Category Archives: local business

Curvy Me

Posted on January 25, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I believe I’ve mentioned in passing that I work out at Curves in Herkimer, NY. I thought it was time I wrote a post about it.

My friends Kelly and Phyllis had been going to Curves for some time. I had noticed they both looked pretty terrific (actually they looked pretty terrific to start with, but you know what I mean). When Phyllis started telling me how many inches she had lost, my interest was caught.

I’ve lost weight through running and the South Beach Diet, but my figure is still not where I’d like it to be (I know, looks aren’t everything, yeah, yeah, yeah). Also, I felt I needed to work other muscles that those used in running. Doing push-ups and sit-ups on my own was not cutting it, especially since I was not exactly maintaining consistency with that program.

So now I go to Curves Monday, Wednesday and Friday after work. It’s an intense workout that lasts about a half hour and seems to utilize every possible muscle (although my knowledge of anatomy is imperfect).

You badge in with a little card that looks like those membership cards all the stores give you these days. Then as you go around the circuit, you put the card in each machine so it can track your progress. There is a little light that shows green for good and orange for not so good. Oh, I hate to see that orange! In between each machine is a pallet that you jog or march or dance on till the lady interrupts the music to tell you to change stations.

Oh yes, the music. They play quite a mixture of music, all of it set to the same beat. I make myself obnoxious by singing along to the songs I know. At least, I don’t know if anybody finds it really obnoxious. I think some folks are amused. Hey, anything to keep myself motivated.

The best thing about Curves is the people that go there. Everybody is supportive and encouraging. We yell remarks or jokes across the room and definitely let others know when they are looking good.

Curves also offers coaching, diet tips and more. Phyllis, Kelly and I may check out the Zumba class one day (that will surely rate a post). I purchased some excellent Curves socks to wear when I work out, and I will probably get a new sports bra or two as well. Perhaps a pedometer, to see how many steps I get in at work every day.

Curves in Herkimer is located at 300 Prospect St., phone 315-866-3100. They are open Monday through Thursday 5:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Friday 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturday 7 a.m. to noon. For more information, visit their website at www.herkimercurves.com or you can like their Facebook page. See you on the circuit!

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Saturday Shopping

Posted on January 23, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven’s and my Saturday Mohawk Valley adventures included an indoor garage sale at the Baptist Church in Ilion, NY. I figured it would be as good as a rummage sale.

The blurbs in the paper I had seen had only said Baptist Church without including the address. I felt sure we would be able to find it anyways, but I was still happy to see an address of Second Street in Saturday morning’s paper. Then as we drove to Ilion I could not remember if it was Second Street or Second Avenue (don’t get me started on street names!). Steven thought we would still be able to find it. He was driving.

“We’ll probably say, ‘Oh yeah, that church’ when we see it,” I said. We go to a lot of church sales.

It was easy to find. Getting into the parking lot was a little trickier, but we managed to get a space.

I noted by a flier on the door that Indoor Garage Sale meant that vendors paid the church to set up a table. Individuals as well as professional dealers were displaying their wares. It was fun to look around, but we did not find anything to buy. I admired a vintage Saltines tin one of the antique dealers had. Steven checked out some decorative plates, one by Normal Rockwell.

As we left the church, I noticed Cornerstone Consignment Shop not even a block away. I’ve been there a couple of times. Steven has not, although he does remember browsing their outdoor display during Ilion Village-wide Garage Sales a few years ago.

It is a very well-stocked shop with multiple rooms on two floors, all filled with stuff. Steven found a shot glass from Rosamund Gifford Zoo in Syracuse. We have been to that zoo but not recently. Perhaps another trip there for a blog post is in our future. Or maybe one to the Utica Zoo. I like zoos.

While we were looking at things upstairs, I found a furry fedora, such as an old man who lived across the street from my family in Rome used to wear many years ago.

“Steven,” I said, “now that you are in your 50s, maybe you should have an old man hat.”

Another shopper promptly took me to task for so designating the hat. It turned out to be a friend we had not seen in a few years (how the time flies, especially when you are in or approaching your 50s). We had a nice chat during which he assured us it was a hat he would not scorn to wear himself.

The hat was too small for Steven or me, so anyone hoping for a picture (if and when I eventually learn to post photos) is doomed to disappointment.

So a sale and a store netted us one shot glass and the renewal of an old acquaintance. Not bad for a Saturday morning.

The Cornerstone Consignment Shop is located at 68 Morgan St., Ilion, NY. Phone number 315-894-0477.

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Breakfast Before Adventures

Posted on January 22, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday Steven and I had the opportunity to have breakfast out together. Since we intended to go to Ilion anyways, I suggested Farmhouse.

Farmhouse Restaurant is located in a very small building on Central Avenue, right next to the fire station. For the longest time we would drive by it and say, “How in the world do they fit a restaurant in that little building?”

It turns out to be a little crowded but a very good place to eat. The atmosphere is homey and the decor is fun. Vintage tins and other decorations are on a shelf that runs around the wall just under the ceiling. Old-fashioned wooden games sit on the window sill and some of the tables. I especially admired a hand-embroidered tablecloth on one of the tables. The waitress told me the original owner had done it, as well as most of the other decor.

Steven ordered French toast with fried eggs and sausage, plus orange juice. I more conservatively went with fried eggs and sourdough toast (my favorite). Do I need to say we both got coffee?

While we waited for our food, I picked up the wooden game on the table. It was a triangle with golf tees stuck in holes. The object was to jump one tee over another till you eliminated all but one tee. I used to have a plastic version of it when I was little. I seemed to remember getting very good at it. Not so much on Saturday. Then when I thought about it, I figured I probably did not get very good at it but played it enough that once in a while I somehow got down to one or two pegs. Steven didn’t do a whole lot better when he tried, so no bragging rights for either of us.

I felt really stupid when I bumped the table with my knee and spilled some of Steven’s orange juice. We mopped it up with napkins till the waitress brought a cloth. A little later a lady at another table called to the waitress asking for her orange juice.

“She’s afraid I’ll spill it,” I said.

“I can spill my own orange juice,” the lady assured me.

One table had a number of books on it. I asked if they were for sale. It was actually an exchange. I could take one and bring it back and/or bring others I was done with. In fact, I have a few paperbacks I don’t intend to read or don’t intend to read again. I picked up a murder mystery and got interested in it. You know me and books.

We enjoyed our breakfast very much. We happily set out for further Mohawk Valley adventures. Farmhouse Restaurant is located at 9 Central Ave, Ilion, NY. Phone number is 315-894-3276.

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My Feet Thank Me

Posted on January 13, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I may have mentioned in passing the steel-toed work shoes that are part of my blue collar regalia. I get them at Melfe’s in Ilion, NY. Saturday I went to get my yearly pair, paid for by my employer.

My employer has a contract with Melfe’s so that I don’t have to purchase the shoes myself and get reimbursed, which is handy. However, even if this were not the case, I would probably go to Melfe’s. They offer the kind of knowledgeable, one-on-one service that is hard to come by these days.

I was fortunate enough to arrive at a time when they were not too busy. I had it from a couple of co-workers that last Saturday was nuts. I did not have long to wait before a young man asked how he could help me. He measured my feet to be sure of the size (seven-and-a-half wide; I’m not self-conscious about it) then went to see what he had in my size.

I prefer the sneaker style to the boot style. Women can often get two pair for the allowance. I love this deal, because it is so much better for your feet to alternate and give each pair a chance to dry out (don’t tell me your feet don’t sweat; everybody’s do) (and I can’t even pretend mine don’t. Stinky!).

It did not take me long to find two pair I liked. He had to order the second pair though, because some sizes had gotten mixed up and he had a seven-and-a -half and an eight in one box. I guess that means somebody went home with the opposite and will wonder why her shoes feel different.

I noticed that Melfe’s also has running shoes, nurses’ shoes and even a few pair of high quality, comfortable looking dress shoes and sandals. I may return to check the latter out in the spring.

It was a very good shopping experience. The clerk knew all about the shoes, and we chatted in a friendly fashion. I complimented him on how well the staff takes care of multiple customers efficiently, remembering previous experiences in the store. He told me how crazy it had been the previous weekend (that’s probably how the seven-and-a-halfs and eights got mixed up).

Before I left I asked his name.

“Mike.”

“Do you mind if I mention you in my blog post?” I actually had not mentioned my blog, but I figured he knew what a blog was.

“Mike Shue.” He spelled it.

“I love it!”

Melfe’s is located at 64 Central Ave, Ilion, NY 13357, phone number 315-894-4049. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

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Overheard at the Diner

Posted on January 3, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

“New Hampshire is a made up state.”

I overheard that statement in Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, Herkimer, NY, on Monday, when Steven and I went out for breakfast. I think the guy was teasing the young boy he was talking to. He went on to say that he had never met anybody from New Hampshire and was sure the young boy hadn’t either.

The conversation may have stemmed from one of the many license plates that decorate the diner. Our own Georgia plate resides on the ceiling at the opposite end from where we sat Monday.

I did not hear the rest of the conversation, so I don’t know what, if anything, was proved or disproved. I lead with it because it was the most unusual thing that happened during our breakfast out. I know I’ve devoted a few posts to Crazy Otto’s. I have to shake things up when I can.

It’s not so easy for Steven and me to go out for breakfast together as it used to be. Our work hours work against us. New Year’s Eve, however, I didn’t work and Steven went in at 1:30. We had errands to run. A bite of breakfast at Otto’s was the way to go.

I love looking around at the decor. In addition to the license plates, there are movie posters, retro ads and more. I was especially taken with an old ad for chocolate covered Twinkies. Why would they stop making such a thing? Oh, I know, Hostess is bankrupt, Twinkies are dead. But I don’t remember seeing chocolate covered Twinkies in the decadent ’80s or ’90s either. Good chance I would have bought them, especially in the ’80s when I was young and skinny (I bet you thought I was going to say “young and foolish.” Well, I was that, too). I later heard a young voice behind me saying, “Two for ten cents,” in an impressed tone, so I was not the only one noticing the Twinkies.

Our breakfast, to get back to the real food, was very tasty. I ordered a sandwich with egg, cheese and bacon on an English muffin. It came with homemade chips and a little carrot and raisin salad. Steven had French toast, fried eggs and a very large sausage patty. And, of course, plenty of hot coffee.

The next day, we found out our friends Phyllis and Jim had eaten at Crazy Otto’s. It seems Crazy Otto’s has a gluten free menu featuring a variety of choices. Phyllis was especially delighted with the gluten free pancakes. I said, “I’m going to mention that in my blog post!” Hi, Phyllis!

Crazy Otto’s is located on Albany Street in Herkimer. For more information call 314-866-8801. You can also “Like” them on Facebook.

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Christmas Ciabatta and Croissants

Posted on December 25, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

As has become usual, my contribution to the family Christmas dinner is Heidelberg Bread. Accordingly, I made my way to the Heidelberg Bakery, 3056 State Rt. 28, Herkimer, NY, this morning.

I got an early start, because I know they open at seven and I wanted to beat the crowds. I didn’t bother calling to see if they had special hours for Christmas Eve. I figured if they weren’t open, I could swing down Rt. 28 to Hannaford, who also sells Heidelberg bread. I was in luck, however; the open sign was lit.

One other early bird customer was leaving, so I had the undivided attention of the clerk.

“I wanted to get here early and beat the crowd,” I announced. “Do you have rolls?” I was so early, they didn’t even have everything out yet.

“What kind?”

“Something suitable for sausage and peppers.” Which, by the way, I have been craving ever since I heard they were to be served in addition to ham at Christmas dinner.

She suggested French baguette or Ciabatta rolls. I went for the Ciabatta. While she got them I found a loaf of sourdough bread for toast for Christmas morning.

“Did you want any pastries as well?” Did I!

I got two chocolate croissants, for Steven and me for today. Sorry to any family members who might happen to be reading this: I did not get any sweets for Christmas breakfast or dinner. I had my doubts of anything I might get lasting that long. It took great effort of Christmas goodwill and will power not to open the sourdough as soon as I got home.

I love Heidelberg bread, and I love going right to the source to get some. For more information, visit their website: http://www.heidelbergbakingco.com/ or you can “Like” them on Facebook.

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Running Around Commentary

Posted on December 9, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought of that title yesterday, when I was not sure if I would go running today (Saturday), but intended to drive to New Hartford for seasonal purposes.

As I contemplated actually writing this post, however, I ran into a slight problem. I obviously can’t write about what I bought, because some of my giftees occasionally read my blog. I knew that going in. But then, being kind of a paranoid person, I started to think that if I wrote about where I went certain people might figure out what I bought. Some people are clever you know, and I am not that unpredictable.

One of my stops in particular would be an obvious giveaway. Naturally, that is the most fun place. An adventure getting there, an authentic Mohawk Valley cool place to go, AND I told the ladies working there that I was totally going to do a blog post about them! Well, it will have to wait till after the holiday. Or until I can’t resist giving … the … early (in fact, I may have said too much already).

Where was I? Ah yes, headed to New Hartford, getting an early start to beat some of the crowds. Long time readers may remember that I used to work in New Hartford. I will never get over being happy about my WAY shorter commute to Ilion. Every time I drive to New Hartford I feel happy all over again. In fact, yesterday when I was telling a friend at work I intended to drive into New Hartford, I felt happy about it.

Really, it’s not a bad drive for a Saturday adventure. I went by Route 5S, which has some lovely views (although I kept my eyes on the road enough to avoid an accident). It was a gloomy, rainy day, but I still enjoyed it.

Going through Utica is fun, too. I love Utica. The architecture of some of the older buildings is beautiful. I also have a kind of a fascination with the old, decrepit-looking factories. The grey gloomy day enhanced this.

I noted a mere two hundred seventy something days till the Boilermaker as I passed the Runner’s Hall of Fame. I do not intend to run in 2013, but I may find occasion to write about it again.

On into Yorkville, I think. Utica has a bunch of little towns around it: Yorkville, Washington Mills, Whitesboro, New York Mills, New Hartford. Some astute reader may call me out on this and tell me a couple of those are really nowhere near Utica, but I’m sure I saw them on green signs somewhere.

I passed a consignment shop with the tag line “For Attic Addicts,” whose name completely escapes me. How embarrassing. Holland Farms put wreaths on the cows on their sign out front. Mmmmm, half-moon cookies. Perhaps I would stop on the way back. Voss, closed for the season. No hot dogs today! Harbor Freight Tools, one of my Dad’s favorite places to shop. Symeon’s Greek Restaurant. Mmmm, if I was still around at lunch time…

And, of course, a bunch more businesses I haven’t mentioned. Plus the places I stopped at, which I will give a shout out to AFTER Christmas. If the people I bought for like the presents I got for them there. No reason to think they won’t.

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A Visit to Downtown Herkimer

Posted on December 6, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I just gave Hummel’s Office Plus in Herkimer, NY a shout out last week, but I had occasion to go there last night (Tuesday), so I dare to mention them again.

Once again in my capacity as secretary for Ilion Little Theatre I was assigned to send a card, a sympathy card in this case. I really hesitate to mention somebody else’s bereavement in this space, although I believe I have done it once before (in a post about purchasing a sympathy card at Hummels’). It feels… intrusive, for want of a better word (I sat here crossing out words for a good three or four minutes before I came up with that one).

Oh, I hate picking out sympathy cards. I can never find the right one. I finally settled on the one that felt the least wrong.

Some comic relief was provided by one of the sales associates. She was wearing the silliest elf hat I have seen in a long time. It stuck straight up before curling to a point a good eight or ten inches over her head. Large pointy ears stuck out of the side. I told them they must take a picture to post on Facebook. They assured me it had already been done. I hope to return to Hummel’s soon and purchase just such a hat for myself.

I went downstairs where Steven and Tabby were waiting. After a joyous reunion with Tabby (I had been gone almost ten minutes), I addressed the card. I had foresightedly brought the address, a stamp and a pen. Then I couldn’t find the pen, but the downstairs clerk helpfully loaned me one of theirs.

Herkimer’s Post Office is in the same block as Hummel’s. Perfect! We could walk Tabby around the block and put the card (along with a couple of other cards I needed to send) right in the mail.

We walked by the Belly Up Pub, and I spoke longingly of their appetizer menu. Of course I’m off deep fried food for the foreseeable future (South Beach Diet), but I can dream. We speculated on Tabby’s possible reception in such a business, but we did not test the theory.

The post office was not closed yet, so we were able to walk right inside to mail our things. Tabby looked hopefully at people waiting in line. One lady said she was cute, but nobody offered to pet her.

We continued around the block. Burrito Jones still isn’t open. A wireless phone company is (Sorry I didn’t make note of which one it was. T Mobile?). A couple of closed businesses. Bummer. Somebody put two smallish blow up snowmen in one empty storefront. Nice. Pete’s Tavern. Well, if we didn’t take Tabby into Belly Up we probably shouldn’t take her into Pete’s.

After we turned back onto Albany Street we noted that Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner was closed for the night. Too bad. I could have gone for a Patty Platter. But, again, not a good place for Tabby. Some folks were still working in Castle Law Firm.

And then we were back to our own car and could happily go home. I don’t know if you’d call this much of a Mohawk Valley adventure, but we enjoyed it, so I thought it might be worth a post.

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Thank You, Hummel’s

Posted on December 1, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

I may have mentioned once or twice that I am secretary for Ilion Little Theatre. I’m not a very good one, so I hope none of my fellow board members reads this blog.

One of my duties is to send thank you notes to people who make generous donations. What this duty consists of is me making a note during the meeting that a card must be sent, forgetting about it till I type up my minutes for the next meeting, then saying, “Oh yeah, I have to do that” and running to the store for a card.

Somebody suggested I purchase a box of Thank You cards, thus saving myself a whole step in the routine. Accordingly, Steven and I made our way to Hummel’s Office Plus in Herkimer, NY last night. I first called and made sure they carried packets of Thank You cards (who can be sure in these non-writing times we live in?).

“Oh yes,” I was told. “They’re blank inside.”

“Just what I need,” I said. Then I hung up the phone and went to change my shoes. I was still in my blue collar outfit, and my feet can only put up with steel toes for just so long.

The trip had the added advantage that Tabby would get to ride in our new Trailblazer for the first time. I may do a whole blog post on our new Trailblazer, but that’s a preview of coming attractions.

I left Steven and Tabby downstairs chatting with Ryan, the manager, and went up to the gift shop. At first the only cards I saw were obviously thank you’s for a baby shower. Cute little animals mocked me. I saw a rather sexy vintage-looking mouse (it may have been Minnie or one of her forebears, but she didn’t look Disney to me). Then I noticed a classy set in green with a design.

“This doesn’t look too Christmasy because it’s green, does it?” I asked one of the ladies that work there.

“Oh no, that’s not a Christmas design,” she assured me. I don’t know why I don’t trust my own judgement on these things.

There were a number of definitely Christmasy things for me to admire. I looked at snow globes and singing angels and wished I had more time. I saw at least one thing that would be a very good present for Steven. I can’t tell you what it is, though, because he reads this blog (sometimes I read it to him before I hit “Publish.” Hi, Steve!).

When went back downstairs, Tabby greeted me as if she hadn’t seen me in a month. I love dogs. Steven had purchased some superglue for snowman repair, so we made use of both the office supply and the Hallmark sides.

It seems I see things urging me to Shop Local a lot these days, so I suppose I could feel virtuous about my purchase. Only I didn’t shop there because somebody told me to. I went because it is a good place to shop.

For more information on Hummel’s, visit their website at http://www.hummelsop.com.

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Return to PK’s

Posted on November 22, 2012 by mohawkvalleygirl

Some weeks ago our friend Tracy was supposed to visit us, and we intended to introduce her to PK’s Pub. She was unable to make it, so we went without her. I wrote a blog post about it. Recently Tracy did visit us and we went to PK’s. I see no reason not to give them another shout out.

My friend Pete was not behind the bar this time, but I met up with him later when I had to visit the ladies room. He and two other guys were in it, checking on something or fixing something (I think).

“You gents visit the ladies room often?” I asked.

“All the time,” one of the guys assured me.

“It is the happening place,” I agreed.

I had been going to order Hats and Broccoli, which Steven had last time, but changed my mind and got the Chicken Riggies. Spicy! Steven got a dish with pesto and chicken, and Tracy had something involving pork, mashed potatoes and mushrooms. I foolishly did not make a note of the name of what Tracy had, but I bet I’ll be able to figure it out and order it myself when I go back there.

We all enjoyed the salads before dinner, remarking that they are more substantial than the salads some places serve. I especially enjoy the garbanzo beans, and what I really love is the herbed butter that comes with the rolls.

When the waitress asked us were we all set, I was about to ask for the check when Tracy spoke up and asked about desserts. Well, I couldn’t let her eat dessert alone, could I? We all three had a chocolate ice cream cake that was heavenly.

It was a great meal with great service. Steven and I will not wait till the next time Tracy visits to return to PK’s Pub. They are located at 221 King St., Herkimer, NY 13350, phone number 315-866-3494. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m.

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