Category Archives: Mohawk Valley

Guns Along the Mohawk

Posted on August 20, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday, my sister Diane and her kids, Tom and Camille, came for the weekend. Tommy was registered to run the DARE 5K with me (stay tuned; that’ll be tomorrow’s post). We met after I got off work, at Remington Firearms Museum, Catherine St. off Rt 5S, Ilion, NY.

I have to confess, I was more into seeing my family and being happy about it being the weekend than in paying too much attention to the displays of firearms and ammo. Still, the place is interesting. I’ll have to go again on my own and maybe I can educate myself. For working in a gun factory, I know very little about them (and it really goes against the grain to use the word “gun;” in the army we were NOT allowed to call our M-16s guns).

Tommy is 13; Camille is 6. Tommy told me in a quiet tone of voice, “Cammie stole something. Come here, I’ll show you.”

He took me to a display of hand guns. One was missing. Camille, of course, insisted she was innocent. And the gun has not turned up at my house, amongst Camille’s Polly Pockets for example, so maybe she didn’t steal it after all.

We also checked out the museum shop. Steven bought a shot glass for his collection (he just collects them; he doesn’t do shots of booze in them). I checked out the hooded sweatshirts, but did not purchase one that day. We asked about post cards, and the girl working there told us they mean to get them but are trying to find a photographer that will do a good job. I have to appreciate that. I said I’d come back. I think the soldiers I send post cards to would like to get postcards of Remington Arms.

For more information about the museum, including hours, call 315-895-3200 or 800-243-9700. You can also visit the website, http://www.remington.com.

Leave a comment

Posted in Ilion, Mohawk Valley, museums, Remington Arms. Bookmark the permalink.

I Prepare for the DARE

Posted on August 20, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

As I write on Friday the DARE 5K is bearing down on me! And since I’ve had an extra hour’s sleep and three cups of coffee this morning, I feel pretty terrific about it.

I ran up the hill to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. The Tuesday and Thursday runs were quite an effort, because I did them in the hot 4 p.m. sun after working a 10 hour day. On Tuesday’s run as I started the downhill portion I felt like Wesley in The Princess Bride after being introduced to Count Ruger’s torture device. If you’ve never seen the movie (and if you haven’t, I highly recommend you do), he cries like a baby. That’s what I felt like doing, but was sure my body lacked sufficient hydration for such an action.

See, normally I hit the spring during that run and at least get a sip or two. I know there are water stations on the 5K (for one thing I can see “H2O,” a water drop and an arrow spray painted on the hill), but I didn’t take any water on the only other 5K I’ve run. I can run at least a half hour without water. Will a 5K take me more than a half hour? We shall see.

Tuesday I saw a girl sitting on a porch. She smiled and waved.

“You look so comfortable!” I said. “That’s what I’d rather be doing!”

Thursday I felt a little better. I looked for the girl on the porch, but she wasn’t there. Then I saw a lady across the street.

“That’s what I need to do!” I called. “Find myself some shade and sit down!” I like to call out remarks when I run.

I ran just a little bit further on Thursday, by virtue of seeking out the shadiest sidewalks to run down. The nice thing about running is that even if you don’t feel particularly good after a run, you usually feel good that you ran, if you know what I mean.

The DARE 5K, once again, is Saturday, August 20, beginning and ending in front of the 1834 Jail in Herkimer. For more information, check the Herkimer DARE Facebook page or call the police department, 866-4330.

Leave a comment

Posted in Community Events, DARE 5K, Mohawk Valley, police department, running. Bookmark the permalink.

Main Moon Monday

Posted on August 19, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

Monday Steven and I were on a mission to all the area Dollar Stores. What we were seeking is unimportant; we were unsuccessful. We ended up hungry and in Ilion. That was when we found the Main Moon Buffet at 40 Central Plaza.

I think a buffet is a wonderful way to eat Chinese food, because you can get a little taste of everything. This is a good buffet with plenty of variety. They have all my usual favorites, hot and sour soup, General Tso’s chicken, cream cheese wontons, plus a few things I’d never tried (have now). They also have sushi. The wasabi will clear your sinuses! I finished up with a small dish of ice cream.

The Main Moon also offers a full menu for eat in or take out. Carry out buffet is available. Hours are Monday through Thursday 11 am to 10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 11:30 pm, Sunday noon to 10 pm. Telephone is 315-895-7404/7405. You can like them on Facebook.

This has been a short post, but how much do I need to say about a Chinese buffet? The food was yummy, the service was good. I’ll be back!

Leave a comment

Posted in Ilion, Mohawk Valley, Restaurants. Bookmark the permalink.

Little Falls Fun

Posted on August 16, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

So Steven and I headed to Little Falls Saturday for what I thought was called Canalfest.

Steven is always a little nervous about driving into Little Falls, because it can be confusing to get around with all the one way streets. He can reliably get to Canal Place, which was one place we definitely wanted to get to, but we wanted to check out some other things first.

We were happy to find Main Street. We knew that was where M&T Bank, which hosts the weekly Farmer’s Market, is located. Before we were anywhere near the bank, however, we saw a big to-do going on in what I later found out was Eastern Park.

I picked up a booklet about Canalfest, or rather the 24th Annual Canal Celebration 2011, Little Falls, NY Bicentennial 1811-2011, according to the front of the booklet. I could swear the newspaper was calling it Canalfest. Anyways, I proceeded to not consult the booklet for the rest of the day, but I knew it would prove useful when writing my blog posts (for example, informing me that it was Eastern Park).

The guy at the Veteran’s Booth in Eastern Park chatted us up for a while. He told us about a ceremony for fallen soldiers to take place in September. I made a note of the date (preview of coming attractions). I put a donation in the jar, for which the guy gave me one of those little flowers to attach to my purse. He also gave me a United States Army sticker for the back window of my truck. (You would think I would have one of those by now. For heavens’ sake, I’ve been a veteran since 1997.)

Steven and I proceeded to stroll through the various vendors. I resolutely resisted the fair food. It was too soon after breakfast. I would have regretted that Blooming Onion.

We put in for the Chinese Auction at the HALO booth. That’s Helping Animals Live Organization, I think. They mostly help cats. I’ll have to find out more about them; that would be another good blog topic.

As we enjoyed the many vendors, we did not make any purchases but picked up a few business cards, most notably one of a lady from Rochester selling some beautiful tie-dyes. A lady doing palm readings said she would tell us one thing apiece for free. She actually told us each several things. They weren’t all true, but I did not contradict her. She was a nice lady, and it might be fun to have a palm reader at a party sometime.

We returned to the car briefly so I could drink some water, then decided to stroll down Main Street in search of the Farmers Market or other Canal Celebration activities (I’m probably going to milk this topic all week).

Leave a comment

Posted in Community Events, Little Falls, Mohawk Valley. Bookmark the permalink.

Fueling Up for a Great Day

Posted on August 14, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven has already been on Facebook posting what a great day we had on Saturday. I think it was actually good for multiple blog posts. I’ll start with breakfast at Donna’s Diner.

We were heading to Little Falls for Canalfest, and I needed sustenance. I suggested Donna’s Diner, 5616 State Route 5, Herkimer, as being right on the way. We’ve eaten there before, but had not been there lately. The diner is located right next to our vet, so we’re usually out that way with Tabby. I’ve heard that in France they love dogs so much you can bring a dog into the fanciest restaurant, but I imagine they frown on such practices in the Mohawk Valley.

I had conceived the idea of going out for breakfast Friday when I got a sudden craving for bacon. We don’t buy bacon every week the way we used to, as I prefer a healthier, lower calorie lifestyle. But an occasional serving of bacon enhances my quality of life. I almost ignored the craving, however, when I saw one of the specials was sausage, egg and cheese on a hard roll with home fries. Breakfast sandwiches are my favorite. I finally opted for bacon, egg and cheese on a hard roll, no potatoes. I figured I’d have the opportunity to consume more calories at Canalfest, so I ought to pace myself. Steven ordered eggs over medium with bacon, home fries and Texas toast. That gave me the opportunity to sample the potatoes and see what I was missing. Yum! I may be forced to get them next time.

As we waited for our food I noticed a framed newspaper clipping from the Telegram Leader dated March 2, 1993. It said the former Jessica’s Restaurant had re-opened under new management as Donna’s Diner with Donna Graham as owner. I made a note of that bit of history. Then I admired a number of historic photos of the area. I love old pictures. I couldn’t study them all, though, or the other diners may have thought I was studying them. I would not wish to cause offense.

It was a wonderful breakfast and set us right up to enjoy the rest of our day, which I will blog about in the coming week. For more information about Donna’s Diner call 866-1483.

Leave a comment

Posted in Mohawk Valley, Restaurants. Bookmark the permalink.

Can You Bear a Little More About DARE?

Posted on August 13, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

Friday I thought I’d better register for the DARE 5K since I had it in my head the price when up after the 12th. Of course I neglected to do anything about it Thursday the 11th.

I called Steven from work about 7 am and got the number of the Herkimer Police Department. I know they are very polite there. I called and said I wanted to register for the DARE Run. They immediately called someone to the phone. I neglected to ask if it was Officer Steven D. Elwood, the DARE officer. I asked if I could stop by the police station after work with the registration money.

“Will there be somebody there?” I asked. “Well, obviously there will be somebody there, it’s a police station. But will there be somebody there to take my DARE registration?” He assured me there would.

I got home around four and after I changed we put Tabby on the leash and in the car and rode over, first discussing exactly where the police department was. See, we don’t usually get in trouble with the cops. The worst Steven ever does is get a parking ticket for not putting money in the meter. He pays those by mail. Steven wondered if we should bring Tabby inside. I thought the police would be OK with a dog and might even try to recruit her for their K-9 unit. OK, I didn’t really think they’d try to recruit her, but don’t you think my jumpy dog would make a cute cop?

The sergeant at the desk (I didn’t get his name, but I knew by his stripes he was a sergeant) actually didn’t know anything about the DARE run, but found me the registration form and went to ask somebody what to do with the money. I filled out forms for myself and my nephew and paid the money. I noticed I actually had till August 15th before the price went up but was glad to get it taken care of.

Once, again, the DARE 5K is Saturday, Aug. 20, Jr. Fun Run at 8:30 am, 5K at 9:15. For more info, contact Officer Elwood at 315-866-4330, email dareherkimer.@yahoo.com or Herkimer Dare at facebook.com. See you there; I’m registered!

Leave a comment

Posted in animals, Community Events, DARE 5K, Mohawk Valley, non-profits, police department, running. Bookmark the permalink.

Another DARE-ing Post

Posted on August 13, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

I talked to my sister Diane on Thursday and confirmed that my nephew, Thomas, still intends to run the DARE 5K with me on August 20. That being the case, I thought I’d best stop pussy-footing around (so to speak) with 24-minute runs on minor hills and drag my butt up the hill to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC).

I ran up the back way, which is not the actual route of the DARE Run. It’s less steep and longer, therefore challenging but not as daunting. Still, once I started up, I felt fairly daunted.

I know I’ve blogged about running that route before and probably been more witty about it. For one thing, nothing much happened this time. As I ran through the residential area, I said hello to a man by his car and waved to another man sitting on his porch. I ran by the dorms and noted the sign, “Private Property No Trespassing,” so I didn’t . I saw a Campus Security vehicle and a red car driving away, so I thought maybe that was a trespasser. I made it to the top of the hill without mishap and started down the steep way. Ah, the view from the top. I kept noticing foot prints and “5K” spray painted on the road with arrows pointing in the opposite direction to where I was going.

I don’t much like running down a steep hill. I think when I run next time I’ll go up the steep side. At least I ran for thirty minutes. The 5K will probably take me a little longer at the rate I’m running lately, but I’ll be motivated.

The DARE 5K is Saturday, August 20, in Herkimer beginning and ending in front of the Historic Herkimer County Jail. The Jr. Fun Run begins at 8:30 am, the 5K at 9:15 am. For more information contact Ptlm. Steven D. Elwood at 315-866-4330 (the Police Department), or email dareherkimer.@yahoo.com, or Herkimer Dare at facebook.com.

Leave a comment

Posted in Community Events, DARE 5K, Mohawk Valley, non-profits, running. Bookmark the permalink.

Going to the Dogs

Posted on August 12, 2011 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven noticed that the Herkimer County Humane Society was selling Mutt Strut t-shirts for $5. We had regretfully missed the Mutt Strut for reasons I can’t offhand recall, but we thought purchasing a t-shirt would be a good way to support the organization. The shirts could be purchased online, but we thought it would be more fun to drive out, plus making for a better blog post.

Steven is Facebook friends with the Humane Society and so knew they need such things as pet food, kitty litter, etc. When he stopped at Hannaford, he picked up some Purina Kitten Chow (their preferred brand).

Once I was home and showered, we put Tabby on her leash and in the car and drove out Route 5S in Mohawk. As usual, I noticed a walking/biking/running path to one side I’d like to explore one day. I think that is where they sometimes take the dogs for walks from the Humane Society. It is right across the street.

We got out of the car to the usual cacophony of barking. Tabby was instantly delighted with the place, because there were many good places to sniff. When we walked into the office, a little foxy-looking dog in a cage started yapping at us. Tabby graciously went up and sniffed noses with him. He stopped barking when she did that but began again as soon as she stopped. She’s such a flirt.

We bought our shirt and noticed some other fun stuff for sale like buttons encouraging pet adoption. I picked up a card and a couple of fliers: a list of household hazards for pets, some advice on training your dog, and the Humane Society Wish List for Christmas. I said I would put the wish list on my blog.

Christmas isn’t any time soon, of course, but the society could use any of these things at any time: blankets/sheets/comforters, cat litter (unscented, non-scoopable only), new carpet remnants, towels, antibacterial dishwashing liquid, brooms, Clorox bleach, garbage bags, hand soap, laundry detergent, paper towels, sponges, canned dog food (no gravy), cat treats, dog treats, Iams canned dog food (special diet, special request), cat toys, dog toys, postage stamps, rubber gloves, thank you cards, volunteers/foster homes.

Well, that added to my word count. The Humane Society is open Monday through Friday 11 am to 5 pm (closed Tuesday), Saturday and Sunday 12 to 4 pm. Phone 315-866-3255, fax 315-866-8086. Their website is http://www.herkimerhumane.org or http://www.petfinder.com. Email herkimerhumane@ntcnet.com. You can also like them on Facebook.

Leave a comment

Posted in animals, Mohawk Valley, non-profits. Bookmark the permalink.
←
Newer Posts →