glad that didn't stop her from being there with us!!!

We had agreed to a Pizza Party in the lobby Friday night.One by one we all arrived in the lobby, what a wonderful site that was!!! It is so hard for me to not keep repeating how Grand this all was, so get use to it!!! :)

Talking is what we all did best!! The noise level was always there!! I ordered 12 pizza's and they were devoured!! It was easier for me to just pay the delivery guy and figure out what it would cost per person then collect the money. Thus another title for me,"The List Lady"!!! It seemed like eveytime I turned around there was another list to be made!!

Just as we were starting to eat a shuttle bus pulled into the driveway, and there was Glo and Dennis, what a site for sore eyes!! They finally made it!! Of course the hugging commenced, again!!

AND they did NOT have any luggage!! LOL With all that they had been through to get there we really weren't surprised. But not to worry, everyone pulled together to make sure she had clothes until they could retrieve their belongings. Joan had brought several swim suits, and I had brought along a "cow" nightshirt. You see, Glo collects cows!! :)

As we started to get to know one another what should appear in the lobby?? The "Polar Bear", live and in person!!Amelia and "Frostbite"

We had picture's taken with him and even got more hugs.

Saturday morning everyone came down to the lobby for the continental breakfast. Wayne, Caro, Carol,Dave and Pam were due in that day. Everyone just lounged around either in the lobby or by the outside pool. We talked about plans we had made for a few shows,and gave directions to those that needed to shop. What was nice is the fact that everyone grabbed someone that didn't have a car and we just did our own thing.

That afternoon several of us were out by the pool when we saw Wayne and Caro pull in. Now remember, Wayne was very precise with the time they would arrive. I believe the time was, 1:47pm!! They were tired and hungry and EARLY!!! But leave it to him....they ask where they could go eat, left and when they came back they checked in.....of course at the precise time he had predicted!!!

Wayne was in awe of this reunion, I could tell!! And I believe he still is.He was very well liked by everyone even before we met him. And what a pleasure it was to get that "hug" from him!! His wife Caro is one of the sweetest ladies you could ever want to meet. And you could tell they love one another very much!!

Carol and Dave pulled in later that afternoon. And once again the hugging continued!! Now everyone but Pam was there. She was due in later that evening and would arrive at the motel via the shuttle while the rest of us attended "Lost in the 50"s".

"Lost in the 50's"

We made arrangements to take a shuttle to the show that night. I called several and got us a deal for $4 per person round trip...."The Hillbilly Shuttle"!! What fun we had. They sent more than one shuttle for all 40 of us, and of course nothing is every simple!! One of the shuttles broke down!! Take a look...Hillbilly Shuttle

We used that company everytime we needed to go anywhere as a group.

We were no sooner back from the show and another shuttle pulled into the driveway...Pam had arrived!!! Now we were all there!!!

Ever rode a "Duck"? Well we did, and talk about laughter!! The one Jim and I rode had several other Grannies on it too. There was Amelia,Carol,Pam,Glo,Dennis,Barb,George,Caro, Wayne, Jim and me. Our captain's name was "Stretch", and "oh baby"...."OHHH BABY" what a sense of humor he had!! Here is a little info on the "Duck"

When you visit Branson, you can't help but see a unique kind of Duck that has been a part of the landscape and charm of the area for more than 27 years. Although they look and certainly sound much like their namesake water fowl, they are actually something much different. Originally military vehicles designed to carry troops and supplies from ship to shore, these war heroes (dubbed DUKW's) are completely re-engineered and renovated by Ride The Ducks of Branson, into the ideal sightseeing vehicles used today for land tours and lake cruising, all in a single trip! Vessels of this origin have been used for sightseeing for more than 50 years in several locations around the world. Industry experts estimate that more than 1 million people travel via amphibious ducks every year. Yet the vehicles developed and manufactured by Ride The Ducks in Branson are a breed of their own. A steadfast dedication to reliability, comfort and safety has produced vehicles complete with automatic curtains, power steering, dual line disc brakes and increased freeboard. It's what the development team there likes to call their "super duck," for obvious reasons. Extensively trained, highly skilled and extremely dedicated U.S. Coast Guard-certified captains command the vessels and provide interesting local lore, traveler tips and plenty of humor along the way. Adding to the fun are plastic, duck-bill-shaped noise makers, which are included with each admission. These Wacky Quackers have been known to get even the most mild-mannered tourists quacking along.

Highlights of the 80-minute "show on wheels" include an exclusive trip to the top of Baird Mountain for one of the area's most spectacular 180-degree lake views, the trout hatchery, Country Music Boulevard and Table Rock Dam. Of course, the most unique part of the journey is the driving splash down into Table Rock Lake followed by a relaxing lake cruise.The "Duck"

Sunday we decided to take a group picture, but first we had to rearrange the furniture in the lobby. And here are the Branson Beauties....Group

I have asked everyone to send me a few comments about the Branson Grand Reunion and am going to put them here for all to read. I will add more as I receive them. Also there will be links to all of the Photo Point albums we have taken the time to put together.

I could describe each Grannie in this page, but am not going to. Those that were there know who we are. And those that could not attend, I believe have gotten to know us well through picture's and words to feel as tho they already have met us.

We all are so fortunate to have been able to attend and know that in the near future there will be more reunions.

Some of these were c/c/p'd from the NG, Grannies, some were sent directly to me.
WAYNE SAYS......Mary I don't know about the others but I was and am still so overwhelmed by the awesome experience of meeting all the grannies (that includes the spouses) that I have not been able to find adequate words. I was very unprepared to meet so many people that were exactly perfect. Each and everyone was like an exotic artichoke. Th move leaves you pealed back the more there was to find. The more you talked the richer their personality became. The meeting more than fleshed out their e-mail personalities. Now I can visualize how each persn moves their hands and body while talking. I can see their faces and hear the inflections in their speech. Glo's "Hello" will be in my mind forever. The way Kath moved her hands telling a tory is burned in. Carol's laugh reverberates. Shy qiet Sammy was a true joy. Was I so wrong. Timid Barb. NOT. Bondies breathing lesson. Szak of the jokes I was so glad to meet him. Phyllis with her popultion exploding candles. LOL! I could go on forever. Caro and I took over 500 pictures with the digital camera. And about 2 hours with the video. I miss everyone so much. They were so much more than I expected and were exactly as I wished. If I were rich I would stage a reunion for everyone somewhere in mid-America for 10 days. The person is so much more than the posts but now I have a little of the person to go with the post. The shows Caro and I saw were good. But the shows and things we did with the group were so much better........WAYNE SAID MORE.....Two weeks after Branson and I still am hypnotized by the experience.   Mister Methodical planned the trip to the minute. Reservation made and iternary in the "book". Left Little Rock, if i drive normal speed we will be at the Polar Bear at 1:47 pm. The further I get from Little Rock the faster I drive. The closer to Branson the more nervous I get. Oh God I hope I they like me. Get to Branson and drive around for 30 minutes trying to stretch to 1:47. Can't stand the suspense. Bam! Di standing outside Polar Bear recognizes the Texas Plates. Park and start hugging everyone. Actually just passing them on from Grandson.   The experience is overwhelming. The people are just as I imagined. I have known these people all my life. I just had not met them until now.   Caro sick as a dog but all the other Grannies and I go to "Lost in the 50s". What a group! What a family. Sammy calculates 3 tons of grannies. LOL. Di arranged shuttle ride. What a great way to go.   The week rushed by so fast the camera was needed to capture the events. Baby, Oh Baby! One of the best group outings, IMHO, was "Ride the Ducks" with Capt. Stretch. I will never hear a blonde joke without hearing faintly "baby, oh baby!"   Barb of the printable list.Caro felt she was in the presence of a celebrity near Barb. Barb had the site that led us to Grannies. Sammy suprizingly was not the quiet retiring person, Hah! Carol with her mercy stash of Kaopectate for Caro. Judy not shy as I expected. Vel and Vi, finally faces to go with the travelogs. Captain Glo even teaching web tip and tricks despite wandering luggage. Mary Lynn of the magic graphic camera! Trish with her Bendos. Fiesty Judy from Fl with super positive outlook. Indiana Joan I had wondered what she looked like now I know. Twila and Jan from the land of super cold telling this Texan what real cold is. Sandy the brave with the horrific bruise. Frances and Pam and breathing lessons. Phyllis with her candles. Amelia taking about a flower festival. Kath of the Wren picture. Szak with the funny jokes and ken appreciation of the irony on life. And the guys, Dennis, Jim, Lonnie, Larry, Dave, Pete, Paul, George, and Barney. Barney Frances'es rock and center.    I miss the group. Posting in grannies is better than nothing but I really miss the people. I have never been so gripped by love for ex-strangers.   Wherever the group decides to go in 2001 I will make every effort to go. Even if it involves snow or ice. I know I have left someone out and I apologize.

KATH SAID.......Okay..my turn, had the vacation, I've dreamed about for years ( 3 ), I came face to face with all these beautiful people, and realized that over the years I've read the posts, formed images in my mind of what each looked like and how they spoke..I didn't have to wonder now. I WAS THERE..I could hear the laughter and see the eyes sparkle, i missed a lot because of my hearing..it didn't matter to me I could feel the closeness. I decided early on that I would soak up the atmosphere and spend my time in the pools and lobby..Also..descovered the hills only go UP..even on the few outings I had..haha..even the 5 and 10 cent store is on a slant.. The shuttle bus that took us to the 50's show was so packed it looked like something from Disney Land I'm sure that bus had a smile on it's front bumper.. Someone took a video of the back seat, that was so packed with Grannies in their shirts, you couldn't tell where one left off and another began..Haha now that's togetherness.. the men were gentlemen and elected to stand..probably because they diidn't want to be caught in the "purple crunch" getting up..(smile) Spent many happy moments on the patio's with the smoking gang..trading jokes and getting to know one another. As you can see everyone did their own thing, and that is the way a vacation is supposed to be in my book..Can't wait for the next one.. Love this group !!!..KATH HAD MORE TO SAY........I got my tape to-day Wayne and Caro and I so enjoyed your company, and it brought back so many memories of all of you, like I was still there..The tribute to Donna really touched my heart, and MaryLynn and Judy were so kind to visit with her. With the tape we were all there too. Up until this time, the web has been like a fantasy to me an unreal world, you were all like favorite people in a book I loved. But now you are all real to me. I am so grateful I was able to attend the reunion, and surely hope I can be there for the next one whereever it is. Enough, of my rambling, hope i didn't bore you, been working hard since I returned and haven't taken time to post and enjoy very much, until to-nite when I viewed the tape. Hope you are both well, and have a good week. Kath

AMELIA SAYS.......After a full year of planning this trip, feeling the excitement build and dealing with the anticipation, Oh Baby Oh Baby, our big day FINALLY arrived. The reunion lived up to all the hype and I am so grateful that I was a part of it all. The fellowship we shared that week was nothing less than amazing. Here we had 40 people from all over the country in one room talking and laughing and hugging and acting like we've known each other for years when in reality, many of us were meeting for the first time. The hugs were given out generously. The glow on everyone's faces and the twinkle in their eyes clearly showed what a great reunion this was. I enjoyed all the shows I saw but if I had to pick a favorite, it would be The Showboat Belle. The show was excellent and so was the meal. Ride The Ducks was a favorite of mine also. Wayne and Glo, you were such great sports even though you really didn't want to drive Wayne (or should I call you Sheila?) The best though, was our get togethers in the lobby. That's where we learned Trish's real name is Twish and Twila became known as Twillow. We quickly learned how Carol really "toots" and we had great breathing lessons from Pam. You just wouldn't believe how fast the grannies could move when there is food around. Di and Carol took off like race drivers after the boxes of Cracker Jacks...hahaha Pssst, Glo looks great in a cow suit and her udders are a sight to behold. Here I saved the best for last. We owe the success to our week to our OGG. Di was our offcial granny greeter. She was also our list maker, our scheduler, our money collector and our leader. Di and Jim were the first to arrive so they were able to scope out the area and help everyone get around a little easier. They both worked hard at making the reunion run smoothly and they did a wonderful job. Thank you both for everything.

DARLENE SAYS........Meeting all of our Grannie family was a experience I will never forget.Like Di said,we are all so different & yet we all got along so well. My friend Suan was so impressed at how she was made to feel like one of the group. I would like to see her get a web,but don't think she will. Going on the shuttle bus to "Lost In The 50's" was a blast! The first one they sent quit running right in the Polar Bear Inn's driveway. A bigger one came & we were on our way. The show was so much fun. The music was great!! Someone made the remark"that was 50 years ago". I thought to myself"that isn't possible!! But alas it is. "The Shepard Of The Hills" was a neat experience also! It was a perfect evening. We wondered if we would have to walk back to the motel as the Shuttle bus was late & everyone was gone.:-) But it was soon there. Branson is a experience in its self. There is so much to see! Not only in Branson but in all of the outlying area. The trip to the "Home Of The Throwed Rolls" (Lamberts) was another experience. Never have I seen so much food on my plate & the extra they came around was truly awesome! The rolls were delicious!! Thanks to Szak for catching mine for me!/me not a good catcher!! haha. But the very best part was the wonderful friends & spouses from the Grannie group.I am so blessed to have such a great group of friends! Meeting you all is something I will never forget! DARLENE

SHIRLENE'S TURN.....I have to relate what our bus driver said when we got off the bus at Lost in the Fifties. He said " I've hauled cattle and hay but I'd rather haul Grannies any day."LOL. It was so much fun and memories I'll never forget. Its kinda strange but I found that alot of us Grannies have a lot in common. Ex, twins,careers,breast ca, the way we were raised, ect. It was so great to visit and find these things out. And everyone is just common folk which makes you feel so comfortable to be around. Not like a highschool reunion where everyone is trying to outdo everyone else( if you know what I mean) love and hugs to you all.       SHIRLENE

CAN'T FORGET SAMMY.....Branson would have been a great vacation,for anyone any time, but being there with this group is what put the frosting on the cake, I'm sure we'll never forget it. From Grandpa's jokes & polar bear suit, to Kath with her purple hair along with my red hat, It was a wonderful time spent with wonderful people. The stop at "Lamberts" on the way home wasn't too shabby either. Loved those Throwed Rolls.

FRANCIS SAYS.....My feelings about the Grand Reunion: I have emailed several of the grannies during the years and wasn't the least disappointed when I met some of them in Branson. Our evenings in the lobby were great----talking and learning all about each other ( let's not leave out the husbands who were brave enough to accompany their wives) My hd and I had a marvelous time and looking forward to the next one and also meeting the other grannies who could not make this one.

JUDY from FLORIA SAYS....I look back over that marvelous week many times each day...It was even more fun than I had anticipated..There are no words in this English language that can best describe such an experience ! When I walked of the plane and saw Di and Jim, Florence and Barney and Arlene standing there, I was totally overwhelmed and the tears of joy began to flow. Meeting everyone was a treat that will stay in my memory for ever.

PAM SAID.....Branson to me was just like when I was a kid and waiting on Christmas! The anticipation of waiting.Getting oh sooo antsy as the day drew nearer! The day of my flight.... Christmas eve..AND the longest day of the year! Finally arriving at the Polar Bear... Christmas morning! Meeting each Grannie/Gramp was like unwrapping a wonderful present! Memories made there I'll treasure for the rest of my life! Pam

VI SAID.....Branson was a great experience having never been that far west. It is an interesting place to visit. Fabulous scenery and lots of shows to see. I think the Shoji show was the best show I have ever seen. I enjoyed meeting some new grannies and seeing the group from Buffalo and Binghamton. Everyone was wonderful, fun loving people. Lots of laughter and conversation. An enjoyable trip for sure.

JUDY from IOWA SAID....I've been really searching my soul to see what special thing i remember about our trip to Branson. One thing keeps coming to mind....one night i was in the pool,all by myself.I was wishing i could be more outgoing so i could get to know the grannies better when in came one of the grannies to see if i was in there! Anyhow to make this story short.....I ended up with Kath and Indiana Joan in the pool...we talked and had a wonderful time! We even got in the hot tub for awhile. I feel i got to know them a little better.They ought to know how special they made me feel that day! I'm smiling now just thinking about us 3 in that hot tub talking! I am so glad they took that first step....Boy,now you've made me realize how very much i miss all the Branson Grannies! ~sniff~ Vel and Vi with their zest for life and most special friendship...Di and Jim..you made me feel so wanted and are just so organized! 8^),Twila...those boots were so beautiful and your eyes seemed to sparkle when you spoke..8^), Mary and Szak,you two are so very special and so much in love! Carol,how i loved you wit and beauty..even when you came in with your hair all mussed=-),Sandy,you were the best surprise of all! What a truly,wonderful,caring person you are..i felt so sad for you to have bruised your sweet face.., Sammy,dear one...i could write a book on you....you your charming sister and your RED hat! We had a ball with that.,Phyl,my friend...your sweet caring ways and those candles! MMM...smell sooo good! Glo,you are so funny and lit up the room when you entered! Jan even tho you didn't know it i felt i knew you right from the start...what a great person.Judy...Finally,i got to meet you..what was the first thing you said to me? "You're the one who made me change my name!" 8^) The things we remember,huh? You have such whit,charm and what talent at making web pages! Francis! You are one classy lady! I had a friend when i was younger who was just like you....she was so neat.How i'd have loved to get to know you better too. On our way home we met Donna Sneed...What a gracious lady! I fell in love with her the minute i met her....so sweet and so full of life. I will be back one day to see her..you can count on it! I know i'm not naming you all but you are ALL in my heart. Gee, i'd have to have Di make a Book just on my memories! My Gosh..I HAVE! LOL! I love and miss each and every one of you.....(((GROUP HUGS)))) Judy

CAROL SAYS.....Spending time with my Grannie friends in Branson was the greatest. We made memories that week that will last forever. Although I feel very close to everyone in the group, there is a special bond when you meet people from the group in person. It's so nice to be able to recall facial expressions, voices, and sounds of laughter when reading posts and emails. I can't wait until the next reunion to see everyone again and hopefully meet more people from the group.

HEARD from SANDY......My memories of Branson are some of the best memories I have. All the fellowship and good cheer. No one was unaccepted as sometimes happens in groups that large. It's amazing to me that so many different types of people, with their likes and dislikes, could get together with no friction. We have so many differences between us but also so many in common. The way the husbands are accepted by all and again how congenial the guys are. All were so helpful to one another. The thing I miss most is all the warmth and hugging. The laughter and fun and plain good feelings are missed by me. I believe we have a very unique group of people who met and got along as if they were very old friends or family. I can't wait to meet again.

"TWISH" SAYS......After planning this for over a year, the day I went to get my airline tickets in August really set it in concrete.....then it came, September 15th.  All my flights went as scheduled and I arrived in Springfield, MO about an hour before Twila and Jan were to arrive.  After collecting my luggage I went to the car rental counter to pick up my car.  Needless to say when they handed me the popcorn map Di had left there I cracked up.    I told Twila and Jan they would recognize me because I would be the one with the camcorder in my face, I thought I would recognize Twila as I had seen her pictures, but I had never seen any of Jan......That was my first big thrill of the trip when they came out of the jetway........Let the {{{HUGS}}} begin.....and off we went to Branson, like we had been friends forever..........   Then we arrived at the Polar Bear Inn (not an easy place to find I may add) and the {{{HUGS}}} and the laughter and chatter will forever remain in my heart.  No matter what time of day or night there was a wonderful warm and fuzzy feeling.  The management at the Polar Bear Inn could not have been any more accommodating. They were just wonderful.  Everyone of the Grannies, Grampies, Aunts and Uncles were so special and I am so grateful I got to meet all of you.   When it came time to leave on Wed. that's when the reality of it all set in. We wouldn't be together in person until the next time, whenever and wherever that may be.  It was very hard saying goodbye.  My flight was a mess coming home, but I had time to reflect on the previous days as I wandered the Baltimore airport all night.  I think it took me a good week to get off the "Granny High" I was on.   Di, you did a wonderful job organizing all that you did and I thank you for that.   OK Di, it's a wrap.........I could go on and on, but the bottom line..........It was GREAT and can't wait for the next time, God willing.................twish  (you will have to tell them how the "twish" and "twillow" came about

HEARD FROM PHYL....I was really surprised at how many smokers we had. I just loved everyone & it didn't seem like there were any strangers there. We were all like family. Except for Paul getting so sick it was a wonderful get together & I would love to do it again even though I don't have time to get in there very often now, I still feel like all of you are part of my extended family. Hugs

REMEMBER JAN....Hi Di!   Thank you so much for sending me this page - I've had a great time looking at all the photos and reliving the trip! Please forgive me for not answering you sooner - I have been composing a reply all this time and am feeling guilty that it has taken this long to compose an answer! You asked me for my thoughts on the Grand Reunion so here goes: First of all, I have to thank Trish for telling me to "get off your butt and get down to Branson" when I was feeling particularly low at one point last summer. I thought, "why not" and proceeded to get arrangements together before I could talk myself out of it. When I told 'friends' what I was going to do, they pronounced me certifiably crazy - boy, did I prove them wrong! Twila and I hooked up at the Anchorage airport (never having met before) and found we had so much in common, it was eerie! Trish met us at the Springfield airport with ever present camcorder in hand. Actually, I had appointed her my official photographer and she did a super bang up job! Frankly, I was feeling a little like a party crasher since I had never posted with the "Grannies" but that lasted for about two seconds after I walked into the Inn and was enveloped with one loving bear hug after another - to say I was quite overwhelmed would be a definite understatement. I enjoyed all of you so much and just being included in the group was such a special thing for me. At this point, I'm having a hard time putting into words just how I felt without the kleenex in hand. Suffice to say, you are such a wonderful, special, beautiful group of people! Oh yes, I have to include this: I wondered why husbands were going to come to this reunion of 'Grannies'. Well I found out - these are not just husbands, they are your soul mates in the truest sense and I was so envious, I'll have to admit - take extra special care of them!   I had just a great time I can't begin to tell you - there was not one single negative thing (except maybe whoever locked me in my room (Twila?!) about the whole trip. If I had one thing to do over again it would be this: I would take more time to visit with each and every one of you and get to know you better - maybe next time? In the meantime, please feel very very free to email me and if ever you or any of yours ever make it this far North, you had better get in touch with me, or else! And Di and Glo - what a super job of organizing this whole wonderful happening!! Di: Even if this doesn't make the page, I would like this passed on to the Grannies, ok? I really want them to know how I feel about all of them! Thanx. Ok, I'm going to send this now, even if there's so much more I could/want to say about this super special event! So far, this trip to Branson and the Grannie Reunion is the best trip I've ever been on ((actually, I'm not that well traveled - first time I've ever been east of the Missippi!). Big bear hugs and loads of love to each and every one of you! Jan from Alaska P.S. Also, thank you all for your prayers for my Sis JoAnn who had a reocurrence of her cancer - she is undertaking some alternative treatments and they seem to be helping - your prayers have not gone unheeded!

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