An Ozarks Summer's Eve

I am so blessed to live in the Ozarks. I love to sit out on my deck as the moon rises and watch as hundreds of sparkling fireflies light up my yard. During these peaceful and quiet moments, I think of all the people and things I am grateful for. I am surrounded by love and abundance, which gets me through times of trial and frustration. I am reminded that my purpose is for something greater than myself and my little desires.

I came to the Ozarks through a series of unhappy tribulations. I thought moving here only a means to get to somewhere else. Then one day it dawned on me that this is where I'm supposed to be, at least for now. Today, I thankfully call it home. I haven't stayed in one place this long in many, many years. I want to raise my children here in the comfort of forested hills, rolling prairies, and verdant meadows.

I don't miss the sound of traffic roaring past my window or the starless night skies of the city. I have access to everything life in the city affords, without the overload. But most of all, I have my Ozarks summer evenings...with an ice cold glass of sweet tea and nature's abundant entourage.

Michael Jackson Dead?

Wow, Michael Jackson is dead. I think I know how my parents felt when Elvis died. Although I was not a big fan of the man, I associate him with my childhood. I used to watch Michael Jackson and his brothers on TV after school, along with other tv music idols, such as the Monkees and David Cassidy.

Michael's story is such a sad one. Whoever writes his biography will certainly see a pattern of low self esteem (who could imagine?), lack of faith, and perhaps other mental, physical, and spiritual maladies. Death by drug abuse is not uncommon these days, it just gets ignored until it happens to a celebrity. Addictions are serious diseases, but there is help available. The problem is that the addicted person must want to get clean and sober. No one can do it for them. I am saddened by the thought of anyone, rich, famous, homeless, or poor, dying for lack of wanting to live without the help of drugs or alcohol.

Regardless of his history, Michael Jackson was a human being with all the frailties we bear, regardless of our rank and stature. I will remember him as a child of God, dancing and smiling on my little black and white analog television set with rabbit ear antennae.

Take a Mini-Vacation and Save Some Cash

Are you strapped for cash but are in desperate need of a vacation? Here are some budget-wise solutions for getting some vacation time without spending a fortune. First, decide what it is you like to do when you’re on vacation. Make a list and write down these activities. Don’t worry about whether you can do them or not, just make the list. Next, group these activities into categories. For example, if you like to go to the beach, make a category called “water sports.” If you enjoy buying knick-knacks, put that into a “shopping” category. Don’t try to pigeon-hole activities into categories that really don’t address your activity, just make a new category. Do this until all of your favorite vacation activities are categorized.
Take your list of categories and count how many activities are in each one. Write the number down (this is called a frequency). See which categories contain the highest numbers of your favorite activities. Pick the top three and determine where you can do these things in a day trip or whatever you can easily afford. Exploring your own state or region can actually be quite satisfying. For example, if you really enjoy going to art galleries, check out some local or regional artisans. You may discover some truly hidden talent at affordable prices. Do an internet search for smaller towns in your region that you haven’t explored and see if they offer any of the activities on your list.
Really wish you could go to the ocean, but just can’t afford the trip? Pick a nearby lake with a good beach and watercraft rentals. No, it isn’t the same, but you can still have some fun in the sun. Most lakes have a marina restaurant for some added entertainment. Actually, I find water parks with a wave pool pretty satisfying in the summer. Add to that some shopping in a local historic district and dinner at a restaurant I’ve never been to, and voila! Who needs to spend a fortune on some getaway vacation?
If you live in the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake never gets old. Spend some time playing in the water at Moonshine Beach then head to Branson Landing for some great food and shopping. There’s something for all ages in Branson and you don’t have to break the bank to have some fun. Springfield offers a number of attractions and hiking trails, such as Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and the Nature Center. Jordan Valley Park has beautiful fountains to get your feet wet and is near the busy downtown historic district.
If you want an inexpensive vacation getaway, you’ll have to be open-minded and get a little creative. Exploring local venues that are new to you will deepen your appreciation of your surroundings and leave some of your hard-earned cash in the bank.

Fireworks and Celebrations on Independence Day

Independence Day is one of my most favorite celebrations. Family, fireworks, and good food make for a memorable day. Since I have small children, I refrain from buying fireworks. Instead, we attend one of the many firework celebrations in the Ozarks. My favorite fireworks display is held at McCauley Park in Nixa, Missouri. There's plenty of parking, lots of open space for lawn chairs and blankets, and an absolutely brilliant show of sparkling lights. It's never too crowded and the kids can play at the playground while we wait for the show to begin.

No 4th of July party would be complete without a backyard feast. We fire up the Brinkman and grill all kinds of yummy delights. Aside from the standard fare (hamburgers & hotdogs), we make Hawaiian Pork Shish-kabobs with 1" cubes of pork, pineapple chunks, red bell pepper chunks, and slivers of onion. I marinate these in brown sugar and an equal mix of pineapple and orange juices for about two hours in the refrigerator before placing them on the grill. I always have ice cream and marshmallows on hand for the little ones. My favorite Independence Day dessert is strawberry angel food cake. I take one store bought angel food cake, inject it with juice from fresh strawberries mixed with a little sugar, then mix sliced strawberries with a large tub of dairy topping and frost the whole cake with the creamy mixture. It's always popular and so delicious.

Camping in the Ozarks

The Ozarks offers great camping opportunities for people of all ages. Whether you like to float, bird watch, or simply enjoy the peace and quiet, the Ozarks have it all. The Mark Twain National Forest offers campsites, trails, and fishing or check out one of the many state parks in Missouri and Arkansas.

Ever been floating? Missouri has numerous rivers throughout the state for beginners and pros alike. Don't have a canoe? There are many outfitters that rent canoes and kayaks at reasonable prices. Popular destinations include the Current River, Jack's Fork, the Niangua River, and the Meramec River.

Check out this site for the Current River and Jack's Fork: http://www.harveysalleyspring.com/

Here's a great place to camp and float on the Niangua:
http://www.nrocanoe.com/

This place makes it easy to float the Meramec:
http://www.greenscanoerental.com/

Ode to a Summer Thunderstorm
This is an original poem about a summer thunderstorm.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1832685/ode_to_a_summer_thunderstorm.html