Tag Archives: blog post

Or Was It Cancer Fighting Benefits?

Posted on June 6, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

How about a Cooking In Progress post in lieu of my usual Wrist to Forehead Sunday?  I am in the midst of what I hope will be a delicious dinner.  While it cooks I am sipping a beverage, looking at Snapped and, well, typing this.  And I thought I couldn’t multi-task.

I multi-tasked while I was cooking too, and not just sipping and chopping.  I chopped with a dual purpose.  I made a salad for my lunch in the coming week and chopped vegetables to nibble on as well.  The vegetables I chopped included some rainbow peppers destined for dinner as well.   Ooh, that made it a triple purpose.

Of course my recipes often lack variety, but perhaps some readers have missed previous cooking posts or forgot about them or are new readers or will just forgive me.  Or they have already stopped reading, thinking, “I can’t read again how she crushed garlic and set the timer for 15 minutes so it would reach its full anti-oxident benefits, or was it cancer fighting?”

For anyone still reading, I peeled and crushed some garlic.  It is the last bulb from the braid I purchased at the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival in Little Falls, NY last September.  Either that was a bigger braid than I have previously purchased or I have not been cooking nearly enough, because that braid has lasted me  long time!  Next I chopped a yellow onion and put it in olive oil in the cast iron frying pan.  Then I chopped the rainbow peppers into smaller pieces and added them to the pan.

The fifteen minutes have passed and the garlic is cooking now.  I have the heat on low and the pan covered with the lid cracked.  When things seem cooked enough I will put on water for angel hair pasta I happen to have from The Pasta Shoppe in Utica, NY (just for another bit of local).  I have some mushrooms to add to the frying pan as well, but those don’t take as long to cook.

Hmmm… I hope this post has been as amusing as my usual Wrist to Forehead schtick.  I always feel I should write a post about something other than Why I Can’t Write a Post Today, but then I worry that the posts about not writing are the more amusing.  Or do I flatter myself?

No matter.  I am over 350 words and I am going back to other Sunday activities.  Hope to see you all tomorrow for Monday Mental Meanderings.

 

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Slacker Saturday

Posted on June 5, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Welcome to a new feature here at Mohawk Valley Girl: Slacker Saturday.  When you haven’t done enough to warrant a Scattered Saturday post, you didn’t write a post earlier and you just can’t wait to make your post and declare it wine o’clock. Oh, who am I kidding?  I don’t have to wait till after I post to have a glass of wine.  We’ve talked about sipping and typing before.  It is acceptable behavior among bloggers and a daily routine for some (um, I don’t do it daily.  Do you suppose I ought to?).

I worked today.  Although I was able to sleep until 3:30 instead of my usual 3:00, I’m tired.  I tried to take a nap earlier but without success.  I had a number of projects I thought I might work on, but all I wanted to do was sit on the couch and stare into space.  Naturally I stared at Facebook for a while instead.

I did spend a little time folding laundry.  Talk about a task of Sisyphus (ooh, I just figured out how to spell Sisyphus; yay me)!  Of course I love having a washer and drier in my house, but ever since I stopped going to the laundromat, I never have all my clothes clean at once!  I just can’t get to the bottom of the pile one load at a time.  I keep thinking, if I do one load every day, I will get caught up.  I can do that for maybe two days in a row.  Then if you don’t fold one load, you naturally don’t fold the next, and then you don’t want to wash another load till you fold everything you’ve washed so far.  Then sometimes you wear something out of the pile and think, “Ha, ha, don’t have to fold that one!”  Or is that just me?

One thing I did after much dithering was begin to learn my lines for Much Ado About Nothing (remember, with LiFT Theatre Company; I’m the Friar).  I had a bit of a sticky wicket when I could not find my Complete Works of Shakespeare. What’s that all about? It’s a giant yellow book, how do I lose it?  It takes a talent, I suppose.  If only I could use my powers for good.  When I lamented my loss on Facebook a kind friend offered me some Shakespeare books she doesn’t want any more (duplicates, I believe).  Another friend shared a link to all the plays.  I hope to get the books from the first friend soon (greatly prefer paper; I’m old), but in them meantime, I checked out the link, found my scenes and started studying.  Oh, how I love being in a play.

I almost forgot to mention:  I worked on my banana play while on break at work (I only got one today).  I think it is going rather well.

And look at this, I am over 500 words for one of my silly posts.  I think that deserves a toast.  Hope to see you all on Wrist to Forehead Sunday.

 

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More Writing about Not Writing

Posted on June 1, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Writing continues to elude me.  Could I just be lazy?  I must admit the possibility.  However, I did my best.  I did not bring a play to read or a puzzle book or even a couple of cryptograms cut out of the newspaper (it’s the Times Telegram and they call it the Cryptoquote, if you’d prefer I was more specific).  I only had my notebook and own meager brain with which to entertain myself on breaks.

Perhaps if I would have made the attempt, started to work on blog post, article or play, the words would have flowed.  Or I might have sat staring at a blank page, feeling stupid (I do NOT need any remarks about how that might be a most appropriate feeling) (you know who you are).  I went another way and started writing a letter to my sister.  Hey, at least I was writing! (Say, would that be a good title for today’s post?)

While I worked I tried to think about my banana play.  Full disclosure:  I had to keep leading my mind back to it.  All these dumb things kept popping into my head!  Mostly memories, including several old grudges I really need to let go of.  I considered making a few of those folks characters in the play or some future play or novel, then killing them off.  How satisfying would that be?  Perhaps I could try it and let you know.

In the meantime, after giving myself a stern talking-to about forgiveness and letting go of crap, I thought some more about the characters I have so far (NONE based on any people I actually know) and what might happen to them next.  I came up with a few ideas.  I’m thinking it would be a good idea to stop rambling on in this blog post and see if I can write anything down.  Then perhaps I could start working today on tomorrow’s blog post.  I used to do that all the time, when my hours were different and my bedtime later.

As for today, let’s call it another Tired Tuesday.  Those of us who were fortunate enough to enjoy a three day weekend know how tiring they can be.  Those of you who worked all weekend can bask in feelings of superiority and make whatever snide comments you like. If you make them in the comment section of this post, I will answer you politely.  I shall hope to see you all on Wednesday, when I may or may not Wuss-out (a little suspense adds spice to the blog).

 

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Cluttering Up the Blogosphere

Posted on May 31, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am experiencing a definite Writer’s Block this afternoon.  It is Memorial Day.  I went for a run this morning during which I had some definite thoughts about what I would write in a blog post today.  Now I feel that (a) I am not going to say it right if I try and (b) it probably wasn’t that good of a thing to write about anyways.   But isn’t this always the way with me?  I have nothing wise or profound to say.  I’ll only clutter up the blogosphere.

Now that I say that I begin to have a complete crisis of confidence and think that clutter up the blogosphere is all I do anyways.    Then I say to myself, “Oh, quit fishing for compliments.”  That is kind of what we are doing when we share our crises of confidence.  We seek positive re-enforcement.  Sometimes a voice outside oneself is easier to believe, especially when it is something positive.

Oh dear, this is not the post I started out to write.  I only wanted one of my usual Why I Can’t Write a Post Today posts.  I didn’t mean to get into any of these sticky self-esteem issues.  I’ll stop that right now.  The fact that I hit Publish every day argues that I have some modicum of self-confidence at least.  As for cluttering up the blogosphere (you know, I really like that phrase), I remind myself that there is a lot of room on the internet.  There is room for profundity and there is room for foolishness.  As I always say, go with your strengths.

 

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An Umbrella to the Waterfront

Posted on May 30, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

For Lame Post Friday I posted then sipped.  For Wrist to Forehead Sunday, I sipped and now am posting.  Yes, drink and type.  It has happened before, it will happen again.

When Steven returned home shortly after 1 p.m., we were not sure what we wanted to do but eventually settled on Waterfront Grille in Herkimer, NY.  What a good choice!  When we pulled into the parking lot we had our doubts due to the large amount of traffic.  However, I said we should go into the restaurant and see how many seats were actually available.  After all, the cars could be people taking a Canal Cruise or shopping at Gems Along the Mohawk.

It was raining so we utilized the umbrella Steven had in his car.  It was not big enough for the both of us but luckily it was not that large of a distance from the far end of the parking lot to our destination.  I should perhaps mention that I had donned an elegant outfit that included sandals with a high wedge heel.  They are not very uncomfortable, but, still, a high heel is a high heel.  On the other hand, I was quite pleased with my elegant outfit.

We had a delightful time sitting at the bar, sipping wine and nibbling on appetizers. I mean to write a whole blog post about it, but for right now, I intend to continue sipping.  I am having a wonderful Sunday, not really Wrist to Forehead at all.  I hope you are having a similarly enjoyable time.  Hope to see you again on Mental Meanderings Monday.

 

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NOW I’ll Pour the Wine!

Posted on May 28, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh, thank Heaven it’s Lame Post Friday and Wine O’clock.  If only it was also Steve-fifteen, my life would be perfect.  Full disclosure:  I have not yet poured myself a glass of wine.  That’s next.  First I need to make a blog post.

I have been experiencing great resistance to writing lately (yes, I know, some people call that laziness; they could be right but I am not up to arguing semantics today).  Twice this week I’ve brought plays to work to read, to avoid staring at a blank page in my notebook.  I really have to stop doing that.   I mean, sometimes it’s fine.  I read the play on breaks, I put the play away and work. Sometimes not so much.

When I was reading Leading Ladies I made rather a spectacle of myself by laughing out loud as I read.  That did not bother me nearly as much as when I read Wrong Turn at Lungfish and started to cry.  I sat at the break table with the tears streaming down my face.  Finally I got up and went to the usual refuge for crying, the ladies room.  I went into the back and sobbed.  That would not have been so bad, except the guy was in there cleaning at the time.  How embarrassing.

Nothing particularly embarrassing happened with the plays I read this week.  The problem was, though, they were so good I could not put them down.  Well, one must put down reading materials and return to work.  Those are the rules.  This is why I stopped bringing books to work (no, not the crying thing; I rarely cry over what I read).

I have managed to write at least a little bit on my banana play each day.  I hope to write even more this weekend, among other activities planned.  One thing I have definitely planned is to write some non-lame blog posts.  However, those plans are for the future.  For today, this is what you get.  Happy Friday, everyone.

 

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Love Those Poodle Skirts

Posted on May 26, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

Instead of Wuss-out Wednesday, how about I give a shout-out to an area restaurant of note.  It’s just a little outside my usual stomping ground:  The Soda Fountain in Remsen, NY.

Our stop was part of Cheryl’s, Penny’s and my day of adventuring last Saturday.  I was, as usual, hungry.  Also, since we planned to go to Prospect Falls Winery, I wanted to eat.  Even little tastes of wine on an empty stomach might do me dirt.

I had wanted to seek out The Soda Fountain for a while now; their commercials are so much fun.  I love ’50s diners.  This is a good one.  The decor is fun, and the waitresses wear poodle skirts with crinolines (at least, I think they wore crinolines; I naturally did not look under any skirts).   We were seated in a booth and looked over the menu.

I ordered for a grilled chicken sandwich and I am damned if I can remember what Cheryl and Penny got.  How embarrassing is that?  I guess this is Wuss-out  Wednesday after all.  Sorry folks.  However, I will say we all enjoyed our meal very much.  The service was prompt and friendly, and the price was reasonable.

While we were waiting at the counter to pay, we looked at a display case of some ’50s memorabilia for sale.  I did like the cat-eye sunglasses.  There was also a metal box with match box cars and some die-cast models of classic cars.  I do enjoy classic cars.

I’m afraid this blog post is way less fun than the restaurant it’s about.  Sorry about that, but as usual I will try again tomorrow.

The Soda Fountain Restaurant is located at 9698 Main St., Remsen, NY, phone number (315) 831-8400.  Their website is http://www.thesoda-fountain.com/.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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You’d Be Tired Too!

Posted on May 25, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

In case anybody was wondering, I have not been running since last Tuesday.  Excuses are tiresome, so I offer none.  I finally ran again today.  Sort of.

I had planned to run, but as the day wore on, my bunions kept telling me it was going to rain.  My bunions are usually a day ahead of events, so I suspect it will rain tomorrow.  Why is that a problem?  You see, Steven (my husband) plans to mow the lawn tomorrow.  It totally needs it.  He can’t do it tonight; he works too late.  I really, really wanted the front lawn mowed.  It was beginning to look like we were some skanky rental property (please note: I am NOT saying that ALL rental properties are skanky; some are delightfully maintained.  I’m saying our front lawn was starting to look like one of the skanky ones).

To run or to mow?  I’ve done both at least once.  I was in much better shape at the time, running faithfully.  I ran then thought, “Why waste the sweat?”  I got Steven to start the power mower for me and I mowed that damn lawn.

Ah yes, that is a point I should mention.  I am unable to start the power mower.  For me to mow without Steve, I would have to use the non-power mower (I can’t call it a push mower, because we push the power mower), which I purchased for just such a situation.

This is getting to be a long story, and not very interesting.  In my defense, I did mow AND run.  Sadly, I only mowed the front lawn and I only ran for 16 minutes.  In my defense, non-power mowers take a lot of effort.  I mowed first so I did not have much oomph left for running.  Now I am just about as tired as I usually am when I make a Tired Tuesday post.

So I’m afraid this is it for today.  It’s too bad, because I thought of some pretty amusing stuff while I was mowing and running.  If I can remember them, maybe I’ll include them in tomorrow’s blog post.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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A Cup of Soup and Back to Bed

Posted on May 23, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

It is my five year blogiversary and I am taking a blogger’s sick day.  The irony is not lost on me.

I really don’t know what’s wrong with me.  Yes, I had wine o’clock last evening, but I didn’t go too crazy.  A few glasses with my husband, a nice dinner, some true crime television and an early bedtime.  When I woke up with a headache, I thought, “Oh well, maybe a glass too many.  I’ll have some coffee, take some aspirin, everything’ll be great.”  It was not.  The headache has gotten so bad all I can do is be in pain, and I’m having dreadful nausea.  Sorry to complain about my ills; so tiresome of me.

I have spent most of the day in bed, except for one rather interesting interlude at Ilion Little Theatre Club.  A group of us read an original play written by a local musician.  I really like it.   The plan is to present a staged reading of it at the Club’s September meeting with an eye to possibly producing it for real in December.  I’d better get going on my own play.  I’m not saying mine will be good enough to be produced, but it would be nice if I actually finished something.

Oh dear, I am just blathering on, aren’t I?  (I always think that should be “Amn’t I?”  “Am I not?” sounds too precious.)  I just hate to make a post of under 200 words.  But I see I’m over now.  Thank heaven.  As always, I’ll try for a better post tomorrow and thank you for participating.

 

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It’s Wine O’clock on a Saturday…

Posted on May 22, 2016 by mohawkvalleygirl

You know, to the tune of “The Piano Man.”  I thought I was fairly clever for thinking of that, but not too clever, because, well, that’s all I got.  In my defense, I been busy (apparently too busy to worry about proper grammar, but regular readers know I only do that for effect).

I was up at three this morning, ready for some Saturday overtime at 4:30.  I even got on Facebook, which I rarely do before work.  In this case, I wanted to check for a message from a friend whose business I intended to visit.  While there, I made a post purely for the pleasure of having something to look at on my “On This Day” one year hence (in case you’re curious and not my Facebook friend, the post read, “Yes, I’m on Facebook at 3:25 in the morning. Nothing further to report; I just wanted to make a post so I’ll have something other than my blog to look at on “On This Day” next year.”).  I don’t always plan that far ahead.

After work, I went adventuring with my sister Cheryl and our friend Penny.  The first stop was the So Sweet Candy Cafe in Utica, NY. I’m going to write a whole post about that and perhaps an article to submit to Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  We also went back to Ilion (well, “back” for me, because I work in Ilion, I guess “there” for Cheryl and Penny) to Earthly Matters Crystals and Stones, which I have written about before (for the blog and for the magazine).  We had lunch at The Soda Fountain Restuarant in Remson, then went to Prospect Falls Winery in Prospect.  On the way home, we made a quick stop at the Adirondack Cheese Company (which I thought was in Barneveld, but the computer is telling me Clinton and the labels on the stuff I bought say Clinton).

I got home tired and poured myself a glass of wine.

So this is my Scattered Saturday post.  At least I managed to make links to some of the places I visited.  More detailed blog posts to follow, I hope.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

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