Tag Archives: Little Falls NY

Another Good Breakfast

Thursdays I usually meet a few of my friends from the Elks Club for breakfast.  Looking back at the last couple of blog posts, I see I eat out a lot.  Well, one must eat after all, and why not put some money into the local economy as well?  So I was happy to drive to Little Falls to Ann Street Restaurant and Deli.

It looks like they still have their Christmas decorations outside.

The sign says, “Restaurant and Deli,” but their Facebook page is “Ann Street Deli,” and I usually hear it referred to as Ann Street Deli.  I add this purely for information’s sake. I remembered to take a picture before going in, so I would have an illustration for my blog post.  I have eaten at Ann Street many times, for breakfast or lunch.  It is a very popular spot, for good reason.

I had one of my favorites: a sandwich with egg, ham and cheese on a grilled hard roll.  One of my companions asked for mayonnaise on his sandwich (I forget which kind he got), and I said, “Oh yeah, put mayonnaise on my sandwich, too!”  I got into putting mayonnaise on my breakfast sandwiches in the army.  A friend who was from Alabama used to do it, and when I was in Georgia, the Waffle House automatically brought a packet of mayo with your sandwich.   I thought it was a southern thing.

Of course I had coffee and a glass of water.  And I enjoyed some good conversation.  Looking around, I saw that Ann Street is a gathering place as well as a restaurant.  There were a lot of groups of various sizes enjoying each other’s company as well as a good breakfast.

Ann Street Deli is located at Canal Place, Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-823-3290.

 

That Little Breakfast

I found myself in Little Falls, NY and hungry this morning, so I made my way down Main Street and enjoyed a good breakfast at That Little Place on Main Street.

That is exactly what it is.

It is indeed a little place, but I found a booth with no problem, and the waitress brought me a menu.  By the time she brought my coffee and water (I almost always ask for water), I knew what I wanted: a breakfast sandwich on a hard roll with egg and cheese.  I had been smelling bacon from the sidewalk, but decided to be calorically conservative.

As I waited for my food, sipping coffee and working on a letter to my sister Diane, a regular sitting at the bar was giving the waitress a hard time, as regular customers like to do.  I came to her defense.  He said a few other things, and I did not hesitate to join in the conversation.  You can do those things when you’re a crazy old lady.  At one point, he said his wife said he looked like a homeless person.  I told him to tell her it was Boho Chic.  He did not think he would remember that expression.

My sandwich was delicious!  The eggs were so fluffy!  I asked if there was hot sauce.  The guy who brought my food says, “We’ve got Tabasco, Red Hot, and some that’ll make you sorry you walked in.”  I opted for the Red Hot.  I was very happy with my breakfast and felt fortified for further Mohawk Valley Adventures.

That Little Place on Main is located at 28 W. Main St., Little Falls, NY.

 

A Little Help with Self Help

On a recent visit to Athenix Books and Brews (the Brews are coming soon!), I saw a book I had read before and liked, Atomic Habits by James Clear.  It is about making small changes to have a large impact on your life.  It was recommended to me by one of my VA doctors, and I found it had a lot of helpful advice.  I decided I would like a copy of my very own.

No, it wasn’t nailed to the door.

 

Nick Bennett, the proprietor, praised my choice.  It turns out he read the book and loved it.  I am not surprised, because that young man definitely has his act together.  He said he loves self help books.  I do, too, but usually I read them and mess up on the follow-through.  Well, we can only do what we can do.

Speaking of not following through, I love to read books about writing.  Another VA doctor had recommended one about not just writing but any creative endeavor, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron.  I got it on inter-library loan through midyork.org.  I was partway through it when it came due, but I was able to renew it.  I soon decided this was another book I should have for my very own.  Accordingly, I went to Athenix, and Nick nicely ordered it for me.  Full disclosure:  I also found two books to purchase while I was there.  Can you blame me?

Will they help? One can hope!

I took a picture of the two books for blogging purposes, including the pen-holding ghost and coffee mug I purchased on my first visit to Athenix.  The books in the background were purchased at some used book sale; I read them and am passing them on to my parents, who will perhaps pass them on to my sisters.  We are big readers in my family.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.  You can follow him on Facebook to stay updated on when the Brews will be available!

 

Return to my New Favorite Bookstore

I made it to Athenix Books and Brews yesterday, so I can make a real blog post today!  I am still anxiously awaiting the Brews part of the equation.  Nick, the owner, told me to watch his Facebook page, because the public will be invited to a tasting to decide which roast will be the Chosen Brew.  He said he sought out the best of the best: local, ethically sourced, etc.  That will certainly be worth another blog post.

Speaking of local…

I naturally asked where my sister’s books were.  I found Soulmates and Wednesday Wine Club by Diane E. Young on the Local Authors table.  I browsed the whole store, of course, and found another Fanny Flagg book as well as a self-help book I had previously gotten out of the library at a doctor’s recommendation:  Atomic Habits by James Clear.  I thought if I actually had my own copy of the book I might actually change some of my habits for the better.  No promises, of course.

Owner Nick Bennett designs and makes all his merch.

While there I got my free monthly t-shirt, because I am a member of The Keep.  I got a discount on the books too.

Other goodies for a future visit.

As I said, I browsed the entire store, including some lovely jewelry and tempting hats.  Shouldn’t everybody have a witch’s hat?  OK, I already have two or three, but there are different!  And I will never have enough earrings.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY.  They are open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.  And you should totally follow them on Facebook, because Nick is often posting something interesting about a specific book or progress he is making on the store.  Check it out!

 

After the Snow, Adventures?

I had meant to make a post yesterday (Monday) about my adventures in snow shoveling (yes, I did try to PUSH the snow when possible, don’t judge me), but I neglected to take before or after pictures, and then, well, time got away from me.  I managed to NOT give myself a heart attack.  Note to self:  do not watch Reels on Facebook that explain with illustrations just how easy it is for a woman of my age to do that.

Where was I?  Ah yes, on Tuesday morning, hoping to make some semblance of a blog post.  Quick, throw in a picture to pep things up.

Random snow shot from a couple of years ago.

Most things have been shut down around here since Sunday.  I think they are back open today, so it would be a good idea if I got out and gave a local business some, you know, business.  I can’t keep the local economy going all by myself, but I can spend a few dollars here and there and give some local places a shout out.

Maybe I could buy myself a Valentine.

This is a decoration from Home Town Diner on Main Street in Mohawk, NY.  I’ve already eaten breakfast, but I will be hungry for lunch before I know it.  I could also stop by To Niche Their Own in Herkimer.  I don’t think I have ever taken decent pictures there nor given them a proper shout-out, but I did purchase some excellent Christmas presents there last month.

Will I make it to Little Falls?

And there is my new favorite bookstore, Athenix Books and Brews.  There are a number of good places in Little Falls: Venture Fourth, Chickweed Boutique, the Mustard Seed… I’m sure to leave somebody out.  Oh dear.

So now I have cheered myself up to the tune of 300 words of blog post and plans.  I hope everybody has their parking lot plowed out by now!

 

Still Ill on Throwback Thursday

Well friends, it is another Blogger’s Sick Day, but I think I can manage a Throwback Thursday post.  I spent most of the day trying unsuccessfully to sleep.  Perhaps I will be better enough tomorrow to get some exercise, which I would think would help me sleep.

He was so cute and sweet!

This is from January 2017, our second dog, Spunky. That basket was not meant to be a bed for him but a container for my crochet projects.  However, he went right over and made himself at home.  How could I deny him?  I am thinking about getting a dog, for company and for a reason to go for more walks.  We shall see.

 

My reason for attempting a blog post.

My brain truly does not want to write today.  I attempted something earlier and managed a page of nonsense.  By my rules for me, Any Writing Counts.

A fun theatre memory.

Since it is Throwback Thursday, I share a picture from rehearsals for Rubbed Out at Ruby’s, the murder mystery LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company, did at the Overlook Mansion, back when it was a Bed and Breakfast and Destination for weddings and other things.  It was a 1920’s setting, and I am dying to do another set in that period.  I started to write one that I hoped to do at Salisbury Grange.  I could work more on it.  When my brain feels a little bit better.

In the meantime, I am over 200 words.  Score!  Maybe some more hot tea with lemon and honey would help.

 

Scattered Tuesday?

I just went adventuring with my mother and my sisters Cheryl and Diane.  Did I take any pictures?  Um, ‘fraid not, but perhaps my Media Library can help.

Our first stop was Athenix Books and Brews (only books so far) in Little Falls, NY.  They are going to carry some of Diane’s books.  Yes, she is a published author, and I must up my writing game.

A regular stop for me now!

Mom, Cheryl and I browsed around while Diane talked with the owner.  I found a book by Fannie Flagg, one of my favorite authors.  Cheryl and I were looking at the shirts when she pointed out me one with a ghost.  It was 50% off.  How could I resist?  She took a picture of me holding it before I decided to buy it; maybe I can get it from her for blogging purposes.

After that stop we pondered where else to go.  So many shops are not open on Tuesday!  When we drove back to Herkimer, looking for lunch, we saw Mohawk Valley Community Market.  How did I not think of that?  It is a great place to shop!  We spent a goodly amount of time browsing.

I have one of those bags!

Renewed and Rescued is the anchor store of the Market, the people that started it all.

At last we went to lunch.  Many places are not open for lunch on Tuesday, but one my favorites, Salvatore’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is!

There was snow on the ground today.

We had a delicious lunch.  I’m still full!  And after all those adventures, I have plenty of time left to do something useful around the house.  As soon as I read some of that Fannie Flagg book.

 

Mummies and Memories

I’m afraid it has to be a Monstrous Monday Post today.  It has in some ways been a Monstrous Monday, as I have been feeling sad and low.  A dear friend from up North passed away.  We had only been Facebook friends recently, but I have great memories of working with her in the Seaway Valley Footlighters, a community theatre based in Massena, NY.

He kind of looks like I feel, only I don’t have a hat like that.

Here is Christopher Lee, looking melancholy as The Mummy.  At least, I don’t think he is a mummy yet.  I have not seen the movie enough time to recognize the scene.

Oops, no monsters here.

Unable to settle on a monster, I share a community theatre memory:  a rehearsal from The Tempest, presented by LiFT, the Little Falls Theatre Company.  There were no monsters onstage, but the blond in the back is a wizard.  Does that count for anything?

Now there’s a mummy, if you like.

This is not Christopher Lee.  I quite frankly do not know which mummy this is or what movie it is from.  This post is definitely not one of my best efforts.  I guess I’m going to bill it as a blogger’s sad day and drive on.  As usual, I will try for a better blog post tomorrow.

 

Mid Sunday Wrist to Forehead Post

Earlier today I was at the Regional Competition of the Elks Hoop Shoot.  Alas, I did not take any pictures.  The Herkimer competition took place in December, during which I kept score.  Today I got to chase rebounds, which was much more fun.  Now I am home and waiting till it is time to go to the Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts in Little Falls, NY, where there is a farewell reception for Oscar Stivala.

Oscar Stivala is a doctor, musician and artist.  I know him in the latter two descriptions.

Oscar and friends.

The picture is from The Renaissance Pub on Main Street in Little Falls.  It was the opening of an exhibit of Stivala’s artwork. I went for the music as much as the art.

I guess it all sounds pretty good, with no reason for me to swoon, dramatically posed with the back of one wrist to my forehead, on a handy chaise lounge, or failing that my couch (I STILL don’t own a chaise lounge and I feel pretty ill-used about it).  But I am having a bit of a headache, and I don’t care for that. Ooh, I just remembered, my sister Cheryl gave me a neck pillow, the kind you heat up in the microwave.  Yay, Cheryl!

So this is my Sunday post.  As always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

Messy House, Many Adventures

I had an adventure filled day yesterday but foolishly did not take any pictures along the way.  Well, I will recount my activities and trust to my Media Library to provide some illustration.

I started with breakfast with friends at Top of the Morning Cafe in North Utica, NY.  I had never been there before and wish I had taken pictures.  However, the parking lot was quite icy so I did not want to pause and try to aim my camera at their sign.  It was a very good breakfast, though.  I am sure we will return.

Back home, I was planning the best way to go about cleaning my messy house when my sister Cheryl called and asked did I want to go out to lunch.  She needed to get a calendar as well.  I told her I knew a place where she could get a swell calendar free: Basloe Library in Herkimer had a stack of canal calendars.  I told her to take her time coming over, since I was still full from breakfast.

We went first to the library where Cheryl got the calendar and found a couple of books at the book sale.  From there we went to Little Falls and Athenix Books and Brews, where I found a book. I introduced Cheryl to the owner as my sister that did not write novels.  I don’t know if he recognized me as the person who said her sister wrote novels, but it amused me.

A very welcoming sign.

Next we walked up Main Street to Chickweed Boutique, where Cheryl found a couple of things she wanted.  I noticed that the sleigh out front was gone.  The owner told me it had been sold to a man with three kids, so it would get a lot of use.

The sleigh.

I told Cheryl about the sleigh that had been there in December, handmade and beautiful.  I would have loved to buy it myself!

By then I was hungry too, so we went back to Herkimer for lunch at Paradise Eatery.  I had gotten appetizers there but never lunch.  The waitress remembered me, which was flattering.  The food was yummy.  We will certainly go there again.  For one reason, I need to take a better picture.

From a post titled, “Bad Pictures, Good Eatery.”

It was a delightful day.  I was glad I had met my friends, and that Cheryl had called me.  My messy house was waiting for me when I got home.  Full disclosure:  I did not clean it today either.