Finding ‘good’ firewood in Forsyth at a decent price!

Not only can finding a reliable firewood supplier be a challenge down here in southwest Missouri, but other factors can really muck up the works. Like everything else, before you buy, do your research first!

I recently decided that I would need about a face cord of firewood to have on hand just ‘in case’. Around this part of the Ozarks, you just never know when an ice storm is going to knock out the power and if you have a fireplace, good wood to burn can be a lifesaver.

However, when looking around, I quickly discovered that you need to know the right questions to ask. For instance, right now some local suppliers are asking $45 per rick. What’s a rick? That’s a good question. Some people will say it’s the same as a face cord which is a pile that is four feet high by eight foot long comprised of logs of some length. This generally works out to be somewhere in the neighborhood of 48 cubic feet (4x8x1.5). Other people, however, think of a rick as a truckload or pile of wood and so you really don’t know how much you have until it gets stacked. Another way to look at it is you shouldn't be paying much over a dollar per cubic feet in this part of the country. The bottom line however, is that it pays to ask all your questions ahead of time.

Another aspect of firewood buying is the type of wood and how seasoned that wood is. Ideally the wood you’re getting is a ‘hard’ wood variety like an oak of some type although almost any properly seasoned wood can burn well. ‘Seasoning’ refers to how much time has elapsed since the wood was cut or split. In order to burn well, wood must have spent some time in a well aerated location where the moisture content becomes much reduced (20% moisture or less). This generally takes about a full year with two years considered the ideal length of time according to some people I’ve talked to. However, the type of wood, how it’s stacked and how well it’s aerated all play a role.

The supply of the wood pictured above was from a gentleman by the name of Joe who sells wood by the pickup full for $45 at the time of this post (prices subject to change of course). You can reach him at 417-251-1205 for a current quote on cost and wood availability. I performed a rough measurement of the wood he left and came up with about 45 cubic feet. I'd also like to remark that, after burning some of this wood, I had no trouble with excess smoke like you might see in an unseasoned product!

Tree work in this cold?

I noticed that for the past couple of days, area workers have been out in my neighborhood trimming and shredding trees, even though the weather was less than ideal.

When I went over and inquired as to the reason, I was informed by one worker that they were expecting ‘sleet’ by the coming evening. I wondered, ‘do they know something the rest of us don’t?’  True the weather service has been ‘hinting’ at possible freezing drizzle for the Thursday night to Friday time frame, but even they don’t seem to give it that much play.

Well, it’s good to know these guys are around anyway. In the event we do ever get hit with an ice storm, I’ll definitely remember their efforts today!

The Junction Bar and Grill thriving!

After being away for more than a month, I stopped in at a favorite watering hole called the Junction Bar and Grill to see how this fledgling, yet growing establishment was making out. Once inside, I ran into the owner Mike Osterday who served me a nice cold beer while filling me in with all the latest gossip. And, even though it was mid afternoon, customers had begun to file in, so our gossip session was short lived.

The Junction, which first opened it doors back in April of 2012, has grown into a really nice place to visit. Mike has installed pool tables, video games, TV’s, Keno and all the sorts of the things you’d expect in a first class establishment. In addition to great beverages, The Junction also serves up a full selection of food items as this menu illustrates.

The Junction is located in Kissee Mills Missouri near the intersection of highway 160-76. They can also be reached by calling 417-546-2550. They're hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 11AM to midnight at this time. Be sure and stop in and enjoy this establishment’s fine hospitality!

Disclaimer: Menu items and prices are subject to change without notice. All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information.

 

The Kookoos Nest in Forsyth Missouri

Perhaps it's a coincidence, but I swear there seems to be more and more flea markets springing up in and around the Forsyth Missouri area. Whether by luck or in response to tough economic times, these 'emporiums of nicknacks' provide a valuable service. With many residents looking for bargains due to restricted budgets, many of this stores offerings would make wonderful gifts at a fraction of the cost if they were purchased in a retail chain!

After I had a chance to talk with the owners of the Kookoos Nest, I had a chance to wander around and to look at all sorts of collectibles. They have a little bit of everything to offer and one of the owners, Dino, told me that he was always on the lookout to buy stuff for resale from individuals in the community.

If you get a chance, please stop by and look around. The store also maintain a web site at www.kookoosnest.weebly.com for anyone who's interested. Update: This location is closed!