Wednesday, May 30, 2012

'Taco Tuesday' at The Junction in Kissee Mills Missouri!



I've never met a taco I didn't like! Hi end, low end, soft or hard shelled – even a poorly made taco is better than no taco at all! Those were my thoughts, as I cruised in to the newly opened venue that is featuring a 'Taco Tuesday' on every (what else) Tuesday. The Junction Bar and Grill is located near the intersection of Highway 160-76 in Kissee Mills Missouri. While it's still a work in progress, according to owners Mike and Maggie Osterday, it is a complete establishment where hungry and thirsty people congregate. On this particular day, I was meeting a couple of 'associates' who also wanted to try out this dish from just south of the border.

Now, it should be re-stated that not all tacos are created equal. In the realm of the hard shell taco there are all sorts of fillings that can be incorporated. What many do have in common is some sort of spiced meat, (usually ground beef) and perhaps some shredded cheese and lettuce. Taco Bell, located in downtown Forsyth Missouri, features a hard shell with a filling of meat, topped with diced tomatoes, some shredded lettuce and cheese (this venue closed in July 2012). Throw on a little hot sauce and you have yourself a wonderful taste sensation! On this visit to the Junction, I wanted to contrast the two and maybe even declare a winner.

Now normally, I would have asked my dining companions for their insight on such fine taco attributes as concerned the overall texture, taste and appearance. Unfortunately, with these two yahoos, that would be like trying to compare an original Mona Lisa to a crude etch-a-sketch. To wit, watching them 'eat' was not very unlike witnessing a commercial garbage disposal running at full bore! To my amazement, I don't think either of these men actually chewed their food; rather they engulfed it. One second nine tacos were there and the next nine were not! I found that a little creepy and I decided to go ahead and critique these tacos el solo...

Critique: The Junction 'Tuesday Taco'

To begin, here is a brief physical description of ingredients I think were used used:

Corn tortilla
Ground beef
Taco sauce
Lettuce
Shredded cheese
Hot sauce (you have to ask for it)

The cost per taco was .80 cents as compared to .89 cents for the hard shelled tacos at Taco Bell! Score a point for The Junction!

I estimate that the calories came to about 170 each, so two of these along with a cold brewski came to about 300 calories total! I found the taco shell to be crunchy and the taste of the filling was as good as any taco I've ever tasted! I'd score this deal at a solid 8 – good lunch time food that while I wouldn't say it was quite as good as the stuff Taco Bell put out, it was close...real close! A major point in the favor of the Junction is the fact you can order a beer with your food. For me that clinches it! I'm eating at the Junction when they have Taco Tuesday from now on!

If you live anywhere close to Kissee Mills Missouri or are planning to vacation near there, I'd urge you to stop in and support this venue. It's the kind of establishment and small business that lies at the very core of this great country of ours! Tell 'em DanO sent ya~

  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.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Forsyth News & Views Issue 3


●    Those police checkpoints! Do they really work?
●    Our City Council and the word on the street!?
●    Taco Bell offers a senior discount!, Yes, I think!

Get your copy here!


   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.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Forsyth News and Views - Issue 2


Opening Day for the Twisted Spoke Bar in Forsyth Mo.
Junction Bar and Grill - Kissee Mills - doing well...very well!
Wet T-Shirt contests -  Really!
Hydroplane races in June at Rockaway Beach Missouri!

Check out the pdf link here!

Disclaimer: As usual, any information provided is the sole property of the author and may or may not be accurate. All material offered in this blog is purely for entertainment purposes.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Forsyth News and Views

See link below for pdf

Yes he is, or so it would seem. Check out the latest bit of trivia concerning some aspects of the Forsyth business community. This month, I focus on some of the eateries and bars that populate this community. Click here for the .pdf link! Am I fair and precise? No, not really. I hope, however, that I can motivate a few citizens to get out and see for themselves how the local businesses strive so hard to service us. Folks, until things change in this great country, survival for many of these entrepreneurs will hinge on your patronage and love. We are all in this together! Aren't we?

New editions are available at Taney Services!

Disclaimer: The author of this blog is not affiliated with any of the businesses mentioned and has received no monetary or other incentive rewards of any kind. All posts in Forsythbiz are of the bloggers exclusive opinion and may or may not reflect upon popular views.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

River Run Update – May 2012 – Riverside camping slots now available, but…



I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Park Attendants who are volunteering at River Run this season. Her name is Sue and I understand that her and her husband are from the Great State of Texas!

I stopped in the small office located by the entrance to the park to inquire about the condition of the campsites by the river. She confirmed my suspicions that the power was out in all those locations, but that the water was on! Also, these spots can be had for the bargain price of something like $9 per night. Since I have a small power generator to use, that sounded like a great deal.

But wait! There’s more! It also turned out that I’m eligible to apply for a USGS Senior Pass Card that the Corps of Engineers also honors even though they are not required to.  And, that card will afford me half price fare in the park. Now that is a good deal!

  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.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

White River Grille serves it up your way! Cudos!


Sorry! I ate through half this meal before thinking!

Bill Kitchin told me one afternoon that I could have a hotdog at the White River Gill in Rockaway Beach Missouri pretty much anyway I wanted it made.  I told him I wanted an authentic Chicago-style Hotdog. He said, ‘No problem’.

So, I stopped by his restaurant one afternoon and ordered just that. I must apologize for the picture as; a) I was famished and b) it was a darn good meal!  However, I think you’ll get the idea that the food served there is pretty darn tasty!

You can pick up additional information and even inspect the menu by going to their site.

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Hydroplane Boat Competition Rockaway Beach 2012

Click to enlarge!

Here is the official flyer for the Hydroplane races!

  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.

Mountain Men at Rockaway Beach May 18-20

I don't have much intel on this event, sorry to say. Last year I've heard that these folks dress up in 1840 type garb and have an area in Rockaway where they camp out (everything in the camp is of the period also) and have a good time. Should be interesting.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

The Junction Bar and Grill is not a biker bar!



I guess someone got in their heads that since the owner owns a Harley that his business must also be for bikers. Not true according to Mike Osterday, owner of the Junction Bar and Grill located in Kissee Mills off Hwy 160-76.  I’ve been there numerous times to eat and haven’t seen nary a bike parked out front. No, this is an eatery that caters to the general public and yes, I understand that bikers are very welcome there, but then again, so are roofers, retirees, public officials and just about everybody in between!

Just three weeks since they originally opened, I’ve already notice some nice changes with more to come according to Mr. and Mrs. Osterday. On my last trip out there for an outstanding hamburger, I met Mike’s better half – Maggie who was taking orders while her husband cooked. They both were just as pleasant as can be.

This is one eatery and bar that I sure hope hangs in there and ultimately becomes a success. Next time you swing by that way, please stop in and say hi! Oh, and did I mention that this eatery has a WiFi Hot Spot for anyone with a laptop? Need more info? The bar can be reached by calling 417-546-2550! You can also visit their website at www.junction-bar-and-grill.com!

New guardians stand at Empire Park



Looks like that local man with a chain saw was at it again! Rather than remove this stand of trees that were dying, he was evidently allowed to carve this beautiful figurines out of wood. They are a true tribute to his skills and add something special to tourists to see.

The rest of Empire Park looks to be all set for people to enjoy are the summer is now just around the corner. Lake levels look to be good and it doesn’t look as though we’ll suffer the torrential rains that fell last year!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Mediacom to jack up their rate for internet!


According to a statement I received from Mediacom with my bill was an announcement that ‘Mediacom works hard to control our costs in order to keep your prices fair and reasonable’ However, due to the rising costs they have incurred, they’ve decided to transfer that right over to you the consumer in the form of a ‘modem fee’.  This ‘modem’ fee will amount to $5 more per month for you to enjoy the same service you were getting the month before! Hmm, Why doesn’t that sound reasonable. Wouldn’t you think with all the competition out there, they would want to find ways to reduce the rate??

Well folks, as far as I’m concerned, this little game will last only as long as it takes innovative companies like NetZero to get their 4G towers up and running. Then we can kiss off the internet service and their stinking modem for a much smaller fee structure vis a vie the 4G linkup.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

River Run running on half empty?



I have to admit that most of my information concerning the goings on at the River Run Park near Forsyth Missouri is based on conjecture. A term that the dictionary defines as: the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof. So, in effect, much of what I write about concerning this popular camping destination is shear guesswork. That said, there remains some interesting questions about the people who manage this resource, i.e. the Army Corps of Engineers.

Let me cite an example. Recently, I noticed that the Corps installed an under the road counting mechanism near the park attendant’s office. I had to wonder why they'd go to that expense what with the park operating on only about a third of the available sites. There are just ten locations that appear to be open for RV and campers to use. I have to assume the other sites are closed due to corroded power lines damaged from extensive months when the park was flooded. Just more conjecture mind you.

And, even though the camping fees have been jacked up this year, it seems to me that the park must be operating in the red. So, why that counter thingy under the road? Wouldn't it make more sense to fix the power lines going to the other sites first? Yet another secular mystery.

  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.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

The Junction Bar and Grill, a work in progress!


Donnie Oakley manning the bar and grill!

Now that's a great sliced tomato!
I say you can't have to many grills and the newly opened Junction Bar and Grill is a welcomed addition to the Kissee Mills area. Located near the junction of Hwy 160-76. And, according to the owner, Mike Osterday, 'it's still a work in progress'. That seems to be the case, too as every time I've gone there to eat or drink, I've found something new! On my most recent visit there to get a quick hamburger and a beer, I noticed that they now have bar stools, so you don't have to sit in a booth or at a table if you don't want to.

I'll tell you true, the service was fast and the food tasted great. I was even impressed with how fresh the tomatoes looked on my burger! I also understand they've added some new items to the menu, although I forgot to ask when I was there.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Forsyth Spring Fling May 19th!

I attended the first 'Spring Fling' event last year about this time and was impressed. The weather was awesome (I'm predicting good weather this year too) and a good number of people turned out to look at vendor offerings and listen to some excellent music. Here's a copy of the flyer for this year:


Click to enlarge

Here are a couple of pictures taken while I was there. Did I mention they had food for sale also?




For additional information, I'll assume you can contact the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce!

Monday, April 30, 2012

Air Evac in River Run rescue on April 30th


It was just another nice and quiet Monday evening when I heard the sirens off in the distance and then, a short time later, the blades of a rescue helicopter from Air Evac Lifeteam circled over my home before landing in the adjacent River Run Park. I hurried down there and filmed a few of the valiant men and women who devote themselves to helping others when accidents happen. I hope that this individual gets well and recovers soon! View it here on You Tube!

River Run still in need of some TLC!



OK, I get it. This park has been spending an inordinate amount of its time beneath the waves these past few years. And like I could imagine Atlantis would be, the park has sustained quite a bit of infrastructural damage as well.

On a quick run through the park on the last day of April, I couldn’t help but notice that there is still some work to be done and I can’t help but wonder if this area will flood yet once again before to long. Money is tight these days and perhaps the Army Corps of Engineers doesn’t feel this area is worth all that much effort any longer.  (I’m not sure as nothing is ever posted at the park for anyone to know).

I did manage to get a picture of the sign that has the camping rates posted on it. I’ve noticed they’ve gone up considerably over the previous season when I think they were at $13-$18. (I’m still unsure as to why there is more than one price to camp). Interestingly, the sign is pretty difficult to read except to where it concerns the money that’s being charged. How so governmental is that!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

S&S Pumping Service


I don’t really have much information yet on this septic tank pumping service that is located at 2151 Burmingham Road in Forsyth Missouri. I’ve noticed the truck in and about my neighborhood on rare occasions, but have not heard how well they perform. Their number is 417-546-2390. If anyone is aware of their pricing, etc. please leave a comment.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

River Run Park closing for 2012? Or, maybe not....


May be hard to see, but each bench is missing its canopy!

Click to enlarge
Well, maybe at least partially. On my drive through today I couldn’t help bur notice that most, if not all, the canopies over the picnic tables at each of the riverside campsites have been removed! An interesting development seeing as how this is the beginning of the camping and tourist season. I went to the ‘attendant station', only to see that they were closed on that particular day (funny how that works out). There were a couple of people working by the station, but they really had no idea of what was going on and told me so explicitly. That too wasn’t all that surprising. In any case it would appear that many of the sites are closed to camping at this time. If any reader out there knows why, please leave a comment. Otherwise, if you are planning to camp in that park you might want to check with the Corps of Engineers to find out what is going on with this park. I tried calling them and got an answering machine. Oh, and apparently rates to camp there have gone up. What a surprise!

But wait, there's more! Like magic the canopy's all returned. And, they appear none the worst for wear! Don't ask me what's going on, I haven't a clue!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Junction Bar and Grill Now Open!

Right on time, the Junction Bar and Grill located at the junction of Highway 160-76 is open for business. you can visit their web page here! As advertized there is a grill with a limited menu, pool tables, music and booths and tables. I met a friend there and order the Hamburger and fries along with a tall cold one. I will tell you right now that the food was excellent!

My server was a very nice lady name Tina who promptly took our orders with a smile. The food came equally fast and was done to perfection. I also had a chance to chat for a moment with another employee there by the name of Sonja. Mike Osterday, one of the owners (I think the other is Maggie Osterday), was also there and informed me that the Bar and Grill are very much still a work in progress. He indicated that there will be new changes and additions made every week for the forthcoming future, so expect some pleasant surprises.

Well, as far as I’m concerned they have the food right! Please stop in and give them a try! But, don't stop by there on Sunday or Monday as they are closed! Need more info? Call em at 417-546-2550! Tell’em DanO sent ya!

  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.

Hills and Hollows Gardens: For some of the best area plants!



Located just across the parking lot from the Taney Center off Highway 76-160 near the junction is a greenhouse named Hills and Hollows Gardens. It’s owned by a very nice lady by the name of Rachael who has for sales just about everything under the sun in terms of annuals, perennials and vegetables. It’s hard not to walk into this business without walking out with one or two treasures to take to your home and plant.

Rachael, the owner, helps a customer with a selection.
I purchased a four pack of lettuce plants and a single very hot Habanero pepper plant while there. I was pleased with the affordable pricing also and plan to make numerous trips there for more as the season advances.

Hills and Hollows Gardens is currently open from 9AM to 6PM each day with limited hours on the weekends. They will be in the area until April 31st when they will close for the season, so hurry over and check them out before then.

Disclaimer: Every effort was made to insure the information posted in this post was accurate. However, some information may change over time or be incorrect.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

WindRider's: A different kind of store!


Click to enlarge
Located at 16257 US Hwy 160 in the business district of Forsyth Missouri, WindRider’s is a unique kind of place that at first reminded me of the old time Hippie stores of the 1970’s era. It's a store that is ‘earth friendly and which is dedicated to renewable resources', this according to the owner Jan Chester.  It seems that some of the fabrics are made from bamboo, hemp and re-cycled silk. All were beautiful and I was amazed at how soft and luxurious the cloth made from bamboo felt to the touch!

In addition to clothing, WindRider’s also stocks an assortment of herbal salves, incense, baskets and charms some of which are handmade by Jan, her family members, are fair-traded or come from countries like Nepal. What really got my interest, however, was the wide assortment of organically grown heirloom seeds that are available. I like the idea of heirloom seeds mostly for the fact that if you allow them to go to seed, they will breed true the next season. In that way, you buy one packet of seeds and can then plant that same vegetable year after year from seeds you harvest. It’s like getting free food, in effect!

Please take a moment, next time you’re in the area to stop in and say hi! The store is located a short ways down from Forsyth Hardware or next door to the Forsyth Pharmacy. For more information you can reach them at 417-546-2070. The store hours are, currently, Monday thru Saturday 10AM to 5PM.

Disclaimer: All information posted in this blog is by the author and represents and honest effort at being accurate. As always, anything written here can change without notice.

Monday, April 16, 2012

New Book release - Basic Language Handbook for Excel!


A good friend of mine of some years has come out with a great book that really goes a long ways to help anyone who uses Microsoft's Excel to get more out of it. If you have a Kindle, you can download a free sample! Prime Members can read it for free!

 

The Wee Green BASIC Language Handbook for Excel
~A Non-Programmers Guide to Fully Automating Excel~

Forsyth, Missouri, April 16, 2012 -- Are you ready to take your Excel spreadsheet to the next step?  Can your macro find the next blank space in a column, update or add records to files used by other applications, or make alternative decisions when different conditions exist?  Of course not!

The Wee Green BASIC Language Handbook for Excel explains the easily learned BASIC language and how to use it to build applications that will ease your workload, astonish your supervisor and co-workers, and make you the expert of choice in everything Excel.

Each chapter guides the reader through a few simple commands and then provides a sample program demonstrating how each command is used in practice.  Sample programs include a point of sale program that saves data and updates inventory, a queuing program that tracks the order and progress of customer service, another for converting numbers to script for use in check writing, and building an appointment book where years of appointments can be stored and recalled using only the visible portion of a single spreadsheet. An Excel spreadsheet containing the sample programs are even provided for download from an accompanying website.

The Wee Green BASIC Language Handbook for Excel is written for the non-programmer.  This book provides all the tools needed to build almost any non-graphic application. What will you be able to do with Excel?  The only limitation is your imagination!    

Book Information:
Format: Paperback and Kindle
Publication date:  January 27, 2012
Price: $9.95 & 6.99 respectively or Borrow for free with your Amazon Prime Membership
Available From:  Amazon.com
Author:  Dennis Conroy
ISBN-10: 1469931184
ISBN-13: 978-1469931180
Pages:  122
Size:  6” x 9”

Thursday, April 12, 2012

A sign of the times? River Run Park in Missouri.

Click on to enlarge
Entering a park like River Run in Forsyth Missouri, it's nice to have informational signs that can be great aids in knowing what to expect. I'm not sure what this sign tells a visitor, especially anyone being asked to pay for camping. I think the bottom panel once read 'We take pride in our park system'.

July 2012 - The signs have been cleaned - Hurray! Not sure what happened to that bottom panel?

Monday, April 9, 2012

New Junction Bar & Grill near Forsyth to open soon!



Donnie Oakley working to insure a timely opening!
Just up the road a piece from downtown Forsyth Missouri is a location where Highway 160-76 splits off is a well know gas station known as Scooters. Now right across the street, final preparations are being made to get the Junction Bar and Grill open and ready for business.  According to Donnie Oakley, one of the carpenters working there, the opening will be on or about the 20th of April! At that time they will serve beer with hard liquor available in about thirty days.

I understand that the owners, Mr. and Mrs. Mike and Maggie Osterday are very excited about the prospect of offering a Bar and Grill in such a great location. I understand that there will be pool tables, games, food, a jukebox and even live music offered once they are up and running.

I plan to do a follow up in-depth review with pictures soon after they are open. Update: you can visit their web page at www.junction-bar-and-grill.com!

Local Taco Bell/KFC offering senior discounts!


Are I say that on occasion, hard times can bring with them benefits! My visit to the local Taco Bell slash KFC was necessitated by my needed some automotive work at the local oil change emporium otherwise known as Mobile One Express. I had a little time to kill and I was hungry so a quick visit to satisfy my taco craving seemed appropriate.

Each time I have visited over the course of a month or so (two times?) I have noted changes that were made since my last visit. Perhaps it's the hard times we all find ourselves in that helps the management to stay motivated to try new stuff. One of the innovations is a 'senior discount' that entitles an individual to 10% off their entire order! That was certainly a pleasant surprise. I was also happy to get my order brought right to my table in just a few minutes. Cool beanies that!

As I sat eating, it had just turned twelve noon and what had been an empty seating area began to fill up. That was good to see. Small towns like Forsyth need every business to stay open. Nothing is more depressing than to see a place of business (especially an eatery) close their doors. The key is to offer bright intelligent employees who work hard to make the customers happy. That's the feeling I had on this last visit. (Now, if I can just get them to get my KFC order right I would have zero complaints)!

If you haven't visited this venue in some time, I'd encourage everyone to give it another try. Especially if you're a senior!

Update: July 2012 - According to inside sources, the Taco Bell portion of the Taco Bell/ KFC has been closed due to management's decision not to carry some of the new required items. This establishment will be only a KFC from now on!





Disclaimer: All information provided in this post was valid as of the date of posting and as such, it may or may not be valid on future dates.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

River Run Park business is booming!



Starting around April 1, River Run Park opened for business and this Easter Sunday most of the available RV slots were filled! Space was a premium issue early on this season as some sites seem to be experiencing power problems and have remained closed.

After twenty-eight days of warmer than normal temperatures, this weekend began with light showers following on the heels of a cool front that brought things back down to seasonal levels. By Sunday overnight temperatures had fallen into the fifties with daytime highs reaching a comfortable 70F.

I wasn't able to locate the park attendant on any of my stops at the park although there is a trailer parked next to the attendant office. I'm also guessing that the rates to camp in this park will be about the same as last season - $18 per night if I remember correctly. That prices afford electricity, water, trash and bathrooms that are complete with showers. Campsites are available on a first come first serve basis. Additionally, if this park happens to be filled up, there is another right across the river that sports similar amenities.

Within just a couple of miles of both parks is a convenience store by the name of Park Place that can supply all needed supplies including food and liquor. While I'm not sure of their hours, they can be reached at (417) 546-5845 to request information.

I was amazed at how good the park looks in spite of it being inundated with flood waters for most of last year. Some of the most notable damage that can still be seen are trees that have died and still litter the area with dead limbs. Yet, on the whole, workers have done a fantastic job in bringing the parks infrastructure back into pristine shape!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Where can I get a good order of fries in Forsyth Missouri?


In my small town of Forsyth Missouri, there are quite a few eateries that serve the ever popular French fry. Of these, McDonald’s, located next to the Country Mart, is pretty much king of the hill when it comes to serving what a good fry should be; salty, crisp, light and not greasy! Sadly, this is not the case at some of the other venues whose real names shall not be mentioned here. Instead, I’ll use fake names. Take a restaurant named Charliuky’s for instance. A this location, the fries are allowed to sit and soak up as much grease as possible prior to serving. The end result is a greasy limp mess that likes to stick to the plate and must be pried off. (This kind of fry abuse is also practiced by Ronics and to a lesser extent Fat Diddlies).

At the opposite end of the fry spectrum is a burger and beer joint on Highway 160 known as the Frosted Mug. Their fries are coated and come out of the hot oil even crispier than those offered by Macs. They are tasty and sell for about $2 if I remember correctly.

So, if you want some good fries and wouldn’t be caught dead at Macs, then give the Mug a shot!

Update: April 17 - Charlie's just down the road across from City Hall in Forsyth has also upgraded their fries.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

God's gift to man...that we might soar!

Click to enlarge

A hot air balloon launch from a nearby park prompted this bit of poor prose. Still, it's inspiring to watch us tiny creatures climb into the sky! I sure hope we are up to the task of caring and nurturing for all the life that depends on what we do. View the short video here!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Air Evac Lifeteam to the rescue!

Air Evac team lifting off
 Parks are useful in ways that I hadn't considered before. They can also be used as Landing Zones for the Air Evac Lifeteam of helicopters that can speed critically injured people quickly to distant Trauma Centers like Saint Johns in Springfield Missouri when time is of the essence! That was the case on an otherwise quiet evening at River Run. Apparently some unfortunate person wrecked their car out on O Highway and sustained life threatening injuries that required the services of Air Evac.  A fast response service of Men and women who can be dispatched on a moments notice.  These skilled pilots and Emt's are able to land their crafts in dark locations, thereby putting themselves at risk in doing so. My hat is off to these brave individuals who, along with the First Responders and emergency personnel, form the front line of help when tragedy strikes.

Monday, March 26, 2012

Lita Bita This N That has relocated!

Ginger Davidson (owner/operator) greets customers

Click to enlarge
Forsyth Mo. - Located just across the street from the popular Save A Lot grocery store, in the business district of Forsyth Missouri, you will find a really neat shop that is just brimming with all sorts of interesting collectibles. Having recently opened under the able management and ownership of Ginger Davidson, ‘Lita Bita This N That’ located at 113 Main in the Business District, hosted a Grand Opening on Saturday, April the 28th! I understand that it went very well and attracted many new customers.Regular store hours are from 9AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Saturday.

 If you have questions or inquiries, you can reach Ginger at 417-251-1931 during regular business hours.

Update: This flea market has relocated to what used to be the Bait shop across from the Prime Time service station. 

Pictures and more to come!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

March 2012 River Run Update



Forsyth, Mo. - God willing and the creek don’t rise, River Run looks to be in good shape for the spring and summer season of 2012. After heavy rains occurred over a four day period that dumped anywhere from four to five and more inches, the river system looks good to go. As you can see, there are quite a few fishermen out on the water when I took these pictures on Sunday, March 25, 2012. I haven’t heard how the fishing has been, but I am guessing it’s pretty decent since this part of the river was flooded out most of last year.

The Park Attendant station has been setup, but I haven’t seen anyone manning it yet. Likewise the electricity and water are still shut off until the season opens in April. However, as you can see the RV sites look to be in good shape and ready for some folks to come down and use them! I’ll try and do a post at this blog when I see that things are running.