Good Breakfast, But No Duck!

Posted on November 8, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I don’t usually plug chain restaurants in this space, but there are so few Friendly’s around these days, I thought it couldn’t hurt to give them a shout-out.  Also, I had a very good breakfast there with my Elks friends last Thursday.

It is a friendly place!

Once again I refrained from getting a sundae for breakfast.  I did suggest we meet there some afternoon for Jim Dandies.  I haven’t had one of those in years. In fact, now that I think about it, decades. I need to up my ice cream intake!  Thursday, however, I contented myself with a Breakfast Quesadilla, which was quite tasty.

All those toys, and I couldn’t get one!

Full disclosure:  I really wanted to go to Friendly’s because they have this claw machine where after you try for a big toy and fail, you get to try for a duck and usually succeed.  Well, guess what?  I failed!  My friend Michele gave me two dollars, and I used two dollars of my own, and NOTHING!  I was humiliated.  At least I enjoyed my breakfast and took leftovers home, which I enjoyed later that day.

My consolation prize.

On my way home, I stopped at Colonial Laundromat in Ilion.  They have a machine where you get to try till you get a toy.  Alas, I still could not get a duck.  In fact, it took me an embarrassing number of tries to get the owl (isn’t he cute, though?).  Then I put 75 cents into a vending machine and got the little sticky, squishy duck.  I gave it to Michele.  In the meantime, I wait for my duck luck to change.

Friendly’s is located at 1700 Burrstone Rd., New Hartford, NY.

 

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A Stroll Down Memory Lame to Start the Weekend

Posted on November 7, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yes, it is another Late Lame Post Friday blog post.  I offer neither excuse nor apology and only hope I can come up with a silly headline before I finish making the post.  Quick, throw in a picture to pep things up!

“Oh dear, I can’t think of anything to make a blog post about!”

This is a picture from Dirty Work at the Crossroads, a melodrama directed by my late, dearly missed husband Steven in 2012 at Ilion Little Theatre.  I am the one looking distressed in the blue gown.  The silver bag and fur are from my own costume collection.  I have an extensive collection of fancy evening bags, which is constantly growing.  Every so often I get a chance to carry one.  Sometimes I make the chance, by dressing fancy for no reason at all.

The actress and director in another context.

I shared this picture on Facebook the other day, because I never took a selfie after I voted this year.  This was from 2018, and the picture was taken at Steven’s behest.  As you can see, I was not at all averse (and what a cheese-eating grin I have!) (only I didn’t say “cheese”)

Ah, the ’80s.

Since this is turning into another Stroll Down Memory Lame (I know I have used that title before), here is a picture from the late 1980s, when Steven and I were merely dating.  Check out the hair!  I mean, the amount on Steve’s head and the curly perm on mine.  I thought I was so cute.  Luckily, Steven agreed.

OK, that’s over 250 words.  I will try for a better blog post, perhaps even later today.  In the meantime, thank you for indulging me in my memories.  Have a delightful weekend, everyone.

 

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Hey, Pumpkin! Do Ya Feel Like a Turkey?

Posted on November 6, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Well, I did it again: missed a day of posting. So here I am Friday morning wondering if I should make a Non-Sequitur or Throwback Thursday post or drive on to Lame Post Friday.  I suppose it matters not. I will rattle on for 200 or so words, hit Publish, and hope for the best.

Did somebody say Thanksgiving?

I throw in a picture to pep things up.  I guess this is a Throwback Thursday, because this is from Thanksgiving 2024 when I got creative with my veggies and dip.  I especially like the turkey’s face.  Green olives make goo-goo-googly eyes.

Nope, nope, not done with spooky season yet!

This picture was in my Media Library that same month.  I saw this decoration on Facebook and was delighted to note that a neighbor had done it.  I should do that next year.  I have more laundry baskets than I need, although they are white.  Oh well I have a good ten months to ponder the dilemma (or dilenima, as some people like to pronounce it).

Not aging gracefully, are we?

I saw some rotting pumpkins on my walk yesterday and wanted to take a picture but was too intent on the exercise (for the mental health benefits).  I like when they mildew and get all black inside.  Perhaps I will get a shot of a good one today.

And now I am over 200 words (why did I almost type “feet”?) (must have been thinking about taking a walk).  If I can think of a punchy headline, I can bill this as a Non-Sequitur Thursday post.  There is always a chance I will make my Lame Post Friday post before the end of the day.  We shall see, and as always I thank you for tuning in.

 

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Who’s Not Ready for November?

Posted on November 4, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was too tired on Tuesday even for a Tired Tuesday post.  I judge myself guilty.  However, here is a Waste Not Wednesday to brighten our day (is it really Wednesday?  I thought it was still Monday.  Shows how much I pay attention).

Me waiting around till I figure out how to get my act together.

I use up a couple more Halloween pictures.  This is from the Haunted Library at Ilion Free Public Library, which I never did get to see with full lights out, sound, and movement.  I’ll try harder next year.

A little more library fun.

Yes, sometimes I feel like that witch, crashing into things when I ought to be flying along wickedly.  In general, however, my crashes are not this perfectly head-on, so there’s that.

Color persists!

This is a tree on my street and a picture taken only a couple of days ago.  I am still enjoying bright flashes of color as I walk and drive around.  I was even still listening to Halloween music on the CD player in my car (old school, you say?  I am old enough to remember when CDs were the latest thing!).  I think I will change it out for some jazz this morning when I drive to Little Falls, NY, to swim at the Y, as I like to do at least a few times a week.

Regarding my headline, in fact I am ready for November.  I even had a moment Saturday Oct. 24, as I drove to Liverpool and passed a field covered in frost, when I suddenly felt done with fall and ready to move on to Christmas.  It was a momentary sensation, and of course I embraced the last week of spooky season.  Now, however, I am completely looking forward to Thanksgiving.  Family and food, let’s go!

 

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They Say I Get Around

Posted on November 2, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I felt certain I could make at least a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post yesterday, but it was not to be.  Now I am sitting, not as early on a Monday as I had envisioned (judge me if you are so inclined) wondering if I can make some sort of a post.  I have been a few places recently, so perhaps a couple of shout-outs are in order.  Media Library, don’t fail me now!

I’ll get the carrot cake next time!

Last Thursday some of  my Elks friends and I went to Saturday Spreads in Frankfort, NY for breakfast.  After arguing with myself that carrot cake is a perfectly respectable breakfast, I ordered an everything bagel with garden toppings: cream cheese, tomato, cucumbers, and capers.  YUM!

Yes, I have been at the pub. Judge me if you are so inclined.

I stopped in for a glass of wine and some conversation at The End Zone in Herkimer, NY.  There are a number of regulars there I enjoy talking to, and it is easy walking distance from my house.  Additionally, it is near the post office, so if I go to drop off a letter or post card, it feels sociable to drop in.

A little Monstrous Monday creeps in!

This is a shot from Ilion Free Public Library, where I stopped last Tuesday for a picture for my story for the Daily Sentinel.  This is their book return.  I need to return to the library today, at least some library and print out a few things.  I do enjoy a library!

I see I am over 250 words.  I call that good for a Late Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  I will continue to get around, as the saying goes, and hope for good blog posts as the week wears on.

 

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A Little Halloween Fun

Posted on November 1, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday (Saturday, Oct. 31) I went to the Trunk or Treat at Meyers Park in Herkimer, NY, ostensibly to help with the two tables staffed by my Elks friends.  I do not know how much help I was, but I took a couple pictures.

Look how cute they are!

Nobody got a picture of me, but that is really OK.  My costume wasn’t such a much.

I mostly helped Liz.

Liz does a lot for drug awareness.  She made sure every child got a coloring book on the subject.  I handed out the candy.  I confess to eating a little myself.  I had to make sure it wasn’t poisoned, didn’t I?

I guess that picture didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped.

Before things got started, I walked around looking at other tables but didn’t take a lot of pictures.  Some people were just barely setting up at the time.

I tried to zoom in across the park for that shot.

There was a costume parade that ended at the park.  It was flanked by a firetruck and police car with lights and sirens going.  It was a little loud for me, and any dogs that happened to be nearby.

I did not count the number of kids and families that enjoyed the event, but there were a lot.  Now I feel quite finished with Halloween, although I do not rule out looking for a horror movie to view this afternoon.  Maybe a cheesy one I can write a blog post about.

 

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The Lame Day of October!

Posted on October 31, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Once again, I am posting Late and Lame, as I sit here not even that early (for me) on a Saturday morning with no Lame Post Friday blog post in mind.  I may be coming down with a cold, or my allergies may be particularly bad.  Who can tell?  Never mind my petty problems; on with the blog post!

Even Christmas dresses up for Halloween at my house!

I am actually not sure where this shirt is now, but it has worn away to the point where I dare not wear it myself.  This is a picture from some years ago.  Santa Claus currently has a scarf with silver skulls covering his Christmasy appearance.  Regular readers know I have sadly fallen down on my Halloween duties this year.  I went to a party yesterday at a friend’s house and had a lovely time.  I may put together another costume to participate in a Trunk or Treat down at Meyer’s Park later today.  No promises.  For one reason, if this is a cold and not just allergies, I had best keep it to myself.

He looks cheerful enough.

I don’t know where this vampire is, either, but isn’t he cute?  I am sure he is packed away somewhere and will make another appearance at a future October.  In the meantime, I am pretty much ready to get on to Thanksgiving and Christmas.  I will probably prepare for these holidays by taking a nap.

 

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The Lovely Lit Lounge

Posted on October 30, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

While I was at the Halloween Bazaar in Liverpool, NY last Saturday, I wandered across the street to the Liverpool Lit Lounge, a small independent bookstore that just happens to carry my sister Diane E. Young‘s books.  I should not say “just happens;”  Diane and the owners of the store made it happen.  Anyways, I have been wanting to stop in there, and since they sell coffee, it seemed like a good idea to make my way over.

Unfortunate shadow, but we can’t always help these things.

My sister said she has long admired the house the store is in.  The owners purchased it, fixed it up and are living in the upstairs.

I’ll need to get another shot from across the street so you can really appreciate it.

I did not look for a book to purchase, because I had to get back to my sister’s vendor table at the Bazaar, but I did walk around a little.  There are places to, you know, lounge.  If I lived in Liverpool, I would go to the store and write.  Regular blog readers know I do not do enough writing.  I mean to do something about that.

I draw your attention to Wednesday Wine Club.

I chatted up the owners as I bought the coffee, telling them whose sister I was.  Diane will be having a book signing there Nov. 21.  I encourage residents of Liverpool and the surrounding areas to attend.

The coffee was excellent.  The owner asked did I want her to leave room for cream.  I said no, I trusted her that it would be yummy enough without.  She assured me that it would be, and it was.

Liverpool Lit Lounge is located at 514 Oswego St., Liverpool, NY.

 

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Don’t Waste Halloween!

Posted on October 29, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Hello and welcome to another Waste Not Want Not Wednesday blog post.  My sister the author (Diane E. Young) believes that Wednesday is Wine Day, because of her book Wednesday Wine Club. It’s a good book, and I do not have a problem with anybody drinking wine on a Wednesday.  However, my purpose right now is the make a blog post

I think “or else” is implied, don’t you?

I took a picture of this specifically to use in a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday Post.  I thought it looked creepy and Halloween-y, but maybe that is just because I am kind of a Halloweenie.  If that is so, I do not mind at all, because it adds interest and amusement to my days.

A tree from this year!

I took this picture when out walking yesterday.  I suppose one could have too many pictures of fall colors but do not believe I have reached my limit yet.

THIS is what I’m talking about!

The real pictures I do not want to go to waste, of course, are the ones I took of the Haunted Library at Ilion Free Public Library (perhaps you read my blog post about it yesterday).  I just realized I have to get there today or Saturday or I will miss it!  At least, I have seen it with the lights on and nothing moving or making noise.  I would like to get the full experience if possible.

A very nice set up indeed.

I confess I never really decorated for the holiday this year.  I’m going to call it a rebuilding year, as they do in sports.  In the meantime, I have enjoyed looking at many trees and other people’s decorations.  We’ll call that a win, shall we?  I feel sure you will agree.

Now then, what was I saying about wine?

 

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Haunted Library? Yes, Please!

Posted on October 28, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

As I searched for pictures to go for my story about the Ilion Village Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel, I  went to Ilion Free Public Library to see their Haunted Library.  Library Director Director Shauna Bishop had talked about the display at the meeting and encouraged everyone to  come check it out. They let me in with the lights on to take some pictures, but I totally hope to return to get the full experience.

Spoiler alert!  You may want to go see the Haunted Library before you check out my pictures of it.  I like to go see these things tabula rasa, that is, a blank slate.  However, for blogging purposes, I like to share pictures.

I’m always pleased to meet new people.

I took several pictures, so I may talk about this Haunted Library for the next few days.  I don’t imagine anybody will have a problem with that on Halloween week.

I have a skeleton bucket like the one on the side.

In addition to large ghouls, there were a number of smaller displays.  Today I share a few big guys, but tomorrow I may share the others.

He was big and scary, yes.

The woman who let me downstairs to see the display said this guy scared her sometimes.  She said his eyes follow you.  I just left, so he did not have much chance to follow me.  I wasn’t frightened, you understand.  Not much.

Ilion Free Public Library is located at 78 West St., Ilion, NY.  The Haunted Library is open through Thursday Oct. 29 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Oct. 31 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A less scary  lights-on version is open Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

 

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