Tag Archives: blogging

A Little Local Music for Me

Posted on August 26, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Earlier tonight I made a short top at the Herkimer Downtown Chowdown, the weekly food truck festival in Meyers Park, to hear a little bit of K.O. Grainger.  It could only be a short stop, since I had to attend the Ilion Village Board meeting, but it was worth it.  For one reason, I got a hot dog from The Corner Office.  Yum!

They rock!

 

I first heard Matt Grainger playing acoustic guitar at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort (you may have seen a couple of my blog posts mentioning him).  K.O. Grainger is a two-man band with him and his brother, and they are awesome!

A closer view.

I sat at a picnic table and ate my hot dog, tapping my feet. I had to get up and dance to one song.  Nobody joined me, but at the Chowdown, people don’t judge (that I can see).  The audience was enjoying the tunes, clapping and singing along.

There are not many weeks left of the Downtown Chowdown, which runs Mondays in Meyers Park, starting at 4 p.m.  According to their Facebook page, September 1 and 8 are the last two this year.  If you like food truck food and live music, I suggest you check it out!

 

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Is It Monday Already?

Posted on August 25, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

OK, late posts are the thing for the foreseeable future, as I sit here Monday morning making a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  In case you didn’t know, this is when I swoon, the back of one wrist to my forehead, onto a handy chaise lounge or other surface.  It made sense on a Sunday when I worked a Monday through Friday job: one cringes from the approaching Monday.

Is that Monday creeping up on him?

This is not Monday whispering in the driver’s ear.  It is William Hurt as Kevin Costner’s inner demon in Mr. Brooks, a creepy movie that grows on me more each time I see it.  I need to get a new DVD copy of it, because the one I have freezes up in a couple of places.  I couldn’t find a Monday meme in my Media Library, but this picture caught my eye.

So I guess I’m getting a little non-sequitur over here, but that hardly matters.  It is another placeholder post as I strive to regain my daily blogger mojo.  I need to get a lot of mojos back these days:  writing, running, cleaning… OK, I never for one day in my life had any cleaning mojo.  As it happens, I seem to be making strides in regaining my running mojo (see what I did there).

You wouldn’t think these feet could move very fast, would you?

I was looking for a more cheerful picture to end with, but all I could find was my feet encased in running shoes.  No doubt I will be making a Running Commentary post soon.

 

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It’s My Parasol

Posted on August 24, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Is anybody surprised I did it again?  I posted yesterday for the day before, and here I am today posting for yesterday.  These things happen, especially to me.  Right now my only question is was it the right morning to substitute tea for coffee?  I’m on my second cup.

Yesterday I could not make up my mind what to do.  I wrote a letter to an aunt, finished a letter to a friend, and wrote my regular Saturday post cards.  The post cards I sent were of different states; my friend Kim sent me a set of 50 from the thrift store she works at.  I wrote on one, “I am in a state of indecision.”  Eventually I decided to walk to the post office.  It was quite sunny, so I took an umbrella.  I have found that an umbrella makes a nice little bit of portable shade.

As I walked, I thought of things I could say to people who remarked on my umbrella:  “It’s my parasol.”  “I am protecting my dewy completion from the sun’s ravages.”  Nobody said anything.  After mailing the letters, I decided to walk to Mohawk Antiques Mall.  For one reason, it was Customer Appreciation Day and they were serving hot dogs.  Also, it is a very fun place to walk around, as there are lots of vendors.

One thing they definitely have is post cards!

I was so glad I went!  I found three packs of 40 different post cards each for a very good price.  I enjoyed a nice burnt hot dog, too, while listening to a lady play old tunes on the piano.  I did not spend much time walking all around, though, because I found the post cards right away.

Back out on the sidewalk, it was even warmer.  The wind made it more comfortable but wasn’t so good with the umbrella.  I have not spent a great deal of time out in the sun this summer, and yesterday I was reminded why.  I start to feel a little ill.  Additionally, I had neglected to put on good sneakers, and the walk to the Antiques Mall was lengthier than I had realized.

Still, a walk is a walk.  I enjoyed looking at houses I passed and the canal as I walked over the bridge.  I went by a friend’s house and petted his dog (I didn’t know he lived there; he just happened to be sitting on the front porch with his dog at the time).  I felt rather tired at the end, and my feet hurt.  I fear I do not treat them very well.  I neglect my blog, I neglect my feet, what a bum!

In the meantime, I have gotten to over 450 words.  Will I make a Sunday post on Sunday?  My hopes are not high.

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Is It Halloween Yet?

Posted on August 23, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday I thought surely I would be able to make a Lame Post Friday Post (I don’t mind it when I call myself Shirley). And here I am, Saturday morning, wondering why I didn’t.  Then again, sometimes “why?” is not a particularly helpful question to ask.  Far better to go ahead and just correct the error to the best of one’s abilities.  At least I have coffee.

A friendly face with a friendly beverage.

I just scrolled through my Media Library till I found a coffee mug.  I am not using this lovely mug today, a favorite of my late husband Steve’s, but I do not scruple to use it year round.  In fact it is almost time to start using Halloween mugs since for me the Halloween season begins immediately after Labor Day.

Speaking of Halloween, I need to start cleaning my house more thoroughly.  My sister Cheryl suggested I throw a Halloween party, as I have been known to do in the past.  That is, Steve and I threw them, but I feel sure I  am capable of hosting a party on my own.

Witchy would be happy to welcome folks to my house.

There are other reasons to get my house cleaned up and my act together. I will not list them here, although they may constitute some half-baked philosophy suitable for a Lame Post Friday post.  However, I see I am over 200 words.  I feel a Lame Post is best kept brief.  I shall strive for Some Sort of a Saturday post later.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Thirty-Three Minute Thursday

Posted on August 22, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I missed out on running a Two-Mile Tuesday and am not yet ready for a Three-Mile Thursday, but as I was running this morning, I realized a Thirty-Minute Thursday was within reach.  Then I decided to add another “Th” with three more minutes’ running, and felt I had a shot at a Running Commentary Blog Post.

If anybody has been paying much attention lately (I famously never do), I have not been blogging as regularly as I like to.  I like to be a daily blogger.  How I managed it before for long periods of time and keep falling short lately, I do not understand.  So it has been with my running.  I do not aim to run every day, but three to five times a week has often been doable.  Did I mention I missed a whole two weeks recently?  Oh well, these things happen.  All we can do is our best.  Or something like that.

I got a slow start this morning.  I had half a cup of coffee leftover from yesterday (waste not, want not) that I re-heated, then I made some more (I don’t have one of those fancy one-cup makers).  While it brewed, I scrolled Facebook.  A friend had posted a picture and said, “Do it anyways.”  Good advice. I commented, “OK, but I’m having more coffee first.”

Maybe it only seems steep to me.

There really isn’t much to say about the run itself.  It felt pretty good after a sluggish start.  I even ran faster at the end.  For one reason, I only wanted to go 33 minutes, not more.  I mean to start adding more spurts of faster running.  I think it’s called fartlek (teehee; I said, “fart”) or more boringly interval training.  Now, nobody needs to mansplain these to me or share helpful links. I am just going to run how I run and hope for the best.

 

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A Little Stop at a Little Shop

Posted on August 21, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last week as I walked around Herkimer, NY, I stopped in at A Little Touch of Country on South Washington Street.  It is a lovely little gift shop.  Unfortunately, I rarely have a need to give gifts, and I have far more decor than my house needs.  However, I had read a lovely Facebook post the owner had made about helping a local customer select a gift, and it made me want to stop in.

Lots of things to look at!

Naturally I took a few pictures for a blog post.  I also enjoyed a nice chat with the owner.  That is the beauty of these small, local shops.  You get a real hometown feel.

I liked the tins, but I have far too many tins already!

I admit, I purchased a small decoration for myself.  I will not share a picture of it, in case I decide to give it to someone as a gift in the near future (sometimes you have to invent occasions to give gifts).

A reminder to us all!

I enjoyed my little stop, and I am happy to recommend this little shop to all.

A Touch of Country is located at 334-348 S. Washington St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-219-5650.  And don’t forget to follow her on Facebook for lovely pictures and sweet stories!

 

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Love That DikinDurt!

Posted on August 17, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I used to make it to all the tastings at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.  It was a great way to start and to continue the weekend.  These days I am not so consistent, but when a great local producer like DikinDurt Distillery is tasting, I am there!

I arrived early and stood chatting with the guys behind the counter, hastening to get out of the way when I noticed someone wanted to make a purchase.  This is my problem with living alone:  I go all day with only myself to talk to.  This is not easy for an incurably social person such as myself.  I went on to some good conversation with Kayla, who was pouring.

She was really nice.

For hard liquor they are allowed to give you three regular tastes or six itty bitty tastes.  I went for three regular tastes, starting with the bourbon.  I have never been fond of bourbon, but lately at tastings, I have found a few I liked.  I really liked the DikinDurt stuff.  I suppose my tastes are changing in my old age.  That should keep things interesting.  I went on  to the Toasted Maple Moonshine, which I have previously liked quite a bit.  This time it tasted sweet to me.  Kayla pointed out that it doesn’t taste so sweet after the berry-infused flavors.  Quite true, of course.

I ended with Mohawk Valley Fire, and my tasting note is, “Oh yeah!”  I am constantly recommending this to people drinking Fireball.  Kayla recommended mixing it with apple cider and a splash of apple juice for an Apple Pie drink.  I know some people who would love something like that.  For myself, I will probably use it to flavor some iced coffee one afternoon.  I love a glass of iced coffee on a summer afternoon!

Kayla also suggested I visit DikinDurt’s tasting room in Newport, which is open Fridays from 4:30 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 9 p.m..  I have been meaning to do this, especially as there are a few other places in Newport that are worth a stop.  I just do so little adventuring on my own these days.  Perhaps it is time to change that.

 

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Lots of Cars at Dave’s!

Posted on August 15, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Tuesday I went to one of the last Cruise-Ins at Dave’s Diner in Schuyler.  Dave’s is closing as of Sept. 1, to the dismay of many, but, hey, folks are allowed to retire!  My late, beloved husband, Steve, and I used to stop there on our way to Rome or Utica, usually for a great breakfast, although their lunches were splendid as well.  Tuesday I had a delicious burger before walking outside to enjoy the cars.

Yes, they stretched for a long line!

I later found out that trophy was the People’s Choice from the first year Dave had the Cruise-In 25 years ago.  The winner has returned to proudly display the trophy every year since.

I LOVE classic cars!

 

Yes, there were two long rows of cars.

I walked up and down the rows of cars a few times, because more kept arriving.  A couple of the owners said if it had not been so hot, more cars may have shown up.

Back when cars had style!

 

If I had a car this cool, I would take Bonita for a ride.

A couple of cars had cool passengers.  After getting a shot of the skeleton, I noticed Chucky.

“I’m Chucky, wanna play?”

Then I said, “Oh, you have Tiffany too!”  The lady said, “Of course!”  Of course I took another picture.

The couple that slays together, stays together!

I’m not really a huge fan of the slasher flicks, but my husband and I rented the original Chucky movie (Child’s Play) (on video; that’s how old that is!) and were entertained by it.  Years later I saw Bride of Chucky in a theatre (it may have been second-run) and urged it on Steve.  I just love that Jennifer Tilly!   But I digress.

Two more Tuesdays remain for Dave’s Cruise-In, and two more weeks to get a good meal at Dave’s Diner, 2251 State Rt. 5, Utica, NY, phone number 315-735-4332.

 

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I Do Do a Blog Post

Posted on August 14, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Well, this is embarrassing.  I last posted on Sunday, and today is Thursday.  I just didn’t do it.  The opposite of Nike’s famous slogan?  Never mind.  The point is, I felt I couldn’t just quietly start over again with a normal post but wanted to post a kind of I’m sorry for being such a schlub then try to follow up later today with a “real” post.

The winter of my discontent?

I’m calling this a Non-Sequitur Thursday so looked in my Media Library for an unrelated photo.  My deck sure doesn’t look like this these days.  For one reason, it is covered with junk, most of which actually could belong there if I cleaned it up and arranged it in a pleasing fashion.  And of course there is no snow; I suppose if I did not mention that somebody would chime in in a didactic fashion pointing it out (you know who you are).   Will this post be a lament of Things Not Done This Summer?  SAY IT AIN’T SO!!!

“After all, somebody has to clap as I walk by.”

Just to remind myself I did so do stuff this summer, I share one of my favorite rehearsal shots from Four Old Broads on the High Seas, the play I was in at Players of Utica (perhaps you read a few of my blog posts about it).  The fact is, we never do all that we plan or want to.  The point is to enjoy what we do do (teehee: I said doodoo).

And another picture of me!

I know: the picture of plastic poo would have been a good one to share at this point, but I did not feel like searching for it.  Instead I share this fun picture of me before the Pride Stride 5K in Little Falls in June.  I later gave the skirt and wings to my great-niece Evie.  They didn’t really fit me, although I stretched a point for the sake of being a well-dressed runner (see what I did there).

Ooh, look at me, over 300 words.  I have got my blogging mojo back!  All I need is a headline and I am on my way!  That is, my way to more Mohawk Valley Adventures to blog about.  And maybe to clean off my deck.

 

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A Run to the Moon?

Posted on August 10, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oops, I missed posting on Saturday (yes, I am back to calling attention to my deficiencies).  I went for a run this morning, though, so how about a Running Commentary Post.  I don’t know if I ran by anything I have pictures of in my Media Library, but I may throw in a few random shots to pep the post up.  We shall see.

I seem to remember making a post about a run I took after a two week hiatus (that’s a fun word to say; try it!) (too lazy to go back and check, as usual).  Then I went two days without running.  At least I walked.  I was determined to run this morning. After a reheated cup of coffee (waste not want not), I suited up and set off.

The temperature was nice, the humidity was not bad.  I thought to turn right at German Street but noticed the full moon which I had not seen last night.  I love the full moon!  I turned left and ran towards it.

Not the same full moon.

It was lighter out when I ran this morning.  I look forward to starting my runs in the dark and finishing them in full daylight.  I do not rise early enough for such shenanigans these days, but Mother Nature will catch up with me eventually.

I went up one minor hill on Maple Grove and went on to the residential area behind Valley Health, which I refer to in my head as The Suburbs.  I was figuring in my head how long I wanted to run and how I would increase my times to be ready for the East Herkimer Fire Department 5K in October.  I think I will be in pretty good shape (remembering that round and puffy is still a shape).

Running felt pretty darn good.  I had to remind myself not to get too ambitious and overdo.  I pointed out metaphors for life as I ran:  you notice and lament a 10% uphill but barely feel the same percent going down.  Also, a hill looks less intimidating the closer you get to it.  At least it did today.

One weird thing:  as I ran by a sewer grate, I thought I felt a little warmth emanating from it.  Tim Curry?  He was smoking hot in some of his movie roles!  For readers who did not get the reference, Tim Curry was a clown in the sewer in an adaptation of a Stephen King novel.  Or was it a novella or short story?  How embarrassing that I do not know (I even had to check to make sure he spells his name with a “ph”).

I plan to start running more often again so may be inflicting more running commentary posts on my readers.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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