October 28 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

After a rough start to the weekend gone by, it turned out beautifully. Saturday afternoon was a little cool on the water, but beautiful and sunny. Sunday was even better. Nothing brings out the Fall boaters and golfers like sunshine on an autumn afternoon!

*****

With the pre-weekend rainfall last week, I felt sorry for the Punkin’ Chunkin’ event which was canceled – and the Bernice State Park Nature center spook trail, as well as the Shangri-La hayride through the spooky woods. Everybody recovered quickly, though. The Halloween Party at the Nature Center went as planned, and the relocated Shangri-La Fall Festival was as big a hit as ever. Great band, too, by the way. I had not heard Wanda Watson before. What a talent!

*****

My only embarrassing moment for the Halloween week so far is when I complimented a couple Saturday night on their great scarecrow outfits, only to be told in no uncertain terms that they weren’t wearing costumes. Oh, well. The fun continues. The nice thing about Halloween being in the middle of the week is the fact that it gives Grand Lakers an excuse for two weekends of parties…and the fun continues!

 *****

Dorothy Flowers celebrated her 108th birthday last week. She attributes her longevity to her live of horse racing and drinking champagne. Long may we all live. The Breeders’ Cup races are this weekend. Bring out the bubbly. Cheers!

*****

The White House strikes back at the “fake news.” The White House issued a pronouncement last week saying they will not renew their subscriptions to the New York Times or the Washington Post. That’ll teach ‘em. There’s a hundred bucks a year those papers will never get back!

*****

GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UPDATES: Guest Chef Harrell Pickens at The Shebang Wednesday night, October 30 – “Frenchie’s Chicken.” Shangri-La Resort’s Summit Restaurant is now open to the public on Sunday & Monday evenings throughout the winter. Friday & Saturday evenings are reserved for members and registered hotel guests. Terry Jordan will entertain on Saturday & Sunday evenings now through March, 2020. VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina is now closed for the season.

*****

RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Among Henry Ford’s many idiosyncracies was his intense dislike of cattle.

*****

BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I love this time of year…when I can dig graves in my front yard and people just think it’s a cute Halloween display. (thanks to Linda Wall for sharing this one)

*****

BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK (in front of a fire department): Never do anything you wouldn’t want to explain to the paramedics.

*****

TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’m going to save a ton of money on Christmas by discussing politics at Thanksgiving dinner.

*****

OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Everyone wanted Fall sooooo badly. Here it is – your cold, wet, windy, miserable Fall. I hope you like your sad mud puddle.

*****

BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: If a Knight in Prague dons his armor, does that mean the Czech is in the mail?

*****

FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Actress Sophia Loren was stunning last week in Vienna when she accepted the Lifetime Achievement European Cultural Award Taurus. She is 85. In the sports world, legendary Chicago Bears tight end, Hall-of-Famer, and Chicago & New Orleans NFL coach Mike Ditka turned 80 years old last week.  

*****

BEST LINE OF THE WEEK: How do Amish girls know if it’s a romantic candlelit dinner or just a regular dinner?

*****

GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Phil Longacre, Christal Lavery, Mitch Whitehead, Randy Lunsford, Scott Brecheisen, Hal Ellis, Nancy Jackson, Kirby Nicholson, and Mary Lee.

*****

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do the Chinese realize when they’re visiting America, they buy souvenirs made in their own country?

*****

BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday Night Karaoke & Shrimp Boil is at Doc’s at Shangri-La Resort (6:00-9:00).Thursday night is also the Halloween Spooktacular Party at Candlewyck Resort in Grove (6:30). Friday night is the Halloween Party at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney; and Saturday is another Halloween Party, Hog Roast & Hayride at Grand Meridian RV Park (5:00-9:00). The South Grand Lake Lions Club hosts its annual Chili Cookoff & Tailgate Party Saturday beginning at 11:00 at the Langley Ball Fields. Saturday night is the big Winterset Mardi Gras Masquerade at Shangri-La Resort benefiting the Delaware County Children’s Special Advocacy Network. Saturday, of course, is also the last day of Daylight Saving Time. Remember to set your clocks back one hour before you go to bed. Every Tuesday evening from 6:00-9:00 is Tuesday Trivia, Tacos & Tequila at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La.

*****

GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s great entertainment around the lake again this weekend. On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan will kick off the weekend at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Thursday at 6:00 with DJ and karaoke fun combined with the weekly Thursday night Shrimp Boil. Sunday night, Terry Jordan will entertain at Shangri-La’s Summit Restaurant. There’s great dance music Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze celebrating Country Music Month. At the Blind Swine, Erin Fitzgibbon will be on stage Friday night followed by DJ Deeko. Sunday nights are Open Jam Sessions for musicians at the Swine. Wednesday nights, Erin Fitzgibbon is back for karaoke fun. Monkey Island Pub features DJ Robbie for the big Halloween Costume Party Saturday night. At Littlefield Corner, there’s great music every weekend at the Road Hog Saloon. Every Tuesday night, Jason Morgan entertains at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La with “Trivia, Tacos & Tequila Tuesdays” from 6:00-9:00.

If outstanding live theater is more your style, head for Playmakers in Grove. Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery continues Friday night and runs through November 9. This week’s performances are Friday at 7:30, Sunday at 2:00, and next Tuesday at 7:30.

On South Grand Lake, Brett & Terri will provide the Halloween entertainment at Arrowhead Yacht Club Thursday evening from 6:00-10:00. At Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney DJ Binger is coming out of retirement for one night only to entertain Friday night at Mooney’s Halloween Party. Brett & Terri will entertain Saturday evening beginning at 6:00 for the Grand Meridian RV Park Halloween Party, Hog Roast & Hayride.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove features the music of The Justin Wayne Smith Band Friday night, followed by Risky Business Saturday.  At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke, and Runnin’ on Empty will perform Friday night, followed by Brent Giddens at Bordertown Saturday.  Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 features live music every Friday night and karaoke fun Saturday night. At River Bend Casino, Liz Moriondo performs Friday night in the Club 60 West Bar, and Dr. Funk and the Soul Vaccinations provide the entertainment Saturday night. At Buffalo Run Casino’s Trailer Park Bar & Grill there is live DJ action every Friday & Saturday night at 10:00. Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar features live music Friday & Saturday nights, as does Downstream’s Lover’s Leap Lounge. Dr. Funk and the Soul Vaccinations will entertain Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino’s Echo Bar followed by Chris Hyde Friday night and Morgan Squared Saturday night.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action including College Football, NFL football, NASCAR and the PGA Tour golf 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.

*****

BUM MUST-SEE TV: Will and Grace airs Thursday night at 8:30 on NBC. Season 6 of Atypical and the movie American Son are available this week on NETFLIX. Season 1 of The Morning Show is available this weekend on Apple TV. Madam Secretary airs Sunday night at 9:00 on CBS. Season 1 of The Little Mermaid LIVE debuts next Tuesday night at 7:00 on ABC.  

*****

BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Terminator: Dark Fate, Arctic Dogs, and Motherless Brooklyn

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Before you judge a man, walk a mile in his shoes. After that, who cares? He’s a mile away and you’ve got his shoes.” – Bill Connolly

*****

SAVE THE DATE: Thursday- Saturday, November 7-9 – Grove Merchants Christmas Open House. Sunday, November 10 – Thanksgiving Potluck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina (2:00). Saturday, November 16 – Festivus Shopping Party at Shangri-La Golf Club. Saturday, November 16 – Monkey Island Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at Monkey Island Pub. Saturday, November 23 – Chili Cook-off at Blind Swine benefiting the Monkey Island Trail (1:00 p.m.). Thursday, November 28 - Thanksgiving dinner at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort. Thursday, December 5 – Vinita Christmas Parade (7:00). Saturday, December 7 – Miami Country Christmas Parade (6:00). Sunday, December 8 – Christmas Potluck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina (2:00). Saturday, December 14 – Christmas Gala at Shangri-La Resort. Saturday, December 14 – “Lights on the Lake Christmas Parade” in Grove (5:30).  Saturday, December 14 – “A Big Band Christmas” with the Tulsa Praise Orchestra & Choir at the Coleman Theater in Miami (7:00). Saturday, December 14 – Christmas Lights Boat Parade from Cherokee Yacht Club. Sunday, December 15 – Christmas Brunch with Santa at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La.

*****

It’s week #10 of the college football season – and OU does not play this weekend.Thursday night should be a good game with Baylor hosting West Virginia at 7:00 on ESPN. Oklahoma State hosts TCU Saturday afternoon at 2:30 (ABC or ESPN) and Tulsa is on the road at Tulane Saturday at 3:00 on ESPN2. Kansas State is at Kansas Saturday at 2:30 on Fox Sports 1.

NFL action moves into week #9 with San Francisco at Arizona Thursday night at 7:00 on Fox. That should give Kyler Murray plenty to do! Sunday morning, the NFL is still trying to persuade the British that they don’t know what real football is. Houston and Jacksonville will face off Sunday morning at 8:30 in London, only on the NFL Network. Other Sunday games include Minnesota at Kansas City (Fox) and Indianapolis at Pittsburgh (CBS), both at noon. At 3:30, Cleveland is at Denver (CBS); and the Sunday night game features New England at Baltimore (NBC). Monday Night Football sends the Dallas Cowboys to New York to face the Giants. (7:00 on ESPN).

The NBA schedule has the OKC Thunder at home for a couple of games this week. They host New Orleans in a Saturday afternoon matinee at 4:00, then take a break until Tuesday night when they’ll host Orlando at 7:00. Both games are on Fox Sports Oklahoma.  

NASCAR drivers are in Fort Worth this week. Coverage of the AAA Texas 500 begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on NBCSN.

The PGA Tour is still out of the country this week, in two different parts of the world. The WGC-HSBC Championship is being played in China this weekend with Golf Channel Coverage Thursday-Sunday at 8:00 a.m; and the Bermuda Championship is being played in Southampton, Bermuda at the same time, with Golf Channel coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Friday & Sunday and 12:30 p.m. Saturday.

If you’re a horse racing fan, this is the biggest weekend of the year for you. A total of $30 million will be up for grabs in two days of Breeders’ Cup Championship racing. Coverage is on NBCSN Friday at 3:00 and Saturday at 2:30. Coverage switches to NBC for the Breeders’ Cup Classic Saturday evening at 7:00.  

*****

The weekend weather ahead looks pretty nice for this time of the year. Cool, but nice. Highs will be in the low-to-upper 50s. Friday night’s low may dip below freezing, but back up around 40 by Sunday night. And SUNSHINE! Get out and have a fabulous time both on the lake, on the golf course, and at your favorite club, restaurant, or party.  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

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 web site.  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 grandlakenewsonline.com and www.360grandlake.com, as well as Grand Times on Grand Lake, 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.

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

Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove

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

Domino’s in Grove

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)

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

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.)

Morrow’s Bar & Grill at Morrow’s Landing

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