September 4 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

I can’t remember the last time Grand Lake was blessed with sunshine and no rain on all three major holidays of the summer, but we did it this year! Kudos to the organizers of the two-day Boats, Beats & BBQ Festival. What an incredible event! Golfers, boaters, slip & sliders, festival attendees, F1 Powerboat racers, outdoor entertainment venues, pickleballers, wiffle-ballers, sunbathers, parasailers, bike riders and walkers ALL had picture perfect weekend weather for the Labor Day holiday at Oklahoma’s favorite playground. There’s no place like Grand Lake!

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Sadly, we ended an era over the holiday weekend with the passing of the legendary Jimmy Buffett at the age of 76. Not many performers have impacted the music world, business world, and lifestyle world like the idol of the Parrotheads. September should hereafter be Margarita Month. Let’s start now.

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You just THOUGHT your commute was expensive! How about the Southwest Airlines flight scheduled from Dallas to Kansas City – but made a detour to Wichita enroute to drop off a flight attendant needed on another flight? Southwest Uber? The flight attendant was on time, but all the passengers headed to Kansas City were about an hour late.

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I think it’s time to eliminate the word “free” from budgetary planning. Amazon is raising their purchase minimum from $25 to $35 to have the order shipped “free.” Amazon Prime members enjoy “free” shipping on everything – and it only costs them $139 a year to get it. Perhaps we should change the advertising of “free” things to something more accurate….like “included in the price.”

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I’ll never get my dream job (fired football coach) because I don’t have the skill set to get the job in the first place, so now I have a new goal. I’m going to try to get State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters to badmouth me, claim I’m incompetent, call me names, and finally force me out of my job. That’s what he did to Tulsa School Superintendent Deborah Gist until she finally struck a deal with the school board to resign. The board released her severance package - $306,800 – just to go away. I’m willing to go away for even less.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Ty Tyler, Ed Trumbull, Kim Shearer, JB Schuelein, Kenton Wheatley, Emi Baggett, Karla Ruth, Kate Lindley, Tena Smith, Eddy Gibbs, Terry Weppler, Stevie Fernandez, Rachel Henderson, Steve Pace, Angela Bachman, Julie Rahhal, Jennifer Brookby, and Dave Deardorff.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK. Things are calming down a little bit this weekend, but there’s still plenty to do. Thursday night, in addition to the Shrimp Boil on Doc’s Patio at Shangri-La, there’s a big Kansas City Chiefs season kick-off party inside at Doc’s as the Chief host the Detroit Lions for the first regular season NFL game of the year. Saturday is a great day for lovers of classics. The Mahogany & Chrome Boat & Car Show is at Arrowhead Yacht Club Saturday (10:00-3:00). That’s also the day of the Road Kill Chili Cook-Off at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Jay (11:30-1:00). If you live in Grove, don’t forget to show your support for the police and fire departments by voting “YES” next Tuesday at the Public Safety Bond Election in Grove.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Guitarist Barry Melton, “The Fish” of the 1960s psychedelic rock band, “Country Joe and The Fish,” has been a California criminal defense attorney for more than 40 years.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: After selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, NBA legend Michael Jordan is now the richest NBA player ever. His net worth is now reportedly $3.5 billion.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Biscuits and gravy is a weird dish. It’s pretty much just really wet flour on really dry flour.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I know it’s wrong, but I start drinking as soon as the kids are in school. Does that make me a bad teacher?

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: If you’re looking for a sign that you should drink more beer, this is it.

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: The coffee shop had a sign that said, “No WiFi, pretend it’s 1973.” So I paid ten cents for my coffee and lit a cigarette.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: A buddy of mine is trying to teach his dog how to do a magic trick. If it works, he’ll have a Labracadabrador Retriever.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why is it called “boob sweat” instead of “humidititty?”

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Counting to 10 only makes it premeditated.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I live in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Money goes a long way there.” – Viktor Hovland (after winning the $18 million FedEx Cup and setting a one-year PGA Tour earnings record of $34.5 million)

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Do you still “Dream of Jeannie?” Actress Barbara Eden is 92. Bee Gees singer Barry Gibb is 77.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend fun kicks off on Doc’s Patio 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. Eddy’s Lakeside Bar features Downbeat Saturday night for the last performance of the year at Eddy’s before Sunday’s final day. There’s karaoke with KJ Flip Thursday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze, and DJ K-Bandito hosts the weekend musical fun Friday and Saturday nights; and across the street, there’s karaoke on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday night is Rockstar Karaoke fun at Monkey Island Pub featuring DJ Kennedy.

On South Grand Lake, the weekend musical fun always starts on Thursday nights with karaoke fun at The Drunken Rooster. This week, RocKFiscH will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at the Rooster.

In Grove, there is karaoke fun Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music by Oreo Blue Friday night, and more karaoke Saturday. Yacht Club entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove, followed by DJ Gragg Saturday night.

Brett N’ Terri kick off the weekend Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino, with Bobby DeGonia taking over Friday night followed by Oreo Blue Saturday.

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GRAND LAKE DINING & DRINKING UDATE: Blind Swine Duck Creek has changed the day of their all-you-can-eat Crab Legs from Wednesday to Saturday. Stuff’ns Café in Ketchum now offers all-you-can-eat fish on Fridays. Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina is closed for the season. This Sunday is the final day of the season at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar. Chickanellas is now open at their new location on Monkey Island (the former Roadhouse Restaurant location). Casa Gutierrez is also now open at their new location (the old Charlie’s Chicken location at 1721 South Main in Grove). Road Hog Saloon at Littlefield Corner is once again serving breakfast from 8:00 a.m. Saturdays & Sundays.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon premieres Sunday night at 8:00 on AMC. The Masked Singer returns for a new season Sunday night at 7:00 on Fox. The 2023 MTV Music Video Awards Show airs next Tuesday night at 7:00 on MTV.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Barbarian debuts in movie theaters Friday, joining The Hill, and Grand Turismo. End of the Road is available this week on NETFLIX.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, September 14 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Monthly Members’ Luncheon at the Grove Community Center (noon). Thursday-Friday, September 14-15 – Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell’s “Luau on the Green & Golf Tournament” at Shangri-La. Friday, September 22 – South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at The Coves (12:00). Friday-Sunday, September 22-24 – Pioneer Days Living History Event at Har-Ber Village. (9:00-3:00). Friday & Saturday, 9:00-noon Sunday). Saturday, September 23 – Cedar Port Marina Customer Appreciation Party. Saturday & Sunday, September 23-24 – NEO Pickleball Open at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Sunday, September 24 – Cedar Port Marina Customer Appreciation Party. Monday, September 25 – “Fore Backpack Program, sponsored by the South Grand Lake Foundation (9:00 a.m. shotgun). Thursday, September 28 – Grand Lake Newcomer Club “New Newcomer Lunch” at The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (11:30 a.m.). Thursday-Sunday, October 5-8 – Annual Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Saturday, October 28 – Fall Festival & Drone Show at Shangri-La Resort.

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Football, football, football. Both college and pro! OU hosts SMU Saturday afternoon at 5:00 (ESPN+). OSU is on the road at Arizona State. The game is on FS1, but doesn’t kick-off until 9:30 Saturday night. There are other great games, too. Kansas hosts Illinois Friday night at 6:30. Baylor hosts Utah, K-State is at home against Troy, and Nebraska is at Colorado, all  at 11:00 Saturday morning. Iowa is at Iowa State at 2:30, Texas faces Alabama and Texas Tech hosts Oregon at 6:00. USC joins Oklahoma State in the 9:30 p.m. time slot hosting Stanford.

The Kansas City Chiefs kick off the NFL regular season Thursday night hosting Detroit. Sunday games include Tampa Bay at Minnesota and Arizona at Washington at noon, Green Bay at Chicago and either Philadelphia at New England or Los Vegas at Denver at 3:30. The New York Giants host Dallas Sunday night and Buffalo will be in New York facing the Jets Monday night.

NASCAR drivers will be in Kansas City this weekend for some Sunday afternoon racing. Coverage of the Hollywood Casino 400 begins at 2:00 Sunday afternoon on USA.

The biggest tennis action in the United States is underway. The U.S. Open continues through September 10 with daily coverage beginning at 11:00 a.m. on ESPN and ESPN2.

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If you think temperatures in the 80s are cool, it’s going to be a little cooler this weekend. Highs will be in the upper 80s with lows in the mid-60s. We have a chance of a morning shower or two, but sunshine for the most part. There’s always plenty happening at Grand Lake – so get out there and have some fun! 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

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

Blue Cat Bistro at Har-Ber Village

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

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

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

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 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 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 (smoking)

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove