Tag Archives: Little Falls NY

Better at Running than Blogging

Posted on November 18, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I normally write my running commentary posts soon after the run, so it is fresh in my mind.  However, sometimes it gets to be 5 p.m. on a Saturday night, I don’t have much else to write about (OK, maybe a few things, but there are reasons I do not want to write about those), so I am going to attempt a post about this morning’s run.

Regular readers may remember that I have my eye on the Reindeer Run 5K in Little Falls on December 8.  Every day during this past week, when I thought I ought to go running, I also thought, “I don’t want to run! I don’t want to run the Reindeer Run 5K!  I want to sit! I want to sit home and knit!  That is what middle aged ladies are supposed to do: sit and knit!”  I managed to run on Wednesday despite my own misgivings, and I wondered if I would run today.  I surprised myself and not only did, but it was not a bad run.

I could hear drops on my back porch roof but could not tell if it was rain or just dripping.  I took a chance.  It was not rain.  Score!  I wore my road guard vest.  For one reason, it was still dark out.  For another, we got snow and I knew many sidewalks were not shoveled or plowed.  I was glad I did, because I ran most of my run on roads.  Left side facing traffic, of course.

You know how earlier I mentioned my tiredness during the week?  How I said, “I can’t run!  I don’t want to run!”  And I did not run Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday?  Well, right now, my brain is saying, “I can’t write a blog post!  I don’t want to write a blog post!”  So everything I remember about this morning’s run is probably not going to make it into this post.

But, as I said, it was not a bad run.  The temperature was not that cold and the wind was only sporadic.  I ran a few hills, including the one by Valley Health and a few minor upslopes in the residential area behind (what I usually refer to as The Suburbs).  I stopped and petted one very cute dog.  I ran for 37 minutes, which is how long I ran last Sunday, the last time I increased my run time.  That is about how long it takes me to run a 5K, give or take a few.

So I feel pretty good about that.  I still have not made my final decision about the Reindeer Run. I’ll keep you posted.

 

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Even Foolish Blog Posts Count

Posted on November 16, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

I still have the tiara. I may wear it next Thursday.

I thought I would start with a Throw-back Thursday picture then segue into the non-sequitur portion on Non-Sequitur Thursday.  I feel this is a double throw-back, since I am impersonating a speakeasy habitue from the 1920’s, Ruby Van Renssalaer by name.  No, I was not around in the 1920’s, do some math for heavens’ sake! (You know who you are.)  Ruby Van Rensssalaer was a character in Rubbed Out at Ruby’s, which LiFT presented at The Overlook Mansion in Little Falls, NY.  Some of the characters also appeared at the Ritz and Ragtime fundraiser for the Landmarks Society of Greater Utica, which is when this picture was taken.

As you may have guessed, once again I got nuthin’.  I have tried to do more writing, specifically by writing a couple of letters.  Regular readers may recall my rule of Any Writing Counts.  It would be a good idea if I actually finished said letters and got them in the mail.  Then some people might be happy to get a letter.  I received a letter the other day and I can attest, it’s awesome.

This guy is a walking non-sequitur.

I shake things up by throwing in another picture.  This is my friend, Tucker, in LiFT’s recent murder mystery, Donation to Murder.  I do love my murder mysteries.

I find this picture rather profound.

This is an even more recent photo, from Shattered Angel by Stephen Wagner, presented by the Herkimer County Historical Society at Ilion Little Theatre.  Lots of us love a good historical murder!

Who could blame me for using the ax on him?

Shattered Angel makes me think of Roxy by Jack Sherman, which the Historical Society did in 2015, with yours truly in the title role.

My throwback non-sequitur posts often end up being a stroll down theatrical memory lane.  I do love my community theatre.  And I will work on writing better blog posts.  Happy Thursday, everyone!

 

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Stylus Typing on Wuss-out Wednesday

Posted on October 18, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

It seems as if I just recently took a Blogger’s Sick Day, but I can’t find the last one by scrolling through my posts.  Then again, if I’m not feeling well, how can I trust my scrolling and looking abilities?  Never mind.  I like to be a daily blogger, so I will attempt to make some semblance of a post.

And that was where my laptop froze up.  Twice.  So now I’m on my Tablet, typing one letter at a time with the stylus.  As usual, I am fascinated by the anticipatory thing.  But it’s no way to write.

Who doesn’t love a cute, cuddley vampire?

I try to pep things up with a picture.  My dear friend Marsha sent me the pot recently.  My husband,  Steven, gave me the vampire in a coffee mug (I think I used a picture of it a day or two ago).

Here he is!

Today I am not a morning, afternoon, or evening person.  But I have another new Halloween picture to share.

I love a business that decorates!

I took this picture at White Rose Bakery in Little Falls, NY.  I was writing a story for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I hope they print it.  However, I knew they wouldn’t use this picture,  because the story is for the November issue.

This stylus typing is not for me.  But at least I made some semblance of a post.

 

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To Trot or Not to Trot

Posted on October 13, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Spoiler alert:  I’m probably not going to trot, but I thought of that title while I was running this morning and I like it.  I wondered if I would ever do another Saturday Running Commentary, and it looks like I am about to.

I had actually thought about not running today.  I had an excellent run yesterday (I believe I mentioned it in yesterday’s post) and can certainly run tomorrow.  Additionally, I have been getting brutal headaches on Saturdays (regardless of whether or not I tie one on Friday night) (um, I mean, I never tie one on), and I fear running in cold air makes them worse.  It is cooler this weekend, real fall weather.  I love it, but my sinuses are less than thrilled.  However, I do not allow my sinuses to run my life.  Try not to anyways.

So I decided to run.  My thermostat said it was 47 degrees, two degrees above my usual cut off for shorts and short sleeves.  However, since I am not in really good running shape, I put on leggings and long sleeves.  I was glad I did.  For one reason, as I started out, I realized it was raining.  What was that all about?  I didn’t hear any rain on the tin roof outside my bathroom window!  I felt quite ill-used, but once I’m out there, I usually keep going.  Yesterday when I started out, I realized I had left on my reading glasses instead of switching to my running glasses.  I kept going for a blurry run. I remembered the running glasses today, but once they got rained on, the run was no clearer than yesterday’s.  No matter.  I could see well enough.

I debated running up a hill.  Regular readers may recall that hills are in short supply in Herkimer, NY (where I live).  I was inclined to stay off the incline (just to make a play on words).  But one must run hills to train properly, especially if one wants to run a 5K in Little Falls (which I do).  I was headed towards Main Street.  I could go up a hill there, if only I crossed German at the four-way stop.  I made a bargain with myself: if there were no cars at the intersection, I would cross.  If not, I would immediately turn down Main Street.  For one reason, my glasses were by now spotty enough that I could not reliably see if a driver was waving me across.  There were cars.  I was off the hook (don’t judge me) (oh, go ahead and judge me; I don’t run for anybody but myself).

It was not as enjoyable a run as yesterday, but it wasn’t too bad.  It got better as I went along.  I started out thinking if I only did 20 minutes it would be OK.  My longest run lately has been 28 minutes, and I have been plateaued there for two weeks.  My main goal is to do the Reindeer Run 5K in Little Falls in December.  I did it last year and it was great fun.  There is a Turkey Trot 5K in Little Falls on Thanksgiving Day.  I could be in 5K shape by then.  Well, not if I stayed plateaued at 28 minutes or, worse yet, went backwards (ooh, running backwards is a good way to get in shape, but I’m not talking about that).

Another reason I probably cannot participate in the Turkey Trot is that I plan to go to Rome to my Mom and Dad’s house for Thanksgiving.  I had planned to go the night before, in case they need help getting the turkey stuffed and in the oven at 6 a.m. or whenever they need to do it.  I can also peel potatoes, something I never do for myself but know how to nevertheless.  Still, I have always wanted to do a Thanksgiving Turkey Trot.  Additionally, this Thanksgiving is my birthday.  I can run 5K on the day I turn 55.  How cool is that?  But would I even be in 5K shape if I only ran 20 to 25 minutes today?  And so I debated as I ran, and that is when I came up with today’s title.

I was on my street, figuring I would at least get to 25 minutes, when I heard a voice behind me:  “I thought I was the only crazy one!”  It was a lady I had encountered on another run.

“I didn’t know it was raining till I set out,” I told her,  “and I said, ‘Oh well, I’ve got the sports bras on!'”

“It’s raining and we’re training!” she said.

Well, that kind of inspired me, and I went around the block and ended up running for 31 minutes, an increase (at least the way I did the math) of the recommended 10 percent.  I felt pretty darn pleased with myself.  If I don’t make it to Little Falls on Thanksgiving Day, I will just have to trot by myself in Rome.

 

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Picture This: a Garlic Festival!

Posted on September 9, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Eat, Stink and Be Merry!  Those are words to live by!  My husband Steven and I did that today when we went to the Mohawk Valley Garlic and Herb Festival in Little Falls, NY.  I brought my Tablet and took a few pictures, which I will now share.

I wanted to get at least one crowd shot.

This is one of the most popular events in the area.  I confess, I was not into a crowd scene today, but one does not like to miss the Garlic Festival (one being me, of course).

One of the more decorative displays of garlic braids.

Full disclosure:  I did not purchase any garlic.  I have a braid of local garlic from T & J’s Fruits and Vegetables in Herkimer, and I have not been cooking that much lately anyways.  That did not stop me from sampling a lot of stuff. Yum!

I took a picture of this booth, because I liked the Halloween table cloth.

I like horseys (isn’t that how you spell horseys? My computer doesn’t seem to think so).

We did not go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, although I went last year with my friend, Kim.

I had some garlic fudge, and Steven enjoyed a piece of chocolate-covered bacon.

Of course we stopped at my friend, Margaret’s booth, the So Sweet Candy Cafe.  My sister, Cheryl, was minding the shop on Varick Street.

I guess I’m heavier on pictures than words today, but at least I gave a brief shout-out to the Festival.

 

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W(h)ining After Rehearsal

Posted on September 8, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh dear, it is 8:17 on Friday night and I have yet to make my Lame Friday Post.  Full disclosure:  I have had a bit of wine.  Why are you judging me?  It’s Friday!  One is allowed to have a drink on Friday!  Oh yeah, as if I do not have a drink any other night of the week.  Well, whatever.  Judge me if you like.  I am not the arbiter of who is or is not allowed to judge.

OK, so apparently that is all I have to say!  Earlier today I was at rehearsal for Donate to Murder, the murder mystery LiFT, Little Falls  Theatre Company is presenting at Herkimer Elks Lodge, 124 Mary St., Herkimer, NY, on Saturday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m.  Cost is $25 for dinner and show (I think.  Full disclosure:  I am relying on my memory for this), for tickets and more information call 315-866-1439.  I think it is going to be awfully good, but I wrote it and am in it, so I may perhaps be biased.

In the meantime, I need to get a blog post published.  Once again I have learned that a four day week can be as tiring as a five day week.  But I do not mean to repine. The week is over an I got through it.  If only I could have gotten through it with a few more better blog posts!  At least I will close with a picture. Let’s see… what would pep this post up?

Obviously it is.

Full disclosure:  I am not currently howling.

“To be or… Oh, wrong play.”

Here is a rehearsal shot from The Tempest, presented by LiFT in 2017.  We talked about potential Shakespeare plays for summer of 2019.  How’s that for a Preview of Coming Attractions?  How about Coming Attractions for tomorrow? You’ll just have to wait and see. Happy Friday everyone!

 

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Bride and Bunny at the Barn

Posted on August 21, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Saturday when we were out and about, I introduced Steven to a the Old Barn Marketplace, which I have been touting to all and sundry but had not been back to in a while.  I cleverly remembered my Tablet, so I have some pictures to share.

Obviously Mohawk Valley Girl would like this vendor.

There were new vendors which I was happy to check out.  I got two pictures of Mohawk Valley Candles

Ideas for Christmas presents already? I’m still waiting for Halloween!

I know a few people who would like wine glass or beer mug candles.  I personally love the look of the head of foam on the beer mugs.

There were vendors on both lofts.  I noticed a bride dress from below and happily went up to take a picture.

Not a corpse bride, but nice (yes, I still have Halloween on my mind).

As we went through one room, I pointed out to Steven where a skeleton had sat in October.  I think I still have a picture of him.

Taken last October, but I am always in the mood for skeletons.

No, the skeleton was not there last Saturday, but I will go in looking for him again in October.  I like skeletons.

The last thing I took a picture of was a bunny doll I saw.

Isn’t she nice? I love her ensemble.

We have two nice bunnies of our own.  I must share a picture of them and tell their story sometime.  I wonder if we ought to buy them a friend.  I’ll check for a price on this lovely lady the next time I stop in at the Old Barn Marketplace.

The Old Barn Marketplace is located at 6266 State Route 5, Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-508-5254.  They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.  You can Like them on Facebook.

 

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Waiting for the Chocolate Shake

Posted on August 19, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

One should have made one’s blog post earlier (one being me).

I am sitting with a paused movie in my DVD player while my husband, Steven, runs to Stewart’s to get us a couple of chocolate shakes.  If there was an ice cream place on our side of State Street (which is Route 5), we could have walked for our treat, but then I would not be typing in my post, so I guess everything has its advantages (I don’t think that is a run-on sentence).

My first intention was to do a Running Commentary post this morning.  I fell off the running wagon in a big way this week.  You see, I had an awesome long run last Saturday and was all set to register for the Falling Leaves 14K in Utica, NY, on Sept. 23.  Luckily I talked to my mother first and found out a big family thing had just been scheduled for that day.  Family first!  I had not been running since.  In my defense, that was not the only reason. I had a bear of a busy week (didn’t even get all my stuff done), and the weather was SO humid.  As regular readers know, I am prone to heat injuries (which really are a thing, so quit shaking your head) (you know who you are).

Where was I?  Ah yes, nowhere but still trying to make a blog post.  I went for a short(ish) run this morning.  Steven and I went to a couple of places in Little Falls: The Old Barn Marketplace and Ruggiero’s Trattoria.  We came home, and I took a nap.  Sorry for even more whining (then again, I do always say go with your strengths), but I had a terrible headache.  It is finally easing off, so Phew!

Here are the shakes!  While I might not be any great shakes at blogging (see what I did there?), I will enjoy this!  Steven is re-starting the movie (Double Indemnity, one of my favorites!), so I am going to call this a Scattered Saturday, hit Publish and drive on.

I just happened to have an illustration in my Media Library.

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LiFT at Little Falls

Posted on August 14, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

Regular readers may remember that I marched with LiFT, Little Falls Theatre Company, in the Little Falls Canal Celebration Parade on Friday.  I had a great time, but I did not bring my Tablet to take any pictures.  I thought it would be too awkward while walking.  Lucky for me, other people took pictures which I have conveniently downloaded from Facebook (with permission from the photographer).

A small but fun group!

This was later on in the parade, but I wanted to start with a picture of all of us.  As you can see, we had a variety of costumes.  LiFT is nothing if not eclectic.

This is community theatre: everybody lends a hand.

I don’t know if you could tell in the first shot that Matt had a little help holding up his end of the banner.

This was actually a pre-parade shot.

Batman made it all the way through the parade, but the Crayon fell asleep and was dropped off with his grandmother, who was a spectator.

Another pre-parade shot.

Here is a close up of the best Shakespearean costume of the night (I am the arbiter of the award).

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This was a post-parade pic.

I could not find a good picture of this adorable fairy with her wings on, but when she posed with them in front,  I said it was a definite photo op.

You can see the shadows were getting long.

I close with another group shot.  I had meant to tell more about marching in the parade, but under the hope that a picture is worth a thousand words,  I shall close now.  It is, after all, Monday.  Not a Monstrous Monday, as you can see, but fun and make-believe.

 

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A Lame Apology

Posted on August 11, 2018 by mohawkvalleygirl

How embarrassing is it to not post on Lame Post Friday?  For heaven’s sake, all I have to do is type in some nonsense and hit Publish (YES, that is what I do every day, what an obvious joke, you should be ashamed of yourself) (you know who you are).  Well, I just didn’t have time.

You see, I had to be in Little Falls early for the Canal Days Parade, and of course I did not have my costume together in advance (it’s been a bad week) (or I guess you could say I’ve been bad this week, but I would point out that that is an unkind remark).  No problem; I could post afterward.  Well, afterward, my friend Kim and I went to Asteroga Ale House, then to the End Zone Pub via Papaleo’s Wise Guys Pizzeria.  Yes, that is one community event and three local businesses I can write blog posts about.  However,  I am unlikely to do any such thing at 5:37 on Saturday morning (that is the time on the bottom of my computer as I type that sentence; no doubt it will be later by the time I hit Publish, but I can’t help that).

I know I have sipped and posted, and even sipped, eaten pizza, and posted, but last night I did not.  My only lame excuse is we had a kind of a domestic crisis when we got home.  The screws in our back door hinges are perpetually loose and this time we have neglected too long to tighten them.  We at least managed to get the damn thing closed and locked, but I just imagine our efforts to fix it will make another, possibly humorous blog post.

Anyways, sorry my post is late and lame, but there it is.  We’ll see what I can come up with later today.

 

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