March 7 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

I hope everybody made it through all the Welcome Back Weekend festivities intact! Saturday’s wind made it a lot more fun to be a passenger in a poker run boat instead of being a captain, that’s for sure! Like my buddy Preston Kelley pointed out after a couple of poker run dockings, “Everyone wants to be captain until captain stuff happens.” Except for the wind, Mother Nature was pretty gentle with Grand Lake boaters, though – until Sunday when the temperatures took a nosedive – and the rain came. All in all, it was a great weekend of fun festivities – parties, lots of live music, poker run, chili feed, midnight pickleball matches – and we officially wrapped up the 2022 boat show season with a really nice turnout at The Grand Lake Boat & Sport Show over the weekend. All in all, it was another fabulous Grand Lake weekend!

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Now, we move on to one of my very favorite weekends of the year. Daylight Saving Time arrives at 2:00 o’clock Sunday morning. You can legitimately claim more endurance at the bar than usual. If you stay until 2:00, you can actually claim you drank until 3:00! Don’t forget to set your clocks forward Saturday night! I’m excited to take that wasted daylight at the beginning of the day and put it at the tail-end of the day where it’s a lot more useful! Make the most of the arrival of DST and the last weekend of winter. Spring officially arrives next weekend to help celebrate St. Patrick’s weekend. Party on, Grand Lakers!

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We still obviously have some serious amateur boaters on Grand Lake. On the “Grand Lake Boaters” Facebook page, someone asked when it was safe to dewinterize their boat and hit the water. I was astonished at how many people said, “Memorial Day.” That would be missing half of the great boating season on Grand Lake. Good Lord, people – it doesn’t have to be 80 degrees for your boat to be safe from cold weather. It just needs to be above freezing! And, if it dips below freezing, it takes quite a while in order to jeopardize your boat – a lot more than just a few hours overnight. By the way, if you wait until Memorial Day to dewinterize, there is virtually no chance in hell that you’ll be able to get a service tech to do it for you. They’ll be way too busy. So, when is it safe to dewinterize really? Now.

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We have an serious energy crisis on a popular part of the lake. Monkey Island may be providing the new template for America’s move to electric vehicles. The Island is a true golf cart community, but closing of The Landings Market & Grill means there is no gas station on Monkey Island. That’s certainly an issue for folks with gas-powered golf carts that don’t want to do a 12-mile round trip to Littlefield Corner for golf cart fuel. I’ll bet electric carts are at a premium on the Island! Maybe that’s how America plans to switch to all-electric vehicles – just close the gas stations!

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The season of Lent began last week on Ash Wednesday. After much consideration, I have decided what to give up for Lent this year. So long, brussels sprouts.

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There may be some really nice boats on the market soon, due to the worldwide sanction against the Russian government and the ultra-wealthy oligarchs. Germany has frozen possession of a $600 million superyacht, and France confiscated an $850 million beauty, both owned by Russian billionaires. All the other megayacht-owning oligarchs seem to be making a mad dash for Dubai or The Maldives, neither of which has extradition treaties with the United States. If you’re thinking of taking a look at bargain pricing to put one of the confiscated yachts on Grand Lake, watch out for those “wide load” restrictions. Some of these 500+ foot vessels have beams up to 72 feet!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Stephanie Moore, Jenny Lee, Tiffany Holbrook, Kim Davenport, Beverly Jones, Becky Brock, Ralph Richardson, Dan Dillingham, Ken MacLeod, Tim Langley, Carol Milanowski, Roberta Arnold, Myles Davidson, Kristy Gibbs, Clint Walker, Janie Gibbs, Gene McComb, and Guy Hixenbaugh.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday marks the return of Grove Chamber of Commerce Member Luncheons at Grove Civic Center (noon), and Saturday is the season’s first Boater Safety Class at GRDA Ecosystems & Education Center in Langley. Saturday night, wish a farewell to “Standard Time” with Glow Golf (nighttime golf) at Shangri-La Golf Club (6:00). Sunday, of course, is the First Day of Daylight Saving Time. Grand Panache Boutique in Grove will be celebrating Tuesday with a come-and-go Wine & Spirits Tasting from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Shangri-La welcomes Spring Break with “Spring Break Champ Camp” for grades 7-12 Tuesday-Thursday, March 15-17 at The Anchor.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Elephants can eat up to 300 pounds of food per day.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Entertainment icon Cher has had an incredible career. In Britain, she is the only female artist to have a Top 40 hit in six consecutive decades.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Time to get up and get going. Today’s bad decisions aren’t going to make themselves!

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grove posted a great marquis in celebration of Ash Wednesday last week: “Get your ashes in church!”

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: I played golf today. I was one-under. One under a tree, one under a bush, and one underwater.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: A couple of steers were smoking joints and playing cards. That’s right. The steaks were pretty high.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do people come back from baby-changing stations carrying the same baby?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Wacko Russian “President” Putin says Russia is entitled to Ukraine because it was part of the original Soviet Union. With that inspiration, Italy is now reclaiming all of the original Roman Empire and Mexico is eyeballing Texas. I’m a little worried that all us white guys will probably be asked to leave North America soon.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: Iconic actress Rita Moreno won an Oscar for her starring role as Anita in the original “West Side Story” back in 1961. She portrays a newly created character, “Valentina” in the current remake of the classic. She is 90 years old.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I love the Dallas Cowboys, but I cannot coach pros. I have a problem with a professional athlete not doing his job and he’s getting handsomely paid. I don’t have any tolerance for that.” – Deion Sanders

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday night Karaoke & Singo with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Mark Gibson performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Thursday night is karaoke night with KJ Flip at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island, and Erin Fitzgibbon entertains early Friday night at the Swine followed by Doctor Junior. Saturday is also karaoke night at Monkey Island Pub.

On South Grand Lake, RockFiscH will provide the music Saturday night at Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill. The Clint Ingram Duo will entertain Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill; and Jamie Hooper will do an acoustic set from 1:00-4:00 Sunday in conjunction with a Celebration of Life for legendary Grand Laker Tom Butler.

In Grove, there will be a different kind of entertainment at The Regatta Friday night – a harpist! Tim Nowell will be on stage Friday night at Venue 655 at Grand Lake Casino followed by karaoke Saturday night. At Cherokee Casino Grove, D’ Elegantz entertains Friday night.

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Travis Kidd & Jon Dooly in the Echo Bar Thursday night. Friday night features Whisky Outlaws, and Of Bad Habit wraps up the weekend Saturday night. At Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Mayday by Midnight provides the music both Friday and Saturday nights.

If you prefer your entertainment to be more violent, Buffalo Run Casino presents WFC #132 – Live Championship Boxing at the Indoor Peoria Showplace Saturday night.

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda has opened for the season with initial season service Friday-Sunday from 11:00-7:00. VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina is also open Thursday-Sunday at 11:00. Grand Lake Coffee Company is now open in downtown Grove. The Cafeteria at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island has new hours of operation – Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Blind Swine on Monkey Island has returned to its regular season six-day-a-week operating schedule (Tuesday-Sunday). Road Hog Saloon returns to a seven-day-a-week schedule this week. The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La is open to the public Sunday evenings.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey debuts this week on Apple TV+. The Critics Choice Awards air live Sunday night at 6:00 on CW and TBS. Two series return for another season on NBC this week, both Tuesday night – Young Rock at 7:00 and Mr. Mayor at 7:30.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The Batman and Cyrano are in movie theaters, along with the debut of Tyson’s Run this week. Turning Red makes its streaming debut on Disney+.

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Saturday, March 18-19 – John Sumner’s Big Meat Run below the Pensacola Dam in Disney. Friday-Sunday, March 18-20 – Home & Garden Show at the Grove Civic Center. Saturday, March 19 – St. Patrick’s Day Party at Monkey Island Pub. Sunday, March 20 – Open House at Spring Valley Ranch (1:00-4:00). Friday, March 25 – Opening night for “The Harry & Sam Dialogues” at Playmakers in Grove. Saturday, April 9 – InVESTment dinner to raise money for protective vests for Delaware County officers in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (6:00).

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In the sports world, PGA players are in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida this week for The Players Championship at TPC Sawgrass. Coverage is on The Golf Channel Thursday & Friday at noon. NBC will have coverage of the final two rounds Saturday at 1:00 and Sunday at noon.

It’s a huge weekend for college basketball. It’s Tournament Weekend. The Big XII Tournament (both men and women) is this weekend, along with the SEC Tournament games. The OU men kick of tournament play facing Baylor at 6:00 Thursday evening, with the Lady Sooners facing a rematch with Kansas at 11:00 Friday morning. OSU’s Cowgirls take on Texas Tech Friday evening at 5:30. Big XII Championship game is Saturday at 5:00. The SEC Championship game is Sunday at noon – and the Big XII Women’s Championship game is Sunday at 1:00.  

In the NBA, the OKC Thunder have a back-to-back schedule this weekend, hosting Memphis at 6:00 Sunday and Charlotte at 7:00 Monday before hitting the road for a Wednesday night battle against the Spurs in San Antonio at 7:30. “Selection Sunday” for the NCAA Tournament is Sunday at 5:00 with “First Four” games set next Tuesday and Wednesday.

NASCAR drivers are in Phoenix this week for the Ruoff Mortgage 500. Coverage is on Fox beginning at 2:30 Sunday afternoon.

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What a difference a week makes. After high temperatures in the 70s last weekend, we’re in for a dip this weekend, with Friday highs in the 30s and Saturday highs in the mid-40s. By Sunday, we’ll be pushing 60 again. Low temperatures this week will be in the 20s. Yikes! Warm weather is on the near horizon. Just spend this weekend indoors watching basketball and golf. 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)

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

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 at Grand Meridian

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

Forage in downtown Grove

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

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)

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

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

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)

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 Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)

The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)

The Pourhouse at The Regatta in Grove

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