Tag Archives: herkimer ny

A Little Walk, a Little Post

I went for a walk with my Tablet and the specific intention of making a Pedestrian Post.  The other reason was that I had not gone running this morning and thought exercise would be a good idea.

When I ran yesterday, I was struck by some overgrown bushes with overgrown grass opposite.   It was not a problem to run through,  but there would not have been room for two abreast.  I reflected that when I was a kid, I would have pretended it was a tunnel.

I had a vivid imagination as a child. I guess I still do.

I turned onto Church Street and walked towards my beloved Herkimer Historic Four Corners.   First, however, I passed Temple Beth Joseph Synagogue and admired their rhododendron bush.

At least as good as mine if not better.

Next I noticed one of those garden balls I have always liked, in front of a nearby house.  I read a great thriller in which one was figured prominently.

One day I’ll have one in my garden. When I have a garden.

I turned down Main Street at the Four Corners and walked to Basloe Library.  Some major construction is going on there, so I took a couple of  pictures.

I made sure to get the sign in one.

 

I made a mental note of days the library will be closed.

When the construction is completed, I will have to do a whole post about it.  I was at Basloe yesterday (I should have made a post about that!), and it looks like great changes are in store.

My walk was not that long, but I enjoyed it.  Tomorrow I hope to go for a run.  A woman my age needs to keep up on her exercise!  And her blog posts.

 

I’m Pleased with my Mid-Week Run

At least I have a good reason to be tired tonight:  I went running.  Although, considering the pace (slow) and distance (short) I managed, perhaps I don’t have a good reason but merely a lame excuse.  What a situation when it is NOT Lame Post Friday!  Never mind.  My plan was to do a Running Commentary post in lieu of the threatened Wuss-out Wednesday.  Let’s see how I do.

I was actually pretty impressed with myself that I automatically went upstairs to put on running clothes and gather laundry (I love to multi-task like that on mid-week runs).  I had had the vague plan to run, of course, since I had not run Monday or Tuesday (rain was my excuse those days).  I knew it would be a pity not to run, since I had run both Saturday and Sunday last.  I really want to get my running mojo back (and my writing mojo, and my house cleaning mojo, and any other number of mojos I have lost, but let us not digress) (and I truly thought “mojo” was a word, but my computer does not).  Where was I?  Ah yes, putting laundry in and getting out to run.

It was the first day this week that felt like May.  At work, we have all been griping about the blankety-blank cold (only we don’t say “blankety-blank”) (in our defense, we work in a factory).  Where was I?  Ah yes, in shorts and short sleeves in the sunshine.  I forgot to put on a headband.  I knew I would not need it to keep my ears warm but thought I might need it to absorb forehead sweat.  Oh well, I would just make the best of it.  I hate to turn around and start a run again.

Right away the run felt terrible.  I’ve had a bit of a sore muscle in one thigh since Sunday, which is to be expected when one has not gone running for a while.  I encouraged myself to persevere.  Just go for 20 minutes, I thought.  Then I thought, my weekend runs had only been 24 minutes.  Maybe 15 minutes would be OK.  No, no, not 15, I argued.  Well, maybe 15, I wheedled.  Just keep going.

So I just kept going.  I admired some tulips and other flowers.  I especially like the wild violets, purple or white.  I even enjoy dandelions, although I am allergic to them.  Personally, I prefer a lawn that is not manicured to purely grass and nothing else.  I like a more natural look.  One nice thing about running around the village (Herkimer, NY, where I live) is that you get to see a wide variety of yards.

I had to really push myself to get the full 20 minutes, but I did it.  Full disclosure:  I also had to push myself to get this blog post written, and I left out a lot of the narration in my head, with which I entertained myself while I ran.  Oh well, there’s no saying my gentle readers would find it as entertaining as I did. However, it kept me going, so I feel pleased with myself.  And I did not entirely wuss out on my blog post.  So I say, Yay, me.  And if anybody wants to shake their head (or their finger or their booty, of course) and say something like, “It takes so little to please some people,” feel free.

 

Don’t Run, Walk!

There was little possibility of a Scattered Saturday post, as I spent much of the day fighting a headache and recruiting my energies for tonight’s performance for Morning’s at Seven at Ilion Little Theatre (just to continue my theme of All Morning’s at Seven All The Time).  When two naps did not resolve the problem, although 800 mg of ibuprofen took the edge off, I decided to try the effects of a little fresh air and exercise (am I the only on that every time I hear “fresh air,” a little voice in my head says, “Times Square!”?).  I took my Tablet along, thinking to make a Pedestrian Post.  Warning:  this post may be long and heavy on pictures.

I have not been running in too long a time, or I might have gone for a Running Commentary.  However, there are advantages in walking, one being that I could shower before and not after.  Also, the Tablet thing.  The only problem is, when I run and narrate in my head, I can choose not to use everything. When I take a picture, it just feels wrong not to use it.  No matter.  On with the post.

Yes, I still need to deal with last year’s leaves.

The first thing that struck my eyes was the beginnings of my peony bush, which magically appeared some years ago after Steven had successfully mowed down the wild day lilies enough times.  I said my stalker planted it, but I was just being silly.  Still, that is kind of a play on words:  plant, stalk.  Yes, I just have to be that way.  Anyways, I see I have to get out and pull up the day lilies AGAIN.  I’m not sure if the other greenery is violets or daisies, but I will let them live, because they don’t choke out the peonies.

Also in my front yard.

These are the same tulips I shared on my last Throwback Thursday post, two years later.  I hope to take another picture when they bloom.

Trinity Lutheran Church.

I walked up to German Street and turned right.  I hesitated to take pictures of people’s houses, because of privacy issues, but I thought a House of Worship would be all right.

You don’t know how anxiously I have waited to see green!

Further up the street, I got a shot of some white violets and dandelions.

This is an elegant place to stay, although I have never seen the inside.

I was certain a picture of the Bellinger Rose Bed and Breakfast would be good, because, you know, advertising.  I may save up for a night’s stay there, for the sake of another blog post as well as a romantic evening with my husband.

This is a relatively new sign, when they decided they no longer wanted to be called “H-Trip-C”

This is the sign at the bottom of the killer hill I run up when I am in good running shape (Preview of Coming Attractions, I hope!).

I didn’t realize I got my sneakers in this one.

I thought to include some purple violets along with the white ones.

I tried not to get the house in but loved the tulips.

 

I missed the buds in the tree. Rats!

These two were taken at the same house.  They also had tulips next to their front walk, but I did not get a picture.

I was afraid the colors would not come out quite right.

My favorite part of this time of year is the delicate green of the trees with brand new leaves. I’m afraid this picture did not adequately capture it, but it’s the best I could do.

These have actually spread to two places in my lawn.

When I got home, I went out back to get a picture of some perennials which came up.  I positively must get out there and clean things up so others can bloom.  After getting the picture, I went further back, to retrieve the cup I had seen this morning (and mentioned in my Late Lame Friday post).  It turned out to be a yogurt container, which no doubt blew out of somebody’s recyclable “one and done” container.  I picked it up and put in in ours.

Bunny and daffodils! Alas, not a good picture of either one.

I unfortunately startled a visitor to my lawn.  Yes, I know, these animals eat flowers and the vegetables I hope to plant, but I think they are cute.

The walk turned out to be just what I needed.  I am feeling much better, although it is almost time to start getting nervous for tonight’s performance.  Happy Saturday, all!

 

Fun and Games on Scattered Saturday

He looks mean, doesn’t he?

I was hoping for a picture of a big explosion to start off this week’s Scattered Saturday post, because that is pretty much how Demolition Man (1993) begins.  It is what we are watching now.  I suggested it because it is a funny, fun, fast-paced flick.  We had just watched The Bad Seed (1956), a perennial favorite of ours.

Isn’t she sweet?

Our day was even more fun before we got to the movie-watching portion.  We went to Little Falls for the grand opening of Meeples Mug House, the new board game cafe.  We played gin and then Yahtzee, in between enjoying a delicious sandwich (me) and soup (Steven).  I’ll write more about Meeples in another post (preview of coming attractions).

I took more pictures for subsequent use.

Before that, I went running and, um, not much else.  I made a phone call to arrange donating an afghan to the H.A.L.O. Chinese Auction tomorrow at the VFW (another preview of coming attractions).  While watching movies, I did a load of laundry and popped a bowl of popcorn (yum).  It was Aversa’s Popcorn, just to add a little local flair to the post.

For local readers, the HALO Chinese auction is at the  Herkimer VFW from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.  HALO is the Helping Animals Live Organization, a no kill, not for profit, cat rescue group.

Meeples Mug House is located at 598 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY.  They are open from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, 2 to 10 p.m. Saturday, and 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday.

And that brings me over 200 words, which regular readers will remember I consider respectable.  I WILL write more about Meeples, possibly in an article in Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I will also write again about H.A.L.O.  Right now, however, I have knitting to do, and I have to watch Sylvester Stallone kick Wesley Snipes’ butt in Demolition Man.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

Rapunzel, I’m Not

Here is a good idea for a Non-Sequitur Thursday post:  a PRE-shout-out to a local business I am ABOUT to go to.  And I’d better hustle up, or I won’t have time to shower first.  Oh dear, do I even have time if I hustle?  Well, I’ll just start typing and see what I can do.

My hair has been growing at its usual annoying rate, that is, fast till it gets to where I can’t do anything with it and then stop.  I was undecided to cut or not, because I did not know what my director wanted for the play I’m in (remember? Morning’s at Seven at Ilion Little Theatre) (the murder mysteries don’t matter; I can make any number of ‘do’s work for them).  When the stage manager said she had a grey wig that would work for me, my first question was, “So it’s OK if I get my hair cut really short?”  It was.

Hence, I have an appointment with Clair, my usual stylist at The Hot Spot Salon and Spa in Herkimer.  I decided I might as well have a pedicure while I was at it, if the appointment time was available.  It was!  The appointment is for five tonight.  When I made the appointment, the lady making it said I would be out by about quarter after six.  Perfect for a six-thirty rehearsal in Ilion!  I hope.

Hmm… this is kind of a boring blog post.  It might have been more interesting if I had waited till after the appointment.  I could have included a picture of my toes, at least.  Well, I can’t help that.  I have a shower to take.  My appointment is for a cut without shampoo and blow-dry (I get a REAL low-care cut).  I still don’t know what I’m going to wear to rehearsal.  How flustered I get!

The Hot Spot Salon and Spa is located at 121 E. Albany St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-9113.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

Saturday Fun in Herkimer

My husband, Steven, and I made a few stops this afternoon.  I brought along my Tablet and took pictures at each one, for a proper Scattered Saturday post.  Let’s see if I can actually make one.

I foolishly did not get the name of the fellow doing the pouring.

Our first stop was at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer for a tasting by Thousand Islands Winery. Alas,they were not pouring any of their dryer wines,but we enjoyed talking to the young man pouring.  From there we went to Hummel’s Office Plus for some paper for our printer.

Look at all that paper!

After that, we stopped at a new business in Herkimer, Wakefield Furniture. Full disclosure:  we do not need any furniture at the present time.  However, the next time we do, we will go to Wakefield. They are very nice, in addition to having a very attractive store showcasing some lovely items.

I LOVE a tall table!

One of the first things to catch my eye was a tall table with matching stools. However, there was another table which I wonder would not be even better for my house.

I don’t know if this picture properly captures this table’s beautiful top.

Leaving the furniture store, I had the silly idea we should do a little bar hopping, a pastime in which we rarely indulge these days.  Accordingly, we stopped at the Endzone Pub and Grub.

They carry a lot of beers at the End Zone.

Can you read “Herkimer” on the shirt?

We admired the ceilings at the End Zone.  Wakefield also had lovely ceilings, but I neglected to take a picture.

After the End Zone,we stopped at Pete’s Tavern, at which we tried our luck at a couple of scratch-off lottery tickets.

This was our nice bartender, Cecelia.

I won $10 on one, $2 of which I re-invested in another scratch-off.  That one was not a winner, but I got a $1 scratch-off that won me $2, so I was still $8 up.

The other pub in close proximity was Asteroga Ale House, so we stopped there as well.  We had a cup of clam chowder along with our wine. Very tasty.

I do not remember this lady’s name.

The we finally went home.  Full disclosure:  I am having another glass of wine as I type this. I hope it still makes a fun blog post. Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

Wordless Shout-Out?

So I’m Tablet posting today, and I think I’ll pep things up with a few pictures and try for a Wordless Wednesday.   I wonder if there’s anything on the Tablet that’s any good.

Kim in black dress number fifty-one.

When in doubt,  go with the beautiful blonde. This is the picture of my dear friend Kim at Renewed and Rescued, the consignment shop in Herkimer I wrote about for Mohawk Valley Living.  The dress may or may not be exactly the fifty-first in Kim`s wardrobe, but close enough. As I related in my article,  I saw the dress, knew Kim would like it , brought Kim to the shop, and found that I was right.

I love the lights.

Here is another picture of the shop.  I really must do a whole post about them. For now, a couple of pictures must suffice.  For one reason, I HATE typing one letter at a time with the stylus.

Another part of the shop.

The store offers upscale clothes as well as vintage and locally made jewelry.  I purchased earrings and a bracelet.  In addition to the dress, Kim found a pair of shoes .

Renewed and Rescued is located at 142 North Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 313-628-1506.

As I said earlier,  I hope to do a better post at a later date.   In the meantime,  Happy Wednesday,  everyone.

 

 

Is It Romantic?

Happy Valentine’s Day from Mohawk Valley Girl.  I am tired and wanting to watch 20/20 on OWN, so I am going to give a brief overview of our Valentine’s Day activities, hit Publish and move on.  I find that appropriate for Non-Sequitur Thursday.

I was late getting home, never mind why, I’ll tell you later, if I remember to, no promises.  I had to email my article and pictures for the March issue to Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I hope they like it.  I had mentioned to Steven that there was a Korbel tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor at five.  He did not remember my mentioning it but was amenable to attending such a thing.

After I got my submissions taken care of, I showered and put on a Valentine outfit.  I tried to take a picture of it, but I am incapable of taking a decent selfie, so never mind.  Just take my word for it that I looked good.  We went to taste some champagne.  We liked it and bought a bottle of Rose Brut.  Or was it Brut Rose?  I cannot be bothered to go out to the kitchen to look at the bottle or find the little notebook I took my tasting notes in.

We continued our evening with dinner at Salvatore’s in Herkimer.  Yum!  I could do entire blog posts about the tasting or the dinner, and I do not rule that out.  In the meantime, I repeat, Happy Valentine’s Day, and Happy Non-Sequitur Thursday to one and all!

 

One Must Begin Again

I read somewhere that wintertime running is about maintenance, not necessarily improvement.  I told myself this as I finished a fairly short run this morning.  “It’s about maintenance,” I thought.  Then I thought, “My runs are about blog posts, weight-loss goals, health, and my own entertainment, not necessarily in that order.”  I had thought  doing a Sunday Running Commentary as I set out on my run.  I last ran a week ago and quite frankly did not feel like running today, but, as I said to Steven as I went out the door, “One must begin again.”  Then I thought, “That would be a good title for a blog post.”  So here we are.

We had a couple of days of spring-like weather last week, but I, perhaps foolishly, did not run then.  For one reason, my body was in its final throes of rebellion against 10-hour days.  I know, other people work longer days at more difficult jobs, and they don’t even complain.  All I can say is, that is them, this is me.  I was dead tired all week and not up to running through all the puddles which were the inevitable result of the warmer temperatures.  Today was cold, and it had been snowing.  Snow offers traction, so I thought.

Turns out I shouldn’t think so much.  I tried to run on the sidewalk and soon found there was a LOT of ice under the snow.  After my trailing foot zooped out from underneath me for the third time (luckily my weight was already established on my leading foot at the time), I went into the road, which was a little better.  And a little worse, because of traffic.  Sunday mornings are usually pretty tame traffic-wise, but I had waited till after eleven to run, hoping for a warmer temperature.  Well, the cars would just have to watch out for me; I was staying where I was.

I did not spend much time on German Street, which is one of the busier streets, but soon turned down Margaret. That was quieter, which was good, because it was also pretty snow-covered. I went for the barest part of the road and did now worry too much about staying close to the curb, except when I saw or heard a car coming.  It did not feel too bad, running along at my usual shuffling pace.  The air was cold, but you’ll have that.

My deal with myself was that I only had to run 20 minutes.  I can worry about building up when the weather is better.  If I worry about it at all. I mean, why should I worry?  Worry doesn’t burn calories or build muscle mass.  It is a quite useless activity.  I ran, I wrote a blog post.  Let’s leave it at that.  Happy Sunday, folks.

 

Several Stops on Scattered Saturday

It is time to make my Scattered Saturday post so I can return to the bra off, sweats on, wine drinking, movie watching portion of the evening.  It has been a cold, windy Saturday, yet I managed to get out for a bit.

First I got my post cards written, as well as a short letter which Steven helped me finish.  We were both having a hard time getting ourselves started this morning.  At last we had both washed up and dressed.  We stopped first at the post office then at Basloe Library, where we returned the two movies we watched last weekend as well as two novels I read (I still have a biography of Rasputin, which is not due for another week or so).  Then we headed out Route 28.

Our destination was the Rusty Nail Grill in Little Falls, where I wanted to drop off an afghan for a fundraiser they are having tomorrow.  I would like to write an entire blog post about our drive out and the Rusty Nail itself.  Maybe tomorrow.  We drove back a different way, going through Little Falls but not making any stops.  Back in Herkimer, we went to Hannaford (a grocery store that loves local, by the way), then back home.

After relaxing at home for a bit, we gassed up my car then went to a wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer.  The wine tasting rates a blog post as well, as I took a few notes on what we tried.  Soon we were back home and into our sweats.

While we watched an old monster movie I DVR’d some time ago, Steven fixed us some yummy BLTs.  Now we are looking at a movie we have seen many times but love.  However, that is a subject for perhaps a Sunday Cinema post.  In the meantime, I am over 300 words. Happy Saturday, everyone!