Tag Archives: friends

About Blogging, About Writing

Yesterday I kind of snuck my late Monday post in under the radar (snuck isn’t a word, Chromebook?  what is it, sneaked? That sounds just as silly), making the post and not saying anything about when I made it.  Today is Wednesday and I am boldly making my Tired Tuesday post and telling you it is late.  For one thing, I am still too tired to write about other things.

That is an interesting thing about this blog.  When I started it, I wanted it to be about Something, not just me.  Well, it became a lot about me, and now it seems it has become a lot about itself.  Is that like a snake eating its own tail (another cliche but one not as often used)?  That is what fiction advisors say about people writing about their own experiences, just changing the names.  Sooner or later, they say, you run out of things to write about.  I quite frankly do not see where that is inevitable. You keep living, don’t you?  Incidentally, that is not my style when I write fiction:  I make almost everything up, characters, situations, events.

Well, the characters in my books sometimes drink wine.

I wanted to throw in a picture to pep things up but did not have one of me writing.  To continue:  a number of my friends have asked to be put into books.  I hesitate to do this, because what if they don’t like how they are portrayed?  “I’m not like that!”  “I would never say that!”  They would also like to be killed off, since I write murder mysteries.  I have thought of trying a horror novel, where lots of people get killed.  I could knock off all my friends and enemies at once.  Something to think about.

Full disclosure:  In my long life, I have only ever finished one novel.  I currently am not even working on one, but I am trying to get back into it.  These days I write my blog, my interactive murder mysteries, and articles for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  That reminds me:  I have a magazine deadline coming up.  Yikes!

 

Phyllis Would Probably Laugh

So… what was I saying Monday about not liking the pressure of making a post early the next morning as opposed to on time?  Well, here I am shortly after 4:30 Wednesday morning, making the post I was too tired to make on Tired Tuesday. I am still tired, and I overslept by 20 minutes.  I dreamed about my late, dearly missed friend, Phyllis, during the oversleep.  I was just thinking yesterday how I dream about my late husband all the time but had never dreamed about Phyllis.  If dead loved ones come to visit you in dreams as some say they do (my schnoodle, Tabby, does it all the time), why would Phyllis not drop in?

A wonderful memory.

Here are Phyllis and I (I am on the left), toasting friendship at Gerber’s 1933 Tavern in Utica, NY.  We were there with our husbands for lunch.  Some of my best memories are getting together with Phyllis and Jim.  They were also members of Ilion Little Theatre.  Jim shone onstage while Phyllis helped out offstage, often acting as prompter. She and I had some good times backstage during Dirty Work at the Crossroads.  At one point during the show (in an added attraction suggested by Jim), Jim was onstage singing, “Yankee Doodle Dandy.”  When he got  to “I’ve a Yankee Doodle sweetheart,” a young actress backstage (she was playing my daughter), would make a grand gesture toward Phyllis.  Phyllis would get a huge smile on her face, acknowledging that it was her.

One of my all-time favorite couples.

And here are Phyllis and JIm, when we met for lunch another time.  It was during COVID, when restaurants were allowed to open with restrictions.  Once again, a wonderful time was had by all.

Look at that, I am over 250 words.  I had no idea what I was going to write about, either last night or this morning.  I guess Phyllis showed up in my dreams to give me a little inspiration.  My late, much loved Aunt Carlyn would say, “This is how God works.”

 

No Theatrical Shenanigans for Me!

Last night I went to the monthly gathering of Ilion Little Theatre in Ilion, NY.  Of course I did not intend to go (just like I did not intend to go to Fratello’s on Wednesday, I suppose).  I was too tired, I had too much to do at home, I was really not in a sociable mood, and I had absolutely nothing to wear.  Still, when I stopped at the store to pick up a few things, I made sure to include a container of dip (Buffalo Chicken Style) and box of crackers, just in case.

I blame my friend Kim for talking me into it.  She said she did not want to go without me.  Well, she is an important member of the theatre; it was clearly my duty.  Full disclosure:  I took my shower, put on a robe and waited for her to text me and talk me into it.  I knew I could count on her.  I miraculously found something to wear and gathered my things.  I made sure to get some crochet together, as I fully intended to sit in a corner if I could find one, crochet, and not really talk to anybody.

I downloaded this picture just now, so I could have an illustration.

As soon as I walked in, I saw two of my favorite people. I got hugs, which I sorely need.  Soon I found myself chattering away, munching the crackers and dip I had brought, and wondering what I had done with my crochet.  Other favorite people showed up as well as many that while not favorites I like perfectly well (I hope that’s not damning with faint praise; after all, everybody can’t be my favorite people).  I found out that a number of people I know are in the current production.  I will tell more about that in a future post (preview of coming attractions)., and I certainly plan to go see it.

Eventually I did sit down and crochet, although I kept chatting with friends as I did.  I even enjoyed some of the pot luck supper.  Kim and I left before the theatrical shenanigans that were promised.  We usually leave before the activity.  Sometimes it is charades or karaoke or trivia.  Maybe some time when I do not have to work on Friday.  I was glad I went and hope to do more with Ilion Little Theatre in the future.

For more information about Ilion Little Theatre, you can Like them on Facebook or visit their website at www.ilionlittletheatre.org.

 

Could I BE Any Lamer?

I thought of this title before I thought of anything to say.  I still cannot think of much to say but am determined to make my Lame Post Friday post.  We shall see how I do.

I suppose some of you have noticed that I missed posting Tuesday, Wednesday,  and Thursday.  I was just too tired.  Tuesday and Wednesday I fell asleep on the couch at an embarrassingly early hour.  Thursday I went to Ilion Little Theatre’s monthly dinner meeting so fell asleep a little later.

And I just remembered the thing I was supposed to do earlier today:  call the VA and make a primary care appointment to possibly find out why I am feeling so tired all the time.  How did I happen to forget that?  I guess I can blame it on feeling too tired.

A sweet couple.

I decided to throw in a picture to pep things up.  I was at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort earlier tonight.  I saw my niece Kimi and her boyfriend Matt.  They were not sitting at the bar, as they are in this picture, but I thought we could stretch a point.

It is very embarrassing to have missed posting for three days, especially since I missed posting for four not so long ago.  However, I shall not let embarrassment keep me from posting today.  I hope I have managed to entertain at least a few of you.

By the way,  I do not know if anybody noticed the oblique television reference in my title:  Chandler on Friends used to put emphasis on unexpected words.  I used to watch a lot more television.

 

Friends at Fratello’s

I feel sure regular readers expected me to go to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort, NY for music and food as I often do on a Wednesday.  Indeed I did and I had a wonderful time.

They were still setting up when I made my obligatory Facebook post inviting others to join us.

Perhaps not as good a picture as I had hoped, but one must make do.

My work friend Kathy joined me.  We sat at the bar and ordered food and drinks.  These things are always more fun with a friend.  I introduced her to my nephew-in-law, Matt, who was there with some of his family.

Speaking of friends, musician Justin Smithson, who I have heard and enjoyed before, was joined by two friends, Dave Hawthorn and Steve Webb.  They were excellent.

They were great!

The first picture was taken with my phone.  Later I took a couple with my Tablet.

A different angle.

I bumped into another patron while taking the second picture.  She was very nice about it.

Fratello’s Pizzeria is located at 158 E. Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-894-8484.  They have music other days as well.  I may have to eat out more often.  For one reason, it makes a good blog post.  Or do I flatter myself?

 

Just Time for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post

I am up later on a Sunday than I usually am, because I like to go to bed early on a Sunday, but I thought I might just make a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post before turning in.

One reason I am up later is that I met two long-time friends (tactless to say old friends, but we ain’t none of us very young) for dinner at Carmella’s in New Hartford, NY.  Carmella’s was doing such a booming business, I hardly think they need a plug from Mohawk Valley Girl, but there it is nonetheless.

They are the best!

I had a great meal and a great time visiting with two friends who I met through my late, dearly missed husband Steve.

It was in fact, the second night in a row for me dining out.  Last night my bestie, Kim, and I had a great meal at Yetty’s in Herkimer.  I declared the bartender, Piel, my new favorite person.  He graciously agreed to a photograph.

Isn’t he the cutest?

I gotta say, I love being older, because I can enjoy these young people and say so without their thinking I am coming on to them.  I can just be everybody’s Aunt Cindy.

Oh goody, that is over 200 words. Sufficient for a Wrist to Forehead Sunday Post.  Time to worry about going to work tomorrow.  Or not.  That is, not worry.  I plan to go to work.

Back off, Creature! I have a few more hours left!

 

Fun Saturday, Late Post

Once again I went to bed last night before making my Scattered Saturday Post. In my defense… I have no defense.  It was a pretty good Saturday, beginning with a run and ending with movies.  In between, friends, fun, and a little bit of wine.

It doesn’t look so steep in the picture.

I mentioned in my late Lame Post Friday post that I ran up College Hill.  I share this picture taken in April 2020 to add interest to the post.

One of my favorite places.

How serendipitous! This picture of Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Herkimer was also in April 2020.  I met my friends Jim and Kim there for lunch.

Jim gets all the girls.

I did not realize I had two pictures like this.  The lady on the left is Jim’s late, dearly missed wife, Phyllis.  It was a running joke in our group that Kim was Jim’s other wife, because she played his trophy wife in a murder mystery once.  I was looking for a picture of this pose taken at Salvatore’s, but I guess one taken at the End Zone Pub will do.

I haven’t had a good hot bath in a long time.

After lunch, Kim and I visited the Wine Tasting Room at the Raindrops on Roses Bed and Breakfast.  The place used to be known as the Bellinger Rose, hence this tub I took a picture of.

Back home I watched a couple of movies. I would look for pictures and talk about them, but I see I am over 200 words, and I do not want the post to run long.  For one reason, I have to get on with my Sunday.  I hope I don’t make today’s post late, but no promises.

 

Fun with Friends at Salvatore’s

I missed making my Tired Tuesday Post for a good reason. We were meeting friends for dinner. Oh, OK, I could have come home and made a blog post before bed. I did not. Judge me if you are so inclined.

Our good friends Bonnie and Marty were up from Florida. They attended a wedding elsewhere in the state and took the opportunity to visit other family and friends, including us. Yay! We were happy to introduce them to one of our favorite places, Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant in Herkimer, NY.

We were invited to sit where we liked. We selected a table near the window but almost immediately switched to one across the room, more in the shade.

“They will not mind if we switch tables,” I said. They did not.

On looking at the Specials board, I had immediately decided on the Chicken Wrappini with spinach, feta, and raspberry vinaigrette. It was as delicious as I had hoped. Bonnie got a calzone, which I may have to get next time. Marty had a Meat Lover’s Pizza, which also looked good. Steve had chicken tenders. I may eat his leftovers.

We enjoyed catching up while we ate, and we had a lot of laughs. I love taking my far away friends to our local treasures!

Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is located at 650 1/2 W. German St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-2600. They are open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Interlude at Iron Rock

Saturday after I got the horrible news of my dear friend’s passing, I did not want to do anything but stay home and cry. However, I had been texting Jenna, another theatre friend, about possibly meeting up somewhere. I thought it might do us good to get out of the house. It turns out I was right.

We did not stay for the band.

I suggested we meet at Iron Rock Brewing in Little Falls. I had not seen Jenna in a while, so it was nice to catch up.

Steve and Jenna.

We enjoyed the decor and the atmosphere. The service was excellent, as was the beer and wine.

I need one of those.

The large hanging is by a local artist, but I did not get the name. I daresay my ceilings are not high enough for such a thing, but I think it is pretty awesome.

Lots of choices!

It was a very nice interlude. I highly recommend getting together with friends at Iron Rock Brewing in Little Falls, NY.

Me, Need Beauty Rest?

I want to make a fast post then try to get some sorely needed beauty rest. I think we can bear another Throwback Thursday Post. Of course I cannot remember which pictures I shared last Throwback Thursday (and as usual am too lazy to go back and look), but I shall try not to repeat myself much. Then again, isn’t Throwback Thursday all about repeating ourselves? Discuss amongst yourselves

I do not know if they ever found an answer.

The above is an actual headline from the Utica OD. I originally took the picture to share on one of my pun pages on Facebook. I still like it.

My favorites are always theatre throwbacks. This is from The Tempest, presented by LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company, at Benton Landing in Little Falls, NY, back in 2017. Fun times.

A toast to friendship!

My other favorites include friends and wine! This is me and my friend Phyllis at Gerber’s 1933 Tavern in Utica, NY. Note to self: check if they have re-opened yet.

I think a few closing words will bring me up to 200, my usual goal. Oh, I am tired! I don’t care if rest makes me beautiful or not, I need some! I hope you all had a lovely Thursday.