June 21 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum
In case you can’t tell by the thermometer, Summer has officially arrived. It happened Sunday – the first day of summer. A buddy of mine insists on saying, “now the days start getting shorter.” Nope. They’re still all 24 hours. We just have a little less daylight every day. We hit the peak Monday with 14 hours and 41 minutes of daylight.
*****
I hope everyone had a terrific Father’s Day. Now, it’s time to get to work. This is the last weekend to make sure your boat, house, refrigerator and pantry are all ready for the 4th of July weekend onslaught of family and friends who are so happy you have a place at Grand Lake.
*****
GRDA has announced a minor return of Blue Green Algae in the Fly Creek area of Grand Lake and extending out a little ways north of the Bernice Bridge in Horse Creek. For God’s sake, don’t panic! The blooms are low in toxicity, and they’re just in that limited area. We used to swim around in that stuff and come up with it hanging all over us as we pretended to be sea monsters. I remember asking a doctor buddy about the dangers of Blue Green Algae. He thought for a minute, then said, “Yeah, I wouldn’t recommend eating it.” But, if you want to avoid it, just go to another part of the lake. There are another 45,000 or so surface acres that are totally unaffected.
*****
The announcement that electric vehicle manufacturer Canoo plans to build a $400 million plant in Oklahoma providing 2000 jobs by the end of 2023 is fabulous news, for sure. And, of course, when there is good news, there is no shortage of folks taking credit. The most outrageous was a story in The McCarville Report which proudly announced the facility was coming to Tulsa – in “Tulsa’s Mid-America Industrial Park.” Excuse me, the Mid-America Industrial Park is in Pryor – not Tulsa. That’s like bragging about the sensational park, “A Gathering Place” being in Langley!
*****
Commercial air travel is back, but some of the fun didn’t make it back. I flew on Southwest Airlines the other day and was surprised there is no liquor available. American Airlines has only very expensive booze (you have to be in first class); and United only offers alcohol on hub-to-hub flights or flights over 800 miles. The first ban on airline liquor was to avoid unnecessary contact with flight attendants and to encourage passengers to keep masks over their nose and mouth during the height of the pandemic. The booze ban has now returned because of an excess of unruly passengers. I guess airlines are like bars: every now and then some rowdy jerks show up and ruin the fun for everyone.
*****
I’m not sure if Wal-Mart has too many customers or they just think they have too many employees. As if most people don’t hate that self-checkout enough, America’s largest retailer is now thinking about doing away with cashiers altogether. In Fayetteville, Arkansas, they’re testing their “self-checkout only” plan in stores already. They say they’ll have “associates” at each self-checkout to assist if you need help. If they’re just going to be standing their doing nothing, why the hell don’t they just check us out? SMH
*****
Major League Baseball batting averages are down this year – and I guess MLB doesn’t believe it could be the result of better pitchers. They think, instead, pitchers must be doctoring the ball. A new “sticky stuff” rule is now in place. If pitchers are caught doctoring the ball, they’ll be ejected and given a ten-day suspension – and their teams cannot replace them in the roster. I thought we were experiencing better athletes through training. MLB apparently thinks it’s just better pitching through chemistry.
*****
DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Mr. Shing Chinese Restaurant has now re-opened in Langley. Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney is now open 7 days a week. QuickQue BBQ Shack is now open Wednesday-Sunday from 11:00-8:00 at Monkey Island RV Park. Blind Swine on Duck Creek (at Harbors View Marina) is now hosting Friday night Creole Shrimp Boil fun, as well as breakfast service Friday, Saturday & Sundays. Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La hosts a weekly Shrimp Boil on the patio each Thursday night as well as an all-you-can-eat Ribs Special Friday nights. Doc’s Bar & Grill and Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda both offer a Saturday & Sunday Breakfast Buffet.
*****
BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: The Grand Jam Music Festival at Grand Meridian RV Park is Friday and Saturday. There is also a Corn Hole Tournament at The Anchor at Shangri-La Friday and Saturday. Farmer’s Market is back at the Grove Community Center lawn Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon is the Heels on Wheels Car Show & Bikini Contest at Copper Penny Bar & Grill in Ketchum; and the first Youth Pickleball Camp at Shangri-La will be held next Monday-Wednesday at The Anchor Activity Park. I hope we have clear skies Thursday night. It’s not just a full moon – it’s a Strawberry Super Moon!
*****
BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: The Grand Jam Music Festival at Grand Meridian RV Park Friday & Saturday features eight different bands – The Taria Lee Band, the Cody Frost Band, Tilley & Alpha Norris, The Magen Faulconer Band, Mike Barham & the Honky Tonk Prophets, Quin Peterson & the Dirt Road Detours, The George Brothers, and Reverse Reaction. At Sharky’s Bar at Hammerhead, James Muns’ acoustic show starts the weekend Friday afternoon from 2:00-6:00 – and he’ll be back with the full band Sunday afternoon. Saturday night’s music at Sharky’s is by Zene Smith. At Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney, enjoy the music of Dustin Pittsley Friday night, followed by Ronnie Pyle & the Drivers Saturday night. Erin Fitzgibbon entertains every Thursday night at Blind Swine on Duck Creek (at Harbors View Marina) and KJ Flip leads the musical fun every Wednesday night.
On Monkey Island, the Thursday Night Shrimp Boil and Karaoke with Jason Morgan kicks off the weekend on the patio at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La. Friday night, Jamey Hooper provides the live entertainment at Doc’s. DJ Kennedy kicks off the weekend entertainment Friday night at Eddy’s Lakeside Bar, followed by The Lucas Gates Band Saturday night. Terry Jordan entertains Friday & Saturday nights at The Summit at Shangri-La. The Balcony Bar at The Shebang provides great karaoke fun with Kerry Kimmons beginning at 8:00 Friday & Saturday nights; and just across the street, there’s always great dance music Friday & Saturday nights at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. KJ Flip will lead the karaoke fun Thursday night at Blind Swine – and he’s back for more Karaoke & Cocktails Sunday night. Erin Fitzgibbon will perform Friday night at 6:00 at the Swine/Monkey Island. Saturday night is great dancing and singing at Monkey Island Pub - Karaoke with Tim.
At The Regatta in Grove, KJ Flip entertains Friday night with great karaoke.. Saturday night, DJ Gragg entertains.
Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Larry & Zack in the Echo Bar Thursday night, followed by Big Smitty Friday and The Tim Nowell Band Saturday. Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar features music of The Brandon Butler Band Friday and Morgan Squared Saturday nights. At Cherokee Casino Grove’s 1897 Bar, Brent Giddens will be performing Friday night followed by Bobby DeGonia Saturday.
*****
RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: There is no evidence that P.T. Barnum ever said, “There’s a sucker born every minute.”
*****
FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The scar left by a fencing wound is called a “smite.”
*****
BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Hydration Tip: Drinking a gallon of water every day helps you avoid other people’s drama because you’re too busy peeing. Stay hydrated, my friends.
*****
BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: America is the best country in the nation.
*****
TWEET OF THE WEEK: Stop posting your personal problems on social media. Just drink, like the rest of us.
*****
BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: They should have a follow-up to the G7 Summit a week later and call it the C Major Summit. Maybe that will resolve everything. (apologies to non-musicians)
*****
OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Have you ever heard a rumor about yourself and actually wanted to hear more. Like, “Damn! Really? What did I do next?”
*****
FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: Remember “Florence?” George Jefferson’s smart-mouthed maid on the TV show “The Jeffersons?” She was portrayed by veteran actress Marla Gibbs – who turned 90 years old last week. How about Herb Tarlek, the obnoxious sales manager in the classic TV series “WKRP in Cincinnati?” He was portrayed by journeyman actor Frank Bonner who died last week at the age of 79. We lost a great character actor last week, too. Ned Beatty (Network, Rudy, Deliverance, Superman, Toy Story) was 83.
*****
GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Jeremy Mullen, Autumn Love, Jackie Durrett, Jason Morgan, Jason Benson, Bill Thune, Angella Johnson, Rob Stallings, Joe Zaloudek, Rudy Moritz, Shana Hartley, Patricia Sanford, Terri Fowler, Dallas Sorrels, and Bobbie Owens. Congratulations to Ashleigh Robinson. The 23-year-old Language Arts Teacher at F.D. Moon Middle School in Oklahoma City now has another job: Miss Oklahoma!
*****
UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: When you press one for English, why are you transferred to someone you still can’t understand?
*****
BUM MUST-SEE TV: Mandy Patinkin and Wayne Brady join the cast of The Good Fight, available Thursday on Paramount+. The 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards Show airs Friday night at 7:00 on ABC. The Mysterious Benedict Society is available Friday on Disney+; and Sex/Life debuts Friday on NETFLIX. Lady Boss: The Jackie Collins Story airs Sunday night at 8:00 on CNN.
****
BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: False Positive is available this week on hulu and Fathom is on Apple TV+. Gaia is available for rent; and next Wednesday, June 30, America: The Motion Picture will debut on NETFLIX.
*****
QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “When your children are teenagers, it’s important to have a dog – so someone in the house is happy to see you.” – Nora Ephron
*****
SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, July 1 – Vinita Fireworks. Friday, July 2 – Dedication of The Anchor Activity Park at Shangri-La (1:00 p.m.). Friday, July 2 – First Friday Wine Share at Note-Able Outdoor Living in Grove (6:00-7:30). Friday, July 2 – Wyandotte Fireworks. Friday, July 2 – Commerce Fireworks. Friday, July 2 – Brad Paisley Concert at The Pavilion at Downstream Casino. Saturday, July 3 – Monkey Island Fireworks at Shangri-La. Saturday, July 3 – July 3rd Fireworks Celebration at Wolf Creek Park. Saturday, July 3 – Grand Lake Fireworks at Disney. Saturday, July 3 – Horse Creek Fireworks. Sunday, July 4 – Independence Day Parade in Bernice (11:00 a.m.). Sunday, July 4 – Duck Creek Fireworks. Sunday, July 4 – Miami Fireworks at Riverside Park. Friday, July 9 – South Grand Lake Chamber Golf Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club. Thursday, July 15 – Grove Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet at Big Shots. Friday, July 16 – Shangri-La Sunset Cruise from Shangri-La Marina. Saturday, July 17 – Aquapalooza Grand Lake. Monday-Wednesday, July 19-21 – Junior Skills Camp at Shangri-La Golf Club. Thursday, July 22 – Grove Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at United Fidelity Funding Corp. Thursday-Friday, July 22-23 – Junior Club Championship Tournament at Shangri-La. Saturday-Sunday, July 24-25 – Club Championship Tournament at Shangri-La Golf Club.
*****
SPORTS WATCH: NBA Playoffs continue this week with the Conference Championship series in the East and West. We’re down to just four teams now. Games are on TNT and ESPN this week.
The PGA players are at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut this week for the Travelers Championship. Coverage begins on The Golf Channel at 2:00 Thursday & Friday, noon Saturday & Sunday. CBS picks up the final two rounds at 2:00 Saturday & Sunday.
The College World Series games kick off Saturday – and air daily. Check your local listings for teams, times, and channels.
The College World Series continues this week. No later than Saturday, we’ll be down to just two teams. The best-of-three Championship series will be next Monday, Tuesday and (if necessary) Wednesday on ESPN and ESPN2.
In MLB, the Royals and Rangers go at it Saturday afternoon at 3:00 ((FS1) and the Yankees face the Red Sox while the Dodgers host the Cubs at 6:00 (Fox). Sunday night at 6:00, the Cubs and Dodgers meet again (ESPN).
NASCAR drivers are in Pocono this week for two days of racing. The NASCAR Cup Series at Pocono will air Saturday at 2:00; and the Explore the Pocono Mountains 350 airs Sunday at 2:30, both on NBCSN.
*****
Weather-wise, we’ll cool off a little this weekend, compared to last weekend. We’ll start out around 90 for a high Friday with a low of 70. Then, we’ll take about a five-degree nosedive through the rest of the weekend with highs in the mid-80s and lows in the mid-70s. There’s a “chance” of isolated thunderstorms, but not much of one. It should be another great weekend on 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
Want more information on advertisers you see in the Grand Lake Bum? No problem. Just click on their ad and you will be connected to their website. 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 is growing. E-mail or contactgrandlakebum@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.
Ailey’s Café in Langley
Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley
Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)
Big Shots on Monkey Island (Open 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
Buffalo Bar at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)
Café at Har-Ber Village
Café Yum in Grove
Cesar’s Place in Vinita
Cesar’s Place in Langley
Checkered Past in Grove
Chickanella’s in Grove
Chicken Coop West of Langley
Clanton’s Café in Vinita
Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum
Coppers Tea & Coffee House in Grove
Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)
Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel
Docks Bar at Harbors View Marina
Domino’s in Grove
Downstream Casino in Quapaw (smoking)
Drake’s on the Lake at Blue Bluff Harbor
Drake’s Restaurant in Grove
Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)
Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove
Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)
Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)
Grand Lake Public House in Grove
Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove
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
La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove
Lester’s Third Street Diner in Grove
Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum
Los Garcias in Langley
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove
Marina’s Place at Littlefield Corner
Matt’s Place in Grove
Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)
Monkey Island Trail Rides
Monkey Island Winery
Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove
Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove
Pappy’s Bar on Hwy 10 east of Grove
Pickles at the Lake in Langley
Pistol Pat’s on Honey Creek in Grove
Pit Stop Café in Grove
Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)
Raggedy’s in Grove
Rancho Viejo in Grove
Red’s Buffet & Ice Cream in Disney
Riggs & Company in Langley
River Bend Casino in Wyandotte (smoking)
Road Hog Saloon at the entrance to Monkey Island (smoking...but not at lunch)
Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)
Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)
Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)
Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La on Monkey Island
The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice
The Landings Market and Grill on Monkey Island (smoking on the patio)
The Parrot at Honey Creek Landing in Grove (Smoking on the patio)
The Pourhouse at The Regatta in Grove
The Stables Casino in Miami (smoking)
The Shebang on Monkey Island (smoking on patio and Balcony Bar)
Ugly’s Grill & Bar, Thunder Bay Marina (smoking)
VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)
Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove
Wolf Creek Diner in Grove
Comments:
Map It
