January 26 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

Well, I would classify the weather over the past few days as “discouraging.” Either that or “disgusting.” One hundred straight hours of below freezing temperatures is not my idea of a good time. It certainly wasn’t a time to consider either boating or golf – but at least it was good for watching sporting events on TV. Did you make the panic run to the grocery store before the storm rolled in. It seems like most everyone did. I didn’t make it to the grocery store, but I made it to the liquor store, so I was fine. Look at the bright side. We have now made it through the 10 darkest weeks of the year – and Daylight Saving Time returns March 8.

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I was pretty scared over the bad weather weekend – not because of the snow, but because of something potentially far more dangerous. I finally figured out someone must have been using that voice-translation gadget on their phone to dictate a social media post, and the bots in the atmosphere misunderstood. Lake Center Baptist Church posted that they were canceling Sunday services because of “plunging windshields.” YIKES! And I thought the worst possible weather event was “raining cats & dogs.”

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I was equally surprised to see that Grand Lake Casino closed on Sunday due to the weather. I didn’t even know casinos had locks on their doors! I’ve never seen one closed before.

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It’s almost show time again. With the Tulsa Boat & RV Show and the OKC Boat & RV shows behind us, the Tulsa Boat, Sport & Travel show is just ahead – Monday, February 2-Sunday, February 8. I never have figured out why they want the final day of their show to compete with all the Super Bowl parties, but I guess that’s none of my business.

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I’m still trying to figure out the inner workings of President Trump’s new “Board of Peace.” He had 18 countries show up for his Board of Peace signing ceremony – but citizens from eight of those countries are banned from traveling to the United States because of Trump’s travel bans – and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is supposedly on the “board,” but couldn’t go to the signing ceremonies because he’s wanted for war crimes. That seems like a fun group of peace lovers, doesn’t it?

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Heads-up for folks traveling to or from Monkey Island. Work on the causeway expansion on the bridge to Monkey Island has resulted in one-lane traffic with a traffic signal (remember the fun with construction of the Bernice bridge?). This will likely last until May, so plan a little extra time in case you hit the red light every single time like I do.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Mark Witaczack, Jeff Young, T.J. Barnow, Barbie Henson, Terra Apperson, Karlye Kelsey, Kerry Farrell, Kevin Sanford, Michael Blackman, Jody Lorimor, Debbie Hardman, Wilma Battaglia, Katelin Jumper, Holly Weatherford, Vanessa Lillie, Norm Price, Justin Tesreau, Dave Rycroft, JoAnn Schaub, Tim Talley, Steve Hudiburg, Lynn Moore, Dianna McIntyre, Pete Moss, Dan Moore, Mark Blanchat, and Penny Humphrey.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Tuesday night is “Tuesday Trivia” night with Lee Lawson at The Anchor at Shangri-La Resort. Friday morning is the Grove Chamber of Commerce “Coffee & Conversation Legislative Event at Legacy Event Center in Grove (8:00 a.m.). Saturday is an Indoor Market at White Buffalo Lodge in Grove (9:00-2:00). Sunday is the Opening matinee of “A Rock Sails By” at Playmakers in Grove (2:00 p.m.)

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: If the U.S. House of Representatives grew at the same rate as the U.S. population, which was the founders’ general idea, it would now have around 5,500 members.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: A blue whale’s heart is so big a human could swim through its arteries.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: In 1829, an Englishman named James Smithson died with an unusual clause in his will. If his nephew died without heirs, his entire fortune would go to a country Smithson had never visited – the United States – to create an institution for the “increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The nephew died childless. In 1846, that inheritance gave birth to the Smithsonian Institution – now the world’s largest museum and research complex.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: President Trump says he won’t attend next week’s Super Bowl because “it’s too far.” By comparison, it’s about half as far from Washington as Davos, Switzerland where he went last week. It’s more likely that he’s protesting planned performances by entertainers Green Day and Bad Bunny. In fact, he said, “I’m anti-them.” Which is probably okay. I’m pretty sure they’re “anti-him.”

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WORD FUN OF THE WEEK: I’ve been waiting two weeks to say this: Miami…Hoosier daddy?

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: ICE PREVENTION OPERATIONS AHEAD (I guess that could be taken a couple of different ways these days)

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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: An actual war hero and astronaut being demoted by a Fox News anchor with white supremacist tattoos and a drinking problem is damn near the perfect encapsulation of where we’re at as a country.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: A couple of cows were smoking a joint and playing cards. The steaks were pretty high.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If Star Trek goes where no one has ever gone before, why do they always find someone there when they arrive?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Some things I just don’t understand. Imagine spending your entire life stockpiling supplies, weapons, and ammunition, fantasizing about fighting the federal government sending troops in against its own citizens, only to root for the government when the moment finally arrives.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “School creates employees; curiosity creates masters. A grade is just a measure of how well you can obey instructions. Do not confuse memorizing the map with knowing the territory.” – Mark Twain

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The “Golden Bear,” perhaps the GOAT golfer, Jack Nicklaus turned 86 years old last week; and legendary singer Neil Diamond turned 85 (but he’s still feeling so good, so good, so good).

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Lee Lawson hosts Tuesday Trivia at The Anchor Tuesday night (7:00). Erin Fitzgibbon entertains at The Monkey Bar Tuesday night (9:00). They also have karaoke both Wednesday and Friday nights with Sundown Entertainment.

On South Grand Lake, Ryan Graham will entertain Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Erin Fitzgibbon Saturday night.

In Grove, Diversity will be on stage Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by Swade Diablos Saturday night. Magic J entertains Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar followed by The Downbeat Saturday night.

TJ Scarlett kicks off the weekend early with a Thursday night performance at Indigo Sky Casino. Sunset Circle takes over Friday night, and Nathan LaBee wraps up the weekend music Saturday. Retro Rockerz start the music Thursday night at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar, followed by Western Justice Friday and Sound the Alarm Saturday night. The Bison will entertain Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar; and Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West will feature Bobby DeGonia Saturday night.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Our House BBQ is now open at Hilltop Inn in Grove (former location of Honey Creek BBQ). Red’s House BBQ is also now open in the Ketchum Eats Food Park. Burger Dude in Ketchum has moved from the Food Park to the old Meats, Eats & Sweets location down the street. The Anchor and The Galley Restaurant at Shangri-La are open seven days a week. The Shebang Restaurant on Monkey Island is now offering Island delivery on Sunday evenings during the off-season.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Next Level Chef debuts Thursday night at 7:00 on Fox. The 68th Annual Grammy Awards air live Sunday night at 7:00 on CBS. Mel Brooks: Wonder Man is available this week on Disney+.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Send Help, Iron Lung and The Moment all debut in movie theaters this week. The Wrecking Crew is available Thursday on Prime Video.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Sunday, February 12-15 – Oklahoma Tackle, Hunting, and Boat Show at the new Wolf Creek Expo Center in Grove. Saturday, February 14 – Bluegrass Music Event by River Ridge Bluegrass Association in Grove Middle School Auditorium (The Roving Gambler Band – 5:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, February 14 – Surf & Turf Valentine special at The Summit at Shangri-La - $150 per couple (4:00-10:00 p.m.). Friday & Saturday, February 20-21 – Grove Home, Garden & Travel Show at the Wolf Creek Expo Center. Monday-Friday, February 23-27 – Black History Week at Har-Ber Village. Thursday-Sunday, February 26-March 1 – Miami Little Theater presents “Barefoot in the Park” at the Coleman Theatre (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, February 28 – Sh*t Show (formerly Old Coots No Talent/Talent Show) at Big Shots (7:30 p.m.). Friday, March 6 – Season Opening Day for Har-Ber Village. Friday-Sunday, March 6-8 – Grand Lake Boat & Sport Show at the Delaware County Fairgrounds Building in Jay. Sunday, March 8 – Daylight Saving Time returns! Tuesday, March 10 – Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La reopens for the 2026 season. Saturday, March 21 – Killer Keyz nationally acclaimed dueling pianos act at Shangri-La Resort (7:00 p.m.). Saturday, March 28 – GEFFE Gala at Shangri-La Resort (5:30 p.m.)

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The NBA has a busy schedule this week. After hosting New Orleans Tuesday (7:00), the OKC Thunder hit the road to face three tough opponents - Minnesota Thursday (8:30), Denver Sunday (8:30), and San Antonio next Wednesday (8:30).

There’s some good college basketball on television this week. Colorado and Iowa State tip off Thursday night at 6:00. Saturday, OSU is at Utah at 5:00 and Arkansas hosts Kentucky at 5:30. Sunday afternoon, Iowa State is at Kansas State and Wichita State is at Tulsa, both at 1:00; and Illinois is at Nebraska at 3:00. Next Monday, Kansas is at Texas Tech at 8:00 – and next Wednesday, OSU hosts BYU and OU travels to Kentucky, both at 8:00 p.m. There’s some excellent women’s basketball on the tube, too. OU hosts Texas A&M Thursday at 6:00 before traveling to Austin to take on Texas Sunday afternoon at 2;00. Alabama and OSU face off Sunday at 11:00, the same time UConn hosts Tennessee.

The NFL competition is pretty much honorary this week while we await the Super Bowl. Next Tuesday is the Pro Bowl (7:00 p.m.)

The PGA players are in San Diego for a big tournament at Torrey Pines. Coverage of The Farmers Insurance Open is on the Golf Channel beginning at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.

NASCAR fans get their first fix of the year Sunday night with coverage of the Cookout Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium. Coverage is on Fox at 7:00. The really big stuff starts at Daytona in a couple of weeks.

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The weekend ahead doesn’t look quite as nasty as the one behind us, but it’s still winter on Grand Lake. High temperatures will be in the 20s most of the weekend, with lows in the lower teens. It’s “indoor time,” so get out of the house and join the fun! But remember, wherever you 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.

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

Blue Bluff Café at Blue Bluff Harbor

BOOM at The Regatta (at Sailboat Bridge)

Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Casa Gutierrez in Gro

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanellas 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)

Cregan’s Confections & Ice Cream (Ketchum)

Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

Domino’s in Grove

Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)

Drake’s Restaurant in Grove

Drift at the Regatta (at Sailboat Bridge in Grove)

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill (Cleora)

Drunken Rooster – on the Water (Grove)

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

Hero’s Deli in Grove

Hero’s Deli in Langley

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

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 Garcia’s 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

Our House BBQ 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

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

Rise-N-Dine, Ketchum

River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)

Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island

Roberts Bar & Restaurant in Langley

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

Scissortail Lounge at Scissortail Marina

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina

South 125 Bar & Grill on Monkey Island

Speedy’s Chophouse in Grove

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