October 19 Random Observations Of The Grand Lake Bum

Monkey Islanders have kicked off another “Party for a Cause” season – and they don’t plan on stopping any time soon. Patty Davis and Rita Hitzeman hosted an awesome fundraising gig at Blind Swine raising badly needed money for the Turkey Ford School. Dick and Arlene Seybolt bought tons of food, then snagged Richard Lippitt and the Shebang kitchen crew into helping them with an awesome barbecue fundraising dinner at The Shebang to kick off the fundraising season for the Islanders’ “Delaware County Kids Christmas Fund” at the Shebang last week. I should have known what would happen when I couldn’t find a parking place. Sure enough, they raised over $6,000 to kick off the fundraising for that awesome holiday venture. Islanders love any excuse for a party – and those are good ones. Next up? A November 7 Chili Cookoff & Pie Competition at Blind Swine to raise money for maintaining the popular Monkey Island Trail. Dig deep – and drink up!

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Voting is underway throughout the United States and – we’ll see – the final Presidential Debate is scheduled for Thursday night. I got tickled at the TV show review company Metacritic which classifies the type of programs and movies on the tube (drama, comedy, reality, etc.). They listed the Presidential Debate as “A Horror Show.” Truer words…

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The new iPhone 12 is available. It’s easy to tell when a new phone is available for purchase, because the one you have now starts acting crazy and experiencing malfunctions. There’s no doubt that the folks who control communications technology have the best marketing tools ever. They just make the tools you have stop working properly.

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As we all get more and more dependent on electronic devices, parents should try this. When punishing your kids, don’t take away their electronics. Take away their charger and watch the fear in their eyes as they use it less and less while the battery slowly dies.

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With some businesses struggling and some closing, it’s great to see new businesses rising up at Grand Lake. The Monkey Buzz – next door to Big Shots Rhythm & Booze – plans to open mid-November with featured Monkey Island Wear. Congrats, Debbie Mitchell.

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I’m not saying the Grand Lake area has been overrun with and over-supply of Mexican restaurants and “taco Tuesday” and “taco Thursday” events…but one of the area’s most popular Mexican Restaurants ran a special dinner offering last week: Chicken Fried Steak.

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DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: The Pourhouse at The Regatta in Grove is now open. The Grill at Indian Hills has reverted to winter operating hours – 7:00-3:00 Thursday-Sunday. Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La is open for dine-in lunch & dinner service 7 days a week. The Road Hog Saloon has resumed Saturday & Sunday breakfast service. The Quarterdeck Restaurant at Tera Miranda will remain open through November 15 (Monday, Thursday, Friday 4:00-9:00 and Saturday & Sunday 8:00-9:00).  

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PUBLIC EVENT CANCELLATION NOTICE: Shangri-La Resort’s Fall Festival planned for Satirday has been cancelled, as has the “Ghosts of Grove” tour originally scheduled for this weekend. Sunday’s “Boatless Fishing Tournament” at Shangri-La has been postponed due to unforeseen scheduling conflicts.

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ROAD AND COVE CLOSURES: The road across the Pensacola Dam is closed for repairs until at least March 2021. ODOT plans to begin construction on a new bridge over Horse Creek at Bernice (Butt Bridge) this week. Once work is underway, that bridge will be reduced to one lane for the better part of a year. Wolf Creek is closed to all but local boat traffic this weekend, Friday-Sunday, to accommodate the Southern Drag Boat Association Wolf Creek Nationals.

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: Thursday is the South Grand Lake Chamber membership luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Church on the Lake. Thursday evening is also a South Grand Chamber Business After Hours at Grand Meridian RV Park (5:00-7:00). Thursday Night Prime Rib & Karaoke is at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort (6:00-9:00). Friday is the South Grand Lake Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament at The Coves Golf Club (noon shotgun). The Southern Drag Boat Association Wolf Creek Nationals are in Wolf Creek Friday-Sunday; and Saturday night is the Grand Meridian Halloween Bash at Grand Meridian RV Park.

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BEST WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: Jason Morgan starts the weekend with karaoke fun at the Thursday Night Prime Rive & Karaoke at Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort (6:00-9:00). The Quarterdeck at Tera Miranda is trying something a little different Thursday evening. They’ll feature a 5:00 p.m. comedy show with Elijah Tindall.  KJ Flip leads the Thursday night karaoke fun at the Blind Swine, followed by the Nick Whitaker Duo Friday night and The Faulconers Saturday night. KJ Flip is back Sunday night for Karaoke & Cocktails. Terry Jordan performs at the Summit Restaurant at Shangri-La Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Big Shots will feature Karaoke fun on Friday night and dancing to the tunes from DJ Bandito Saturday night. Monkey Island Pub features Karaoke with DJ Tim Saturday night.

In Grove, The Faulconer Duo will entertain Saturday night at The Pourhouse at The Regatta.

Some area casinos are also back into the musical entertainment business. Indigo Sky Casino this week presents Travis Kidd Thursday & Friday nights in the Echo Bar, followed by The Stonehorse Trio Saturday. At Downstream Casino’s Legends Sports Bar, Eastern Heights will be on stage Friday night followed by The Harley Hamm Band Saturday.

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: Graham crackers originated with a 19th-century religious movement opposed to pleasurable sensations.

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FUN FACT OF THE WEEK: Pill bugs (also known ad roly polies) are not insects. They are terrestrial crustaceans and they are edible. Their taste is similar to shrimp.

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Be sure to bring up politics at Thanksgiving this year, to save on Christmas gifts.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: 2020 has answered the musical question, “Hank, why do you drink?” (thanks to my pal Terry Jones for sharing this one)

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BEST T-SHIRT SEEN THIS WEEK: Sorry I’m late. I didn’t want to come.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: Dance like no one is watching; but text and email like it will be read in court one day.

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BEST PUN OF THE WEEK: A buddy of mine had a bit much to drink and drove his expensive car into a tree. He found out his Mercedes bends.

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OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: That moment when a package says “Easy Open” and you end up using scissors, a knife, a hammer, a gun, and a lightsaber trying to open it.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENTS OF THE WEEK: America lost a true treasure last week – one of the strongest and most inspiring women in history. Roberta McCain, daughter-in-law of a Four-Star Admiral, wife of a Four-Star Admiral, mother of legendary POW, U.S. Senator, and Presidential candidate John McCain, died last week at the age of 108. We also lost one of America’s most revered TV game show hosts last week. Tom Kennedy, longtime host of “Name that Tune,” was 93 years old.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Scott Graham, Michael Thrift, Aileen Oldaker, Mark Kidd, Robin Purdie, Kelly Hudelson, Victoria Perry, Caryl Blanchat, Richard Bell, Roger Pelcher, Cy Elmburg, Julie Wolfe, and Tony Larocca.

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do doctors’ offices give you a specific appointment time, then tell you to be there 15 minutes early? Why don’t they just give you the REAL appointment time to start with?

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: The Voice returns for another season Monday and Tuesday nights at 7:00 on NBC. The final Presidential Debate will (possibly) air on most networks Thursday night at 8:00. The Undoing premieres Sunday night at 8:00 on HBO – and a two-hour season debut of This is Us airs next Tuesday night at 8:00 on NBC.

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Connected and Death on the Nile have nationwide releases in movie theaters this week. The Witches is available Friday on HBO Max. Bad Hair is available on Hulu this week; and Friendsgiving is available Friday streaming.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Sometimes I wish I had a terrible childhood, so at least I would have an excuse.” – Jimmy Fallon

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SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, October 31 – Halloween Hayride & Party at Cherokee Yacht Club. Saturday, October 31 – Haunted Candy Trail at Lee’s Resort (5:00-8:00). Saturday, October 31 – Costume Contest at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina. Saturday, October 31 – Costume Contest & Party at Blind Swine. Saturday, November 7 – 2^nd Annual Chili Cookoff & Pie Competition at Blind Swine benefiting the Monkey Island Trail. Wednesday, November 11 – Veterans Day: Veterans play free golf at Shangri-La. Saturday, November 14 – Glow Golf Par 3 Challenge at Shangri-La Golf Club. Saturday, November 14 – Monkey Island Potluck Thanksgiving at Monkey Island Pub (7:00). Saturday, November 14 – Jello Wrestling Tournament at Blind Swine. Sunday, November 15 – Thanksgiving Potluck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina (1:00 p.m.). Thursday, November 19 – South Grand Lake Chamber Annual Banquet at Shangri-La Resort.  Saturday, December 5 – Cherokee Yacht Club Christmas Boat Parade. Saturday, December 5 – Ugly Sweater Contest at Monkey Island Pub. Saturday, December 12 – Grove Christmas Parade. Saturday, December 19 – Christmas Costume Contest at Monkey Island Pub.

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SPORTS WATCH: All the local college football favorites are in action this week. Tulsa kicks off the weekend Friday night at 6:30 at South Florida (ESPN). Saturday games include OU at TCU (ABC) and Kansas at Kansas State (FS1), both at 11:00. At 2:30, OSU hosts Iowa State (Fox). Arkansas is idle this week.

We’re down to two teams in Major League Baseball. It’s finally World Series time! Games are scheduled Tuesday-Wednesday, Friday-Sunday, and Tuesday.

There are two Monday Night NFL games tonight – actually an afternoon game and a night game. Kansas City is at Buffalo at 4:00 this afternoon (Fox) and the Cowboys host the Cardinals at 7:00 (ESPN). The NFL season heads into week #7 Thursday night with Philadelphia hosting the New York Giants (Fox). Sunday games include Dallas at Washington (noon on Fox), Pittsburgh at Tennessee (noon on CBS), Kansas City at Denver (3:30 on CBS) and Tampa Bay at Las Vegas (7:00 on NBC). Monday Night Football features The Chicago Bears at the L.A. Rams (7:00 on ESPN).

Due to COVID concerns, the PGA Tour will be in Thousand Oaks, California instead of Japan this week for the ZOZO Championship. Coverage is exclusively on the Golf Channel beginning at 4:00 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.

NASCAR drivers are in Martinsville, Virginia this weekend for some Sunday afternoon racing in the Round of 8. Coverage of the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 begins at 2:30 Sunday on NBCSN.

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For those who like Fall, we have a weekend coming for you. The forecast for the weekend ahead calls for a little breeze and cloudy skies, with highs in the mid-60s and lows in the 40s – down to the 30s Sunday night. Get out and start doing your Fall fun stuff, but remember - 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.

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 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

Henrie’s Grill 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

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.)

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

Pit Stop Café in Grove

Quarterdeck Cafe at Tera Miranda Harbor (smoking on the deck)

Raggedy’s in Grove

Rancho Viejo in 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)

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 Pouhouse 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

Waterway Café, Harbors View Marina (smoking on breakwater dining deck)

Wolf Creek Diner in Grove