Category Archives: personal

(Catchy Headline Here)

Posted on April 11, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, this is dreadful. I must leave soon to attend a charity event involving celebrity bartenders at happy hour (if I was really high speed, I would include a link about just what the event is) (and here we come to the ugly truth about me). I think it would be a good idea to make my blog post now and have done with it. I’ve done this sort of thing before with differing amounts of success (again, not high speed enough to include links).

On the brighter side, this is Non-Sequitur Thursday. All I really have to do is come up with a catchy headline and rattle on for a few paragraphs, which we all know I am well able to do. It’s the catchy headline part that is often the problem.

When I worked at a newspaper, roughly a hundred years ago, I used to see employment ads in some of the professional magazines my boss got. They were always looking for editors who could write headlines that sang. I knew mine were pretty tuneless, and I didn’t want to leave the North Country at that point anyways, so I never applied for any of them. But I always wondered about that, because, you know, most of the headlines I see are… not so singy.

At least we have something to look forward to: a kicky post about my experiences going to happy hour for a good cause. Maybe I can come up with a better headline for that one.

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I Keep Walking

Posted on April 10, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I don’t want to say this too loudly, but I think spring has come to the Mohawk Valley. Shhh! Don’t talk too much about it; we don’t want to scare it away.

OK, that was a little silly (what a surprise). It is by way of an introduction to a pedestrian post on a walk taken today. Tomorrow is supposed to be the heat wave of 60 degrees. Today was supposed to be in the 40s, with a cold front bringing rain, so I thought. I must have misheard the weather report this morning, because it was sunny. I even considered wearing my crazy old lady hat. However, the wind dissuaded me. I made do with sunglasses, only one (not insulated) sweatshirt and no toque. Tabby just about managed to stand still so I could get the harness on her, and we were off.

I had poop bags in both cargo pockets of my BDU pants (I hadn’t changed out of them after work) as well as a bag for any cans or bottles I might find. My regular glasses were also in one pocket, in case it suddenly got cloudy. After half a block of listening to them rattle, I took them out and carried them. Then decided I had been silly to bring them at all, because there was not a cloud in the sky.

The wind, however, was quite fierce. Maybe I could have used my toque. Instead I put up the hood of my sweatshirt and tied it. Wind like that always worries me, though. I think somebody might come along and drop a house on me.

We walked down German Street and through the path over what used to be a hydraulic canal. We met a nice lady with a toddler. Tabby was more interested in sniffing the empty stroller, which surprised me a little. In general, Tabby is anxious to meet the people. The lady tried to get the toddler to pet Tabby. As we walked away, he became more interested in her. I could hear him making a noise that I think was supposed to be “woof! woof!” We met a few other people as we walked. Some said hello or remarked on my cute little dog, but nobody petted Tabby (don’t worry; I petted her later).

We went down Main Street, across Albany Street and up Prospect. It was not until Prospect that I spotted a plastic bottle. Score! Then the bag blew out of my hand. I gave chase, dragging Tabby along with me. Got it! When I turned back around, the wind took the bottle and sent it rolling across the street. I was not about to drag my dog twice in one day (oh stop shaking your finger at me, I didn’t really DRAG her, I pulled the leash and she came along, you don’t have to call PETA). So I didn’t make a nickel out of our walk, but I did have a laugh at myself.

I didn’t think it was such a long walk, but my legs started to get tired several blocks from home. This is swell, I thought. I was going to start running again and train for a 5K in May. That might be a problem.

As I turned my tired legs toward home, the wind got even more fierce. It didn’t seem to bother Tabby. I guess she’s smaller and offers less wind resistance. So there’s another good reason for me to lose weight. Keep walking, Cindy!

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Not Down in the Mouth

Posted on April 9, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

This isn’t exactly a fun thing to do in the Mohawk Valley, but I thought I’d give a shout-out to my dentist, Dr. Vincent Bonvino.

When I was looking for a new dentist a year or so ago, I just went to the Yellow Pages and started calling Dr. Bonvino was conveniently located near my place of employment and able to give me an appointment at a time I wanted. Once I got there, I found out he is an excellent dentist.

I am a big huge baby about going to the dentist. Of course most people don’t like to go to the dentist, but I have a rather large phobia about it. For years I did not voluntarily go to the dentist. Now I have dental coverage and a desire to keep my teeth if possible.

Dr. Bonvino is very understanding. When I explained my phobia, he said he could pause periodically and give me breaks. Let me tell you, that helps. The amazing thing is he remembers it every time I go in. I think a medical professional could be forgiven for not remembering every foolish quirk of every patient, but he remembers mine. Or else he made a note of it in my chart, which is just as good.

The doctor’s staff is very good, too. The receptionist remembers where I work and when I like my appointments. The hygienist is just as understanding of my foibles as the doctor.

As I said, I’ll probably never find going to the dentist fun. But Dr. Bonvino and his staff make the process a little less un-fun.

Dr. Bonvino’s office is located at 12 Central Plaza, Ilion, NY. Phone number is 315-894-5330.

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To Write Another Day

Posted on April 8, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Goodness gracious, look at the time. I haven’t made my blog post yet, I haven’t even written it. Oh dear, whatever will I do? Sit down at the computer, I suppose, and see what I can come up with.

OK, I typed that much in and just sat here. Swell. You know, sometimes it happens, sometimes it doesn’t. My philosophy is, you have to be philosophical about it (I stole that expression from Donald Westlake) (one of my favorite writers).

I don’t suppose I can still use the excuse of being tired out from my fabulous weekend. Then again, why can’t I? I’m not a young woman. Oh heck, even when I was young I was not particularly resilient. I don’t think. Of course, I don’t remember things very well any more.

I think (stand by for a middle-aged musing) that the older we get, the more ready we are to cut ourselves a break. At least I am. And why not? Why should we not treat ourselves as kindly and gently as we would treat a friend? Or do you not treat your friends kindly and gently? If not, shame on you! Be nice to your friends!

As always, I had hoped not to write yet another post about Why I Can’t Write a Post. But I remind myself, writing about not writing is still writing. I’m sure I’ll live to write another day.

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Unwelcoming Weather

Posted on April 7, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I did mention this would be Wrist to Forehead Sunday. In fact, I don’t feel particularly wrist-to-foreheady (yes, computer, I know that’s not a word, but it should be). I feel happy to be home.

I traveled from the Mohawk Valley into Liverpool, NY and thence to the Finger Lakes (have you ever used the word “thence” in a sentence? I have not) (till now). It was a lovely if tiring weekend. I drove by myself, to and from Liverpool. This was a big deal. I rarely go anywhere by myself. But once in a while I try to be an independent, take charge kind of woman.

When I got home and Steven had returned home from work, we took our schnoodle, Tabby for a walk. She was so happy to have both her peeps home. It was a beautifully sunny day. Who could resist going for a walk on a Sunday in springtime?

Well, the Mohawk Valley weather was not exactly welcoming me or springtime back, it seems. That wind was mean! It was cold! I was happy I had the foresight to wear a windbreaker and my toque. Still, I felt a little ill-used. What a ridiculous difference between the way the day looked and the way the day felt.

Still, it was a nice walk and I was happy to be with Steven and Tabby. And I guess we’re all getting tired of hearing complaints about the weather (although few of us are going so far as to actually shut up about it) (that’s a whole other blog post: we’re rarely tired of complaining, just of hearing others do so). Well, I’ll stop complaining now, and go back to enjoying my Sunday. I hope you all are doing the same.

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The Tabby Dog Blues

Posted on April 6, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday Running Commentary is right out the window. However, I have taken a few lovely walks with my schnoodle, Tabby. I think I can manage a paragraph or two about that.

Full disclosure: I’m typing this into the computer Thursday evening, having made Thursday’s and Friday’s posts, both of which I wrote while I was at work today (yes, boss, while on break). Saturday I will be wine tasting with the family (I have written a few blog posts about my stress getting ready for that).

Mohawk Valley weather was finally good to us this week, with 50 degree weather. Oh what a joy to walk when it’s not so damn cold! The puddles are mostly evaporated. Mud is not too bad. I can avoid it. Tabby chooses not to. I say she is the famous blues singer Muddy Paws. I’ve written a few lyrics for her.

Well I’m a dirty dog
And they call me Muddy Paws.
What do you want from me?
Do I look like Santa Claus?

My name is really Tabby
I got the Tabby dog blues.

I like to take a walk
with Cindy and with Steve.
When they get the leash out
I just can’t wait to leave.

My name is really Tabby
I got the Tabby dog blues.

I suppose she will have some Tabby dog blues when I am not home Friday and Saturday. We can look forward to a joyous reunion on Sunday. When I will make my usual Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.

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I Do Love a Library

Posted on April 4, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Tuesday I wrote about the Prom Attire Giveaway at Frankfort Free Library. Today I shall write about the rest of the visit to the library.

I must have looked confused as we walked in the door, because the lady behind the desk asked could she help me.

“Oh no, we’re just here to enjoy the library,” I said. Then I explained that I intended to write a blog post about it and possibly an article to submit to Mohawk Valley Living (incidentally, I’ve been meaning to write a blog post about that magazine and TV show).

After chatting with the lady for a bit, Steven and I browsed the shelves. I picked out one book (conservative for me). I asked if there was an ongoing book sale, as libraries often have. The lady said they didn’t have the space for it.

“Yes, this is the smallest library in the area,” I said.

“Poland is smaller,” she told me.

“I’ll have to check that one out.” Could be a future blog post.

Before we left I wanted to go down into the basement, where they were organizing the donated prom gowns (which I wrote the previous blog post about). We had quite a nice talk with the lady in charge of that, whose name I foolishly did not get. She showed us the Early Literacy Room, where classes are held weekly for young children. It has all the accoutrements of a good kindergarten room (if I remember my kindergarten days correctly) (no, it was NOT in a one-room schoolhouse; I’m not that old. Sheesh!).

“And this becomes a graveyard for our haunted house,” the lady said.

“Ooh, a haunted house,” I said. “Maybe I could volunteer for that.”

“We can always use more actors,” she said.

“I’m very dramatic.” I made a dramatic pose to demonstrate, but I think she believed me to begin with.

The Frankfort Free Library offers a lot to the community, with movie nights twice a week as well as other special programs. Santa Claus visits in December, and the Easter Bunny in the spring. Their April calendar shows Drop-in Craft Night, All Things String and How Many Jelly beans in the Jar? You can visit their website for a list of current events: www.midyorklib.org/frankfort. They also have a Facebook page (they accepted my Friend request).

The library is located at 123 S. Frankfort St., Frankfort, NY. Phone number is 315-894-9611. They are open Monday and Wednesday 2 to 8 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday 3 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Wine a Little?

Posted on April 3, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yes, it’s Wuss-out Wednesday. Ooh, wouldn’t that be terrible if that was my whole post? No such luck for those of you who like really, really short blog posts. Not to worry though, this one will not be long.

But it will be about Why I Can’t Write a Post Today.

In short, I am demoralized. I am less demoralized than I was earlier, but not yet moralized enough to write a decent post. Waaait a minute. Moralized is not the word I want here. What I mean is I do not have sufficient morale for the required literary effort. I believe one should avoid moralizing. If it means what I think it does (did anybody just flash on The Princess Bride: you keep using that word. I don’t think it means what you think it means”?) (I may have that quote wrong; sorry, purists).

I am afraid if I go into specifics about why I feel so demoralized, I will be imparting more of my life than it is polite to share (no, it will NOT be TMI, you know I HATE that expression!). And, anyways, who wants to hear somebody whine about their woes? It is Wuss-Out Wednesday, not Whine About Your Woes Wednesday (although I’m sure that’s been done).

Here’s a Freudian slip to leave you with (one of my friend Rachel’s favorite sayings is “Your Freudian slip is showing): when I typed “Whine About Your Woes,” I first made a typo and put “Wine.” And that made me think of my upcoming wine tasting tour. My morale is improving already.

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Cinderella Could Have Used This

Posted on April 2, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

One thing you can say about the Mohawk Valley: many of the people who live here are generous. I got more proof of that the other night, when Steven and I went to Frankfort Free Library.

I had actually been going to write a whole post about the library (you know how I love libraries), and I don’t rule out doing that at some point. Tonight, however, I want to give a shout-out to their Prom Attire Giveaway.

As Steven and I pulled into the parking lot at 123 S. Frankfort St., Frankfort, NY, we saw a lady pulling several fancy dresses out of her vehicle.

“Something is going on,” I said. With my theatre background, I immediately thought costumes for something.

Steven was more well-informed. “It must be for their prom dress giveaway.”

“Oh, I did hear something about that.” I think I saw a poster asking for donations.

After we were done with our library visit, I suggested we peek downstairs, where a they were busy sorting dresses and getting ready.

“We’re being nosy,” I told the lady in charge. Then I explained that I write a blog about the Mohawk Valley, which seems a better excuse than common or garden nosiness.

Response for the event has been great. Many beautiful dresses have been donated. Businesses have also donated gift certificates for hair, nails, jewelry and more. I remembered a couple of bridesmaids dresses I have that would be good prom attire. If only they were not buried in an unknown location in my attic, I could have added them to the collection.

The giveaway will be held from from 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 4, and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5. The student going to the prom must be in attendance and must try the dress on. The dresses are to be given away at no cost.

I felt really good after visiting the library. What a blessing to get a fabulous dress for a special night for free! And what a good way for ladies to pass on lovely dresses they may never wear again. It’s a win/win situation! It almost makes me wish I was still at the age to go to a prom.

Almost.

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Done Dithering?

Posted on April 1, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m wondering if it would be such a bad thing if this blog turned into All Wine Tasting All the Time. At least for the rest of this week. I think I have set a precedent for such obsession. I’ve had All Boilermaker All The Time, All Harvey All The Time, All DARE 5K All The Time, and my personal favorite, All Dirty Work All The Time (because I like using the expression Dirty Work).

I will just interject here, for the benefit of those just tuning in, that this is in regards to a wine tasting trip to the Finger Lakes I am taking with some of my family this weekend. This led to some dithering on my part (perhaps you read my blog post about it).

So there I was, making lists. What to get done, what to buy at the store, what to pack. And I realized, I’m not stressed over this. I’m excited. It will be FUN!

Of course I don’t rule out feeling some stress before I’m done. After all, I have only four days to get everything done, with work, dog walking, blog writing and a few other appointments and commitments thrown in. And you know how it is when you make a list. You keep adding things because it seems like a good idea, so the list gets to be a little long. Once you have the list written, you feel like you’ve accomplished something, so you take a break. Then you don’t get everything done that’s on your list. Or am I the only one that does that?

Well, as the week progresses, I will strive to find other things to write about. In the meantime, I can cross “Write Monday’s Blog Post” off my list. Hope to see you Tuesday.

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