October 17 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

It’s a great start to the Fall season so far. I made it through the schedules of State Fairs in both Oklahoma City and Tulsa…and no one made me go to either one!

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Matt Rhule got my dream job last week – FIRED NFL COACH! After he was summarily dismissed by the Carolina Panthers, they will still have to pay him $40 million. Talk about a golden parachute!!! He coached 38 games. Now, he gets $834,000 per month for the next 48 months…for not showing up.

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My blood pressure is down. I finally got so tired of all the haters on the Facebook page “Brent Venables Army – Oklahoma Sooners Football” that I dropped my participation and blocked the comments. After Saturday’s win, all they could come up with was, “I hate the uniforms.” I haven’t seen so many negative comments from negative people since I joined the Grand Lake Boaters Facebook page.

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Football and fairs aren’t the only signs that the seasons are in serious “change mode.” I am a little surprised at people who have lived in Oklahoma for a while still seem to be shocked at the temperature extremes every year. Yes, this week temperature extremes will go from 86 to 21 in a single week – but that’s no more surprising than recent days when temperatures have swung between 81 and 41 in a single afternoon! We’re pretty much still the only state where we can jam all four seasons into a single day.

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Congratulations are in order for Grand Laker Toby Keith who will add to his huge stack of honors next month. He will be awarded Broadcast Music Inc’s “BMI Icon Award” at the BMI Country Awards Show November 8. The award honors songwriters who have had a “unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers.” Past recipients include Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Hank Williams, Jr. and Stevie Nicks, among others. Pretty tall company!

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Michael Thrift, G.W. Goss, Mike Swartz, Josie Driskill, Brian Winter, Karen Baxter, Karin Goss, Sandy Harrell, Aileen Oldaker, Mark Kidd, Robin Purdie, Mark Muse, Kelly Hudelson, Justin Ruzicka, Victoria Perry, Shawn Russell, Vince Freeman, Kenny King, and Caryl Blanchat.

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BEST GRAND LAKE EVENTS THIS WEEK: Fall and Halloween events get underway in full swing this week. Saturday is Fall Fest at the Courthouse Square in Jay (9:00-4:00), Hoot & Howl Camp or Treat at Grand Lake State Park in Bernice (6:00-9:00 p.m.), the first night of Haunted History Hayrides at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:00 p.m.), and the Hallo-Woof Dog Costume Contest & Adoption and Kids Trunk or Treat at the Grove Civic Center (12:00-5:00 p.m.). There is also a Customer Appreciation Hog Fry from 12:00-4:00 Saturday at Pickles Pub in Langley. The Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La hosts its Fall Wine Dinner for members Saturday evening.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: In 1839, a white man named John N. Bryan and a Cherokee named Ned drove a stake into the ground near a fork of the Trinity River and went back to Arkansas. This was the beginning of Dallas, Texas.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: The word “queue” is just a Q followed by four silent letters.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: What if they’re not stars? What if they’re holes poked in the top of the container so we can breathe?

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: 2 Hour Parking 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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BEST TWEET OF THE WEEK: My grandad always said, “as one door closes, another opens.” He was a lovely man, but terrible cabinet maker.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: Was Berry white? Is Clint black? Is George strait? Was Marvin gay? Sure makes Stevie wonder.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Do people in Australia call the rest of the world “up over”?

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: I guess Walmart thinks I want to put up my Christmas tree and eat turkey while wearing my Halloween costume.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: It’s still extremely popular in reruns, but “The Andy Griffith Show” made its television debut this week 62 years ago. I’ll admit it, I not only still watch “The Andy Griffith Show,” but I’m a fanatic watcher of “Murder, She Wrote,” the series that featured big screen/small screen/Broadway star Angela Lansbury in her last leading role. She died last week, just five days short of her 97^th birthday.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Pumpkins are part of the squash family. And as any non-vegetarian will tell you, squash are zombie vegetables. Squash look like vegetables, but they have no taste. Everyone knows a zucchini is just a cucumber that tastes like a paper towel.” – Jim Gaffigan

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: On Monkey Island, the weekend fun kicks off Thursday night at the Italian Buffet & Karaoke with Jason Morgan at Doc’s Bar & Grill. Clint Ingram performs indoors at Doc’s Bar & Grill Friday night. There is karaoke fun on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang Friday and Saturday nights when the weather is warm enough; and DJ K-Bandito is now hosting Big Shots Big Saturdays across the street at Big Shots; and Saturday is Rockstar Karaoke night with DJ Chris Kennedy at Monkey Island Pub. The O’Banion Band will host a Benefit Concert for the Monkey Island Fire Department at the O’Banion Barn (55900 E. 290 Road) on Monkey Island Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, Ryan Graham kicks off the weekend Friday night at Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill followed by BJP Music Saturday night. At the Drunken Rooster, Ninety Proof will provide the music Saturday night.

In Grove, there is karaoke fun every Thursday night at Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, followed by live music Friday night by Stone Horse and more karaoke Saturday. Runnin’ on Empty performs Friday night at Cherokee Casino Grove followed by Repo’d Trailers Saturday.

JR Neal starts the weekend music Thursday night at Indigo Sky Casino followed by Encore Friday night and One For The Money Saturday. Colt Ford will perform Saturday evening at Legends Sports Bar at Downstream Casino. There’s Friday Night karaoke with DJ Kay this month at Club 60 West at River Bend Casino; and Puzzle Pieces will perform Saturday night.

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Bailey’s Bistro opens this week at the Layk School House on Monkey Island, serving breakfast and lunch. Marinas Bar & Mexican Grill at Littlefield Corner has closed permanently. The Café at Har-Ber Village has closed for the season. The Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort is closed except for special events. Blind Swine on Monkey Island is now closed Sunday & Monday. The Galley at The Anchor now closed Monday & Tuesday, open 4:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, and 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Saturday & Sunday.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Inside Amy Schumer returns for a new season Thursday on Paramount+. Criss Angel’s Magic with the Stars airs Saturday night at 7:00 followed by World’s Funniest Animals at 8:00, both on CW.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: The much-anticipated Ticket to Paradise and Black Adam both open in movie theaters this week. Matriarch debuts Friday on NETFLIX and The Good Nurse premieres next Wednesday, also on NETFLIX.

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SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, October 27 – Ketchum Scholastic Foundation Gala Fundraiser at Cherokee Yacht Club (6:00 p.m.). Friday, October 28 – Halloween Costume Pickleball Mixer at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (7:00-8:30 p.m.). Friday, October 28 – Crawl-O-Ween off-road spook trail in the South Grand Lake Recreation Area (4:00 p.m.). Friday, October 28 – World Series Game 1. Friday & Saturday, October 28-29 – Jetlahoma remote control jet airshow at South Grand Lake Regional Airport (10:00-5:00). Saturday, October 29 – Mary Moore Pickleball Charity Challenge benefitting Special Olympics at The Anchor Racquet Club at Shangri-La (8:00 a.m.). Saturday, October 29 – Kids’ Spooktacular Halloween Party & Costume Contest at The Anchor at Shangri-La (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 29 – Haunted History Hayride at Har-Ber Village (5:30-8:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 29 – Halloween at Hookers at Cherokee Yacht Club/Hayride, Bonfire, Costume Contest. Saturday, October 29 – Halloween Party at Grand Meridian RV, Cabin & Tiny Home Resort (6:00 p.m.). Saturday, October 29 – United Cherokee Alliance Fall Craft Show & Indian Taco Sale at Bernice Community Senior Center (10:00-4:00). Saturday, October 29 – Halloween Party & Shrimp Boil at Quarterdeck Café at Tera Miranda. Saturday, October 29 – One Year Anniversary Party & Halloween Bash at Drunken Rooster. Saturday, October 29 – Trick or Treat in Downtown Grove. Saturday, October 29 – Monster Mash Trunk or Treat, Costume Contest, and bonfire at Mid-America Outdoors (6:00 p.m.). Monday, October 31 – “Trunk or Treat” at the Courthouse Square in Jay (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Thursday, November 10 – South Grand Lake Chamber Luncheon & Election of Board Members at GRDA Ecosystems Center in Langley (11:30 a.m.). Thursday, November 10 – Wine Tasting at Pine Lodge Resort hosted by South Grand Lake Foundation (6:00-8:00 p.m.). Friday & Saturday, November 11-12 – Christmas Open House “Shop Local” Merchant event in Grove and on Monkey Island. Friday & Saturday, November 11-12 – Church Bazaar & Bake Sale at Free Will Baptist Church in Grove (9:00-5:00). Saturday, November 12 – Main Street Car Show in Langley (11:00-2:00). Saturday, November 12 – Chili Cookoff at Langley City Park (11:00-2:00). Saturday, November 12 – DCCSN’s annual Winterset gala at Shangri-La Resort. Saturday, November 12 – “Party at the Pavilion” at Marina Del Rey Resort (5:00 p.m.). Thursday, November 17 – South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce annual banquet – “The First Christmas Party” at Shangri-La Resort.

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In the college football world, OU and Arkansas are both idle this week. Tulsa kicks off the weekend Friday night at 6:30 on the road at Temple. Oklahoma State hosts Texas for homecoming in Stillwater Saturday. Other Saturday games to watch include K-State at TCU, Kansas at Baylor, West Virginia at Texas Tech, Mississippi State at Alabama, and Syracuse at Clemson.

The Saints and Cardinals kick off the NFL weekend Thursday night at 7:00. Sunday games include Detroit at Dallas and Green Bay at Washington at noon, and Kansas City at San Francisco at 3:30. Pittsburgh is at Miami Sunday night at 7:00; and Monday Night Football features the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots.

PGA Players back in the states this weekend for the CJ Cup in South Carolina. Coverage is on the Golf Channel Thursday- Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m.

NASCAR drivers are in Homestead-Miami this week. Coverage of the Dixie Vodka 400 begins at 1:30 Sunday afternoon on NBC.

Major League Baseball moves into League Championship Series play this week with best-of-seven playoffs continuing through the weekend. The World Series is set to begin with Game 1 October 28.

The NBA season is underway, as well. The OKC Thunder is on the road at Minnesota Wednesday night and Denver Saturday night before returning home to host Minnesota Sunday and the L.A. Clippers next Tuesday. Thunder games are on Bally Sports Oklahoma.

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It looks like we have another beautiful fall weekend ahead! We’ll have clear to partly cloudy skies, light winds, highs in the low-to-mid 70s and lows in the low-to-mid 50s; so get out there and enjoy all the many weekend Grand Lake entertainment options. Remember, though, no matter where you decide to 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

Artichoke Restaurant & Bar in Langley

Balcony Bar at The Shebang (Smoking – open Friday & Saturday nights)

Bella Donna’s at Honey Creek Landing Marina

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

Cafeteria at The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

Casa Gutierrez in Grove

Cesar’s Place in Vinita

Cesar’s Place in Langley

Changos Locos at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Copper Penny Bar in Ketchum

Copper’s Tea and Coffee House in Grove

Cosby’s Catfish on Highway 28 in Eucha (East of Disney)

Cove Club in Langley

Danny’s Dockside Pizza at Honey Creek Landing

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 Restaurant in Grove

Drunken Rooster Bar & Grill

E&H Liquor Store at Littlefield Corner, Monkey Island

Eddy’s Lakeside Bar at Shangri-La Marina (smoking)

Fire Pit at Wildwood Cove Resort in Drowning Creek

Forage in downtown Grove & The Layk Schoolhouse on Monkey Island

Galley at The Anchor, Shangri-La Resort

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and 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

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

Matt’s Place in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey Island RV Resort

Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill in Disney (smoking, etc.)

Monkey Grind at Shangri-La Resort Hotel

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

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 (smoking on the deck)

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 (smoking...but not at lunch)

Royal Liquor Store in Grove

Rusty Anchor (next to the cliffs at Dripping Springs)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

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 (smoking)

VIP Pizza at Hammerhead Marina (smoking on deck)

Water Side Bar & Grill in Grove

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove