September 24 Observations of The Grand Lake Bum

This column is always about happenings at Grand Lake – and I always write it from Grand Lake, of course, but even bums like to take a little vacation now and then; so I’m writing the column this week from the mountainside at Grand Lake…Colorado. I thought I might sneak up here for a few days so I could look into the future of Grand Lake, Oklahoma. I’m afraid what I found in Colorado will soon be headed our direction. It was 34 degrees for a low last night!

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I did save some money in Colorado, though. Grand Lake Colorado is at an elevation of about 8,400 feet above sea level (compared to Grand Lake, Oklahoma at 750 feet). I saved a lot of money on my liquor budget because it doesn’t take nearly as much to achieve your desired goal. That old pilot saying is right: “the higher you get the higher you get.” My savings were short-lived, though, because there are other things available for purchase in Colorado that we don’t have in Oklahoma….yet.

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Back on the shores of Oklahoma’s Grand Lake, “A Taste of Grand” was a fantastic event Saturday night. Record sales, record sponsorship, record attendance – and a great evening of food, beverages, and camaraderie for a truly great cause. That’s how we do it on Grand. Congratulations to Downstream Casino for their “Supreme Cuisine” championship – and to Patricia Island and Shangri-La for first and second-place “People’s Choice” honors, respectively. If you’re looking for a great place to eat around the lake, you might want to jot down the names of restaurants who were honored with “5-Star Culinary Excellence Awards”: Indigo Sky Casino, The Parrot Steakhouse & Grill, Blind Swine, Silver Spoon Cooking, Chickanella’s, The Artichoke, Mulligans & Patricia Island, River Bend Casino, Arrowhead & Cherokee Yacht Clubs, Downstream Casino and the restaurants of Shangri-La Resort. Congratulations, all!

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It would have been some party if a donation of bananas from a Freeport business had actually made it to the Scott Unit of the Texas corrections system. Law enforcement officials thought the boxes looked a little unusual, so they opened them. There were bananas, all right, along with 540 kilos of cocaine valued at $18 million. Smugglers are getting creative – but law enforcement officers are apparently a little bit crafty, as well.

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Not all law enforcement officials are rocket scientists, though. It’s like any other profession. Take the case of Jackson County, Florida Deputy Sheriff Zachary Wester. A judge last week ordered commutation of prison terms for eight people who were convicted of meth charges, all of whom claimed Wester planted it on them. Guess what turned up? Yep, Wester’s very own bodycam footage…which showed him planting the drugs. Oops. He’s out of work right now, and the courts are investigating 263 other cases which involved drug arrests by Wester.

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Voters in a recent Harris Poll named Taco Bell as the Best Mexican Restaurant in America. See? With mid-terms coming up, let that be a lesson to you. That’s what happens when people don’t vote.

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GRAND LAKE DINING AND DRINKING UPDATE: Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill is now closed on Mondays. Open Tuesday-Thursday noon-10:00; Friday & Saturday noon-midnight and Sunday noon-8:00.

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A NOTE TO A PIANIST, LEFT BY HIS WIFE: “Gone Chopin, have  Liszt, Bach in a Minuet.”

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BEST FACEBOOK POST OF THE WEEK: Yesterday I wore something from five years ago and IT FIT! I’m so proud of myself. It was a scarf. But still.  

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RANDY KREHBIEL’S RANDOM FACTOID OF THE WEEK: 221B Baker Street was not an actual address at the time Arthur Conan Doyle wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories, but it is now. Sort of.

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BEST SIGN SEEN THIS WEEK: Taco Emergency? Call 9 Juan Juan.

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TWEET OF THE WEEK: Carrots may be good for your eyes, but booze will double your vision.

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FEEL-OLD MOMENT OF THE WEEK: “The Addams Family” TV show made it’s debut 54 years ago this month.

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BEST OBSERVATION OF THE WEEK: Why do I press 1 for English. I still get someone who can’t speak it.

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GRAND LAKE BUM SHOUT-OUTS: Happy birthday wishes go out this week to Fred Northrop, Barbara Oden, Bill Durrett, Mickey Tyrrell, Tim McCrary, Justin Haynes, Kristin Broaddus, Jim Anderson, Danny Head, Carl Fiddner, Gary Hardman, Mike Mitchell, Russ Soderberg, Chris Merillat, Mary Bulten, Mark Athey, Stache Blair, Jerry Lee, Randy Wheeler, and Gary Nichols.  

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UNANSWERED QUESTION OF THE WEEK: Why do they call it life insurance?

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BEST EVENTS OF THE WEEK: This is the final week for the fabulous musical comedy revue “Disenchanted” at Playmakers in Grove. Performances Tuesday and Saturday at 7:30 and a final performance Sunday afternoon at 2:00. Friday is the big Charity Golf and Black Jack Tournament at Patricia Island Golf Club and Grand Lake Casino. Shangri-La Golf Club’s “Club Championship Tournament” is Saturday & Sunday – and the South Grand Lake Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Hook ‘N’ Cookoff is Saturday at South Grand Lake Regional Airport. Saturday evening is an “End of Summer Party” at Cedar Port Marina beginning at 5:00.

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GRAND LAKE WEEKEND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: There’s plenty of great entertainment around the lake. On Monkey Island this weekend, you are the star on the Balcony Bar at The Shebang with karaoke fun Friday and Saturday nights, and the dance floor will be hoppin’ with music byDJ $way right across the street both nights at Big Shots Rhythm & Booze. Up highway 125, Friday night is Karaoke Night at Monkey Island Pub. At the Blind Swine, there’s live entertainment every Friday and Saturday night (including Erin Fitzgibbon Friday), and KJ Flip hosts karaoke Sunday and Tuesday; and at Littlefield Corner, there’s always live entertainment at the Road Hog Saloon Saturday night.

On South Grand Lake, Friday night is Karaoke Night at Michelle’s Bar & Grill at Grand Lodge in Ketchum – and there’s always live entertainment at Michelle’s on Saturday night. There is Friday & Saturday night entertainment & karaoke fun on the deck at Juan Montez at Red Arrow Marina.

Area casinos have big entertainment plans, too. Cherokee Casino Grove will feature DJ MIB Friday night, followed by Soul Deville Saturday night. At Bordertown Casino’s Lost Creek Saloon, you are the star at Thursday night karaoke. Thomas Martinez entertains at Bordertown Friday night, followed by The Mark Chapman Band Saturday. At River Bend Casino’s Club 60 West Bar, The Stonehorse Band will perform Friday night. At Grand Lake Casino’s Venue 655, Rosy Hips will be on stage Friday night. Indigo Sky Casino offers three nights of musical entertainment this week.Phil Vaught performs Thursday and Friday nights in the Echo Bar, followed by Big Smitty Saturday.

The best spots to catch all your favorite sports action, including the PGA Tour Championship, Major League Baseball, College Football, NFL games, and NASCAR are Doc’s Bar & Grill at Shangri-La Resort Hotel, the Standing Room Only Bar at The Shebang, Monkey Island Pub, Blind Swine, Road Hog Saloon, 1909 in Grove, and Pickles at the Lake in Langley.

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BUM MUST-SEE TV: Murphy Brown returns to TV Thursday night at 8:30 on CBS. Thursday night also features the season premieres of Grey’s Anatomy (7:00 on ABC) and How to Get Away With Murder (9:00 on ABC). Friday night is the season premiere of Blue Bloods at 9:00 on CBS; and Sunday night at 7:30 is the series premiere of God Friended Me, also on CBS.  

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BUM MUST-SEE MOVIES: Little Women, Smallfoot and Night School

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Now and then we had the hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.” – Mark Twain

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SAVE THE DATE: Friday-Sunday, October 5-7 – Girls Getaway Weekend at Shangri-La Resort and in Grove. Sunday, October 7 – 8^th Annual Folds of Honor Classic at Shangri-La. Thursday, October 11 – Ketchum Academic Foundation Annual Banquet at Cherokee Yacht Club. Friday-Saturday, October 12-13 – Pelican Festival in Grove. Friday-Saturday, October 12-13 – Rocktober Disney below the Pensacola Dam.  Saturday, October 13 – Tennessee Style BBQ and Bluegrass Jam Fest 10:00-5:00 at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Grove. Saturday, October 13 – Oktoberfest of Vinita at the Catholic Church grounds. Saturday, October 20 – Fall Crappie Tournament at Indian Hills Marina. Saturday, October 27 – Route 66 Punkin’ Chunkin’ Contest at John’s Tractor Works, Vinita. Friday, November 16 – Flying J Ranch Extravaganza benefiting St. Jude.

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In the world of professional golf, the United States team travels to Paris to take on the Europeans in the 42^nd annual Ryder Cup competition this week. If you’re really devoted, you can watch live coverage Friday morning at 2:00 on the Golf Channel and Saturday morning at 2:00 on NBC. Recap coverage at noon each days is a little more civilized. Sunday’s final round coverage starts at 5:00 a.m. on NBC with closing ceremonies at noon, also on NBC.

It’s week #5 in the world of college football. OSU is at Kansas Saturday at 11:00 (FSN) while Arkansas and Texas A&M battle it out at Texas Stadium in Arlington, also at 11:00 (ESPN). OU hosts Baylor at 2:30 on ABC. Tulsa is idle this week. Other great Saturday match-ups include Ohio State at Penn State, Tennessee at Georgia, West Virginia at Texas Tech, Iowa State at TCU, and Texas at Kansas State.

Thursday night NFL action features the Minnesota Vikings at the Los Angeles Rams (Fox). Sunday noon games include Detroit at Dallas (Fox) and either Buffalo at Green Bay or Miami at New England (CBS). CBS features New Orleans at the NY Giants at 3:30. Sunday night Baltimore is at Pittsburgh at 7:00 on NBC; and Monday Night Football features a great rivalry – Kansas City at Denver (7:00 on ESPN).

Major League Baseball features a couple of good rivalries this weekend. The Yankees are in Boston to face the Red Sox Friday night at 6:00 (ESPN) and again Saturday at noon (Fox). The Cardinals face the Cubs Saturday at noon, as well.

NASCAR drivers are in Charlotte this week for the Bank of America Royal 400. Coverage of begins at 1:00 Sunday on NBC.

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It looks like a great weekend ahead. We may have a shower or two Friday late, but other than that, we’ll have mostly sunny skies with warm days and cool nights. Highs in the mid-70s and lows in the upper 50s.There’s a lot happening  around the lake this weekend, so have fun, but be safe; and, remember…wherever 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. 

1909 in Downtown Grove

Ailey’s Café in Langley

American Grill in Grove

Aquabar & Grill at The Landings Marina on Monkey Island (smoking on the deck)

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

Bobbers Café in Langley

Buffalo Run Casino in Miami (smoking)

Café Italia on Monkey Island

Café Yum in Grove

Carlos Montez in Langley (smoking in bar)

Ceasar’s Place in Vinita and at Littlefield Corner

Checkered Past in Grove

Chickanella’s in Grove

Chicken Coop West of Langley

Clanton’s Café in Vinita

Coffee Shelter in Ketchum

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

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

Gabby’s Place in downtown Grove

Goodfella’s Pizza (Cleora and Grove)

Grand Lake Casino, north of Grove on Highway 10 (smoking)

Grand Lodge in Ketchum (smoking)

Hatfield’s Saloon in Grove

High Winds Casino east of Miami (smoking)

Indigo Sky Casino west of Seneca, Mo. (smoking)

Juan Montez Restaurant & Cantina at Red Arrow Marina

Karrie's Kaboose in Langley (smoking)

La Casita de Martin in downtown Grove

Lakeside Bar & Grill in Grove at Sail Boat Bridge

Lighthouse Supper Club in Ketchum

Los Garcias in Langley

Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Grove

Monkey Island Pub (Smoking)

Monkey’s Uncle at Littlefield Corner (Breakfast & lunch)

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

Morrows Bar & Grill in Raper Hollow

Mulligan’s at Patricia Island Golf Club in Grove

Nu Taste Restaurant in Grove

Okie Smokies Barbecue in Grove on Hwy 59 South

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)

Scooters in Langley (smoking)

Sharky’s at Hammerhead Marina (smoking)

Smokin’ Spur BBQ & Trading Post at Old Towne Plaza, Cleora

Sticky Fingers Barbecue in Ketchum

Stuffn’s Restaurant in Ketchum (Smoking on patio)

The Grill at Indian Hills Resort & Marina in Bernice

The Landings Marina (smoking on the deck)

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 Office on Monkey Island (smoking)

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