Tag Archives: coffee

It All Started with the Spider

I am having a Tired Tuesday Post.  It may even be construed as a Terrible Tuesday Post, but let us not become too dramatic.  Then again, drama is my life!  (Said with a dramatic gesture).

This morning there was a spider in my coffee.  Ew!  This is what happens when you do not examine your mug before adding coffee.  I have only myself to blame.  Full disclosure:  I drank the rest of the coffee, spider germs be damned.  I had to finish my story about the Ilion Village Board Meeting for Sentinel Media.  Caffeine helped.

As my day progressed, I needed to go to Ilion again to drop off a flier of my latest murder mystery, A Revolutionary Murder, at Morning Star Methodist Church.  While there I shopped at their Pay It Forward Thrift Store.  Alas, I did not take any pictures.

Later in the day, I walked to the post office to mail a note and post card, then on to the Herkimer Elks Lodge to reserve two tickets to the previously mentioned murder mystery.  Then I walked on to The End Zone Pub.  Just to say hello.

You can’t really see the new light.

While I was there, Brock, the owner, was placing a new light in the front display.  I took a picture, but as you see, not a very successful one.  What can one expect on a day which began with a spider in one’s coffee?

 

Another Brew, Another Book!

This morning I had occasion to go to Little Falls, NY, so naturally I made a stop at Athenix Books and Brews, one of the all time coolest bookstores ever.  Nick, the owner, greeted me by name as I walked in, which is so flattering!  I had a box of books from my parents’ house and asked if he was still taking donations.  He said, “Always!”  This is good news for me, because I haven’t even started cleaning out my own library!

Lots of choices!

I was in need of a treat to ordered a Mocha with whipped cream and a deluxe brownie (it’s true:  I do not have weight-loss goals; I have weight-loss daydreams).  I sat down at a tall table and worked on a letter to a friend while I sipped and nibbled.  I really want to begin some more substantive writing projects than letters and post cards, but one does what one can, and I believe most people like to receive snail mail on occasion.

A very welcoming atmosphere.

Sometime I will have to come in with a friend, so we can sit on the couch to sip and chat.  After I had finished my treat, I naturally looked for a book and found one amongst the used books.  Reduce, reuse, recycle!

No, I did not purchase one of these books!

It has actually been a while since I had stopped into Athenix but I hope to stop in again soon.  As I was leaving, two ladies were entering.  “This is a great place,” I told them, and I could tell they were quite taken with it as they continued into the store.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, and is open daily.

 

A Really Tiresome Tuesday

I really really want to do a Tired Tuesday post.  That is, I really really want to do a blog post and only feel capable of managing a Tired Tuesday.  At the risk of oversharing (it’s kind of a hobby of mine), tomorrow I am finally having a colonoscopy.  I guess some people start getting them at age 50, but I have always been kind of a late bloomer.  I tried to spend the last few days eating easy to digest food (as much as I could manage at the Elk of the Year Banquet), and today I am eating NOTHING SOLID.  What a struggle for a big fat pig like me!

Wednesday afternoon or Thursday will be OK with me, too.

Of course I have very little to complain about.  I can sit here and do nothing except not eat; I do not have to be at work, I do not have to be getting anything specific done.  Then again,  I always say go with your strengths: complaining is one of mine.

What I will feel like if I go too long without eating.  Or without coffee.

I went to look for a silly picture to cheer the post (and myself) up, and found this one.  How appropriate, yes?  My only hope is that I do all the prep properly, so nothing terrible happens, like having to reschedule or my butt exploding.  I try to keep myself from envisioning possibilities.

The other possibility, if I don’t get food and coffee at some point.

My sense of humor comes to my rescue as usual (what isn’t to laugh at Joan Crawford with an ax?).  I laugh at myself.  I sit here drinking tea, water, broth.  Later on I will have some GatorAde and that stuff they tell you to put in it.  I feel a little better now that I have expressed myself about the matter.  I hope you are all having a delightful Tuesday.

 

An Artistic Interlude

Yesterday when I was in Rome, NY I enjoyed coffee and a scone at the most delightful cafe, Superofficial on West Dominick Street, right next to the Capitol Theatre.  It is actually Superofficial and the Copper Easel Art Gallery, so I enjoyed art and atmosphere as well.

I especially liked the guy shooting the red stuff in the shed, but it does not show up here very well.

I did not want to eat too much, so as not to spoil my lunch, but after much debate I had to try the scone with Rosemary, figs, and goat cheese. It looked more substantial than what I had in mind, but it just sounded so different.  I also had a cup of regular coffee.

You can’t really read the menu, but that’s OK. I understand it changes weekly.

The scone did not disappoint.  The coffee was good, too.  While I ate, I looked around at the art on the walls, all of which was by local artists.  Then I laughed out loud, because I saw a skeleton sitting on the counter.  I love skeletons!

It looks like he’s laughing out loud too!

There were several other customers, most of them looking rather artistic themselves.  Some were working on computers.  I wondered what creative endeavors they were working on.  I myself worked on a letter to a friend, which I believe my friend will appreciate.

Cool logo.

I felt I was in a very artsy spot, and wished there was such a spot in Herkimer (where I live).  Maybe somebody will open one.  In the meantime, I will try to feel creative in the coffee spots I live near, and make sure I stop by Superofficial when I am in Rome.

Superofficial and The Copper Easel are located at 216 W. Dominick St., Rome, NY.  You can find them both on Facebook.

 

Late Slacker Saturday, but Shout-Out for the Cats!

This will be a late Slacker Saturday post and no promises about a Sunday blog post.  I am on my second cup of coffee, which should help matters, but as the late great Fats Waller said, One never knows, do one?

Drink coffee, write. Only two of my goals for today.

I thought I would throw in a coffee cup as an illustration.  I purchased this one at Athenix Books and Brews, just to throw in another shout-out to one of my favorite local businesses.  I got the ghostie pen holder there too (should it be “ghosty” or “ghostie”?  My computer thinks both are wrong.  I suppose I could say “ghostly,” but I think my little guy is too cute for that) (But I digress).

Yesterday I did a few things and reminded myself to make a blog post, even if it was a Slacker Saturday post.  Alas, I did not get to it.  I wrote my weekly post cards and walked them to the post office (that makes it sound like they walked along with me, perhaps on little post card leashes) (why did auto-correct capitalize “Little”?).  A little later (left it lowercase that time) I went to a wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor (another shout-out!), then brought an afghan to Mohawk American Legion, where I donated it to the HALO Lucky Paws Auction for Sunday (today!).

HALO (and here we come to the real shout-out of the post) is the Helping Animals Live Organization.  This is the 17th Lucky Paws Auction.  I have attended many in years past and won great stuff.  They get tons of great donations: baskets for any interest, gift cards from area businesses, and an afghan from me!  It takes place today, Sunday March 8 at the Mohawk American Legion, 45 West Main St., Mohawk, NY, with viewing beginning at 11 a.m. and drawings beginning at 2 p.m.  If any local readers read this in time, I encourage you to attend!

 

Another Coffee Adventure!

I thought of this title yesterday, as I was writing my blog post, because I remembered that Athenix Books and Brews in Little Falls, NY, was opening the Brews component on Feb. 26.  I needed to get there soon and make a blog post about it!  I drank tea for my first cuppa at home this morning, then after completing a couple of other chores and errands, I headed to Little Falls.

Lots of choices!

I opted for a regular dark roast coffee with whole milk.  I couldn’t resist also getting an Oreo brownie.  I sat at a tall table wrote a few more lines on my murder mystery (preview of coming attractions)  while I enjoyed my treat.  As I sat there I noticed that it looked as if there were letters on the wood floor.  I could not make out what they were supposed to be until I got up and realized I had been looking at them upside down.  Normally I can read upside down, but I failed this morning.

It says Athenix!

I was very impressed with the craftsmanship.  The whole place looks wonderful to me.  Nick mentioned he had gotten a one star review that called the floors unfinished and not modern.  Another customer and I asserted that we love them.  They have character and add to the ambiance.

Cozy!

I sat at a tall table, but there are also some soft chairs and sofas to lounge on while you enjoy your beverage.  I plan to make this a regular stop.  I will sit at a table or one of the cushy chairs, sip my coffee or tea and write!

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY.  You can follow them on Facebook.

 

I Get Adventurous with my Coffee

A lot of my Mohawk Valley Adventures involve food.  Well, I like to eat; I may have mentioned that my weight-loss goals are more like daydreams.  Never mind that.  It is also important to me to be sociable. I meet a group of my Elks friends every Thursday for breakfast at various area restaurants and diners.  This morning we went to the Java Shop in Herkimer.

At least you can read “Java.”

Oh dear, I knew I should have tried for a better picture.  In my defense, it was snowing this morning.  I have been to the Java Shop several times and am a great fan of their breakfast sandwiches.  I usually get regular coffee but decided to mix it up this morning with something cold and fancy.  I got a Delgano, which is whipped coffee with milk on the bottom.  SO silly of me not to get a picture of it!  I guess it is an excuse to return to the Java Shop soon.  I also got a breakfast sandwich with ham, egg and cheese on a roll.

Full breakfasts are also available. One friend got an omelet while another got eggs and toast.  The home fries looked delicious.  I noticed the shop does a booming take-out business, especially for the coffees.  There are a lot of options available, for coffee and for food. I greatly enjoyed my breakfast.  I only hope to remember to take more pictures the next time I am there.

The Java Shop by Cucino Berto is located at 402 Mohawk St., Herkimer NY, phone number 315-717-7724.

 

Return to my New Favorite Bookstore

I made it to Athenix Books and Brews yesterday, so I can make a real blog post today!  I am still anxiously awaiting the Brews part of the equation.  Nick, the owner, told me to watch his Facebook page, because the public will be invited to a tasting to decide which roast will be the Chosen Brew.  He said he sought out the best of the best: local, ethically sourced, etc.  That will certainly be worth another blog post.

Speaking of local…

I naturally asked where my sister’s books were.  I found Soulmates and Wednesday Wine Club by Diane E. Young on the Local Authors table.  I browsed the whole store, of course, and found another Fanny Flagg book as well as a self-help book I had previously gotten out of the library at a doctor’s recommendation:  Atomic Habits by James Clear.  I thought if I actually had my own copy of the book I might actually change some of my habits for the better.  No promises, of course.

Owner Nick Bennett designs and makes all his merch.

While there I got my free monthly t-shirt, because I am a member of The Keep.  I got a discount on the books too.

Other goodies for a future visit.

As I said, I browsed the entire store, including some lovely jewelry and tempting hats.  Shouldn’t everybody have a witch’s hat?  OK, I already have two or three, but there are different!  And I will never have enough earrings.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY.  They are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.  And you should totally follow them on Facebook, because Nick is often posting something interesting about a specific book or progress he is making on the store.  Check it out!

 

I Lollygagged About Making My Resolution

Some people are making New Year’s Resolutions.  Others are loftily saying they refuse to have self-improvement dictated by a calendar; when they see something that needs fixing, they fix it.  Still others feel they are already perfect (you know who you are).  Of course, everybody must do what works for themselves.  Personally, I believe in making a New Year’s Resolution right around Thanksgiving.  Then you have a perfect excuse to overindulge during the subsequent holidays:  “I can eat these cookies; I’m going on a diet January 1st!”  Alas for me, I neglected to do so and had to overindulge with no excuse.

Random picture to denote passage of time while I get more coffee.

What could be more festive that Joan Crawford with an ax?  At least candy is seasonal.  For accuracy’s sake, I point out that I am nobody’s mommy.  I was Mama Q to the boys in my national guard unit, back in the early ’00s, but that was a long time ago.  But I digress.

I think New Year’s Resolutions can be a useful tool.  New year, new beginnings, new hopes.  They don’t always work, of course, but then nothing works all the time in every case. What a lot of pressure to put on a little bitty resolution, not to mention to our own psyches.   “I WILL improve my life, starting on this arbitrary date, and if I do not, I am clearly dirt!”  To me, that is not a helpful way to do it.  Then again, “I will NOT make a New Year’s Resolution, because they clearly do not work!  I will stay just the way I am, so there!”  Well, that is fine if you are one of those perfect people I mentioned earlier.  A friend once said she had some goals.  I like that.  Words matter, and to some of us, having a goal can seem much more attainable than a Resolution (the song about “A Resolution! On Independency!” from 1776  is playing in my head).

Some people have no perception.

I guess this has been a whole lot of half-baked philosophy, more worthy of Lame Post Friday.  Then again, many people find themselves confused about what day it is this time of year.  As regular readers know, I am no stranger to confusion.    I would like to just mention I have made this entire post with a whanging headache (autocorrect thought I meant “changing.”  I would like it to change!) (and autocorrect seems to think autocorrect is not a word, but does not change it) (again, I digress).  Thus I prove to myself that I can so make a blog post when I have a headache.  There goes another excuse!

My skull is screaming.

I close with a shot from The Screaming Skull, another beloved cheesy horror movie, with or without robot heads.  I see I am over 400 words.  Wow!  That must be some good coffee I made!

 

Not a Pretty Post, but a Pre-Tea Post

I think I can do a Lame Post Friday post early Saturday morning.  It is just after six, and I haven’t had coffee yet.  Full disclosure:  I have been drinking tea rather than coffee most mornings in hopes of making my stomach happy, a forlorn effort at best.  Yesterday I had a nice time shopping at To Niche Their Own, a delightful little shop in Herkimer NY.  Alas, I neglected to take any pictures.  I must return and take a few in order to give them a proper shout-out.

The coffee I’m not having.

I throw in a picture to pep things up.  It took a bit of scrolling through my Media Library to find a coffee mug.  I must take a picture of one of the Christmas mugs I have been using lately.

Random picture to denote passage of time while I put on water for tea.

The thought of a hot beverage overcame me.  The above picture was taken a couple of summers ago, when Brookwood Market was still a thing. I forgot which vendor I got the flowers from, but the fingerless gloves are from Herkimer Handknits.  I can’t find a website or Facebook page for it, alas.  I also have a beautiful shawl I purchased from her.

But it’s so cute!

With little else to say, I share another photo.  This was taken at the sadly closed FarmHouse Restuarant, where I enjoyed many a delicious breakfast.  You can just barely see that it is a Christmas tablecloth in the background, so I am seasonal.

I guess this was another placeholder post, but what do you want on (OK, just after) Lame Post Friday?  Will I make a Saturday post on Saturday?  A little uncertainty adds interest to my weekend.