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!

River Run’s Facelift!

I'm guessing the pipes are for electric cables...

I’m not sure if the term ‘facelift’ defines what’s going on in this small federal park located close to Forsyth Missouri. It’s the best I can come up with after witnessing recent improvements such as new park site electrical junction boxes, new tree starts and even stop and yield signs at select locations! I’m not sure who authorized these improvements, but I’ll applaud them for these efforts none the less. (River Run Park has had its share of problems in recent years, not the least of which has been repeated episodes of flooding. Now, in the midst of a drought, it looks as though the likelihood of too much water will be replaced with the local river known as Bull Shoals drying up)!

During a walk I took earlier today, I’ve spied a pile of pipes, re-bar and what looks to be a water drainage pipe along with a backhoe and an equipment trailer parked by one of the camping sites. There are also some spray painted blue and red lines going this way and that with weird symbols. I’ve no idea of what these are for but will post something if and when I find out. One thing that's for sure is that I've witnessed more 'work' going on in this park this past fall than I ever remember seeing in the past. Does this mean that the chances of the park flooding again are over? Or perhaps it means that now the park will be better able to stand whatever Mother nature might think to throw at it.

Update: Apparently there was more work that had to be done on the electrical outlets at some of the sites as I noted a number of areas near the outlets had been dug up and the power cables exposed. I'm still not sure if this work qualifies as 'repair' or 'improvements.  Whatever the case, it's good to see the work being done.

New tree starts for River Run!

Seems we have some new trees planted in River Run Park! While tooling through the area recently, I noticed a whole passel of new trees that had been planted all over the place! I’m assuming two things; 1) that these trees will replaced the ones damaged by recent floods and 2) that these little guys will be resistant to any flooding that might occur in the future.

During my visit, I counted about 38 tree starts. I also tried my best to identify what they were and think that most are sycamores with a few cedars thrown in for good measure.

July 2013 Update: The cedar trees and 'sycamores' (not sure of what they are yet) are doing very well as this picture testifies to:

Country Mart: A study in minutia!

I've never quite figured out those cute little cards that Country Mart gives out so you can 'save' money when you shop at one of the local Country Mart stores like the one located in Forsyth Mo. To me it's a strange and rather idiotic way of doing business. I mean does a customer really save any money at the checkout counter with these cards, or are they getting a phantom discount while those without cards are just getting jacked with higher prices. What this practice boils down to, as far as I'm concerned, is for tourists to seemingly pay higher prices than the locals who shop at these stores on a regular basis. It that some form of discrimination? I don't know. A practice made all the stranger when one realizes that Save A Lot, another grocery store located just across town, is owned by the same parent company - Pyramid Foods.

Now, Country Mart is running a promotion whereby a customer gets yet another a card that the checkout clerk punches each time you make a purchase. Each cycle through the checkout line now involves scanning your discount card and then punching little holes in another card where, if you're lucky, you might win five bucks (1 in 57). To me, a very time consuming process with little return and one that only prolongs the wait for other customers standing in line. (Like I said, too much minutia). One has to wonder should Country Mart ever dump all these gimmicks and focus  on selling food, how much lower would the prices be? Wait a minute! That's right, you could go over to Save A Lot and see for yourself.

River Run Recreational Park update for October 2012

Location: Forsyth Missouri

Official Web Site: Recreation.gov

Status: Closed until Tuesday, April 30, 2013

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
36.67444, -93.1125
36°40'28"N, 93°6'45"W

Information: (417) 546-3646 (during the regular season)

Even though this beautiful park is currently 'closed for the season', on some nice fall days it's a great place to come take a stroll or have a lunch while watching the Bull Shoals river slow flow on by.

As far as I can tell, all the damage from previous years floods have now been repaired and I have to admit, the place is looking great! There are still one or two sites, out of the 32 total, that have issues; broken tables, damaged lantern poles, etc. But, I'm confident these will be addressed prior to the start of the next season.

Water levels continue to remain low, but recent rains in October are helping this waterway system to recover back to more normal levels. My post on the long range prediction for the coming winter is calling for wetter than normal conditions in this part of the country. I sure hope that works out!

Disclaimer: 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.