December 30 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
The Christmas holiday on Grand Lake couldn’t have been better. Sunshine and temperatures in the upper 60’s is the kind of winter weather we only see from afar – but we enjoyed it ourselves this year! I saw lots of boats on the water, but it’s been a long time since I’ve seen that many personal watercraft on Grand Lake on Christmas Day. Nothing lasts forever, of course, and the final weekend of December is giving way to a 20-degree temperature drop. Nothing is forever, I guess.
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Official summary of the Hallmark Channel Christmas movie season: The moral of the story from every single Hallmark Christmas movie ever is this – guys, NEVER let your wife or girlfriend return to her hometown for Christmas to help decorate the town square and save the local harward store from a big business because then a freak blizzard will happen and her high school crush who works part time at the antique shop will just so happen to save her and they’ll fall in love. There’s also a dog. (thanks to Angie Good for sharing this insight)
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The time has come to move on to the New Year – and time for resolutions. This year, I’m sticking to my resolve to work less and play more, spend less time on land and more time on water, and waste less time by sleeping; but I’ve decided to complete some skills that I have only half-mastered. I can do laundry with the best of them, for example, but I still can’t fold a fitted sheet. I’m a great sports fan, but I don’t have the Watch ESPN app and “streaming” is still a bit of a reach for me. I can work a remote, watch TV and DVR movies and events – but I haven’t mastered NetFlix, Hulu or Apple TV. I can drink with the best of ‘em, but have never mastered the keg-stand drill. I’m working on technological skills, so I think I’m ready to move up from an iPhone 4. I may even move up from Windows 7 on my computer; and, while I have everything down pat on my boat, I’m determined to finally learn what all those buttons are for on the dash of my car. I may be 20 years late, but I think this is finally my time to move, kicking and screaming, into the 21st Century! Happy New Year.
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I’ve watched so many college and pro football games over the past two weeks, I’ve come to a revelation. If you listen closely to the announcers, you can discover whether or not they are old guys. For example, I heard an excited sportscaster going to a commercial break the other night, telling viewers, “Don’t touch that dial.” I reminded me of a local sportscaster who continually tells radio listeners that a team on the field is “running from left to right on your radio dial.” Millennials must be really confused. How long has it been since any radio or tv set had a “dial?”
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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Congratulations to Jim & Diana Sellers who own The Artichoke. Their restaurant was named by Open Table as one of the Most Popular 100 Restaurants! Congratulations to Larry and Joyce Duke, as well – the big New Year’s Eve Party at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze will be held next this week for the 20th consecutive year!!
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: President Theodore Roosevelt signed the Enabling Act of 1906 with two pens -- a solid gold one from Arizona and an eagle quill from Oklahoma. The act allowed for the admission of two states -- Oklahoma and Indian territories as Oklahoma and the Arizona and New Mexico territories as Arizona.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Make sure your Viagra label says “Made in the USA.” We don’t want the Chinese or Russians meddling with our erections.
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Remember what the valet who parked your car looks like because we do not have valet parking.
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BEST BUMPER STICKER SEEN THIS WEEK: Never underestimate the power of stupid people in lart groups.
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TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’m bored. I think I’ll drive to a mall, find a perfect parking place, and sit in my car with my reverse lights on.
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: The people who want folks to work until they’re 70 years old and the people who won’t hire anyone over the age of 50 are the same people.
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DEFINITION WORTH THINKING ABOUT: Licensing: when the government takes away your right to do something, and then sells it back to you.
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Reggie Wallace, Judy Harris, Mark Londagin, Steve Cornell, Steve Edwards, Judy Barger, Cheyanna Cookson, Paul Spechler, Sergio Andre, Kent Harrell, Patricia McDonald, Becky Wetwiska, Susan Graham, and Greg Price.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If somebody threw a rock and knocked you off your donkey, would you be considered to be stoned off your ass?
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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: There are big New Year’s Eve parties Tuesday at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze, Monkey Island Pub, and Blind Swine – all on Monkey Island, as well as Road Hog Saloon, Cherokee Yacht Club and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill. Tuesday night is a New Year’s Eve Prime Rib Dinner at Doc’s Bar & Grill followed by a midnight champagne toast and an all-night New Year’s Breakfast Buffet from 1:00 a.m. until 6:30 a.m. Doc’s Bar & Grill features College Football Bowl Game coverage daily through Saturday. Bartending Classes also begin Saturday at Shangri-La; and a new year of Trivia, Tacos and Tequila Tuesdays and Wine Wednesday resume next week.
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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment around the lake to kick off the new year. Terry Jordan performs New Year’s Eve – and Saturday & Sunday nights at Shangri-La’s Summit Restaurant. Big Shots Rhythm & Booze hosts their 20th Annual New Year’s Eve Party with great DJ action, party favors and a midnight toast. At the Blind Swine, KJ Flip hosts Cocktails & Karaoke Thursday night and Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night. Monkey Island Pub features a Roaring 20s New Year’s Eve Bash, and great dance music again Friday & Saturday nights. At Littlefield Corner, Broken Aces will entertain New Year’s Eve at Road Hog Saloon – and there’s great live music every Saturday night at the Road Hog.
On South Grand Lake, Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney will spotlight the talent of Don White on New Year’s Eve.
Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features dual New Year’s Eve performances by Walkin’ the Line and Double Vision Tuesday night. The Downbeat will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino, followed by D’Elegantz Saturday. Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 features a special New Year’s Eve performance by Paralandra Tuesday and Karaoke Saturday night. At River Bend Casino, Dr. Funk and the Soul Vaccinations entertain New Year’s Eve. DJ 5 Star Entertainment puts on the show Friday night followed by Nathan Bryce and Loaded Dice Saturday. Trailer Park Bar & Grill there is live DJ action every Friday & Saturday night at 10:00. There’s a big New Year’s Eve Glow Party at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace Tuesday night and DJ action every Friday & Saturday night in the Trailer Park Bar & Grill. New Year’s Eve entertainment at Downstream Casino begins with DJ entertainment early and Replay beginning at 9:30 at Legends Sports Bar. Ragsdale & Croy entertain New Year’s Eve in Lover’s Leap Lounge. There’s plenty of entertainment at Indigo Sky Casino’s Echo Lounge. Party Line is on stage Monday night, and New Year’s Eve entertainment by Mayday by Midnight. Brett & Terri will provide Thursday night’s show, followed by NighTTrain Friday night and Stonehorse Saturday.
The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action including college football bowl games, NFL playoff games, PGA Golf, and NBA action are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, Pickles at the Lake in Langley, and Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The season premiere of Last Man Standing airs Thursday night at 7:00 followed by the series premiere of Deputy, both on Fox. The first season of Dracula is available Saturday on NETFLIX. Sunday night, The Golden Globe Awards will be presented live at 7:00 on NBC. The Bachelor returns Monday night at 7:00 on ABC. Ellen’s Game of Games airs Tuesday night at 7:00 on NBC; and a new season of Criminal Minds debuts Wednesday night at 8:00 on CBS.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Little Women, Eli, and The Vanishing
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Apologizing does not always mean you’re wrong and the other person is right. It just means you value your relationship more than your ego.” - Anonymous
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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, January 9: Prime Rib & Karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Friday-Sunday, January 10-12 – OKC Boat & RV Show at the Bennett Center, State Fairgrounds. Tuesday, January 14: Blazin’ Hot Tacos & Tequila Tuesday at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La ($10 admission benefits the Grove Fire Department). Saturday, January 25 – Whiskey Kitchen Blues Bash & BBQ at Shangri-La Resort. Monday-Sunday, January 27-February 2 – Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel Show at Tulsa State Fairgrounds. Super Bowl Party at Big Shots on Monkey Island featuring a giant 10-foot screen and multiple televisions. Sunday, February 2 – Super Bowl Watch Party at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday, February 7 – Business After Hours Reception at Shangri-La Resort (5:00-7:00). Saturday, February 8 – Polar Plunge at Shangri-La Resort’s outdoor pool ($10 entry benefits the Grove Public Library).
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SPORTS WATCH! College football bowl games are winding down – but there are big ones Monday night, Tuesday night and all day Wednesday. There are a couple of late bowl games, as well, Thursday, Friday, and a lone game Saturday morning. That’s it until the National Championship game January 13.
The NBA schedule has the OKC Thunder on a treacherous road trip. They’re at home Tuesday night hosting Dallas, then they’re on the road for four straight games and don’t return home until January 9 when the Rockets will be in town. The Thunder are at San Antonio Thursday night at 7:30, then at Cleveland Saturday at 6:30 before back-to-back games in Philadelphia Monday night (6:00) and Brooklyn Tuesday night (6:30). All games are on Fox Sports Oklahoma.
NFL action is getting serious, for sure. It’s finally playoff time, starting with the Wild Card Playoffs. There are two games Saturday and two more Sunday. Here we go!
PGA Players are back on the course this week, and they’ve picked the right place to play this time of year. They’re in Hawaii for the Sentry Tournament of Champions. Live coverage is on the Golf Channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
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Perfect weather has to end sometime, I suppose, even at Grand Lake. Honestly, though, even though we were spoiled last week, this week’s weather doesn’t look too bad for rolling into January. Weekend temperatures will be around 50 in the daytime and around 30 at night, with sunshine for the most part. It’ll be plenty nice for running around the lake to visit your favorite spots. Remember, though… wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me. Happy New Year!!
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.
1909 in Downtown Grove
Ailey’s Café in Langley
Aquabar & Grill at The Landings Marina on Monkey Island (smoking on the deck)
Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley
Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Friday & Saturday nights)
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café Italia on Monkey Island
Café Yum in Grove
Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)
Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and at Littlefield Corner
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
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
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
Henrie’s Grill 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
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Monkey’s Uncle at Littlefield Corner (Breakfast & lunch)
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)
Morrow’s Bar & Grill at Morrow’s Landing
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
Pit Stop Café in Grove
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in 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)
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Scooters in Langley (smoking)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Landings Marina (smoking on the deck)
The Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)
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
Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove