Tag Archives: Ilion NY

Not Enough Actors? Say It Ain’t So!

Posted on July 29, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went to the second night of auditions for Shattered Angel on Friday.  Once again, that is a play about a local historical murder being presented by the Herkimer County Historical Society in cooperation with Ilion Little Theatre (or is it “in conjunction” or “under the auspices of”?  I don’t know the details).   As it turns out, we have a slight problem.  Not enough actors showed up.

The background was from a different play.

There were enough folks there to read a couple of scenes.  Unfortunately, even with doubling parts, I don’t think we got enough to cast the play.

These guys read several time.

One fellow read but thought he could not do the show, because of his work hours.  Three weekends is a kind of a large commitment.

Another scene.

I read this scene on Wednesday.  I was just filling in, though, because there was nobody present who really qualified for the part I read, that of the young murderer (I didn’t need a spoiler alert for that; this is a murder play but not a murder mystery).

Another angle.

I wanted to include one shot with the director, Stephen Wagner.  He’s pretty cool.

So, local readers, are any of you actors?  Would you like to be in a play?  Go to the Ilion Little Theatre Club Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ilionlittletheatre/.   Send a message, write a post, call the theatre.  Older male actors are primarily needed.  Can anybody help us out?

 

Leave a comment

Posted in community theatre, humor, personal and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Pre-Audition Post After All

Posted on July 26, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I cannot, can not, CAN NOT take another blogger’s sick day.  My readers will think I am a hypochondriacal whiny baby!  I know, I know, we’re not supposed to care what others think about us.  On the other hand, I want readers, and I am sadly addicted to getting Likes.  Let’s just call it a common or garden Wuss-out Wednesday and drive on.

The title of today’s post was supposed to be “Pre-Audition Post,” which I may or may not have used before (I can’t be bothered checking now). I had planned to head to Ilion Little Theatre to watch (but not participate in) auditions for Shattered Angel, the play being presented by Herkimer County Historical Society.  There are only three female roles, and I don’t think any of them are good for me.  Moreover, I have a murder mystery with LiFT on one of the performance nights (more about that on a future post) (preview of coming attractions). However, I thought I could volunteer to do SOMETHING: costumes, props, prompter… AND I can write multiple blog posts to publicize the effort.

Not that I think they will need much help with publicity.  They sold out two weekends of Roxy, the play the historical society presented in 2015 (I was in that one; perhaps you read one or more of my blog posts about it) and turned people away.  Already they have sold tickets to Shattered Angel.  I’d better figure out when I want to go and purchase mine.

My problem is, I don’t feel so good.  I was kind of overcome with the heat and humidity at work this afternoon.  I got quite light-headed and had to sit down.  My nice friend Karen brought me some Gatorade, which helped.  Perhaps I should have some Gatorade now… There, I went and got a glass.  I am still feeling rather light-headed. Sorry to keep complaining.  I guess I am a kind of a hypochondriacal whiny baby.

Be that as it may, auditions for Shattered Angel are tonight (July 25) and Friday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at Ilion Little Theatre, 13 Remington Ave., Ilion, NY.  Well, maybe I will head over after all.

 

2 Comments

Posted in Community Events, humor, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

About That Parade…

Posted on July 22, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

As promised, here are a few pictures of the Doodah Parade, part of the Ilion Days festivities in Ilion, NY.  As a matter of fact, they are not of the whole parade but only of the Ilion Little Theatre contingent.  During the parade, I could not take a decent picture, because I was riding in the back of the pick-up truck.  I had enough to do to keep my own balance (with one epic fail).  Oh, I know, I could have sat quietly in the lawn chair, like I did last year.  But I was a wizard (in a witch hat).  It was more fun to wave my arms around casting spells on people.

The witch’s hat, sunglasses, necklace and bracelet were new additions to the costume since I wore it for the March of Dimes March for Babies.

The utterly fabulous red dress you can see in the background is my friend, Kim, who I stupidly did NOT get a picture of.  In my defense, it’s hard to take pictures with a Tablet in the bright sun;  I can barely see the screen.  But I got a few snaps.

Aar, mateys!

Alas, I don’t know how to crop, so the pirate family cannot be centered.  When I used to work for a newspaper, we cropped with an Exacto knife and a ruler.  That’s how old I am, in case you needed a reminder.

Luckily I got the shot before the balloon blew in front of her face.

I don’t know if you can tell how fabulous this costume was from the picture, but I liked it.  The lady wearing it said it was not too warm, despite being dark, because the fabric was lightweight.

Just a couple of candid shots.

Despite appearances, she did not float away.

This was after the parade, when we took all the balloons off the truck.  Last year, the girls got into letting them float away in memory of loved ones who passed.  I did not like to discourage them at the time, because it obviously meant a lot to them to do so. However, this year before anybody got that idea, I pointed out that it is very bad for wildlife and the environment.  So this sweet young lady ended up with all of them.

Of course we were properly identified.

This is last year’s banner, but it worked perfectly well.  It is a little wrinkly, because it was in the backseat of Kim’s vehicle as we drove to the parade grounds, and I could not keep from leaning against it.  Her car was a bit crowded, but I was grateful for the ride.

So one more Doodah Parade is in the books for Ilion Little Theatre.  I hope some of the people who enjoyed our “float” come to see some of our shows.

 

1 Comment

Posted in Community Events, humor, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Post Parade Lame Post

Posted on July 21, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

This IS a Lame Friday Post, and a Very Late Lame Post.  Yes, I participated in the Doodah Parade. It was a lot of fun.  After it was over, a few of us went to the Asteroga Ale House for drinks and food.  Now I am home and I must confess, not the least bit inclined to make a blog post. How appropriate for Lame Post Friday, is it not?

I had not thought I would be able to make the Doodah Parade.  For one reason, I had a doctor’s appointment I thought might last too late.  As I drove to the appointment, I noticed how people had already set out chairs to watch the parade.  They had left those chair unattended. How small town is that?  They left those chairs believing nobody would bother them before the parade!  Later on, somebody told me it must be just for the parade, because any other time, people would just say, “Ooh, look, free chairs!”

So I was delighted when my doctor appointment was over in time for me to get home, shower, and get into costume.  I wore my wizard dress with my witch hat.  Somebody took a picture of me, but I don’t know if it came out. I took a few pictures myself.  If I sufficiently bestir myself, perhaps I will share them tomorrow.  Once again, no promises.  I’m just happy I typed in a few words while it was still Friday.  As always, thank you for tuning in.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, Lame Post Friday, personal and tagged , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Can Hercule Poirot Solve My Doodah Dilemma?

Posted on July 19, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

It is Wednesday, isn’t it?  It’s that day when you want to be happy that there is only one more day between you and Friday (if you are fortunate enough to have weekends off, which I do and I am grateful for) (don’t hate me if you don’t), only you’re not, because you just realized you ARE going to do a theatre thing on Friday that you thought you were not going to do, so you only have one day to get a costume together.

Yes, it’s always drama with me.  It’s not even a real theatre-y thing I have to do: merely, Ilion Little Theatre is marching in the Doodah Parade as part of Ilion Days on Friday, July 20.  I don’t even have to march: my friend Kim said I could ride in the truck.  I don’t even have to wear a costume.  I could wear my t-shirt from Roxy, a play I was in a few years ago (perhaps you read some of my blog posts about it).  However, I am the sort of person that when I CAN wear a costume, I DO.

What to wear, what to wear, what to wear?  Something bold enough to show up as a costume from the truck, but something light enough to not kill me in 88-degree weather.  Maybe a hat.  Maybe an umbrella.  I’d like to wear my tiara, but I don’t have a fancy dress.  I have one day to get to a thrift store!  How do I get myself into these things!

In the meantime, I just spent some two hours sitting crocheting and watching Murder on the Orient Express (1974) with my husband, Steven.  I can’t even begin to tell you how delighted I was that I could work on an afghan in comfort, in between hot flashes, even if I had to have the fan on me to do it.  At least I can pep up my Wuss-out Wednesday post with a picture.

Hercule Poirot tells them what’s what.

This was the first star-studded Agatha Christie romp Steven and I enjoyed together, back in the 1990’s.  He had seen it in the theatre when it came out in 1974.  We need to see the newer Kenneth Branagh version.  Perhaps I’ll write a blog post about it when we do, although I usually write about older movies, preferably the cheesy sort.

In the meantime, I see I am close to 400 words.  That’s respectable for a blog post, especially on Wuss-out Wednesday.  Anyways, now that the movie is over, I have to get back to having my panic attack over what I’m going to wear to the Doodah Parade.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, personal, Wuss Out Wednesday and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Smooth Coffee before Groceries

Posted on July 11, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

In lieu of my usual Tired Tuesday post (anyways, I was pretty tired yesterday), I give a brief shout-out to a local business I have talked about before: Moose River Coffee in Ilion, NY.  Steven and I wanted to do some shopping at our local Aldi’s, so I suggested breakfast out.  Do we not deserve a treat before braving a crowded grocery store?

Moose River Coffee has got to be my favorite cuppa in the Mohawk Valley, and probably anywhere else as well.  It is just SO SMOOTH!  Additionally, I have been dying for a bagel, and I knew they usually have some in the morning.  They had Everything Bagels!  My favorite!  I ordered one with cream cheese while Steven got cinnamon raisin with butter.  We both got a regular coffee.

As we munched and sipped, we looked around at the cozy setting. I love the wooden tables and the cozy couch.  We sat at a tall table this time, but we have enjoyed the couch on another visit.  Silly me to not bring my Tablet and take a few pictures. Ooh, good excuse to go there again soon!

Moose River Coffee is located at 70 Otsego St., Ilion, NY, phone number 315-895-0490.  Their website is http://mooserivercoffee.com/.  You can also Like them on Facebook.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, local business, personal and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Tasting and Typing on Lame Post Friday

Posted on July 7, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was all set to make my Friday Lame Post when Steven said, “Write about our tastings!”  So I will.

Earlier today, I thought we were into the relaxing portion of the day (full disclosure: we have been pretty relaxed all week since I’ve been off work).  I knew there was a wine tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, but I don’t have to go to every possible wine tasting.  Then I saw on Facebook that Beer Belly Bob was having a beer tasting.  I don’t have to go to every possible beer tasting either, but all of a sudden, going to two tastings sounded like a fun thing to do!  I put my jewelry (and my bra) (please do NOT tell me TMI!) back on and off we went.

The wine tasting only featured two wines:  Harken Chardonnay and Exitus, a red blend.  The lady pouring (I stupidly did not ask her name) said the Chardonnay was buttery but not too oaky.  I’m not nuts about buttery Chardonnays, but I gave it a try.  I felt it was distinctive, not too buttery, but I wasn’t nuts about it.  The Exitus, though, was yummy.  It was Bourbon barrel aged so had a higher alcohol content, 16 percent.  Yikes!  Well, just a small taste was fine.  We purchased a bottle, which we will save for a special occasion.

On to Route 51 Beer Belly Bob’s Discount Beverage Center in Ilion!  I mention as an aside: this was our second trip to Ilion for booze.  Earlier we went to Ilion Wine and Spirits for a bottle of Barefoot Pinot Noir, one of my favorites.  One reason we like Ilion Wine and Spirits is that they are big supporters of Ilion Little Theatre.  All kinds of local shout-outs today!

Adirondack Brewery was offering samples today.  A few people were already enjoying tastes.  I right away grabbed a cracker and some Original Herkimer Cheese Spicy Tomato Chutter, which was on the bar.  I loves me some Original Herkimer Cheese!

Stacy (I remembered to ask her name) poured us some Hefeweizer.  She was very good at keeping track of who had tasted what, pouring for several people at once as she was.  We liked the Hefeweizer as well as the Bobcat Pilsner we tried next.  Those were our favorites, although we also tried and liked Bear Naked Amber, Tangerine Dream Dirty Pale Ale, Wildest Dreams, and Bear Wizz Root Beer.  I took detailed notes about each of these.  At least, I took notes.  But I guess it is still Lame Post Friday, because I’m not going to go on about them.

We purchased a mixed 12-pack, because that was the only way our two favorites were available.  I considered purchasing some of the root beer, because I thought it would make a great float with chocolate ice cream, but regular beer won.  I’ll keep the Bear Wizz in mind for future purchases.

We are now back home. I fixed a quick dinner, and we are definitely back to the relaxing portion of the evening.  Happy Friday, everyone.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, Lame Post Friday, local business, personal and tagged , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

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.

 

2 Comments

Posted in humor, local business, personal, Scattered Saturday and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Scattered or Slacker, It’s Saturday

Posted on June 17, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’ve never been so popular the whole town would chase me.

I pause in our viewing of Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) to make my Scattered Saturday post.  I had been going to do a Saturday Running Commentary, and we took a nice walk, making a Pedestrian Post perfectly eligible.  But I thought waiting till later in the day and posting during a movie would be fun, too.

My run was actually very good, even though I woke up with a headache.  I had coffee, Gatorade, and water before the run.  The headache did not slow me down but neither did it go away during the run.  You’ll have that sometimes.  After writing a few post cards, Steven graciously agreed to go for a walk with me.  We first walked to First Source Federal Credit Union to deposit a check, going by way of some construction at the end of our street, so we could check the progress.  I think it’s going to be a while.

We cut through Meyers Park to get to the post office.  Before I mailed my cards, I noted on the bulletin board a program at the Herkimer County Historical Society to be given by Sue Perkins, society director, on Wednesday, June 20 (preview of coming attractions).  I told Steven I would like to go.

“What’s it about?”  he asked.

“I don’t remember, but Sue Perkins, Historical Society, that’s all I need to know.”  I later noted in the paper it is about how Herkimer used to look vs. how it looks now. I am quite interested.

After the post office, we stopped at Basloe Library, then went home.  A short time later we left again to pick up a prescription of mine at The Medicine Shoppe in Illion, with Steven making a quick foray into Ilion Wine and Liquor.  My headache still had not gone away, so I laid down for a while when we got home again.

I guess we did not do such a lot to make this a really good Scattered Saturday post. Maybe more of a Slacker Saturday?  No matter. There are movies to be watched and wine to be enjoyed.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

Leave a comment

Posted in humor, personal, Scattered Saturday, Slacker Saturday and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

May Pizza!

Posted on May 3, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Steven and I celebrated today’s extremely warm weather with a short walk and dinner out.  I had meant to make a Pedestrian Post and took my Tablet on the walk in hopes of finding some of them there May flowers to take pictures of.  That did not work out so well.  I tried to take a picture of two trees starting to get leaves, but all I could see on the Tablet was the reflection of my own stupid face. No, I did not have it in “selfie” mode;  it was the result of the bright sun on the black screen.  I think.  I did not continue to look at it, because the angle was really showing up my middle-age turkey neck.  I don’t mind getting old, but there is no reason to stare at some things.

The sun was bright and hot; shade and breeze were not plentiful, but what we encountered was appreciated.  No, I am NOT complaining.  I would have enjoyed authentic spring weather, but I’ll take summer.  I said we should sit out on the deck with a couple of beers, but we were hungry and going out to eat sounded really, really good.  I suggested Franco’s Pizza in Ilion.  I had been there for the first time on a recent Scattered Saturday, but Steven had never been.

The restaurant was not crowded, but a few people were ahead of us ordering at the counter.  That was OK, since we needed time to peruse the boards and decide what to get.  We were still debating when it was our turn, so the counter person was able to help the person behind us who was picking up an order.  We saw a few people picking up orders they had called in.  Maybe we’ll do that next time.

At last we decided on a small, thin crust garlic pizza with sausage and mushrooms with ten butter-garlic wings.  We split a bottle of Dasani.  We sat at a tall table and enjoyed the retro ’50’s decor as well as the sunshine coming through the large windows.   The food was delicious, and we brought home leftovers.  Pizza for breakfast, my favorite!

Franco’s Pizza is located at 6 Central Plaza, Ilion, NY, phone number 315-894-5580.  For more information, you can visit their website at www.francosilion.com.  You can also Like them on Facebook.  I did.

 

7 Comments

Posted in humor, local business, personal, Uncategorized and tagged , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
Newer Posts →