Tag Archives: meyers park

Sunday Stroll

Posted on May 4, 2020 by mohawkvalleygirl

Today was so beautiful I wanted to twirl around, arms outstretched, like Julie Andrews in that movie I don’t like but everybody else seems to.  What a clumsy sentence, just because I can’t mention a movie without injecting my petty opinion.  Never mind.  I took a lot of pictures that I would like to share.  On with the post!

There are actually two bushes like this.

I first wanted to go to a house on my street that seems to be unoccupied.  Perhaps the residents are merely elusive.  In any case, I took a picture of a bush on their front lawn and made bold to go up their driveway for a picture of some tulips I had noticed earlier.

I spy some hyacinth, too.

I continued down Bellinger Street in search of a magnolia tree I had not checked on lately.  I noticed a magnolia tree in full bloom on German Street during my run this morning so felt sure the other one would be photo ready.

I took two pictures and continued down Bellinger to St. Francis Church, where I had seen the Saint himself following Covid Protocol.

I appreciate those who set an example.

I also got a shot of the tulips in front of Francis.

I positively must plant more tulips in my own yard.

I continued on through Meyers Park to take a picture of the statue of General Herkimer.

This is a true patriot.

I walked down Prospect to Albany Street, where I saw a flowering tree.

I LOVE flowering trees!

I saw a person ahead so, with social distancing in mind, I ducked into the alley behind the stores.  This was delightful to me, because it is not a route I have taken in recent memory.  Imagine my surprise to see a Christmas decoration!

I often say we must take our joy where we can find it!

I continued on up Main Street and through the park by Basloe Library.  At the beginning of quarantine,  it was only when libraries closed that I said, “Shit just got real.”  However, I was able to enjoy some perennials in the flower beds.

Tulips next to daffodils: nice!

I leaned in to get a shot of some grape hyacinths in the same bed.

 

These tulips were a little further in.

I got home without further photo ops, then proceeded to my back yard, where there are some different flowers under my rhododendron. Previously there have been forget me notes, but I do not know what these are.

At least they are pretty!

I close with a shot of my one hyacinth, taken previously and inexplicably not used in a blog post yet.

SO delighted it came up again!

I understand the weather is not expected to be as delightful in the coming week.  However, I feel I can rejoice that I sufficiently appreciated today.  Happy Sunday, all!

 

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Picture-filled Pedestrian Post

Posted on August 1, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I finished a letter to my sister, Diane, and thought I would take a walk to the post office with it.  For one reason, I neither ran nor walked this morning and I need the exercise.  For another reason, I could take my Tablet with me and take pictures for a Pedestrian Post.

I actually started out with some trepidation.   After all, I have walked this way many, many times, at least a few with my Tablet.   Could I find anything new to take a picture of?  I decided to trust my luck and set out.

The plant that ate Bellinger Street?

I have been noticing these prickly bushes taking over what used to be a nice front yard garden.  I’m not sure if anybody currently lives in the house, but if anyone moves in, I hope they have clippers!

I think a professional company does the flowers.

I decided to take a picture of Saint Francis, in front of the church of that name.  He is a little backlit, but we can just pretend that’s his halo.  I continued on through Meyer’s Park.

You can’t see the school seals, but you can read the poem.

As I walked across the park to take a picture of the 9/11 Memorial Garden, I noticed this bench I had never seen, donated by Herkimer High School Class of 1959.

Another shot that didn’t turn out as well as I had hoped.

And here is the Memorial Garden.  You can’t read it, but the bench says what it is.

I don’t think I have shared a picture of this before, but no promises.

After mailing my letter, I decided to get a shot of the Methodist Church across the street. Then I thought I would stroll over to Washington Street and take a picture of the old Lorraine Billings School. I found a couple other photo ops first.

I hope to write more about this place eventually.

This was the Baptist Church but is now the future home of the Business and Professional Association of Herkimer.

Pretty flowers.

Next I turned around and took a picture of some Queen Anne’s Lace I had noticed.  I have some of that in my lawn, but not as many blooms.  When I was a kid we used to pick it and put it in water with food coloring.

When it was for sale, they advertised it as a “Brick Bonanza.”

I’ve always been rather fascinated with this building.  I do not know who currently owns it or what might eventually happen to it.

Good subs, among other tjings.

Just to throw in a plug for a local business,  I took a shot of Carney’s Corners.  We often get take-out or delivery from them (but for beer, I go to Beer Belly Bob’s in Ilion).

I’ve been here many times.

I decided to turn down Mary Street and take a picture of the Elks Lodge.  I have performed there with LiFT, the Little Falls Theatre Company,  in Shakespeare plays and murder mysteries.  I wonder if they’ll have us back soon.

The DMV is here.

Continuing up the street, I got a picture of the county office building.  Next was Christ Episcopal Church.   I know I have taken pictures of that, so I took one of the sign and surrounding flowers.

The Episcopal church is very welcoming.

Turning up Main Street, I soon found myself at my beloved Herkimer Historic Four Corners.  Rather than photographing the buildings, which I know I have done, I took a picture of the historic marker in front of the 1834 Jail, again including some flowers.

Again, you probably can’t read it, but I’ve written about the jail and will no doubt do so again.

After that, I headed for home, ignoring any further photo ops.  I was afraid my post would be too long, and I see it is beyond my usual length.  Thank you to whoever has stayed with me till the end!

 

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Wednesday Walk

Posted on June 20, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

I went running this morning in hopes of making a Running Commentary post. Also for the physical and mental benefits, of course, which is good, because my brain did not want to cooperate on the blog post.  Adhering to my rule of Any Writing Counts,  I finished a letter to my sister Diane (YES, we write snail mail letters to each other; it’s fun, you should try it).  After finally talking myself into walking to the post office with it,  I decided to take my Tablet and get a few pictures.  So here is your Mid-week Pedestrian Post.

It was not as warm out as I had feared, because clouds covered the sky.  A few raindrops were falling, but I hoped for the best. So far so good when I saw some daisies I thought I’d take a shot of.  They looked almost as good as my daisies.

Hmm… not as good a picture as I took of mine either.

I had hoped to get a shot of some peonies in Meyer’s Park, but they were past peak.  I petted an adorable little dog but did not ask if I could take a picture,  because raindrops were falling again (did anybody else just flash on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head”?) and I figured her person wanted to get home.   Then I thought to take a picture of the sign that makes me flash on the climactic scene in Poltergeist.

“You son of a bitch, you moved the gravestones but YOU DIDN’T MOVE THE BODIES!!!”

At the post office I paused as usual to look at the fliers of local events.

Preview of Comings Attractions

On my way home I paused at three large rocks.  I would love to have a few such boulders for my own meager attempts at landscaping.

Cue jokes about how the rocks in my head are probably as big.

I also got a shot of a front yard garden I particularly admire.

It would be even better if I had a shot of how overgrown this yard used to be.

The raindrops had been starting and stopping,  but I got home before the downpour began in earnest.  I paused to take a picture of our dinosaur-looking tree.  I wanted to document its progress.

It’s so unusual.

The rain is pouring down now, and it is the movie-watching portion of the day.  Happy Wednesday,  everyone.

 

 

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Monday Mail Meanderings

Posted on January 29, 2019 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is not a Monday Mental Meanderings but a Pedestrian Post.  I walked to the Post Office to mail the post cards I usually send out on Saturday.  I took my Tablet along to take a few pictures, thinking to make a change from my usual Monday Monsters (don’t worry, monster lovers; no doubt I will resort to my frightening friends later in the week).  I thought of this alliterative title as I walked home.

I put the Tablet into a soft bag I got at Paca Gardens in Little Falls (just for a little more local color).  I did not trust myself to carry it the whole way, especially not in its case.  I was only a little worried I would not be able to see the screen properly, because it was quite sunny.  I put my prescription sunglasses in the bag, thinking I might need them.  Not neglecting to also put in the post cards, I set out.

Right away I saw what I considered a cool-looking tree.  I love the look of bare branches against the sky. I got the Tablet out of the bag and tried to log in without the stylus.  That didn’t work, because I was wearing gloves.  So I got out the stylus and promptly dropped in in the snow.  It is a combination pen/stylus given to me by Herkimer County Historical Society after Shattered Angel, the play they put on at Ilion Little Theatre last fall.  It says “Shattered Angel/Ilion Little Theatre” on it (see? more local color!).  It is a very cool thing.  I brushed it off as best as I could, logged into the Tablet, and could not get the picture. I include the story of me trying, because it is just so typical me.  I walked on.

As I approached St. Francis de Sales Church, I thought I would get a shot of the statue of St. Francis wearing a red scarf, as he does this time of year.  I worried it would be back-lit, but it did not turn out too bad.

He looks saintly, does he not?

After I crossed the street, I tried to get a shot of the whole church.  That one turned out too shadowy, so I do not include it here.  I walked on into Meyers Park, where I knew I could take a picture of the statue of General Herkimer.  First, however, I saw the stone bench I have often admired but never sat on.

I was hoping the inscription would be legible.

Beyond the bench is a statue, only I do not know who it is. However, according to the inscription, he was instrumental in having women work for the government. I’m all about good jobs for women!  I was worried I had cut his head off, but I see now that I did not.

It seems they engraved his signature but did not print out the name.

I also got a shot of the pavilion, which is always a pivotal location when the park hosts community events.

It may not look like such a much now, but the potential is there.

I think my picture of General Herkimer is just a little back-lit, but in a blog about a walk in Herkimer, I feel I should include the General.  Here he is, in the iconic pose, directing the battle though morally wounded.

I see he has a similar scarf to St. Francis’.

On the other side of the park, I walked by the Methodist Church and decided to get a shot of that.  It turned out better that the one of St. Francis, so I include it.

Perhaps I should learn how to photoshop out power lines.

I was happy to get a shot of the post office.  I think I had a post card of it but already sent it to someone.  I do love sending local post cards.  In fact, I am not sure if the post card was of this post office or Little Falls’.  They are similar buildings.

My weekly destination. I do love post offices.

I had meant to talk more about the actual walk, over the ice and through the snow.  However, I see I am approaching 700 words.   Do my readers want to read over 700 words on a Monday? I hate to try people’s patience.  Additionally, Dateline is on OWN as I type.  So I say Happy Monday, and stay tuned for monsters later in the week.

 

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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.

 

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Monday Meander

Posted on November 7, 2017 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I got home from work and wrote my weekly postcards that I usually do on Saturday (don’t judge).  Steven graciously agreed to walk to the post office with me.  One reason I wanted to walk was to go through Meyers Park and check out the historical marker that said a graveyard was moved to put a park there.

I have noticed that marker before, notably while running.  I flash on Poltergeist when I see it.  Spoiler alert!  Stop reading here if you have not seen Poltergeist.  When we finally find out the source of all the haunting, we learn that it is because the unscrupulous real estate developer moved a graveyard but only moved the gravestones, not the bodies.  As I run through Meyers Park, I irresistibly hear Craig T. Nelson screaming, “You son of a bitch, you DIDN’T MOVE THE BODIES!!!”  Imagine my chagrin when we caught part of Poltergeist on TCM on Halloween and I discovered that that is not the actual line.  But he does call the guy a son of a bitch, so I am not completely full of beans.

Where was I?  Oh it is a Monday Mental Meanderings.  We took a walk, we got some food, I want to sit here and crochet and watch television.  I see that my husband Steven is looking at the movies.  I’d better get off the computer before he picks out something I do not want to see. Happy Monday, everyone.

 

 

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Half a Fest Is Better than None

Posted on July 20, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

With all my activities yesterday, I missed a new Mohawk Valley event that I hope will be held annually:  Herkimer’s Diamond Festival and Gem Show.

The festival ran for two days throughout the Village of Herkimer.  Three indoor locations hosted gem dealers while street vendors lined Main Street, Park Avenue and Meyers Park.  There were raffles, music, face painting, all kinds of good food… and we missed most of it.

This morning (Sunday) Steven suggested we walk down and see what was still going on.  We figured Sunday wouldn’t be as good as Saturday, but it should still be worth a walk. It was supposed to be hot and humid, which does not agree with me.  Then again, I can’t hide myself in the house with the shades down all summer.  Facebook told us things started at 11 a.m.,  so we started out right at 11, to beat the heat.

We didn’t beat much.  Still, there was shade under trees and sometimes a breeze blew.  We walked to Meyers Park, where a lady at the Information booth gave us a map to the Festival.  As I had suspected, things had condensed somewhat since Saturday. She explained that $5 admission would get us into all three locations.

“And of course the street vendors are great,” she said.

We decided to check out the street vendors.  I was glad I had just eaten breakfast as we walked by the food vendors.  I am trying to get back into healthy eating habits, with no notable success so far.  Street vendor food, while quite yummy, would not have helped me reach my weight-loss goals.

We sampled some tea, admired some gems, jewelry and clothes, and I tried a Pain Relief lotion (I didn’t mention that I had a most dreadful headache, because I did not want to complain) (oops).  I was soon overheated and happy to head home before too long.

I was glad we had made it down to at least partially partake of the festivities.  I hope next summer is a little less busy for me, so I can attend the entire Herkimer Diamond Festival  and Gem Show.  It will probably make a really good blog post.  However, for Wrist to Forehead Sunday, I’m afraid this will have to do.

 

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Walking Away from Bad Attituesday

Posted on May 6, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

Two times of year I stare at the trees intensely, because the beautiful color lasts such a short time.  Fall, of course, and early spring.  In between bud and full leaf, the trees are such a delicate, beautiful light green.  I love it.  It lasts a shorter time than the fall colors, so I have to look fast.  Luckily, I did not trip over my dog on the walk we just took, as my eyes were almost constantly looking up.

 

I guess this is going to be a Pedestrian Post.  I suppose I could call it the Tuesday Trudge or, another standby, Tired Tuesday.  Earlier today I thought it must be my new one, Bad Attituesday.  But the walk put me in a pretty good mood.  Spring was a long time in coming to the Mohawk Valley, but (don’t say it too loud) I think it is finally here.

 

I know, I know, I should have gone running.  Boilermaker, weight loss, and I could have seen all the trees running as well as walking (really just as well; I don’t run very fast).  In my defense, my feet hurt.  I need to get some of them there gel insoles for my work shoes.  Anyways, it is very pleasant to walk with your loved ones (in my case, husband and dog) in warm air,  seeing daffodils, tulips and hyacinths (I didn’t look up the whole time).

 

We walked by Herkimer’s Historic Four Corners.  I remembered that Museum Day is in May.  The 1834 Jail will be opened one Saturday, I hope.  I must find out when and go there.  I have a few friends that would like to go, too (Preview of Coming Attractions).    Going down Main Street, we turned into the park near Basloe Library.  Ah, the library.  Must make a trip there soon.

 

We walked on down Prospect Street then over to Meyers Park.  There we saw an adorable shaggy little white dog.  She barked at us indignantly.

 

“She told you,” I said to Steven.  The dog’s person told us she was still young and had not been outside many times.  We didn’t mind.  It was a very cute dog.

 

It was a very enjoyable walk.  I’ll try for a run tomorrow.

 

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Come on, Spring!

Posted on April 5, 2015 by mohawkvalleygirl

Technically, Saturday Running Commentary could come back today, but I don’t feel like writing about that run. I ran in place on the mini-tramp, because it was raining and snowing. I watched the rest of that silent movie The Monster that I was watching before (took me three runs to see the whole thing) (and I’m still not clear on who the titular monster was). It continued to precipitate on and off for the rest of the morning, with the wind whistling in an alarming fashion (I always worry somebody will come along and drop a house on me) (it happened to a sister of mine once; long story), so I drove to the post office instead of taking my usual walk with Tabby. This afternoon, however, the sun came out and I thought I would give it a try and perhaps write a Pedestrian Post.

I hid upstairs while I changed sneakers, so Tabby would not get too excited too soon. Of course that merely delayed the inevitable. She was jumping and barking long before I was done puttering around looking for hat, gloves and poop bags. At last we were on our way.

The sidewalks were almost completely bare and dry. I reminded myself to appreciate that and not repine over the dropping temperature. For heavens’ sake, it was in the 60s yesterday. Did it have to drop all the way into the 30s? I kept telling myself it was above freezing, resolutely refusing to speculate on what temperature the windchill was inducing. Tabby did not seem to notice anything but trotted along happily, stopping many times to sniff.

We headed down Bellinger Street toward Meyers Park, Tabby leading the way. I looked around, testing my theory that sunshine makes anything look better. I suppose it does, but I am tired of seeing brown grass and bare trees. Courage, I told myself. Things will grow eventually. At least a lot of the snow is melting. Of course, one effect of that is a lot of old dog poo is appearing. I tried to keep Tabby from sniffing it. “You know what poo smells like,” I tell her. Oh, I know, she probably smells a lot more variation that I do.

Every once in a while the wind would completely die out and I would feel warm sunshine. It never lasted long, but it gave me hope. However, soon the wind started whipping more coldly and my sinuses were not happy. I persevered, because Tabby was so obviously enjoying herself. Also, I must admit, the walk felt good on my legs. I do love to walk. I tried to concentrate on that and ignore the wind. It helps that I have a sweet, cute dog. I look at her trotting along and I feel better about everything.

As we approached home I saw some shoots coming out of the dirt at a neighbor’s house. Yes! Something growing! That makes three houses where I have observed signs of life. It was really not a bad walk, but I sure did appreciate a cup of hot tea when I got home.

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Not a Saturday of Note

Posted on December 21, 2014 by mohawkvalleygirl

I had thought of running today, for a return of Saturday Running Commentary. First I walked with my dog Tabby to the post office, to mail some post cards. It was cold and there was much ice on the sidewalks. Of course I have run in the cold and will do so again. I have run on icy sidewalks, too. One runs carefully and takes detours into the road and snowy lawns when possible. But I didn’t do it today.

For one reason, I woke up with a headache. Well that’s no big deal. Coffee would probably help. I began to feel a bit ill-used, however, when my stomach started to feel nauseous after my perfectly innocent English muffin with peanut butter. I resolutely ignored these symptoms for our post office jaunt. I had my reward as the stomach felt better and the head felt not too bad.

As you may have noticed, this is gearing up to be another one of those posts about what I did (or didn’t do) today that I could have (or still might) write a post about. I like to do that kind of a post on a Saturday. Kind of an overview of my day. It’s not too much pressure to write, yet I am not whining about how I CAN’T write a post today (read that last bit in a squeaky, annoying tone).

I wanted to go to the Shopper’s Stroll in Herkimer, NY (where I live, in case you didn’t know). Last year I strolled down Main Street with Tabby while this was happening, but this year I thought I would leave her home. I wanted to go to the Herkimer County Historical Society and maybe stop at a couple of businesses. Perhaps Tabby and I could walk to Meyers Park a little later and see the horse drawn carriage rides and whatever else was going on down there.

I had a lovely visit to the historical society, which I would definitely like to write about a greater length (I MIGHT have purchased a couple of Christmas presents, but of course that would be a secret). I walked through Valley Exchange, because that is always a fun place look through. After that I realized I was feeling hungry and a bit headachey so went back home. I saw the horse drawn carriage as I went past Meyer’s Park, but alas, that was as close as I got today.

After Steven came home for his lunch and went back to work, I succumbed to that tradition dreaded by schoolchildren everywhere: being sick on vacation. I went to bed for a two hour nap. I’m feeling somewhat better now. And perhaps I’ll feel up to writing a better post tomorrow.

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