Tag Archives: herkimer ny

I Dither

Posted on October 5, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

As I contemplate the upcoming weekend, I feel fairly certain of making the wrong decision.

Last year I participated in the Superhero Sprint sponsored by Herkimer Now. I was a supervillianess, The Evil Woman CinCin, arch nemesis of The Tabbiest, which is, of course, the super alter ego of my beloved schnoodle, Tabby. This year’s Sprint is this weekend.

Also happening this weekend is the Sitrin Stars and Stripes Run/Walk to raise money for Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program. I had said I would walk with my friend Sherry from Curves. Sherry is a real Curves success story. She has lost a tremendous amount of weight and really turned her health around. Her doctor raves about all the improvements she has made.

One of the goals Sherry set for herself when she started at Curves was to walk a charity walk. One reason she picked this one is to walk for her Uncle Leo, a veteran. She has gotten a whole team together.

I had originally hoped to participate in both events, thinking the Superhero Sprint would be in the afternoon, as it was last year. But no, both events are in the morning.

And so I dither (I know, always go with your strengths). I lean toward the Sitrin Walk, in the first place because I told my friend long ago I would walk a charity walk with her.

Also, how can I put this, it is more the middle-aged lady thing to do. Of course, not everybody on Sherry’s team is a middle-aged lady. However, I believe the average age skews higher than the Superhero Sprint. The Superhero Sprint, to be honest, is really more for little kids and their families. Of course, Tabby substitutes as a kid for me, but you see what I mean.

Also on the negative side for The Sprint is that I have no idea where my Evil Woman CinCin outfit is. It is not something I had other occasions to wear.

On the positive side for The Sprint, it is local. Tabby and I can walk to the starting line. I’m not even sure where SUNYIT is (I think it’s at SUNYIT).

I was lamenting my dilemma at work, but the only advice my co-worker gave me was to do what I wanted to do. That was no help, because at this point, what I really want to do is stay home and work in my yard. And go running. Not to mention at least three rummage sales in the area. Oh dear.

I’m thinking whatever I decide to do, I’ll probably be able to get a blog post out of it.

For more information on the walk, here is Sherry’s website: www.crowdrise.com/sherry-2013sitrinsstarsandstri/fundraiser/sherrythompson. For more information on the Superhero Sprint, you can visit Herkimer Now’s Facebook page.

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An Attempt at a Pedestrian Post

Posted on September 27, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

Determined not to spend another post kvetching about my symptoms (well, not the WHOLE post), I came home and took Tabby for a walk. I thought I could check out the state of Halloween decorations in the neighborhood and make a full report.

For one thing, it was (and still is as I type this) a beautiful day. Warm, sunny, blue skies. This is why people love September! As I drove home from work, I saw at least three people out walking their dogs. It was obviously the day for it.

Unfortunately, I wanted nothing more than to lie down, stare at the ceiling and let the room spin (this is the kvetching part which I really cannot restrain myself from including). Over the counter remedies were not the miracle I was hoping for. I spent a good part of the day telling myself that Not As Crappy was at least an improvement. Still, dogs like to take walks, and I thought some gentle exercise in the fresh air and sunshine might help.

I got out the door as soon after coming home as possible, in case I came up with a clever and irrefutable reason not to go. I changed from my steel-toed work shoes into running shoes and grabbed a poop bag. I put on my prescription sunglasses and did not even bother carrying my clear ones. It was that sunny. Oh, and I found my crazy old lady hat. The wide brim was most welcome.

Tabby was so excited, she almost couldn’t be still while I put the leash on her. I hoped she didn’t think we were walking down to meet Steven. Once we started walking, she seemed more interested in sniffing every pole, tree and random patch of grass than in checking out the cars that went by (she doesn’t know from cars; she thinks Steven is in all of them). I let Tabby sniff almost as much as she wanted to. For one thing, that gave me a chance to stand still.

Down Bellinger Street and Church Street towards the Historic Four Corners. That comprised three blocks, by which time I realized that, standing while Tabby sniffed notwithstanding, I was not up to a long walk. I pulled her towards German Street, so we could just go around two blocks. She did not want to do that. When Tabby does not want to go, she stands perfectly still and looks at you. Then she pulls you in the direction she wants to go.

For a minute I let her pull me. Then I looked all the way down Main Street and thought that I just couldn’t do it. I turned us back toward German. She baulked. Finally I compromised by crossing the street. This she seemed most anxious to do, not even wanting to wait for passing traffic (we did, however). Then she still wanted to go south. I won the argument, and soon Tabby was walking along perfectly nicely as if this was the way she had wanted to go all along.

Well, will you look at this. I’m over 500 words and I have not even mentioned the Herkimer scenery. Unfortunately, there were very few Halloween decorations to be seen. No matter. It’s supposed to be even better weather this weekend and SURELY my sinus problems will have resolved themselves by then.

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Nothing Wrong with That

Posted on September 21, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I realize I cannot go on running merely one day per week. However, that was hardly a reason NOT to run today. So I did. First I did some running around which I hoped would prove blog-worthy. That’s still marinading in my brain. I want to have some Saturday Running Commentary today.

So it was later than usual when I started out my run, a little after ten. It was warmer than it has been, but I hoped not too warm for me. At least I wouldn’t need a headband to cover my years, and my hands would not get stiff. I got my gear on and took off.

Down German Street I went, in the direction of the hills by Valley Health or up to HCCC but on the wrong side of the street. I did not feel up to hills. When I got to Caroline Street, I stopped to pet a lady’s dog. I interrupted her cellular conversation to ask permission, which she granted. Then I heard her say into the phone, “Yes, I’m outside. A lady running by just stopped to pet Emma.” I ran on.

It quickly became clear that I was going to find the shade more comfortable than the sun. I thought of myself as a shade-seeking rather than a heat-seeking missile, but way I run really has nothing to do with the way most missiles move.

I thought of running by the high school, but saw two vehicles pull in then noticed two people walking on the grounds. They may have been picking up trash, but I could not see very well. I continued on the sidewalks, picking the side of the street with more shade.

Going down one street, I saw two ladies talking in a driveway on the other side of the street with a little white dog not on a leash. I thought about calling out and asking if I could pet the dog if I crossed the street. Then I thought one of the ladies looked familiar. Then I recognized the dog as my friend Nicky. I crossed the street and went right up to him. He sat nicely and waited for me, much the same way Pudge the pug does, only Pudge is more wiggly when I finally get to him.

“Hi, Nicky, good boy!” I said, also, greeting his person.

“You’re out later than you usually are,” she said.

“I know, I wasn’t going to run till tomorrow, then I said, ‘Ah, I gotta do it!'”

“It’s a beautiful day for it.”

It really was. I enjoyed the shade, but it was not sweltering in the sun and it was not really humid. I confess my body did not feel as happy about running as it has at other times. However, when I finished the run (equaling last week’s time, by the way) and was walking my cool-down with Tabby, I found myself thinking, “Ah, I love running.” Then I kind of laughed at myself. What I guess I meant was I love to have run. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

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Me and the Yellow Cable

Posted on September 20, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I believe I’ve mentioned that I am not the most computer savvy blogger you may encounter. OK, I’m completely stupid about them, and I’m still dwelling in the twentieth century if not before. I was utilizing understatement. Sheesh!

Given my technological naivete, I was not clear on how to proceed when my sister gave me a tablet she no longer used. A friend told me I needed a wireless router. I did not know what that was. Several ladies at Curves tried to explain. I still didn’t quite get it, but thought I could go to Radio Shack and buy one and trust that things would eventually become clear.

Of course chain stores are not a favorite of Mohawk Valley Girl, but I must say Radio Shack in Herkimer, NY is a very good place to shop. The guys that work there are patient and helpful. I went home with a box and high hopes.

Did you know you no longer have to read instructions for things? You get a CD you put in your computer and it talks you through it with pictures! So simple, even a Cindy can operate it.

I still screwed it up.

Well, you see, there was this cable I was supposed to plug into the router and then the modem, but there seemed to be no place on the modem for it (I was happy enough I figured out which was the modem). I called Radio Shack (as they nicely told me I could do) and found out I could unplug the yellow cable. Excellent! Now a place for every wire.

Didn’t work.

This time the instructions on the computer offered me a link that promised to help. I re-plugged in the yellow cable and tried it.

I guess I’m not being really explanatory about what I did. More computer savvy readers are either laughing their heads off at me or saying, “What the blankety-blank did she do?” Less computer savvy readers are perhaps more sympathetic as they, too, did not know what to do with the yellow cable.

Be all that as it may, at last my computer told me I was successfully set up to be wireless. I happily turned on the tablet. I clicked here, I clicked there, ooh, there was the name of the router. I typed in the password.

Only to read that the device is not set up for wireless internet.

Huh?

I should mention that I had done all this without benefit of supper. I ate something, I made my blog post, I went downstairs and watched television. I will work on this wireless stuff another day.

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A Walk with Herkimer Now

Posted on September 19, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

Tuesday night, Steven, Tabby and I took a walk with Herkimer Now.

Herkimer Now is a committee whose aim is to revitalize downtown Herkimer, NY. I read in the newspaper about the North Main Street Walk. Steven was off work that day, I was home for work by that time, and Tabby is always ready to take a walk.

We walked from our house to the park by Basloe Library, where the walk began. A number of people had already gathered and were standing around chatting. I was reminded that Basloe is open till seven Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. I told Steven we’d have to come down one evening soon (preview of coming attractions). He agreed.

A lady from WUTR was there talking to some of the committee members. They were discussing who might talk on camera. Mayor Mark Ainsworth was there as well as a gentleman on the village board (sorry, didn’t get his name). The WUTR lady would also want to talk to a member of the general public. I told Steven he should do it. He is photogenic and articulate, and he had just gotten a hair cut. He was not enthused.

Kathy Penree (I thought to ask her name) extended a welcome to everyone present and said a few words about the purpose of the walk: to rebuild a presence on Main Street. We set out, heading south. There were over 20 present, and we spread out as we walked. It was a beautiful evening for it, the sun still shining, not too much breeze. I was glad I had worn a sweatshirt but did not need to put the hood up.

Long-time residents reminisced about what used to be in various places. There have been many changes even since Steven and I arrived in the area in 2003 (good grief, ten years ago!). Everybody lamented the empty storefronts and praised remaining businesses who were doing their best to look spiffy. One lady was making notes of code violations to pass on to the village. I’ve read where the village is anxious to crack down on these things but needs people to report them.

We walked almost the State Street (State Route 5) then crossed the street and went back up the other side. Work was in progress in one place that used to hold a club. Somebody said a restaurant was going in there. We saw people currently working in the old Pizza Boys place. A committee member knocked on the door and asked: it is going to be another pizzeria.

“You can’t have too many pizzerias in a college town,” I opined. Others agreed. I admitted to eating pizza myself, even if not a college student.

The WUTR lady was still looking for a member of the public to talk on camera. When nobody stepped forward, I finally said I would do it. Oh, I know some of you readers are shaking your heads with a smug, superior look, thinking I LEAPED at the chance to be on camera and am merely pretending modesty (you know who you are) (even if you deny the smug look). Well, it isn’t true. I haven’t watched the newscast yet (Steven DVR’d it), but I am quite certain I look ridiculously dorky and only hope nobody I know happened to catch the news.

The group adjourned to Christ Episcopal Church for coffee and donuts. Steven and I were happy about this, because we knew it would be OK if Tabby went inside. She has been in that church’s social hall before. Anybody who heard I was on the South Beach Diet will be pleased to know I did not eat a donut.

It was a very pleasant walk. Another one is planned for Oct. 8. For more information on Herkimer Now, you can Like their Facebook page.

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My Thoughts Run Away With Me

Posted on September 14, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went running this morning for two reasons. First, I need a blog post. Second, when I got dressed to go do laundry (I got up EARLY this morning), I felt fat.

“I feel like I’ve gained back all the weight I ever lost,” I wailed to Steven. As usual, he did not know what to say. In his defense, what could he say? Anyways, I knew it wasn’t true. However, one cannot always help what one feels.

Be that as it may, as soon as I got home from the laundromat, I got into my running clothes. As I mentioned yesterday (if any of you nice people read it), the temperature has dropped around here. Still, I thought bicycle shorts and a t-shirt would be OK. I added a headband, in case of cold ears, just to be on the safe side.

I was soon glad of the headband, and wished I had something for my hands. Never mind, I didn’t need to use my hands for anything. They could get cold and stiff. I wasn’t going to be running long enough to do any permanent damage, not by a long shot.

I thought I could equal my last week’s time of 25 minutes. I reflected as I ran that one cannot run only once a week and expect to get into good running shape. Still, I have to start somewhere. I’m not in completely flabby shape, because I work out at Curves three times a week.

As I ran, I reflected on the differences between running and working out at Curves. Curves is more intense, and there is a lot more going on. Peppy music plays, other ladies working out make funny jokes, you move from machine pad to machine. Altogether a great deal more variety is involved. When running, the entertainment comes from one’s own thoughts and the slowly (very slowly in my case) changing scenery. Oh, I know, some people run with headphones in their ears. I prefer to be aware of my surroundings.

So I felt a little pleased with myself, providing my own entertainment, as it were. I enjoyed the leisurely pace, and the grey day around me. I looked at the houses I ran by and speculated on their possible occupants. I enjoyed my own thoughts.

And then my thoughts took a turn for the worse.

It’s a terrible thing, how sometimes you just let your thoughts wander and they wander right over to something that pissed you off. Then you start thinking about how it pissed you off, and how you were justified in being pissed off, and what steps you will take to keep such a thing from pissing you off in the future. And would they work?

Then I realized I was being rather ridiculous and ruining my nice run. So I tried to think about something else. Mostly I started thinking about the weather, which seemed to have gotten colder. I thought running was supposed to warm me up! I hoped the cold air would not give me a raging sinus headache, as it was clearly threatening to do. No matter, I told myself. A hot shower and a cup of hot tea would cure my ills.

Well, I have not had the tea yet, but the shower felt pretty good (what, you didn’t think I ran straight to the computer in all my sweat and started typing this, did you?). I’m not sure that it was a good run, but I made my 25 minutes. Oh, and I forgot to mention that I ran up the hill by Valley Health. So I am glad I ran. Now to get on with the rest of my day.

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Walking into the Weekend

Posted on September 14, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

After two days of 80+ degree weather, things cooled off here in the Mohawk Valley. Therefore, after supper, I suggested Steven, Tabby and I take a walk, so I could write my blog post about that, rather than my usual Lame Post Friday schtick.

Full disclosure: Earlier in the day, I had told myself that if it did not rain, I would go running and write my post about that. Imagine my chagrin when, on leaving work, I discovered that it was NOT raining. In my defense, I had spent a good portion of the day with a rather debilitating headache, such as I am unfortunately subject to. I try not to complain about my headaches overly much, but I do just mention them, especially when they prevent me from doing something I intended to do.

This being Lame Post Friday, I could now go into some half-baked philosophy about how what to me is “merely mentioning” is to somebody else “pissing, moaning and whining like a baby.” Somebody unpleasant, no doubt. Never mind, I’m writing about our walk.

Steven and I put on sweatshirts over our t-shirts. Tabby, of course, had her natural fur coat. Steven and I felt a little chilly right off the bat, especially when the wind blew. Tabby seemed fine. Then again, Tabby ran up and down the backyard barking excitedly while Steven smoked a cigarette. I’ll have to try that sometime. Maybe not the barking. We’ll see.

We decided to walk the Tabby way. She pulled us down Bellinger Street toward Myers Park. We like to go through the park. I admired some flowers still blooming on a neighbor’s porch. We discussed garden plans for next year, and Steven shared some gardening memories from his childhood.

It felt very good to walk, and I enjoyed the fall-like temperature. Our walk lasted about a half hour. It was not very eventful, but we enjoyed it. Now we will continue to enjoy our Friday night and the rest of the weekend. I’m hoping more blogworthy adventures will ensue.

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On To The Produce

Posted on September 11, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I thought, being as I am Mohawk Valley Girl, it would behoove me to mention that I stopped by the Herkimer, NY, Farmer’s Market on Monday.

The stop was part of some wild gyrations that enhanced (or made hideous) my Monday. I was going to write about that, but thinking about it made me tired all over again. I think a short shout-out to the Farmer’s Market and I’m out of here.

The Herkimer Farmer’s Market has had various homes over the years, but I think I like their current one best. It is in the parking lot of the large building owned by HARC at 420 E. German St. This provides lots of space and lots of parking. I had no problem pulling in and finding a space.

Full disclosure: Steven and I actually stopped by the Farmer’s Market last Monday, Labor Day. I did not feel we got the full effect, however, since some vendors were not there due to the holiday. We had purchased a Halloween dish towel with one of those crochet things you can attach to a drawer handle. I love those dish towels with the crochet thing. We also got some grape tomatoes. Yum.

This past Monday I was in the market for tomatoes again, one big one this time. The produce stand was at the opposite end from where I started. So first I sampled some Three Village Cheeses. I believe I’ve given Three Village Cheese a shout out before. An excellent product. I purchased some Havarti, mentally revising my dinner plans to include cheese.

I also impulse bought two breakfast granola cookies. I foolishly neglected to get a business card or make note of that vendor’s name. Perhaps I shall return to the market next Monday and repair that omission.

On to the produce. I wavered for a moment: $1 for one big tomato or $4 for five? But I couldn’t bear to buy more tomato than needed and let them go bad before I ate them. I went for the one.

I was pleased with my purchases and pleased to have a Mohawk Valley attraction to mention in my blog. The Herkimer Farmer’s Market is on Mondays from 1 to 7 p.m.

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Thanks, Nicky!

Posted on September 8, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have missed running. I have been trying to make it to Curves three times a week, so I get exercise, but it is not the same. I committed to a year at Curves, which is almost up. I told them I would be taking a break and going back to running. I still have this month and next to go to Curves, after which I will seriously apply myself. In the meantime, I thought a Saturday morning run would be a good idea.

I debated whether to run before or after Steven left for work, but decided to go while the going was good. I confess to feeling a little excited to run after all this time (did not check my running journal to see how long it has actually been. Too long is all I know). I put on bicycle shorts and a large t-shirt, because it was 50something out. I grabbed a headband, in case my ears got cold.

Right away I felt terrific. It was a little after 6:30. I waved and called good morning to our paper deliverers. They are awesome. I always get my paper in a timely fashion. They have quite a large delivery area, it seems.

Right away I could cross German Street, so I did. I might run the hill by Valley Health! I usually don’t get that ambitious on a run when I’ve had a long layoff, but like I said, I felt terrific! Then I remembered the closed road up ahead and was afraid I would have to run in the road on the right side with traffic. I can’t do that! Left side facing traffic, always!

I crossed back at the next corner. Anybody watching me might assume I was crossing back and forth to make my run longer. Or they could think I was a crazy old lady. What do I care what anybody thinks?

The terrific feeling, of course, did not last. It didn’t matter. Being a first run after a layoff, expectations are not high. I could run slow. I didn’t have to run very far or very long. I could even stop and walk if I had to, although I did not expect to have to. One thing I know how to do is keep up at least a slow shuffling run for just about as long as I decide to.

I ran all the way down German street, then around that corner. Hmmm…. down Church to Main? I might be walking on Main with Tabby later. Down Graham, then Park Avenue to Myers Park. My hands got cold, but I ignored them. My ears got cold, but I pulled the headband over them and was comfortable. Through the park and to Prospect Street. I would run for 20 minutes. I had thought 15 would be acceptable in a pinch, but I knew I could make it for 20.

Heading up Prospect, the owner of Curves drove by on her way to work.

“First you run, then you go to Curves!” she called.

“I will run to Curves!” I told her. I meant that figuratively, of course.

Up Prospect to Church. I saw a cute little dog on Church Street (I guess I describe all dogs as cute; this one appeared to be part poodle). I would have liked to pet it, but the person turned away to walk up Prospect away from me. I could have continued towards it, but since the person might have been trying to avoid me, I kind of didn’t like to.

Turning down Church, which goes to my street, I figured I could run past the house and maybe through the parking lot of the apartment building at the end of the street to make my 20 minute goal. Or I could go another block, up Henry and around. That might make it a 22 or 23-minute run. That was doable.

Then I saw a little white dog up ahead. Was that my friend Nicky? I wanted to pet Nicky! This necessitated my running past Henry and crossing the street.

“Hi, Nicky! Good dog, good to see you!” He graciously allowed me to pet him. “Nice to see you too,” I said to his person.

“You too. Have a good run. You’ve got nice weather for it!”

“I do!” No time for more as I ran up Margaret and made for home. That made it a 25-minute run. Woohoo! I’ll be back in shape in no time!

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Breakfast with Rachel

Posted on September 2, 2013 by mohawkvalleygirl

I put Rachel’s name in the title, so she can pretend she’s famous. At least, perhaps she is famous in certain circles, but I don’t think my blog will increase her fame. I’m afraid my blog is a little rinky-dink compared to some. Still, I like it.

Where was I? Ah yes, forgoing Wrist to Forehead Sunday for once (I hope) to write a little about my breakfast with my friend, and to give another shout-out to Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner.

When Rachel told me she would be passing close enough to Herkimer, NY to stop for a brief visit, she suggested we meet at one of those yummy places I write about. Since we would be meeting for a latish breakfast, I thought she would like Crazy Otto’s.

Obviously, lots of people like Crazy Otto’s. They didn’t have a booth free, so we sat at the counter. I pointed out the Georgia license plate Steven and I contributed to the decor. She was suitably impressed.

After hearing the specials we perused the menu. I picked something I had never noticed before, French toast with coconut flakes. Rachel wanted pancakes with eggs. This came with choice of meat. The waitress recommended sausage, which I must say looked pretty good. I may have to have another meal at Crazy Otto’s soon so I can try it.

It was really wonderful to sit and talk with a friend I had not seen in years. I only felt bad that it was just a meal and not the whole weekend. I guess anybody who knows me knows I could talk for three days at a stretch, but I would have let Rachel talk, too.

As I write this (I am composing at the keyboard, just to give you the proper mental image), I feel a bout of Wrist to Forehead coming on. Rachel read yesterday’s post, where I said I would write a post about our breakfast. She expressed (via Facebook comment) that she was looking forward to reading what we talked about. I commented back that now I felt the pressure to come up with something profound. Well, everything Rachel says is naturally profound, but this blog, not so much.

Never mind, we had a lovely breakfast, and I hope it is not another eight years till we see each other again. If you are meeting a friend you saw eight years ago, or one you just saw yesterday, or eating breakfast by yourself, I recommend Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner. Their website is www.crazyottosempirediner.com. You can also like them on Facebook.

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