Another Stop at the Java Shop

Posted on August 5, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I treated myself to a late but excellent breakfast at the Java Shop in Herkimer, NY.  At least, it was late for me.  I had been up since 5:30 (not an unusual time of rising for me), finished my article about the Herkimer Town Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel, and driven out to East Herkimer to take an appropriate picture.  This brought me to almost 9 a.m.  I decided to treat myself, put a little money into the local economy, and give myself something to blog about later.  This is how I multi-task.

I did not take this picture till I left.

I ordered the Drink of the Week, which was Raspberry Cheesecake.  I opted to have it as an iced coffee and, alas, forget what the other options were.  Fine reporter I am!  I had had two cups of regular coffee earlier, as I worked on my article but hoped the ice and extras would fool my stomach into thinking I had not had that much coffee after all.  Dylan, the young man getting my drink, opined that you cannot have too much coffee.  My brain and my soul agree, my stomach not so much.  I also got an Everything Bagel with cream cheese.

As I sat I worked on a letter to a friend, trying to remember if it was The Java Shop or Shoppe.  I always set the scene when I write a letter.  I checked the sign as I left, also taking the picture, which I have neglected to do the last few times I have been at the Java Shop.  My previous picture had some glare on it. I also noticed some outside seating.  Nice!

A place to sit another day.

The Java Shop is located at 402 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.  They are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p. m.

 

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A Flustered Monday Post

Posted on August 4, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, look at the time.  This is what I get for not making my blog post first thing in the morning.  In my defense, I did not have much to blog about and I had an appointment to get to.  Now I still do not have much to blog about and very little brain to blog with.  Additionally, I have probably waited too late in the day to make the post, and WordPress will not give me that encouraging little notification about how long of a streak I am on.  There is a lesson there in requiring outside validation when I know damn well I have been making blog posts every day for the past week.  Do I ever learn my lesson?  Discuss amongst yourselves.

They’re just hanging out.

I delved into my Media Library for a picture of monsters in hopes of making this a Monstrous Monday post, and came up with this one from Pumpkin Junction in Sauquoit, taken in 2016.

As a side note:  as I typed the previous sentence I heard a neighbor rolling a trash or recycling container out to the curb (it makes a lovely thunder-like rumble) and remembered I have not yet put out this week’s trash.  Yes, yes, I have plenty of time.  However, I also have to get to the Herkimer Town Board meeting by six.  This is what I do.  I spend all day telling myself I have plenty of time, then do everything at the last minute.

I CAN’T CHOOSE!!!!!

Indecisiveness also plagues me at times like these.  I could not decide on another monster picture to round out the post with, then this one asking me to choose a favorite struck me as apropos.  Although as regular readers may recall, I often refer to Nosferatu (lower right) as my favorite guy.  Well never mind, it is just to make a point.

This has become kind of a flustered blog post, but you’ll have that on occasion, especially with me.  At least I am posting something, and by My Rules For Me, that is a good thing.  Is it a good thing for my readers?  Feel free to comment with your opinion.

 

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I Blog and I Brag

Posted on August 3, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Before I succumbed to my propensity to swoon, dramatically posed with the back of one wrist to my forehead (and I can’t believe I spelled “succumbed” right on the first try), I did a couple of useful things.  I did the dishes, no small feat, but more importantly, I fought the lawn.  The amazing thing was, I started the power mower by myself on the first try. Please do not belittle my accomplishment (you know who you are); this is a big deal.

First I had a go at cutting down the last of the tall growth on my front lawn.  Alas that I did not take a “before” picture, but the “after picture” would not have been so beautiful anyways.  Lots of bending and straightening, ugh!  And all I can think of is the old lady we used to drive by in Rome sometimes when I was a little girl.  She would be outside in her nightgown and robe, bent over, pulling up weeds, and my Dad would whistle at her.  We referred to her as “Dad’s girlfriend.”  I feel certain there is a young family which drives by me and derives similar amusement from the sight of my posterior.  Then again, if I can have any small part in spreading joy, that is not a bad thing.

Lots of blooms!

I put in the picture there to break up the prose, but I took it after I had finished everything.  Since I am putting things out of order, I guess that makes this a Non-Sequitur Sunday as well.  Anyways, after I had clipped and pulled as much as I had a mind to, I got out the lawn mower, topped off the gas, checked the oil, and brought it out front, completely willing to flag down a passer-by and play the old lady widow card.  I primed the engine five times instead of the recommended three.  Imagine my delight when the first pull yielded the desired result.

I did the front lawn, even making an attempt at the side of the house.  The back was not looking so bad, but I had at it anyways.  After mowing, I took the clippers to the invasive wild grapevines.  There I met with less success.  For one reason, I was awfully tired by then.  Still, I was proud of myself for my efforts.  I posed a couple of times, both fists in the air, looking triumphant.  Alas, there were no neighbors or passers-by to see.  So I brag to my blog readers.

I feel certain other people have overcome greater obstacles and accomplished larger triumphs.  I applaud you, of course.  In the meantime, I have over 400 words of a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  I think I am doing OK.

 

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I Saw Some Classic Cars

Posted on August 2, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I will make a Slacker Saturday Post today.  I spent some time at the Elks Classic Car Show at Meyers Park this morning but did not take enough pictures to make a good blog post about it. In fact, I did not take any pictures of classic cars. One problem I have is I like to see the cars with their hoods down, because I appreciate the lines and style.  However, to be judged at a show, the hoods must be up.  I understand the judges know when a bolt or screw is wrong for that year of car.  I could never know such things!

Awards I would never win,

I helped with registration of cars.  That did not require much knowledge. I was also allowed to make silly jokes along the way.  Regular readers know I am good at that.  I greatly enjoyed the DJ.  I got up and danced to several tunes.

He was cool, yes.

I have seen this DJ before.  I think I saw him at a Cruise In some years ago, when my late dearly missed husband Steve and I had our sweet schnoodle Tabby.  We talked to him for a while, then as we walked away, he played “Walk the Dog” just for me and Tabby.

I did not stay to see the judging, but I am not all that interested in that.  I just like seeing all the classic cars.  I hope to seek out some more car shows in the area.  I will do blog posts about them, and I hope to get pictures of the cars.  As always, I hope you will tune in.

 

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A New Start? Or Another Lame Step?

Posted on August 1, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sometimes doing something, anything different can help you get out of a rut.  For example, making my Lame Post Friday blog post ON Friday, which I have not done in a number of weeks (yes, I know, one is a number) (some say it is the loneliest number, but that is rather a cliche, is it not?).  Where was I?  Ah yes, all week I have been making a post in the morning, as early as I could manage, for the previous day.  It is now Friday afternoon (by my clock if not by my WordPress timestamp), and I thought I would make my Lame Post Friday post.

Go ahead and fail me, feet; it’s Lame Post Friday.

This is a shot from 2019, and it is not very accurate to right now.  My toenails need repainting badly, but I don’t think I could stand a full pedicure.  Also, that pair of sandals broke ages ago.  I am hard on sandals, I suppose.  I may try to paint my own toenails and forgo the pumice stone.  Then I’ll take another feet picture.  Oh, and if the caption doesn’t make sense to you, it is a reference to an old saying, “Feet, don’t fail me now!”

My mood if not my weather.

Looking for another picture to illustrate my post, I found these dark clouds.  It is, in fact, a nice sunny day right now.  My current outlook is gloomy, but I will try to perk myself up.  I know what!  I will walk to the Herkimer County Historical Society and purchase post cards.  Then I will have something fun to send family and friends.  In sending them some cheer, I will manufacture a little cheer for myself.

 

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Another Good Breakfast

Posted on July 31, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Thursday I met my Elks friends for breakfast at Marr Logg Restaurant in Utica, NY.  We had eaten there before and liked it.  I liked that I knew exactly where it was, having driven by it many times back in my National Guard days.  OK, I didn’t know EXACTLY where it was.  I knew which street it was on and drove slowly till I found it once again.

Bonnie held my leftovers while I took the picture when we left.

I was the first to arrive and staked out a large table.  There was an even bigger table with a Reserved sign on in, but I knew that wasn’t for us.  We never reserve.  For one reason, we are never sure how many of us are going to arrive.  I sat down, got coffee and glanced at the menu.

“I’m happy to see you’re open on Sunday,” I told the waitress.  “I often feel like breakfast on a Sunday and can’t find a place that’s open.”

She encouraged me to come, and said if the parking lot looked full to come in anyways.  “Sometimes eight people are meeting, and they all drive their own cars, so it’s not as busy as it looks.”  I promised to remember.

I was happy to see some friends show up soon, and Bonnie was REALLY happy to see the waitress with the coffee.  So was I, quite frankly.  I had been up since before six and hadn’t had a cuppa.  Of course I was quite indecisive as to what to get.  Everything looked so good!  At last I settled on two eggs over medium, hash browns and Italian toast.  I ended up taking most of the hash browns home. When I saw the omelets others had ordered, I made plans to order one of those next time.  At one point I had to take a picture of the chef I had taken a picture of last time.

A very patriotic fellow.

I remember taking a picture of him the other time we had been there.  I wonder if  I can find it in my Media Library, because I believe he was dressed differently.

There he is!

I love when a restaurant or other business dresses something for the season!  I will certainly suggest returning to Marr Logg in the fall to see what attire the chef spots then.

Marr Logg Restaurant is located at 1130 Culver Ave., Utica, NY.  They are open for breakfast and lunch Monday through Saturday and for breakfast only on Sunday.

 

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I Add to the Media Library

Posted on July 30, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Continuing my trend of posting the next morning for the previous day, I offer a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday blog post early-ish Thursday morning.  I must hurry to make the post, as I am not yet dressed (I am wearing a robe, just to spare anybody an unfortunate mental image) (you know who you are) but must get ready and leave soon to meet my Elks friends for breakfast.  I was delayed by the problem of transferring photos from my phone to WordPress, thinking it was not successful, giving up, then deleting the extras when in fact I had transferred said photos three times.  I add my technological problems, thinking some readers may say, “Thank God, I’m not the only one!” Although I am equally certain others will shake their heads in a superior, self-satisfied manner (0nce again, you know who you are).

This will not be the chef of this morning’s breakfast.

I took a picture of this cute little guy at Yetty’s Pizza and Pasta in Herkimer, NY recently.  Alas, Yetty’s does not serve breakfast.  But I may go there for dinner.

Some people finish books!

I took this picture at a recent Frankfort Town Board meeting.  The board was honoring Vincent Palmieri, who has written two books about the Frankfort he grew up in.  I must find these books and read them.  They sound good.

They were fine, yes!

This is the Jake Lozo band, who I heard at the Ilion Elks Lodge after the DooDah Parade.  They were awesome!  I must go hear them when I will not be so tired and can stay longer.

I see I am over 250 words (thanks to my wordy first paragraph), and I still have time to make myself beautiful (I feel certain I flatter myself there) and meet the gang for breakfast.  As always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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A Refreshing Pick-Me-Up

Posted on July 29, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

It was late yesterday morning when I felt the need of a pick-me-up.  Luckily I remembered that Sugar and Milk had set up shop at a nearby location.

Easy on the sugar for me!

Sugar and Milk is a mobile espresso bar, serving all kinds of yummy drinks.  I had been following them on Facebook for some time before I finally got a Latte at the Wellness Fair at the Town of Herkimer Park earlier this month.  So refreshing!  I saw they were set up at Flawless Salon and Beauty Bar on German Street Extension yesterday till 12:30.  That was right on my way if I wanted to go grocery shopping at Hannaford, which I did.

Yay!

The husband and wife that own the business are super nice. They just happen to be neighbors of mine, as I found out.  And they make a great product.  I tried a Carmel Machiatto  which was delicious.

Will I eventually try everything? And blog about it, of course!

Sugar and Milk is currently collecting new backpacks for National Night Out, and offering a discount to anybody who donates one.  I plan to go somewhere and purchase one soon.  Not just for the discount; I like to be part of the club.

You can follow Sugar and Milk on Facebook to see where they are setting up next.  And if you just happen to see them, I highly recommend getting a drink!

 

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In the Midst of Writing, I Blog

Posted on July 28, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Thunder outside reminds me that I have not yet made my Monstrous Monday blog post.  It is Tuesday, not so early in the morning (for me).  I am actually in the middle of writing my article on the Ilion Village Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel, and I am having trouble with it, so thought I would take a break.  I do enjoy the thunder, but I think it is going away.  Now I can hear the rain, because I have both doors open.  Ooh, no, another rumble.  Yes.

Oh, sure, that’ll make a good blog post.  Just talk about the thunder, Cindy.  They’d never guess you already had some coffee!

It’s this dark in my head.

This was my attempt at a shot of a full moon one early morning some time ago.  I have not been out walking in the dark in a long time (and regular readers know running is way beyond my current abilities).  It is dark in my house now, but not that dark.  I just grabbed the picture, because I did not want to waste copious amounts of time scrolling through my Media Library as often happens at times like this.

Great movie!

In the spirit of not scrolling, I grab this picture which just happened to be right there.  This is a really fun flick, featuring a really creepy performance by the inimitable Peter Lorre.  Actually is it correct to say “featuring” when he is the star?  Discuss amongst yourselves.

As for me, I approach 250 words, and I must go back to struggling with the activities of Ilion Village Board.  I have dealt with the Mayors Comments and the Public Comments, now I am on to the 2026 Organizational Meeting, Department Reports, and New Business.  Does it sound exciting?  It’s not bad.

 

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But Is It a Sweet Blog Post?

Posted on July 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I missed making my Wrist to Forehead Sunday post on Sunday but dare to make it Monday morning.  I guess it is not really so daring after all.  Note to self:  do something daring in the near future.

I really have no excuse for missing my Sunday post, nor do I have much to post about or even much brain to think of anything entertaining to blog about.  I am on my second cup of coffee, so I can’t blame it on that.

 

“I always feel like somebody’s watching me!”

Ah yes, I was at Yetty’s Pizza and Pasta in Herkimer, NY recently and neglected to take a clearer picture of the Yeti.  In fact, I sat at the bar and did not even notice him.

And not just on Saturday!

Speaking of local eateries, I stopped at Saturday Spreads in Frankfort last Tuesday and had a delicious slice of carrot cake.  I had been craving something sweet.

Other businesses are there too.

Speaking of sweet, I stopped by Mohawk Valley Community Market in Herkimer another day and purchased a yummy chocolate chip cookie.  It was new, neither renewed nor rescued, before anybody makes any smart remarks.

My Sunday was less sweet, but that is OK, as I contemplate making my weight loss daydreams more of a reality.  It would probably help my aches and pains.  Will it be worth blogging about?  Time will tell (Time is certainly a blabbermouth) (as my sister Diane says, Time is relative.  Not our relative).

 

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