Random Observations of The Grand Lake Bum September 23

Fall has arrived. Officially, the seasons changed a little before 8:00 Sunday morning – but it was Sunday night before the word officially reached Grand Lake with temperatures dropping into the low 60s. The rest of the week features highs that begin with a “7” and several nighttime lows that begin with a “5.” Personally, I’m not crazy about the temperature drop, but I’m sure my friends who like sweaters, s’mores, and smelling like bonfire smoke are ready for Fall adventures. The only good news is – this is the perfect weather for boating and golf!

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It’s hard to believe that we are wrapping up another month, already – and next week throws us headlong into October. That means great entertainment both indoors and out! The awesome “Killer Keyz” national touring dueling pianos act returns to Shangri-La October 4, and the Courage Under Fire Classic Golf Tournament benefiting the Monkey Island Fire Department is just two days later, Sunday, October 6. The rest of October includes Fall Festivals, Halloween parties, toy runs, pre-holiday fundraisers, chili cookoffs, tailgate watch parties, concerts, poker runs, lots of great entertainment, and the awesome Celebrity Golf Shootout coming up October 25-26 at Shangri-La. If you still think there’s such a thing as an “off-season” at Grand Lake, you haven’t been paying attention.

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Was your social media blown up this week with the scary post that “Halloween is on Friday the 13th this year for the first time in 666 years”? Mine was. Don’t be scared, though. I think the same person who posted that info must be busy doing all the fake political posts, too! Just to be clear, Halloween is always on October 31. It can NEVER be on a Friday the 13th, because it’s never on the 13th at all! Oh, by the way, if you still wonder if the fake post might be true, there’s one other thing - there is no Friday the 13th in October this year.

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The famed Tupperware company who gained fame beginning in the 1950’s, finally filed for bankruptcy last week. It’s unfortunate news, of course, and Tupperware official tried to keep a lid on it – but they couldn’t find one that fit. So, I guess this is official notification to ladies that “the party is over.”

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Jerri Parrish, Sheila Bond, Jill Kelly, Shelley Koster, Conley Cornell, Heather May, Kathy Lungren Baker, Barbara Oden, Susan Moritz, Debbie Mitchell, Drenda Cox, Bill Durrett, Mickey Tyrrell, Susan Satterlee, Chris Bolt, Tim McCrary, Danny Head, Carl Fiddner, Mike Mitchell, Gary Hardman, Jim Anderson, Andy Newman, Mike Lillie, and Chris Merillat.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Thursday is the South Grand Lake Chamber monthly membership Luncheon at the Ecosystems Center in Langley. Thursday evening is the weekly Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La (6:00 p.m.) and a Crab Legs & Karaoke at Island Bar & Grill at both The Landings and Blind Swine Monkey Island. Blind Swine also features an all-you-can-eat Seafood Boil Saturday night. The Grove Merchants Fall Open House is Friday & Saturday. Saturday morning is Farmers Market on the lawn at the Grove Community Center. Saturday is a Women’s Auxiliary Association of Monkey Island Taco Bar Fundraiser at Lake Center Baptist Church (11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.). The NEO Pickleball Open is Saturday & Sunday at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La. Sunday is a Gold Star & Blue Star Mothers & Family Memorial Dedication at Veterans Honor Plaza in Langley with Lt. General Bud Wyatt (1:00 p.m.).

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: The dunce cap is named for John Duns Scotus, a late 13th and early 14th century philosopher and theologian who theorized that wearing a conical headpiece could funnel knowledge into a person’s brain. Critics called his followers “dunses.”

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: In 1958, two pilots – Robert Timm and John Cook – flew an aircraft for more than two months without landing. They refueled by matching their speed with a truck driving down the road below. Their record has not been broken yet.

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ODD FACT OF THE WEEK: There are certain areas where it is common for people to live over 100 years. They are known as “blue zones,” and there are five of them on Earth: Sardinia, Italy; Okinawa, Japan; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; Loma Linda, California; and Icaria, Greece.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: I can’t afford an Ancestry DNA Kit to learn about all my relatives. So instead, I posted on Facebook that I had won the lottery.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Parking Available in Empty Spaces Only

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: I’ll never be okay with donut shops cutting a hole in my donut, then charging me separately for the same hole they robbed me of.

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PUN OF THE WEEK: If you are ever attacked by clowns, go for the juggler.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Is it possible to depart from any airport without posting it first on social media?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Sometimes you meet someone and you know from the first moment that you want to spend the rest of your life without them.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Out of all the things I have lost, I miss my mind the most.” – Mark Twain

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: English fashion designer Stella McCartney is the daughter of famed singer/songwriter & former Beatle Paul McCartney. Paul’s little girl turned 53 last week. Saturday Night Live’s season premiere Saturday night will mark the beginning of the program’s 50th season!

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend at the Thursday Shrimp Boil & Karaoke on the patio of Doc’s Bar & Grill and Friday night, Scott Musick entertains live at Doc’s. Thursday night is Cocktails & Karaoke Night at the Swine Monkey Island location. DJ Laidback Larry hosts the musical fun Friday night at the Swine followed by The Faulconers live Saturday night. Western Justice will be on stage Saturday night at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. DJ Kyle Bandito provides the late-night music at Big Shots both Friday & Saturday nights.

On South Grand, Dustin Pittsley starts the weekend Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Clint & Frank Saturday night. Daniel Chesser entertains Friday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek, followed by Randall George Saturday night. Downbeat will perform live at The Drunken Rooster Saturday night.

In Grove, The Chain Project performs Friday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by Becky Sparkman Saturday night. There are two nights of entertainment at Cherokee Casino’s 1897 Bar – Carl Acuff, Jr. Friday night followed by Magic J Entertainment Saturday.

There are three nights of live music at Indigo Sky Casino. Low Compatibility kicks off the fun Thursday night followed by Sunset Circle Friday night, and The Rumor Saturday. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West, Bobby DeGonia performs live Saturday night followed by karaoke at 11:00 p.m Saturday Night Live’s season premiere Saturday night will mark the beginning of the program’s 50th season. Left of Center performs Saturday night at Buffalo Run Casino’s Backwoods Bar.

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DINING & DRINKING UPDATE: Grand Lake Kitchen is finally open at Har-Ber Village. 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). Scissortail Bar at Scissortail Marina (formerly Port Carolos) is open. Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La will discontinue breakfast service beginning Monday, September 30 (open for lunch and dinner daily, breakfast available daily at The Monkey Grind). Ugly’s Grill & Bar has moved into fall hours of operation – 12:00-9:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 12:00-4:00 p.m. Sunday. Blind Swine on Duck Creek has new hours – opening at 4:00 p.m. Thursday & Friday and 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. The Monkey Bar on Monkey Island has new hours of operation - opening at 3:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 11:00 a.m. Saturday & Sunday. The Anchor Sports Bar and Galley also has new fall hours, opening at 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m. Saturday, 11:00 a.m. Sunday. Keagan’s Coffee has new hours, too – Friday-Monday 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Voice begins a new season Monday night at 7:00 on NBC. Brilliant Minds debuts Monday night at 9:00, also on NBC. Murder in a Small Town premieres Tuesday night at 7:00 on Fox. Shania Twain hosts the People’s Choice Country Music Awards Thursday night at 7:00 on NBC. Grey’s Anatomy returns for another season Thursday at 9:00 on ABC. Jean Smart hosts the premier of new season of Saturday Night Live with musical guest Jelly Roll at 10:30 Saturday night on NBC.   

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: It’s a big week for movie releases. Never Let Go, The Wild Robot, Lee, Megalopolis, and Notice to Quit all open in movie theaters this week.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday-Sunday, October 3-6 – Pelican Festival & Carnival at Wolf Creek Park in Grove. Friday, October 4 – “Killer Keyz” nationally acclaimed dueling pianos appear at Shangri-La (7:00 p.m.). Friday, October 4 – Pimps & Hoes Party at Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum (9:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 5 – Brothers-in-Law Toy Run with poker run stops at the Miami Elks Lodge, RJ’s in Vinita, Copper Penny in Ketchum, Road Hog Saloon at Monkey Island, and R-Bar Saloon in Grove. Saturday, October 5 - Member Appreciation Party at Shangri-La. Sunday, October 6 -  Courage Under Fire Classic golf tournament benefiting the Monkey Island Fire Department. Saturday, October 12 – Arts & Crafts Festival and Indian Tacos at the Bernice Senior/Community Center (10:00-2:00). Friday, October 25 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at The Coves (12:00 p.m. shotgun). Friday-Saturday, October 25-26 – Shangri-La Celebrity Shootout Dinner & Match Play at Shangri-La feature OU golfers from Good Good Golf and OSU golfers from Busta Jack (dinner at 6:30 Friday, shootout at 12:30 Saturday at The Battlefield). Saturday, October 26 – Heart of Monkey Island Chili Cookoff & Margarita competition raising money for “Christmas for the Kiddos” at Blind Swine Monkey Island (noon). Saturday, October 26 – Fall Festival & Hayrides at The Battlefield at Shangri-La (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Thursday, October 31 – Trunk or Treat Block Party in the Parts City parking lot in Langley (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, November 2 – Murder Mystery Dinner “Death of a Gangster” at Shangri-La’s Roosevelt Ballroom (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, November 9 – Scavenger Hunt benefiting 2nd Chance Pet Rescue at The Shebang (11:00 a.m.).  

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It’s another big week for both college and professional football. OSU travels to Kansas State in a Big 12 rivalry Saturday morning at 11:00; and OU is on the road at Auburn (2:30). Other big Saturday games include Georgia at Alabama, Arizona at Utah, Mississippi State at Texas, TCU at Kansas, Arkansas at Texas A&M, BYU at Baylor, and Iowa State at Houston.

The NFL season rolls into week #4 with the New York Giants hosting Dallas Thursday night. Sunday games include Philadelphia at Tampa Bay (12:00), Denver at the NY Jets (12:00), Kansas City at the L.A. Chargers (3:30), and Buffalo at Baltimore (7:15). Monday Night Football features another double-header this week – Tennessee at Miami (6:30) and Seattle at Detroit (7:15).

NASCAR drivers are in Kansas City this week for some Sunday afternoon racing. Coverage of the Hollywood Casino 400 is on the USA Network Sunday afternoon at 2:00.

The WNBA is in playoff mode this week. Playoff action began Sunday and continues, as necessary, through Friday. Semi-final WNBA playoff action begins Sunday.

PGA players are in Canada this week, with Team USA defending their title against the International Team for the Presidents Cup. Coverage begins Thursday at noon and Friday morning at 10:30 on the Golf Channel. NBC coverage begins at 8:00 Saturday morning and 11:00 a.m. Sunday.

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The times, they are a-changin’. Last weekend’s high temperatures were in the 90s with lows in the 70s. This weekend, high temperatures will be in the 70s with lows in the upper 50s! Maybe even a little rain now & then. It’s a good weekend to find some indoor 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)

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

Gambine’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)

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

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

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

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