July 27 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

If you weren’t at Grand Lake over the past weekend, you missed a great one. The weather was warm, but perfect for outdoor activities. A sold-out Shangri-La Resort hosted their Battlefield Club Championship Tournament (congratulations to Champion Andrew Patterson and Senior Champion Alex Brown) and a fun golf cart drive-in movie while Safe Harbor Harbors View Marina hosted hundreds of people and dozens of boats at the back of Duck Creek for Grand Jam, another amazingly successful on-the-water concert.

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Boats at Grand Jam weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the fabulous weather. There were more boats on the water than I’ve seen since the big 4th of July holiday weekend. By the way, if you don’t have a boat – or if you need a newer, bigger, brighter, or faster one – this weekend is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some big bargains. The Wolf Creek Expo Boat Show in Grove is Friday, Saturday & Sunday both in the building and in the water at Wolf Creek Expo in Grove. Nichols Marina, MarineMax, and Toons will have dozens of boats of all sizes, shapes & models – all discount priced. Incidentally, this show, hosted by the Grove Convention & Tourism Bureau, has no charge for admission; so although it doesn’t cost anything to get in the show, once you see the bargains, it may cost you a few thousand dollars to get out.

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If you’re buying anything – not just boats, but anything – I would buy it quickly. I thought we were finished with price-increasing tariffs, but we’re not. New 10-12% tariffs on goods from 80 different countries took effect last Friday. I’m not sure who that is supposed to help, but it’s certainly not consumers!

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The battle between wake surfers and dock owners on has reached the legislative stage in Michigan. A proposed law would require boats operating in “wake sport mode” to operate in water at least 20 feet deep and remain at least 500 feet away from shorelines, docks, rafts, swimming area, and anchored or moored boats. If that legislation finally become law, it’s a good thing they have big lakes. There’s gonna be some pretty tricky (and hard to find) surfing courses.

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You’ve gotta admire Lillian Droniak, the 96-year-old TikTok star known as “Grandma Droniak.”  The staff at the retirement home where she lives sent her a warning that her residency might be reviewed. The cited noise complaints, guests leaving at 1:00 a.m., and alcohol served to other residents. “Grandma Droniak” tore up the letter on camera with the comment, “I pay $12,000 a month to live here.” The retirement home backed off – and Ms. Droniak agreed not to pour drinks for fellow residents (but she still entertains her guests with cocktails).

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Remember when coffee used to be bad for you? Not any more. The American Heart Association says most adults can safely consume up to five cups of coffee per day without increasing risk of cardiovascular disease. Warning: that’s BLACK coffee. Adding sugar, flavored syrups and dairy products can “substandially counteract potential health benefits associated with coffee itself,” they said. Also, they said to avoid those high caffeine dosages such as energy drinks and energy shots. So…coffee in the morning, cocktails in the evening. You should be fine!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Joe Allbaugh, Brad Busch, Sterling Zearley, Karl Jobst, J.B. Robison, Jay Cranke, Kane Russell, Kenny Smith, David Kircher, John McCharen, Peggy Blair, Tammy Bolt, Kim Brady, Keith Sackett, Cheryl Brecheisen, Laralee O’Leary, Mark Paden, Daniel Love, Kip Short, Jill McAbee, John Bnd, Jennifer Eve Fish, and Erin Bendel.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday night is “Thursday Trivia” at BOOM at The Regatta in Grove (6:30 p.m.). The final two live performances of “A Wrinkle in Time” at Playmakers in Grove are Thursday & Friday (7:30 p.m.). This week’s session of the “Shangri-La Practice Club,” an 8-week coaching series for golfers, is Friday at 4:00 p.m. The Wolf Creek Expo Boat Show at Wolf Creek Park in Grove runs Friday-Sunday (10 a.m. – no admission charge). Next week, Monday-Wednesday, is another Junior Golf Camp at Shangri-La Golf Club (8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Guthrie, which served as the capital of Oklahoma Territory and Oklahoma’s first state capital, was actually named after a Kansas judge.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: President Trump posted on X last week bragging that he was the #1 performer with the most followers of anyone on “Tic Tac”- “Far more than Taylor Swift.”  Hmmm. If he keeps eating lots of breath mints, maybe he’ll be tops on “Tic Tac.” But if he’s talking about TikTok, neither ne nor Taylor Swift is #1…but she does have more than twice the number of followers he has.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: Just 10 billionaires have already poured over $1.6 billion into this year’s midterm elections. In the entire 2008 Presidential cycle, the last election before Citizens United, total billionaire contributions were $16 million. If you’re wondering what the real threat to “election integrity” is, it’s Big Money.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: The fact that there’s a hHghway to Hell and only a Stairway to Heaven says a lot about the anticipated traffic numbers.

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WORD FUN THIS WEEK: Do you use the words “basically”, “actually”, or “honestly” in your sentences? Most people do, even though they add no meaning whatsoever to the statement.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: We Have All Your Back to School Supplies – 12 pk Miller $7.99

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BEST BLUESKY POST OF THE WEEK: At my age, to see the Northern Lights, all I have to do is stand up too fast. Sometimes I even get a full eclipse.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: Ran out of toilet paper, so I’m now using lettuce leaves. Today was just the tip of the iceberg. Tomorrow romaines to be seen. .

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: If people can go to prison for lying to Congress, why don’t members of Congress go to prison for lying to the people?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: A steak can be $7 from a butcher, $10 at a supermarket, $25 at a diner, and $150 at a high-end restaurant. Same steak. The only thing that changed was the location. The next time you feel you’re worthless, ask yourself if you’re just in the wrong place.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “I am too old to die young and too young to grow up.” – Marty Feldman

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Singer/songwriter Don Henley, co-founder and lead singer for The Eagles, turned 79 last week. Musical superstar Linda Ronstadt turned 80 years old last week. Lynda Carter, the actress, singer, and beauty pageant contestant best known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman in the TV series, turned 75 over the weekend. Martin & Lewis, the legendary comedy team of Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis made their first appearance together 80 years ago this week; and John Wayne’s last movie, The Shootist, premiered in movie theaters 50 years ago.  

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, there’s live music by Kevin Price at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Friday night (6:00-9:00) followed by karaoke with DJ Kyle at The Anchor (9:00-11:00). Saturday night, DJ Brock provides the music at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar; and Magen Faulconer will perform at The Anchor. There’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment at The Monkey Bar Wednesday and Friday nights followed by live music from Boston James Saturday night. Dillon Leggett will perform at Whitecap at The Landings Marina Tuesday and Thursday nights and at South 125 Bar & Grill Friday night. Lil’ Red & Sidepiece will be at Whitecap Wednesday and Friday nights (6:00).

On South Grand Lake, Sarah Hughes & Isayah Wofford kick off midweek fun Wednesday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney. Ayngeldust is featured Thursday night at Mooney’s, followed by The Beaty Creek Band Friday night, Travis Kidd Saturday night; and a special matinee performance by The Fitzgibbon Band Sunday (4:00). William Tedford kicks off the weekend Friday night at Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina followed by The Mark Chamberlain Band Saturday. Lil’ Red & Sidepiece will be at Blind Swine next Tuesday.

In Grove, The Dillon Leggett Band will entertain at Grand Lake Casino Saturday night. The Downbeat will be on stage Friday night at Cherokee Casino and Encore takes over Saturday night.

Johnny Dale Roberts entertains Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Swade Diablos Friday night and MoArk Mojo Saturday. Western Justice will be on stage at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by Rackensack Saturday night. The Rock Gods will perform a great rock tribute at Buffalo Run Casino’s Outdoor Venue Friday night followed by The Voice veteran Casi Joy in Miami Beach Saturday. N-Halen, the ultimate Van Halen tribute band will be in concert Saturday night at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 Event Center.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La is now serving lunch Thursday-Monday 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Big Shots on Monkey Island is now open Thursday nights (in addition to Friday & Saturday). The R-Bar in Grove has new ownership and a new name. The “Alpha Bar” is open 7 days a week. Bobbers Café (north of Langley) will soon be opening a new location in Bernice.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Naked and Afraid: Shipwrecked premieres on Discovery Sunday night at 7:00. The Librarians: The Next Chapter debuts on TNT Sunday night at 8:00; and Lioness is available Sunday on Paramount+.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Spider-Man: Brand New Day opens in theaters Friday.

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Saturday, August 7-8 – Woodstock on the Water in Lawhead Hollow (Leon Russell Cove) – Overnight raftout Friday, breakfast, bloody marys and music Saturday (music 1-5 pm). Friday, August 14 – Mary Moore Charity Event & Golf Tournament at Shangri-La (8:00 a.m.). Monday-Tuesday, August 17-18 – Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association Four-Ball Partnership Tournament at Shangri-La. Thursday, August 27 – Member-Member/Member-Guest Golf Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday, August 29 – Square Dance aboard the Cherokee Queen (1:30 p.m.). Saturday, August 29 – Luau Party at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill (6:00 p.m.).

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In the sports world, it’s all about golf, basketball, and baseball this week.

PGA Golfers are in Detroit this week for the Rocket Classic. Coverage begins at 2:00 Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on The Golf Channel. CBS picks up coverage of the final two rounds Saturday & Sunday at 2:00.

WNBA players are back in regular season action following the All-Star break. Friday night is big. Dallas is at Washington (6:30) and Indiana is at Portland (9:00). Las Vegas is at Chicago Saturday at noon followed by New York at Phoenix at 2:00. Sunday games include Indiana at Minnesota (122:00), Los Angeles at Portland (2:30), and Connecticut at Dallas (6:00).

Major League Baseball fans have some good ones on the schedule. The Cubs host the Yankees Saturday night (6:15) and the red-hot Red Sox face the red-hot Dodgers Sunday night (6:20).

If that’s not enough baseball fun, check out the Savannah Bananas schedule. They face the Firefighters Thursday night and Friday night, and the Tailgaters take on the Party Animals Saturday night.

There is no NASCAR racing this weekend. They’ll be back in action next week.

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Weather for the upcoming Grand Lake weekend looks just as good as the weekend behind us. It may even be a little cooler. Don’t misunderstand, it’ll still be hot. We’ll have sunshine with light winds with high temperatures around 90 degrees and lows around 70. It’s a perfect weekend to get out and have some fun wrapping up another month at Grand Lake! Remember, though, 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.

Alpha Bar in Grove

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 Grove

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

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

Eagle’s Nest at Patricia Island Country Club

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

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Legacy Eatery in Grove

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 Grove

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in Grove

Red’s BBQ in Ketchum

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

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 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