Osage

Deb and I had the opportunity to go see my Dad ("the Bear") and Sandy several weeks ago. They live in the resort town of Osage Beach MO. Osage is at the end of a long reservoir that makes up part of the Lakes of the Ozarks. It is a beautiful place with lots of trees and of course water. As it is a resort, it is also filled with resort type stuff, like lots of traffic (one major arterial through the area), Gifts shops galore including one of the largest "outlet" malls in the known universe, several hundred miniature golf and go-kart tracks, and 1000's of restaurants all with a faux-nautical theme. Despite my cynicism, we really like going down there as it gives us a chance to get away from the cities.

Check out the boat traffic!

It isn't the destination so much as it is visiting with family. Both Deb and I enjoy or time with the Bear and Sandy 'cos even though they are parents, they don't act like parents. Sandy has her own Jet-ski, and the Bear putts around in a pontoon boat. In addition they both enjoy photography, listening to jazz or classical music (The Bear is in the process of transferring all of his recorded music unto CD's), and watching old British comedies on the "telly".