Post Office mangles envelope and fails to get it delivered!

Forsyth MO. - I've spent the better part of a long life never having to worry about the mail system. But, in just the past few years, I've had my mail misdirected, received other people's mail (bank statements) and most recently I got the pictured payment envelope returned 17 days after it was placed into the mailbox at the local Post Office!

Late payments not only can incur fees, but can also do damage to a person's credit history. And, the add insult to injury, the number that the Post Office supplied to discuss this event was always busy, even after trying to call them nine times!Post Office mangles envelope and fails to get it delivered!

I've elected to bypass this agency as much as possible in the future.

Lots of activity at the roundabout near Forsyth MO!

Forsyth MO. - Anyone who has driven past the Shadowrock Lodge located near Peggy's Park Place may notice two things; 1) that the roundabout is getting a lot closer to completion and 2) that there has been some increased activity over at the Lodge. here are a few personal notes;

The Roundabout
When completed in a few weeks, the new bridge and roundabout will be able to handle the expected increase in area traffic over the next decade or so. This will benefit everyone in the area as vacationers, campers and fishermen return this spring to enjoy both the River Run and Shadowrock Park areas!

The Shadowrock Bar and Cafe
I had a chance to talk with one of the owners, a day or so ago, and learned that everything is progressing towards the opening of a bar sometime in early January. On the day of my visit, construction and communications people were in evidence, and while the interior was a work in  progress, I could see that this venue was going to become a popular social meeting place as we got into 2019. As soon as I'm given permission, I plan to release more details on the approval of the current management.

Did someone buy Charlie's?

Forsyth MO. - There was a rumor going around town that the restaurant formerly know as Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale may have been sold. And not wanting to be the spreader of rumors, I promise to check this story out with the Real Estate agency that is representing the property. News to come shortly!

Update: I talked with the folks representing the property on Monday, Dec 3 and was told that though there had been some offers, none of those were accepted.

Ozark Firearms! A good place to shop!

Branson MO - Ozark Firearms is owned and operated by Mr. Grant Holcomb. I recently visited his home/store to make a purchase and would like to recommend his place to anyone looking for a firearm or ammunition.  Please give him a call!

 The store has a good selection of all types of handguns including Glock and Ruger, in addition to many types of rifles!

Bartenders! What's with them?

Forsyth MO. - I used to never give much thought to people involved in the service industry. They're self-employed and appear in my world as servers at restaurants, hair cutters at saloons and as bartenders at bars! So, what was the big deal?

Well, the big deal is that these hard working men and women generally are on their own in the business world. Their wages are often at or below minimum wage. Lots of times they get zero health benefits and no pensions. In other words, they are pretty much hung out to dry and depend heavily on tips to even survive.

Were I in a position of power, I'd change that paradigm in a heartbeat. As it is, I can only tip well and try to promote a few select and deserving souls. Jessi is one such very deserving woman. See her at John's Frosted Mug in Forsyth MO!

River Run Park open? No, it's flooded! WTF?

Forsyth MO. - After being informed that the access road off Baker Street in Forsyth Missouri was open, I thought to drive by and maybe drive down into the River Run Park area, a location that had been shut off to the public for over a year.

As I approached the upper entrance to the Park, the gate was indeed open. I did notice the warning sign that the area was flooded. I thought that a bit strange as the Bull Shoals water level was at 655' MSL. That was actually very low as flood levels needed to exceed 670' or more to flood the Park. Well, being the devil may care person that I am, I proceeded bravely down the inclined road towards the Park area proper. But wait! Lo and behold, there was a second series of horse-style barricades all proclaiming the flooded state of the Park! I found that somewhat mystifying, as I could plainly see a semi-dry Park down below. Confounded and confused, I turned around and went back. Perhaps these sign had just been put up, I wondered.

As I motored on back to my home, I ruminated on what was going on with the Corps of Engineers, a group responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of River Run. I concluded that it was one of 4 possibilities; 1) the Park was actually flooded and what I was seeing was an illusion,  2) that the Corps was psychic and foresaw an impending flood yet to come, 3) that the Corps could not afford the proper signage and used what they had or 4) the some individuals in the Corps were perhaps a just a bit psycho.

McD's to honor the military on Veteran's Day!

Forsyth MO. In what I assume is a Nationwide promotion, McDonald's is offering a Free Egg McMuffin Extra Value meal to all active or retired military personnel who present an I.D. This event is set for Monday, November the 12th which coincides with Veterans Day!

I fully embrace this concept, but would also like to see others like it. How about honoring our Men and women in Blue, or our Fire fighters or EMT's. Perhaps a special Service Day could be set aside for them in the future.