The fish was doing somersaults above the water at the foot of Table Rock Dam.  I tried to get a picture of it in the air, but digital cameras don't click on cue like the big fancy cameras that I no longer use.  Sort of sad how such black beauties now sit on my shelf, having been replaced several years ago already - it was Christmas of 2000 - with my first digital.
So the fish and I are each doing somersaults, but not in sync.  No matter.  The setting is super down at Table Rock Lake, which was created by the Table Rock Dam, which controls flooding and generates hydroelectric power.
'Twas the lake and the dam, we've learned, that provided impetus for the tourism industry at Branson.  Ozark Country has never been the same! 
Allan and I were there again in December, just a few days to catch Christmas shows and Christmas spirit down in the Bible Belt.  I put some pictures online in Sue's Album at www.VictoriaGazette.com in case you ever get the Branson fever. 
One of my Victoria friends emailed me before Christmas with the question, "Are you old enough for Branson?"  Interesting inquisition, especially since Branson is not a retirement community nor do we see a sea of gray hair in the audiences.  As a matter of fact, we see young newlyweds at the Branson shows apparently on their honeymoon, and others who could not yet be grandparents.
Anyhow, I never caught the fish on camera.  But if you've read this column thus far, I've caught you in my hook column!  So I can let you know that I pulled the name of a most faithful reader, writer, and hook-finder out of the minnow bucket.  Kay Meuwissen of Chaska wins the $10!  Congratulations, Kay, and thank you for your letters.
The fishhook was hidden on page 22 in the Christmas wreath of Steve Leistiko's ad for Citizens Financial Center. 
There's another fishhook hidden in this New Year's edition of the Gazette.  If you find it and want to be eligible for the monthly drawing to win $10, drop a line to the Gazette at Box 387, Victoria, MN 55386 and sinker in the mail.
In the meantime, I'll continue to do somersaults for you, hoping you will be having a wonderful 2006.  Happy New Year.