Category Archives: Ilion

Rummaging Around Ilion

Posted on April 26, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I headed to Ilion, NY to continue my Saturday adventure (I add NY for the benefit of my readers far and wide) (if any). I knew there was a rummage sale at the Episcopal Church, and I intended to hit as the Thrift Store and a consignment shop(pe) or two.

In case anybody missed Monday’s post (how often do I expect people to read, after all?), I was on a mission to find props and costumes for Harvey, the play I am in with Ilion Little Theatre. The play is to be presented in The Stables, Remington Avenue, Ilion, May 4, 5, 6, 10, 11 and 12. Curtain time is 8 p.m. except for Sunday May 6 at 2 (it seems like a good policy to give the information every time).

As I turned up Second Avenue (or is that one Street? I get confused; anyways, it’s perpendicular to Otsego Street), I noticed a sign for another Rummage and Bake Sale at another church and said, “Goody.” The sale at the Episcopal Church had a lot of stuff, and they seemed determined to get rid of it. To that end, it was four bags for a dollar. As you went in they collected your dollar, handed you four bags and turned you loose.

I found a fancy bottle such as Steven likes to use to decorate our buffet. A nice lady wrapped it in some paper for me. I indiscriminately grabbed several evening bags for my collection, although none would work for my character in the play. I ended up giving them back two of the bags, but I definitely found a dollar’s worth of stuff.

As I parked in the parking lot of the church where I thought I saw the other sale, I saw there was no sign out front. Darn! (Not nice to use a strong cuss word in a church parking lot.) They must have packed up early. What time was it? No matter.

Then as I drove the rest of the way down Second, I realized my silly mistake. I had the right time but the wrong church. Lots of churches in that little section of Ilion. One might get confused. I am a little embarrassed to admit, I can’t remember the name of either church. Steven and I even drove by the second one on the way home from rehearsal last night but could not make out the sign.

That sale was the most picked over. I overheard a lady saying you had to get to these things as soon as they open.

“But when you come late, if you do find something, it’s a great deal,” I said.

She agreed, but obviously felt her early bird ways were better. To each his own, as the old lady said when she kissed the cow.

I was out of rummage sales, so it was on to consignment shops and the Thrift Store, or Salvation Armani, as I’ve recently heard the latter called. Sounds like a good topic for another post (oh, I do love stretching my Saturday adventures to several posts). Stay tuned!

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Posted in church, Community Events, humor, Ilion, rummage sales. Bookmark the permalink.

About That Play

Posted on April 19, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve mentioned several times now how I’m too busy for Mohawk Valley adventures because of the play I’m in with Ilion Little Theatre (ILT). I thought I’d spend today’s post talking a little bit about the play, Harvey, by Mary Chase.

Many people are familiar with the 1950 movie version with Jimmy Stewart. At least, when I say, “You know, the one where the guy sees the big white rabbit,” people say, “Oh yeah.” Perhaps they are only humoring me. Before auditions I told everybody I wanted to play the rabbit. Instead I got a part with more lines.

I play Veda Simmons, sister of Elwood P. Dowd, the guy that sees the rabbit. I am a society matron, trying to get my daughter Myrtle Mae “started with a nice group of young people” (meaning we want her to meet a man). When Myrtle and I are entertaining a society lady of some importance (she has a grandson about Myrtle’s age) and are mortified by the arrival of Elwood and his friend, I decide to have him committed to Chumley’s Rest Home. Trouble ensues.

At the rest home we encounter a pair of troubled love birds, the conniving Dr. Chumley and his charming wife, and a possible a love interest for Myrtle (although I think he is a white slaver). Things get a little complicated, especially when I bring in our lawyer Judge Gaffney to sue. A wise cab driver straightens us all out in the end.

OK, that’s not the whole plot, but I think I have mentioned all the characters at least in passing. I didn’t want to leave anybody out, in case some of the cast members read this. I also don’t like to give too much away, because I hope some of my readers will like to come see the play.

Harvey will be presented Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 4, 5 and 6, and Thursday, Friday and Saturday, May 10, 11 and 12. All performances are at 8 p.m. except Sunday’s, which is at 2 p.m. ILT is located in the Stables, behind Remington Arms, Ilion, NY. For more information visit their website at http://www.ilionlittletheatre.org.

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Posted in Community Events, entertainment, humor, Ilion, theater. Bookmark the permalink.

Paint the Set Red

Posted on April 11, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have not written much about Harvey, the play I am in at Ilion Little Theatre. I don’t feel I should write about the rehearsal process, but I think set construction is fair game.

At the first set construction I attended, about all I did was hold up a wall while somebody else drilled a hinge onto it. I suppose that was helpful, but I did not feel that I made a real contribution. So when I heard they were painting last Saturday, I thought, “Ah! Here’s my chance!”

Mind you, I am not an experienced painter. Places I have lived have needed very little in the way of paint. When they have, other members of my family actually did the work, most notably my father, who is a skilled professional. You might think I had gotten him to teach me the tricks of the trade, but that would be crediting me with a lot more ambition and foresight than I actually possess. Still, I thought, maybe there is something in heredity. Anyways, it doesn’t have to be perfect: only the actors see it up close, and they have other things on their minds.

My first task was to accompany Megan to select paint. We went to Ilion True Value Hardware.

“Ooh, a local business,” I said. “This might be something good for Mohawk Valley Girl.”

Actually, if I want to do a post on Ilion Hardware, I shall have to return, because all we looked at was paint colors. That was fun.

My dream job is making up names for colors. I’ve thought that ever since I sold shoes about a hundred years ago and realized how many words there were for tan. I had to question the mind that gave colors names like “lentil” and “fiber” (the colors were similar, and I guess there is fiber in lentils, so maybe not too weird?) (mmm, yeah, weird). My favorite was “hunky dory.” Megan said she might use that one for a trim.

“But would you use it in a sentence?” I asked.

She thought she had, probably with ironic intent.

Back at the theatre, roller and/or brush in hand (I used both, plus one of those little spongy things), I was less helpful. I dripped paint on the stage. When I got it where it belonged, it was too thick or not thick enough. I left a couple of lumpy looking drips. In short, I discovered that painting is not a hereditary talent.

But everybody was nice about it, and I had a lot of fun while trying to be useful. The set is looking more like the places it is supposed to be. I see now that I have told you more about my personal misadventures than anything else. Maybe in a future post, I can tell you more about the play itself. One other thing: the set is not red. I was going for a play on words; you know, paint the town red? Oh well, headlines are hard.

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Beginning My Wine Weekend

Posted on March 28, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve been promising a post about wine tasting for some days now. At last I have my wine tasting notes with me. How to begin?

I thought a Wine Tasting at Ilion Wine and Spirits on Friday night would be a fitting prelude to my Saturday tour in the Finger Lakes. It was.

I started with a a Darcy Kurt Gruner Veltliner, 2010, California. Scott thought it was an Austrian grape, although it is a California wine. This is where I become painfully aware that I am not a real wine blogger. My only notes are “oh yeah, very nice.” Nothing about fruity notes or a dry finish (I don’t remember if this one had either of those, by the way). I never even mention the bouquet. The only thing I can note is that I think the u in Gruner is supposed to have the two little dots over it (it has the “eeuu” pronunciation). (As side note: my fifth grade cello teacher, Mr. Tufts, taught me how to pronounce the u with the two dots. You make your mouth like you’re saying “eee” then your lips like you’re saying “ooo.” It’s fun, but it always takes me too long).

So I have several more wines listed with notes like “good” and “OK, but I liked the Veltliner better.” Oh, the Gerard Bertrand Viognier 2010 (France) I noted as “very dry, very plain, very light.” I wonder if real wine connoisseurs describe wines as “plain.” Not as descriptive or as complimentary as “yummy.”

I did try a wine I hadn’t intended to, Voga Moscato, Italy, and noted it as “yummy” and “a good wine to bring somewhere.” Another lady tasting said it was her favorite and urged me to try some. In fact, the cylindrical bottle looked familiar. I believe that is a wine I bought at another tasting and brought to my sister’s house one weekend some years ago. If so, my second note was quite appropriate.

My most notable take away was a recipe for some warm dip they served. You take equal parts shredded cheddar, chopped onion and mayonnaise and put in a 350 degree oven for about an hour. I believe they said the recipe is originally from the Horned Dorset Inn. I can’t wait to make some. Maybe to bring to somebody’s house along with a bottle of Voga Moscato.

I purchased a bottle of One Hope Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, California, by Rob Mondavi, Jr. I teased Scott for being on familiar terms and calling the winemaker “Rob” instead of “Robert,” but it says “Rob” on the bottle. In addition to its being a very tasty cab, 50% of profits are donated to autism research.

I left with thanks for starting my wine tasting weekend off right. In fact, I’m not sure but what that was the best of my wine tasting last weekend. It certainly involved the least amount of driving. Ilion Wine and Spirits is located at 10 E. Main St, Ilion, NY, phone number 315-894-8142.

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Muddled Monday

Posted on March 27, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was either going to write about Saturday’s wine tasting or resort to Middle-aged Musings. Well, I mislaid my tasting notes, so musings it is.

I’m actually bemused this morning, because my coffee has not kicked in. What’s that all about? I can’t still be tired from Saturday, can I? Am I getting too old to have fun? Say it ain’t so!

I can’t write a whole blog post about how tired I feel. Actually, I could because right now that is uppermost in my mind, but how boring would it be? The sad thing is, I think I have mentioned how tired I am many times in this blog. I know I’ve talked about my desire for an old lady seat so I can shower sitting down. Yesterday I even considered staying dirty.

Actually, there is something else I could blog about (such a silly verb): Friday night. Friday night was to be spent with my husband. I felt so bad that he had to work and could not go on the wine tasting tour. Really, the older I get (ooh, it’s another middle-aged musing), the more I just want to be with my husband. Fun without Steven is just not as much fun. I’ve always felt that way to a point; heck, why would I have married him if I didn’t like to be with him? I may be an independent, take charge kind of woman (and say so in my blog), I may be my own person (others have described me that way), but I like to be with my husband. So there.

Our first stop Friday night was the Ilion Farmer’s Market at Clapsaddle Farm, Otsego Street, Ilion, NY. I just talked about it last week. This week we took our schnoodle Tabby. Tabby loves the Farmer’s Market. The old barn has so many smells for her, and there are always nice people who like to pet a cute dog (which she is). We got into a big conversation with one lady about dogs, cats and skunks.

After the Farmer’s Market we headed back down Otsego Street to Ilion Wine and Spirits, 10 E. Main St. They were having a wine tasting (kind of a warm up for my Saturday). We left Tabby in the car, because she’s not 21. I have some notes on that tasting too, so I guess I’ll write more about it later.

We took Tabby home before we went to dinner at the Herkimer Elks Lodge on Mary Street. The sign out front used to advertise Fish Fry, but now it says Dinner, reflecting their expanded menu. The cooking is by Dominick Scalise of Dominick’s Deli in Herkimer, and everything we’ve had so far is quite delicious. Friday I had seafood stuffed haddock and Steven had baked haddock. I look forward to eating my leftovers.

I’m thinking my musings were more entertaining than my activities, or do I flatter myself? No matter. I’ve written both, I’ll type in both (like last week, I have little time and am too flustered for extensive re-writes). People can like it or not (although I hope they do).

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Posted in dogs, Elks, farmer's market, Herkimer, humor, Ilion, liquor store, middle aged, personal. Bookmark the permalink.

Fish Fry Feast

Posted on March 21, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I love fish fry. I love fish and I love fry. So I had been wanting to check out the Ilion Moose Lodge Fish Fry. Last Friday I got my chance.

The lodge is located on Barringer Road, Ilion, NY, near Barringer Road School. Having gotten directions from Jim Parker at the Ilion Farmer’s Market (see previous post), we found it with no problem.

We walked into the bar and were directed to the back room. This is a large, airy space that I think would be ideal for many functions. We easily found a table for two. We did not have to peruse the menu once we heard the specials. I decided to try the Haddock Reuben and Steven chose the Shrimp Basket. We like to order different things, so we can try each others. I got sweet potato fries (my favorite!) while Steven stuck with regular. I asked if I was allowed to go into the bar area and get a glass of wine. I was.

When I returned with my Chablis, Steven had obtained a cup of his beloved coffee. Our food, when it arrived, was delicious. As we were eating I heard another patron asking what a Haddock Reuben was.

“It’s yummy!” I called across the room. Just trying to be helpful.

I did not finish my yummy sandwich. They provided me with a take-out container, which I promptly left on the table. The waitress nicely brought it out to me before we drove away.

I do love a Friday fish fry. It sets me up for the weekend. I look forward to returning to the Ilion Moose Lodge, possibly next week. They told me they are also open Good Friday, so if I don’t make it then, I’ll have another chance.

Fish fry is served from 4 to 7 p.m. Fridays at the Ilion Moose Lodge on Barringer Road. I highly recommend it.

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Old is New at the Farmer’s Market

Posted on March 20, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday Steven and I had occasion to go to one of my all time favorite Mohawk Valley places, the Ilion Farmer’s Market at Clapsaddle Farm, Otsego Street, Ilion, NY.

The market is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. I was able to get home, shower and change before we headed out. I dressed a little fancy for a farmer’s market, in pantyhose and a dress, because I hoped to go to dinner afterwards.

We had some discussion about that, because we like to bring our schnoodle, Tabby, to the Farmer’s Market, but we don’t like to leave her in the car while we go someplace to eat. I suggested we either get take out (despite my fancy outfit) or bring Tabby home before we dined. Steven suggested we leave Tabby home entirely and she could accompany us to the Farmer’s Market another time. I was amenable to that, especially the implication that we would visit the Farmer’s Market again soon.

I know I’ve talked about the Ilion Farmer’s Market many times, but I can never resist mentioning it again. I just love everything about it: driving over the wooden bridge to get there, the antique barn that houses it, Jim Parker’s artwork. This time we sampled some Amish cheeses and decided to buy some. We sampled some cookies and definitely bought some. I checked for garlic pickles, but, alas, none were available.

What was new this time was a display of antiques for sale. It was a nice little area with shelves and a display case. Jim Parker told us the antique dealer was also a contractor and had done all the work himself using wood from old barns. We did not purchase anything Friday, but I will probably return to get one of the ladies’ handkerchiefs I saw. I think my character in Harvey would carry just such a handkerchief (for those just tuning in or anyone who forgot, Harvey is the play I’m in at Ilion Little Theatre).

Before we left we asked Jim for directions to the Ilion Moose Lodge, where we thought we’d go for the fish fry. He gave us the directions twice, because the first time I thought Steven was listening and Steven thought I was listening. The second time we both listened and departed with thanks, confident we would find the fish fry. That will be the subject for tomorrow’s post. Stay tuned.

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Comedy this Weekend

Posted on March 4, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday was a good day to laugh, so it was perfect that Steven and I had planned to attend Weekend Comedy at Ilion Little Theatre.

We arrived shortly after 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. curtain time, and the theatre was already filling up. We found good seats however (actually, there are no bad seats), and sat down to peruse the program. The play is directed by George Lyon, who is also in the cast; Julianne Allen is assistant director. Char Girmonde, Matt Trombley and Elisa Welch fill out the cast.

When the curtain rose, the set garnered immediate applause. It is a rental cabin in the Catskills Mountains, and it is beautiful. It looks as if they used actual logs; the craftsmanship is incredible. Somebody remarked it looked nicer than his actual house.

The play concerns two couples, one middle-aged, one in their 20s, who accidentally rent the same cabin for a long weekend. They end up sharing the cabin, and each couple teaches the other a little bit about life and love. That nutshell does not really do the script justice. It is a very funny play. The audience laughed from start to finish.

During intermission, Steven and I took a closer look at a basket of goodies the theatre was raffling as an additional fundraiser. It included pancake mix and Log Cabin syrup (get it?), two Ilion Little Theatre coffee mugs and more goodies. More impressively, there was a gift certificate for a stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Woodstock and gift certificates for two restaurants. We got tickets for that for sure.

I feel a little bad we did not make it to the show last weekend, because then local readers would have had more chances to go. The play does continue tonight, March 3 at 8 p.m. and tomorrow at 2 p.m. Ilion Little Theatre is located at The Stables, Remington Avenue in Ilion, NY. Phone number is 894-3203. They also have a website at http://www.ilionlittletheatre.org, or you can like them on Facebook.

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Pre-Superbowl Errands

Posted on February 8, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Superbowl Sunday, I perceive, is a good day to avoid certain retail establishments. Accordingly, I made sure I had all the foodstuffs I wanted ahead of time (Hannaford), and, well, I just decided I could wait to purchase more yarn (Wal-Mart). Still, I had a couple of errands to run, and that forms the subject of today’s post.

My first stop was Hummel’s Office Plus in Herkimer, NY (of course NY, I’ve pondered the necessity of including that and still have not decided) to purchase a sympathy card. Of course I like to walk to Hummel’s with my dog, but that’s more for a short stop to say hello, not standing for any length of time pondering sympathy cards (does everybody have as hard a time deciding as I do?).

I had a nice conversation with the girl working upstairs. My blog came up in the conversation (OK, I bring it up whenever possible; you never know who might like to read a blog). She offered to show me how to download pictures from a smart phone. If I ever get a smart phone.

I wanted to use a card rather than cash, so I went downstairs to add some office supplies to my purchase. Much more fun to look at. I have a definite thing for office supplies. I found a clip board such as I have been wanting and a black gel pen with a comfort grip.

Next I went to Ilion to gas up my truck. I’d heard that gas in Ilion was eight cents cheaper than in Herkimer, although I confess I did not look particularly to make sure that was true. I thought I might go out to breakfast in Ilion or Mohawk to write the day’s blog post. I love writing in restaurants.

I could see from Citgo that the OPEN sign at Farm House Restaurant was not lit, so I drove past Remington Arms and on into Mohawk. Mohawk Diner did not look open. The Family Fun Center was open, but I was well beyond it before I saw a parking space. On into Herkimer and my old stand by, Philly’s Breakfast House.

Philly’s was crowded, as usual for a Sunday morning. I sat at a wobbly table by the window. It shook quite a bit when I cut my Eggs Benedict, but I managed not to spill my coffee. I warned the fellow that cashed me out that the table needed a screwdriver or something. He promised to take care of it.

I headed for home to look for something more useful to do before it was time for the Superbowl. Like take my dog for another walk or watch more crime shows on cable television. And of course prepare some Superbowl-worthy snacks. Could that be the subject of the next blog post? Stay tuned.

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Posted in breakfast, diner, Herkimer, humor, Ilion, local business, Mohawk, shopping. Bookmark the permalink.

New 2 Me

Posted on January 19, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I love consignment shops almost as much as I love rummage sales and thrift stores. They are a step classier, so I don’t know what that says about me and my trashy mentality (I love that country song about “I like my women just a little on the trashy side”).

Steven actually discovered New 2 You Consignments a few weeks ago when he was looking for Dr. Henry’s office for his eye appointment. We sometimes get a little confused in Ilion. Steven went into the store and got directions. The ladies there were so nice about it that he went back after his appointment to shop. He purchased a lovely glass snowman ornament and two books for me (one was 1001 Wines You Must Taste Before You Die; if I did all that I could blog exclusively about wine till my liver gave out).

Saturday we made our way to 10 Central Plaza, Ilion, NY. A sign in the window touts the environmental benefits of buying second hand, so that gave me a virtuous feeling to start with. Spending money at a local business will boost the local economy, so I had that going for me, too.

New 2 You is a classy place with a variety of items tastefully displayed. I looked at clothes, but I want to lose 10 more pounds before I invest in that. There were a couple of vintage coats I envied, but I have plenty of coats (you can buy a bigger coat and not feel bad when you’re fat). There were some lovely glasses too, another thing we have plenty of. I made my way to the books.

One might think I have plenty of books, but you know, I don’t think there is such a thing. They had a nice selection. The one that caught my eye was a paperback called Stories of Suspense. It looked old, so I pulled it out to see if it had a pulp fiction cover such as I love. Not a bad cover. As I debated I saw, “Including Daphne duMaurier’s THE BIRDS.”

I almost jumped for joy. Steven and I pop in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds on many occasions. I would not call it one of Hitchcock’s finest, but it’s such fun. We always wondered how much the movie differed from the short story but have never been able to find the story. I was so excited.

It came to $1.08 with the tax. I had just pulled all the change out of my purse, so the lady at the register nicely took eight pennies out of the “leave a penny” jar. I must remember to leave some pennies when I return.

And I certainly will return. After all, $1 doesn’t do a whole lot to stimulate the local economy. For more information about New 2 You Consignments, call 315-894-2220.

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