November 27 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

What a weekend of celebration we had, huh? Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday….it’s the only week of the year when we celebrate four big events in a single weekend. I was happy that The Anchor was open early Thanksgiving Day and Friday for the NFL games and the OU game. Football is no fun unless you’re at a bar. Speaking of fun at bars, I’m delighted that Blind Swine on Monkey Island is back open after eleven months of remodeling. They’re not totally finished yet, but they are back open for bar service only.

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I took a rare road trip over the Thanksgiving weekend, visiting relatives in my native northwest Oklahoma. By sunset Saturday, the five inches of snow capping a layer of ice on the roads reminded me why I don’t live there anymore!

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Judging from the decorated businesses (and some homes), and all the Christmas decorations on sale at stores since before Halloween, you may have already thought Christmas had come and gone – and you missed it. It’s not the case, though. December officially begins this weekend so the Christmas holiday season is officially here now…for real. Let the celebrations begin!

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I’m delighted to see Monkey Islanders Jack & Nancy Adkisson are once again planning their fun Christmas Carol Sing-along Holiday Celebrations at Shangri-La Resort Hotel again this year. The parties this year are on two Sunday afternoons – December 10 and 17 from 2:00-5:00 in the afternoons. They’re open to the public – and free – and great entertainment. Terry Jordan leads the sing-along fun both Sundays – plus Andre Jones & The Showstoppers from Grove High School at the December 10 party and David Bridges & The Message at the December 17 event. I can’t wait.

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I love the unique holiday celebration idea hatched by the Grove Rotary Club, too. Their “Dueling Pianos” party at the Legacy Event Center in Grove Friday night December 8 sounds like a party to mark you calendar for, as well.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Marvin Jin, Mike Ferguson, Terry Davis, Jade Piper, Sandra Moore, Mike Vaughn, Diane Moll, Larry Callison, Chip Richardville, Ben Gibbs, Dave Faulkner, Katrena Winter, Greg Knotts, McKayla Rutherford, Steve Zenthoefer, Mike McCurdy, Michele Kraft, Christa Kelley, Caleb Goldner, Dale Lowe, Judie Clark, Hunter Burkholder, Clarissa Davis, Marshall Brackin, Lisa Coffee, and Rita Hitzeman.   

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. Just because Thanksgiving is behind us, that doesn’t mean the fun is slowing down at Grand Lake. This week’s fun begins with Tammie and Duane Koehler doing “Guest Chef” duty at The Shebang Wednesday night, November 29. After that, we’re building more fun for the holidays. The Christmas Lights display at Twin Bridges State Park is officially open for your drive-thru enjoyment. Friday evening is the “Lights on Grove!” Christmas kick-off celebration on the Grove City Hall lawn (6:00 p.m.) and the First Friday Wine Share at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00-7:30). Friday night is also the lake’s first Christmas Parade - the Gateway to Grand Lake Christmas Parade in Ketchum (6:30 p.m.). It’s also Movie Theme Night at the Grove Ice Rink- “Buddy’s North Pole.” The Northeast Board of Realtors Installation Banquet is also Friday night at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Friday & Saturday is the big Santa’s Ozark Mountain Christmas celebration at Har-Ber Village 5:30-8:30 p.m.). Saturday is the Grand Lake YMCA “Jingle Bell Run” and “College Football Conference Championship Watch Party” day at The Anchor at Shangri-La; and Saturday evening is another parade - the Pensacola Dam Christmas Parade – Langley to Disney (6:00 p.m.). Saturday & Sunday is the kickoff of the “Journey to Jesus” with Oasis animals at Picture in Scripture Amphitheater (3:00-8:00 p.m.). Next Tuesday (December 5), Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson returns to The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Donkey Kong, forerunner of Super Mario Brothers, was based on a Popeye cartoon.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The Chiefs/Eagles game Monday, November 20 was the most watched Monday Night Football game in 25 years with 28.9 million viewers.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Babe Ruth hit his first major league home run at Hanlan’s Point Stadium in Toronto. The ball landed in Lake Ontario and is believed to still be there.

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OXYMORON OF THE WEEK: Conspicuously absent

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK Let’s all have a moment of silence this Hallmark Channel Christmas season for all the big city men wearing a suit and tie who are about to lose their fiancé to a small-town guy wearing flannel and plaid.  

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Sorry we are closed today due to short people.

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: The Rolling Stones advertised they will tour the U.S. in 2024. They’re looking to hire roadies and pallbearers.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Have you ever wondered about those people who pay $2.00 for a bottle of Evian water? Spell Evian backwards.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why are no lines for the restrooms at water parks?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Latte is Italian for “you paid too much for that coffee.”

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: It takes two years to learn to speak and sixty to learn to keep quiet.” – Ernest Hemingway

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Remember little Donny Osmond (Donnie & Marie, The Osmond Brothers, etc.)? He’ll turn 66 next week and has 14 grandchildren. Legendary Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh turned 76 last week.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Thursday Night Karaoke with Jason Morgan is back at Doc’s Bar & Grill this week and KJ Flip leads the karaoke fun at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Friday night, Kevin Price entertains live at Doc’s; and DJ K-Bandito hosts the musical fun Friday & Saturday night at Big Shots.

On South Grand Lake, Barrett Lewis will provide Saturday night’s music at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.

In Grove, there is karaoke Thursday nights at Grand Lake Casino, with live music by Grass Mountain Trailhead Friday night, followed by karaoke fun Saturday. There are two nights of live music at Cherokee Casino featuring Whiskey Poet Society Friday night, followed by Uncrowned Kints Saturday night.

Stonehorse will be on stage Saturday night at River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West followed at 11:00 by an after party hosted by DJ Kay.

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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Blind Swine on Monkey Island has now reopened for bar service only. The Artichoke in Langley is closed. Bradford’s BBQ has also closed permanently; and Lester’s 3^rd Street Diner in Grove will close permanently December 28. Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda is now closed for the season. Prime Meats, Eats and Sweets is also now closed for the season, reopening in March.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new series The UnBelievable with Dan Akroyd debuts Friday night at 9:00 on the History Channel. Ladies of the ‘80s: A Diva’s Christmas airs Saturday night at 7:00 on Lifetime. Blake Shelton’s Holiday Bartacular featuring Ice T airs next Monday night at 9:00 on NBC.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Teddy’s Christmas, Saltburn, and The Bikeriders are in theaters this week.  May December is available Friday on NETFLIX.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, December 7 – Grand Area Creative Alliance get-together for any and all creative types at the Grove Public Schools Performing Arts Center Lobby to share plans for 2024 entertainment events and plans (10:00-11:30 a.m.). Friday, December 8 – Grove Rotary Club Dueling Pianos Holiday Party at Legacy Even Center (6:00-10:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 9 – Christmas Lights Boat Parade from Cherokee Yacht Club. Saturday, December 9 – Grove Lighted Christmas Parade (6:00 p.m.). Sunday, December 10 - Sunday Brunch with Santa at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort (10:00-2:00). Sunday, December 10 – A Grand Lake Holiday Celebration with Terry Jordan and Andre Jones & The Showstoppers in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00). Monday, December 11 – Grand Lake Association Annual Banquet at Cherokee Yacht Club (6:00 p.m.). Tuesday, December 12 – Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson at The Anchor at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.). Friday, December 14 – Legacy Event Center Annual Christmas Party (7:00 p.m.). Friday, December 15 – Movie Theme Night at Grove Ice Rink – “All Aboard for Christmas.” Sunday, December 17 - A Grand Lake Holiday Celebration with Terry Jordan and David Bridges & The Message in the lobby of Shangri-La Resort Hotel (2:00-5:00). Sunday, December 31 – New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner at The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (6:00-10:00 p.m.).

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It’s Championship weekend for college football. Oregon & Washington kick off the conference battles Friday night at 7:00 in the PAC 12 Championship. The Big 12 Championship game with OSU taking on Texas is Saturday morning at 11:00 followed by Georgia & Alabama fighting for the SEC Championship at 3:00. Saturday night, Louisville takes on Florida State in the ACC title game and Michigan faces Iowa for the Big 10 title, both at 7:00.

In the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys host Seattle Thursday night to get the weekend started. Sunday games include Carolina at Tampa Bay and Detroit at New Orleans at noon, San Francisco at Philadelphia at 3:30, and Kansas City at Green Bay at 7:00. Monday Night Football features Cincinnati at Jacksonville.

In the NBA, the OKC Thunder host the L.A. Lakers Thursday night before traveling to Dallas to face the Mavericks Saturday night at 8:00.

The lineup of PGA golfers includes Tiger Woods this weekend as both player and host for the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Coverage is on the Golf Channel at 12:30 Thursday & Friday, 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 1:30 Saturday and noon Sunday.

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I sure like the looks of the weekend weather in my windshield better than what’s in my rearview mirror! We may have a little shower or two over the weekend, but wind will be light with high temperatures in the mid-to-upper 50s and lows in the mid-30s. Not bad for December, huh? Enjoy your weekend, but 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

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)

Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)

Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina (closed for the season)

Blind Swine on Monkey Island (reopening soon)

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 on Monkey Island

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Chubby’s Grill at On Target in Grove

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

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 (closed for the season)

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

Keagan’s Coffee at Littlefield Corner

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 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 (closed for the season)

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 (closed for the season)

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 Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La

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 (closed for the season)

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove