Archive for the 'Area Activities' Category

Surprising Encounters at State Park in Osage Beach

You just never know who you’ll run into!

I stopped by the State Park in Osage Beach the other day to eat my lunch and to enjoy the sun – which had been more than a little elusive these past few weeks.  Pulling up to one of the picnic tables I heard something rumbling around inside a trash bin.   Curious,  I softly honked my horn, hoping to stir the animal’s curiosity as well.    Immediately this little character popped up.

He  took a quick look, and then dropped back down into the can to continue his business.    I was so tickled at this encounter Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | June 11th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities, Video Postcards
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Camdenton residents share their park with area visitors

Locals and tourists at Lake of the Ozarks enjoy park.

Located north of the square in Camdenton, the city park offers 120 acres of fun and relaxation for people of all ages. This brief video tour of the park offers a taste of Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | May 31st, 2009
Categories: Area Activities, Video Postcards
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New Route 5 through Camdenton To Open Soon

One section of the new Hwy 5 project to open this summer

Traffic will be moving much easier this summer with the opening of the 7.5 mile stretch of  State Route Hwy 5 through Camdenton.  The new highway will extend from the Niangua Bridge south to Lake Road 5-112, bypassing for many the local traffic at the town square. 

Eventually the new Hwy 5 will connect to a 4-lane project under construction south of Camdenton extending towards Lebanon.

With the new 65 mile per hour speed limit, commute times for local residents  can be reduced substantially – not to mention how it will fasciliate traffic for people passing thru our area.

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Author: | May 8th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities, Sites and Sounds
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Lake of the Ozarks to celebrate Dogwood Festival

Dogwood Parade in Camdenton is a favorite of locals and visitors

Area residents always look forward to signs of spring each year, evidenced most noticably by the early redbud blossoms, and followed shortly thereafter by the dogwoods.   Most years the dogwood blossoms coincide with the Dogwood Festival (April 16-19) which is a favorite local draw for residents as well as tourists.   It always has been a favorite of mine.

There’s nothing like a small town parade – with the marching bands,  the floats, and of course, the Shriners!    As always, there’s the annual craft fair, the carnival, art show, 5k run, the annual Band Boosters silent auction and golf classic, music, and more – a little something for everyone.  It’s a weekend I enjoy every spring as it reminds me of earlier and simpler times.

For a detailed schedule of events visit the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce website.

Oh, and did I mention the fish fry?  The Camdenton Lions Club fries up some nice fish!

 

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Author: | April 4th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities
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Ha Ha Tonka State Park

Snapshots from a winter stroll

After days of subfreezing temperatures last week, I took advantage of a pretty day Sunday afternoon to walk around at Ha Ha Tonka, located on the western south western tip of the Lake of the Ozarks.   I was struck throughout the afternoon by the quiet there.  I would pass  people on trails now and then, and see an occasional fisherman at the water’s edge, but mostly there was only the sound of birds and rippling waters.  Absent the lush greens and vibrant colors of other seasons, I saw how the winter season at Ha Ha Tonka offers a beauty all its own.

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[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLTZ1N8TEHE[/youtube]

And as always, I’m never too busy for your real estate referrals and inquiries!

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Author: | February 3rd, 2009
Categories: Area Activities, Sites and Sounds, Video Postcards
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Looking after our feathered friends

Finding food can be challenging during the cold winter months.

Birdwatching has become one of the fastest growing hobbies in the US in recent years.  And there are many of us who have discovered that a great way to watch birds easily in the winter is by setting up and maintaining bird feeders in our yards.

By feeding our feathered friends not only do we get the opportunity to observe them close up,  but we lessen the challenge they face finding food during the cold  winter months.

How it can brighten a cold dreary day to hear them chatter and sing outside my door!  Not to mention what a joy it is watch them gather at the feeder – even when the bluejays rush in to scare off the titmouse.  (I really want to scold them sometimes.)

And it’s even more a delight to watch one splash their beak into a heated bird bath taking a well appreciated drink of fresh water.

When setting up a winter bird feeder, I’ve found that it’s important to select one that has a wide cover to protect the seed and perch from getting buried in snow.    Placing it in a sheltered area protects it from the wind, and putting it no more than 5 feet from the house helps them to avoid crashing.   With lots of stray cats around, I make sure the feeder is out of their reach.

What should you serve your bird visitors for dinner?  Seeds with high fat content are best, I’m told.   I have friends who serve shelled peanuts.  Usually I buy the mixed seed in hopes of appealing to varied tastes and  needs.

Even though many of my neighbors disagree, I like to take care of my squirrel buddies, too.  With effort, it’s possible to set up feeders so that everyone has access when times are tough.

(Photos by Rick Hebenstreit,  and used with permission)

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Author: | January 29th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities, Area Photographers
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Winter finally comes to Camdenton

Winter weather stalls real estate showings for a few days.

Aside from a few cold days here and there, the Lake of the Ozarks area has had a fairly mild winter this year.

But this week we finally got to experience some of the delightful aspects of winter with our first snowfall of any significance.   Today by noon all my neighbors and myself had shoveled our drives, cleaned off our cars, and taken a few minutes to talk about the weather – wondering how many more days until Spring.

But I, for one, am really appreciating a quiet day at home catching up on so many of the chores that are left for these types of quiet days.

Before this weather pattern moved in, I had been as busy these past few weeks as I generally am during the summer months with new listings and working with motivated buyers.  We can all hope that the confidence I’m experiencing – in both buyers and sellers – continues and inspires others in the several weeks to come.

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Author: | January 28th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities
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Blessed Abode: Rites for Protection and New Beginnings

Many religions offer ceremonies for the blessing of homes.

Having lived in New Mexico for many years, with the convergence of so many rich cultures and traditions,  I have attended a number of house-warming ceremonies in which homes were blessed and cleared of any possible negativity.

I recalled some of those practices today in conversation with a couple who were interested in a home for sale, but who didn’t like the idea of buying a home in which the former owner had passed.  They hadn’t heard of house blessings before  and so I offered to research some of the customs I have witnessed, and blog about them.

From what I have experienced personally, whether the ritual is conducted by a Catholic priest, some Buddhist monks, a Shaman, or the homeowners themselves (as may be encouraged by theEpiscopalian church), the essence of the ritual Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | January 17th, 2009
Categories: Area Activities
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Yes, Virginia, Santa Claus is real

1897 editorial captures the essence of the holiday spirit

The following editorial originally appeared in The New York Sun in 1897.    All these years later it continues to capture the essence of the holiday spirit, and of Santa Claus in particular.   May you enjoy it along with me this year, and may a little bit of it stay alit in each of us throughout the coming year. ~ Melody

[We take pleasure in answering at once and thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun.]

Dear Editor:
I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says if you see it in The Sun it’s so. Please tell me the truth: Is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon.  115 West Ninety-Fifth Street.

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds.

All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | December 24th, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
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Making the Most of Your Home Decor

Simply rearranging furniture can have great effect!

Ten years ago I assumed that having a beautifully decorated or staged home required the assistance of a professional decorator or, at the very least,  making a trip to a furniture store and purchasing the nicest pieces my budget would allow.   Not so any more.

Thanks to HGTV and Cable TV, anyone with a paint brush and an imagination can turn a ‘blahh’ room into an “ahhh” room.   Oh, sure, it’s still fun to buy exotic or expensive furniture.  But nowadays we realize that Read the rest of this entry »

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Author: | December 10th, 2008
Categories: Area Activities
2 Comments