Tag Archives: dogs

Nowhere to Go But Up

Posted on July 28, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have not been running enough lately but did not feel I could use that as an excuse to not run today. Steven left for work at 6:20 a.m. I left at the same time.

I turned toward Steuben Street, thinking to go up that hill. Full disclosure: I could not remember the name of the street till I got to it and saw the sign. That’s how little I’ve been running lately, because that is a usual Saturday morning run for me.

As I turned down German Street the sun was right in my eyes. How annoying. At least I could see the sidewalk a few feet in front of me, so no danger of tripping and falling on my stupid face. At least, less danger. I’m so clumsy I guess there are no guarantees. However, I reached Steuben without mishap (making a mental note of the name) and started up.

Who remembered that the hill was so steep and long? Not me! Oh no. There were only a couple of opportunities to turn off. Should I take the first, easier one? No! I was going to be tough!

What the hell do I have to be so tough for? I thought that hill was going to go on forever. The sidewalk ends pretty quickly and there is no shoulder to speak of. Traffic is light early Saturday morning, of course, but I encountered a few cars and trucks. Most of them at least crossed the center line for me. I suppose I can’t expect them to slow down much as they are going downhill. I at least gave them the little thank you wave for getting over.

Since, as I mentioned, I have not been running enough, I could not quite remember how far up the tough girl turn-off was. Around this curve? No. The next curve? No. Oh dear. Lots of curves on this road. Was that a hoof print in the gravel? Any observation to distract myself is useful. I looked around for deer, which you occasionally see on that road.

I started looking through trees to my right. You can see the road you turn on to through them before you actually get to it, and that’s kind of an encouraging sight. No far nothing but trees. Darn. Wait, surely that was the turn off? No, just a driveway. Well, I was certainly toughening myself up, wasn’t I?

At last! I could see the road I wanted through the trees. Now it was only a question of where the damn turn off was. The sharper the angle, the longer till I got to the turn. Damn, it must be a V! At last I reached it. Aaah!

And remembered that after a very short down-slope the road goes up again. What’s that all about? I felt so ill-used. And annoyed with myself for forgetting that little detail. No matter, I told myself. It was not all that steep an up-slope, and it was a quieter, residential area. I admired a few houses. I didn’t think I remembered any dogs on this stretch.

Then I was on the down-slope again. Which I had forgotten was so steep! It’s a little scary going down a steep down-slope. My husband, Steven, tells the story of running down a hill when he was a kid and being unable to stop. I suppose if it was a race I might throw caution to the wind and see how fast I could get. As it was, I leaned back and took advantage of gravity without letting gravity take control of me (how’s that for a sound bite?)

It was actually a pretty good run. I even encountered my friend, Nicky and his person when I got back on German Street. Naturally I stopped long enough to pet Nicky (such a good dog) and exchange greetings with his person. As Tabby graciously walked my cool-down with me, I felt pretty terrific. I might even run another hill tomorrow.

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Post-Flood Perambulation

Posted on July 12, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned that we are in the habit of referring to walks as perambulations, because most dogs know “the w word.” As I was writing this post in my head while I fixed dinner, I thought, “I’ll call it Wednesday Walk. Alliterative.”

And then I remembered today was Thursday. That’s what I get for cooking with wine. Or does that make this Non-Sequitur Thursday? No matter, Steven and I just took a walk with our schnoodle Tabby, and I’m going to write a post about it.

It was Steven’s idea to take a walk. Of course I always want to walk with our nice dog, but lately it’s been so stinking hot and humid. And it has rained just about every damn day (perhaps you’ve read some of my posts about the area flooding). Today was beautiful.

I had written most of a letter to my sister during work today. I suggested Steven add his two cents and we walk it to the post office. After a minor crisis looking for the stamps and some debate about appropriate footwear (are there still copious patches of mud from the flood?), we were off.

Sunny with a nice breeze. No mud to speak of, although we did encounter a few patches of dry dirt where bare sidewalk ought to be. Really, things are getting cleaned up nicely. For the past two weeks many houses have had sad piles of garbage next to the curb, the ruined contents of basements. Most of that has been hauled away.

We admired some flowers in flower boxes and on porches. Some front yard gardens were still blooming and beautiful. Some yards had not fared so well.

The breeze died down and the sun began to feel a little stronger. I encouraged Tabby to not stop and sniff while we were in the direct sunlight. I was more lenient in the shade. Steven pointed out that Tabby had not been for a walk in a few days; she was making the most of it.

We got the letter mailed then walked all the way up Main Street and down German to home. Herkimer is definitely looking better. Here’s hoping for better days to come!

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First Summer Run

Posted on June 23, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I hope it’s not too soon for another running post, but after all, Saturday Running Commentary.

The hot weather arrived just barely in time for summer in the Mohawk Valley, so I sensibly got out early. It’s a good time to run anyways, because of less traffic. I hoped it would be an enjoyable run, especially since I spent a good portion of yesterday feeling quite awful. I had high hopes.

It seemed to go pretty well. I almost didn’t run any hills but decided I could handle the one out Main Street. Well, that part wasn’t much fun. At one point I could have stayed sedately on the left side facing traffic, made a 90 degree turn at the proper place and continued on the left side of the street. Instead I cut across the center of the intersection, feeling like quite the rebel. In my defense, there were no cars in sight or hearing.

I passed the house where I’ve seen — and pretended not to see — the lady in her nightgown letting her dog out. Neither she nor the dog were in evidence, so I took the opportunity to admire her black wrought iron lawn furniture. Not so comfy to sit it but oh so decorative, especially with a pot of red flowers on the table.

As I ran down the hill back to civilization, I heard a vehicle behind me. I wasn’t worried, because I was left side facing traffic this time. He would be on the OTHER side of the road. Well, that (insert bad word of your choice) in a pick-up truck (to add insult to injury; I love pick-up trucks) was straddling the center line! What was his excuse for that! Early though it was, I thought it was a little late for him to be still drunk from partying last night. Then again, what do I know?

Back in the village proper I stuck to residential streets with sidewalks. Plenty of four way stops when I had to cross a street, but not much traffic anyways. When I went to cross Prospect, I started to slow down to let a car at the stop sign go, but the lady waved me on. I gave the thank-you wave and hurried across.

“You go, girlfriend!” yelled the lady in the car. I think I recognized the voice as a lady from Curves, but I kept running so did not check.

When I got closer to home I saw Nicky, one of my canine friends, out walking with his person. I picked up the pace and crossed the street.

“I have to pet Nicky,” I said. “He’s such a good dog.”

“How’s your dog?” asked his person.

“Oh, she’s a sweetie. I’ll be taking her for a walk in a bit.”

“Before it gets too hot,” she said.

I agreed and ran on. Tabby was happy to accompany me on my cool-down walk. I felt terrific. I think I sweated out all of yesterday’s light-headedness. If only I don’t get another sinus headache as the day wears on, my life will be perfect.

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I Was Walking, Not Stalking

Posted on May 18, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

My hope is to re-institute Saturday Running Commentary next Saturday. In the meantime, I offer a Pedestrian Post about a very pleasant walk I just took with my beloved schnoodle, Tabby.

I have felt very bad about leaving Tabby alone in the evenings when we had rehearsals and then performances for Dirty Work at the Crossroads at Ilion Little Theatre. Our last performance is tonight, so Tabby’s quality of life will improve starting tomorrow. In the meantime, I made up my mind to let her walk where she wanted to and let her stop and sniff almost as many places as she chose (no, not ALL the places; I’d still be out there!).

It was an absolutely beautiful day. The sun was shining, no humidity to speak of, just a gentle breeze. I had on the nicer of my two crazy old lady hats and my prescription sunglasses (as usual I carried my regular glasses in case it clouded up suddenly; you know Mohawk Valley weather). I had on a sweatshirt, because it was just under 60 degrees. That had the added advantage of a place to put my extra poop bag (I like to carry a spare).

We started out down Bellinger. For once Tabby did not turn and walk towards her favorite Historic Four Corners but continued towards Meyers Park. Then she didn’t seem to want to cross over to the park. Once we got almost past it, I suggested to her we cross the street and walk around the park. Otherwise we would be walking past businesses or along Route 5. We were not early enough to beat Saturday traffic.

All this time I kept thinking I smelled somebody cooking outdoors. It seemed a little early, even for lunch, so I wondered if I was smelling some leftover odors from last night. I LOVE cooking out. I must make myself an opportunity to do so soon.

Once Tabby did her business, I encouraged her to cross over and walk through the park to a trash can. I know, I said I was going to let her walk wherever she wanted to walk, but one must be flexible in these things. I assure you, Tabby did not mind. I made for the closest trash can, which took us by a guy sitting on a bench talking on a cell phone. I hoped he did not think I was purposely walking by him.

I let Tabby lead me from the trash can back toward Bellinger and Route 5. We walked in front of Herb Philipson’s. Must go there for some new sports bras. I saw the Baker’s Dozen bakery across the street and thought I could go for a bagel. I remember one thick-necked sergeant telling me once that I’d NEVER lose weight eating bagels. He was on Atkins, eating all the bacon in the world. Well, I am almost down to my target weight now, and I do eat the occasional bagel. But I didn’t have one today.

When we got to Prospect Street, the mystery of the cook-out odor was solved. The Methodist Church was having a Brooks Barbecue. The huge grill extended over the sidewalk, so I suggested we cross the road. Then I saw cell phone guy from the park just ahead of us. Now he might really think I was stalking him! I let Tabby sniff the corner of a building for an extra long time so he could get way ahead of us. Then we took a different direction.

We walked by Hummel’s Office Plus and Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner, two places I plan on visiting soon, then on up Main Street. Many closed businesses, alas. The Exclusive Barber Shop is still open. Burrito Jones has not opened yet.

I had my sweatshirt tied around my waist by now. The exercise felt really good on my legs. We turned down Park Avenue and went back toward Meyers Park. Past the Brooks Barbecue smell. MMMMmmmmm….

We had walked for almost a half hour. Still plenty of time to do something useful before Steven gets home from work. Then I am hoping to sneak in at least one Mohawk Valley adventure before tonight’s play.

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Walk after Wine

Posted on April 15, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I hope nobody thought I was going to have anything more strenuous than a Wrist to Forehead Sunday after a day of wine tasting in the Finger Lakes with some rather rowdy members of my family. If anyone did, I can only say, Why in the world would you think that? However, I did manage to take a nice walk with my schnoodle, Tabby, and I don’t despair of typing a few words about that.

Um, I put typing because I am composing at the keyboard as opposed to hand-writing it on paper first, as I often do. I suppose one could think it has something to do with the snide Truman Capote quote about another writer, “That’s not writing, that’s typing.” Well, anybody can feel free to quote Truman Capote at me. At least it’s a change of pace from pointing and laughing.

It was afternoon before I found my running shoes and got myself ready to get out the door. As usual, Tabby guessed my purpose and started running at the door, jumping and barking long before I was ready to actually fasten on the leash and go. I knew it was not as warm as one might hope, but thought I could get away with my crazy old lady hat rather than knitted toque. I also put on the large windbreaker with the huge pockets. Put two poop bags in the pockets (she very rarely poops twice in one walk, but one likes to be prepared). Found my sunglasses, because I thought the sun had come out.

I didn’t need the sunglasses after all, but that was where the large pockets came in handy. I only had to listen to them ka-thunk in the case and against my thigh for the whole walk. Well, one makes these sacrifices in order to be prepared. We started down Bellinger Street in Herkimer, NY (for the benefit for anybody just tuning in).

It was really not a bad temperature out at all. I understand it had snowed some places around here, but I saw no evidence of it where I was. Nice dry, bare sidewalks. A little muddy in the yards, but you’ll have that.

We saw two boys walking two beautiful setter-looking dogs up the opposite side of the street (it would really be nice if I learned to reliably recognize breeds). The dogs were pulling quite energetically on the leashes, but they did not seem interested in Tabby. I told Tabby to never mind about them, and no barks were exchanged.

Tabby pooped before we walked through Meyers Park, which was nice. That way I can throw the poop into a trash can as we walk by (see, that’s why I like to have two poop bags). Nobody was in the park. There was even very little traffic as we crossed Prospect Street and headed towards the downtown area.

The tribute to Ape was still up in front of Basloe Library, across from the former Glory Days. Ape was the police dog who lost his life helping take down that guy who shot people in Mohawk and Herkimer recently. I looked sadly at the plywood where windows used to be in the old Glory Days building. Perhaps somebody will buy that building and put in something cheerful.

On up Main Street, past the Historic Four Corners. I admired some of the large old buildings. I think most of them are cut up into apartments now. I saw a lovely patch of crocuses in front of a house further down the street. I really must put more crocus bulbs in my own yard this fall.

It was a pleasant walk, though I see now a little uneventful. I must say it exactly suited my mood, after my strenuous weekend. Now I’m off to watch a cheesy horror movie or two, and I shall hope for more energy later in the week so I can write about them.

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Dog Day Sunday

Posted on April 8, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

There were at least three previews of coming attractions in yesterday’s post. Well, they’re still to come. Today is Wrist to Forehead Sunday.

I normally go to the grocery store on Sunday. However, today I stayed home with a sick dog. Poor pooch. She did not want to go for a long walk, so I can’t make a pedestrian post. She’s feeling better now, but rain looks imminent. My dog does not like to go for a walk in the rain.

I spent some time this morning cleaning and doing laundry. I know I did a cleaning post once, after previously threatening to do so. Alas, my adventures in housework today were less than blogworthy.

Eventually my headache and nausea (did I mention the dog wasn’t the only one feeling ill?) got the better of me. I sat down in front of the television with my knitting. Unfortunately, it was not to watch a cheesy horror movie. I don’t have the mental energy to write a post about a cheesy horror movie anyways (I did mention it is Wrist to Forehead Sunday).

One memorable event: When Steven came home from work, we went to the Stables, home of Ilion Little Theatre, to check out the progress on his set. In case anyone forgot or never knew, Steven is directing Dirty Work at the Crossroads, although he is incapable of building his own set. So far so good. Tabby liked it. I’m only sorry I don’t know how to post a photo. And that I don’t have the right kind of camera to take a photo. Future improvements to work towards.

I see that I am over 250 words. A respectable length for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday, I think. I’ll work on some of those coming attractions.

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Sorry, Readers

Posted on March 25, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

It’s another Wrist to Forehead Sunday. I don’t have a post written. I don’t have any ideas of what to write a post about. I don’t even have any humorous remarks about Why I Can’t Write a Post Today.

I almost had Wrist to Forehead Saturday. I took out an old spiral notebook and wrote a sentence. And crossed it out. I wrote another couple of sentences and crossed them out. I frowned. Started another sentence. Forced myself to write… each… word… Then when I was folding laundry I came up with the St. Baldrick’s Day idea. Saved!

I walked with my schnoodle Tabby to the post office to mail postcards yesterday morning, thinking that would be worth a post. My husband Steven joined us for another walk this afternoon. The highlight of today’s walk was the memorial for Ape, the police dog who gave his life protecting his human partner from the killer. At least, I don’t know if highlight is the right word. But I don’t feel I can write a blog post about that, or indeed, say anything else about the tragedy today.

Yesterday I had a couple of opportunities for Mohawk Valley adventures, in addition to our post office jaunt, but alas, nothing blogworthy ensued. I didn’t even watch a cheesy horror movie, although a couple good-sounding choices await on my DVR.

So boo hoo for me. And boo hoo for you the reader, as I blather on about these things. Oh well, I guess the blogosphere can survive one more stupid post from yours truly. Ah, here’s something apropos. In the old notebook I was writing in yesterday, I found a crumpled piece of paper with the following quote:

Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometime courage is a quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”

I guess what I do doesn’t take a plethora of courage, but, yes, I will try again tomorrow. Hope to see you then.

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Herkimer in the Sun

Posted on March 17, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

So there I was, with Saturday wearing on and no blog post in sight. I was not about to go running. For one thing, I had a bad headache earlier and the medicine I take, OTC though it may be, kind of drains me. For another thing, it was COLD out and I didn’t need the cold air bringing my headache back. “There’s some things I don’t mess with,” I told myself. “Like going out in the cold air when I have a headache!”

Then I realized I had a dog who had not been for a walk in a few days. She gets her exercise on those days by running around the back yard, which I’m sure she also enjoys. But dogs like to go for walks. Someone told me they benefit from the sensory stimulation of different smells, sights and sounds. How could I deny my beloved schnoodle, Tabby, any benefit that a little effort on my part could bring her?

As we walked, I realized I like the sensory stimulation, too. Maybe not the smells, which my sinuses prevent me from noticing much anyways, but definitely the sights. For one thing, it was a bright and sunny. I think it’s wonderful how sunshine can make almost anything look better. Old dirty snow, clods of earth where snowplows were a little too enthusiastic, muddy sidewalks. Nothing looks as bad in bright sunlight.

I suppose some people will argue with that. For one thing, some people will argue with anything. But I know there is also a big thing about older women (probably men, too, for that matter) looking better in candlelight. I guess I don’t know about that. I just know I enjoyed the sight of Herkimer in the sun today.

We walked down Bellinger Street and through Meyers Park. I was a little surprised Tabby did not turn down Church Street toward her favorite Historic Four Corners, but so it was. She led me across Prospect and onto Main Street. When she turned up toward German, I saw that the street was blocked off where some recent bad events had taken place.

“We can’t go this way,” I told Tabby. She did not seem to be paying me any attention, but after she stopped and sniffed a pole, she turned back toward State Street. Perhaps she noticed the yellow tape herself. She’s a smart pooch.

We walked to Albany Street and by Crazy Otto’s, Hummel’s Office Plus and Belly Up Pub. The lady in Hummel’s waved at us as we walked by. I waved back, but Tabby was busy sniffing other poles. I thought I should do something to support Main Street businesses in light of recent events. Perhaps a meal at Crazy Otto’s or a card at Hummel’s. A drink at Belly Up Pub or Pete’s Tavern? There is also a barber shop and cell phone place, but I don’t have any need for either of those. Do I need anything available at Collis Hardware? I’ll have to think about it. I’ve neglected to mention a few places, but those were the ones I actually noticed today. I’m only one blogger, after all.

During the course of our walk I found two pennies, not both at once. An encouraging sign from the angels? I’d like to think so. I was really glad we went for our walk. My legs felt better for the exercise, and the cold air did not exacerbate my headache. Tabby seemed happy about it, too. What’s not to like?

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Musings or Whinings? You Decide

Posted on March 4, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I watched two movies yesterday in hopes of having Movie Monday. Um, not Monster Movie Monday, unfortunately. Instead, I must resort once again to Middle-aged Musings Monday. Or a Pedestrian Post. I think it will turn out to be a little of both.

I have been remiss lately in writing postcards. This morning (oh, yes, I’m off work today, ah ha ha!) I sat down and wrote out four. My store of postcards is becoming a little depleted, but I found some nice Vermont ones. It has been dreadfully cold lately for March, but I thought I could wear my warm coat and be OK to walk to the post office with Tabby (my schnoodle, I explain for new readers, if any).

And here’s a slight musing about perspective: twenty-some degrees does not feel as warm as it did when temperatures rose to it in January. At that time I mused how 20 degrees felt a lot better when you got up to it than when you first went down to it. Well, now I find the second or third time I go back down to it… I was about to say it increasingly sucks, but I really don’t like to whine too much about the weather. After all, I can wait five minutes and it will probably be different (though not necessarily better). But I must observe: it does seem colder.

I’m thinking (I started a new paragraph, because this is a new musing) that it really truly does make a difference to get older. Dammit, my body does change! And sometimes so does my mind! They say change is good. I say loose change collects in the bottom of my purse, but perhaps I should save that line for Non-Sequitur Thursday.

Where was I? Ah yes, on the way to the post office. A light snow had fallen since the sidewalk plow last went by, but it was the loose kind that blows around, so it did not obstruct our way much. The temperature was not too bad, till later when the wind started blowing. Then, yikes! I had on my warm coat that I don’t often wear for over 20 degrees. My mom gave it to me years ago, when the coat I was wearing met with an unfortunate accident (so did the car I was driving, and my head, but long story, not very interesting). It is a wonderfully warm coat, and it has deep pockets. I had poop bags and tissues enough to ensure a comfortable walk.

If only I had also had a scarf. Now, remind me, what did I say about not liking to whine too much? I guess that was not exactly accurate. Tabby wanted to stop and sniff each yellow patch of snow as well as burying her nose in a few purely white patches. As usual, I tried to strike a balance between letting her enjoy herself and not taking eight years for a simple walk to and from the post office.

The walk actually felt good on my legs. I was glad I had gone. I couldn’t help thinking longingly of spring, though. I only hope we get some nice in between temperatures, and I don’t skip right to Middle-aged Musings in which I whine about how damn hot it has gotten. Oh dear, what a kvetch I have become. I do hope you’ll stay tuned.

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Irony in my Diet

Posted on February 4, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

So there I was, writing a post about a walk on a Sunday, and it was DULL. The walk itself was not dull. I love to walk, especially with my cute little dog.

But just because something is enjoyable does not mean it is interesting to read about. This is particularly true in fiction, by the way. In fiction, you want your characters to have one problem after another. Conflict! That’s the ticket!

Am I going to have a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post lamenting that I don’t have enough problems? That’s right up there with not watching a movie because it’s a good one! I guess you can’t say Mohawk Valley Girl does not get enough irony in her diet (is that double negative an awkward construction?).

I really, truly meant to write a real post today, not another one about Why I Can’t Write a Post. Then again, unlike walks, I seem to find an infinite variety in my excuses not to write. Wait a minute, isn’t writing about not writing yet another irony?

Come to think of it, I did have one small problem on my walk. Tabby pooped right near Meyers Park. I scooped up the poo, with a decent amount of snow, and contemplated the distance to the trash can. I was walking down the street hoping to meet Steven as he drove home from work. If I walked to the can to throw away the poo, would I miss my husband, thus rendering the walk useless and annoying?

I chanced it. I walked slantwise to the can, keeping an eye on the road. Was that him? No, that was a truck. Was that him? No, that was a white SUV. Was that little car him? No, it was maroon. I made it back to the sidewalk! Success!

Steven was late leaving work. We walked all the way down to State Street then back home without encountering him. It was not ironic. It was unfortunate.

And now my question, gentle reader is, which part of the post was more dull: the story of an actual happening or the dithering about why I couldn’t write today? Discuss amongst yourselves.

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