November 22 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

Put on your party shoes. The holiday season is officially underway. For me, the partying got underway last Saturday with the annual Festivus Party at Shangri-La Resort. Nothing draws a Grand Lake crowd like free drinks, free food, and discounts on Christmas gifts. But having OSU football on the video walls was nice icing on the cake.

*****

So now, it’s Thanksgiving time! The kids are already out of school for the holiday and it’s Bedlam football week, as well. Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day are my two favorite holidays. No gifts. No big demands. They are holidays dedicated exclusively to over-eating, over-drinking, and over-indulging in great football games. What could be a better way to overcome the doldrums of being stuck indoors?

*****

I know we’re seeing an inflation bubble, but I’m pretty sure the tag I saw on a frozen turkey was a clerical error. $9,999.99…per POUND. Total price for the rock-hard bird was $123,999. No wonder it was still in the store!! Prices are up, of course. In fact, this looks like the most expensive Thanksgiving dinner in history. That should at least provide an opportunity for the entire extended family to be mad about the same thing for a change.

*****

Bedlam football results this weekend could have a serious impact on bowl projections. Ahead of the Bedlam match-up Saturday, Jerry Palm’s Bowl Projections for CBS Sports have OU facing Ole Miss in the Sugar Bowl, and OSU taking on Michigan State in the Fiesta Bowl. Everything could change next week, of course, but that oughta get some pre-bedlam hot talk started!

*****

I guess 52 is the new “young and sexy.” Actor Paul Ruud, at age 52, has been named “The Sexiest Man Alive” by People Magazine. That, by the way, is the same age as actor Wilford Brimley when his classic movie “The Cocoon” was released in 1985, portraying him as the organizer of an aging group of dreamers. Brimley died last year at age 85. Times change.

*****

If all the hunters weren’t already concerned about catching Covid-19 from their unvaccinated pals, now there’s something else to worry about. Doctors now say there are Covid-19 infected deer…and humans can catch the variant from deer. Just when you thought you were safe outdoors in the woods, huh?

*****

Wrestler-turned-actor Duane Johnson – The Rock – says he would like to be the newest James Bond. It would be a handy promotional opportunity: “James Bond ROCKS!”

*****

GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Congratulations to the recipients of the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce’s biggest awards of the year! Barry Willingham was named “Grand Laker of the Year,” and J.B. Robison, Sr. was honored with the “Barbara Conner Lifetime Achievement Award.” Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Michael Bujold, Mark Winter, Peggy Rains, Cathey Mackey, Mark Oliver, Dawn Cook, Steve Bruno, Linda Lippitt, J.B. Robison, Jr., Reid Smith, Judy Keeton, Debi Holcomb White, Amanda Thrift, Priscilla Wallace, Sherry Dinsmore, Amber Hopeman, Bob Livesay, Marvin Jin, Mike Ferguson, Sandra Moore, Mike Vaughn, Jade Piper, Terry Davis, Larry Callison, Chip Richardville, and Diane Moll!

*****

BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS OF THE WEEK: A traditional Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet is served Thursday at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (10:00-7:00); and Cherokee Yacht Club is also serving Thanksgiving Dinner Thursday (10:00-3:00). Friday & Saturday marks official opening weekend for Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village at Har-Ber Village. The Southern Tour Finale of the International Professional Rodeo is Friday & Saturday at the indoor arena at NEO in Miami (7:30). Friday night is the Annual Black Friday Seafood Buffet at The Summit at Shangri-La. “The Dome” is now open at The Anchor at Shangri-La – indoor, heated courts for pickleball and tennis. Saturday, of course, is Small Business Saturday. Shop LOCAL! Saturday evening is the big Bedlam Football Hooray Grill Cook-out and Watch Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La. The party starts at 5:00. Kick-off at 6:30.

*****

RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Rodeo is the national sport of Chile.

*****

FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Did you know opening a bottle of wine uses up to 14 muscles? Fitness is my passion.

*****

BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I don’t know if Facebook has ever caused the lame to walk, but it has certainly caused the dumb to speak.

*****

BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Everett Vacuum Company. Everything we sell sucks.

*****

TWEET OF THE WEEK: Every night about midnight, I’m shocked to discover it’s only 7 o’clock.  

*****

BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Spaces between ladder rungs have increased because Americans are getting taller. Manufacturers claim it’s due to climb it change.

*****

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Before the invention of the crowbar, did crows only drink at home?

*****

OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: The Constitution, 1st Amendment, 1984, and The Bible gotta be the four most cited materials by people who haven’t read them.

*****

FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The original “10,” actress Bo Derek, turned 65 this week; and Mickey Mouse turned 93. He made his debut November 18, 1928 in the animated Disney short “Steamboat Willie.” The number one song in the nation on this date was “You Keep Me Hangin’ On” by the Supremes…55 years ago!

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I don’t like country music, but I don’t mean to denigrate those who do. And for those who like country music, ‘denigrate’ means ‘put down.’” - Bob Newhart

*****

BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Scott Musick performs live at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Terry Jordan entertains Friday & Saturday nights at The Summit. At Big Shots Rhythm & Booze, DJ K-Bandito leads the cavalcade of great DJs and dance music at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Saturday night is also great dancing and singing at Monkey Island Pub. Erin Fitzgibbon performs at the Blind Swine on Monkey Island both Wednesday and Friday nights; and Tuesday is Karaoke Night at the Swine.

On South Grand Lake, Jamey Hooper provides the entertainment Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.

In Grove, there will be karaoke fun Friday night at The Regatta and great entertainment by DJ Gragg Saturday night.

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Sweet Trouble Acoustic in the Echo Bar Thursday night, followed by Donnie Ray Stephens Friday and Sweet Trouble Saturday. Friday night Paralandra performs at The Indoor Peoria Showplace at Buffalo Run Casino. There is live entertainment by Whiskey Outlaws Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, with karaoke Saturday night. Croy Coexist entertains Friday night at Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Casino followed by Brandon Butler Saturday night; and The Southern Drawl Band performs Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove followed by The Banned Saturday.

*****

DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: The Shebang Restaurant is closed two days a year. One of them is Thanksgiving Day. The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La is closed Thanksgiving Day, but there is a Thanksgiving Buffet at Doc’s Bar & Grill from 10:00-7:00 on Thanksgiving Day. Cherokee Yacht Club is also offering Thanksgiving Day holiday fare. Blind Swine on Monkey Island will open at 6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Day (bar only). The Swine also now offers weekend breakfast service Saturday & Sunday 9:00-noon. Friday night, the Summit hosts its annual “Black Friday Seafood Extravaganza.” Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La has expanded hours of operation and now offers breakfast 7:00-10:00 a.m. seven days a week (in addition to lunch and dinner) and Sunday Brunch specials 7:00-2:00. “Taco & Tequila Tuesdays” have returned to Doc’s, along with Craft Burgers & Booze Wednesdays and Friday night weekly “Chef’s Special.”

*****

BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Beatles: Get Back mini-series debuts Thursday on Disney+. F is for Family premieres Thursday on NETFLIX. One Last Time: An Evening with Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga air Sunday at 7:00 on CBS. A sneak preview of the new Jimmy Fallon game show That’s My Jam airs Sunday night at 9:00 on NBC; and CMA Country Christmas will be televised Monday night at 7:00 on ABC.

****

BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: House of Evil and Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City debut in movie theaters this weekend. ‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas is streaming on Apple TV+. Burning is available on Prime Video.

*****

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 4 – Chili & Bloody Mary Competition at Southwinds Marina (1:00-5:00). Proceeds go to rebuilding marina structures destroyed by fire. Saturday, December 4 – Ugly Sweater Christmas Party at Mooney’s with entertainment by Jake Flint. Saturday, December 4 – Route 66 Christmas Parade in Miami (6:00). Monday, December 6 – 25^th Annual Community Giveaway at the Grove Civic Center (4:00-7:00 p.m.). Thursday, December 9 – Pool League Tournament Round 1 at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00). Friday, December 10 – The Ultimate Christmas Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00). Saturday, December 11 – Grand Lake Christmas Light Boat Parade (Cherokee Yacht Club). Saturday, December 11 – Lights on the Lake Grove Christmas Parade (6:00). Monday, December 13 – Grand Lake Association Annual Banquet at Shangri-La Resort. Thursday, December 16 – Pool League Tournament Round 2 at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00). Saturday, December 18 – Ping Pong Tournament at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00). Saturday, December 18 –Winter Gala at Shangri-La Resort. Saturday, December 18 – Christmas Party and Ugly Sweater Contest at Monkey Island Pub. Sunday, December 19 – Sunday Brunch with Santa at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La.

*****

SPORTS WATCH: It’s a huge week for college football – but it’s a gigantic week for college fans in Oklahoma. It’s Bedlam Week! OSU hosts OU Saturday night at 6:30. Tulsa takes on SMU at 3:00. Arkansas plays Friday this week, hosting Missouri at 2:30. Kansas State travels to Texas, Cincinnati is at East Carolina, and North Carolina is at N.C. State – all on Friday, as well.

In the NFL, Kansas City and Arizona are both off this Thanksgiving week. There’s a big line-up Thanksgiving Day, though – Chicago at Detroit (11:30), Las Vegas at Dallas (3:30), and Buffalo at New Orleans (7:00). Sunday games include Pittsburgh at Cincinnati Tampa Bay at Indianapolis, Tennessee at New England, and Philadelphia at the New York Giants, all at noon. Denver hosts the L.A. Chargers at 3:00. The Packers host the Rams; and Cleveland is at Baltimore Sunday night at 7:00. Monday Night Football features Seattle at Washington.

NBA action includes some tough competition for the OKC Thunder. They host Washington Friday night at 7:00 before traveling to Houston Monday night at 7:00. Next Wednesday, Houston comes to OKC for a replay at 7:00 at Paycom Center.

PGA players are off this week, enjoying Thanksgiving with their families.

*****

The holiday weekend weather looks nice – but chilly – especially at night. Thanksgiving night will be below freezing and with daytime highs in the low-to-mid 50s, nighttime lows will be around freezing every night. It’ll improve as the weekend moves on, with a high temperature around 60 by Sunday. Enjoy the great weather and great entertainment options – and enjoy your family and friends; but no matter where you decide to celebrate the holiday, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It could be me!

GRAND LAKE BUM

Want more information on advertisers you see in the Grand Lake Bum?  No problem.  Just click on their ad and you will be connected to their website.  If you would like to join the growing list of sponsors of The Grand Lake Bum e-blast and the Bum’s page on both  Grand Lake Living and www.360grandlake.com, the cost is only $50 a week and the list of readers is growing.  E-mail or contact grandlakebum@gmail.com to sign up. The Grand Lake Bum column is also published in The Grand Laker newspaper. 

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

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum

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)

Gabby’s Place 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 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