July 23 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

What a great weekend on the water last weekend. Aside from the “normal” raft-up action, there was the annual edition of both the Grand Bobber Drop and Aquapalooza. Optimistic golfers showed up at Ugly John’s Thunder Bay Marina for the beginning of the annual Hole-in-One tournament over the largest water hazard in the area – Duck Creek. Congratulations to the organizers of all three events. It was really a great Saturday on the waters of Grand Lake.

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I spent a little – okay, a lot of time hanging with legislators from throughout the State of Oklahoma during the Annual Grand Lake Legislative Getaway. It was particularly nice to have both Speaker of the House Charles McCall and Senate President Pro-Tem Designate Greg Treat among the almost 40 legislators who hung out at Grand Lake with us. Even U.S. Senator James Lankford made an unexpected appearance at the Friday night dinner at Cherokee Spur Ranch. Congratulations to William Barnes, Duncan Senator Paul Scott and GRDA Assistant General Counsel Heath Lofton – winners of the annual Legislative Golf Tournament. Local hosts were very hospitable. Senator Michael Bergstrom, playing with Purcell State Representative Tim Downing and GRDA’s Nathan Reese, was gracious enough to finish last in the annual tournament. It was really a great weekend for legislators and their families – and our privilege to have so many lawmakers from all parts of Oklahoma join us at our little slice of paradise! Thanks to Shangri-La, Arrowhead, Cherokee, Cherokee Spur Ranch, Dr. Doug Cox and Tom Kimball, and GRDA for putting together such a great weekend of fun.

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Nobody wanted the legislature to write rules relating to the medical marijuana vote, so the Health Department took on the task. Now everyone is BEGGING the legislature to write new rules. Leadership says they’re up for the task. Grand Lake area State Representatives Josh West and Ben Loring are both on the special working committee to try to iron out the kinks without making voters crazy mad.

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President Trump has ordered a new Air Force One plane. Wowzer. $3.9 billion. It makes that Gulfstream I’ve been eyeing look downright cheap! The new Air Force One may be really, really expensive, but the proposed re-designed paint job will at least make it look cheap!

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If you think you ought to be threatened…just DO IT! That’s what former Oklahoma State Health Department attorney Julie Ezell is accused of. She advised the Board of Health on drafting of the new medical marijuana rules, but she advised against the two unpopular amendments (banning smokables and requiring an on-premises pharmacist). After the rules were passed, it was reported that health department employees were receiving threatening emails. Mostly, they went to Julie Ezell. Now, the District Attorney says they were also mostly being SENT by Julie Ezell. Oops. (She could probably use a little medical marijuana herself about now.)

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Hey, boys…I don’t know if you’ll need to pack 130,000 one-dollar bills to keep her from telling your wife or not, but porn star Stormy Daniels (of President Trump affair fame) will be dancing at Night Trips in Tulsa Tuesday night, August 7. Don’t say I didn’t tell you.

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BEST FACEBOOK POSTE OF THE WEEK: God made Oklahoma summers to help us understand hell is no place to spend eternity.

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BEST NEW MESSAGE ON A T-SHIRT (in Stillwater, with football season almost upon us): God said he would lead you beside Stillwater – not Norman. (Thanks to J.B. Robison for sharing this one.)

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Funny how drinking 8 cups of water a day seems impossible, but 8 beers and 7 shots in two hours in two hours go down like a fat kid on a see-saw. (Thanks to Kenny Smith for sharing this one)

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DEFINITION OF THE WEEK: Dental X-rays: tooth pics

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: I hate it when I go to the kitchen looking for food and all I find are ingredients.  

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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Singer/songwriter/guitarist Carlos Santana turned 71 last Friday.

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BEST OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Don’t let the fact that France won the World Cup detract from the fact that the U.S. has won every Super Bowl in history.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Susie Kraft, Karen Karr, Toni Stanley, Brandon Sharpe, Tim Carson, Dick Lillard, Cola Crouse, Darlene Flegler, Mims Talton III, Patricia Mitchell, Emily Smith, Justin Barrett, J.B. Robison, Brad Busch, Jay Cranke, John McCharen, Kane Russell, and Kenny “The General” Smith. Happy Anniversary to Marc and Abby Moser.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why are all of America’s outdoor parks administered by the Department of “Interior?”

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Saturday is a celebration of the 1980’s at Har-Ber Village – Cabbage Patch, Chewbacca, and Challenger – day long displays, dinner, dance. Saturday is also the Ship Stores Poker Run out of Cedar Port Marina starting at 11:00 a.m. and the second weekend of the Ugly’s Hole-in-One competition at Thunder Bay benefiting PAAS and the Folds of Honor. Saturday night, Shangri-La Members will enjoy the summer’s second Golf Cart Drive-In Movie Night at Shangri-La Golf Club – Raiders of the Lost Ark.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s always a lot of great entertainment around the lake. On Monkey Island this weekend you are the star on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang with karaoke fun Friday and Saturday nights, and the dance floor will be hoppin’ with music by D.J. Deeko right across the street both Friday & Saturday nights at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Up highway 125, Friday night is Karaoke Night at Monkey Island Pub. At the Blind Swine, there’s live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night, with karaoke Sunday and Tuesday; and at Littlefield Corner, the Road Hog Saloon also features live entertainment on Saturday nights.

In Grove, 80 and Out will provide the dance music at Har-Ber Village Saturday night as part of the weekend’s Cabbage Patch, Chewbacca, and Challenger: A Celebration of the 80’s.

If live theatre is more your style, there’s an incredible “participation play” production of Nightingale at Playmakers in Grove Friday, Saturday, and Tuesday nights at7:00 and Sunday afternoon at 2:00; and Picture in Scripture Amphitheater features the live production of Damascus Road Friday and Saturday night east of Disney.

On South Grand Lake, Harbors View Marina will feature the music of Magen Faulconer Friday night at 6:30 during their big Shrimp and Crawfish Boil. Friday night is also Karaoke Night at Michelle’s Bar & Grill at Grand Lodge in Ketchum – and there’s always live entertainment at Michelle’s on Saturday night.

Friday night, Brie and Joey will provide the entertainment at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina, followed by RocKFiscH Saturday night. Friday night is Acoustic and DJ Night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Saturday night, DJ Wade will entertain at Mooney’s; and there is always Friday & Saturday night entertainment & karaoke fun on the deck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features the music of Reverse Reaction Friday night and Brent Giddens Saturday night. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke. Heath Wright entertains at Bordertown both Friday and Saturday nights. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West Bar, Dewayne Bowman and the Swingin’ West Band will perform Friday night followed by Lickitty Split Saturday. Next door at River Ben’s Club 60 West Event Center, a special Saturday night show will feature 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience. At Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, Western Justice will be on stage Friday night. Indigo Sky Casino offers three nights of musical entertainment this week. Brett & Terri perform Thursday night in the Echo Bar, followed by Aces Wild both Friday and Saturday.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including PGA Golf, Major League Baseball, and NASCAR are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina, Monkey Island Pub, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, and Pickles at the Lake in Langley.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Season 6 of Orange is the New Black will be available on NETFLIX Friday, and the Series Premiere of Pink Collar Crimes is Saturday night at7:00 on CBS.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Mission Impossible-Fallout and Teen Titans GO to the Movies

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “A government which robs Peter to pay Paul can always count on the support of Paul.” – George Bernard Shaw

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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday-Sunday, August 4-5 – Big Bass Cash Tournament. Saturday, August 11 – Back to School Bash at Pensacola Dam Off-Road Area.Saturday, August 11 – Premiere of the movie “Wedding Belles” at the Cinema 6 in Grove followed by an after party at Big Shots on Monkey Island. Friday, August 17 – SGLACC Great Grand Lake Open Golf Tournament at The Coves. Saturday, August 18 – Cars for Critters Car Show at Grove Civic Center. Saturday, August 18 – Circus Costume Party at Monkey Island Pub. Wednesday, August 22 – Will Rogers Rodeo Parade in downtown Vinita (11:00 a.m.). Wednesday-Saturday, August 22-25 – Will Rogers Memorial Rodeo, Vinita Fairgrounds.

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The PGA Tour moves north to Ontario this weekend for the RBC Canadian Open. Coverage on the Golf Channel begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, and noon Saturday and Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds Saturday and Sunday at 2:00.

Major League Baseball features some great rivalries this weekend. The Royals will be in New York to face the Yankees Saturday at noon on ESPN+. The Cubs visit the Cardinals Saturday afternoon at 3:00 (FS1) and again Sunday night at 7:00 (ESPN).

NASCAR drivers are at Pocono this weekend for the Gander Outdoors 400. Coverage begins at 1:30 Sunday on NBCSN.

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It’s going to be a little cooler around the lake this weekend, with high temperatures in the mid-80s. We may have a shower or two Saturday morning – and a chance of scattered thunderstorms Sunday; but the cooler temperatures will certainly be nice. Be safe, have fun, and stay hydrated. And, remember…wherever 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.

1909 in Downtown Grove

Ailey’s Café in Langley

American Grill in Grove

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

Bobbers Café in Langley

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

Coffee Shelter in Ketchum

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

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

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)

Grand Lodge in Ketchum (smoking)

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

Karrie's Kaboose in Langley (smoking)

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lakeside Bar & Grill in Grove at Sail Boat Bridge

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.)

Morrows Bar & Grill in Raper Hollow

Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Okie Smokies Barbecue in Grove on Hwy 59 South

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)

Smokin’ Spur BBQ & Trading Post at Old Towne Plaza, Cleora

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 Office on Monkey Island (smoking)

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