June 10 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

Last weekend made it obvious people have reached their limit. High water or not, most everyone’s cabin fever has been broken by a dose of abundant sunshine. Boats were everywhere, even though many marinas had to shuttle captains to their boats by boat. Outdoor events like Barkaritaville, Camp Bandage and the American Heritage Music Festival rolled to success – and golf courses, swimming pools and resorts were busy, busy place. Even Mother Nature can’t stop the party when Grand Lakers are ready to roll.

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Have you seen that new television show called “Songland?” I’m not sure about that. Aspiring song writers come on the show and spend an hour having producers and artists rip their thoughts and tunes apart to come up with a song that, while good, doesn’t resemble the song they walked on stage with. I don’t think I’m a fan. As it turns out, songs are like babies. They’re awesome when they’re done, but it’s not pretty watching one be born.

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The “Living Grand on Grand Lake” RSU television program started another season last week. Great show! Nice feature on the revitalization of the Grand Lake Queen riverboat cruises. That’s a true Grand Lake legend. I’m excited to see it back on the water making memories!

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In case you missed the chance to celebrate with Larry and Joyce Duke at The Shebang last weekend, stop by and share a sip with them this week. They celebrated 35 years in business at the same Grand Lake location over the weekend at The Shebang – one of the longest running individually owned and operated businesses on all of Grand Lake. And still fantastic!

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Hollywood A-Lister Matt Damon was in Oklahoma last week – spotted in Oklahoma City, Chickasha, and Stillwater. He said he was here for “research purposes” relating to an upcoming movie. My snarky pals at The Lost Ogle speculated, in reality, he may have just lost a bet with Ben Affleck.

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Sometimes truth is not only stranger than fiction – it’s also funnier! Have you ever made the drive through Missouri and noticed the exit for Uranus, Missouri? It’s a stop like no other. Tour the Uranus Fudge Factory (nope, I didn’t make that up). Now, they have brought back the community newspaper which is named – what else – Uranus Examiner.

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DINING & DRINKING ON GRAND LAKE UPDATE: Shangri-La is hosting open-to-the-public Shrimp Boils and Karaoke every Thursday night from 6:00-9:00 in “The Cave” on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill. The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda will be open this week from 11:00-9:00 Thursday-Sunday. No breakfast service – and no access by water (walkways are still flooded). Morrow’s Bar & Grill has new extended hours: Thursday 5-9, Friday & Saturday 11-9:30, Sunday 11-8.

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SEEN IN A CHURCH BULLETIN: For those of you who have children and don’t know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: On the evening of March 7, 1965, ABC television interrupted its Sunday Night Movie broadcast to report that state troopers had attacked unarmed civil rights marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama. Ironically, the movie ABC interrupted was "Judgment at Nuremberg."

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: I took several old watches, hooked them together, and made a very unique belt. It turned out to be a waist of time. (thanks to Susan Graham for sharing this one)

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I’ve learned so much from my mistakes, I’m thinking of making a few more.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Tent poles are not for pole dancing. Please find alternative ways to disappoint your father.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: Yesterday I saw a book called “How to Solve 50% of Your Problems.” So I bought two.

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Remember when we used to line up at the fair to see the fat tattooed lady? Now, there everywhere!

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TIP OF THE WEEK: You can’t find happiness at the bottom of a beer. Well, no kidding! Who’s happy when they run out of beer?

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Marilyn Monroe died when she was just 36 years old. She would have turned 93 last week. One of the most popular Beatles’ albums, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” was released this week – 50 years ago!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Doug Ohlstrom, Amy Chapman, Amy Kennedy, John Link, Michael Junk, Eddie Estes, Kevin Dennis, Judy Love, Thomas Straigis, Heidi Hays, Mike Ward, and Josh Russell. A special birthday shout-out to Grand Laker and former Oklahoma Governor George Nigh who turned 92 on Sunday.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do I have to use leaves as toilet paper when I go camping, when we have bears out there using Charmin?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday is another rescheduled attempt at the Grand Lake Queen riverboat christening, ribbon cutting, and first cruise. Saturday is Splash Bash in Ketchum Cove. Saturday night is a NAPA Nights celebration and fundraiser in Hangar 12 at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Sunday, of course, is Father’s Day; and next Monday-Wednesday is the 2019 Junior Players Academy at Shangri-La Golf Club.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment around the lake this weekend. On Monkey Island, The Mixers will be on stage Saturday night at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang is open Friday and Saturday nights for karaoke fun and there’s great dance music right across the street at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. There is also great dance music at Monkey Island Pub – and Saturday night is the Pub’s “Pimps & Hoes Costume Party.”. At the Blind Swine, DJ Flip entertains with karaoke Thursday night, and Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night followed by DJ Deeko. Sunday nights are Open Jam Sessions for musicians at the Swine. At Littlefield Corner, there’s always great live music Saturday night at Road Hog Saloon.

On South Grand Lake, Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina features music by RocKFiscH Friday night followed by Travis Kidd Saturday. Thursday night is Trivia Contest night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Mooney’s will have  music from Barrett Lewis on Friday and DJ Wade Saturday. Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina features entertainment on the deck Friday & Saturday nights, as well.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features music of 80 and Out Friday night and Audio Crush Saturday. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke. The George Brothers will be on stage at Bordertown Friday night, followed by a Saturday night performance by Splinter Middleton.  At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, NighTTrain will entertain Friday night and DJ 5 Star Entertainment will be on stage Saturday night. At Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, 90LB Wrench will provide the tunes Friday night. Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar features the music of Aces Wild Friday night and Uncrowned Kings Saturday night. Entertainment in Downstream’s Lover’s Leap Lounge will be provided by Harley Hamm Jimmy Jamm. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill, Sugarpill will perform Saturday night. There is also live DJ action every Friday & Saturday night at 10:00. Indigo Sky Casino offers three nights of musical entertainment this week. Brett & Terriperform Thursday night in the Echo Bar, followed by Mayday by Midnight Friday and Stonehorse Saturday.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports 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: Marvels Jessica Jones and Murder Mystery are both available on NETFLIX Friday. The series premiere of City on a Hill is Sunday night at 8:00 on Showtime, and Season 2 of Instinct debuts Sunday night at 8:00 on CBS. The Series Premiere of Grand Hotel airs Monday night at 9:00 on ABC; and Season 2 of Yellowstone returns to the airwaves next Wednesday night at 9:00 on Paramount.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Shaft, The Dead Don’t Die, and The Men in Black: International

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “You can't really be passionately moderate. It's like wearing an 'Extra Medium' - it doesn't exist.” – Stephen Colbert

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, June 21 – Grove Rotary Lobsterfest at Grove Civic Center. Saturday, June 22 – Rock the Dock in Check-In Bay beginning at noon. Friday, June 28 – Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at Patricia Island. Wednesday, July 3 – Wolf Creek Celebration & Fireworks in Grove. Thursday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks. Friday, July 5 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Friday, July 5 – Horse Creek Fireworks. Saturday, July 6 – Summer Fun Fest at Grand Meridian RV Park. Saturday, July 6 – Monkey Island Fireworks & Family Fun Festival at Shangri-La. Saturday-Sunday, July 13-14 – SDBA Drag Boat Races in Wolf Creek. Thursday, July 18 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet at Big Shots on Monkey Island. Saturday, July 20 – Grand Bobber Drop. Saturday, July 20 – Aquapalooza adjacent to Grand Lake RV Resort. Friday-Saturday, July 26-27 – GLOC Performance Boat Challenge.

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It’s a huge week for professional golf. It’s U.S. Open Week! Thursday & Friday coverage begins at 11:30 on Fox Sports 1. The final two rounds will be on Fox beginning at 11:00 Saturday and 1:00 Sunday.

The NBA Championship series continues this week as necessary with Toronto and Golden State battling it out. If needed, game 6 will be Thursday night at 8:00 and game 7 Sunday at 7:00, both on ABC.

The College World Series starts Saturday with games at 2:00 and 7:00. Coverage continues Sunday-Tuesday with games at 1:00 and 6:00. Game 9 will be Wednesday at 6:00. Coverage is on ESPN (a couple of games are on ESPN2).

NASCAR drivers are at Sonoma this weekend for the Toyota/Save Mart 350. Coverage begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on Fox Sports 1.

There’s some good Major League Baseball action on the tube this week. Detroit is at Kansas City Thursday night at 7:00 (ESPN). Arizona is at Washington Saturday at 3:00 (FS1). Sunday night, the Dodgers host the Cubs (6:00 on ESPN); then, Monday and Wednesday, the Dodgers host the Giants at 9:00 (ESPN).

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The weekend weather for Grand Lake looks pretty good for the second consecutive weekend. How ‘bout that? High temperatures will be around 80 with lows in the mid-60s under fair to partly cloudy skies.  There’s a lot happening this weekend, so party on! Remember, though… 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

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 (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)

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.)

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