December 2 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
Thanksgiving is behind us. Now, it’s a dead run of shopping, parties, parades, decorating, tree lighting ceremonies, and football games for the next few weeks. My family broke the cardinal rule of holiday get-togethers. We discussed politics. It was actually an historic moment. My family has never agreed on anything political, but this year we did. State Superintendent Ryan Walters was a unifying factor for us. Every one of our 30+ family members agreed he’s off his rocker.
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I also learned how to make a lot of money over the Thanksgiving holiday. ISince we were preparing for such a big family gathering, I ordered one of those big Walmart Pick-up bargains. It was confirmed, I got my “substitute items” list for everything not in stock, and approval of my payment. Two days later, as I was driving to pick up my order, I received a text from Walmart informing me that my order had been canceled. No reason. Just canceled. I called the store who informed me that they had nothing to do with it. They said only Walmart.com can cancel orders, and they gave me a number to call. The script reader on the phone at Walmart.com said they had nothing to do with it, and said only the individual stores can cancel orders. Here’s the money-making part of the lesson, though: even though my order was immediately canceled and could not be retrieved, they informed me that they wouldn’t be able to refund my payment for ten days. Aaaaaand the rich get richer – and I had to shop in person on Thanksgiving eve. I love the holidays. Don’t you?
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We have finally said goodbye to November – and good riddance! We did set a couple of new records for our state, though – a new record for the wettest November in history, and a new record for the most tornadoes EVER in November. It could be worse, I guess. We could live in Alaska where the next sunrise is scheduled for January 22, 2025!
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We all have different perspectives of the holiday season. I saw a sign this week that I thought had a funny typo; but since it was a sign in front of an elementary school, maybe it wasn’t a typo at all. The sign read, “Breakfast with Satan Saturday, December 14.”
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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Judie Clark, Hunter Burkholder, Clarissa Davis, Marshall Brackin, Dene Mantia, Rita Hitzeman, Gary Brock, Heather Collins, Chris Sexton, John Cillessen, Barbara Pliler, Jim Gray, Randy Williams, Chris Byrd, Gina Gibbs, Stephanie Gibbs, Janeé Odle, Larry Duke, Gina Holloway, Janie Cunningham, Sherry Kern, Terri Thomas, Nikki Crowder, Karen Strimple, Candace Kahle, and Allison Timberlake.
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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday night is the Vinita Christmas Parade (6:30 p.m.). Friday is First Friday Wine Share at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.) and the huge Shop Grand Lake Finale Celebration and $10,000 giveaway along with the Ron Lay Light Up Downtown Grove Celebration on the Community Center Lawn in Grove (6:00 p.m.). Friday & Saturday evenings Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village will be open at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:30 p.m.). Saturday morning is the Annual Breakfast and Dessert Auction benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue at First Christian Church in Grove (9:00 a.m.-noon), as well as the Breakfast with Santa with kids’ activities and bicycle giveaways at the Craig County Community Center in Vinita (9:00 a.m.-noon) and the Jingle Bells 5K Fun Run at Grand Lake Family YMCA. There’s a big “Championship Saturday Watch Party” at The Anchor at Shangri-La with the Big XII Championship game at 11:00 and the SEC Championship Game at 3:00. Saturday evening is the Tree Lighting and Caroling at the RCB Parking lot in Vinita (6:30 p.m.) and the Langley-Disney Christmas Parade Across the Pensacola Dam (6:00 p.m.) followed by cookies & hot chocolate with Santa at Disney City Hall. The Miami Christmas Parade is also Saturday night (6:00 p.m.). Saturday & Sunday is Christmas at the Oasis, Journey to Jesus rides & photo ops at Picture in Scripture Amphitheater (3:00-8:00 p.m.); and Sunday is the annual Brunch with Santa at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (10:00-4:00).
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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Historians believe debilitating hemorrhoids were a significant factor in Bonaparte’s defeat at Waterloo.
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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Calories in one pistachio: 4. Calories burned opening one pistachio: 3,149. Take that, kale!
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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: From 1659 to 1681, the Puritans outlawed the celebration of Christmas in Massachusetts. They hated its pagan roots and excess – meaning, the only group to ever ban Christmas in America were Christians.
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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Put booze in a cough syrup bottle, and you can do shots at work. As a bonus, people will think you are sick and stay away from you.
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PALINDROME OF THE WEEK: “Never odd or even” spelled backwards I still “Never odd or even.”
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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Don’t drink and drive because there are people out there who text & drive, and they will hit you…and it will be your fault.
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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: When I’m sad, I just sing. Then I realize my voice is worse than my problems.
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PUN OF THE WEEK: Dogs aren’t allowed in bars because they can’t control their licker.
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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: How can a product be “New and Improved”? If it’s “new,” what is it improving on?
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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Christmas time is great because you can shout “Don’t come in here” and people assume you’re wrapping their presents instead of just wanting to be left alone.
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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Whenever someone says they did something ‘like a boss,’ I assume that means they didn’t do it at all and are merely taking credit for it.” – Bill Murray
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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Eric Burdon, leader of The Animals, frontman of War, and solo superstar turned 83 last week. Actress, comedian, singer, and author Bette Midler turned 79.
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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend begins Thursday night with Jason Morgan hosting the karaoke fun at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday night, Ryan Graham will perform at Doc’s. Erin Fitzgibbon will be in the spotlight Friday night at Blind Swine Monkey Island, and Lil’ Red & COBE will be on stage Saturday night. DJ Kennedy leads Rockstar Karaoke Friday night at The Monkey Bar. DJ Kyle Bandito provides the late-night music at Big Shots both Friday & Saturday nights.
On South Grand, Glam R Us will entertain Saturday night at The Drunken Rooster; and Ryan Graham will perform Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.
In Grove, there are two nights of entertainment at Cherokee Casino’s 1897 Bar – The Cliff Boone Band Friday night, followed by Encore Saturday. DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon. Cornerstone performs Saturday night at the Grove Middle School Auditorium Saturday night.
There’s karaoke fun Friday night and The Bison will be on stage Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, there is live music early Saturday night followed by karaoke with DJ Kay at 11:00 p.m. The Nick Swardson Toilet Head Tour comes to Downstream Casino’s Pavilion Sunday night.
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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Drs. Duane and Tammie Koehler will be featured Guest Chefs at The Shebang Wednesday evening. Speedy’s Chophouse is now open in Grove at the former Grand Lake Public House location. The annual Brunch with Santa is at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La Sunday (10:00-4:00) and there will be no dinner service at the Summit Sunday night. A new gourmet popcorn shop is open on the lake. Poppin’ on Grand is in Old Time Plaza in Cleora (next to Goodfellas Pizza). Grand Lake Kitchen at Har-Ber Village is open throughout the winter months. Hours are 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sunday & Monday, and 7:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday (Closed Tuesday).
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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Christmas in Rockefeller Center airs Wednesday night at 7:00 on NBC. Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Spectacular is also Wednesday nighta at 9:00 on NBC.
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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Y2K and Get Away join Wicked, Gladiator II, and Moana 2 in movie theaters this week.
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SAVE THE DATE: Friday, December 13 – Merry & Bright Christmas Open House at The Shops at Grand Meridian (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, December 13 – 3rd Annual Legacy Christmas Party at the Legacy Event Center in Grove (7:00-11:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 14 – Fairland Christmas Parade (noon). Saturday, December 14 – Jay Christmas Parade (2:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 14 – Grove Christmas Parade (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 14 – Cherokee Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade (Dock party at 3:00 – parade at 6:00). Sunday, December 15 – Grand Lake Christmas Celebration Christmas Carol sing-along party with Terry Jordan and Andre Jones & The Showstoppers at Shangri-La Resort Hotel Lobby (2:00-5:00 p.m.). Thursday, December 19 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast at Shangri-La Resort Hotel (9:00 a.m.). Thursday, December 19 – Skate with Santa Winter Bash at the Grove Community Center ice rink (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Sunday, December 22 – Grand Lake Christmas Celebration Christmas Carol sing-along party with Terry Jordan at Shangri-La Resort Hotel Lobby (2:00-5:00 p.m.). Tuesday, December 31 – “Studio 54 New Year’s Eve Gala” in the Roosevelt Ballroom at Shangri-La Resort (9:00 p.m.).
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In the college football world, it’s championship week with big games both Friday & Saturday. The Big XII Championship game is Saturday at 11:00 followed by the SEC Championship at 3:00.
The NFL season rolls into week #14 with a full schedule. There’s a great game Thursday night as Detroit hosts Green Bay. Sunday games include Las Vegas at Tampa Bay (12:00), Carolina at Philadelphia (12:00), Buffalo at the L.A. Rams (3:30), and the L.A. Chargers at Kansas City (7:15). Monday Night Football features the Dallas Cowboys hosting the Cincinnati Bengals (7:15).
NBA action continues this week with the OKC Thunder stretching the continent from north to south. They’re in Toronto Thursday night (6:30) and New Orleans Saturday (6:00).
PGA players are taking the holiday weekend off. They’re probably getting an early start on their trip to the Bahamas for the Hero World Challenge next week.
On the PGA Tour, it’s a small field this week. Only 20 players compete in the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Coverage is on the Golf Channel at 12;30 Thursday & Friday, 11:00 Saturday morning and 10:30 Sunday morning. NBC picks up the final two rounds at 1:30 Saturday and 12:30 Sunday.
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It’s going to be another cool weekend at Grand Lake as we kick off holiday festivities. Highs will be around 50, but with lows hovering around 30. Bundle up for the tree lighting and parades – or choose from a variety of indoor fun around the lake this weekend. Watch lots of football and have lots of fun. Remember, though, wherever you decide to party, be sure to buy a drink for the guy next to you. It might 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.
Anchor Sports Bar & Activity Park at Shangri-La
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights)
Billy’s Burger Bar & More in Ketchum
Blind Swine on Duck Creek at Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina
Blind Swine on Monkey Island
Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor
BOOM in Grove (at The Regatta)
Bradford BBQ in Ketchum
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Casa Gutierrez in Grove
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
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
Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek
Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort
Gambino’s Pizza in Ketchum
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Getaway Mercantile (north of Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Coffee Company in Grove
Grand Lake RV Resort at the back of Duck Creek
Hero’s Deli in Grove
Hero’s Deli in Langley
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)
Island Bar & Grill at The Landings Marina
Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina
Keagan’s Coffee at Littlefield Corner
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Legacy Eatery in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Bar on Monkey Island
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
Mosa Hibachi and Sushi in Grove
Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove
Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove
One-Eyed Monkey at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island
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
Poppin’ on Grand in Cleora
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor
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
Scissortail Bar at Scissortail Marina
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina
Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove
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 Artichoke Restaurant in Langley
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
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove
