Tag Archives: Mohawk Valley adventures

I Love Good Food

Posted on May 5, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

The first Monday of every month, Herkimer Elks does a dinner.  I am almost always busy on Mondays, covering a town or village board meeting for the Daily Sentinel (regular readers may remember I am an intrepid girl reporter) ( you know, from a 1940’s horror movie or screwball comedy).  However, the first Monday of the month is usually Herkimer Town Board at 6 p.m.  Dinner starts at 5.  I can get my dinner at 5, bring it home, eat some of it, and still make it to the meeting on time.  Score!

I was especially anxious to try yesterday’s meal: Lemon Parmesan Chicken.  It sounded wonderful!  I got to the Lodge around 4:30 to enjoy a glass of Chardonnay and some company while I waited for my to-go meal.  I really do need a little bit of sociableness, living alone as I do.

It looked and tasted awesome!

I make bold to show my messy coffee table as well as my delicious meal.  As you see, I am re-reading another Agatha Christie book.  It is my comfort these days.  However, I have read every Agatha Christie book within reach within the last month or so, including the three I brought home from my sister Diane’s house last week, so I must resign myself to a comfortless period.  But never mind me.

I cannot describe how delicious that chicken was. I could barely restrain myself from eating it all.  Now, of course, I am happy I have some left over.  I wonder what delicious treat the Elks will have for me next month.

 

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Trying to Cook Up a Blog Post

Posted on May 4, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I haven’t done a cooking post in a long time but I thought I might do one since I did not do much of note since my fabulous hat of Saturday.  Of course my recent cooking has not been wonderful since I have not been shopping.  In my defense, I realized I did not want to be in the middle of walking up and down the aisles of Hannaford and suddenly want to sit down because my leg hurt unbearably.  That is where I was at Sunday.  It happened while I was doing the dishes then again in the shower.  Sorry to moan about my physical ailments.

At times like these, we look into the cupboard and freezer and see what we have.  I had some onions and a jar of pre-chopped garlic in the refrigerator (don’t judge me), so I chopped an onion and set it to cook in olive oil, added a good dollop of the garlic, and opened a bottle of Merlot, because I like to cook with wine.

Not the wine I was actually cooking with, but I wanted to throw in a picture to pep things up.

I added only one small can of tomato sauce, because I didn’t want to make too much, since this was not going to be much of a sauce, as you can guess by the meager ingredients.  I had some pierogies in the freezer.  They were the potato and cheese kind.  I wasn’t really sure about putting potato with tomato sauce, but I didn’t have anything else to make a sauce with, so I hoped for the best.  I put a few spices in the sauce, added salt and pepper and grated cheese when it was done.

It didn’t turn out too badly.  My legs don’t feel so achy today.  If I don’t feel up to supermarket walking (although I do love strolling the aisles and finding stuff I didn’t know I needed), I can always do the Hannaford-To-G0 thing. Although that would necessitate getting the bottles and cans out of the trunk of my car.  Oh dear.  How one things leads to another.

In any case, I have made some semblance of a blog post.  I must try for some semblance of a Mohawk Valley Adventure so I can find something more better to write about.  But as always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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Not Too Tired to Jump Around

Posted on April 29, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I’m afraid today is going to be a Tired Tuesday post.  My over-60 body has betrayed me yet again (oh, shut up all you over-70 and over-80 bodies; I KNOW you are older and I have something to look forward to!).  I still have a few pictures of Mohawk Valley Adventures to blog about, but my cell phone is across the room charging, and I cannot possibly go over there and upload pictures to my Media Library.  How lame does that sound?  Am I sure it is not Lame Post Friday?  And so I laugh at myself.

Where I may be soon.

I thought a picture of me supine behind a chaise lounge with only a sweet pair of mules sticking out would be a good depiction of how I feel this afternoon.  However, that guilty-looking guy moving the suitcase out is less appropriate.  Nobody has just strangled me is what I am saying.  I swoon from my own lack of oomph.  Regular readers may recognize that as a rehearsal shot from Prescription: Murder at Ilion Little Theatre last year.

Good place to get jewelry.

Here is a Preview of Coming Attractions. I missed it, but today was the Grand Re-Opening of Weisser’s Jewelers.  The picture shows the location where they have been since the building next to theirs met with an unfortunate end.  They are finally able to move back into their original location.  I must go there and purchase some jewelry.  I do not especially need any new jewelry, but the beauty part of jewelry is that it is small.  I do not have to search for space in my messy house for it.

So this is my blog post. I guess it jumped around a little. Once again, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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A Little Help Waking Up

Posted on April 28, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last week when I was out and about and wanted to treat myself to a late breakfast, I finally went to Saturday Spreads in Frankfort, NY.  I was extremely happy I finally made it there.

I love a good coffee shop!

The cafe is located where the Knight Spot used to be.  They were open only for ice cream for the longest time and finally opened indoor seating.  They have remodeled the inside.  There is less seating than when it was the Knight Spot, but it is charming.  I ordered a coffee and an everything bagel with fancy toppings, then sat at a tall table (regular readers know I have a thing for tall tables).

They serve Utica Coffee, which has the memorable tag line, “Wake the Hell Up!”  Of course I love local, but this is also yummy coffee.  My bagel came with cream cheese, tomato, capers, red onion, and fresh dill.  It had a name but I foolishly did not make a note of it.  All the more reason to return!  The other reason being to try the other bagel toppings or treats they offer, and to drink some more coffee (I often need to wake the hell up).

For those who do not share my thing for tall tables.

Saturday Spreads is located at 264 Main St., Frankfort, NY, phone number 315-444-8151.

 

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Some Random Blog Post

Posted on April 24, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I was about to type in a whiny-ass excuse about how I am doing a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday blog post when I remembered:  Today is THURSDAY!  What a maroon!  Well, I already transferred my random pictures from my phone to WordPress, so I am going to make some kind of blog post using them.

The blooms last such a short time.

I LOVE blooming trees!  I want to take down what is left of Frankentree in front of my house and put in one that will look all pretty for a short time in the spring, like this one.  When I was younger, I dreamed of getting married in an apple orchard.  I forgot all about that when the actual time came, which is just as well, because I would have probably tripped on a fallen branch or had a bird poop on me.

Another random tree. 

As I took this picture, I thought, “And I’ll take a picture of this random tree,” because I liked it.  I was walking around the path at Town of Herkimer Park on Pine Grove Road in East Herkimer, taking a few pictures to accompany my article on the Herkimer Town Board Meeting for Sentinel Media.  It is a very nice little park.  I may go walk or run that trail again soon.

In case you get tired of walking and want to read a book.

This Little Free Library is along the trail, too.  I love these things.  I always look if there is a book I want to read but so far I have not brought any books to leave.  However, many of them are quite full already so perhaps I will need to wait for a good chance.

I have been enjoying the nice weather, getting out walking and running a lot, in addition to just being outside when I can, for example when getting pictures for my news writing endeavors.  I know I had promised some more Mohawk Valley Adventures, and I hope to get to those soon.  In the meantime, thank you for staying tuned.

 

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Did Somebody Say Murder?

Posted on April 22, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have actually been running around having lots of Mohawk Valley Adventures (alternating with periods of sitting on the couch saying, “I just can’t even!” but you’ll have that).  Yet I am going to do a fast Pre-Rehearsal Post, because I have a few more pre-rehearsal chores to do before, you know, rehearsal.   I suppose I am being a little too lenient with myself by using all the pictures I took during rehearsal last week, but I cannot pause to analyze my motivations now.

Obviously a dramatic moment!

Jerry loves to sing.  I always try to give him the part of a person who wants to do a musical, whether a musical is appropriate to the rest of the murder mystery or not.  You can do that when you write the thing.

Big gesture!

I thought our last rehearsal went really well.  People were really into character and interacting with each other a lot.  They praised my script, but really they are the ones that make it work.

What’s he laughing at?

I spent a good part of this afternoon making a prop: a note made of letters cut out of a magazine. Do you know what a pain in the butt that is?  I’m surprised at kidnappers or blackmailers who take all that trouble.

“Did somebody say… murder?”

OK, the caption isn’t really a line in the script; I just couldn’t think of anything else.  But I am over 225 words, so here is the plug:

A Revolutionary Murder, to benefit the Herkimer County Historical Society, will be presented at Herkimer Elks Lodge, 124 Mary St., Saturday, April 25, doors open at 5, dinner at 6.  Tickets are $45 for individuals, $80 for couples, available at the historical society.

 

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Pre-Crawl Post

Posted on April 18, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

No, not a Pub Crawl, although anybody who knows me might be forgiven for thinking so.  I am about to embark on Herkimer’s Spring Shop Crawl.  We get to go around to participating businesses and check them out.  Many are running specials for the day. In any case, I will get to say hello to my favorites and hopefully discover some new places for shopping and blogging purposes.

Can’t wait to stop here!

The event is hosted by To Niche Their Own and Renewed and Rescued. Renewed and Rescued is a long-time favorite of mine, and To Niche Their Own has been a favorite since I discovered them.

And if I get hungry along the way.

I just scrolled down the Facebook Event’s Discussion and looked for other participants whose picture I might have in my Media Library, and here is Paradise Eatery.  I am charging my phone in hopes of taking pictures at each stop. This may be good for days and days of blog posts!

I see Herkimer College (known to locals as HCCC or “H-trip-C”) is also sponsoring a vendor fair.  I intend to walk during my initial foray into the Crawl, but I may return home for my car to check out what’s up the hill (YES, I try to run up the hill on a regular basis, but that is not the same thing, surely you can see that) (and I will call you Shirley if I decide to).

Well, time, as they say, is a-wasting.  I need to get crawling and shopping.  I encourage any local readers to check out the Spring Shop Crawl.  All others may tune in later for blog posts about same.

 

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Where Have I Been? Where May I Go?

Posted on April 16, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

With apologies for missing my Wednesday blog post, I attempt another Throwback Thursday.  I have done a few things this morning, not many of course:  took a mile and a half walk, met friends for breakfast, talked to my parents, met with a contractor (long story, not very interesting)… OK, I have not done much.  I have a hair and toenail appointment this afternoon and a murder mystery rehearsal this evening (preview of coming attractions).  I certainly hope I remember to take a couple of pictures at rehearsal for a Post-Rehearsal Post.

Now what did I do with that little silver purse?

This is a picture of my bestie Kim and me at a Prohibition Party at Gerber’s 1933 Tavern in Utica, NY.  I actually have some better 1920s outfits now, and I am always hoping to add more. Note to self:  make the next murder mystery a 1920s theme.  I thought I would throw back to businesses previously visited, but of course I cannot get away from my theatrical (not to say drama queen) nature.

Cheers to a Cute Little Blonde!

Here is a local business I need to return to soon, Heelpath Brewing in Frankfort.  The Cute Little Blonde mentioned in the caption refers to the wine Kim is drinking, from Rustic Ridge Winery in Burlington Flats.  That would be more of a drive for me to visit, but it is a delightful place.

The bunnies were still there last week!

Now here is a place I have been recently and intend to return to today: Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, NY.  I go for their weekly tastings, for a naughty sip and some pleasant conversation.  I must see what they are tasting today.

I have cheered myself up, thinking of these places I have been to and can go to again.  I miss my Kim, who has moved halfway across the country, but perhaps she will return for a visit sometime.  In the meantime, there is no reason I cannot enjoy some Mohawk Valley Adventures with other friends or even on my own.

 

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Another Brew, Another Book!

Posted on April 14, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

This morning I had occasion to go to Little Falls, NY, so naturally I made a stop at Athenix Books and Brews, one of the all time coolest bookstores ever.  Nick, the owner, greeted me by name as I walked in, which is so flattering!  I had a box of books from my parents’ house and asked if he was still taking donations.  He said, “Always!”  This is good news for me, because I haven’t even started cleaning out my own library!

Lots of choices!

I was in need of a treat to ordered a Mocha with whipped cream and a deluxe brownie (it’s true:  I do not have weight-loss goals; I have weight-loss daydreams).  I sat down at a tall table and worked on a letter to a friend while I sipped and nibbled.  I really want to begin some more substantive writing projects than letters and post cards, but one does what one can, and I believe most people like to receive snail mail on occasion.

A very welcoming atmosphere.

Sometime I will have to come in with a friend, so we can sit on the couch to sip and chat.  After I had finished my treat, I naturally looked for a book and found one amongst the used books.  Reduce, reuse, recycle!

No, I did not purchase one of these books!

It has actually been a while since I had stopped into Athenix but I hope to stop in again soon.  As I was leaving, two ladies were entering.  “This is a great place,” I told them, and I could tell they were quite taken with it as they continued into the store.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY, and is open daily.

 

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Murder Remembered

Posted on April 10, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Alas, I have once again fallen down on the job as a daily blogger by failing to make even a Wuss-out Wednesday post.  A quick check of my phone tells me a Waste Not Want Not Wednesday is also ineligible.  As I sit here on my couch feeling rather tired, I fear a Throwback Thursday is my best bet.  For one reason, I am pondering the latest murder mystery and throwing back to past triumphs may inspire me.

You knew I would include a picture of Steven if possible.

This was indeed a fun one, Fabulous and Fatal in the fall of 2019.  My late, dearly missed husband Steven made quite the hit as Ophelia Upp, a member of Drag Queens Along the Mohawk.  I played the glamorous Roxanne Rolls.

Nothing suspicious about him!

And here is my friend Tucker as Renwick Spaulding, a great lover of all things insect in Donate to Murder.  He was pretty awesome.  I feel proud of myself for writing these murder mysteries, but really, it is the actors who make the stories come to life.  Which may seem like a funny thing to say about a murder mystery.

How could somebody that fabulous kill anybody?

Here is a less than candid shot of one of our suspects for Shooting at the Grange, which we performed at Salisbury Grange in the spring in 2023.  It was a pretty fun script in a nice setting.

I don’t know that I feel particularly inspired now to work on the mystery we are rehearsing tonight, but at least I have my blog post done.  I hope you’ll stay tuned for future Mohawk Valley Adventures.

 

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