May 15 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

I hope everyone had a fabulous Mother’s Day celebration – and a wonderful weekend. Now, the heat is on! You only have this weekend to make sure your boat and your home are prepared for the onslaught of Memorial Weekend visitors who are excited that they are friends with someone who has a boat and a house at the lake!

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In case you missed it, An Okie gathered up even more fame over the past weekend! Blake Shelton received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last Friday.

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In other entertainment news, singer/songwriter/bandleader/actor James McMurtry apparently doesn’t approve of Tennessee’s ban of drag shows. At his Nashville concert last week, the Texas performer showed up in a dress.

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Just in case you think the strangest things on earth only happen to you…along comes a Nashville, Tennessee Hilton Hotel guest who was awakened by the hotel night manager sucking his toes. Honest. I don’t make this stuff up.

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Governor Stitt signed legislation into law allowing “Farm Permits” which will allow farm kids to drive at the age of 14. They can drive around the farm and country roads, BUT they can also drive to and from school. What could possibly go wrong? Be careful out there!

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I’m confused. That song “We’re Not Gonna Take It” came out 40 years ago. But we have, in fact, continued to take it ever since.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Vicki Stockwell, Kim Klaus, Charlie Russell, Randy Hess, Debbie Hess, Marilyn Conner, Jordon Nichols, Paula Silzer, James Torchia, Ellen Fleming, Cassie Hillegass, Edward Gibbs, Vicki Graper, Kevin Blumenthal, Michelle Hartman, Jeremy Callison, Kolin Williams, Ron Tipton, Mel Martin, Ivan Rocourt, and Phil Bethel.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. Thursday is a Business After Hours at Apex Title in Langley (4:00-6:00) and another at Excavation Unlimited in Grove (5:00-6:30); and a Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La (6:00). Friday is the Grove Chamber of Commerce Spring Scramble Golf Tournament at Quail Ridge Golf Course in Grove (8:00 a.m.). Friday is also a Shrimp Boil at Blind Swine on Duck Creek (5:00). Saturday morning at 10:30 is a dedication ceremony honoring the famous Grand Lake white deer, Christmas, at Grand Meridian RV Park. Saturday is the Sounds of Summer Festival & Car Show at Marina Del Rey Resort (1:00-6:00). Saturday is also Farmers’ Market Day on the Grove City Hall lawn (9:00-2:00); and Saturday night is Seneca-Cayuga Nation Outdoor Movie Night with games, snacks, drinks, and a movie on the lawn at City Hall (7:00). Next Tuesday is the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting at the new Woodshed in Langley (5:00).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Although her parents were originally from the Pacific Northwest, singer and actress Michelle Phillips of the “Mamas and the Papas” spent much of her early life in Mexico and learned to read and write Spanish before learning to read and write English.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: A new generation of superstars? LeBron James’ son Bronny, and Dennis Rodman’s son DJ, have both signed letters to play basketball at USC.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Actor Robert De Niro just welcomed his seventh child into the world. De Niro is 79 years old. His oldest child is 51.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I just sold a lawnmower on Facebook Marketplace. That’s the last time my neighbor is going to wake me up on weekends.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: A good lawyer knows the law. A great lawyer knows the judge.

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: It’s about time to break out my 26-piece camping set – one campfire, one folding chair, and 24 beers.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: The doctor said I have high nitrates. So, I’m switching to day rates.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Since a mirror reverses an image right and left, why doesn’t it reverse up and down?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I was today years old when I learned that LIV Golf is named after the Roman Numeral for “54” because their tournaments are all only 54 holes long.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Actor Pierce Brosnan – first “Remington Steele” and later, James Bond, turns 70 years old this week. If that doesn’t make you feel old enough, the original James Bond, Sean Connery, who died in 2020, would have been 92 years old.  

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “My grandkids always beat me at Rock Band; and I say, “Listen, you may beat me at Rock Band, but I made the original records, so shut up!” – Paul McCartney

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend fun kicks off at Doc’s Thursday night with Jason Morgan leading the karaoke fun at the Thursday night Shrimp Boil. Mark Gibson performs at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night followed by Fiddle Player Kyle Dillingham Saturday night at Big Shots; and DJ Kennedy brings Rockstar Karaoke to Monkey Island Pub Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, Robbi Bell entertains Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by The Highway 69ers Saturday. Rodney Frye will provide the musical entertainment Friday night at the Drunken Rooster followed by Reverse Reaction Saturday night. Randy Steele will provide the music at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill Thursday night. Saturday night should be really fun at Mooney’s – a Tribute to Don White featuring both Don and his son, Steve. Saturday afternoon, the Gusto Dave Jackson Duo will entertain at the Sounds of Summer Festival & Car Show at Marina del Rey Resort.

In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music Friday night by Stonehorse, and more karaoke Saturday. Bobby DeGonia entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by Phil Vaught Saturday night.

Tim Nowell entertains Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, followed by Of Bad Habit Friday and MoArk Mojo Saturday. Puzzle Pieces performs Saturday night at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West. Sublime with Rome will be on stage at The Pavilion at Downstream Casino Saturday night. I hope you already have tickets because the show is sold out.

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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Grand Lakers have two Shrimp Boil opportunities each week through the season – Thursday evening at Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La, and Friday evenings at Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Harbors View Marina. The Summit at Shangri-La is now open for lunch seven days a week – and the Pool Bar is open (weather permitting) for members and guests at Shangri-La Resort. Blind Swine on Duck Creek is now open for their full summer schedule (closed Monday) at Harbors View Marina (Breakfast Saturday & Sunday). The Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda is open for the season (Thursday-Sunday) and is now serving breakfast Saturday & Sunday; and Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay Marina is open for the season (Friday-Sunday).

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: A Salute to NCIS: Los Angeles will air Sunday night at 9:00 on CBS. Crime Scene Kitchen debuts Monday night at 7:00 on FOX; and Beat Shazam returns for season 6 Tuesday night at 7:00 followed by Don’t Forget the Lyrics at 8:00 – both also on FOX.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Fast X and Buddy Games: Spring Awakening open in movie theaters this week. White Men Can’t Jump is available beginning Friday on HULU.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, May 25 – Battlefield Charity Challenge Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club (Battlefield). Friday, May 26 – Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina opens for the season (4:00). Friday, May 26 – Couples Mixer at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (5:00). Saturday, June 3 – Lendonwood Gardens’ Annual Garden Party Fundraiser (5:30). Saturday, June 3 – Camp Bandage at Grand Lake RV Park. Saturday, June 3 – DCCSAN Glow Fore the Kids fundraising golf tournament at Patricia Island Country Club (5:00). Saturday, June 3 – NAPA Nights at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Friday, June 9 – Shangri-La Sunset Cruise from Shangri-La Marina (7:00 p.m.). Friday, June 9 – Barkaritaville fundraiser at Honey Creek Barbecue in Grove. Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18 – Toes in the Grand Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Thursday-Saturday, June 22-24 – 6^th Annual Grand Jam Music Fest at Grand Meridian RV Resort. Friday, June 30 – Grand Opening Festivities at The Battlefield Par 3 Course at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.). Friday, June 30 – Glow Golf Challenge at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (9:00 p.m.). Sunday, July 2 – Monkey Island Fireworks. Monday, July 3 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Tuesday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks.

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It’s another gigantic week in the horse racing world. The second race of the Triple Crown is Saturday. Coverage of the Preakness Stakes is Saturday afternoon at 5:00 on NBC. Post time is 5:50.

NBA Playoffs and NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are getting down to conference finals this week. We’ll still be doing this for a little while, though. Finals for both sports won’t be until after Memorial Day. In the meantime, enjoy the playoffs.

PGA Golfers are in Rochester, New York this weekend for the PGA Championship. Coverage begins at noon Thursday & Friday and 9:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday on ESPN. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 12:00 Saturday & Sunday.

It’s NCAA Regional Tournament week in the college softball world. Coverage is exclusively on ESPN Friday-Sunday.

There’s some good pro baseball on the tube this week. Milwaukee is at Tampa Bay at 3:00 Saturday followed by the Dodgers and Cardinals at 6:00. Sunday night at 6:00, the NY Mets host Cleveland. Monday night, the Giants are at Minnesota and Tuesday night, it’s the Dodgers at Atlanta, both at 6:00.

For pro football fans, regular season play continues for the USFL. Pittsburgh is at Memphis Saturday at 11:30 followed by Birmingham at Michigan at 3:00. Sunday games include New Orleans at Philadelphia at 11:00 a.m. and New Jersey at Houston at 3:00.

NASCAR drivers are in North Carolina this week for All-Star weekend. Coverage begins Sunday afternoon at 4:30 with the NASCAR All-Star Open followed by the NASCAR All-Star Race at 7:00, both on FS1.

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The weather looks great for the weekend ahead. High temperatures will be 80ish, with lows in the mid-50s – and much lighter wind than we’ve been having lately. There is a lot of stuff happening at Grand Lake, so get out and have some fun! Always remember, though, 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

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

Back Porch Ice Cream in Grove

Bailey’s Bistro at Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

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

BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café at Har-Ber Village

Café Yum in Grove

Casa Gutierrez in Grove

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 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)

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Flower Bar in 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

Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek

Hero’s Deli 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

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey Island RV Resort

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney

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)

R Bar Dance Hall & Saloon in Grove

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

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 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