Tag Archives: coffee

Yay, Meeples!

Posted on August 11, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

Yesterday Steve and I went to a ribbon cutting at one of our favorite area businesses,  Meeples Mug House, the board game cafe in Little Falls, NY. Two Chambers of Commerce,  Herkimer County and Greater Utica were on hand to congratulate them.

We arrived early and sat at the counter to enjoy a cup of coffee. Quite the crowd had turned out for the event. Steve and I indulged in a couple of rounds of Rock’em Sock’em Robots, since the game was right there on the counter (I won).

Coffee with a handsome guy at a local business, what more could I want?

I went outside to get a picture of the actual ribbon cutting.  There was lots of milling about.

Some people enjoyed a cookie while they waited. Who could blame them?

 

Of course I did not make a note of any important names. Silly me!

 

Complete with a bow!

At last the ribbon was up, and the important people were making speeches.

Ready? One… two… three…

 

And cut! I love those big scissors!

Everybody applauded when the ribbon was cut, except those of us who were taking pictures.

There’s an accessory that makes a statement!

I had to get a shot of one attendee who really enjoyed the ribbon.  After the cutting we returned to the cafe for refreshments.

Meeples Mug House is located at 598 E. Main St., Little Falls NY,  phone number 315-868-7488.  They are  open 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday,  5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday,  and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

 

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8 O’Clock Lame

Posted on March 30, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

One morning, back in the early 1990s, when Steven’ and my coffee was brewing, I whined that I wanted a cup before the pot was finished.  Steven cleverly took his cup, pulled out the pot and put the cup in its place, poured my coffee, and switched the pot and cup back.

“We have a fancy coffee maker,” he explained.

Funny thing: since then, we have had many fancy coffee makers with the feature that you can pullout the pot while it’s still brewing, and every damn one of them drops at least a drip when you do it that way.  Steven didn’t lose a dropped drip when he did his fancy thing.  There’s a lesson there, but I have not imbibed sufficient caffeine to express it properly.

I share this silly story, because I just poured myself a cup of coffee when the pot was still mid-brew, and, yes, it dripped a drop.  The other reason is that I am trying to distract from the fact that this is my Lame Post Friday post, and it is almost 8 o’cock on Saturday morning (ooh, we should be drinking 8 O’Clock Coffee, Steven’s mother’s favorite, back in the day).

One other note:  It was not Barefoot Pinot Noir I purchased at Ilion Wine and Spirits on Thursday; it was Woodbridge Cabernet Sauvignon.   I do not know how I came to make that mistake, but I realized it only when I went to open said bottle and pour myself a glass on Friday (what?  I can’t have a glass of wine on a Friday?  What is this world coming to?).

So now I am over 250 words.  I’ll try to make my Saturday post on Saturday, but no promises.

 

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Smooth Coffee before Groceries

Posted on July 11, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Tired Tuesday post (anyways, I was pretty tired yesterday), I give a brief shout-out to a local business I have talked about before: Moose River Coffee in Ilion, NY.  Steven and I wanted to do some shopping at our local Aldi’s, so I suggested breakfast out.  Do we not deserve a treat before braving a crowded grocery store?

Moose River Coffee has got to be my favorite cuppa in the Mohawk Valley, and probably anywhere else as well.  It is just SO SMOOTH!  Additionally, I have been dying for a bagel, and I knew they usually have some in the morning.  They had Everything Bagels!  My favorite!  I ordered one with cream cheese while Steven got cinnamon raisin with butter.  We both got a regular coffee.

As we munched and sipped, we looked around at the cozy setting. I love the wooden tables and the cozy couch.  We sat at a tall table this time, but we have enjoyed the couch on another visit.  Silly me to not bring my Tablet and take a few pictures. Ooh, good excuse to go there again soon!

Moose River Coffee is located at 70 Otsego St., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-895-0490.  Their website is http://mooserivercoffee.com/.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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Remembering to Breathe

Posted on April 29, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh, this is bad, this is not good, this is a problem.  OK, breathe, Cindy, breathe.  And drink some coffee.  I think I will have to call this a ScatterBrained Saturday post.  All I have done so far today is have a headache, wash some dishes, and feel nervous about tonight’s murder mystery.  I came up with the headline just now when I was messaging my friend Kim on on Facebook, whining about my flustered state of mind.  I typed, “I am trying some coffee and remembering to breathe.”  Only when I typed “remembering”  I missed the “b”  (could have been clumsy fingers, but let’s blame my laptop keyboard; I hate for EVERYTHING to be my fault).  I sat there saying “remember” in my head to figure out where the “b” went.   So I added, “And how to spell remember.”

Maybe my headline should have been, “Where Does That Damn B Go Anyways?”  Sometimes I just have to laugh at myself.  Who forgets how to spell remember?  It does lighten things up when you can see the humor.  And a cup of coffee doesn’t hurt.

I have half my costume on and, as I had feared, my pants don’t want to stay up.  They are fancy silk-looking purple pajama pants. I daresay they look fabulous, but there is no place to put a belt and anyways,  I have them pulled up too high.  Maybe I could tuck them under my bra (oh goody, I just made myself laugh again) (until somebody says “TMI” because I mentioned my bra; you can’t say anything to some people).  My shirt is real silk, a black sleeveless blouse I rarely ware (YES, I remembered to shave!  Talk about TMI: what a personal question!).  I think my earring choices are good, but which socks?  Decisions!

So I guess this is my blog post today:  me dithering and whining.  But what is a blogger to do?  I have a show tonight!  I hope I break a leg.

 

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Good Cup of Java

Posted on April 18, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was running down Main Street in Herkimer (or possibly up it; I’m not good with directions) when I saw a sign for The Java Shop by Cucino Berto.  Well, I am always on the lookout for a new place to sit, sip, and write.  I made up my mind to stop in soon.

I had been to the restaurant Cucino Berto when they were located at the Frankfort Marina.  According to their website, after two successful years there, Cucino Berto decided to relocate and rebrand.  They now offer Friday dinners at the Herkimer Elks Lodge as well as breakfast and lunch daily at The Java Shop.

The first time I stopped into the Java Shop was a Saturday afternoon, and it seemed to be crowded with people who knew the owner.  However, the gentleman behind the counter immediately greeted me and took my order.  I enjoy a home town shop supported by family and friends.  I hope to become, if not a friend, at least a regular customer.

I later learned that the Business and Professional Association of Herkimer had been there earlier to welcome them to the neighborhood.  That explained the balloons I saw hovering by the cash register.  I think it’s wonderful to see local businesses supporting each other.

The second time I tried to go to the Shop (the following Monday), it was closed for renovations.  The renovation was worth the wait: more seating and a more open feel.  I got there just after they opened on a Saturday and had a breakfast sandwich.  I chose a roll over a bagel (even though they had Everything Bagels, my favorite!), fried egg (with a broken yolk), ham and provolone.  Oh, was that a good sandwich!  The ham was sliced thin and the egg was cooked to perfection.

I had regular, fresh brewed coffee on each visit.  I tend to be a “regular coffee” kind of person, but they have a variety of coffees available.  You can even get a coffee flight and try three different kinds.  I’ve had beer flights but never a coffee flight.  Perhaps I should expand my horizons.

The Java Shop has a friendly, pleasant atmosphere.  I enjoyed to sit by myself and write in my notebook, but I will be happy to bring a friend or two as well.  After all, my husband Steven loves his coffee. He shouldn’t always have to brew his own!

The Java Shop is located at 143 N. Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-717-7724.  They are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information you can visit the Cucino Berto website at https://cucinaberto.wordpress.com.

 

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Mmm… Coffee

Posted on March 13, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of a Mental Meanderings or Middle-aged Musings Monday, I thought I would give a belated shout-out to Utica Roasting Company, where Steven and I enjoyed breakfast during his Fabulous Four Day Birthday Weekend.  We had business in New Hartford, NY, and we just don’t like to do these things on an empty stomach.  After much debate, I suggested Utica Roasting Company as being right on our way, if we went that way (there are a few ways to get to where we wanted to go).

For the uninitiated, Utica is the city closest to Herkimer, and there are several surrounding communities that all run into each other.  I guess you would call it the Greater Utica Area, which I rather like the sound of.  I paused just now to Google (an even sillier verb that “blog”) “greater Utica area,” and I only got the magazine of that name, not a listing of the actual communities that comprise said area.  But I am no hand at computer searches.

Be that as it may, I drove, being more familiar with the area that Steven.  We went straight into Utica on 5S and with a little finagling, got to 92 Genesee St.  We easily found a parking space and walked right into the coffee shop.  I have been there a few times, and even wrote about it for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I knew Steven would like it, although he may be a little too mellow for a place whose motto is, “Wake the Hell Up!”

We ordered coffee and everything bagels (regular readers may remember that is my favorite), and sat down.  There was a tall table I would have liked to sit at, but the stools did not have backs, which Steven really prefers.  We sat at a regular table, once again eschewing the comfy-looking couch, as we did at Moose River Coffee in Ilion (perhaps you read my blog post about that fine establishment).

The two coffee places have good coffee, comfy couches, and everything Bagels in common.  However, Utica Roasting has a much more urban feel.  The walls are unfinished, the tables are metal, and it altogether looks like a hip, happening joint.  Oh dear, those are old slang terms.  There is some retro decor:  an antique scale, an old street map of Utica, so maybe old slang is OK.

We enjoyed our breakfast there, and the coffee did help us wake the hell up.  For more information about Utica Coffee Roasting Company, you can visit their website at www.wakethehellup.com.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

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I Could Use a Cup of Coffee Now

Posted on March 8, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have been meaning to write blog posts about a couple of places I visited over the weekend (remember, it was Steven’s Fabulous Four Day Birthday Weekend).  Instead I have been tired and not writing much at all.  However, today I will try to get back on track with a well deserved shout-out to Moose River Coffee in Ilion.

We had originally planned to go to Moose River Coffee Friday morning but ended up hunkered down waiting out the winter storm.  I really love that Moose River Coffee, though, so I was happy we went on Saturday. For another reason, I knew they sometimes have bagels and if they don’t, they have sandwiches on Heidelberg Bread.  Yum!  As it happened, they had Everything Bagels, my favorite!  I got mine with cream cheese, while Steven got butter on his.

We found a table to sit down with our coffee and bagels, but we could have lounged on the comfy couch.  One table had a “Reserved” sign on it.  I watched with interest as a group of young people (at least, they were younger than me; I guess that’s an ever widening range) sat at it and began a game of Jenga.  I think it is pretty awesome for a coffee house to promote community like that.  Next to the comfy couch is a bookcase with books and a couple other games, so people are apparently always welcome to linger.

In fact, linger is what I like to do at a coffee house.  In this case, Steven and I did not, because we had other adventures to pursue.  However, I hope to return soon alone with my notebook.  I have a lot more writing to do.

Moose River Coffee is located at 70 Otsego St., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-895-0490.

 

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Early or Late, Here I Go!

Posted on January 12, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

So posting at 4:30 a.m. on Friday (my time; I don’t know what my WordPress timestamp will do) makes this a real Non-Sequitur Thursday, doesn’t it?  Now if only I can think of anything to say on half a cup of coffee.  Maybe another sip or two is in order.

We are in the midst of a January thaw (colder temperatures on the way, according to my Local on the Ones that I hear in the background as I type this).  Do the changing temperatures have anything to do with the sick days I’ve been taking?  Blogger’s Sick Days, that is.  I’ve been going to work.  That means if I have some sort of contagious bug, I have been sharing my germs.  I say to my co-workers, don’t say I never gave you nothin’!  Just kidding.  I have been trying to keep to myself.  Anyways, I don’t think I am contagious.

So here I go talking about my health woes, which I realize is tiresome and boring to many.  Well, I intend to have some Mohawk Valley adventures this weekend, so I hope for better blog posts soon (probably not today, though; it is Lame Post Friday, after all).

One writing note:  I have been working on a new novel every day for thirteen days now (today is Day Fourteen).   I had decided to work on it every day for 100 days and see what good it did me.  So far, pretty good.  I even opened up my notebook and wrote some on it last night with a bad headache.  Isn’t that exciting?

Oh, one other writing note:  I have a murder mystery to finish.  I will definitely write more about that.  For one thing, I will want to publicize the event for the benefit of my local readers.

In the meantime, I have coffee to drink and a day to prepare for.  I hope to write another blog post later.  A late Happy Thursday and early Happy Friday to all.

 

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I Don’t Feel Abominable, Just Tired

Posted on December 13, 2017 by mohawkvalleygirl

I just can’t get away from Tired Tuesday.  But what do you want from me?  I worked all day, got my boobs squished (see yesterday’s post), then shoveled my drive way.

Yes, winter returned to the Mohawk Valley today, and I guess it could have been worse.  Roads were pretty bad when I drove into work shortly before 6 a.m., although I know the plows had been around.  I enjoyed that weird personality quirk of mine that I laugh at bad weather.  I chuckled all the way from my car to the building, being careful not to slip on the slush. I just kept looking up and marveling at the sheer amount of snow coming down.  It did make me laugh.  Luckily it did not keep up at that great rate all day.

There was not a massive amount of white stuff on the driveway, and it was still coming down, but I got out to at least take off a layer.  I TOLD Steven not to come with me, because his back is bothering him, but he joined me anyways.  I guess most spouses don’t do what the other one tells them to do, do they?  I almost never do myself.

What I am really looking forward to now is that first cup of coffee tomorrow morning (again, see yesterday’s post).  I told all my friends at work that I would probably show up with a BIG smile on my face.  So that will be two days I show up at work smiling: laughing at the snow, then giddy over the coffee. Perhaps the giddiness will carry over and I will write a better blog post.

I think this is one of my co-workers.

I thought I would just throw in the Abominable Snowman for good measure.  I think he is kind of cute.

 

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Mental Meanderings about the Mammary Glands

Posted on December 12, 2017 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today’s Monday Mental Meanderings is in the nature of a Public Service Announcement, with an added attraction for those of you who like to point and laugh at others’ discomfort (you know who you are).  Tomorrow, I go for a mammogram.

NO, I do not expect any of you are crass enough to be amused at the thought of my mammary glands being squished and photographed.  At least, I hope not.  The discomfort I was going to share for your amusement is that I have now gone over a week without coffee.  I cry a little even as I type it.

I don’t suppose non-coffee drinkers will understand, but I know some of you are raising your hands in horror at the thought.  In fact, a number of females have told me they were never advised to stay off caffeine.   When I made the appointment, the nurse told me I could drink decaf, and the reason for it is that the caffeine makes one’s breasts more sensitive.  I don’t remember a mammogram hurting that much to begin with, but it has been at least seven years since I’ve had one.

Ah, here is the Public Service Announcement part:  DON’T BE LIKE ME!  Get your cancer screening tests at the recommended intervals.

Back to the laughing at Cindy portion of the post.  I eased into things by having one small cup of coffee in the morning for two days. Then I had tea for two mornings.  I had some decaf filter bags a co-worker had given me.  Yes, there is still caffeine in decaf.  The lady told me I could drink decaf, so that was what I had for my usual mid-morning cuppa.  On the fourth day, I started having decaf from a filter bag for my first cup as well.  Oh, it does not taste as good.  It does not make me feel content to be out of bed and ready to face the day.  I suffer.

Almost every day, I have been tempted to just have a damn cup of joe.  All these other women have had mammograms and never been told to stay off coffee.  I don’t remember a mammogram hurting and even if it’s awful, it can’t last that long, can it?  I’m a tough girl!  I can take it!

Well, I can be tough enough to stay off coffee, too.  For one reason, I can be pretty stubborn once I have made up my mind to do something.  For another reason, once you have gone so far with something, you might just as well go all the way.

So now I am really, Really, REALLY looking forward to that first cup of coffee.  Alas, my appointment is at three tomorrow afternoon.  I fear if I immediately indulge, it will keep me up all night.  However, Wednesday morning will be a wonderful time for me.

And once again, to all my female readers:  Get your mammograms!

 

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