Tag Archives: herkimer ny

Murals and Selfies, It’s Waste Not Want Not Wednesday

Posted on May 20, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I planned last week to make a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post when I came out of New 2 You Consignments in Ilion, NY and saw the mural painted on a wall opposite.

So artistic!

I believe they have had community events in that space.  I will have to watch when they will have more.  It will make for a good blog post.  Having taken one good picture, I had to look out for more.  That was where I didn’t get so lucky.  Then I had an opportunity to wear one of the new earrings I got at The Mustard Seed in Little Falls. Perhaps you read my blog post about them.  As regular readers may recall, I like to wear three different earrings.  It is a thing with me.

I can’t pretend I take a good selfie, but I do my best with what nature gave me.

Yesterday was the vote for the school board budget.  It is one’s civic duty to vote.  We do not hear much about duty these days, but it used to be a big deal. In the Agatha Christie books I delight in reading, the characters can usually get each other to do things by telling them it is their duty.  So I told myself it was my duty and went to the Junior/Senior High School, where voting took place.  A nice police officer opened the door for me.  I laughed, because there was a Visitor’s Door and a Student’s Door both opening into the same hallway.

“The teachers want us to vote yes, right?”  I asked a teacher-looking person as I walked into a library.  He assured me they did, and I said I would do what the teachers wanted.

“Unlike what you did in elementary school,” he speculated.

On the other side, I was wearing the butterfly earring again.

I took a selfie with my I Voted sticker.  Steve and I used to take an ussie with our stickers, so I thought I would continue the tradition.  I also continued the tradition of putting the sticker in the TV Journal.  Of course the selfie isn’t as fun as the ussie, but one does what one can.

See? Much more fun with two!

This is from November 2018.  Steven and I did have fun.

 

2 Comments

Posted in humor, personal, Waste Not Want Not Wednesday and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

My Java Reward

Posted on May 19, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

When you get your biggest chore done by eight o’clock in the morning, it is a beautiful thing.  That is the observation I made to the staff at the Java Shop in Herkimer, NY this morning after I made my order.

In fact I had more than just coffee.

I had written my article on the Herkimer Town Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel, taken a picture to go with it, and got them both emailed out.  I drank a cup of tea while I  wrote, just in case I decided to treat myself to breakfast out (must watch my coffee intake).  Of course I decided to treat myself.  I ordered a breakfast sandwich with ham and provolone on a toasted roll, because I enjoyed the last one so much.  I got a regular hot coffee.

A writer’s breakfast.

As I breakfasted (broke fast?), I worked on a letter to my friend Kim in Colorado.  I SO miss going on Mohawk Valley Adventures with her!  Dylan, the young man who brought my sandwich to me, asked if I was writing another murder mystery.  I remember Dylan from when he worked at the End Zone.  He remembered me coming in with my friend who had since moved away.  I was pleased to tell him I was talking to that very friend.

That does remind me I need to start working on the next murder mystery.  At least a good breakfast should help!

 

2 Comments

Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Maybe a Trip to Cooperstown…

Posted on May 17, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

People (even ones who are not named Shirley) must understand that Mohawk Valley Girl had to  attend a tasting of Cooperstown Distillery’s wares at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer on Friday.  Cooperstown, NY is a most delightful destination in easy driving distance from Herkimer (where I live), and the distillery is just one for the many attractions.  I do not drink a lot of booze, being more of an oenophile (that’s a fancy word for wino; regular readers know I like to be fancy), but I do love to taste it.

Cooperstown Select!

Sasha is one of the regular pourers at Valley, and she pretty much expects to see me.  Regular readers may remember that I left my adventure book at the liquor store on Thursday (I believe I mentioned it in my blog post).  Sasha was holding it up as I walked in.  Phew!  Someday I may want to compile my tasting notes into an irreverent wine and booze guide.

I started with the American Blend, which I declared nice.  I move on to the Straight Bourbon at 100 proof.  My note is “I like that!”  I must stay away from the really strong stuff.  Still, a little at a time is perfectly acceptable.  I can also purchase some to share.  The Straight Rye was very smooth.  Of course I had to bring up the song about “Bye Bye, Miss American Pie” (I can’t just say “American Pie,” because it might get mixed up with the vulgar movie).

When I tried the Single Malt Whiskey, I tried to explain single malt as referenced in Malice, a guilty pleasure movie of Steve’s and mine featuring Nicole Kidman, Alec Baldwin, Bill Pullman (whose name escaped me at the time) and Ann Bancroft in a wonderful cameo.  I don’t think I explained it very well, but now I want to watch the movie again.

I enjoyed the tasting but do not plan to switch from wine to bourbon at the present time.  To find out about tastings at Valley Wine and Liquor, you can visit their website at shop valleywine.com.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Another Taste, Please!

Posted on May 15, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I wasn’t going to go to the tasting at Valley Wine and Spirits in Herkimer, NY yesterday, because when I get a free taste I like to make a purchase and I have enough wine and booze on hand for my next party which is not yet scheduled (I think that is a run-on sentence, but it is so seldom that I have one, I shall not apologize).  Where was I?  Oh yes, showing up to say hello to my friends of DikinDurt Distillery at Valley Wine and Liquor.

Nice lady, nice booze!

I seem to have mislaid the adventure book where I took my tasting notes, but I remember what I tasted and think I remember what I thought about it.  I actually think I left the book at the liquor store, because now that I think about it, I seem to remember putting it on some boxes of canned drinks under the tasting counter when I went to take the picture.  I can only hope it is still there, or that one of the workers saw it and said, “This has to be Cindy’s.”  I am known for going to tastings and taking tasting notes.

The bottle Kayla is holding is the Bourbon, which I liked.  It is funny how one’s tastes change, because I used to not care for bourbon.  Now I like the really good ones.  Next I tasted the clear Moonshine, which I purchased the last time I tasted DikinDurt.  I thought it might be good to serve at a party or perhaps to donate to a Basket of Cheer.  It was pretty strong all by itself.  90 proof, I think she said.

“That’ll clear your sinuses!” I said.  I liked it, but these things can be dangerous if taken to excess.

Next I tried the Raspberry, just to try a sweet one, which I rarely do.  It was quite tasty, very fruity and sweet. I am not big on the sweet stuff, but I can see where others might like this, mixed with pink lemonade or ginger ale, or even over ice.

I greatly enjoyed my tastes and my conversation.  DikinDurt Distillery has a tasting room at 7447 Main St., Newport, NY, which is open Fridays by reservation, 315-868-1563.  Their products are available at Valley Wine and Wine and Liquor as well as many local bars and restaurants. You can follow them on Facebook.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Just a Taste!

Posted on May 9, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

This week Valley Wine and Liquors in Herkimer NY is doing three days of New York State tastings.  You know Mohawk Valley Girls plans to be there all three days!  So far I have attended two and can I just say YUM!

He had a lot of spirit!

Thursday was Old Home Distillers out of Lebanon, NY.  I met Aaron who, with his brother Adam and his parents run the show.  He poured me itty bitty tastes, so I could try all the different flavors. They distill small batch hand-crafted spirits using locally grown ingredients.  Regular readers know I am more into wine than liquor.  I believe this is because liquor is, as they say, quicker, and I need to take things slowly at my age.  But this stuff was good.  I think I could sip the Field Days Straight Bourbon Whiskey Bourbon slowly.

The rye from the Electric Mayhem straight rye whiskey comes from Richfield Springs.  I liked the homage to the band from the Muppet Show.  It was also a reference to the mayhem that  inevitably ensues when one begins to distill rye, Aaron said.  The one I purchased, though was the Peppershine.  When I tasted it, I said, “Ow!  I would have to have this one in a mixed drink.”  Aaron suggested a Bloody Mary or a highball.  He had me a Bloody Mary.  He gave me a flier of cocktail recipes which included one for a Bloody Mary.

I also picked up a flier for the distillery.  I wonder if I could persuade anybody to take a road trip with me.  I would love to go take a tour.

 

3 Comments

Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Remember the Shop Crawl?

Posted on April 27, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Perhaps I can finally get around to covering part of my adventures on the Spring Shop Crawl last Saturday. I rather exhausted myself walking all around the village of Herkimer.  Shouldn’t I be building up my endurance with all the walks and runs I have been taking lately?  Perhaps I need healthier eating habits.  In any case, I will just mention a few of the fun places I stopped.

I think of it as my chair.

The first place I went was To Niche Their Own, to pick up my map and list of places to go as well as the little card I had to get punches on.  Then I went back home, because I realized I had forgotten my phone to take pictures with.   It’s not easy being me, but I get a lot of exercise.  This put me right near Herkimer County Historical Society, which regular readers know is one of my favorite places.  I put in for a drawing to win a book (I won!), purchased some post cards, and took a picture of Roxalana Druse’s rocking chair.  Long-time readers may recall I had to honor to portray Mrs. Druse in Roxy written by Jack Sherman and presented by Ilion Little Theatre in cooperation with the Historical Society in 2015.

Another favorite spot!

Naturally I stopped by Renewed & Rescued on Main Street.

A refreshing pause.

When I stopped home, I also picked up my address book and some post card stamps.  When I felt the need for a rest, I stopped by Java Shop, ordered a Dalgano, and wrote out a few of the post cards I had gotten at the Historical Society for my Saturday post card peeps.  It was the pause that refreshed.

As regular readers may recall, I spent last night trying to mystify supporters of the Herkimer County Historical Society with A Revolutionary Murder at Herkimer Elks Lodge.  I am still tired after the ordeal, although I believe it was a successful event.  However, I see I am over 300 words, so I say score!  I hope you are all having a delightful Sunday.

 

2 Comments

Posted in Community Events, humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Pre-Crawl Post

Posted on April 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

No, not a Pub Crawl, although anybody who knows me might be forgiven for thinking so.  I am about to embark on Herkimer’s Spring Shop Crawl.  We get to go around to participating businesses and check them out.  Many are running specials for the day. In any case, I will get to say hello to my favorites and hopefully discover some new places for shopping and blogging purposes.

Can’t wait to stop here!

The event is hosted by To Niche Their Own and Renewed and Rescued. Renewed and Rescued is a long-time favorite of mine, and To Niche Their Own has been a favorite since I discovered them.

And if I get hungry along the way.

I just scrolled down the Facebook Event’s Discussion and looked for other participants whose picture I might have in my Media Library, and here is Paradise Eatery.  I am charging my phone in hopes of taking pictures at each stop. This may be good for days and days of blog posts!

I see Herkimer College (known to locals as HCCC or “H-trip-C”) is also sponsoring a vendor fair.  I intend to walk during my initial foray into the Crawl, but I may return home for my car to check out what’s up the hill (YES, I try to run up the hill on a regular basis, but that is not the same thing, surely you can see that) (and I will call you Shirley if I decide to).

Well, time, as they say, is a-wasting.  I need to get crawling and shopping.  I encourage any local readers to check out the Spring Shop Crawl.  All others may tune in later for blog posts about same.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Community Events, humor, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Feeling Murderous on Lame Post Friday

Posted on April 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Decisions!  Choices!  If only dithering burned calories, how skinny I would be!  Never mind that, I want to make a blog post, Lame Post Friday or not and I decide to go with a Post-Rehearsal Post and share some pictures of last night’s rehearsal of A Revolutionary Murder, the murder mystery we are presenting to benefit Herkimer County Historical Society next Saturday.  We had a fun rehearsal and I am greatly optimistic about the performance.

That face!

Regular readers may recognize some of the actors from previous murder mysteries.  I do love my regulars!  This time I also have two people I have worked with on other plays, and they are doing marvelously.

She is setting them straight on a few things.

One of my actresses showed up in a spangly gown she intends to wear as her costume.  I love it!  Costume does help one get into character.  I at least try to wear the shoes I intend to have on.

A wider shot.

As you may notice, we are rehearsing in Herkimer Elks Lodge,  where the performance will take place.  The Elks are very generous with letting us use their space.  It is so helpful to rehearse where we will actually perform.  Additionally, I like to purchase a glass of wine after rehearsal.

Almost everybody is in this shot!

I guess I have not said much about the mystery, but I feel this is all to the good.  I would not want to give away any salient plot points; I like my audience to be surprised.

A Revolutionary Murder will be presented Saturday, April 25 at Herkimer Elks Lodge, 124 Mary St., Herkimer, NY, doors open at 5, dinner at 6.  Tickets are $45 for individuals, $80 per couple, available at the Historical Society at 406 Main St., Herkimer, or at the Elks Lodge.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in Community Events, humor, Lame Post Friday, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Where Have I Been? Where May I Go?

Posted on April 16, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

With apologies for missing my Wednesday blog post, I attempt another Throwback Thursday.  I have done a few things this morning, not many of course:  took a mile and a half walk, met friends for breakfast, talked to my parents, met with a contractor (long story, not very interesting)… OK, I have not done much.  I have a hair and toenail appointment this afternoon and a murder mystery rehearsal this evening (preview of coming attractions).  I certainly hope I remember to take a couple of pictures at rehearsal for a Post-Rehearsal Post.

Now what did I do with that little silver purse?

This is a picture of my bestie Kim and me at a Prohibition Party at Gerber’s 1933 Tavern in Utica, NY.  I actually have some better 1920s outfits now, and I am always hoping to add more. Note to self:  make the next murder mystery a 1920s theme.  I thought I would throw back to businesses previously visited, but of course I cannot get away from my theatrical (not to say drama queen) nature.

Cheers to a Cute Little Blonde!

Here is a local business I need to return to soon, Heelpath Brewing in Frankfort.  The Cute Little Blonde mentioned in the caption refers to the wine Kim is drinking, from Rustic Ridge Winery in Burlington Flats.  That would be more of a drive for me to visit, but it is a delightful place.

The bunnies were still there last week!

Now here is a place I have been recently and intend to return to today: Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.  I go for their weekly tastings, for a naughty sip and some pleasant conversation.  I must see what they are tasting today.

I have cheered myself up, thinking of these places I have been to and can go to again.  I miss my Kim, who has moved halfway across the country, but perhaps she will return for a visit sometime.  In the meantime, there is no reason I cannot enjoy some Mohawk Valley Adventures with other friends or even on my own.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, local business, personal, Throwback Thursday and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

It All Started with the Spider

Posted on April 15, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

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?

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, personal, Tired Tuesday, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→