November 18 Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum
Another beautiful Grand Lake weekend is behind us and, after a couple of freezing cold nights, another beautiful weekend is ahead! This surprisingly nice late fall weather has been good for all my boat sales pals. Apparently folks are hoping for some nice Thanksgiving weather to enjoy the holiday weekend in their new boat!
*****
I guess we should be grateful for climate change. I can’t think of anything else that gives us spring-like days in the fall and rainfall – even if we get the rainfall 8 inches at a time. Just be grateful we don’t live in the Southeastern part of the country where hurricanes are getting bigger, badder, and more frequent. Climate change deniers are having trouble explaining that, but I’m really anxious to see how they explain the first snowfall in history in the Saudi Arabian Desert.
*****
Climate isn’t the only thing changing these days. I’m changing, too! I’ve noticed that I have been through enough Presidential election cycles that my alcohol tolerance now exceeds my people tolerance.
*****
Monkey Islanders were partying for great causes again over the past weekend. Shangri-La hosted the annual South Grand Lake Chamber Annual Banquet (AKA “The First Christmas Party of the Year”) and there was a tremendous FUNdraising night for a great family with awesome live music Saturday night at The Monkey Bar. Grand Lakers are always up for a party – but when it’s a party for a great cause, it’s always double the fun and triple the turnout!
*****
As you travel the Oklahoma turnpikes for the Thanksgiving holiday, don’t pull into any toll booths. As of this week, they’re all closed. No, that doesn’t mean there’s no charge. If you have a Pikepass, you will be charged accordingly. If you don’t have a Pikepass, a camera will read your tag and send you a fat bill (approximately twice the cost of Pikepass usage). Oklahoma turnpikes are all cashless, beginning this week.
*****
If you’re looking for a place to retire, stay right where you are. Autoguide.com has published their list of the best states in which to retire. Oklahoma ranked third out of the 50 states and District of Columbia. Arkansas was ranked first, and West Virginia second. Apparently the Autoguide folks don’t know as much about life in Arkansas and West Virginia as I do. Take my advice. Grand Lake is the place to be!
*****
If there are too many people where you call home, you could also consider retirement in Alaska. Life is pretty rough there sometimes, but you don’t have to worry about your neighbors. Alaska is so large and so unoccupied that its population density is equivalent to just 29 people living in Manhattan, New York!
*****
Are you keeping up? There are new changes in the social media world. Millions of X users are quickly becoming Ex-users of the former Twitter. The fastest growing social media platform is Bluesky – almost six million new users in the past month.
*****
GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Kenny Cole, Kevin Burke, Laramy O’Leary, Preston Kelley, Leann Laue-Goff, Mike Long, Roy Morgan, Dar Phillips, Ben Faulkner, Josh Lee, Val Saamer, Frank McCorkle, Mark Sell, Barbara Patrick, Susan Kimball, Mark Winter, Jennifer Brittain, Michael Bujold, Dawn Cook, Marilyn Davidson, Mark Oliver, Cathey Mackey, Linda Lippitt, and J.B. Robison, Jr.
*****
BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: The Grand Lake Newcomers Club hosts their November “Meet & Eat” at Road Hog Saloon Tuesday evening (6:00 p.m.). The popular “Tuesday Trivia with Lee Lawson” has returned to The Anchor for another season (Tuesdays, 7:00 p.m.). November 19 is the final trivia competition before the Thanksgiving holiday break. Competition resumes December 3. This week’s weekend fun begins Thursday evening with the weekly Prime Rib & Karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.). Friday is a big Christmas Celebration with Pam Tillis at the Coleman Theatre in Miami (7:00 p.m.). Friday is a PXG club fitting opportunity at Shangri-La Golf Club (1:00-5:00 p.m.). Saturday is the annual “Festivus” Holiday Party & shopping extravaganza for Shangri-La members at the clubhouse (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Monday, November 25 there is a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner at Grove’s First Baptist Church (5:00-7:00 p.m.).
*****
RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Austrian scientist Lise Meitner, one of the key figures in the development of nuclear fission, was nominated for the Nobel Prize for chemistry 19 times and the Nobel Prize for physics 30 times but never won.
*****
FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: You think you have trouble with your TV remote? In Ireland, a bridge meant to swing open for ships couldn’t be used for four years after someone lost the remote control needed to operate it.
*****
ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: The Guinness Book of Records was invented by the Guinness Beer Brewery. They figured a book of verifiable facts would help stop bar arguments.
*****
BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: The difference between booze and weed? Five drunk people will start a fight. Five stoned people will start a band.
*****
BEST OXYMORON OF THE WEEK: Original copies.
*****
BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: It’s better to lose a lover than to love a loser.
*****
BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: Restroom hand dryers are amazing if you want to waste a few minutes before wiping your hands on your pants.
*****
PUN OF THE WEEK: I joined a Carpenters Class last week. We haven’t built anything yet, though. We’ve Only Just Begun.
*****
UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: What does the Trans-Siberian Orchestra do for the other eleven months of the year?
*****
OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I did it! Several of my friends have recently urged me to watch my drinking…so I invested in a brand new mirror.
*****
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “You should always go to other people’s funerals. Otherwise, they won’t come to yours.” – Yogi Berra
*****
FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Britney Spears has two sons. They are 18 and 19 years old. Do you know Caryn Elaine Johnson? She’s one of the few EGOT recipients – winners of an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. I’ll give you a hint. She announced the creation of a women’s sports network last week – and it was her birthday! You probably know her better as Whoopi Goldberg. She turned 69 last week.
*****
BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend begins Thursday night with Prime Rib & Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill. J.R. Neal entertains live at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. Erin Fitzgibbon will entertain live Thursday night at The Shebang and Friday night at Blind Swine Monkey Island and The Faulconers will be on stage Saturday night at the Swine. 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, The Smith Brothers will perform Saturday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney.
In Grove, Lost Dogs perform Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655 followed by The Jason Hinney Band Saturday night. There are two nights of entertainment at Cherokee Casino’s 1897 Bar – Johnny Dale Roberts Friday night followed by Magic J Entertainment Saturday. DJ Laidback Larry will provide the musical entertainment Saturday night at R-Bar Dance Hall & Saloon.
Low Compatibility kicks off the weekend musical fun Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by The Downbeat Friday night and Thomas Martinez Saturday. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, there is live music early Saturday night by Blue Underground followed by karaoke with DJ Kay at 11:00 p.m. There is a great dual concert Friday night at Downstream Casino’s Pavilion – The Marshall Tucker Band and Jefferson Starship. In Miami, Grammy winner Pam Tillis is featured in a “Belles and Bows” Christmas concert at The Coleman Theatre Friday night; and Bob Guiney from The Bachelor hosts a Deal or No Deal live show at Buffalo Run Casino’s Peoria Showplace Saturday night.
*****
DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Both Pistol Pats locations (Grove & Disney) will serve Thanksgiving Dinner Wednesday, November 27 (Closed Thanksgiving Day). Drake’s Restaurant in Grove offers an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet from 6:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday. 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 will remain open through the winter. 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).
*****
BUM MUST-SEE TV: The 58th Annual CMA Awards Show airs live Wednesday night at 7:00 on ABC. The new series The Mole Agent premieres Thursday on NETFLIX. Cold Case: Who Killed JonBenet Ramsey will be available next Monday, also on NETFLIX.
*****
BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The blockbuster Wicked opens in movie theaters this week, along with Gladiator II. The Piano Lesson is available Friday on NETFLIX.
*****
SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, November 27 – Thanksgiving Dinner at both Pistol Pats locations (Grove & Disney). Thursday, November 28 – Home of Hope’s “Chris Lynch Memorial Turkey Trot 5K” at 307 S. Scraper in Vinita (7:00 a.m. registration). Thursday, November 28 – Thanksgiving Dinner Buffet at Doc’s Bar & Grill (11:00-5:00). Thanksgiving Dinner at Grand Lake Kitchen at Har-Ber Village (11:00-3:00). Thanksgiving Dinner at Matt’s Place in Grove (Open until 2:00). Free Thanksgiving Dinner at Vinita Community Church (11:00-2:00). Free Thanksgiving Dinner at R-Bar Saloon (2:00-6:00). Friday, November 29 – Ice Rink opens at the Grove Community Center lawn (3:00-9:00 p.m.). Friday & Saturday, November 29-30 – Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village opens at Har-Ber Village (continues December 6, 7, 13, 20, 21). Friday, November 29 – Black Friday Seafood Extravaganza at the Summit at Shangri-La (4:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, November 30 – Native American Holiday Market at Grove Community Center (10:00-6:00). Monday, December 2 – Grand Lake Association Annual Banquet at Cherokee Yacht Club (6:00 p.m.) Thursday, December 5 – Vinita Christmas Parade (6:30 p.m.). Friday, December 6 – First Friday Wine Share at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove (6:00-7:30 p.m.). Friday, December 6 – Ron Lay Light Up Downtown Grove Memorial Celebration on the Community Center Lawn in Grove (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, December 7 – Langley-Disney Christmas Parade Across the Pensacola Dam (6:00 p.m.) followed by cookies & hot chocolate with Santa at Disney City Hall. Saturday, December 7 – Miami Christmas Parade (6:00 p.m.). Saturday & Sunday, December 7-8 – Christmas at the Oasis, Journey to Jesus rides & photo ops at Picture in Scripture Amphitheater (3:00-8:00 p.m.). Sunday, December 8 – Brunch with Santa at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La (10:00-5:00). 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.).
*****
In the college football world, OU and OSU are both at home this week. OSU hosts Texas Tech (2:30) and OU hosts Alabama (6:30). There are other great games to keep our eyes on, too – Indiana is at Ohio State, Ole Miss at Florida, Colorado at Kansas, BYU at Arizona State, Texas A&M at Auburn, Iowa State at Utah, Cincinnati at Kansas State, and UCF at West Virginia.
The NFL season rolls into week #12 with Cleveland hosting Pittsburgh Thursday night. Sunday games include Dallas at Washington (12:00), Kansas City at Carolina (12:00), Arizona at Seattle (3:30), and Philadelphia at the L.A. Rams (7:15). Monday Night Football features The L.A. Chargers hosting the Baltimore Ravens (7:15).
NBA action continues this week with the OKC Thunder traveling to San Antonio to face the Spurs Tuesday night at 8:30 before returning home to host Portland Wednesday night (7:00). After a five-day rest, they head west to face Sacramento Monday night (9:00) and Golden State next Wednesday (9:00).
PGA players are at Sea Island Golf Club in Georgia this week for the RSM Classic. Live coverage starts at 11:00 a.m. Thursday & Friday and noon Saturday & Sunday on The Golf Channel.
*****
Sadly, we may see our first freezing temperatures of the year at Grand Lake this week, but don’t worry about the weekend ahead. It looks good – sunshine, highs around 60 and lows of about 40 degrees. There’s a lot going on around the 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 might be me!
GRAND LAKE BUM
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 continues to grow. E-mail 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.
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 Public House 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
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 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
