Wednesday, March 17 may see severe weather!

 Please go to Forsythkid.com for more.

License tag waiting at the DMV!

Forsyth MO. - Among the various forms of fallout delivered by the Coronavirus has be the partial or even complete breakdown of various government offices. Take the local DMV for example.

On a hot and moist 88 degree day, I had finally assembled all the paperwork needed to get my license tags renewed. This included an inspection, copies of my personal property taxes and proof of insurance. That done, I headed over to the DMV office on Main Street only to discover a rather long line of people being forced to sit or stand out in the heat. When I approached them I asked how long the wait was. No one had any idea, but those at the head of the line told me they had been standing there for over 15 minutes!

I had two problems with that scenario; 1) a recent back injury had made it difficult to stand and 2) sitting on the pavement was not an option as I would have a difficult time standing back up!

A call to the State office left me in a waiting line die to the 'virus'. A call to the local police left me with leaving a message. Lastly, due to the nature of my plates, I did not have an option to renew online. And, with the virus expected to come back in the fall, I was thinking that I would have to take my chances once the tags had expired.

Update: The very next day, I bit the bullet and got over to the office at 8:15 AM. My thinking was by arriving 15 minutes early, I'd get in quickly. No such luck. There was already 8 people inside the office with a line forming outside!  I got into line as #3 and by 8:30 AM, there were about 12 individuals standing around waiting..... After 30 minutes, I got into the office and so was at about the number 7 position. There were three people working, but it was a slow slog. The total time I spent waiting for get my plates and tags was about one hour!

Arvest Bank location to become office and event space!

Forsyth MO. - I talked briefly with the owners who acquired the Arvest Bank building and who have work crews there now transforming the former bank into office and event space. I was informed that information concerning the structure would be made available as early as the 12th of June (Friday) and that I might be able to get inside for pictures. So, an update is coming...

Update: I stopped at this site on Tuesday, June 16 and was told it would be another two weeks before the office spaces would be 'presentable'.

Playgrounds ordered closed by the City of Forsyth!

Forsyth MO. - Local City of Forsyth officials have ordered area playgrounds closed for the foreseeable future due to worries about the Coronavirus outbreak! A spokesperson confirmed this order by phone, will also indicating that the Shadowrock Park area would remain open, until it was forced to close due to expected flooding.

Meanwhile, local fishermen were in wide abundance due to so many not currently working.

The author planned to visit the parks for as long as they remained open as this would likely be the last time for the 2020 season.

Forsyth Mo - Kar Lot dealership!

Forsyth MO - On what was a glorious Thursday in Late March, and like many others who had become stir crazy what with the virus, I decided to take a drive around town. As I passed the Kar Lot located on Highway 160, I noticed some movement inside the office building and stopped to inquire if the auto service area was open for oil changes and thing like that. The owner, Lonny, informed me that they were taking appointments as was normal. You can call (417) 546-8484 and set one up if you need any service done. I was also informed that they could take a customer around the lot if one was interested in buying some wheels. 

You can go online and check out their inventory by clicking on the Kar Lot. I noticed that the dealership had some mighty fine rides and perhaps they might be more willing to wheel and deal amidst the current viral outbreak.

Fat Daddy's reopens to limited traffic!

Forsyth MO. - A popular eatery called Fat Daddy's located on highway 160 re-opened with limited service, recently and was allowing ten diners in at any one time, in order to satisfy local ordinances that arose due to the coronavirus pandemic. When I entered, I was asked how many were in my party (just me) and was then told that I needed to go wash my hands before being seated. (Note that there was no limit on take out orders).

At the time I was there, there were only three or four other diners. If you're thinking about dining out, you can reach them at 417-546-4604 to check on their status!

No virus will keep me away from my Sonic All American hot dogs!

Sonics 15700 Us Hwy 160, Forsyth, MO 65653

Forsyth MO. – It was Thursday, March the nineteenth, and I had my lunch money squeezed tightly in one hand as I steered my way into a local Sonic venue next to the Country Mart on Highway 160. The day was on the rainy side with lots of clouds. On a good note, the temps were rather moderate, somewhere in the mid sixties. I'll tell you, that wasn't too shabby weather for this part of March! And, anyway, I was pretty darn hungry! I'd likely go there even in a snowstorm!

For under $5, I was going to purchase myself an All American dog with a medium order of fries. (Just what a boy needed to remain fat and sassy)! I had found myself eating out more due to the virus that was going around. You see, I wanted to stretch my food at home so as to not have to visit the local grocery store very often. This was also a great excuse to eat a lot of junk food!

I'd written a number of posts about Sonics, over time, and I still have nothing but good things to say about; their brand, the great tasting foods and their low prices!As a bonus and a convenience, Sonic offers drive thru service that's most always fast and efficient.

The food  was awesome, as was generally the rule. I did take note of the Country Mart that adjoins this venue and it was busy as it had been for over a week. Me? I just cruised on by!

This post published at: Taneyservices.com, Forsythbiz, Twitter and Face Book

A trip to the local grocery store!

Forsyth MO. - It was mid-March, 2020 and at about 10AM on a Wednesday, I made the decision to go to a local Country Mart Grocery store for some supplies...

The coronavirus was still raging all across the continental landscape. While, here in Missouri, there were only 16 cases out of a population of 6 million with no one yet dying! Although to hear the folks at CNN talk, this virus was going to be the end of the world as we know it. OK, then... I guess that's that. It must be true. Because, how often are those folks ever caught lying? Just saying.

I arrived at the store at about 9:20 AM and my first impression was that, while the store looked busy, it didn't look like there was much in the way of panic buying going on. If nothing else, it felt more like a typical weekend morning... Busy, but really not impressively so.

As I meandered my way through the isles, my first stop took me to the pharmaceutical section for a bottle of mouthwash and a few bars of soap. (Yes, just plain old soap). I noticed that where there was a generic selection available, that was what customers were buying. The Brand names were pretty much left sitting on the shelf. (That was something that showed up again and again as I shopped).

Next, it was onto the Produce Department where I grabbed some apples and an onion. I also noted that the large ten pound bags of potatoes was almost gone even as the smaller five pound bags were in ample supply. Everything else about that department seemed pretty normal.  I did overhear one of the store personnel remark that TP was hard to come by, and I wondered in passing, what the connection was between the virus and TP?  (Hint: There is none).

As I passed the canned goods isle, I glanced down the isles and noted that a lot of customers seemed to gravitate towards the purchase of corn! Why was that true, for God's sake? Perhaps, it was on sale. From a strictly nutritional standpoint, corn is not all that energy dense. (Nowhere like potatoes are). [As an aside; I would think that a collage post-grad might want to do some research on what people buy in stores like this during a time of a 'pseudo' crisis.] I call this crisis 'pseudo' based on the incidence of infection by the coronavirus being at about .00026% of the Missouri population. (If people wanted to be afraid of something, let them worry more about the regular flu which has hit the country pretty hard this season)!

When I finally made my way to the checkout area, I witnessed a group of ladies who looked pretty tired even at such an early hour, Hey! If you're planning on shopping at a grocery store, over the next couple of weeks, please consider slipping your checkout person a few bucks to help brighten their day....

As I stepped out of the store and headed for my car, the sun was breaking through the clouds and you could feel spring just about to burst out all over the place. I realized that things were going to be just fine and that all I really needed to do (besides washing my hands) was to keep the TV tuned to some old movie while bypassing the media talking heads and the politicians who were desperately trying to; score points, enhance the sense of panic and to throw taxpayer money at a problem that was going to very likely clear up like the early morning mist on a summer day.



I 

Finally, a good tasting coleslaw!

Forsyth MO. - After searching for years to find a commercially prepared coleslaw that I could actually tolerate, I cam across a 15 ounce container made by Reser's. It was located in a cold case next to Deli counter at the Country Mart store in Forsyth. It sold for three dollars and change and was pretty darn tasty!

Charlie's was under contract to sell!

Forsyth MO - Charlie's Steak Ribs and Ale, a popular steakhouse located on the corner of Hwy 160 and Y was under contract to be sold with a closing date set for Friday, March 6th. Unfortunately, that fell through according to a spokesperson for the company that represents the property. So, it's now back on the market!

Forsyth Long Horn Update

I was able to drive by the former Long Horn and grabbed a quick pic. Yep, it was up for lease again! This happening after a guy named Jimmy dumped a lot of money into the establishment including the purchase of a new sign. (Maybe Italiano Jimmy was called back to Italy to get more pasta)....

Beaver Creek bridge in Taney County shut down! Repairs start Nov 26!

KY3 abstract: The Beaver Creek bridge in Taney County is now the third major bridge to be shut down by Missouri Department of Transportation in the last three weeks.

In just about a two hour period Saturday, dozens of cars made it as far at the road leading up to the Beaver Creek bridge and had to turn right back around. Many of the drivers told KY3 their only option is a 45 minute detour.

MODOT: U.S. Route 160 at Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills CLOSED Immediately Due to Bridge deterioration!

What: U.S. Route 160 at the bridge over Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills CLOSED immediately due to deterioration of the bridge structure

Why: A inspection of the bridge this week has shown extreme deterioration of the support components located under the bridge deck that connect the deck to the girders and other support structures. The bridge will remain CLOSED until repairs can be made. Currently, there is no timetable for completing repairs. More information will be announced later when repairs are scheduled.

Click to enlarge

Details:

• Route 160 CLOSED at the bridge over Beaver Creek near Kissee Mills
• The bridge was built in 1953 and carries 2,000 vehicles a day
• Drivers will be able to get to entrances and driveways on either side of the bridge but will not be able to cross the bridge
• Drivers are urged to use state routes to get around the closing including Route 125 and Route 76

(Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule)
I'll post updates here if I get any news from MoDot!

UPDATE: Good news! This from MoDot - 'Repairs on the U.S. Route 160 bridge over Beaver Creek will start on Tuesday, Nov. 26, and could last until mid-December.

Long Horn Family Dining has closed!

Forsyth Mo. - I recently learned that the populat eating venue known as the Long Horn Family dinign restaurant has closed. I tried call that location to see what was going on, but no one answered the phone.

White Oak Conoco Station has some pretty cool stuff!

Forsyth MO - A local gas station slash convenience store known as the White Oak has some very fine folks working there and thus they get most of my gas purchasing business. But they also have some very good deals on items like cell phone charger cables and accessories!

One item in the display case that caught my attention was Iphone USB cables for only $5.99! That was one of the lowest prices I've seen in the area.

A visit to the Long Horn Family Dining restaurant!

Forsyth MO. - It was a rather night day in early fall in mid October that I got it in my head to re-visit a local eatery that serves up some pretty decent grub, including a breakfast dish known as the Works!

For those who may never have had the pleasure, the Works Platter consists of the following combos; two eggs (made to order), toast or biscuit with gravy, a choice of meat and hash browns. I generally opt for sunny side up eggs, toast, sausage and the hash brown's with just a splash of A1 sauce. Throw in some jelly for the toast and I'm a very happy camper. With a cup of coffee, this meal-a-deal comes in at about eight and a half dollars. It's a tasty way to start your day that doesn't break the bank!

The Long Horn is located at 16039 US-160 in Forsyth and is just across from Fat Daddy's. I understand they serve breakfast until 11AM each day and do support both smoking and non-smoking areas. They can be reached by calling (417) 546-9751 during regular business hours. I always encourage area residents (and those just passing through) to make it a point to get out and visit business venues like this. The food is great and the income helps them all stay in business.

A Pittsburg salad with fries? And at the Frosted Mug? Uh no...

Forsyth Mo - Here’s the real deal, salad lovers. Sometimes we all want to eat a salad that’s simply full of lettuce and vegetables. Other times we want to eat a salad that’s full of lettuce, vegetables, shredded cheese, croutons, Ranch dressing, more cheese and more croutons.

But we had no idea we wanted to eat a salad that’s full of lettuce, vegetables, cheese and FRENCH FRIES.

That’s right. There’s an actual real life salad that’s topped with our favorite French cuisine — fries. WTF??

I had the occasion to observe this creation served, recently, at a local venue and had to admit that the patron who ordered it (special) seemed to enjoy the experience totally!

So, is this so-called salad now on the menu at the Mug? No. It would seem that only the intelligentsia has access that mere mortals, such as myself, can only dream...

What's missing regarding restaurant condiments?

I think that most everyone who lives in and around Forsyth Missouri has likely had a chance to  visit one of the many fine sit-down styled restaurants that my small town supports; Long Horn Family Dining, Fat Daddy's, Thrive and Mountain William's Pizza to name a few. All offer a great dining experience and my only, as of late, concern has been with the table condiment selections as of late...

Most venues have the basics always in place at each table; table salt, pepper, sugar and sugar substitutes being the most common. Other venue's table side condiments reflect the food that is served with places like Fat Daddy's also having a nice selection of sauces to go on that shredded pork sandwich or BBQ. But, there is most always something(s) missing, and I wanted to address that point in this post.

Even if unused, these open tubs must be tossed!

The picture above was taken at the Long Horn on the date of this post. Notice that there is no salt substitute or packaged jellies. Whenever I dine out that this venue, I often have to request the jelly and always have to bring my own ' fake salt'. Seriously, in a town with a pretty large population of older persons, you'd think everyone had gotten the message about why per capita salt intake is at record high levels! Likewise, I prefer that the jelly be in sealed packages along with the salt and pepper. Please see my other post on 'The Gross Reason You Should Never Pepper Your Food in Restaurants'!   

Forsyth MO restaurants and other eateries in July 2019!

Forsyth MO. - If the town of Forsyth Missouri can boast about anything, it can concerning the number of eateries available to its some 2300 residents. Everything from fast food to family dining to Asian and Mexican specialty houses abound! In this post, I wanted to take a quick peek at all of them;

McD's - As you enter town from the north on Hwy 160, one of the first venues you'll likely run into would be McDonald's, a fast food enterprise situated on the corner of 160 and Coy Blvd. And, while I haven't stepped inside the place for some number of months, it looks to always be doing a brisk business. [One rumor I had heard was that this location was to soon sport auto cashier stations. I've also noticed that the prices are on the high side.]

Sonics - Just a little further south on Hwy 160, also on the left side and just past the Country Mart grocery store is a Sonics. I still do the drive thru from time to time and generally order a premium hotdog and fries. This is one of very few locations where you can get yourself a good dawg at a reasonable price.

Mountain William Pizza - This relatively new venue that used to be the Mexican Burrito place has an interesting menu in that they offer both pizza and pasta dishes. I really wanted to stop in an order a gold old dish of spaghetti and meatballs, but a current diet I was on prevented me from going there. I hoped to remedy that sometime in early August when I was a bit slimmer.

Yummy Donuts - Located just down the line of this eatery killers row is a place that I had not yet attended. As a man on a low carb diet, I just haven't had the nerve to step across the threshold. Others more bold than me tell me that the food there is divine.

Frosted Mug -  This venerable old location is one of the few all smoking restaurant/ bars in the area. When I go there to eat, I'll often order either tacos (a special on Wednesday) or the French dip and French fries which are specially priced on Tuesdays. You can eat there or have carry out. Your choice.

Oaxaca - The one and only true Mexican restaurant in town sports a very large menu selection. I ate there, recently, and enjoyed the food. I had a taco, burrito and rice combo which was great although I also felt that the prices were just a tad high.

Long Horn - Another long standing family dining affair serves up a mean hamburger and fries. I go there on a regular basis for both breakfast and lunch.

Fat Daddy's - Pulled pork on a bun with a side of fries is a favorite of mine. FD's is all about BBQ and they live up to the fine tasting rep they have.

Charlies - Currently closed.

Thrive bistro - Situated just across from the Forsyth public library is a nice little venue that serves an assortment of Italian leaning entrees. Recently, when I dined there I had their angel hair spaghetti and sauce offering with garlic bread sticks which was fabulous!

Shadowrock Cafe and Grill - Currently closed.

Empire Park 1000 foot sidewalk!

Forsyth Mo. - On any given nice day, I like to get out and stretch my legs by walking the 1000 foot sidewalk walking pat over by Empire Park near Forsyth Missouri. The round trip distance is about .38 of a mile and is quite restful.

On a recent trip, I noticed four pairs of ducks that had each given birth to a herd of about five to six ducklings each.

Thrive Bistro Open for business!

Forsyth MO. - After being closed for some time, a local bistro named Thrive has reopened and is offering specialty drinks along with with mouth watering breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Please give this business, which is located just across Main street from the library, a shot. Good people offering great food!

 Note that prices are subject to change.

As I am a sucker for all things pasta, I planned to do a report sometime soon, on their special spaghetti offering for lunch. Breakfast panini? What was that item? here is a pic I found on the net! Is it close to what Thrice is serving? I wasn't sure.

Update: I took a friend to lunch on May 30th and as a first time ever diner at Thrive, I would have to say that the experience was most enjoyable. My guest order a chicken salad sandwich while I tried the spaghetti platter with soft bread sticks. The only 'problem' I encountered was the slight extra wait time for the pasta to cook. That really wasn't a big deal, just make sure to inform anyone your dining with as to the extra five or so minutes.

The sauce was exquisite!

Other than that, the food was heavenly, the service beyond reproach and the cost moderate.I plan to have more lunches at this most intriguing little bistro!

Shadowrock Park Report on April 19, 2019!

Forsyth MO. – As the Easter weekend 2019 was close to arriving, the weather forecast was looking better and better! Unlike past Easter's where it had been cold raining or both, this coming weekend had the following forecast:

Saturday, April 20 – Sunny. High 71°F. NNW winds 5 to 10 mph

Sunday, April 21 – Mostly sunny, High 81°F. South winds 5-10 mph

That sort of thing should sit well not only with those who plan to attend area churches, but also to anyone spending time at the local parks! In my area, when looking at three park areas close to Forsyth, Shadowrock and Empire Parks will be open. Sadly, River Run Park will remain closed due to; a lack of finding an attendant who will work for free, no bathrooms, no electric power and no running water.

On a brighter note, Shadowrock was rapidly filling up with RV's. Even the back eastern section of the park had a large group assembling there!

Water levels, as shown in the graphic at above right remained at seasonable norms with no periods of heavy rains forecast. (Our zany Federal government running on two cylinders as usual).