Tag Archives: herkimer ny

Keep Writing, Me!

Posted on September 11, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Of course I was too tired to make my Tired Tuesday post on Tuesday.  Also, my Chromebook warned me it was low on battery and my Tablet was uncooperative. That is no excuse; I could have stayed on the Chromebook while it was plugged in, in fact I told myself that.  I was too tired to listen.  Do you suppose I have long Covid?  Do you suppose that is just another lame excuse (see, that’s me wishing for Lame Post Friday).

This was taken for one of those blog posts I haven’t made yet.

I threw in a picture to cut the whining short.  It sort of worked.  Anyways, this is part of Herkimer’s Historic Four Corners: the two buildings that comprise Herkimer County Historical Society.  The writing I am stalling while typing in this nonsense (I am kidding myself that this is a warm-up) is the rest of the script for Curtains for Frangelica, the interactive murder mystery I am writing to benefit the society.

Frangelica Inferno, fans of my murder mysteries may recall, is an former porn star in search of legitimate fame.  Along the way she killed local playwright Jack Sherman and has been accused of others.  The character is played by my friend and adventure partner Kim Darling.  Since Kim has left the area, I decided to kill her off.  That’ll teach her!

So I have gone from Tired Tuesday to Preview of Coming Attractions.  Back to the script!

 

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Oh Crap! Who Shall I Kill?

Posted on August 22, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I posted Tuesday for Monday then neglected to post Tuesday and Wednesday.  It is now Thursday morning and I believe I am rapidly losing what is left of my mind.  For one reason, I started to type in “neglected” but started out “deg”  then stared at it wondering why it looked wrong.  Coffee, please kick in soon.

Oh crap, I can’t find the picture I am looking for.

I was searching for a coffee mug other than the Halloween one I have been showing lately, specifically the one I am actually using from Dyn’s Cider Mill (brief shout-out to a local business) (come to think of it, I must go there soon).  I know I have one but it proved elusive. I decided plastic poop would do.

As I struggle with blogging and most other things in my life (not whining, just observing; I know we all struggle), I sometimes get a few things done.  One thing was to set an actual date of the murder mystery I am writing to benefit the Herkimer County Historical Society.  October 12.  Why I had it in my head they wanted the first weekend in November, I do not know.  However, I had an inspiration for a better victim and plot (a little easier to write, too), so I am going great guns.  Additionally, I have emailed several potential actors.

Now who would kill a beautiful lady like this?

Unfortunately only one actor has emailed me back, but I expect to hear from the others as I go along.  In the meantime, I hope to finish the script this weekend.  It is so fun to write when things just clip along, as they sometimes do.

In the meantime, I hope to return to my previous daily habit of making blog posts.  I thank everybody for tuning in.

 

 

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Late Shout-Out to Phil

Posted on August 18, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have done it again:  posted then missed several days.  How can I make it up to my readers (if any remain)?  One thing I could do is tell you about a recent Mohawk Valley Adventure.

One of my favorites!

Last Saturday I walked down to Meyers Park in Herkimer, NY for the Elks Club Car Show.  I love old cars, but my primary reason for stopping by at that time was that Phil Arcuri would be playing music.  Regular readers know he is one of my favorite local musicians.  I have seen him many times at different venues and enjoyed him very much. He always has such a good time when he plays.  I love his big smile.  His daughters come up and  sang the Baby Shark Song.  I am not really familiar with that song, although I know it was very popular among a certain segment of the population.  When they were singing about Grandpa Shark and Grandma Shark, I wished they had a verse about Aunt Cindy Shark.  Of course, I am not their Aunt Cindy, but couldn’t we stretch a point?

It is pure joy when he plays.

Of course he noticed me, standing as I was right in front of the pavilion and dancing to every tune.  He added my name to “Under the Boardwalk,” singing
“under the blanket with my Cynthia…”  I remember one time at Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort,  he sang the song that way and added that we would let Steve (my husband, for anyone just tuning int)  get in on it, too.

I had had a headache earlier that day, and after standing (and dancing) around in the sun it started to come back. After chatting for a little time with Phil, I took my leave.

I feel bad that it has taken me this long to write even this brief shout-out to such a good musician.  I encourage everybody to hear him play if possible; he plays at several area venues.  The area is so blessed to have such talented musicians!

 

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What Is the Matter with Me?

Posted on August 14, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is so embarrassing.  It seems about once, sometimes twice a week, I write a blog post apologizing about not making daily blog posts and promising to do better.  Obviously I do not.  I could offer all manner of excuses and explanations, but excuses are often lame (and it is not Lame Post Friday, alas!) and I always say explanations are tiresome.

All that said, it feels pretty good to be ten-finger typing on my Chromebook, putting down some words, any words.  Why do I no longer do this every day? Why am I asking that again when I JUST SAID that explanations are tiresome?

Looks delightfully evil, yes?

I threw in a picture to jolt myself out of self-incrimination and more tiresomeness.  I have not used this coffee mug in a while, but I have enjoyed my morning coffee, as I do most mornings.  Full disclosure:  Sunday I drank tea, because my stomach was upset.  That tasted pretty good too.

Random picture to denote passage of time while I get more coffee.

The above picture is the Capitol Theatre in Rome, NY, a delightful old movie palace, from back when the term “palace” truly applied.  It is, perhaps, symbolic of my life.  I feel I need to make some changes, begin a new chapter.  Somebody somewhere said there are no second acts in real life, but does anybody really believe that?  I don’t even remember who said it.

Must go here soon.

The theatre picture is also relevant, because I have at least one theatrical project I need to get going on, namely a murder mystery I am writing to be presented for the benefit of Herkimer Historical Society.  This third picture is a local business I may visit soon, Rose Quartz Stand on Mohawk Street in Herkimer, NY (do I have to keep putting NY?).  I want to purchase some iron pyrite for use as a prop in the murder mystery.  Does that pique your interest?  I hope so, as I will no doubt be sharing more about the mystery as I go along.

That is, if I manage to make more blog posts.  I have neglected a few good Mohawk Valley adventures I had recently and hope to remedy the omission (preview of coming attractions).  In the meantime, I thank any readers who are still tuned in, and welcome (dare I hope?) any new ones.

 

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Did I Say Daily Blogger? Oops

Posted on August 7, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

So… another gap in what I wanted to be a daily blog.  Never mind why; explanations are tiresome.  Since it is Wednesday morning (is it Wednesday?  I somehow thought it was still Monday), I will try for a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post.

Pretty!

I took a couple of pictures in my back yard a while ago, after I had spent some time cleaning out fallen branches from the last storm.  My Rose of Sharon as a whole is not looking as lovely as some I have seen in my walks and runs, but I was happy to see some blossoms.  I need to get more aggressive in cleaning out the wild grape vines which are taking over the place.  I am a little afraid my back yard will turn into some cheesy sci-fi/horror flick:  The Vines That Ate Mohawk Valley Girl.  I was thinking maybe The Grapes of Wrath,  but it doesn’t pay to get to literary.

I tried to get just the blooms.

Another area I have to clean out is where my Black-Eyed Susans reside.  I don’t mind them taking over an area, which they also tend to do, but there are a number of other things growing there which were not invited.

She was so cool!

Changing the subject, here is a lovely lady who was pouring canned cocktails at a recent tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY (just to throw in a brief shout-out to a local business).  I did not make it to any tastings last week (they had three!).  I must see what they are pouring this weekend.

I see I am over 250 words.  I call that respectable.  If only I could get back to doing it every day!

 

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Cheers to the Luna Moth!

Posted on July 25, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had two authentic Mohawk Valley adventures last night with the result that I was too tired to blog about either one.  This morning I feel pressed for time, so I will put those on hold (which I hear receptionists should not do to a bomb threat), and try for a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday post.

Beautiful!

I took this picture at work a couple weeks ago.  Isn’t it awesome?  It is only the second or third time I saw a Luna Moth.  I forgot to share it on Facebook (it was the end of break at the time) so thought it was perfect for a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday.

Full disclosure: He was not drinking at the time.

This is Elvis, a pourer at a wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.  I have sadly not blogged about a tasting there in a while, but I usually mention the blog while I am taking tasting notes.  This time, Elvis said to me, “Do you want to take a picture for the blog?”  I confessed to not having used the previous picture.  Now, if he is pouring at another tasting, I can say I used one of the pictures.

I miss my adventure partner!

Here is my friend Kim on her recent visit to the Mohawk Valley.  We had paused at the Waterfront Grille, also in Herkimer, for a libation and a snack.  I suggested we take the previously obligatory pictures of each other toasting.

I had to stand up, because I was back-lit. No, I wasn’t lit!

My picture also gives a shout-out to Herkimer College, previously (and to some always) known as HCCC or H-Trip-C.

As I approach 300 words, I sign off on another late post.  Full disclosure:  there is every possibility today’s post will be late too.  But how appropriate for a Non-Sequitur Thursday post.

 

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I Remember Roxy

Posted on June 28, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

And it’s another late post, but one can be late on Non-Sequitur Thursday, yes?  Or will it be a Throwback Thursday?  Once again, I resort to my Media Library.

He was so handsome.

I was just thinking about Roxy the other day.  This was a play, beautifully researched and written by Jack Sherman and presented by Herkimer County Historical Society and Ilion Little Theatre in 2015.  Wow, almost ten years ago.  My late beloved husband Steven had several roles.  This is him as Dr. Suiter.  He was such a good actor and had quite a way with a monologue.

He had it coming.

I had the honor to portray Roxalana Druse, who killed her husband with a gun and an ax.  She did not feed his body to the hogs, as legend has it, but tried to burn him up in the stove (the play doesn’t show that part).  She may have had better luck with the hogs, because it was the nasty scent of burning body that first alerted the neighbors that something was wrong.

I thought the poster was cool.

The play had a huge cast of ILT regulars and newcomers.  Things got a little crowded backstage and in the one dressing room, but we all got along, and I made a lot of new friends.  That is the best part of community theatre:  the friends we make.  Come to think about it, that is the best part of life.  Sorry to get a little sentimental, but one might as well say it.

So this is my theatre throwback post.  I often do throw back to theatre memories, because community theatre is a big part of my life.  I need to get back into a play.  And finish writing that murder mystery I mentioned yesterday.  At least I made my Thursday blog post.  A little late, but over 300 words.  Yay me?  I hope so!

 

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Not the Hole Story

Posted on June 27, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sooo… by making my Tuesday blog post on time, I broke my streak, because I did not post anything yesterday, Wednesday.  I can’t get too exercised over it, though, because by my rules for me, this will count as my Wuss-out Wednesday post, and my streak will only be broken if I fail to post anything for Thursday, whether I post it today or early Friday morning (ooh, yes, tomorrow is Friday) (with apologies to all those who work Saturday).

What could this be?

This may look like a random photo for Waste Not Want Not Wednesday, but it is much more than that, at least in my twisted mind.  It is a well outside the Herkimer County Historical Society.  They dug in this well for artifacts some years ago and found some interesting things.  Now, as you see it is overgrown.  But could it have future relevance and interest?  At least fictionally, it could!

I took this picture after walking to the Society to purchase some post cards (regular readers know I like to send post cards to people).  I thought it would inspire me.  You see, I began writing a murder mystery for the Historical Society centering around this very hole in the ground (ooh, I just thought of a good title for this post!).  Full disclosure:  I began to write it last year for our fall show but felt it was too complicated a plot for my brain at the time.  I wrote Lights, Camera, Murder! instead, which I think worked out pretty well.  More recently I came across the notes for the other and was surprised by how much I had written on it.  I said, “Heeyyyy!”  or some such expression.

Many accept the rule that writing about not writing is still writing.  I will add that writing about what one is going to write is also still writing.  Now I just have to write it.

(That last sentence would have made a good title too.)

 

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Is It a Hot Blog Post?

Posted on June 19, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

It probably comes as no surprise that I am doing a Tired Tuesday post, especially to local readers who are also experiencing the heat wave currently visiting the Mohawk Valley.  Perhaps some are surprised that I am making the post on Tuesday rather than early Wednesday morning.  As for anybody who feels I am being a big baby to be melting in the heat, either because they LOVE hot weather or because other places have MUCH hotter weather, I can only suggest you find another blog to read (you know who you are).  There are many available.  Of course you are welcome to continue reading this one, but a baby I am and a baby I will remain.  A big fat baby brat.

It was a hot scene.

I was looking for a non-baby, non-bratty picture to counteract the whining and defensiveness in the first paragraph.  In fact I have been trying to complain less.  I spent most of the day at work telling myself, “We all feel the heat; we all know it is hot.  I do not have to remark on how hot it is.”  A co-worker tried the opposite approach by saying how cold it was.  I had no clever comeback.  My brains, such as they are, were pretty much boiled, broiled, and steamed.

The picture, by the way, is from Love’s Labour’s Lost, as presented by LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company two summers ago (or was it three?  How the time flies!). It was quite warm rehearsing and performing outdoors, especially in costume, but a lot of fun.

Here’s some cold weather, if you like.

My late, dearly missed husband Steve used to say, “You don’t have to shovel humidity.”  That is true.  However, in the winter time it may not snow, and then you will not have to shovel, while in the summertime, the grass is definitely going to grow, and you will have to mow.  Well, I can’t complain about that right now.  My father mowed my back lawn and my sister Cheryl mowed the front.  Did I mention I have a very nice family?

Sometimes it is nice to just lounge around in the heat.

To end on a more positive note, here is me, or part of me, enjoying summer in sandals and painted toenails.  Pedicure is from Hot Spot Salon and Spa in Herkimer, NY, just to give a quick shout-out to a local business.  I have since broken those sandals, alas, but my toes are currently a very similar color.

I see I have rattled on for more than 400 words.  Not bad for a Tired Tuesday.  I wonder what I can come up with for Wuss-out Wednesday.  As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Good Music at the Chowdown

Posted on June 11, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Monday I received an unexpected invitation to join my friends Jim and Kelly at the Herkimer Downtown Chowdown.  Since it is walking distance from my house, I gladly took a walk down.  It was a beautiful evening, sunny with a little bit of a breeze.  Meyers Park, where the Chowdown is held, has plenty of shade.  Kelly and Jim had brought chairs.  I must do that next time.  Kelly volunteered to get a blanket out of their car and sit on the ground so I could have a chair. Since I had my Monday backache, I was very grateful for that (I don’t know if I ever mentioned it, but I get a backache most Mondays.  After relaxing all weekend, my back has a “What the hell?” attitude when I go back to work).

Kelly and I walked among the food trucks, pondering our choices.  We finally went to The Corner Office where I got a hamburger and Kelly got chicken tenders.  We went back and sat down while Jim went and got some loaded nachos.  I foolishly neglected to ask which truck he got them from; they looked really good.  We settled down to eat (chow down?) and listen to the band.

They really rocked.

It was an ’80’s band called Remedy.  ’80’s music is near and dear to my heart.  I often observe that it may not have been the best decade, but, man, what a soundtrack!  I say the same thing about the ’60’s and ’70’s.  Of course all decades have their good and bad points;  music was definitely one of the good points about the ’80’s.

The lead singer called a guitarist named Marco out of the crowd to join them for a song or two.  He was very good too.  Apparently there was some controversy, because the lead guy said he had cleared it with somebody named Anthony but expressed concern that some people were videotaping.  Yes, I had to choose that moment to take a couple pictures for the blog post.  Herkimer’s mayor was making a video, no doubt destined for their Facebook page.

Don’t tell Anthony! Whoever he is.

I had a really great time, but had to leave early, because I remembered I needed to put out my trash and recyclables (Tuesday is trash day in my neighborhood).  Jim, Kelly, and I made plans to get together to watch the next play at Ilion Little Theatre (preview of coming attractions).

I will just mention that Jim and Kelly are father and daughter.  Jim’s wife and Kelly’s mother is Phyllis, my late dearly missed friend, who I have mentioned many times in this space.

For more information about The New Herkimer Downtown Chowdown, you can visit their Facebook page.

 

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