ST LOUIS PAST--------part one
I thought it might be interesting to periodically take a look at St Louis of the past.
The Admiral [currently a land based casino] was once a beautiful, great, magnificent traveling river excursion boat. In the evening you would dress to the nines and take your best girl on a cruise on the Mississippi from 8:00 PM to 12: am. On the two decks with windows you could dance the night away to a live orchestra. The third deck was semi open air and you could purchase food at several different venues. The top deck was open to the skies for star gazing.
Later in life when you had a young family you would cruise in the afternoon from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM spending lots of time on the first deck as that deck had all kinds of games and rides for the kids. In addition you would cool off on the air conditioned dance floor,eat in the open air dining area, and watch the river from the top deck.
It was always special to take out of town visitors on a cruise and listen to their compliments and comments.
The Admiral was a top flight attraction and a shame to lose. How it eventually became a casino is another story.

UNDERWATER EXPLORING
There is a beautiful world underwater waiting for the adventurer to explore. Top photo was taken in the Pacific ocean off the coast of Kauai Hawaii. Exploring and taking pictures require only snorkeling gear,a waterproof camera,and the ability to trust you can breathe through your snorkel tube.
The lower photo is long way from Hawaii on a beach off of the island of Cozumel Mexico. They may be two different bodies of water but they are both beautiful. On this day I spent half the day under the water and the other half we rented a jeep and drove around Cozumel. What beautiful sights were ours for stopping, looking at, and enjoying God's wonderful gifts. Snorkeling and my one scuba dive are high on my personal lists of things I have done. I can taste the salt water while I sit here and type.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE
ARE FREE
A sunset over Lake Worth,Palm Beach FL. After a barefoot walk in the ocean with the love of your life. It does not get any better. The trip may have a cost but being barefoot in the sand with God's gift of a beautiful sunset and hand in hand with your wife is a great big ten.

The power of flowing water is magnificent as you look at Niagara Falls from the Canadian side. Please note the gift of God's rainbow pictured on the left side of the photo. The trip to Niagara may have a cost but the wonderful view is free.

The beauty of a butterfly resting in your flower garden is beyond my ability to describe. This Monarch allowed me to be this close for over ten minutes and posed for over twenty photos.

It was extremely difficult for me to narrow to three my choices for the best things if life that are free.

I hope you will share your choices for the best things in life that are free.

BRANSON MO 2006

[Mel.& Liz. Bilbo in front of their
Kringles Christmas store]

Nancy and I had the opportunity last week to spend a week in Branson. Our week began with us attending Sunday services at Hollister Church of Christ and a song service led by our friend Mel Bilbo. After services we had lunch with Mel and Liz at Mel's Hard Luck Diner. After lunch Mel and Liz gave us a tour of Kringles Christmas Store, Thomas Kinkade Store, and their book store. On your next visit to Branson we suggest a visit to the Grand Palace Shopping area and the four stores owned by the Bilbo's. Especially a meal at the diner as they feature singing servers.

Pictured on the left is 80 year old Ray Price. Nancy and I had the opportunity to be entertained by Ray and his orchestra. It was a great show

especially when you factor in his age.

On Friday, April 7th we had a special evening as Ed celebrated his birthday. Our evening started with a steak dinner at the Majestic Steak House with a great meal and service by Shaughn. Then on to the Shoji Tabuchi Show and Shoji is pictured on the left. This was either the fourth or fifth time we have seen his show an it seems to get better with age. The tour of the bathroom is still a highlight and his wide range of music continues to delight audiences of all ages.

All in all we had a great week of relaxing, resting, shopping, and being entertained.