Category Archives: Scattered Saturday

Donation, Decongestant, and DVDs, It’s Scattered Saturday

I almost forgot to make my blog post today. Isn’t that terrible?  Well, I will attempt a Scattered Saturday post.

It was COLD this morning!  Zero degrees, according to my thermostat.  I felt rather ill-used, since the weather reports had said it would warm up some today.  Still, I had a good reason to leave the house by ten this morning, so I did.  My car told me it was 5 degrees by then, which I was not happy about, but at least it was above zero.

My errand was a charitable one:  the Joe “D’Con” DeJohn Poker Run was happening in Frankfort, NY.  It is a snowmobile run followed by a spaghetti dinner with Chinese auction.  That is where I come in.  Last year I donated an afghan for the auction.  I had mentioned on a Facebook post I wanted to do that again, but I did not have my act together enough to call and arrange to do so before the fact (what, me not have my act together?  SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!).  I saw they had registration at The Brass Tack at 10 a.m., so figured I could drop the afghan off then.  I figured they would still take it

They not only still took it, they were expecting it!  They had seen the Facebook comment and thought I would drop it off. The people I saw were quite happy when I did.  There was never a better reason for going out in the freezing cold on a Saturday morning!

There was less reason for staying out in the cold.  I managed to stop at the drug store to get some decongestant that I wanted to take and stop by the post office to mail a few post cards, but then I went home to some warmth.  I did not stay more than a couple hours, however.  After a nap with my heated face mask (which I believe I have mentioned here before) and some food, I saw the temperature had reached double digits, so  ventured back out.

My goal this time was Basloe Library in Herkimer, NY (where I live, as regular readers will recall).  Steven had expressed a desire to see For Your Consideration, one of the Christopher Guest mockumentaries.   We have seen it once before and did not like it as well as, for example, Best in Show or A Mighty Wind, but lately both of us have though of giving it another view.  While looking at the DVDs, I thought of the Kenneth Branagh Murder on the Orient Express.  We have wanted to see that since before it hit theatres! I was delighted to find it.  I also grabbed a couple of Agatha Christie books and a biography of Rasputin (don’t ask me why; it just caught my eye as I went by).

After watching Murder on the Orient Express, we popped in our DVD of Deathtrap, and I am missing The Bad Seed as I type this.  It has been an enjoyable Saturday so far.  Not as lazy as last Saturday, not as ambitious as some.  I look forward to seeing what next Saturday will bring.  Or even tomorrow.  As always, I hope you will stay tuned.

 

Scattering before the Storm

Scattered Saturday it is!  For one reason, I can type this in quickly (I hope) and get back to the relaxing portion of the day.  Just a note of background:  today is supposed to be a major winter storm.  The weather people have been talking about it for days now.  Right now is the part of the day we are supposed to be hunkered down, waiting till it is time to go out and do some major shoveling tomorrow.  I suppose I can make a blog post while I hunker, but I would rather be watching a movie or true crime television.  On with the blog post, so I can get back to it!

We got up early today, having gone to bed early last night.  I felt rather ill-used to have a headache first thing in the morning.  I hadn’t even had a Friday night libation!  I wondered if too much sleep was to blame.  YES, I slept a lot on Friday.  I had a migraine, remember?  At least, regular readers will remember.  For sporadic tuners-in who missed yesterday’s lame post,  I had a migraine yesterday.  I sought exercise as a cure:  first I drank two large glasses of Gatorade, then I ran in place on the mini-tramp.  The headache wasn’t gone, but I could live with it.

After my usual call to Mom and Dad, I wrote a few post cards.  I was puttering around getting my act together when Steven went out to brush off the cars.  We feared the winter storm had started early, but it was merely a dusting overnight.  I got outside in time to help with the brushing, then I was off to Ilion.

My mission in Ilion was to get my work shoes for the year from Melfe’s.  I will no doubt write a blog post about that; I usually do.  My plan after that was to go to Moose River Coffee for a cup of the BEST coffee.  I could sit and write while I drank it.  Alas, they were not open.  A sign in the door said they were doing a tasting at Little Falls Food Co-op.  Well, I love Little Falls Food Co-op but was not into driving to Little Falls.

As I pulled into the parking lot for Ilion Wine and Spirits, I remembered Honey Brook Hobbies.  Maybe they had coffee!  Alas (again), they did not.  I bought a few cookies, though, because they looked really good (they were; I ate one right away).  Then I went to the liquor store and got a couple of bottles.

Back home I thought I was in for the day.  After all, it was already snowing.  However, my friend Kim needed to go to the liquor store and get something to see her through the storm.  Naturally I went with her to Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  After all, I still had my bra on (do NOT say TMI!) (you know who you are).  We tasted some wine and purchased some as well (oh, don’t shake your head or your finger at me!) (or even your booty, although that would be less of a problem) (it’s not like I’m going to drink it all TONIGHT!).

I cooked a pretty good dinner (not early enough to call it supper) while we looked at a Dateline I had DVR’d a while ago (judging from the taped commercials).  Now it is over so I must find something else to watch.  I see I am over 500 words, which I call more than respectable.  If you are in the path of the storm, I hope you are hunkered down.  For all others, Happy Saturday!

 

Remembering Saturday on Monday

In lieu of my usual Monstrous Monday, I thought I would make the Scattered Saturday post I did not make on Saturday.  We did a few things before we tasted wine (that is what I made my blog post about on Saturday, in case you did not tune in) and, anyways, I don’t have any new monster pictures (note to self:  find some new monster pictures).

It was quite cold in the morning, so I opted not to run outdoors.  After considering going to the Mohawk YMCA when it opened at eight, I decided to run in place on the mini-tramp.  I watched a Snapped On Demand while I did (regular readers may recall I also did that on Sunday. That may be my weekend thing for the winter).  After a shower and calling my Mom and Dad (I have called them on Saturday morning for many years now), I wrote a few post cards to my regular people.  Steven and I spent a good amount of time discussing our plans for the day but it took a while to come to any conclusions.

Steven wanted to get his beard trimmed and decided to try Custom Cutz in Herkimer (where we live).  They took him as a walk-in, although we had to wait a few minutes.   I used the time to make a few notes on the murder mystery I am writing for Morning Star Methodist Church in April (preview of coming attractions).  We were also amused by two little boys getting hair cuts. The first sat very still with a solemn look on his face.  The second seemed a little more ticklish.  He kept scrunching up his face and trying to brush off little pieces of hair.  I can certainly identify with that!

When we left the barber shop, I suggested we stop into Pete’s Tavern for a beer.  After all, it was after noon and Pete’s is only a couple doors down from Custom Cutz.  We enjoyed a draft.  I did a scratch off lottery ticket but did not win anything.  We only stayed for one, because we were headed for the wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor, which I wrote about on Saturday.   I guess I already mentioned that.  What do you want from me on a Monday?

 

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

Not a Substantial Scattered Saturday Post

OK, once again, it is time for a fast Scattered Saturday post, so I can get back to the sitting on my couch, crocheting and watching TV portion of the evening.  But I have had a WONDERFUL day!

I got up early (for others; for me it was kind of sleeping in) for the Reindeer Run 5K.  Alas, my dear husband, Steven, was not feeling well, so he went back to bed (at my urging) and I got ready and went.

The run was awesome, although it was quite cold.  A friend did show up to cheer me on at the end and take a picture, which he posted on Facebook, at my request.

I looked silly AND I jingled!

I went home after the run to see how Steven was doing.  He was feeling better enough that I went out again later with my friend Kim.  We went to a double tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer then to lunch at Lombardo’s in Ilion.  We had so much fun!

I could write entire blog posts about the run, the tastings, and the lunch.  Perhaps I will, although past posts may call that prediction into question.  I’m sorry.  When I wait till too late in the day, I am not inclined to make a substantial post.   Perhaps I should work on posting earlier in the day.  In the meantime, Happy Saturday, everyone!

 

Ready to Relax after Scattered Saturday

Even after my tipsy night last night, I managed to have a fairly active Scattered Saturday.  As I am anxious to get on with the sitting on my couch, crocheting and watching television portion of the day (I have already reached the sweats on, bra off stage) (do NOT say TMI!) (you know who you are), I am going to make a fast post and hope to cover a few of the activities in greater detail in future posts (preview of coming attractions).

We slept in till almost 6 a.m., and I confess I had a bit of a headache.  I comforted myself with the thought that I have had worse headaches on less wine and got on with the day.  After a cup of coffee and some Gatorade, I felt ready for my run.  I think I have made up my mind to run the Reindeer Run 5K in Little Falls next Saturday, and I had not run since Wednesday, so I knew it was a good idea to go.  It was a pretty good run, and I petted two cute dogs along the way.

The rest of the morning was spent in a leisurely fashion, but eventually we bestirred ourselves and got out the door and into Mohawk, NY.  For non-local readers, that is a village right next to Herkimer (where I live).  Regular readers may recall that we went to Mohawk Village Market on Shop Small Saturday.  While there, we entered a drawing for a $25 gift certificate.  Steven won!  We spent the whole amount and then some, and I picked up a Donald Westlake book I have never read in their little library.  Score!

Next we drove to Ilion, which is right next to Mohawk, and went to the Medicine Shoppe to pick up a prescription.  More I cannot tell you, because, you know, HIPAA, but the Ilion Medicine Shoppe is a good place to fill your prescriptions.

After going home to put away our groceries, we got back in the car and drove to Little Falls, about six miles away, in case you didn’t know.  Our goal was the Open House of Joyfuls Vintage Designs, which had moved to a new location, 616 E. Main Street.  I had never been to nor in fact ever heard about this place.  What an awesome little business!  They refurbish and re-purpose vintage items and furniture.  The results are beautiful and show such imagination and creativity.  I will definitely write more about them and include pictures.

We decided to take a stroll down the rest of Main Street.  We admired several businesses along the way but did not stop anywhere till we got to Ed and Bud’s.  There we saw a sign advertising Tom and Jerry’s.  This is, of course, a traditional Christmas drink.  We made a special trip to Ed and Bud’s to have one last December.  We succumbed to the temptation.  Yum!

So we had a pretty fun Saturday. Lots of Mohawk Valley adventures!  We may sit quietly at home on Sunday.  Then again, there is Christmas in Meyer’s Park on Herkimer and the tree lighting in Weller Park in Mohawk.  Scattered Sunday, anyone?

 

Shopping Small on Scattered Saturday

I may have used this title before, but it is getting late on Saturday, and I have had a few drinks, so I must make my post as best as I can and hope it is OK.  I went running this morning and hoped to do a Running Commentary, but time got away from me.  For one reason, I went running late and still had to write my post cards.  And call my Mom and Dad (I have called home on Saturday mornings for many years).  And check Facebook (I am still Liking birthday wishes from Thursday).

Our first stop was The Medicine Shoppe in Ilion, NY, to pick up a re-fill (more I cannot say, because, you know, HIPAA).  It is a shop local shop, because it is a locally owned franchise. Nice!  It was also handily located for a stop at Honey Brook Hobbies.  They were having a craft fair. Nice!  Additionally, we found out our dear friend Jerry is now employed there part time as a baker.  He is quite awesome in every respect. Yet another reason to like the nice people at Honey Brook!  In fact, when we paid for our purchases, we told the lady at the cash register that Jerry is one of our best friends.  She said theirs, too.  I said I guessed Jerry became best friends with almost everybody he meets.

After Honey Brook, we went two doors down to Ilion Wine and Spirits.  We got a couple of bottles to ensure our good cheer.  On the way home, we stopped at Mohawk Village Market, where we purchased sausage and chicken gizzards.  Yum!  I did not see any books to borrow from their Little Library but made a mental note to bring some books to donate. I know I have some.

After relaxing at home, we ventured out again with our friend Kim to a liquor tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.   Amaretto, Vodka and Fireball Whiskey, yum!  After that we went to Asteroga Ale House for another drink and a little food.

I fear I am too tired after all these stops to include links to all these businesses, or even their addresses and hours.  Perhaps you could google any in which you are interested.  Or perhaps tomorrow I will remember to edit and add same. In the meantime, Happy Saturday, and I hope you found an opportunity to shop small.  It’s fun!

 

Antiques, Coffee, and a Nice Weekend So Far

It is getting to the sad, frustrating part of The Blair Witch Project, our Saturday night viewing choice, and I get on the laptop to make this week’s Scattered Saturday post.  But first, I just have to say, why didn’t they follow the stream? They SAY they are going to follow the stream!  When you are lost in the woods, follow the damn stream!

There, got that out of my system.  On to the blog post.

I had a headache when I woke up, which seems to be a Saturday routine these days. Never mind.  I went for a run anyways.  I have my eye on the Reindeer Run 5K in Little Falls in December.  I think I’ll be fine.  It was colder today than it has been, but it was not too uncomfortable, except for when the wind blew. I must start running with a scarf I can use to cover my face.

Soon I was ready to embark on our Mohawk Valley adventures for the day.  Earlier this week, I had suggested that when Steven was reading Mohawk Valley Living magazine, he peruse the ads for something I might write about for next month’s issue.  He suggested Fort Plain Antiques and Salvage.  It sounded perfect!  I love antique places.  Additionally, I had never been to Fort Plain.  This would be great!

Yesterday the weather was frightful, but today was bright and sunny.  I did not mind the cooler temperatures.  It was a lovely drive along 5S to Fort Plain, and we soon found the antique place.  While we were there, we mentioned we might look for a good place for lunch.  The lady there suggested Highwheeler Coffee and directed our attention to a display of fliers for area attractions.  I picked up the one for Highwheeler Coffee as well as a few other places I may explore in the future.

We enjoyed a nice snack at Highwheeler, and noticed a couple of other places we’d like to explore on future trips to Fort Plain.  I’ll write more about Fort Plain Antiques and Salvage and Highwheeler Coffee soon.  In the meantime, it is Saturday night, and I have movie watching and knitting to do.  I hope you are all having a lovely weekend so far.

 

 

A Place in Scattered Saturday

“No, I don’t know what she should write a blog post about, do you?”

 

We are currently watching A Place in the Sun after our Scattered Saturday gyrations, and it is high time I made my blog post.  Why, oh why, did I not post earlier?  Well, I’ve been busy.  I got up early enough, just prior to 6 a.m.  After some coffee, I went for a run. What a great run! I could have made an awesome Saturday Running Commentary, but that ship sailed away fast.  What can I say?

Later in the morning, we drove to New Hartford, NY, where we ordered new glasses at Eye Q of CNY.  We had gotten out eyes examined a few weeks ago, but I had too bad of a headache that day to decide on glasses.  I was happy we waited, though, because I chose a rather fabulous pair of frames.  Perhaps I will post a picture of the finished product.

Later on we went to an early dinner at Salvatore’s in Herkimer, NY, with some of the folks who were supposed to be part of A Trivial Murder, the interactive murder mystery that was  to have been tonight.  It has been rescheduled to March 23.  I will have more information on that as the date approaches.

So I guess we have not scattered ourselves as widely as on other Saturdays.  No matter.  We are watching a movie.  I have made a blog post. I hope you are all having as pleasant a Saturday evening.