Tag Archives: herkimer ny

I Say More Wuss-Out Than Wayback

Well, here we go again with me going days in a row without making a blog post.  I do not even know if I will finish this one today.  I have plans to go to Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort NY with a friend for food and music.  I can’t even say that is a preview of coming attractions, because how often have I said I was going to make a blog post about something then did not.  I did not make that a question, because I do not expect that anybody will go back and check, least of all me, and I do not welcome guesses.

There is not much snow there currently.

I wanted to put in a picture, to break things up a little.  I accidentally clicked on this one from last January as I was fumbling around in my Media Library (still figuring out this new computer), and said, why not?  It is the path over what used to be a hydraulic canal in Herkimer, a favorite place for me to run or walk. I have not been walking enough lately and not running at all, but I hope to change that soon.  Not right this minute, of course. Right this minute I am blogging.

I do not intend to wear these to walk or run.

To mix things up a little more, I include this shot from 2015, when I was in Busybody at Ilion Little Theatre.  That was a fun show.  That makes this a kind of a Wayback Wednesday, although I had intended more of a Wuss-Out Wednesday.  Oh well, call it what you like.  I am over 250 words, and at least I have made a blog post.  As always, thank you for tuning in.

 

A Little Light in my Life

Now we’ll pretend it’s still Saturday, and I will not apologize for making yet another late post.  Sometimes apologies are appropriate and sometimes they are just tiresome.

I went with my sister Cheryl and her delightful grandchildren, Sheppie and Evie, to drive around the villages and look at Christmas lights.  We began in Frankfort, NY, where there is a lovely display at the Marina.  I pointed out Heelpath Brewing, but we did not go in for a libation.  We got out of the car to get a closer look.

The kids graciously posed for one shot.

This was the best picture I took.  I quickly discovered that my Tablet is not best suited to take pictures at night.

You see what I mean.

I think the kids are in this shot too, but it is hard to tell. In any case, they soon decided it was too cold to get out of the car, and we drove on.

The semi-good shot I got at the Marina.

We drove through Frankfort into Ilion, where I knew a few good places to see some lights.  Alas, I did not get any pictures.  We went on into Mohawk, where we especially admired the street lights, then to Herkimer, where I also knew of a few good displays.

It was a nice little post-Christmas interlude. I confess I have had less of a Post-Christmas Letdown than in previous years, probably because, as regular readers know, this has been a difficult year for me.  I am not whining about this (I hope) but merely making an observation of a small silver lining.  I continue to count my blessings, in which my family ranks high on the list.  Thank you, Cheryl, Sheppie and Evie!

 

We’ll Pretend It’s Still Friday

OK, so I did not make my Lame Post Friday post on Friday.  Judge me if you are so inclined.  In the interests of sharing good news, I am ten-finger typing on my new Chromebook, which seems suspiciously like a laptop to me, lounged on my couch (the computer kind of jiggles as I type, but I cannot say it is precariously balanced on one leg) and drinking coffee. Oh thank God for coffee!  I won the Chromebook at the Basket Raffle at Lights, Camera, Murder, the murder mystery we put on to benefit the Herkimer County Historical Society.  It was in a basket donated by Herkimer College, which had some other really great stuff in it:  a couple of notebooks (the spiral-bound paper kind, which I love), two t-shirts, a travel mug and two water bottles, plus a few more goodies.  So thank you, Herkimer College and Herkimer County Historical Society.

So already this is a pretty cheerful post.  Let me continue the cheeriness if I can by sharing a picture or two.  I turn to my Media Library.

We all know I am on the Naughty list.

I accidentally clicked on this picture but thought, oh well, it is seasonal.  It was also taken at a fun community event sponsored by Herkimer BPA. They plan many other events in the coming year, which I hope Mohawk Valley Girl will be able to attend (preview of coming attractions).

I love these cheesy flicks!

This was the first picture that caught my eye, but the other had already been clicked on.  I will probably have a quiet New Year’s Eve at home, watching movies, possibly of the cheesy horror variety, which regular readers know I love.  I have written about a few of them in this space, but those posts do not tend to get a lot of blogger love.  Still, they are fun to write and I do not rule out writing more of them.

Oh, this is swell!  I was all happy about this new Chromebook, but now I cannot get it to scroll down to where I Save Draft or even where I can see my word count! I know, first world problems.  Then again, I live in the so-called first world, what other problems am I supposed to have?

Ah!  I got it to scroll!  Regular readers know what a triumph and relief that is for me, who is so technologically inept.  And I am over 400 words.  Wow!  And this computer underlined “am over” and suggested “have over.”  Well, I guess I am what I write.  And there is some half-baked philosophy for you.  This is a Lame Post Friday post after all.

 

Sunday Christmas Fun

I have just had the most fun evening! I am filled with the Christmas spirit! I went to the Business and Professional Association of Herkimer’s 10th Annual Christmas in Meyers Park. I saw on Facebook that the event had been moved to Herkimer Elks Lodge due to weather. Well, that was an even easier walk for me, so I set out very shortly after 4 o’clock.

” ‘Twas the night before Christmas…”

I arrived at the Elks while the story was going on. He went on to sing a couple of Christmas carols. When he did “Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer,” I added the stuff in between the lines: Rudolf the red nosed reindeer (reindeer!)… You know what I mean.

I sneaked further into the room and grabbed a couple cookies till Santa showed up.

So cute!

After that, I confess I went into the bar and had a glass of Chardonnay. I had a lovely time chatting up a few Elks I knew. Eventually Santa came in to wish us all a Merry Christmas. I roguishly asked to sit on his lap. He graciously invited me back into the room to do so.

” Santa, baby, slip a sable under the tree for me… “

I asked someone to take a picture of us, mentioning it was for my blog. Some others encouraged me to take a picture of the fire department members who were there to offer cookies and cocoa.

Aren’t they handsome?

I told them how I loved fire departments especially after they pumped out my basement after the flood of ’13. They did not just help me, they were happy to help me! These fellows agreed that fire departments are always happy to help. I must find other ways to support the fire department, since I fear I am to old and decrepit to actually fight fires.

I went back and bid a fond farewell to my friends at the bar. It was a delightful interlude. Now I must prepare myself for Monstrous Monday. As always, I hope you’ll stay tuned.

What Lame on Yonder Window Breaks?

Surely I can make a Lame Post Friday post, despite the various problems,  petty and otherwise, which have been impeding me (I reserve the right to call anybody Shirley).  For one reason, it is actually Friday.  For another reason, my brain is feeling, well, fairly lame.

He’s looking to see if I can really make a post.

Illustrations always liven up a post, even when they do not exactly illustrate the point at hand.  Especially when there is not much of a point at hand. Anyways, this is either the ghost or a cardboard cutout of Chester Gillette at the 1834 Jail in Herkimer.

I hope to have a few Mohawk Valley Adventures tomorrow, getting my Christmas shopping done along the way.  Christmas sort of snuck up on me this year.  I knew it was coming, of course.  For heaven’s sake,  it is the same day every year!

A Christmas I was more prepared for.

I add a Christmasy picture, a little blurry but festive nonetheless. My house is sadly undecorated this year.  I’m afraid most of the Christmas things out have been out for at least a year.

Actually there are a few more there now.

I’m not sure how long Steve’s nutcracker collection has been on our buffet, but it has been a while.

So now I have rattled on for over 200 words.  I think I am up to three days in a row.  Will I continue?  A little suspense adds interest to my weekend.

 

Mohawk Valley Memories

So I posted yesterday morning but not this morning.  By the way, I said it had been ten days since I posted, but I was mistaken.  You see, I thought it was the 15th.  Imagine my amazement when I got to work and discovered it was only the 13th.  But I knew all along it was only Wednesday, so I did not suffer the chagrin on realizing it was not Friday.

An all-time favorite meme.

I said I was going to post about Mohawk Valley Adventures.  However, I am fighting fatigue as well as my recalcitrant Tablet (I don’t think I have ever used the word “recalcitrant ” in a sentence before).  Perhaps a Throwback Thursday Post would be OK.

A great place to go!

Here is an adventure from December 2017.  My late beloved husband Steve and our friend Margaret Rienzo, proprietress of the So Sweet Candy Shoppe in Utica, NY.  I was there more recently with my sisters Cheryl and Diane.

I loves me some nutcrackers!

Here are some Christmas decorations in Fratello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort.  The picture is from 2021, but I saw the nutcrackers there again just the other night.

It’s the good stuff!

For my last photo, I switch it up with a Preview of Coming Attractions.  This was from a tasting of Dikin Dirt Distillery at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  Now where did I put my tasting notes?

 

From a Swoon-like Position

I once again try to make a blog post from my phone, as I did Thanksgiving weekend (perhaps you read that post). I am lounged on my couch after a singularly lazy Sunday. Then again, why not a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post? To a casual observer, I look like I might just have swooned, dramatically posed or otherwise.

I need to get a closer shot.

I took that picture when I walked to the post office yesterday. I usually go through Meyer’s Park in Herkimer, NY, where I live (I add for the benefit of any reader just tuning in). I meant to take a few more pictures and make a Pedestrian Post, but couldn’t make up my mind on any.

An excellent musician.

Here is another picture I took but had not used in the blog yet. It is local musician Tom Maneen, who I enjoyed seeing at Frattello’s Pizzeria in Frankfort last Wednesday.

My phone does not seem to tell me how many words I am up to. No doubt I have just not clicked in the right place. Regular readers know that most of my problems can be explained with the words Operator Error.

I say no matter. This makes three days in a row that I have posted at least something. I will let that content me. Now then, how to add categories and tags…

Walking Back to the Blog

I have not posted in two weeks (I did the math: 14 days, then I looked at a calendar).  It just got easier and easier NOT to post!  And here is a philosophical question (whose answer will be half-baked, no doubt) suitable for a future Lame Post Friday post (if I can manage to keep posting that long):  why are good habits so hard to get back to and bad habits so easy?  I can go a week or two without eating chocolate (I can’t tell you the last time I actually did that, but I’m sure I can), then one little bite and I’m all, “YUM!  Why did I ever stop this?”

Full disclosure:  right now as I ten-finger type on my dining-room-table-top, I am a bit,  “This is awesome!  Why did I ever stop this?”  Yet I cannot guarantee I will be here tomorrow morning at this time doing the same thing.  But, as I said, these questions are for Lame Post Friday.

The current state of my blog.

As I often do at these times,  I throw in a picture to pep things up.  On Sunday (today is Tuesday, but the way; I mention it because my WordPress timestamp does not always jive) I took a walk with my camera, taking a few pictures, thinking to make a Pedestrian Post.  These rotting pumpkins caught my eye. I thought it was a brave smile, such as I feel myself giving these days (my teeth are in about as good shape).  At least this one has not started molding on the inside.  I once saw a really scary one with its mouth wide open to a black interior.  Alas that I had no phone or tablet with me at the time.

A nice place. I should join.

My walk continued and eventually I went past the Herkimer Elks Lodge, the site of my recent theatrical triumph (I feel I do not flatter myself as I give most of the credit to my fellow actors), Lights, Camera, Murder!  Imagine my chagrin when I discovered there were several other murder mysteries with the same title.  These things happen, I suppose, and I have heard you cannot copyright a title.

Why isn’t he in his cell? Is it a jail break?

Because I am still (let’s face it: almost always) in Halloween mode, I took a shot of the ghost of Chester Gillette peeking out of the 1824 Jail.  I guess it is not technically a ghost, but I think it has a nicely creepy air to it.

I see I am over 400 words.  That is long for one of my posts!  I hope I can get back into daily blogging. I may even waste a post detailing why I was away for so long, but as I often note, explanations are tiresome.  I sincerely thank you for tuning in.

 

Congratulations, Renewed and Rescued!

Saturday marked the fifth anniversary for Renewed and Rescued, one of my favorite Herkimer businesses.  Naturally I went down to celebrate with them.

Renewed and Rescued is the anchor store and the founder of Mohawk Community Market, a wonderful vendor market in the old Munger’s Department Store on North Main Street in Herkimer.   They feature a wide variety of items ranging from repurposed vintage furniture to local artisan products and even including some food!

Getting ideas for Christmas!

I wrote my congratulations on a poster board they had set up, following my name with “aka Mohawk Valley Girl” but foolishly did not take a picture.  After looking through the room with clothes (I could use a new fabulous outfit), I went on to the food samples.

Good stuff!

I sampled some cheeses and a delicious pumpkin butter while chatting with some of the people who worked there.  They were very friendly and kind.  I was especially fascinated by some flavorings you can add to water.  Personally I drink plain water all day every day and love it, but I was just talking to a co-worker who can’t stand it plain. I will have to recommend these to her.

You could also add them to coffee and other beverages.

I wandered around looking at the other vendors’ wares and on into the basement, which now includes Mungers 1918 Luncheonette.  I mean to go there for lunch one day soon.  That will make for a delicious blog post!

Renewed and Rescued and Mohawk Community Market are located at 124 North Main St., Herkimer, NY.  They are open 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

 

Not Wrist, Walk

OK, so, yesterday’s nonsense was a late Saturday blog post, and now I am trying for a late Sunday post.  For anybody who is keeping track.  At least I will not make it a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  I do not have much time for swooning around in the morning.

The screen read a different temperature yesterday.

I took a walk yesterday so thought to share a previously taken picture of something I walked by.  I was actually on the same side of the street as this church yesterday.  I even had my phone with me but was not inspired to use it.  That is OK, I think; my Media Library is pretty crowded anyways.  I wonder if I could find any other pictures of anything I walked by.  Hmmm…. where DID I walk yesterday?  I am so forgetful at my age.

I am fascinated by the old gravestones.

Ah yes, once again I walked by my beloved Herkimer Historic Four Corners.  I was on the same side of the street as this church, and as usual, admired the old stones in the graveyard.

Another of my favorite places.

I was across the street from the 1834 Jail, a place near and dear to my heart.  I add the picture, because this post is a little short on substance, so I will make it long on pictures.

You can just about see all four buildings in this shot.

 

I did not walk this far down Main Street but felt it fair to include a picture of all four corners.

My dear Elliott Ghoul.

I guess this is not a very good picture, but back home I was greeted by Elliott Ghoul, who permanently resides in my dining room window.  Only us older folks get the play on words of his name.  I also have a Harold Ghoul, but do not have a picture.  I must share one sometime (preview of coming attractions).