Tag Archives: herkimer ny

Several Shout-outs on a Scattered Saturday

Posted on June 24, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Once again I pause in my gyrations to make a Scattered Saturday post.  Steven and I are waiting for some people to come over tonight.  It is a Thanks for the Mayhem party for people who participated in our murder mysteries in the past couple of years.  Oh dear, I hope I did not neglect to invite somebody who reads my blog.  I do not have the most reliable memory, and I have done quite a few murder mysteries.  Anyways, I have to have another party, because a lot of people can’t make it tonight.

I began my morning earlier than expected on a Saturday, but that was OK, because I had gone to bed earlier with a stomach ache on Friday (perhaps you read my blog post about it).  My stomach felt better, so I had some coffee and listened to the rain fall.  I do not usually go running in the rain.  And right after the rain, there a lot of puddles I do not necessarily enjoy running through.  However, when the rain stopped, I ran anyways and just did not worry about the puddles.  I wore an older pair of running shoes.

Back home, I wrote a few post cards.  I was delighted to have some new ones to send.  My Mom and Dad went on a bus trip with their church and picked me up a bunch.  I rarely travel myself, but I am fortunate to have family and friends that do.  By now it was raining again, making a walk to the post office ineligible.  That was all right, though, because Steven and I had several errands to run.

After a stop by the post office, we went to Cash for Cans on South Washington Street in Herkimer, NY (where we live, in case you didn’t know) and redeemed a LOT of cans and bottles.  Then we went to AmeriCU Credit Union to deposit a check (we like credit unions), then to Hannaford for groceries and party munchies.  Back home, we cleaned industriously, although my coffee table is still quite the mess.  Steven nicely said we would call it a Work in Progress and it could be a topic of conversation. I do like to entertain my guests.

Around 11:30 we went to Route 51 Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage Center in Ilion, to taste and purchase beer.  Brown’s Brewing Company of Troy, NY was there.  We had a great time and bought some yummy beer.  I want to do a whole blog post about it. I also plan to return to Beer Belly Bob’s when Brown’s is back sometime.  Oh, as well as returning when I run out of the beer I bought.  Beer Belly Bob’s is where I get my beer!

Since we also drink wine, we made a quick stop at Ilion Wine and Spirits for a bottle of Barefoot Pinot Noir.  I had a craving for some Barefoot Pinot Noir.  I will be delighted to open it in a few hours (oh, do I have to wait a few hours?  Maybe I can start sipping a little early).

Wow, I did a lot.  I haven’t even talked about the fixing, mixing, and chopping I have done so far.  I will just mention that I enjoyed a cup of iced coffee flavored with just a touch of Mohawk Valley Fire Moonshine from DikinDurt Distillery of Herkimer.  Just to give another shout-out.

So I think this has been a pretty good Scattered Saturday post (or do I flatter myself?).  Now I’ve got to get back to finishing my fixings. I do love to entertain.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

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I Ran, I Voted, Now I’m Blogging

Posted on June 20, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Well, that headline pretty much says it all; do we really need the actual post?  Of course we do!  At least, I do.  It turns out to be Tired Tuesday after all, but I will attempt to type a few moderately amusing paragraphs.

I knew all day that I was going to run.  I did not even feel that I had to talk myself into it; I was looking forward to it!  I think I mentioned that running has all of a sudden gotten fun again.  Naturally by the end of the day I had to remind myself that I did NOT need to be talked into running.  After all, I’m not a maniac. I even multi-tasked by putting a load of laundry into wash while I ran.

Alas, the run was not as much fun as I had anticipated.  It was not a bad run. I enjoyed more the parts in the shade, especially when the breeze was blowing.  It was a beautiful sunny day, such as many people adore. I confess to being more fond of a cloudy, gloomy sky.  No matter.  It was neither as hot nor as humid as yesterday, so I contented myself with that.  I did not run as far as I had run on Sunday; I was one minute shy of my next longest time.  It was quite the effort going for that long.  I mean, most of the run was not at all bad, but the longer I ran, the worser I felt (my computer seems to think “worser” is not a word, but it is exactly what I mean to say).  Well, I won’t get into a blow by blow of how I started out unhappy, got a little happier, then got progressively less happy and on down into relative misery (or have I said too much already?), because this is not a real Running Commentary post.

After getting the laundry into the dryer, hanging the non-dryables, taking my shower, drinking my recovery beverage, and checking my email, I reminded Steven that we had to go vote in the local elections.  He nicely fixed dinner first.

Everybody in Herkimer, NY had to go to the VFW to vote.  I felt lucky to find a parking space right in front of the building.  Additionally, there were no lines.  Score!  I was happy that Steven knew what district we are in, because I can never remember.  What cracked me up was that after we filled out our ballots we were to fold them and put them in this plastic tool box with a slit cut in the lid.  I love living in a small village!

Civic duty done, we returned home to vegetate in front of the television.  As soon as I finish this blog post.  I hope to crochet and watch Dateline.  Happy Tuesday, everybody.

 

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Wuss Out or Shout Out?

Posted on June 14, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

It is Wuss-out Wednesday, I’m afraid, but I hope to add a modicum of worthiness to the proceedings with a shout-out to a local business, the Miners’ Table in Herkimer, NY.

Steven and I first went to the Miners Table on a recent Sunday, and I hope to write an article about it for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  In fact, I have started writing the article.  Full disclosure:  I could have finished writing the article without returning to the place, but I wanted to go out.  So did Steven.  So we went.

We sat at the bar, as we did before, and ordered drinks and an appetizer.   I wandered around the restaurant with my Tablet, taking a few pictures.  I will submit the pictures with the article.  I suppose I could also use them in this post, but, like I said, this is Wuss-out Wednesday.

It was a fun interlude for mid-week.  We chatted a little with the bartender. She said it was a great place to work, where they treat their employees well. I told Steven he should apply for a job.  The appetizer we got, Hammer and Chisel Nachos, was as substantial as a meal.  I understand most people order it as a four-person appetizer, but I think it would still be pretty substantial.  The wine was tasty too.

The Miners’ Table is located at the Herkimer Diamond Mines, 4579 State Rt. 28, Herkimer, NY, 315-891-3463.

 

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Good Cup of Java

Posted on April 18, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was running down Main Street in Herkimer (or possibly up it; I’m not good with directions) when I saw a sign for The Java Shop by Cucino Berto.  Well, I am always on the lookout for a new place to sit, sip, and write.  I made up my mind to stop in soon.

I had been to the restaurant Cucino Berto when they were located at the Frankfort Marina.  According to their website, after two successful years there, Cucino Berto decided to relocate and rebrand.  They now offer Friday dinners at the Herkimer Elks Lodge as well as breakfast and lunch daily at The Java Shop.

The first time I stopped into the Java Shop was a Saturday afternoon, and it seemed to be crowded with people who knew the owner.  However, the gentleman behind the counter immediately greeted me and took my order.  I enjoy a home town shop supported by family and friends.  I hope to become, if not a friend, at least a regular customer.

I later learned that the Business and Professional Association of Herkimer had been there earlier to welcome them to the neighborhood.  That explained the balloons I saw hovering by the cash register.  I think it’s wonderful to see local businesses supporting each other.

The second time I tried to go to the Shop (the following Monday), it was closed for renovations.  The renovation was worth the wait: more seating and a more open feel.  I got there just after they opened on a Saturday and had a breakfast sandwich.  I chose a roll over a bagel (even though they had Everything Bagels, my favorite!), fried egg (with a broken yolk), ham and provolone.  Oh, was that a good sandwich!  The ham was sliced thin and the egg was cooked to perfection.

I had regular, fresh brewed coffee on each visit.  I tend to be a “regular coffee” kind of person, but they have a variety of coffees available.  You can even get a coffee flight and try three different kinds.  I’ve had beer flights but never a coffee flight.  Perhaps I should expand my horizons.

The Java Shop has a friendly, pleasant atmosphere.  I enjoyed to sit by myself and write in my notebook, but I will be happy to bring a friend or two as well.  After all, my husband Steven loves his coffee. He shouldn’t always have to brew his own!

The Java Shop is located at 143 N. Main St., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-717-7724.  They are open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  For more information you can visit the Cucino Berto website at https://cucinaberto.wordpress.com.

 

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yum, Yum, YUMMY Lunch!

Posted on April 12, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought I would give a shout-out to a local business in lieu of my usual Wuss-out Wednesday post (I figured out what day it is, after a little confusion yesterday).  I think I mentioned a recent breakfast my husband Steven and I enjoyed at Heidelberg Cafe in Herkimer, NY, during which I was quite interested in some of the lunch choices.  Well, I was fortunate to enjoy lunch there on Monday.  It did not disappoint.

I got The Veggie: sauteed mushrooms, peppers, onions and eggplant with Swiss on French Peasant Bread.  Steven got half a chicken salad sandwich with a cup of French Onion Soup.  His sandwich was on French Peasant Bread too.  Oh, was my sandwich delicious!  Every bite was a wonderful experience.  It was a little messy, though, so I ate it with a fork and knife.  Definitely worth the extra effort.  Steven nicely gave me a bite of his half sandwich, and it was yummy, too.

We purchased a loaf of French Peasant Bread to take home as well.  By a major effort of will, I did NOT get any further treats.  Not even an English Tea Cookie or the Carrot Cake that sat temptingly on the counter.  However, I had better not rhapsodize on the marvelous treats I passed up or I will find myself running to my vehicle and burning rubber out to Heidelberg before they close for the day.

Heidelberg Cafe and Bakery is located at 3056 State Rt. 28, Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-866-0999.

 

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Chardonnay on Lame Post Friday

Posted on March 31, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

OK, today is Lame Post Friday, and I am going to make a fast post, because my husband, Steven, has not been on the computer since this morning.  I can’t hog the laptop, after all.  So here is a quick shout-out to a few Herkimer, NY, businesses that made our Friday evening a little bit better.

First I went to Hot Spot Salon and Spa to get a hair cut.  I did not know quite what I wanted, but I wanted it to look good and I didn’t want to do to much myself to make it so.  Clair helped me out as always, and I left looking pretty damn good.

I went to Asteroga Ale House, where I got a glass of Chadornnay, sat down, and wrote on the next murder mystery till my husband, Steven, showed up.  I enjoyed sitting there amidst the Friday Happy Hour crowd, but after Steven showed up and had a glass of Chardonnay himself, I wanted some food and I didn’t feel like cooking.  Accordingly, we went to Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, where we had some food and, yes, another glass of Chardonnay.

This is looking like a Scattered Friday post, which lacks the alliteration of a Scattered Saturday.   Well, I can’t help that.  For one reason, I am home how and Steven has poured me yet another glass of Chardonnay.  I have to watch Snapped.  It is Friday, after all.  Happy weekend, everybody.

 

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Good Walk, Dull Post

Posted on February 16, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today I decided I would do what I should have done yesterday: put on my flood boots and walk instead of run.  Then I thought I could write a Pedestrian Post.  For one reason, I realized after I hit Publish that I did not even mention the weather yesterday and it was WONDERFUL!  I should have waxed rhapsodic on nature’s Preview of Coming Attractions.  OK, I have never waxed rhapsodic in my life, but I have always wanted to use that phrase in a sentence.

I second-guessed myself a I left work, because the walk to the parking lot was so dry and bare.  If the sidewalks of Herkimer were similar to that, I would feel bad for not running.  Then I thought there would probably be plenty of ice and puddles to walk through.  I was right.

The weather was even a little warmer than yesterday’s mid-40s.  Oh, it felt good.  I really, truly believed that spring is coming and will get here, and that is something that is often hard to believe in the middle of February.  I had on a raincoat and my crazy old lady hat.  I put a knitted headband in my pocked in case my ears got cold.  On the other hand (in fact, in the other pocket), I also carried my prescription sunglasses, in case it got too sunny.  Neither was needed, but I like to be prepared.

Right in front of my house was one of the iciest, puddliest patches.  That happens sometimes when you shovel a narrow path between snow banks, but what else can I do?  We are supposed to keep our sidewalks reasonably clear.  I try to at least do a shovel-width.  I walked slowly and carefully and was happy to get to a snowier patch further on.  I like walking in the snow.  I used to hate it, when I was always walking to get somewhere, sliding back a little for each step forward.  Now I appreciate the extra effort, because it may burn a few more calories.

I did not look around a whole lot at the scenery while I walked, because I had to be careful where I stepped.  I did not bring the Tablet to take pictures, because I felt there was too great a chance of me dropping it in a puddle.  I am quite clumsy.  So I guess that makes this a kind of a boring Pedestrian Post.  Sorry about that.

I walked for 35 minutes and feel pretty good about exercising two days in a row.  I’m going to go for three, and try to make it a daily habit.  I think it is good for me.  Eventually I hope to have more energy, so I can have more Mohawk Valley adventures, and write better blog posts.  I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

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Running Away From My Health Problems

Posted on February 2, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I think it is an impressive structure.

As I approached Herkimer’s Historic Four Corners on my run this afternoon, I remembered I had pictures in my Media Library I could include in today’s Running Commentary.  Lacking a really catchy lead, I decided to open with the Courthouse.

Yes, after almost two months, I returned to running today.  My tiresome health problems continue to dog me, but I figured taking it easy was not helping me, I might as well try a little exertion.  For another reason, I miss running, and I thought I saw a 10K going on somewhere nearby in April.  I can be ready to run a 10K in April.  Or I can run it anyways, if I’m not ready for it.  But I could be partially ready for it if I started running today.

It was 39 degrees according to my thermostat.  Not too warm for leggings and long sleeves.  I wore a new sports bra I bought some weeks ago.  Ooh, it was soft.  I must purchase more new sports bras.  I put a sweatshirt and bottle of water on the deck rail, ready for my cool-down walk, and got started.

Regular readers know I prefer to run on the sidewalk.  It is safer, and I find it more pleasant.  However, winter sidewalks, especially when things have been thawing and re-freezing, can be treacherous.  I chose the road, left side facing traffic, as we are supposed to do but many do not.  I regretted my choice when I turned onto German Street.  Too much traffic!  And mud puddles.  I decided to only go one block and turn down Henry, a quieter street.

Ah, much better.  I noticed the sidewalk did not look too bad and decided to try it.  Long stretches were bare and dry, some were merely wet.  I shuffled carefully over some icy patches.  There were sections of the road that looked worse than the sidewalk, but you’ll have that.  I alternated sidewalk and road, avoiding ice and icy puddles whenever possible.  I ran up Main Street, which in the downtown area had lovely stretches of bare, dry sidewalk.

I used to go to this church.

It was as I ran by Christ Episcopal Church, narrating in my head, that I remembered about the pictures.  There is nothing like pictures to pep up a blog post.  I was able to stay on the sidewalk till the 1834 Jail.

Is the picture less effective because you can see green lawn and leaves? Sorry if I have ruined the mood.

Continuing up Main Street in the road got a little scary, because traffic picked up and I had to go around parked cars.  Still, every time I looked at the sidewalk, I felt no inclination to go there.  German Street was no better, and traffic there was worse.  Yikes!  I only went one block on German then turned down Prospect.  Phew!

I had planned to run for 20 minutes, my usual goal when I have not been running in a while.  However, I made it for 26 minutes.  As I walked my cool-down, my legs felt TERRIFIC!  I kept repeating to myself, I must run or walk every day.  We’ll see how that goes tomorrow, when the temperature is supposed to drop, abruptly and considerably.  At least it will be Friday!

 

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Thelma Todd Tuesday

Posted on January 10, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

No, I am not watching a movie featuring Thelma Todd.  I am drinking a Hot Toddy.  Thelma Todd’s nickname was Hot Toddy, so sometimes I refer to my Hot Toddies as Thelma Todds.  It works for me.

So instead of having a Tired Tuesday or taking a Blogger’s Sick Day (and I almost literally took one, publishing nothing today and hoping to do two tomorrow), I decided to give a shout out to DikinDurt Distillery of Herkimer.  I decided that after making myself the aforementioned hot drink and coming up with my headline.

I made the toddy the way a doctor once told me, when I had a dreadful case of bronchitis.  He said it was merely hot tea, lemon, honey, and a shot.  He recommended whiskey or brandy.  I’ve used both and enjoyed them very much.  Today, however, I have on hand a bottle of Mohawk Valley Fire by DikinDurt Distillery, a local business I have mentioned here before as well as written about for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.   The flavored moonshine adds a nice cinnamony taste to my drink (and I do not care if “cinnamony” is not a word; it is what I mean).

The distillery is located at 115 Smith Rd., Herkimer, NY, phone number 315-868-1536.  The tasting room is open Thursday and Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m., Monday through Wednesday by appointment, closed Sunday.  Their fine products are available at many area liquor stores, a list of which is available on their website, https://www.dikindurt.com/.

 

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More Murder and Mayhem on Monday

Posted on January 9, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had a plan today that I was going to come home from work, write my postcards (which I neglected to do over the weekend), walk to the post office with them, take the long way home, then do a Pedestrian Post.  I felt certain there would be plenty to observe and comment on.  Herkimer is good that way.  Well, as my day at work wore on, I realized I am not feeling well.  Am I coming down with a cold?  SAY IT AIN’T SO!  In any case, coming home and lying down on the couch started sounding better and better.

When I left work, I felt happy that it was nowhere near as cold as it was all weekend.  How pleasant to walk to my vehicle and not have my face hurt!  I did not even mind that I had to brush wet, heavy snow off my SUV.  Ah yes, it snowed.  I had to utilize my 4-wheel drive to get into my driveway.  Damn!  Steven’s car is small and NOT 4-wheel drive. I figured I’d better do a little shoveling.

As I worked at it, a neighbor told me that Steven had done it once already, but the plow had been by again.  I thought that was nice of him to tell me, in case I was thinking unkind thoughts about my husband (I wasn’t).  I did not do a very good job shoveling, but I tried.  And I decided that could count as my exercise.

Anyways, now I am sitting on my couch, cooking, typing, and watching Snapped.  So I see that it is over 250 words into my post that the headline makes sense.  I find that highly amusing, but perhaps that is just me.  I ended yesterday’s post questioning my future as a blogger, but not feeling up to answering my questions.  I feel in the same state now. However, I have over 300 words and an alliterative headline.  I am going to hit Publish and hope for the best.

 

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