Category Archives: personal

Steve’s Birthday Dinner

Posted on March 4, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today is my wonderful husband’s birthday.  He wanted to go out to dinner, and I suggested PK’s Pub. For one reason, I neither baked nor bought him a cake, and PK’s has the BEST desserts.

We went early and were happy to get the tall table.  I love sitting at a tall table. When the waitress asked for our drink orders, I opted for a cup of coffee and a glass of water.  I felt I had had enough wine yesterday at Applebee’s.  It turned out the coffee was freshly brewed.  It was very good coffee.

I ordered hats with marinara sauce and two meatballs while Steven got the grilled chicken platter.  We both had ranch dressing on our salads.  PK’s does a great salad as well.  I especially like the garbanzo beans. The ranch dressing was creamy and delicious.  I also enjoy the herbed butter that comes with the bread.

I declined dessert (still hoping to lose that last 10 pounds) (oh, OK, it’s 15 pounds now, don’t judge), but Steven got Chocolate Lava Cake.  I could not resist trying one little bite.  Yum!  A lady who worked there walked by and said she got a great whiff of chocolate aroma.

We were delighted with our dinner, and I had enough hats left over to make part of another meal.  We had not been to PK’s in a while, a scandalous omission.  We won’t wait that long next time.

PK’s Pub is located at 221 King St. in Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-3494.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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Friday without Fish

Posted on March 3, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I forgot how easily a change of scenery can get rid of Writer’s Block.  It is as if I left the block at work.  Just walked right away from it.  I must remember that trick for future use.

I am sitting at Applebee’s in Herkimer, NY writing in my battered spiral notebook.  I am meeting friends to talk about casting for Leading Ladies.  Steven will  join the discussion already in progress when he gets off work.

I should perhaps mention that today is my Friday, since I have the rest of the week off.  I had so internalized the notion earlier that I cursed myself for not bringing a tuna fish sandwich for lunch.  I remembered in time that this is no ordinary Friday.

However, I am still making a lame post.  We could call it a Wuss-out Wednesday, just to be didactic.

I had a cold walk down here.  There was wind and snow.  However, I persevered .

I made it down to Applebee’s.  I had a grand time with friends.  Now I am too tired to make a good post. Go figure.  Happy Friday (Wednesday), everyone.

 

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A Good Problem on a Tired Tuesday

Posted on March 2, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

This timeI think it really is Writer’s Block.   I just sat here by my notebook for a good ten minutes and no thoughts came through my head and out my fingers.  I was also eating my sammich and vegetables at the same time (although in general I am no fan of multi-tasking).

I finished my lunch in short order, and as you can read, I’m writing now.  Perhaps it isn’t any good, but it’s words on paper.  Sometimes we must take what we can get.

All morning as I worked (yes, when I COULD have been thinking about my blog post), I was obsessing about Leading Ladies, the show I am directing (should I say that every time and should I specify at Ilion Little Theatre?  I don’t like to bore regular readers, but I must also consider those of you who are just tuning in) (if any) (um, I mean if any AT ALL, regular or otherwise).

Thirteen people showed up for auditions Monday night.  That is a marvelous turnout for our little community theatre.  I only need eight actors!  Oh dear, maybe this is not so marvelous after all.  How can I turn people away?  How can I decide who to turn away?  Now what?

I know, it is a great problem to have.  Usually we are making phone calls, sending emails and tearing our hair out.  So I’m not exactly complaining, although I suppose it sounds suspiciously like I am.

Be that as it may, I have now blathered on for over 200 words.  It is Tired Tuesday and I must get to the second night of auditions.  Wouldn’t it be cool if even MORE people showed up?  Maybe I need to find a bigger play.

 

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Maniac Monday

Posted on March 1, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was going to title today’s post “Manic Monday,”  but then I thought about the song of that name and it didn’t really fit.  Now I have the song playing in my head kind of mashed up with “She’s a Maniac” from Flashdance.  I really should exercise more care in crafting these titles.

I knew I would be pressed for time today, because auditions are tonight for Leading Ladies at Ilion Little Theatre (in case you forgot or never knew, that is the play I am directing). That being the case, it would have been a good idea for me to write my blog post earlier, maybe even to have written it and typed it in yesterday.  Yeah, I’m likely to achieve that level of organization and planning at my age.

In my defense, a co-worker nicely brought me a copy of Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I usually read that magazine cover to cover, not just my own article.  It’s a really awesome publication.  So I did not write my blog post, and I’m still not quite ready for auditions.

I just now typed up audition sheets on my computer.   For the uninitiated, the actors fill these out prior to auditioning, and I use them to write comments on.  They ask name, contact information, availability.  Sometimes they ask you to list experience, but I decided I didn’t really care.  I mean, unless I’ve seen them in it, it doesn’t really tell me much.  And if I saw them in it, I probably would remember it.  I asked if they were willing to shave and wear a dress, since the two lead males have to do that.  I was going to put “men only” for that question, but I didn’t like to discriminate.

Longtime readers may remember how when I’m involved in a project this blog eventually becomes All [That Project] All The Time.  I’m afraid I may get to the All Leading Ladies All The Time sooner than expected, unless I really get my act together.  I think we all know the probability of that.  Happy Monday, everybody.

 

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Sunday Stroll in the Sun

Posted on February 29, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Wrist to Forehead Sunday, I offer a Pedestrian Post with a heartfelt sigh of happiness about the weather.

My husband Steven had today off, so it promised to be a good day from the get-go.  We went out to breakfast at Crazy Otto’s before a quick stop at the grocery store.  It was already warmish when we left the house, but when I stepped out of Crazy Otto’s it was WONDERFUL!  I walked down the sidewalk taking deep breaths of spring air.  This was a good day for a walk.

When we got back from Hannaford, I wrote a few postcards, as I usually do on Saturday but had not gotten to this week.  Then I picked up my script for Leading Ladies.  Many of you will remember that is the play I am directing for Ilion Little Theatre.  Auditions are tomorrow. I wanted to photocopy scenes for them.  Hummel’s Office Plus is a short walk from the post office. They have a photocopier.

I wore my crazy old lady hat and my prescription sunglasses.  I was grateful for both.  How wonderful to walk along in a mere sweatshirt (um, and the rest of my clothes, don’t get any weird ideas about me) with no bitter wind hurting my face.  The sidewalks were mostly bare, and the lawns not too squishy when we had to walk around mud or ice.

After mailing the postcards and making the copies, we walked up Main Street so Steven could purchase cigarettes at Smoker’s Choice.  We observed that Valley Exchange was open but contented ourselves with looking at the window.  That is a fun store.  Linda’s Consignment Shop, across the street, was not open, but I must get down there again soon. Also on the other side of the street we saw people working in The End Zone, a pub and grill to be opening soon.

We walked all the way up to German Street, then past our own street to take an extra turn around our block, because we were so enjoying the weather.  Snow is in the forecast in the upcoming week, but I can’t worry about that today.  I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday as well.

 

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My Spontaneous Friday Night

Posted on February 28, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I don’t have a Scattered Saturday post for this week, but I thought I could give a brief overview of why I was in Ilion, NY at dinnertime yesterday, instead of sensibly and frugally at my home fixing fish sticks or tuna noodle casserole or something.

Directly after work, I went to the Medicine Shoppe to pick up a prescription.  It was not ready (weird renewal situation, not really relevant), but they said they could process it and have it for me in about 45 minutes (in retrospect, they might have said “Four to five minutes,” but, again, not really relevant).

Since I was in the neighborhood, I walked across the parking lot to Ilion Wine and Spirits, to get some of the Pinot Grigio Steven likes (full disclosure: I like it too).  What did I see on their door but a sign advertising a wine tasting that night at five!  Woohoo!  I love wine tasting!  It was only four, but that was a problem patience could easily solve.

“I have a prescription to pick up later,” I said.  “I was wondering if it was worth it to come back out, but now I’m motivated!”

I went home and made vague attempts at doing something useful.  Then the phone rang, and it was my friend Diane.  Diane recently opened Eye Q in New Hartford, NY, an excellent optical establishment.  She gave me a good deal on a truly awesome pair of glasses.  When she heard about the wine tasting, she was happy to meet me at Ilion Wine and Spirits at five.

The wine tasting was from Lakeland Winery from Syracuse.  I’ve tasted their wines before.  The lady that does the tastings is a delight.  She remembered me from the last time we had met at Ilion Wine and Spirits, and even remembered how my husband Steven had joined the tasting already in progress.

“I should go get Steven at work so he can join us this time,” I said.

I ended up doing just that.  Everybody was pleased to see Steven, Steven was pleased to taste some wine, and a delightful time was had by all.  Incidentally, I forgot to mention that the store served crackers and Herkimer Cheese as an accompaniment to the tasting.  Yum!

So that was my Friday, and I’m glad I wrote a blog post about it.  For one reason, I woke up this morning with the dull, draggy feeling that I had wasted my Friday on frivolities.  I see now that I did not.  I had a spontaneous and enjoyable time.  I’m soon off to have a marvelous time at Ilion Little Theatre.  I hope to write about that tomorrow.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

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Fish on Friday

Posted on February 27, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Don’t ask me why I was in Ilion, NY at seven this evening having not eaten dinner, but there I was with my husband.  I thought we were about to head home.

“Where do I go to get a fish fry?”  he asked.

“The Elks Lodge,” I answered.  A friend at work had recommended the Ilion Elks’ Fish Fry to me since the beginning of Lent but I hadn’t made it there yet.  I hadn’t thought I would make it this week either, but, well, sometimes these things work out.

We had missed the bake sale, which benefited the Herkimer Humane Society, and we had to wait just a couple of minutes while the hostess cleared and set up a table for us, but these were minor points.  Soon we were looking over the menu.  At first I thought to get broiled haddock for $10 but then I saw scallops were only $3 more.  I LOVE scallops!  Steven suggested he get the haddock while I got the scallops, that way we could taste each other’s entrees.

“Can I go in the bar and get a glass of wine to go with dinner?” I asked the waitress.

“We encourage it,” she said.

I asked the bartender what they had for white wine and selected Chardonnay.

“May I sniff the cork?” I asked as he poured.  “Just kidding,” I quickly added.  “We’re not snobby.  In fact, I see by the frog on the cork, that is the kind of wine we usually get.  Nathanson’s Creek, if you were wondering.

It was quite the delicious dinner.  The Elks Lodge is located at 8 West St., Ilion, NY.  They serve fish fry on Fridays during Lent from 5 to 8 p.m.

 

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What Would Virginia Woolf Do?

Posted on February 26, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yes, I am having a bad blogging week.  Other things aren’t going so well either, but that’s neither here nor there (here’s a question to ponder:  when something is neither here nor there, where is it?  Discuss amongst yourselves) (my computer seems to think “amongst” is not a word, but it is, isn’t it?)

People who read yesterday’s post may be pleased to hear that I did get a clue.  Two clues, in fact, maybe even three if you count pointing up a character trait of the victim.  I think it counts.  As for what the clues are… nice try!  I’m not giving anything away!  Come and see the show!

So I spent my time at work pondering these clues and writing them down as soon as I got on break.  And then I found that I had no clue (see what I did there?) about what to write a blog post about.  Could I dare do a Non-Sequitur Thursday after a Tired Tuesday and a Wuss-out Wednesday?  We all know the answer to that is yes.

I actually did have some Mohawk Valley adventures last Saturday, with my sister Cheryl and our friend Penny.  We went to Little Falls, NY.  Highlights included Paca Gardens, Fall Hill Bead and Gems and, on our return to Herkimer, Gems Along the Mohawk.  Why in the world should I not write about these delightful places?  Well perhaps I will.  For one reason, I work Saturday so Lame Post Friday is rendered… inappropriate.

Therefore, I shall try for a real post tomorrow.  In the meantime, thank you for participating, and Happy Thursday.

 

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I Don’t Have a Clue

Posted on February 25, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh, all right, I’ll admit it.  I did not write a blog post while I was at work today.  In my defense… never mind.  It won’t interest you and/or you will accuse me of whining.  No doubt you will be right.  Well, I have written many posts about not being able to write a post. Let’s see if I can get away with it one more time.

I spent most of my time at work obsessing about the murder mystery I am still working on.  Every time I mention that it is not finished, the person I’m talking to says, “Well, you’d better get going.”  I find that less than inspiring. But that’s what I get for talking about writing instead of writing.

What my script lacks is the compelling clue.  That one thing that lets the audience say, “Ah, THAT is why the killer has to be X!”  I keep thinking of and rejecting ideas.  A cryptic note?  Who writes notes these days!  A cryptic text?  What could the murderer text to the victim?  “I’m going to kill you”?  I guess it would more likely be something like “IMA KL U”.  I never text anybody (I am SO 20th century).

Maybe the victim sent the text.  Only then we would know who it was sent to, wouldn’t we?  Maybe the victim had a good reason to be all 20th century and wrote a note.

And so I continue to ponder.  I’ll have more updates on this as the event comes closer.  Local readers may like to come see it.  I must be careful not to give anything way in this space.  It would constitute an unfair advantage in addition to ruining the surprise.

 

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Nothing Wise or Profound

Posted on February 24, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m afraid today is Tired Tuesday.  I did start writing one thing while at work today, but is just isn’t going to work out.  You see, a terrible news story is occupying my mind and my emotions.  I knew I wouldn’t come up with anything profound or wise, but I thought I could say something.  It turns out that I can’t.

People always advise you to write about what’s bothering you.  I used to try, but it never helped.  I usually just got more upset as I articulated my problems.  I don’t think I’m that persuasive a writer, but I sure managed to persuade myself.  Go figure.

Years later I read in Ernest Hemingway’s A Movable Feast how he could write about Minnesota (I think) in Paris, but he could not write about Paris while he was there.  I don’t have the exact quote, because it’s been years since I’ve read it.  I must purchase a copy to have.  I read a similar thought in Natalie Goldman’s Writing Down The Bones.  She said you couldn’t write about being in love when you were in the first throes of infatuation:  all you want to write is, “I’m in love, I’m in love, I’m in love.”  That quote I could look up, because I own that book, but I’m just too, you guessed it, tired.

So even if I was wise and profound (we all know I’m not), I probably could not come up with something wise and profound at this point.  According to Hemingway and Goldberg, I could potentially write about something I felt or experienced years ago.  I’ll try that tomorrow.  I won’t promise wisdom or profundity, of course, but I’ll try not to be lame till Friday.

 

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