August 8 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
We had a perfect Grand Lake weather weekend to prepare everybody for heading back to school this week – and everybody was here to enjoy it! The First Friday Wine Share brought lots of new visitors to the new businesses at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island Friday – and the annual Run a Monkey Golf Tournament at Shangri-La was the usual full-of-fun weekend for golfers while boaters enjoyed the float-up movie event at Marina Del Rey. I couldn’t find a Cobalt sticker to put on my ol’ Scarab, so I didn’t get in on the Cobalt owners’ festivities at Arrowhead, but I did manage to sponge some food & beverages off of Kevin McClure & his gang during the Hi-Lift Marina/Grand Lake Boat Sales Customer Appreciation fun. School may be starting, but we’re not slowing down the fun any at Grand Lake! The coming weekend is even bigger!!
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I trust everybody is enjoying the most recent onslaught of political commercials and social media posts. You can sure tell it’s election month because there is nothing too small for people to argue about. Folks on the far right are mad at Cracker Barrel for offering plant-based “Impossible” meat as an option – and folks on the far left are mad at Starbucks for charging extra for optional plant-based milk products. I guess things must be in pretty good shape in this country if we’re down to worrying about stuff like that!
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Speaking of new priority issues…the Grove City Council has approved a new ordinance allowing residents to have up to six chickens in their yards. No roosters. Just chickens. I wonder how long it will be before someone files a sex discrimination lawsuit on behalf of roosters.
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It’s that time of year, football fans. NFL preseason football begins this week with a bunch of games over the next three weeks. It’s the biggest fan challenge of the entire NFL season. Watch the games closely and see if you can find someone you recognize.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Bobby Hillegass, Dennis Boyles, Michelle Graham, Casey Bronc Smith, Jamie Perryman, Jeffrey McDougall, Aracelly Jameson, CC Leuszler, Heather Cole, Bill Wolfe, Hershel Lamirand, Candi Bullard, Eric Brixey, Savannah Brown, Matt Pinnell, Laura Fairchild, and Sandye Berga.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Friday is the annual Mary Moore Charity Event & Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Friday is the weekly wine tasting at Grove Royal Liquor beginning at 4:00. Friday night is also the August Sip & Sail Sunset Cruise out of Shangri-La Marina. “Woodstock on the Water” celebrates Grand Lake’s 82 anniversary this weekend with an overnight raft-out Friday night in Lawhead Hollow (Leon Russell Cove) followed by a day-long celebration & concert Saturday. The big “UTV Takeover Event” is this week at Mid-America Outdoors – continuing through Sunday. Saturday is Cruise Night in Jay. Sunday morning is a couples golf mixer. Monday, there is a Shangri-La Blood Drive (12:30-4:00) at Shangri-La Resort Hotel; and The Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association Partnership Championship Tournament returns to Shangri-La next Monday & Tuesday.
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The odds of being dealt two pair in a five-card poker hand are roughly 20-1. Odds of three-of-a-kind are 46-1.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The late great Bill Russell who passed away last week never lost a “winner take all” game in his entire basketball career – 11-0 in the NBA, 9-0 in the NCAA, and 2-0 in the Olympics.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: The United Methodist Church is splitting in two. One will allow same-sex marriage. The other will have a terrible choir.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Studies show the most expensive vehicle to operate is a Costco shopping cart.
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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: My Roomba just beat me to a Cheeto I dropped on the floor. This is how the war against the machines begins.
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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Lambs to the left of me. Mutton to the right. Here I am, stuck in the middle with ewe.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I’m giving up drinking for a month. Sorry, bad punctuation. I’m giving up. Drinking for a month.
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Believe it or not, Martha Stewart turned 81 last week. Mary Lou Retton was the first American woman to win an Olympics Gymnastics All-Around Gold Medal – 38 years ago! Emmy Award-winning actress Pat Carroll died last week. She was best known recently as the voice of Ursula in The Little Mermaid. She was 95.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: Keith Richards once got a turtle for his birthday. He asked, “How old will it get?” They told him, “About 300 years.” He said, “Now you see why I’m against it. You get attached to such an animal, and then it dies.”
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Scott Musick performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night; and Terry Jordan tickles the ivories both Friday and Saturday nights at The Summit. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Friday night entertainment by C-Matt followed by Whiskey Poet Society Saturday night. Thursday and Tuesday nights are karaoke nights with DJ Mo at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early both Wednesday and Friday night at the Swine. There is karaoke fun on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday & Saturday nights; and DJ K-Bandito keeps the crowd hopping both nights across the street at Big Shots. Saturday is karaoke & line dancing with DJ Chris Kennedy at Monkey Island Pub.
On South Grand Lake, a night of karaoke starts the weekend fun Thursday night at the Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. Ryan Graham takes over entertainment Friday night followed by Reverse Reaction Saturday.
Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina opens the weekend entertainment Friday night with True Karaoke. Mike Barham & the Honky Tonk Prophets entertain Saturday night, and Mike Barham wraps up the weekend at Sharky’s Sunday afternoon with a solo performance. It’s a big musical week at Mooney’s Sunset Bar in Disney. Dave Gusto starts the weekend early with a Thursday night show. The Zene Smith Duo will entertain Friday night at Mooney’s with Dustin Pittsley & Friends taking over Saturday night, and The Michelle Warren Duo wrapping up the weekend with a matinee performance beginning at 4:00 Sunday afternoon. Ugly’s Grill & Bar now features karaoke entertainment with KJ Flip and DJ Sweet Daddy D every Friday night. Magen Faulconer performs Sunday evening (5:30) at Blind Swine on Duck Creek. The Barrett Lewis Band will perform in Lawhead Hollow (aka Leon Russell Cove) Saturday afternoon as part of the Woodstock on the Water celebration.
In Grove, Twice as Nice Harpists provide the Friday night entertainment at The Regatta followed by Brett ‘N Terri at the rooftop bar Saturday night. Rusty Meyers will be on stage at Cherokee Casino Grove Friday night, followed by The Rod Robertson Band Saturday night. There is karaoke Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music from Runnin’ on Empty Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday.
Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Jon Dooly in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Oreo Blue, followed by Straight Away Saturday. The George Brothers will entertain Thursday night at Downstream Casino. Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy will perform together Thursday night at 6:30 at Downstream Casino’s Outdoor Venue. Whisky Outlaws will perform Saturday night at Club 60 West at River Bend Casino.
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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: The Artichoke in Langley is celebrating 18 years of service to Grand Lakers this week. The Road Hog Saloon is no longer serving breakfast – at least for now. Bella Donna’s has a new special, now featuring Snow Crab Legs every Wednesday. Danny’s Dockside Pizza and Bella Donna’s now offer local delivery. Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is now opening later on Thursdays – 4:00 p.m. This week’s “Theme Week” specials at Doc’s at Shangri-La (Thursday-Sunday) feature “Tempura Temptations Sushi Rolls” including a Tempura Fried California Roll, a Tempura Fried Cowboy Roll, and a Tempura Fried Spicy Tuna Roll.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Eight episodes of A League of Their Own will be available Thursday on Prime Video. Tales of the Walking Dead makes its debut Sunday night at 8:00 on AMC. She-Hulk: Attorney at Law will be available next Wednesday on Disney+.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Mack & Rita opens in movie theaters this week. Day Shift premiers this week on NETFLIX.
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SAVE THE DATE: Sunday, August 21 – Tulsa Junior Oilers Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Wednesday, August 24 - Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Parade and the All Settlers Day Reunion at the Craig County Community Center (1:00-3:00) kick off Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo Week in Vinita. Wednesday-Saturday, August 24-27 – Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo in Vinita. Friday-Sunday, August 26-28 – Women’s Weekend at Shangri-La Resort. Saturday, September 3 – Redneck Raft-Out in Check In Bay. Thursday-Saturday, September 8-10 – Harvest Fest 2022 at Camp Copperhead in Spavinaw. Thursday, September 15 – 84th REC Drive-Thru Event (3 p.m.) Friday, September 23 – Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show at Arrowhead Yacht Club (10:00-3:00). Friday-Sunday, September 23-25 – Pioneer Days at Har-Ber Village in Grove.
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It is officially Week #1 of the NFL preseason. You’ll need the NFL Network to catch any of the action, but there are some games of interest. New England hosts the N.Y. Giants to kick off the weekend Thursday night at 6:00. Green Bay is at San Francisco Friday at 7:30. Saturday games include Kansas City at Chicago at noon, Indianapolis at Buffalo at 3:00, Seattle at Pittsburgh at 6:00 and Dallas at Denver at 8:00. Sunday’s lone televised game sends Minnesota to Las Vegas.
PGA golfers are in Memphis this week for the FedEx St. Jude Championship. Live coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, noon Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. Sunday on the Golf Channel. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday and 1:00 Sunday.
NASCAR drivers travel to Richmond this week for the Federated Auto Parts 400. Coverage begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on USA.
There are also some great Major League Baseball games televised this weekend, including The Cubs at Cincinnati Thursday at 6:00 and Milwaukee at St. Louis Friday at 7:00. The Red Sox host the Yankees for a couple of games Saturday and Sunday at 6:00. Houston is at Chicago to face the White Sox Monday at 7:00; and the Yankees host Tampa Bay Tuesday at 6:00. The Brewers host the Dodgers next Wednesday at 8:45.
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High temperatures aren’t likely to reach triple digits this weekend, but they’ll be close enough. Highs will be in the mid-90s with lows around 70 with days filled with sunshine and nights filled with stars. Perfect weather, as far as I’m concerned. It looks like great boating and golf weather, and there are plenty of great opportunities for both this week. Remember, though, no matter where you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
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Looking for places to go, things to do, services to use or property to buy in the Grand Lake area? Here’s a starter kit listing of “open to the public” fun places to spend time at Grand Lake
Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley
Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)
Bella Donna’s at Honey Creek Landing Marina
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café at Har-Ber Village
Café Yum in Grove
Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Copper’s Tea and Coffee House in Grove
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Cove Club in Langley
Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina
Domino’s in Grove
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill
E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Forage in downtown Grove & The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)
Honey Creek BBQ in Grove (south of Honey Creek bridge)
Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Monkey Island RV Resort
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)
Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Monkey Island Trail Rides
Monkey Island Winery
Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove
Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove
Pappy’s Bar on Hwy 10 east of Grove
Pickles at the Lake in Langley
Pier 13 Liquor Store in Langley
Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove
Pit Stop Café in Grove
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in Grove
Regatta Restaurant & Bar at Sailboat Bridge, Grove
Riggs & Company in Langley
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island (smoking...but not at lunch)
Royal Liquor Store in Grove
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
Sugar Shack at Lee’s Grand Lake Resort
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)
The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)
The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)
Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (smoking)
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove