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After work yesterday I felt too exhausted to do anything majorly Mohawk Valley-ish. Still, dogs must be walked, and I have the good fortune to live in a highly walkable village, one of my favorite aspects of living in the area. So Steven, Tabby and I set out to get some exercise and see if we could see anything worth blogging about.

We first walked to Myer’s Park. This is the site of many community activities including an Easter Egg hunt which we did not attend, an Elk’s Club Car Show, which Steven attended, and a Syracuse Symphony concert, which we both attended. The park is close enough to our house that we often walk through it. For one thing, it holds a couple of trash cans suitable for disposing of dog do. Tonight I read a historical marker telling me the park used to be the site of a graveyard. Many of the graves were moved to the Oak Hill Cemetery. I’ve never heard of Myer’s Park being haunted. Still, that could be why it closes at dusk.

From the park we walked through downtown Herkimer. We regretted once again the closing of Albany Street Cafe. Even the sign is gone now. Tabby wanted to go into Hummel’s Office Plus. We know a few people that work there and sometimes stop in case they want to pet a cute dog. We were there after closing time, though, so Tabby was disappointed.

We continued up Main Street. Several people were smoking and joking outside of Pete’s Tavern. None of them wanted to pet a cute dog. I haven’t been to Pete’s in a while, but I know it is a nice mellow place to stop for a beer, if you’re into that.

We turned at the Historic Four Corners, right by the 1836 Jail. This is the jail that housed Chester Gilette during his trial for the murder of Grace Brown. This is one of my favorite historic murders. Imagine my delight when I realized I had moved to the village where the trial took place. The jail is probably worthy of a blog post all its own, especially if I can talk to the Friends of the Jail and give an update on its restoration. Another preview of coming attractions.

In all it was a very pleasant walk. A nice ending to another Mohawk Valley day.

I started Sunday with great bloggable plans, but I found I was more tired from my Saturday exertions than I realized. Nevertheless, I managed a few Mohawk Valley activities.

My morning run included the hill by Valley Health Services (see, it even says Valley). Not as big a hill as I ran last Saturday, but I thought it respectable.

After breakfast we took a walk with Tabby, purposely going by Temple Beth Joseph, because we knew there was a rummage sale there but were not sure when it started. It was going on, so after our walk we left Tabby at home and returned. It was a pretty good sale. We got a biography of Katherine Hepburn by A. Scott Berg. I’ve read a few biographies by him. He’s very good.

On our return home, we collected Tabby and drove to Mohawk to check out any garage sales going on. We did not have good luck. The most amusing thing I saw was at the Village Market. One sign said, “I never SAUSAGE a place!” another said, “The Meating Place.” I know they have a good butcher section, but I hardly thought my dog would be welcome, so we passed on.

Eventually Tabby did what dogs do when you walk them, and I discovered that I did NOT have a little plastic bag in my purse as I had thought. Oh no! I refuse to be that dog owner that does not clean up after her pet. I found a tissue in my purse. Steve found a napkin in his pocket. We managed to pick up the poop and luckily found a village garbage can nearby.

I enjoyed our walk in Mohawk. I like looking at the architecture of the older buildings. I saw a sign for a farmer’s market in Weller Park on Wednesday. I said, “Yes! My blog post for Thursday at least is set!”

I had family obligations yesterday, so I had to forgo the Mohawk town wide garage sales. I saw in the paper that they continue today, so perhaps all is not lost. Still, I need to make a blog post today. What can I talk about?

We had breakfast at Philly’s on South Caroline Street. I know I’ve talked about Philly’s recently, but it’s such a cool place, I think it rates another mention. Both waitresses were ready to bring us coffee. I got complimented on my earrings. I complimented one waitress on her new hair-do. In all, a typical, enjoyable breakfast.

From Philly’s we walked up to T & J’s Fruits and Vegetables. We had previously purchased flowers there for my container garden. At that time, I noticed they had rudbeckia, which I later learned was a perennial that attracts butterflies. I wanted to put more perennials in my yard, and attracting butterflies sounded good to me. Unfortunately, yesterday they had no rudbeckia. As they say, you snooze, you lose. I couldn’t quite make up my mind on any other flowers or even on any of the produce they offer, so we left empty handed. They are open seven days, though, so I don’t rule out going back today. Maybe it would be a good day to plant tomatoes. Hmmm…

So that was my Mohawk Valley Saturday. A couple of local stops, then on to a family party. This not being a family party type of blog, I won’t go on about that. Next Saturday I work, so it may not be much better. But I have plans for today, so stay tuned.

Friday we decided to try someplace new for dinner, so we went to PK’s Pub, 221 King St., Herkimer, NY. We’d had it recommended to us by several people, including our hairdresser, and they did not steer us wrong.

We had to go around the block twice before we found a parking space, so we were a little afraid we wouldn’t get a table, although pretty impressed with their booming business. Luckily, PK’s managed to find us a table in the back corner, by the fireplace. The fireplace was not needed Friday, but I thought about how cozy that will be in December.

I ordered ravioli, and Steven got a grilled chicken platter. Dinner came with a salad and fresh bread. Yummy! I especially liked the creamy butter. The Shiraz, which is their house red, was quite tasty too. Steven had coffee. He is my designated driver.

Our table was right next to a large group celebrating a birthday. They were having a fine time. The whole restaurant clapped after they sang Happy Birthday. When they gathered right in front of us to take a picture, I told the birthday girl my husband was going to jump up and wave at the camera. They were OK with that, but Steven refrained.

When we added our birthday wishes, they told us that they represented three classes, 1963, ’64 and ’65. Some of them had come as far as Germany and Arizona. They had not all gotten together for years. It was clear they were enjoying their evening in the Mohawk Valley, as were we.

PK’s also does banquets and catering. For more information or reservations call 315-866-3494. They are also on Facebook.

Thursday morning Steven and I woke bright and early to attend Home Fries with the Historical Society, a Celebrity Server Breakfast to benefit the Herkimer County Historical Society.

We arrived at the Knights Inn in Little Falls shortly after seven. We had never been to the Knights Inn; the banquet room is an elegant setting. I peeked into the lounge on my way to the Ladies Room. That looks nice too; might be a good place to stop for a cocktail and a future blog post.

We were invited to Thursday’s event by Celebrity Server Dave Dellecese of WKTV News. Dave is also president of Ilion Little Theatre (ILT). He was prompt and attentive, keeping us well supplied with coffee, juice and food. Coffee, of course, was the most important element. I especially enjoyed the potatoes, but the whole breakfast was quite yummy.

We also had the chance to chat about ILT business with Dave. Dave asked what progress I made on the murder mystery I’m writing, and I was forced to admit, not a lot. Steven is still seeking a script to direct for next season. Just a little advance publicity for future posts.

We were there earlier than the bulk of the patrons. I saw a lot of celebrity waiters standing around drinking coffee and chatting, with no one to serve. Nice work if you can get it! I especially liked the waiter dressed as Gen. Nicholas Herkimer. I overheard him say he had found the outfit in state Assemblyman Marc Butler’s closet. I later found out this was Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Scarano. I was sorry I had not brought my camera.

As we were leaving we saw some other ILT members arriving, so were sorry we had been so prompt. Later on the noon news when Dave Dellecese reported on the event, we saw some other members being served by him. Next year (I hope they make this an annual event) we’ll have to coordinate with our friends and arrive with a group.

Steven and I are great supporters of the Historical Society, local history being one of my interests. We’ve been to other fundraisers in the past, most notably a wine tasting and tour at the Balloon House Bed and Breakfast in Frankfort. I intend to be on the lookout for future events, and I’m sure I’ll be making a post soon on a visit to the society itself at the historic Four Corners in Herkimer.

Wednesday I had nothing planned except to grocery shop, and my schedule was such that I could not make it to a farmer’s market or some small local store with character. Don’t get me wrong, I love Hannaford, but does it really have the Mohawk Valley cachet I strive for in my blog?

Then I remembered something: Hannaford loves local. They tack up little notes letting you know when something is produced in New York State. “This could be fun!” I whipped out my little notebook, and Steven and I were in a scavenger hunt to see how many locally produced products we could find.

The first thing we spotted was Finster Honey of Frankfort. In fact we have a jar of this on our counter at home. Then Steven remembered, before even seeing the display, Heidelberg Bread of Herkimer. My mom, who lives in Rome, often asks me to pick up a loaf of that for family gatherings. Right next to the Heidelberg display was Mastroianni Bread of Rotterdam. I’m not clear on where Rotterdam is, but it’s in New York State, so it’s OK by me.

In the meat department my eye caught Dino’s Meatballs, made in Utica. That reminded me we were out of sausage, and Dino’s is what we usually buy. I found some sweet, so as not to make Steven’s bald spot sweat. Gianelli’s Sausage of Syracuse was nearby, but we went for the Utica product.

In the freezer section we noted Ray’s Bagels from the Bronx and Hannaford Frozen Bagels made in Macedonia. I’d have to look up Macedonia, but the Bronx is definitely not in the Mohawk Valley. Still, it is New York State. Across the aisle we saw Heluva Good Cheese from Sodus. I had to tell Steven how to pronounce that one.

Back in frozen we discovered Birds Eye Frozen Vegetables are made in Fulton. That was news to me. We could have gotten Pede Frozen Pasta from Schenectady (one of my favorite places because it is fun to say; try it) or Celentary Rosina from Buffalo, but settled on Cora Cheese Tortellini, distributed by Cora Imports of Utica. In deference to my diet we refrained from purchasing Mercer Ice Cream from Boonville.

On our way out we noted Spano Italian Bread of Utica and Chobani Yoghurt from new Berlin, two of our favorites but we had no need of them last night.

We were not doing a full shop so I’m sure we missed other fine New York State products. Still, it was a fun scavenger hunt. I call it another fun thing to do in the Mohawk Valley.

As I ran on Tuesday morning I reflected that I did not have many Mohawk Valley attractions or events to blog about this week. While I am running in the Mohawk Valley so technically a blog about my run counts, I wonder how many running blogs I can really get away with. Cheer up, I told myself, maybe something really striking will happen on this run that will demand a blog post.

As I ran down Margaret Street I saw where someone had been drawing on the sidewalk with chalk and had written something to the effect of thank you to all who had served and sacrificed for their country. Not half a block later I saw an older gentleman getting out of his car and I’m pretty sure he had a Marine cap on. I wanted to yell out, “Hey, there’s a message for you!” but I wasn’t quite sure about the hat (not that I run so fast, but the guy wasn’t facing me). Imagine my chagrin if it turned out to be an ordinary ball cap.

I ran on and paused when I found a penny. I’ve read that angels leave coins for people as a message of encouragement. I’m sure some people don’t believe that. The way I look at it is: I choose to be encouraged. In any case, I picked up the penny. Hey, do it fifty times and you can buy a candy bar. Bend over fifty times and you’ve burned enough calories you can eat a candy bar (that’s another one of my sayings).

I saw a dog I know and stopped to pet him. He sniffed my new sneakers with interest. I exchanged greeting with his person and ran on.

I made two more even briefer pauses to sniff peonies. I love the smell of peonies. I noted two other bushes with peony buds not yet in bloom. My own peony bush is at the bud stage. I did not plant the peonies; they magically appeared in my front yard a couple of years ago. Just one shoot the first year but it’s grown. I think my stalker planted them.

It was a lovely morning for a run. Not too humid and it didn’t get hot till later. After a shower and breakfast I wrote a post card to a soldier I know in Afghanistan. It was of the Farmer’s Museum in Cooperstown. No idea where or when I bought it, because I have not been to the Farmer’s Museum since I was a little girl. Hmmm, the Farmer’s Museum. That’s an idea for a blog post.

In honor of Memorial Day yesterday Steven and I counted American flags as we took Tabby for a walk. We got up to 37, counting one cut out of the newspaper and taped to a window. Not bad for a 20-minute walk.

I am a veteran myself, and I honor all veterans and say a prayer for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and a prayer for their families as well. It would have been a good idea to get myself to a parade or a wreath laying ceremony and blogged about that, but as usual I did not plan ahead.

It is also a holiday weekend and the unofficial start of summer. What are the veterans fighting for if not the families who gathered this weekend for picnics and barbecues and outings? So having served my country in the past, I got together with my family for Memorial Day.

To keep from messing up my kitchen before I started making macaroni salad, Steven and I went out to breakfast at Philly’s on South Caroline Street in Herkimer. Philly’s, formerly known as Chet’s, is a diner type eatery with a real hometown atmosphere. The wait staff will remember you if you’ve been there more than once. They don’t bring us regulars menus unless we ask for them. That’s all right with me, because I usually walk in knowing what I want (this is where eating breakfast out differs from the rest of my life). If I’m undecided there are usually four or five good specials to choose from. The food is good and very reasonably priced. Steve and I left ready to take on the rest of our day.

And it was a very nice day. The weather was the best the Mohawk Valley has to offer: sunny, warm without too much humidity and a nice breeze every once in a while. We sat on my deck, surrounded by my container garden and enjoyed.

I think I mentioned at the beginning of this blog that some posts would be of more interest than others. I’m afraid this is inevitable when I intend to post every day. Stay tuned, though; later this week we’ll be going to a breakfast with celebrity waiters to benefit the Historical Society. Should be fun!

In my quest to prepare for community runs and to justify the expense of my lovely new running shoes, I set out to run up to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) the back way.

HCCC, for those of you who don’t know, sits on the top of a hill. The main road up to it is quite steep and forms part of the annual Dare 5K Run. I will tackle that soon but yesterday thought I could manage the back way, which is longer but not as steep. I’ll be honest: I was not sure I was up for that but talked myself into it by saying I could always get part way and turn around.

The back way leads through a suburb-looking neighborhood that gives way to a rural road with woods on either side. Lots of shade, which is often a good thing but this particular morning was cloudy and humid so it did not help much.

I met a couple running down as I was going up. “Did you come up the steep way?” I asked.

“Yes!”

“Good job!”

“Big mistake!” his voice floated back to me as we continued in opposite directions.

The road began to seem pretty steep to me. I observed a stream running down hill and reflected that I was going against nature by running upstream. I told myself it was man’s destiny to overcome nature for his own benefit. Then I remembered I was a woman. Then I thought I was getting silly and could use that in a blog post. The secret of running, I have learned, is to distract yourself with whatever thoughts you can so that you keep running.

I made it up to the college, enjoyed the view for the short time I was there, and ran down by way of the spring so I could pause and get a quick drink. It wasn’t a long enough run that I really needed the drink, but that was my reward.

Herkimer is a good village to take a run in, and HCCC is handily located as a destination. I highly recommend it.

Saturday I missed one of the most fun days in Herkimer, the Village Wide Garage Sales. I thought briefly of asking Steven to be the guest blogger for the day since he planned to attend, but I really feel it is too early in my blogging career for such a thing, and there was no guarantee Steven would say yes. So I drove sadly by tents being set up and goodies arranged on picnic tables. But one must earn a living, after all. For one thing, I have to pay my Time Warner bill so I can continue to blog.

By the time I was driving home everything was over. Steven had only been to a couple sales and had not bought me anything. Darn! No matter, our Mohawk Valley activity for the evening involved the Ilion Little Theatre (ILT), and we did not want to be late. We had volunteered to do the door for closing night of Happy Birthday. I was a little trepidatious, not having worked box office since my college days, about a hundred years ago. It turned out to be pretty fun.

Steven found the money in the secret hiding place he’d been told about. No, I’m not going to tell you where the secret hiding place is! In fact, I shouldn’t have even mentioned that there was a secret hiding place. Forget I said anything! Anyways, the money isn’t there any more; it’s in the safe. Or maybe even the bank account by now, so there. George, the director, used to be the group’s treasurer, so he could answer any questions. We also found some written and printed instructions, so I felt all set to face the public.

The public, I must say, is pretty nice. We managed to sell quite a few 50/50 tickets but were less successful in selling tickets for the basket of goodies that was also being raffled. Steven was able to find the coffee and get that going. He also located the switches for the lobby lights it was our responsibility to turn off, as well as the key to the door we were supposed to lock.

Most of the audience were returning fans or friends and family of the cast. We saw one fellow Steven used to work with who was checking out ILT for the first time. “I guess they let anybody work here,” he remarked when he saw who was waiting to take his money. I think on the whole we did rather well. We only locked out two people at intermissions, and they got let back in so did not miss any of the play.

Steven and I also managed to enjoy the show even though I felt a little worried about turning on lights and serving drinks during intermission. So here you have another fun thing to do in the Mohawk Valley. You can not only watch at ILT play; you can also volunteer. Visit their website at ilionlittletheatre.org.