Tag Archives: herkimer ny

Raising My Spirits

Posted on October 14, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday after I left Fall Fest in Rome, NY I realized I could still stop by the Saturday Tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  I thought it might be a fun end to my Saturday adventuring, and I often discover something new to sip.  Of course I had one of my Adventure Books with me to take tasting notes.

I confided in Dave, who did the pouring, that I was feeling a little emotional after seeing my parents taking their nice walk at Bellamy Harbor Park and being so grateful that they get to grow old together and still love each other so much.  Naturally I can’t help feeling sad that I do not get to grow old with my Steve.  I comfort myself with the phrase, “I just don’t get to, that’s all.”  But Dave’s friendliness soon cheered me up, and I enjoyed sampling his wares.

Friendly guy, different spirits, what’s not to like?

We started with Goodnoff Vodka, which he put over ice and added orange soda.  I said it was tasty, but I am not much of a vodka aficionado.  Next I tried the Good Fucking Pinot Pinot Grigio.  That was very nice indeed.  I AM a Pinot Grigio fan.

Next I tried the Milamore from Argentina, a red.  They let the Malbec grape wither on the vine then ferment it.  This is the only winery doing the style outside of Italy.  I love these notes about the making of the wines, although I daresay I miss a few things when I take my notes.

Next I moved to Holster Bourbon, a 90 proof Kentucky bourbon.  I told Dave I have only lately come to the bourbon party, previously not liking it much but continuing to try different kinds, just in case.  Well, I thought this stuff was amazing.  So smooth!  It was a very nice price too.  Next was Tennessee Legend Distillery Small Batch Dirty Cream.  It, too, was very nice.  It didn’t even taste like booze, really.  I thought it would be great in coffee.

The last thing I tried was Good Fucking Bubbles Extra Dry Prosecco.  I told Dave how I was searching for a new bubbly to love, since my old favorite, Great Western Brut or Extra Dry was no longer being made.  He actually had not opened the Prosecco but opened it just for me, after I told him my bubbly story.  He was justified, too, because I liked it a lot.  I purchased a bottle.  Will it be my new favorite?  I’ll let you know.

Valley Wine and Liquor is located 326 Caroline St., Herkimer, NY.  You can find them on line at shopvalleywine.com.

 

Leave a comment

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

Another Friday Night Lame

Posted on October 10, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought I would make my Lame Post Friday post on Friday.  How hard can it be?  It’s a Lame Post!  And I’m a Lame Brain!  I can’t even think of anything to say.  Quick, throw in a picture and talk about that!

That’s Lam not Lame, me!

My sister Cheryl and I drove by Montezuma Winery in Old Forge, NY on our way to Tupper Lake to see the Trolls on Wednesday, but, alas, did not stop.  If I am dying to go wine tasting, there is a tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer till six.  My Chromebook tells me it is about quarter to four right now.  I could make it.

I don’t think these trees are there any more.

I throw in a splash of fall color for good measure.  I have been enjoying some of the colors around here but have not seen any trees fully engulfed so far.  I suppose if I walked to the liquor store for the tasting I might see some color.

I am a shadow of my former self.

In fact I am sitting on my couch wondering what I should do with my evening.  My Elks Lodge is having OctoberFest, but do I really want to get dressed up and go out to eat?  The longer I sit and ponder, the less I feel like it.  How lame is that?  Don’t I always go out on Friday night?

Well, I will figure this one out on my own.  In the meantime, I am over 200 words of a silly blog post.  Happy Friday, everyone!

 

Leave a comment

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

Late Post, Treasured Memories

Posted on October 9, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am later than usual on my late post this morning but I am going for a Throwback Thursday so that just means I have to throw a little further back.  Yes, I have trolls and a little more parking lot art to blog about, but I also have a few aches and pains and, oh never mind all my petty problems, let’s just get on with the post.

Who doesn’t love to act in pajamas?

I am in the mood for a theatre throwback, and what better theatre memories than ones including my late, dearly loved husband Steve?  Here we are in the last act of Splitting Issues at Ilion Little Theatre in 2015.   Steve had a little trouble learning his lines, because they included a lot of lists, but he was brilliant in the part.  And we got to kiss at the end.

This was the wallpaper on my dining-room-tabletop till it finally died.

This was what Steve referred to as “our big scene” in Harvey in 2012.  He was Dr. Chumley, I was Veda.

Not exactly a play.

OK, this is a Steven Throwback Thursday moreso than Theatre Throwback.  This is me impersonating the ghost of Roxalana Druse at a fundraiser at Herkimer’s 1834 Jail, with Steve standing by like the supportive husband he always was.

I know I have shared these pictures many times, and I will no doubt share them again.  What can I say? I miss him every day but treasure the memories.  I hope you all had a lovely Thursday.

 

Leave a comment

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

Love That Parking Lot Art!

Posted on October 7, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

The late blog posts continue as I share more Herkimer High School senior artwork in a Tired Tuesday post. Why am I so tired?  Operator Error as usual.  It is discouraging to feel I have only myself to blame, yet it is also empowering, because in that case I must also hold the means to correct my ills.  But this is half-baked philosophy more suited to Lame Post Friday.  Let us get on with today’s, uh, I mean yesterday’s blog post.

Hearts and stripes forever!

Now a patriotic tune is playing in my head.  You know, “hearts and stripes,” like “stars and stripes”?  I need more tea.  Maybe a cup of coffee.  My coffee supply is low, but perhaps I have enough for a cup.

Picture to denote passage of time while I put on coffee.

I scavenged and scraped (how’s that for alliteration?) the last of my coffee from the can and had enough for four (two) cups.  I do not think I mentioned that I have a new coffee maker.  I was tired of waiting a half hour or more for my morning or afternoon Java. I got a five-cup instead of a twelve-, and it is the cutest thing!  It will be less handy when I have people over, but how often does that happen?

And I just this minute realized I used a picture that features  “Dunkin'”, arguably better known for their coffee than donuts these days.  Don’t you just love it when Fate takes a hand for the better?

More stripes, and I’ve seen that blog before!

The space on the right looks busy, but intriguingly so.  I must get back and take individual pictures.  If I keep to my usual rule of three pics per post, this could last me till the snow flies!

 

2 Comments

Posted in art, humor, personal, Tired Tuesday and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Another Late Post, More Artwork

Posted on October 6, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was about to start this post, “I jumped out of bed all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed,” which would not have been entirely inappropriate since I also write fiction.  I pondered whether I had dragged, heaved, coaxed, or wallowed myself out of bed, eventually concluding that this was not really the point.  The point is: it is Tuesday morning and I am doing Monday’s blog post.  My late posting habit continues.  Quick, throw in a picture to pep things up!

I try a different perspective

I remembered after I took this one that I do not know how to turn a picture 90 degrees.  I lead with this one because I feel it is symbolic of how my life sometimes feels like it is turning sideways.  Does anybody remember the independent films Sideways with Paul Giamotti and Thomas Haden Church?  It was hilarious, and wine was prominently featured.  I should watch it again  to see if it could teach me any life lessons.

The classics hold up.

I segue from my messed up life back to the Herkimer High School seniors’ artwork.  I was a little surprised to see Snoopy, but I guess Peanuts has never really gone away.  Batman, of course, is continually being reinvented.

Peace, among other things.

It is very nice to see the Peace sign still prominently featured.  And I guess that is a good note to end on.  The real reason I dragged myself out of bed (picked a verb!) was to finish my article on the Herkimer Town Board for the Daily Sentinel.  Then I hope to meet friends for a late breakfast or early lunch (I was not clear on which) Pellettieri Joe’s in Utica (yes, I know, I could call it Brunch, but I feel that is something you have on a Sunday. I don’t really know about these things).  I guess I can call this a writing warm-up.  Thank you for participating.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in art, humor, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Intrepidly Tripping Through Tuesday

Posted on September 30, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve had something of a stressful Tuesday, although that does not have the charm of alliteration.  That is my quite own fault; I am a victim of my own incompetence.  Never mind.  Let me make some semblance of a blog post.

I haven’t used this one in a while.

In fact, I was relieved this morning to wake up and remember that it was Tuesday instead of Monday.  Then I remembered I had yet to write my story about Monday’s Ilion Village Board meeting for the Daily Sentinel.  The meeting had been preceded by a Public Hearing on a proposed moratorium which is rather controversial.  A great number of Ilion residents attended, many of them voicing opinions.  It was a difficult story to write, but I managed it.

The controversy is over use of the former factory, but it is too complicated to cover here, in addition to not being totally fun.

I spent some time driving around Ilion getting pictures to go with the story about the regular board meeting, in which they talked about some abandoned properties they hope to refer to Herkimer County Landbank.  Back home, I attempted a little housework.  Eventually I took a walk.  It was a lovely day for a walk.  I made two stops along the way, to pay my school taxes and deposit a check in the bank (my payment for August stories for the Sentinel, by the way).

Right now I am trying to get my blog post done before I’m off to another meeting to cover for the paper.  This one is an informational meeting about a feasibility study for a road in East Herkimer.  I think it will not be controversial.

I don’t have many good Herkimer pictures in the Media Library.

I really feel like an intrepid girl reporter this week (older readers know what I am talking about: from a 1940s screwball comedy or cheesy horror movie).  I also have a budget hearing in Frankfort to cover on Thursday.  Will I have time for any Mohawk Valley Adventures amidst all this reporting?  Will I have time for more housework?  For the answers to these and other intriguing questions, stay tuned to Mohawk Valley Girl!

 

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, personal, Tired Tuesday and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Shout-outs After Slacking

Posted on September 20, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I end out the week with a late Saturday post on Sunday morning.  It was rather a Slacker Saturday.  I wrote my usual Saturday post cards and took a walk, and that was about it, unless you count a Facetime conversation with my bestie, Kim, and watching some Columbo while knitting.  Maybe a little bit of cleaning.

A long ago adventure with Kim.

Kim and I both lamented that she now lives far away and we can no longer go adventuring together on a Saturday.  This is her at Asteroga Ale House in Herkimer, NY, although it was so long ago it may have been Belly Up Pub at the time.  I was just reminiscing about Belly Up Pub at the Hot Spot Salon and Spa the other day.  The lady who owns the Hot Spot used to own Belly Up Pub.  It was a great place to go.  Asteroga Ale House isn’t so bad either.  And I got a nice hair cut at the Hot Spot, so now I have given a shout-out to two local businesses.

Another nice stop.

Just to give another Saturday shout-out, we also used to go to the End Zone Pub, and I still stop in there once in a while. It is handy walking distance from my house, and they have outdoor seating for the nice days.

I see I am over 200 words.  That will have to do.  I wonder if I will start my week out right by making my Sunday blog post on Sunday.  We can only hope.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, personal, Slacker Saturday and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Remembrance and Hugs on 9/11

Posted on September 11, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Earlier this morning I drove up to Herkimer County Community College (HCCC) for a 9/11 Memorial.  I found out the college has gone back to its original name and is no longer known as Herkimer College, as it was for a while.  I never keep up on these things.

At least they always keep “Herkimer.”

I got there extra early, because I was a little confused over the times.  Also, I like to chat people up before an event.  I was there not only to remember but also to cover the event for the Daily Sentinel.  I wore my good sneakers, in case I was standing the whole time.  I had thought of walking up to it but knew I would want to drive back down and get my article written and emailed out in a timely fashion.

Veterans Memorial Park.

A few guys were setting up chairs and getting the microphone in place.  I helped set up chairs.  Eventually people started arriving, and I chatted with a lot of them.  Some remembered where they were when the planes hit, others had not been born yet.  All were agreed that it was important never to forget.

My new favorite guy!

The president of the college and the mayor of Herkimer both gave nice speeches about courage, compassion, sacrifice, and unity. However, I felt the best speaker was impromptu.  There were a few minutes before the designated moment of silence, so they invited anybody to go up and say something.  Yes, I went up and said a few not very memorable words.  Then Sintral got up and talked about community and spreading positivity.

“Hug somebody today,” he said.

I went to get his name so I could include it in my article, and I gave him a hug.

I hope we can remember the lessons of unity, compassion and service that were talked about at the Memorial this morning.  I shall do my best.  Also, I hope I can find somebody else to hug.

 

Leave a comment

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

A Fancy Stop

Posted on September 10, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

After my lunch at the Java Shop yesterday, I stopped at Dream Boutique & Gifts, which I had not been to since the Shop Crawl last spring (perhaps you read my blog posts about that).  I have been thinking of treating myself to a fancy new outfit, maybe spending more money than I usually do (regular readers know I love the thrift and consignment stores).  This was in the nature of an initial foray, just checking out the territory.

It’s a sweet little shop.

The shop is small but well stocked.  I had a nice chat with the proprietress when looking over the goods.  In addition to clothing she has jewelry, purses, and many gift items.

“I have far too many coffee mugs already,” I remarked.  “So I’ll probably buy that one with all the cats on it.”  However, I refrained from doing so yesterday.  I had sniffed all the fancy soaps when the salt and sugar scrubs caught my eye.  I do love a fancy exfoliant!  I purchased a salt scrub with a margarita scent.  I thought I could use it before going out for margaritas some night.  Actually, I rarely indulge in margaritas, but that is no reason not to use the scrub of that scent.

I was quite pleased with my little self-indulgence.  I may return for more, and I will certainly keep it in mind for Christmas shopping.

Dream Boutique & Gifts is located at 232 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.  You can follow her on Facebook, where she often posts videos showing her wares.

 

Leave a comment

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

Yet Another Stop at the Java Shop

Posted on September 9, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I got a late start this morning but stopped for an early lunch at the Java Shop.  I had thought to make it a late morning snack and get an Everything Bagel with cream cheese but decided to go lighter with a Caesar Wrap Sandwich with grilled chicken.  To drink I had an iced Dalgona with almond milk, which the lady at the counter told me was lighter than whole milk.  Then she told me the sandwich came with either chips or a cookie, and light when out the window. I chose an almond and white chocolate chip cookie.  She put it in a paper bag, so I could save it for later, which I did.

A favorite stop.

While I waited for my drink and food, I worked on a letter to a friend and looked at a screen on the wall that showed ads from local businesses.  Of course Mohawk Valley Girl loves to support local businesses.  I made plans to stop at a couple more between my lunch and my physical therapy appointment that afternoon.

The sandwich was delicious!  I ate both halves.  Normally I like to eat half and take half with me, but since I was on foot and planned additional stops, I thought it would travel better in my stomach than in a to-go container.

I show the flower box outside again, just for the sake of having another picture.

I greatly enjoyed my lunch, and the little frisson of virtue that comes with patronizing a local business.  Also, I did eat the cookie later in the day.  It was yummy.

The Java Shop is located at 404 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→