September 21 Observations from the Grand Lake Bum

September 21, 2026

And just like that – it’s Fall! Yep. This is the first week of Fall – or, as my friend Rusty Fleming always refers to it, “The Fall Ball.” He says that because this is the very best time of the year for boating, golf, camping, and a variety of other outdoor events at Grand Lake! Mother Nature is on board. We’re likely done with triple digit temperatures – and high temperatures this weekend will finally start with an “8” instead of a “9.” Better start locating those sweaters and making sure your long pants still fit.

If you see coyotes on the Shangri-La golf course, don’t worry. They’re plastic. Course maintenance guys are just hoping the geese will think they’re real? By the way, if you see foxes on the course, they are real!

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So now, brainiacs in the artificial intelligence industry are warning that we’d better scale back or AI could wipe out the human race in the next four years. Looks like their artificial intelligence is outrunning their own human intelligence. It’s getting tough to determine whether we’ll all die from artificial intelligence or genuine stupidity!

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Etiquette for airline travel has changed dramatically over the years, but it hasn’t gone this far – until now. On a flight from Baltimore to Miami, a passenger took off all her clothes and engaged in “indecent behavior” in full view of a plane full of passengers. I googled all I could, but never determined exactly what the “indecent behavior” was. Maybe just taking off all her clothes in mid-flight was indecent enough. She was arrested when the plane landed, though, so I wouldn’t recommend trying this.

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Just a few days ago, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said his members had been working seven days a week trying to solve our nation’s problems. That, of course, is nowhere near the kind of work schedule they have…but I guess he thinks they’re worn out. Last week, apparently to avoid a vote on impeaching Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, he adjourned the house. Not for a day. Not for a week. Not even for a month! Don’t count on Congress to deal with any issues whatsoever, because the House of Representatives won’t be back in session until after the midterm elections. Wouldn’t you like to have a work schedule like THAT?

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President Trump has banned reporters from CNN, MSNow, and Politico from the White House and deactivated their White House Press Credentials. Maybe they could sneak into the White House by hiding in a food catering cart. It has worked before!

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One final political note: I guess New Hampshire GOP U.S. Senate Nominee John Sununu has decided he doesn’t need any votes from Boomers. He has proposed a work requirement for retired seniors on Medicare. Hmmm. WHAT retirement, right? I guess he didn’t know Medicare recipients are receiving that money because THEY paid it in over the years.

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Grand Lake Bum Shout-Outs

OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Grand Lakers Lyn Moore, Sheryl Chinowth, Susan Jones, Jack Frost, Susan Gill, Justin May, Tommy Huelskamp, Shelly Schultz, Angie Good, Sheila Bond, Jerri Parrish, Conley Reece, Heather May, Ron Johnston, Kathy Lungren Baker, Barbara Oden, Susan Moritz, Mickey Tyrrell, Leslie Bloese, Jacki Hanna, Cooper Mullen, Chris Bolt, Jack Counts, Ron Simpson, Don Simpson, and Tim McCrary.

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Best Grand Lake Events this Week

Tuesday is a “State of the Region” luncheon honoring Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell at Wolf Creek Expo (12:00 p.m.). Thursday is the Grove Area Chamber Fall Golf Tournament at Patricia Island Country Club (1:30 shotgun) and the South Grand Lake Chamber Monthly Membership Luncheon (11:30). Thursday & Friday nights and Sunday afternoon, Playmakers in Grove presents “Whatever This Is!” a fun variety show (7:30 Thursday & Friday – 2:00 p.m. Sunday). Saturday morning is “Farmers’ Market” on Grove’s Downtown Square (8:00-1:00). Saturday evening is A Taste of Grand on the Integris Grove Hospital grounds (6:00 p.m.).

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Randy Krehbiel’S Random Factoid of the Week

Some credit a Texas named Clark Stanley with the origin of the terms “snake oil” and “snake oil salesman.” From the 1890s until around 1916, Stanley hawked an elixir he claimed to be made from rattlesnakes he chopped up and boiled down as part of his medicine show. Stanley’s Snake Oil Liniment was really mineral oil, capsaicin, turpentine, and camphor, with a small amount of animal fat.

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Fun Fact of the Week

There was some history made at last week’s Prime Time Emmys presentation. “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” won an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Series, even after the show was canceled by CBS; and Sally Field became the oldest winner of an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Remarkably Bright Creatures). Sally is 79.

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Odd Fact of the Week

The U.S. House of Representatives has been in session 72 days this year. At $174,000 per year, each member got $2,416 per day – and didn’t work enough to meet the Medicaid work requirements they passed.

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Best Facebook Post of the Week

So I have to work to keep my health insurance, but Congress can take 38 weeks of vacation and keep theirs? I think I found the fraud, waste, and abuse they’re always complaining about.

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Word Fun this Week

I just sat in the shower for an hour thinking about how Mercedes has 3 E’s that are all pronounced differently.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK Signs aren’t always clear as to their intent. A sign at M.D. Anderson in Houston said, “Stroke Patients Here.” I totally misunderstood and now I need bail money. (Thanks to Doug Anderson for spotting this one)

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Best Bluesky Post of the Week

When you kick a hornets’ nest, it’s the hornets that decide when it’s over.

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Pun of the Week

A buddy of mine started a band called “Blanket.” It’s a cover band.

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Unanswered Question of the Week

I thought about how mothers feed their babies with tiny little spoons and forks; so I wondered what do Chineses mothers use? Toothpicks?

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Observation of the Week

When people tell me, “You’re going to regret that in the morning,” I sleep until noon because I am a problem solver!

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Quote of the Week

“In a country that amended its Constitution so you couldn’t buy beer, then realized it was a mistake and amended it again, surely we can pass an amendment that corporations aren’t people and money isn’t speech.” – Pete Buttigieg

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Feel-Old Moments of the Week

OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: The very first television episode of M*A*S*H aired 54 years ago! The classic TV series “The Waltons” made its premiere 54 years ago. Another popular TV program, “Wheel of Fortune” with Pat Sajak and Vanna White, made its debut 43 years ago. Fashion and costume designer Bob Mackie, who famously “Dressed every spangly woman in show business,” died last week. He was 87 years old, Legendary OU Heisman Trophy-winning running back Billy Sims turned 71 over the weekend; and the United States Air Force turned 79.

Best Weekend Live Entertainment

On Monkey Island, Erin Fitzgibbon will be at Whitecap Thursday night. Zene Smith takes the stage at Doc’s Friday night at 7:00 followed by Karaoke with Crystal Ott on The Anchor Deck at 9:00. There’s karaoke with Sundown Entertainment both Wednesday and Friday nights at The Monkey Bar; and Lil’ Red & Sidepiece will be on stage Saturday night at South 125 Bar & Grill.

On South Grand Lake, Lil’ Red & Sidepiece kick off weekend fun Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney followed by Wanda Watson Saturday night. Erin Fitzgibbon will entertain at Scissortail Marina Saturday night; and Jimmy Lee Jordan and COBE will be on stage Saturday night at Pickles.

In Grove, Torn will be on stage Friday night at Grand Lake Casino; and Jeff Tatum & The Palomino Moon Band take over Saturday night. Soul Shaker will perform Friday night at Cherokee Casino; and The Beaty Creek Band takes the stage Saturday night. Laid-Back Larry hosts karaoke Saturday night at the Alpha Bar.

Chris Hyde starts the weekend music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by K.C. and the Vibe Friday and The Travis Kidd Band Saturday . Outlaws Reloaded will be on stage at Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar Friday night followed by Red Letters Saturday night. Bobby DeGonia is the featured entertainer Saturday night at Riverbend Casino’s Club 60 West; and The Marshall Tucker Band will perform at the Miami Beach Outdoor Venue at Buffalo Run Casino Saturday night.

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Dining & Drinking Update

Wildwood Cove Restaurant is now closed at its Drowning Creek location. They are moving to Grove (the former Speedy’s Chophouse location) with a tentative opening date at the new location of Friday, October 2. The Farmhouse north of Langley (formerly The Artichoke) is now open Tuesday-Saturday 5-9 p.m. Drift at The Regatta in Grove has adopted fall hours, closing one hour earlier – 8 p.m. Sunday-Thursday and 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Scissortail Marina Bar & Grill is now operating on Fall/Winter schedule – Open Friday-Sunday. Whitecap at The Landings has reduced hours – 4-9 Thursday, 4-10 Friday, 9-10 Saturday, and 9-8 Sunday. Blind Swine Duck Creek is now only open three days a week - Friday 4-10, Saturday 11-10, Sunday 11-8. Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is now closed Monday-Thursday – open Friday & Saturday 11-8 and Sunday 11-7. Ugly’s Grill & Bar also has new fall hours – Noon-8 Saturday and Noon-4 Sunday.

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Bum Must-See Tv

SEE TV: The new reality show Hell’s Kitchen debuts Thursday night at 7:00 on Fox followed by Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test at 8:00. A new season of 20/20 premiers at 8:00 Friday night on ABC and a new season of Dateline premiers at the same time on NBC. Saturday Night Live also kicks off a new season Saturday night at 10:30 on NBC. The Voice is back for a new season Monday night at 7:00 on NBC..

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Bum Must-See Movies

SEE MOVIES: Heart of the Beast, Forgotten Island, Avengers: Endgame-Encore, and Charlie Harper all open in theaters this week. Toy Story 5 is available on Disney+.

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Save the Date

Thursday, October 1 – The Monkey Bar on Monkey Island officially kicks off the “Halloween Season” with a spooky “Midnight Margarita Night” (7:00 p.m.). Thursday-Sunday, October 1-4 – Pelican Festival at Wolf Creek Park. Thursday, October 1 – “Pollution Prevention for Dummies” – the “3X3” Challenge, hosted by the Lake O’ The Cherokees Subwatershed Association at NE Tech Bis in Grove - free plants! (4:00-6:00 p.m.). Friday, October 2 – South Grand Lake Chamber Golf Tournament at The Coves Golf Club (12:00 pm shotgun). Saturday, October 3 – final “Farmers’ Market” of the year at Grove’s Downtown Square (8:00-1:00). Saturday, October 3 – Long Distance Classic Sailboat Race from Grand Lake Sailing Club. Saturday, October 3 – 33 rd Annual Mahogany & Chrome Classic Boat Show at Cherokee Yacht Club (10:00-3:00). Saturday, October 3 – Laketoberfest Celebration at The Shebang and Big Shots on Monkey Island. (5:00 p.m.-2:00 a.m.). Friday-Sunday, October 9-11 – Rocktoberfest off-road event at the offroad area below the Pensacola Dam in Disney. Saturday, October 10 – OU-Texas Watch Party at The Anchor at Shangri-La (2:00-6:00). Thursday-Friday, October 15-16 – Fall Break: Indigenous Programming at Har-Ber Village. Saturday, October 17 – Old Time Gathering Music Festival and Congra Dance at Har-Ber Village Museum. Saturday, October 17 – Heart of Monkey Island Chili Cookoff & Auction raising money for Christmas gifts for kiddos at South 125 Bar & Grill (noon). Friday-Saturday, October 16-17 – Patricia Island Country Club/Indigo Sky Casino Shootout at Patricia Island (10:00 a.m.). Friday, October 30 – Trunk or Treat Halloween Party at Tera Miranda Resort (5:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday, October 30 – Halloween Costume Party with crafts & Games at The Anchor (6:00-9:00 p.m.). Friday-Saturday, October 30-31 – Evening walk through Haunted Village at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:30 p.m.). Saturday, October 31 – Halloween Buffet & Costume Contest at The Summit (5:00-9:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 31 – Pickleball Tournament for men, women, and mixed doubles at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (10:00 a.m.).

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In the sports world, it’s a big week for college football. OU is on the road at Georgia (2:30) and OSU Travels to West Virginia (6:00) Saturday. Tulsa is at Arkansas Saturday night (7:00). There are a couple of good games Friday night, too – Northwestern at Indiana and Clemson at California. Other big Saturday games include Texas at Tennessee, Missouri at Mississippi State, Ole Miss at Florida, Kansas State at Cincinnati, Texas A&M at LSU, and Oregon at USC.

The NFL Regular Season is underway. Green Bay hosts Atlanta Thursday night. Sunday games include Kansas City at Miami (12:00), the N.Y. Jets at Detroit (12:00), Baltimore at Dallas (3:30), and the Broncos hosting the Rams (7:15). Monday Night Football features the Eagles & Bears (7:15).

WNBA players are back at work following their 5 th straight World Cup Championship. Final regular season games wrap up with a good one – Indiana at Minnesota Thursday night at 7:00. WNBA Playoffs begin Sunday.

For PGA players, it’s President’s Cup weekend in Chicago. Coverage begins at 11:00 Thursday morning and noon Friday on The Golf Channel. NBC has the final two days of action Saturday & Sunday beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Major League Baseball’s regular season comes to an end Saturday night as the Yankees host the Orioles (6:15 p.m.). Playoff action gets underway next Tuesday.

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

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With the official arrival of Fall this week, Grand Lake temperatures will show it. We’ll have high temperatures in the low-to-mid 80s Saturday & Sunday with evening temperatures in the low sixties. As is ALWAYS the case at Grand Lake, there’s a lot happening this weekend and we’ll have perfect weather for all of it – so get out there and have fun!! 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