Category Archives: personal

Seasonal Scattered Saturday

I pause in my Christmas gyrations to make this week’s Scattered Saturday post. Full Disclosure:  I sat down to make this post earlier and just did not want to do it.  I felt down, I felt stupid, I felt completely disinclined to make a blog post just for the sake of making a blog post.  Remembering that doing something, anything often helps (if you can get yourself to do it), I did the dishes (there were not that many) and started another batch of Chex Party Mix (although I used the store brand version of Chex cereal) (I guess that is another Full Disclosure).  I have one, maybe two more goodies to make (however, I have found that it does not pay to get too ambitious), then I can start packaging and wrapping.

The packaging is often the most fun.  My husband Steven likes to put a present in a present, so we pick up various size tins and decorative boxes whenever we see them for a good price.  For another reason, I am a terrible wrapper, completely unable to fold the corners in anywhere close to a neat fashion.  However, I am thinking I will wrap the presents for my great nephew and niece, who are four and one.  I think they will like to tear the paper.

I had been hoping for a return of Saturday Running Commentary today, but the early weather report warned of possible icy roads early on, when I would have liked to go.  I am clumsy enough on my feet without adding slippery into the mix.  Additionally, I wanted to run to Hannaford for just a couple more things.  I felt like an independent, take-charge kind of woman when I went to Hannaford shortly after they opened, thus beating the crowd (although I kept walking into people; I did mention I was clumsy, did I not?), then drove to the Mohawk YMCA, arriving shortly after they opened.  Half an hour on the elliptical made me feel even better about myself.

Steven got a little ambitious himself, scoring a same-day appointment appointment at the Hot Shot Salon and Spa in Herkimer to have his beard and hair trimmed.  I admired his handsomeness before starting my first batch of Party Mix.

Later on, I went to Ilion with my friend Kim, to visit the New 2 You Consignments.  We mostly went to visit our friend Robbi, the proprietress.  We also got to see her lovely daughter, Megan.  Megan is ultra-talented and is studying musical theatre in New York.  Kim and I worked on a couple of shows with her when she was still local.  We looked around at the merchandise, but the only thing I bought was a pair of Christmas socks.  I love Christmas socks, and I do not have enough of them.  I know, this is the time of year I should be purchasing things for other people, but, hey, Christmas socks.  There could be no possible objection.

Before leaving Ilion, we stopped by Ilion Wine and Spirits, where I picked up a bottle of my favorite champagne, Great Western Extra Dry, made in New York State.  Wine purists will point out that technically it is not champagne if it is not made in a specific part of France, but I do not care at all.  Call it whatever you like, I like to drink it!

Making Chex Party Mix is a relaxing activity, because once it is in the oven you have 45 minutes to wait, needing only to stir it every 15.  That part is sometimes a little stressful for me when I start to think I did not set the timer this time after stirring.  Then I go to check, thinking I will set the timer for less than 15 if I have indeed forgotten.  Then I have not forgotten, and much more time has passed than I realized, so it is good I remembered to set it.  But other than that, a perfectly relaxing treat to make, and so tasty.

So this is my Scattered Saturday post.  Only two more days till Christmas!  Yikes!  Well, I will be ready or I won’t.  My family will not mind if I am not. They will not even be surprised.  They have known me for a while.

 

Another Pre-Holiday Post

My pre-holiday weekend continued today with a few indoor chores and a couple of outside stops.  Full disclosure:  I was going to have a Lame Post Friday, even though technically Wednesday was my Friday this week, and I make no promises about how lame this post will be.  Then again, do I ever?

It was pouring rain this morning, so I did not go running.  I know, some people run no matter what the weather, but I sometimes let myself off the hook.  Later on I went for a walk, which was nice.  It is much easier to dodge around the puddles and not get sopping wet from the thighs down if one moves at a slower pace.  So at least I got some exercise.

Before my walk, I got out to a couple of non-local non-distinctive stores, hoping to beat the crowds.  I guess I did to some extent, although I kept getting in people’s way.  They were all very nice about it, which I chalked up to the time of year, although I have observed that many people in this area are nice at all points in the year.  At home I did a load of laundry and made a couple of Christmas treats  Further full disclosure:  many indoor chores remain to be accomplished.

Later on, Steven and I went to the Herkimer County Historical Society, one of our favorite places, for further Christmas shopping.  From there we drove down Main Street and parked in a handy space to go to three cool places:  Rose Quartz Stand, the European Deli, and Click’s Cakes.  I’ll have to write better blog posts about all four of those places (preview of coming attractions).  Then we drove to Asteroga Ale House, because we were hungry and wanted food.

After re-fueling we went to Valley Wine and Liquor for a wine tasting.  I do like to try new things. After that, we were ready for the bra off (me) sweats on (both of us), TV watching portion of the evening. We are looking at an obscure offering called Stalking Santa  (2006).   We found it when one of the local movie rental places went out of business (oh how I miss movie rental places!).  I highly recommend it.

I guess this blog is about to become All Christmas All The Time, but is that such a bad thing?  If so, comment, please, and let’s have a discussion. In the meantime, Happy Friday.

 

 

Yes, I’m Just Starting Christmas Shopping

I did not have to go to work today (don’t hate), so Steven and I headed to Little Falls for some local shopping at a few fun, distinctive places.  I know I said I was not going to talk about where I shopped and what I bought who, but, well, I took a few pictures and I need a blog post today.  Anyways, maybe I didn’t buy anything.  Oh, OK, I bought a few things, but they might have all been for me.  I call myself Cindy Claus this time of year, but I am always the Evil Woman CinCin.  No matter.  On with the blog post.

I saw on Facebook (a veritable font of information if you have Liked the right pages) that there was a Cookie Crumb Trail at Canal Place, one of the main shopping destinations in Little Falls (the other one is Main Street).  Participating merchants were offering cookies, so one was encouraged to go from store to store.  We started at Rochette, which now shares its space with Huckleberry Letterpress Co.  Lots of great gift ideas!

I told the lady behind the counter that we were following the Cookie Crumb Trail and I hoped to take a picture at each stop for my blog post.  She nicely offered us a cookie and hoped to see the blog post (oh dear, I will share this to Rochette’s Facebook page, but maybe the post isn’t very good. I always worry about these things).  I decided to take my picture of a pair of ice skates covered with glitter hanging behind the counter.  I saw a number of old ice skates for sale in the various antiques vendors’ spaces, so that is an idea I can steal (plagiarism is the sincerest form of flattery).

She said they leave behind a trail of glitter but it is worth it.

Next we went to Ole Sal’s Cafe and Creamery and through the different vendors in that area.  I took my picture of some local art on the wall.

I don’t know how well you can see it, but my favorite is the mirror with the Overlook Mansion painted on it.

When we went to the building next door, I could not get a picture, because my Tablet went into Selfie mode and I could not get it back.  When we got to PrimaDonna’s Boutique, the nice lady there helped me.  I happily took a picture of some pillows I liked, although there is a LOT in that boutique I admired.

A soft pillow can bring one a lot of joy.

After that we drove to Main Street, the other shopping destination in Little Falls, to Paca Gardens.  I love walking around that place and touching the merchandise.  So soft!  Of course I had to take a picture of some cuddly alpacas.

Aren’t they sweet?

There are other places to stop in Little Falls, as well as a few places in Ilion and Hekimer I had thought to hit for Christmas shopping.  I guess I’d better charge up my Tablet and head out again tomorrow!

 

Wuss-out Winesday

Mohawk Valley Girl does not usually plug chain restaurants, preferring the distinctive, locally owned places (although she does talk about herself in the third person, don’t judge), but sometimes the chain place is a fun place to be on a Wednesday night.

But first, a housekeeping note, this is a kind of a Wuss-out Wednesday, because we were supposed to go to Karaoke at Asteroga Ale House in Herkimer tonight (um, in about three and a half hours, but I rather doubt we will change our minds at this point).  I messaged the people we were supposed to go with. One has to work, one has lost his voice, the third was totally into it and asked (showing a flattering knowledge of my blog): what is this, Wuss-out Wednesday?  We agreed to try again next Wednesday (and it will make a good blot post, I hope).

In the meantime, Steven and I needed to eat, and he had not taken anything out of the freezer.  He was willing to go anyplace I suggested, but I suddenly remembered: Winesday at Applebee’s!  The last time we went there (on a Wednesday to get half-price bottles of wine, not just to Applebee’s) was 2015 (we met with friends to discuss casting for Leading Ladies, the play I directed for Ilion Little Theatre)  (good God, has it been that long since I directed?).  I called to make sure the promotion was still in effect.  When the lady answered the phone mentioning “Wine Down Wednesday,” I rejoiced.

The other good thing about Applebee’s for my blogging purposes, is that they do embrace local connections. The walls are decorated with pictures of local sports teams and events.  So I feel it is Mohawk Valley Girl-ish enough to recommend Applebee’s in Herkimer, NY, as a good place to eat.

We had a bottle of LBD (Little Black Dress) Pinot Noir and an order of Neighborhood Nachos.  Yum on both counts.

And this is my blog post.  As a side note: tonight is my Friday, because I am off from now until January 2, 2019.  Woohoo!  Lots of Mohawk Valley Adventures to follow!  Or maybe I will just sit home watching true crime television shows or Christmas movies on DVD or video (yes, we’re old school).  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

You Can Forget this Blog Post

I’ll never forget the time that…

Sometimes those words are followed by a delightful memory of fun times with family and friends, or a time somebody did something impressive, or any number of other good things.  Sometimes not so much.  Sometimes what we’ll never forget is the time that somebody did or said something that was mean and uncalled for.  Worse yet, sometimes it’s something I did myself and I still feel bad about.  Full disclosure:  most of my unpleasant “never forgets” are bad things done by others.  Oh, I’ve done plenty of things I’m ashamed of, but they don’t seem to pop into my mind as frequently. When you get right down to it, I am pretty much a stinker.  But I digress.

Here’s the thing that occurred to me this morning, sometimes it is a good idea to forget these things we’ll never forget.  What good does it do us to remember?  I often still feel the same hurt or regret, only the chances of making things right are extremely remote.  Oh, I suppose being a fiction writer, I could attempt to extract some petty revenge by fictionalizing my adversaries.  I personally have never had great success with that.  Of course, I have not so far had great success as a fiction writer at all, but let’s not probe that sore spot.  For one reason, I do not want to be saying at some future date, “I’ll never forget the time I was make a blog post and all somebody wanted to talk about was my lack of success as a fiction writer.

You may have noticed that I am not giving any examples of things I’ll “never forget.”  That is because I am attempting to follow my new idea of forgetting these things.  At least I will strive not to dwell on them.  I’ll let you know how that works out for me.

In the meantime, this will have to do for today’s blog post.  There is probably a much better essay to be written on the subject.  In fact, it probably has already been written.  Why should I think I am the first person to come up with these things?  No matter.  Some things bear repeating.  Happy Tuesday, everyone.

 

Meandering towards Monstrous Monday

I tried to write a blog post while at work today, but all I seemed to want to write about was how this is a three-day work week and how happy I was about that.  However, I think I touch on that subject every year during Thanksgiving week.  Well, just for something different from Monstrous Monday, I thought I could use this space to ponder my Christmas shopping choices this year.

Um, yes, that means I have not purchased all the Christmas gifts I intend to give this year.  Some years (oh, all right most years), I am a last minute kind of gal.  I MAY have picked up one or two things along the way, but I can’t say anything about those IF they in fact exist.  I don’t know who all reads my blog.  One of the prospective gift recipients may tune in.  Already I’ve said too much.

Now that I think of it, I don’t think I should talk about where I intend to shop either.  People might guess what I’m going to get them. Worse yet, they may guess wrong that it’s something better than what I actually buy.  I would hate to disappoint anybody.  Oh, this gift giving season is fraught with peril!

I think it would be a better idea to wait till AFTER Christmas and tell my readers what I DID buy, after people have unwrapped their things.  Hopefully I will get around to buying them, but let’s not catastrophize, shall we?  In the meantime, I need a blog post TODAY.  Maybe I should have gone with a Monstrous Monday after all.

A festive monster.

You know, I am over 250 words.  I’m going to call this a Monday Mental Meanderings and drive on. Happy Monday, everyone!

 

Snapshots from my Weekend

Yes, it is a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  I am TIRED from dancing my buns off last night to The Posers at Ilion Elks Lodge.  What a fun night!  Unfortunately, the snapshots promised in the headline are not of that (then again, I would probably be pretty embarrassed if I saw pictures of myself dancing).  I did not bring my Tablet with me, because I knew I would be spending a lot of time on the dance floor and did not want to worry about it.  However, earlier that day I had the Tablet with me and took a couple of pictures.

She so pretty.

Here is my friend Kim demonstrating the proper use of a bottle cozy at Route 51 Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage Center, where we attended a fun beer tasting.  Kim suggested also getting a picture of the bartender.

Yes, that is Bob himself.

We just missed a performance by The Happy Haggs Dance Troupe, but we saw the Haggs about to take a  buggy ride.  I told them I wanted to be a Happy Hagg.  It may happen in 2019.

The unposed shot.

After they realized I was trying to get a picture.

 

I also had to get a shot of the beautiful horses.

I am not always good at remembering to take pictures.  For one reason, the Tablet is a little awkward.  Maybe I should get one of them there smart phones.  Then again, any phone can’t be smarter than its user.  That’s where I may run into problems. In the meantime, I am over 250 words.  I call that OK for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday.  I hope to see you all on Monstrous Monday.

 

Post Before Dancing

I pause in the midst of my adventures for a Scattered Saturday post.  I went for a run this morning, the first run since the Reindeer Run 5K last Saturday (don’t judge me).  It felt pretty good.  I was going to do a Saturday Running Commentary, but I had other things on my mind.  I wrote my post cards, called my Mom and Dad, and Steven got ready to get moving.

First we went to a big box store that needs no plug from Mohawk Valley Girl.  For one reason, it is the only place around here I can get my yarn. Then we went to Cash for Cans Redemption in Herkimer, where we cashed in some cans we have had for longer than we meant to.  With a little bit of cash in our pockets, we went to Ilion to Moose River Coffee for a little breakfast.  Yum!  It is the BEST coffee!

Then we came home and hung out till the afternoon, when we got together with our friend, Kim.  The first stop was Valley Wine and Liquor for a scotch and bourbon tasting.  Kim did not taste, but Steven and I did. We kind of liked a couple of them, but we bought a little wine instead.  For one reason, the Werewolf Chardonnay with glow in the dark label was on sale for $5.99.

Next we went to Ilion to another tasting at Beer Belly Bob’s.  Bob had told us about it when we were there for the tasting last night.  We tasted several beers and a couple of sodas. Fun and tasty!  Then we went to the Municipal Building to see if we could get one of the horse and carriage rides.  They were almost done giving them, and a number of kids were still waiting, so we tactfully retreated.  We walked to the Knights of Columbus, where I had heard there was a Chinese Auction.  The auction was over, but there were a few booths from the craft fair still operating.  We enjoyed looking over some of the goods.

Now we are home, but only for another hour or so.  Then we are headed to the Ilion Elks Lodge to hear The Posers, one of our favorite bands!  I hope to do a LOT of dancing!  I may be too tired to do even a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post tomorrow.

 

My Favorite Lame Post Friday

Lame Post Friday is getting lamer and lamer, I fear.  Perhaps I am coming to the end of my usefulness as a blogger.  SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!!!

I have been having a fun evening.  My husband, Steven, and I went with our friend Kim to a beer tasting at Route 51 Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage Center in Ilion. We purchased some beer, of course.  I do not drink as much beer as I used to, but sometimes a beer really hits the spot.

Kim had commitments elsewhere, so Steven and I continued to dinner alone at Salvatore’s in Herkimer.  We had soup and garlic knots.  Yum! Then Steven had a cup of coffee and I inadvisedly had a piece of chocolate spoon cake for dessert.  Oh, was it ever good!  However, it was also very rich and filling.  If I dare to step on the scale tomorrow morning I will no doubt find I have jumped up three or four pounds.

Now we are home, and Steven put in our DVD of Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol, one of his (and my) favorites.

Oh, sure, just give away the ending!

Christmas time is all about revisiting old favorites, isn’t it?  When we got to Salvatore’s, we had to sit in the parking lot to hear the ending of “Do They Know It’s Christmas” by Band Aid.  I love that song and had not heard it yet this year.  Inside the restaurant, we enjoyed more favorites:   “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Sleigh Ride,” and Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,”  as well as another favorite I had not heard yet this year:  Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmas Time.”

Well, talking about that has put me in a sweet, cuddly Christmas mood. I’m going to knit and watch the rest of this Christmas special.  Full disclosure:  next I may watch Dateline.  After all, I still gotta be me. Happy Friday, everyone.

 

This Post Doesn’t Pop

We had a gift exchange at my place of employment today.  Eleven of us participated, and I got the best present.  For me, anyways.

I LOVE popcorn!

My co-worker Joe is also a farmer.  I’ve purchased peas in the pod from him (the only way I like peas is raw straight from the pod).  I had forgotten he also grew popcorn.

Oh dear, this is a very boring post.  I had meant to tell the whole story about the gift exchange.  We all drew a number.  When it was your number, you picked a present and opened it.  Or you could steal a present somebody else had already opened.  There was a $5 limit on gifts.  There were several scratch-off lottery tickets.  When it was my turn, I picked the biggest present.  It was heavy!

“It’s probably a brick and a scratch-off,” I said.  It was a shoe box stuffed with newspaper and… the popcorn!  I said, “Please, nobody steal it, I really want this!”  One fellow pretended he was about to, but he nicely took something else instead.  I kept saying I was very excited to get popcorn, which of course I was.  Joe told me the popcorn is organic and that it pops big and white.  I’ll have to make another blog post with pictures when I pop some, probably this weekend.

Later I asked where people could get the popcorn, so I could tell my blog readers.  He said they could call the number on the label, or it was available at, “This store in Frankfort, it’s called…”  he searched his mind for the name.

“The Locavore?”  I guessed.  “I love the Locavore!”

So I get to plug The Locavore, too.  As you may guess, they sell local products.  The store is located at 159 E. Main St. in Frankfort.  They are open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Yes, re-reading this I see it is kind of a boring post.  I’m still excited about the popcorn, though.