September 13 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

We certainly had a beautiful weekend for the Mahogany & Chrome show of classic boats at Arrowhead Yacht Club. If you were out Friday, you got to see them on tour as they paraded down the lake for a leisurely lunch at Doc’s Bar & Grill as they prepared for the show. It’s always fun to look at the classic stuff – and the Heartland Classic Boat Club is a true treasure for those of us who love the old stuff!

*****

Speaking of classics – there were plenty of the automobile variety at the big Dusty Russell Memorial Car event put on by the South Grand Lake Chamber in Langley Saturday. In only its second year, that has become quite an attraction. Good timing, too. I went by Arrowhead to see the classic boats – then on to Langley to see the classic cars show off. Fun weekend!

*****

All boat owners are familiar with 2-foot itis – the urge to buy a 2-foot bigger boat soon after you take delivery of your dream vessel. Apparently, NFL superstar Tom Brady has 22-foot itis instead. Five months after he took delivery of his new Dutch-built Wager 55, he announced he has ordered a new Wager 77. I guess Florida waters are more challenging that Boston Harbor. And, what the heck? It’s only $6 million. Pocket change for the GOAT.

*****

Battle-cry of the week in Oklahoma: “The federal government can’t tell us what to do!” Hello? The federal government has ALWAYS told us what to do. If you don’t think you have to follow federal laws, I’ll save back some money to send you for your prison canteen account.

.*****

The “Big 12 Conference” oddly enough only has 10 member universities. It looks like that may change. As OU and Texas bail out, that would leave 8 members of the “Big 12.” The conference has now approved adding UCF, BYU, Cincinnati and Houston to the conference. With OU and Texas departing for the SEC, that would actually make 12 members of the Big 12 for a change. Dates for those schools joining the conference haven’t been determined yet, though; so if they join before OU and Texas leave, that’ll make 14 schools in the “Big 12.” College math is hard!

*****

Does anybody besides me wonder how the hell we get on email radar for soliciting companies? I got an email this week detailing “Seven retirement income strategies once your portfolio reaches $1 million.” Gee, that’s just what I needed. So, what’s a portfolio?

*****

Have you been on Monkey Island lately? In retrospect, the generous donors and volunteers who built the Monkey Island Trail might start thinking about making it  a two-lane. I’m pretty sure there are now more golf carts on Monkey Island than there are cars!

*****

BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Oklahoma Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell’s “Luau on the Green” event is Thursday night at 7:00 at Shangri-La Resort followed by his annual golf tournament, The Pinnell Classic, Friday morning. Friday is also the Cherokee Classic Golf Tournament at The Coves (10:00). Saturday is the big REC Day Drive-Thru Event (Grove, Miami, Vinita, Pryor), as well as the Grand Lake Fireworks 5K Sunset Dam Run in Disney (3:00 at Cherokee State Park). Monday evening at 7:00 is the first night of the Men’s Pickleball League at The Anchor at Shangri-La.

*****

RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Henry Aaron hit 755 home runs in a 23-year career, hit 40 or more eight times, led the league four times and remains baseball’s all-time leader in total bases, yet never struck out 100 times in a season.

*****

FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Marriage is just a nice word for adopting a fully grown man who can’t take care of himself.

*****

ODDEST FACT OF THE WEEK: ODDEST FACT OF THE WEEK: Some passengers traveling First Class on British Airways Boeing 747s are worried about a re-design which means some lavatories have windows.  A woman traveling to New York complained that there were no blinds. She was told by a stewardess, “Madam, if some pervert is clinging to the side of this aircraft at 35,000 feet, they deserve to see everything.”

*****

BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Dogs aren’t even allowed to hang out with other dogs until they’ve had all their shots.

*****

BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: The single star on the Texas flag is actually a review.

*****

TWEET OF THE WEEK: I just got fired from cleaning my house. I didn’t like my attitude and I got caught drinking on the job.

*****

BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Someone threw a bottle of mayonnaise at me the other night. I was like, “What the Hellmann?”

*****

UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Singing star Carrie Underwood is married to NHL star Mike Fisher. So, if she took his last name, she would be Carrie Fisher. Does that mean Princess Leia could be back on the Star Wars set? Singing?

*****

OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Tom Brady are the oldest coach/quarterback team in NFL history. Their combined ages total 112 years!

*****

FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: From “Death Valley Days” to “Gunsmoke;” “Room 222” to “My Big Fat Greek Wedding,” Michael Constantine was the consummate actor. He died last week at age 94. We also lost iconic weatherman, clown, and TV personality Willard Scott last week. He was 87. Legendary “Queen” front man Freddie Mercury would have turned 75 this week; and Donny Osmond’s “Go Away Little Girl” was the number one song this week – fifty years ago!

*****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “My grandkids always beat me at Rock Band, and I say, ‘You may beat me at Rock Band, but I made the original records. So shut up!’” – Paul McCartney

*****

GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Butch Bruenger, Jennifer Jeffers, Jim Larimore, CeCe Mitchell, Diane Bruenger, Trent Richey, Rich Lillard, Angie Drake, Bob Waller, Marcie Wallace Hill, Philip Lancaster, Rami Masri, Joyce Duke, Barry Willingham, Melissa Patrick, Renee Diver, Nick Bentley, Josh West, Therri Wadel, Larry Bolton, and Emilio Arizpe.

*****

BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the Thursday Night Shrimp Boil and Karaoke with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday night, Caleb Fellenstein entertains indoors at Doc’s. After Party provides the music Saturday night on the patio at Doc’s. Terry Jordan entertains Friday & Saturday nights at The Summit. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang provides great karaoke fun with Kerry Kimmons Friday and Saturday nights; and just across the street, DJ K-Bandito leads the cavalcade of great DJs and dance music at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. KJ Flip will lead the karaoke fun Thursday night at Blind Swine. Erin Fitzibbon will perform early Friday at the Swine followed by The Downbeat late Friday night, and the Faulconer Duo Saturday night. Saturday night is great dancing and singing at Monkey Island Pub -  Karaoke with Tim.

On South Grand, Erin Fitzgibbon entertains every Thursday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek (at Harbors View Marina), and Diversity will perform Friday night at 7:30. At Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney, the Steve White Group will entertain Friday night, and Garrett True will be on stage Saturday night followed by an early Jamey Hooper show Sunday afternoon (5:00-8:00).

In Grove, KJ Flip will lead the karaoke fun Friday night at The Regatta – and Alisha Fryar will be on stage next Wednesday night.

Indigo Sky Casino this week presents a Sweet Trouble Acoustic Show in the Echo Bar Thursday night, followed by Donnie Ray Stephens Friday night and Sweet Trouble Saturday. Buffalo Run Casino presents live Whitney Cummings in concert at the indoor Peoria Showplace Saturday night. Encore performs Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove followed by The Brandon Butler Band Saturday.

*****

DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Road Hog Saloon is closed for the day Monday, September 13. Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill is closed for a few days due to Covid protocol. Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead Marina is closed for the season. Ugly’s Grill & Bar at Thunder Bay will close for the season Sunday. The Grill at Indian Hills has cut back operation ours to 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda now has reduced hours of operation – 4:00-9:00 Thursday, Friday & Monday, 11:00-9:00 Saturday, 11:00-8:00 Sunday. La Casita de Martin in Grove will start new reduced hours next week – lunch and dinner Tuesday-Thursday, dinner Friday, lunch Saturday, closed Sunday & Monday. Stuff’ns Café in Ketchum is now closing at 2:00 p.m. The Anchor Sports Bar at Shangri-La will be closed for private events Monday and Thursday nights this week. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now serving breakfast only on Saturday & Sunday.

*****

BUM MUST-SEE TV: The new Fall Season gets underway this week. The Morning Show returns for its second season on Apple TV+.  The Prime Time Emmy Awards air live Sunday night at 7:00 on CBS. Monday night is really big. The Voice returns for a new season at 7:00 on NBC, opposite the return of Dancing With the Stars on ABC. The Big Leap debuts Monday at 8:00 on Fox, and a new season of NCIS returns at 8:00 on CBS, followed by the new series NCIS: Hawaii at 9:00. New Amsterdam returns for another season Tuesday night at 9:00 on NBC.

****

BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Copshop, The Eyes of Tammy Faye, and Cry Macho open in theaters this week. Cry Macho is also available on HBO Max. Nightbooks debuts on NETFLIX. Everybody’s Talking About Jamie is available this week on Prime Video.

*****

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, September 25 – L/C Law’s 150-Fest Showdown at the Will Rogers Rodeo Arena in Vinita (7:00). Sunday, October 3 – Heart of a Lion Classic Presented by Armada Distributing at Shangri-La Golf Club (12:30 shotgun). Thursday-Sunday, October 7-10 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Saturday, October 8 – Cedar Port Marina Customer Appreciation Party.

*****

SPORTS WATCH: What a sports week! College football is in week #3 – and there are some dandies. The OU-Nebraska rivalry is renewed Saturday morning at 11:00 on Fox, and OSU is on the road at Boise State Saturday night (8:00 on FS1). Tulsa tackles Ohio State Saturday afternoon at 2:30 (FS1) while Florida hosts Alabama (CBS).

NFL Football is in the season’s second week. Houston is at Cleveland (CBS) and Buffalo is at Miami (Fox), both at noon Sunday. Dallas visits the L.A. Chargers at 3:30 (CBS) and Kansas City is at Baltimore Sunday night at 7:00 (NBC). Monday Night Football sends Detroit to Green Bay (7:00 on ESPN).

It’s been over a week since the 2020-2021 PGA Tour season ended – so now it’s time for the 2021-2022 season. The Fortinet Championship kicks off the season in Napa, California this week. Coverage is on the Golf Channel beginning at 5:00Thursday-Sunday.

There are some great MLB rivalries this week. The Mets host the Phillies Sunday night at 6:00 (ESPN) and the Giants are at San Diego Tuesday night at 9:00 (FS1)

NASCAR drivers are at Bristol Saturday night in Prime Time for the Bass Pro Shops Night Race. Coverage begins Saturday night at 6:30 on NBCSN.

*****

The weekend weather forecast looks absolutely perfect! Mostly sunny, light winds, high temperatures in the low 90s and lows around 70. There’s plenty happening around the lake this weekend, so get out an enjoy all you can – indoors or outdoors! Remember, though,  wherever you 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 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

Coppers Tea & 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

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