At Least I’m Not Pushing Up Daisies

Posted on May 21, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was just looking back over past “lawn order” postings since I thought to do one today.  It is that or a Throwback Thursday.  Personally I am leaning towards the Throwback Thursday, because a Lawn Order post (do I really have that as a category? Too lazy to check right now) can only make me look bad.  I have not taken any pictures, which will really make me look bad (cue unkind jokes about how most pictures of me are bad) (you know who you are).

I do not recall if I mentioned it in a blog post (and having already looked over past posts I do not want to check), but last fall my lawn mower pooped out on the last mow of the season.  It would start but not continue running.  I said to heck with it (only I didn’t say “heck”), put it in the garage, mowed with the non-power mower, and basically just forgot about it.  I am irresponsible like that.  Then when spring got here, I kept hearing No Mow May.  Who am I to argue?  Also, I had other things on my mind.

Back when I used to do a good job mowing my lawn.

I throw in a picture from May 2020, just to pep up the post. I got some advice from several sources, then consulted Collis Hardware, who suggested I bring the mower down there and let them fix it.  What a great idea!  I walked my mower on down. Unfortunately, I should have done it much earlier in the season, because it may be a couple of weeks before I hear from them.

In the meantime, it has been raining, and my grass has been growing.  One year, when Steven was still alive but sick, we had let the grass get quite out of hand.  At this time I was incapable of starting the power mower but managed with great effort to get the front lawn done with the non-power mower.  I got a neighbor to start the power mower to do the back.

Now, regular readers may recall that beginning at the end of April, I have this mysterious pain going on in my leg, rendering prolonged standing, walking, or running difficult.  This is one of the things on my mind that made No Mow May seem so attractive.  However, I believe there are village codes to consider, so yesterday and today, I have had at my front lawn with the non-power mower, clippers, and determination.  The results were… well, it looks as if I made an effort.

Please don’t eat the daisies.

This is actually a picture from June a couple years ago.  There will probably be as many daisies soon.  Right now there are copious forget-me-nots, which I will try to get a picture of soon.  Right now I am still resting my leg from my exertions and hope this rather lengthy (for me) blog post has not been too boring and whiny.

Maybe I give it a punchy headline and bill it as a Non-Sequitur Thursday.

 

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Murals and Selfies, It’s Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

Posted on May 20, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I planned last week to make a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post when I came out of New 2 You Consignments in Ilion, NY and saw the mural painted on a wall opposite.

So artistic!

I believe they have had community events in that space.  I will have to watch when they will have more.  It will make for a good blog post.  Having taken one good picture, I had to look out for more.  That was where I didn’t get so lucky.  Then I had an opportunity to wear one of the new earrings I got at The Mustard Seed in Little Falls. Perhaps you read my blog post about them.  As regular readers may recall, I like to wear three different earrings.  It is a thing with me.

I can’t pretend I take a good selfie, but I do my best with what nature gave me.

Yesterday was the vote for the school board budget.  It is one’s civic duty to vote.  We do not hear much about duty these days, but it used to be a big deal. In the Agatha Christie books I delight in reading, the characters can usually get each other to do things by telling them it is their duty.  So I told myself it was my duty and went to the Junior/Senior High School, where voting took place.  A nice police officer opened the door for me.  I laughed, because there was a Visitor’s Door and a Student’s Door both opening into the same hallway.

“The teachers want us to vote yes, right?”  I asked a teacher-looking person as I walked into a library.  He assured me they did, and I said I would do what the teachers wanted.

“Unlike what you did in elementary school,” he speculated.

On the other side, I was wearing the butterfly earring again.

I took a selfie with my I Voted sticker.  Steve and I used to take an ussie with our stickers, so I thought I would continue the tradition.  I also continued the tradition of putting the sticker in the TV Journal.  Of course the selfie isn’t as fun as the ussie, but one does what one can.

See? Much more fun with two!

This is from November 2018.  Steven and I did have fun.

 

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My Java Reward

Posted on May 19, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

When you get your biggest chore done by eight o’clock in the morning, it is a beautiful thing.  That is the observation I made to the staff at the Java Shop in Herkimer, NY this morning after I made my order.

In fact I had more than just coffee.

I had written my article on the Herkimer Town Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel, taken a picture to go with it, and got them both emailed out.  I drank a cup of tea while I  wrote, just in case I decided to treat myself to breakfast out (must watch my coffee intake).  Of course I decided to treat myself.  I ordered a breakfast sandwich with ham and provolone on a toasted roll, because I enjoyed the last one so much.  I got a regular hot coffee.

A writer’s breakfast.

As I breakfasted (broke fast?), I worked on a letter to my friend Kim in Colorado.  I SO miss going on Mohawk Valley Adventures with her!  Dylan, the young man who brought my sandwich to me, asked if I was writing another murder mystery.  I remember Dylan from when he worked at the End Zone.  He remembered me coming in with my friend who had since moved away.  I was pleased to tell him I was talking to that very friend.

That does remind me I need to start working on the next murder mystery.  At least a good breakfast should help!

 

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Mondays Are Murder

Posted on May 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I resort to a Monstrous Monday post, as I am short on Mohawk Valley Adventures.  Well, I did participate in A Revolutionary Murder Morning Star Methodist Church in Ilion, NY on Saturday, but I did not get any pictures.  I felt quite exhausted by the end of the evening, then I could not sleep, because I had drunk two cups of coffee to help me get through the evening.  Well, that is more than enough whining. On with the blog post.

Here’s a monster for you!

This is pretty much how I felt and feel, and yes, I am laughing at myself.  As I say, it’s not always easy being me, but it is usually entertaining.  This is me at the tail end of our performance of A Revolutionary Murder at Herkimer Elks Lodge in April to benefit Herkimer County Historical Society.  I played the evil Amaretta VonSchnapps, who perished in an accident involving a cannon.  We thought it would be funny if I showed up at the end looking “cannonized.”

The picture was taken by an Elk friend who Facebook messaged it to me, and I was able to download it to my Chromebook.  I have not yet figured out how to steal pictures directly from Facebook for blogging purposes, so I cannot show you a “Before” picture of Amaretta, nor any any of my fellow cast members.  As regular readers know, technology eludes me. Perhaps I could move to another device (preview of coming attractions).

For right now, however, I see I am over 200 words.  I say that is good enough for a Monday.  I must strive to get some things done while yet recruiting enough energy to cover an important Herkimer Town Board meeting this evening (regular readers may remember my side hustle freelancing for Sentinel Media).  I hope you all have a delightful Monday.

 

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Maybe a Trip to Cooperstown…

Posted on May 17, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

People (even ones who are not named Shirley) must understand that Mohawk Valley Girl had to  attend a tasting of Cooperstown Distillery’s wares at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer on Friday.  Cooperstown, NY is a most delightful destination in easy driving distance from Herkimer (where I live), and the distillery is just one for the many attractions.  I do not drink a lot of booze, being more of an oenophile (that’s a fancy word for wino; regular readers know I like to be fancy), but I do love to taste it.

Cooperstown Select!

Sasha is one of the regular pourers at Valley, and she pretty much expects to see me.  Regular readers may remember that I left my adventure book at the liquor store on Thursday (I believe I mentioned it in my blog post).  Sasha was holding it up as I walked in.  Phew!  Someday I may want to compile my tasting notes into an irreverent wine and booze guide.

I started with the American Blend, which I declared nice.  I move on to the Straight Bourbon at 100 proof.  My note is “I like that!”  I must stay away from the really strong stuff.  Still, a little at a time is perfectly acceptable.  I can also purchase some to share.  The Straight Rye was very smooth.  Of course I had to bring up the song about “Bye Bye, Miss American Pie” (I can’t just say “American Pie,” because it might get mixed up with the vulgar movie).

When I tried the Single Malt Whiskey, I tried to explain single malt as referenced in Malice, a guilty pleasure movie of Steve’s and mine featuring Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, Bill Pullman (whose name escaped me at the time) and Ann Bancroft in a wonderful cameo.  I don’t think I explained it very well, but now I want to watch the movie again.

I enjoyed the tasting but do not plan to switch from wine to bourbon at the present time.  To find out about tastings at Valley Wine and Liquor, you can visit their website at shop valleywine.com.

 

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I Find it at New2You!

Posted on May 16, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Tonight is the night!  We present A Revolutionary Murder with a new ending and a new Evelyn Ganache, the put-upon assistant to Reuben Maneuse, organizer of the evening’s festivities.  I play Evelyn, whereas when we presented the murder before I played the evil and short-lived Amaretta VonSchnapps.  Of course I needed a new costume.  I thought I had found a good dress at a rummage sale, but when I got it home and tried it on, YUCK!  It showed up all my figure flaws (and believe me, I have a seriously flawed figure!).

After a few failed thrift store visits, I remembered I had a pair of generic black pants.  A plain blue top, paired with a patriotic scarf I had worn with the more flamboyant Amaretta costume would do.  I made my way to New 2 You Consignments in Ilion, NY, where I had previously found many excellent additions to my wardrobe.

Lots of good stuff here.

“I need a costume, but NOT something fabulous,” I told Robbi, the owner, as I walked in.  It was not long before I found just the right thing.  Phew!

I’m the one sitting down.

Just to show you an example of one of my more fabulous finds.  I actually found this the day of the murder mystery, and I have worn it for at least one other murder mystery since.  I think I look rather fabulous in it, but perhaps I flatter myself.

I’m second from the right.

And here is another fabulous find.  This one I wear as part of my regular wardrobe, not just for murder mysteries.  I do like to dress to impress, even if the only one I impress is myself.

New 2 You Consignments is located at 10 Central Plaza, Ilion, NY.

 

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Another Taste, Please!

Posted on May 15, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I wasn’t going to go to the tasting at Valley Wine and Spirits in Herkimer, NY yesterday, because when I get a free taste I like to make a purchase and I have enough wine and booze on hand for my next party which is not yet scheduled (I think that is a run-on sentence, but it is so seldom that I have one, I shall not apologize).  Where was I?  Oh yes, showing up to say hello to my friends of DikinDurt Distillery at Valley Wine and Liquor.

Nice lady, nice booze!

I seem to have mislaid the adventure book where I took my tasting notes, but I remember what I tasted and think I remember what I thought about it.  I actually think I left the book at the liquor store, because now that I think about it, I seem to remember putting it on some boxes of canned drinks under the tasting counter when I went to take the picture.  I can only hope it is still there, or that one of the workers saw it and said, “This has to be Cindy’s.”  I am known for going to tastings and taking tasting notes.

The bottle Kayla is holding is the Bourbon, which I liked.  It is funny how one’s tastes change, because I used to not care for bourbon.  Now I like the really good ones.  Next I tasted the clear Moonshine, which I purchased the last time I tasted DikinDurt.  I thought it might be good to serve at a party or perhaps to donate to a Basket of Cheer.  It was pretty strong all by itself.  90 proof, I think she said.

“That’ll clear your sinuses!” I said.  I liked it, but these things can be dangerous if taken to excess.

Next I tried the Raspberry, just to try a sweet one, which I rarely do.  It was quite tasty, very fruity and sweet. I am not big on the sweet stuff, but I can see where others might like this, mixed with pink lemonade or ginger ale, or even over ice.

I greatly enjoyed my tastes and my conversation.  DikinDurt Distillery has a tasting room at 7447 Main St., Newport, NY, which is open Fridays by reservation, 315-868-1563.  Their products are available at Valley Wine and Wine and Liquor as well as many local bars and restaurants. You can follow them on Facebook.

 

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Mustard Seed to the Rescue!

Posted on May 14, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday I stopped for a few groceries at Hannaford.  As I was getting some deli meat and cheese, I thought how good it would taste on artisan bread from Fox Tale Artisan Bakery in Little Falls.  Actually, I could not remember the name of the place other than Fox.  What I thought was, “I need to get some of that Fox bread for this!”  I impulsively drove to Little Falls, NY.

Taken on a previous visit.

And found out they are only open on weekends.  Serves me right for not checking first.  To cheer myself up, I went next door to the Mustard Seed, always a favorite stop.  I ha a delightful conversation with one of the owners and purchased a lovely pair of monarch butterfly earrings.  I mentioned that I don’t often wear orange, and she said she often wore black.  Oh yes, they would definitely brighten up a black dress or top.

“They would go good with purple, too,” I said.  I wear a lot of purple. Come to think of it, I do have a couple of orange tops.  Alas, today I put on pink, so I cannot wear my new earrings and take a selfie.  Then again, I am not as beautiful as I say I am, so selfies are not so great.

The bumblebee is the mascot of the Mustard Seed.

I will return to Fox Tales Artisan Bakery, perhaps as soon as this weekend.  They are located at 407 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-508-5021.  The Mustard Seed is at 401 Canal Place, phone number 315-823-0718.  In addition to earrings and conversation, you can get scents, pottery, spice blends, gluten-free baked goods and treats, and more.

 

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Old Mystery, New Mystery

Posted on May 13, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am going to have a Way Back Wednesday post but cannot decide if I want to go back to murder mysteries or gardening glories.  OK, my previous gardening endeavors have not been particularly glorious; I was merely going for the alliteration, since one is built in for murder mysteries.  Since I shared flowers yesterday and am concerned with Saturday’s performance of A Revolutionary Murder, I think I will go with the first one.

They are more suspicious than they look.

These are two of the suspects from A G.R.A.V.E. Murder, which we presented in October 2017 to benefit the Herkimer County Historical Society.  I was thinking about it last night, because my friend, Chuck, who is in A Revolutionary Murder, said that was one of his favorite characters, an endearingly gung ho ghost hunter (why in the world is my computer underlining “gung”?  I even looked it up!).  Saturday he plays a wheeler-dealer in charge of the evening.

Here’s the whole murderous crew!

Here is the entire cast of A G.R.A.V.E. Murder.  The second from the right is in A Revolutionary Murder as well.  He played a snotty, snobby fellow in the first but plays a gung ho musical theatre aficionado in the second.

Look at the crowd!

One more shot of G.R.A.V.E.  It was one of our best attended performances, which led to some problems being heard.  I hope we will get good attendance on Saturday and help Morning Star make some money.

A Revolutionary Murder will be presented at Morning Star United Methodist Church, 36 Second St., Ilion, NY, on Saturday, May 16, doors open at 5 p.m., roast pork dinner at 5:30.  It is a good idea to get there at 5 p.m. For tickets or more information call Barb at 315-894-4520.

 

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I Probably Won’t Eat Pancakes

Posted on May 12, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

It is too early in the day to make a Tired Tuesday post.  How can I be tired already?  I haven’t really done anything!  Well, I have written and emailed out my story on last night’s Ilion Village Board of Trustees meeting.  Always good to get that out of the way.  Now I am hungry and want breakfast. I sometimes go driving around looking for an appropriate picture for the story then go out for breakfast.  Good times.  But I had a picture already, because they swore in a new trustee.  I could still go out for breakfast, I suppose, after I make my blog post, and title this, Pre-Pancake Post.  That has kind of a ring to it.  My readers would never know whether or not I actually ate the pancakes.

Will my deck see any of these this year?

Could somebody please explain to me why autocorrect capitalized M in “my” when I typed in that caption (and why it always underlines “autocorrect”?)?  Never mind.  This is a picture from a few years ago, when I used to have a nice container garden on my deck.  My deck is a disaster area these days, as is the inside of my house.  I must and will do something about it.  I felt inspired when I was purchasing the hanging basket for my mother at T&J’s Fruits and Vegetables.  They had all kinds of plants I could get for my containers.

This is what I aim for!

I searched for another picture to further inspire myself.  The first picture was the plants just brought home from the greenhouse.  This was after I had done a little work with them.  I will do some work!  It will make a good blog post!  Wish me luck.  And a little more ambition.

 

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