About Franklin County, MO

Gas prices in Union, Missouri today were $2.33 a gallon for regular. Wildwood was still at $2.43 a gallon but hopefully the prices will be falling in Wildwood and other areas surrounding St. Louis.

I know this is good news for me. It was getting to be crazy to fill up my Impala. The bill from an empty tank would be over $50 and nearly $60. Now when I fill up the total is staying at about $35. For my family and others in the area this means more money to spend on food.

It was getting to the point where I felt like I either had to fill up the car or buy groceries. Now I might be able to afford both in one week....

I guess I will find out tomorrow.

Be sure to make the trip to Catawissa, Missouri for the St. James Fall Festival 2008. Enjoy a wonderful drive in the country to a tasty ALL YOU CAN EAT home cooked meal of fried chicken with slaw, mashed potatoes, beans, biscuits and homemade desserts. Note: The variety of sweets changes through out the day.

Meals served from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.

You can purchase cute and useful crafts at the Country Store, make a bid on some silent auction items, enter the raffle for a gorgeous quilt made and quilted by the ladies of the church, enter the main raffle for fabulous prizes:
1ST PRIZE - $500 GAS CARD
2ND PRIZE - GARMIN GPS
3RD PRIZE - $300 LOWES CARD
4TH PRIZE - 22" HDTV
5TH PRIZE - PATIO FIRE PIT

Play some bingo, let the little one enjoy the children's game, try your hand at the meat shoot, walk to win a cake at "the cake walk" and so much more.

Plan to attend this worth while event on Sunday October 12, 2008 at St. James in Catawissa, Missouri.

A good time will be enjoyed by all!

For additional info: http://www.stjames-church.com/events.html

or email: Ahayden@psphomes.com

After attending the Prairie Days Event at Shaw's Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri, I thought it would be interesting to see how many people would "bite" on a couple of home for sale descriptions:

For Sale, cozy home on the prairie. Home boasts two large windows with deep sills and views of the gorgeous seemingly never-ending prairie. Home is green to the extreme, featuring real dirt floors, exterior sod blocks for insulation and real grass roofing. Home has one large room with high ceilings and exposed wooden rafters. There is ample space to ....turn around. Deep well with long rope and skinny bucket for all your water needs. Privy located a good distance from the home and bubbling creek side. Home is situated on a small piece of land only 250 acres in a rapidly expanding area.

Home for Sale: This lovely cone shaped home features include the best use of nature resources, stoutness in high winds and dry in heavy rains with a cozy cooking area. Water supplied by sparkling creek just a few feet away. Sleeping quarters located near the cooking facilities. Home boasts a fireplace and is completely mobile due the poles and hides used in construction. If you do not like the current location just pack up and move on. Sale includes soft cushy beds made of buffalo hides and other soft animal furs, all poles, firewood, water vessels and ornaments as displayed.

Now who wants to place an offer on these fabulous homes? Of course I am just joking. It was a fun day on the prairie. I hope I succeeded in making you smile!

For all your real estate needs in St. Louis and surrounding areas: www.SelectAnn.com

Ann Hayden direct 636-399-7544

Prudential Select Properties 16442 Village Plaza View Drive, Wildwood, MO 63011 (636)779-1100

All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted.

Come follow the herd to Prairie Days at Shaw's Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri.

The event takes place on Saturday, September 20, 2008 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Cost: $3 adults; free for children 12 and under, Missouri Botanical Garden members and Shaw Nature Reserve pass holders.

This fun-filled family event portrays prairie heritage with activities and demonstrations. The event showcases the Reserve's 250-acre re-created tall grass prairie. Come hike with a naturalist through the prairie to learn about life on the prairie, check out the authentic teepee, play pioneer games and listen to live music. You will also be able to watch weavers, spinners and other demonstrations.

Some of the exhibits include prairie mammals, reptiles and amphibians, and insects. Many living history characters will be on hand to re-enact the lives of early prairie inhabitants. Even an archaeologist and a flint-knapper will showcase displays and interpret some artifacts of prairie life. Native plant nurseries will be there selling wildflowers and seeds.

If you come hungry, visit the concessions to purchase yummy bison burgers, homemade baked goods, delicious root beer, and sweet, salty, kettle corn.

Join in the fun filled day!

Event takes place at Shaw Nature Reserve of the Missouri Botanical Garden, in Gray Summit, Mo., located south of Interstate 44 at exit #253; watch for signs to the designated parking area.