Tag Archives: Mohawk Valley adventures

The Ghost of Christmas Post?

“I wear the chain I forged in life!”

I like ghosts as much as I like monsters, so A Christmas Carol is one of my favorite Christmas stories.   My husband Steven and I have 14 versions of it, on DVD and VHS.  I just now counted, and it is possible I missed a couple.  It is also possible we will discover another version to add to the collection.  Steven shared the above photo on Facebook today; alas, we do not own that comic book.

As you may have guessed, this is a Tired Tuesday post.  I tried for a Running Commentary and a Mohawk Valley adventure, but I have the type it in, backspace it out disease. I confess,  I almost gave up.  Then I remembered this picture, and it seems to be helping.  I am over 100 words and still typing.

“Glo-o-o-o-o-oo-o-o-o-o-oo-o-o-o-o-oo-ria!”

I don’t think these are actually characters in the book, but don’t they look Dickensian?  I was once writing a stage version of A Christmas Carol, and I had a group of carolers narrate the story.  I wonder if I could get Ilion Little Theatre or LiFT to put it on, if I finished it.  Well, probably if I started it again and finished it, because I rather doubt I could find what I started.  It was in the 1990’s.

“God bless us, every one!”

I used this picture in a recent post, but I thought it fit in with today’s theme.    I see I am over 200 words, so I will call this a post.  Ooh, I’m tired.  I hope to see you all on Wednesday, when I will strive not to Wuss Out.

 

Fun with Family at the Craft Fair

How about a fast post about an authentic Mohawk Valley adventure I enjoyed this afternoon, and which local readers can enjoy themselves, if they read this post and act before tomorrow afternoon.  I attended the Sauquoit Valley Fine Arts and Crafts Show.

Full disclosure:  I did not go so much for the arts and crafts as to spend time with family members.  I’m up for almost anything if I like the people I’m doing it with.  Still, the show was definitely worth a walk-through. I saw some great jewelry, art, and food.

The show takes place in the Sauquoit Valley Middle School, and they use a lot of space in that school.  The gym is filled with booths and so are many of the classrooms.  Most of the classes had only three or four vendors, with signs outside the door telling you who was in there.  We got to the show just after two, when things were less busy than they were earlier.  In previous years we have gotten there between 10 and 11 a.m., and what a crowd scene that is!  Even then it is fun to look at the things.

I admired some jewelry, knitted apparel, scarves, decorations and more.  I greedily sampled dips, cheese spread, fudge, and popcorn.  Previous years we have gotten lunch, but most of our group were not hungry.  I felt a little peckish, so when we saw the pie room, I went in for a cup of coffee and piece of apple pie. Yum!  At least we were all happy to sit down and have a drink.

I purchased a wooden race car for my delightful great-nephew, Shepherd.  I had not gotten him a present for his recent third birthday, so I was happy we found something he wanted.  There was some jewelry there I really liked, but I somehow feel I should not spend money on myself between Halloween and Christmas (oh, I do spend money on myself at this time; I just do not feel that I should be doing so).

The craft fair continues tomorrow, Sunday, Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sauquoit Valley Middle School, 2648 Sulphur Springs Rd., Sauquoit, NY.  Admission is $3.

 

 

Little Post About Little Falls

Can I just say, once again, that I love Little Falls.  My husband Steven and I recently had a memorable visit there, one worthy of a longer blog post than I contemplate making here.  Judge me if you like.

We drove what we call the back way from Herkimer, along Route 5S.  This took us by the Humane Society, Fort Herkimer Church, and Lilah’s Foster House.  I had to point the last one out to Steven, as he was unfamiliar with Lilah and her work with homeless animals.  I am not real familiar with it myself, but I accompanied my friend Kim to the House one night when she went to adopt a sweet kitten.

Going over the bridge and turning right to Canal Place, we easily found a place to park and went into Prima Donna’s Boutique.  I hoped to write about the place for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  While there, Donna recommended we check out Huckleberry Letterpress on Main Street.  Before doing that, however, I took Steven into Rochette, in the space formerly occupied by The Mustard Seed.  From there we wandered past Ole Sal’s Creamery and looked over the antiques in that building.  As we left, I said perhaps we could return for ice cream.  I’m hoping we’ll do that soon, because, yum.

Before and after visiting Huckleberry Letterpress (we told the guy Donna sent us), we walked up and down Main Street, making notes of various businesses to return to at some point.  High on that list is Copper Moose Ale House, one of my favorite dinner spots.

Regular readers may have noticed that I did not post yesterday.  For that I am truly sorry and will offer no excuse. At least, perhaps later I will offer a lame one later, when I write for this week’s Lame Post Friday.  A little uncertainty adds interest to my day.

 

An Afghan for Rocky

I am going to recount today’s minor Mohawk Valley adventure, not so much because it was an exciting adventure, but because it will advertise an upcoming event local readers may like to go to.

Regular readers know I like to crochet and watch movies or television.  The only thing I know how to crochet is afghans, and I have gotten pretty fast at making them.  As you may guess, they can pile up.  My solution is to donate them to worthy causes.  When I see a poster for a benefit fundraiser with a Chinese auction, I try to give a call and donate an afghan.  I’ve written about this before, not in the interest of tooting my own horn (I do that on Toot Your Horn Tuesday), but to call attention to one of my favorite things: people helping people.  I truly believe that we are the answers to each other’s prayers (but never mind the half-baked philosophy; that goes on Lame Post Friday).

Today’s cause is Rocky Rockwell, a local veteran who suffered a demolished home in recent flooding.  I believe this is the second time his home has suffered damage, and this time it was much worse.

I knew some time ago about the Flood Relief Benefit for Rocky Rockwell on Sept. 30.  Well, you know how it is:  when you know you’ve got to the end of the month to do something, you just naturally put it off.  At least I do.  If you do not, well that is an excellent habit to be in.  Keep up the good work.  Be that as it may (one of my favorite expressions), I finally called the number for the benefit organizers and found out I could drop the afghan by their meeting tonight at the VFW.  So I did.

I told you it was not all that exciting of an adventure, didn’t I?  BUT I think it will do as a plug for the benefit.  It is this Saturday, Sept. 30 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Herkimer VFW, 129 Mohawk St., Herkimer, NY.  You can find out more at the Facebook Event page (I love Facebook Events).  A motorcycle ride precedes the benefit, and at the benefit there will be a DJ, raffles, food, a Chinese auction, and cash bar.

I’ll be there, checking to see how many tickets get put in for my afghan.

 

It’s Flustered Friday!

Yesterday I said, “Next Up: Portrait of Dorian Gray”  (only I couldn’t italicize in a headline).  However, today being Lame Post Friday, I make bold to be lame enough to NOT have Mr. Gray and his pretty picture be next on Mohawk Valley Girl.  (Is that a contradiction in terms, bold enough to be lame?  Might make a good headline.)

Actually, I think I will begin a new feature today.  A subspecies of Lame Post Friday:  Flustered Friday. In fact, I am pausing in my Flustered Friday gyrations to make this post.  Then I will continue to Flus (yes, I know that is not a word; don’t be so didactic!).

When I got home from work, I went running, feeling pretty damn virtuous for running two days in a row.  I thought about it all day at work, hoping to instill it in my mind so I would not have to talk myself into it.  It worked.  I had meant to run on the mini-tramp again, watching more of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde with my beloved John Barrymore.  However, the weather seemed so fall-like that I decided to run outdoors.

After a good run, cool-down walk, stretching and shower, I put on my short terry robe, got myself a glass of chocolate milk (my recovery beverage of choice) and sat down with the laptop. I was going to make a Running Commentary post.  First I checked my Facebook notifications and emails (I have four but only check three on a regular basis).  Soon I started to feel tired and brain dead.  This would never do.  I had plans with my friend Kim for 5:30.  I wanted to get my blog post done first so I would not have to worry about it.  I ate a small snack and tried again.

Eventually I went to the message string with Kim to double check the time for tonight’s adventure.  Not 5:30, but 5:00!!!  It was 4:36 by my computer’s clock when I made this discovery.  It was actually better to go at five, because Steven worked till six so I had a good shot at being home at least not too long after he got there.  I had time.  It! Could! Work!  (You remember that line from Young Frankenstein, don’t you?) (If you don’t, go watch Young Frankenstein! It’s a great movie!)

First I had to get dressed.  What to wear, what to wear, what to wear?  I need to do some serious work on my wardrobe.  Then I saw one of Steven’s Hawaiian shirts that would go awesome with my yellow capri pants.  I put it on.  Ooh, wrinkly.  I knew I had not put my iron away the last time I used it.  Did I have time? YES!  I scrambled around finding a notebook, pen, Tablet and purse.  I was ready in time, yes!

Our adventure was to DikinDurt Distillery on Smith Road in Herkimer.  I intend to write an article about them to submit to Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I’ll probably write a blog post as well (preview of coming attractions).  It was a fun visit.  We must go there again.  For one reason, you can only try three moonshines at a time.  For another, Steven will like to join us.

After leaving DikinDurt, we thought to go to Valley Wine and Liquor in Herkimer, where they often have Friday tastings.  We stopped by my house first to pick up a couple of school supplies.  You see, Valley is having a promotion that if you donate a school supply, you get 10 percent off your purchase.

We tasted some flavored vodka.  We liked it but did not buy any.  Then we walked all around the wines deciding what too purchase.  Having enjoyed some blueberry moonshine at DikinDurt, Kim was looking for blueberry wine.  We found several choices as well as some other fruits.  I decided on some Faustino Tempranillo and Great Western Champagne.

As we left the liquor store, I mentioned to Kim that I was supposed to cook supper but really should have started cooking at five.  Oops!  When we got to my house, Steven was not there yet.

“Get cooking!” Kim said.

“I think I’ll get fixing myself a drink,” I said. Kim approved that modification of plans.

I got to pouring myself a glass of wine.  I’m still drinking it.  Steven came home while I was typing just now.  We still have to figure out what to do for supper.  I know it will not involve going out, because Steven is already in his sweatpants (that man is FAST when he gets home from work).  At least my ironed Hawaiian shirt made it to the distillery and the liquor store!

 

Posting from the Deck

So I’ve gotten through most of Saturday before making my blog post and oh, what a day I have had!  OK, not really, but it was pretty scattered.  As I was working on one of my last chores/adventures of the day (and how much richer life is when one can feel the two are combined), I thought, “It used to be that on a Saturday when I had multiple adventures, I would spend the next week making multiple blog posts about them individually.  Now I blow my wad (so to speak) on one Scattered Saturday post.  What’s that all about?” (And here’s a Freudian slip I found on proofreading:  I originally put “blog my wad” instead of “blow my wad.”  Isn’t that awesome?) (Maybe I should have used that for the headline.)

I answered myself, “When I started this blog, I was in my late 40’s.  Now I am in my mid-50’s.  Who knew there could be such a difference in the decades?”  It was a silly answer, because, quite frankly, I have to keep reminding myself that I am in my 50’s.  For anyone who wants to know, I am 53, the same age as the Grinch (“Why for 53 years I’ve put up with it now!  I MUST stop Christmas from coming!  But how?”).  I like being the same age as the Grinch.  But this is not what I sat down to make a blog post about.

In fact, it is a little difficult to post right now, because I am sitting on my deck, and the sun is a little bright for computer screens.  I stubbornly remain out here, though, because I brought out all the cushions for our chairs.  I could have just brought out two, one for my butt, one for my feet (naturally one puts one’s feet up on the weekend).  Then I brought out for for Steven, who should arrive home in about an hour.  Then I brought out the fourth, because it seemed unkind to exclude just one (yes, I anthropomorphize chair cushions; I anthropomorphize EVERYTHING, I thought you knew that about me).

Where was I?  Ah yes, on the deck, admiring what I can see of my container garden so far. I feel I should purchase more plants, more pots and more dirt, going overboard as I have in years past (last year being a notable exception).  The important thing is, I have basil.  Fresh pesto, you will be mine!  I’m sure some of my readers will appreciate it if I post pictures.  I’ll be doing that one day soon.  For right now, I’m sitting with my feet up and drinking a beer.  Happy Saturday, everyone.

 

Mid-week Moniker?

As I was writing one of my articles for Mohawk Valley Living magazine, I referred to myself as “Mohawk Valley Girl, lover of local.”  I think that is a fine moniker.  Additionally, I think “moniker” is a good word.

Are you sensing a Wuss-out Wednesday here?  I was thinking more along the lines of Mid-week Middle-aged Musings, which I have not had in a while.  The point is, I’m not feeling well.  I’m afraid it is that stomach bug I hear is going around.  Well, I won’t gross you out with my symptoms (unless you piss me off, but you wouldn’t do that, would you?).

Thinking of my love of local, though, I am making a few plans for the weekend.  Friday, Steven and I hope to go to Heidelberg Bakery for breakfast.  We will purchase a couple of loaves of their bread to bring to Easter dinner at my parents’ house.  It is our usual contribution to the feast.  Later on, we may get together with my sister, Cheryl, for further adventures.  She recently discovered a new antique shop.  Of course I mean new to us.  I did not mean to be oxymoronic with “new antique”  (my computer is underlining “oxymoronic,” but if “moronic” is a word and “oxymoron” is a word, why not “oxymoronic”?  I ask you).

I plan to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday, having, you guessed it, taken yesterday, today and tomorrow off (too busy AND flu bug, but I’m sure I’ll feel better by Friday).  Perhaps it will be the start of a streak.  I’ll see how many days in a row I can run.  I am, of course, preparing for the Utica Boilermaker 15K, a premier road race and marvelous local event.  I may do some other community runs this summer.

I will also attempt to write more blog posts of interest.  More interesting than my abdominal ills and what I like to call myself?  We can hope!  Happy Wednesday, everyone.

 

All Kinds of Drama in 2017!

Welcome to the first Mental Meanderings Monday of 2017.  I hope nobody is expecting brilliance (I know, most of you never had such expectations of me) (OK, me neither),  because I feel tired and stupid.  These are not unfamiliar feelings for me, but I do not repine.  I just have to wait and sooner or later I will feel some other way.  That is how it works.

Where was I?  Ah yes, mentally meandering.  I’m expecting my post-Christmas letdown to continue at least for a few more days, with the occasional relapse as the month wears on.  On Wednesday I have a meeting to talk more about the murder mystery LiFT Theatre Company is doing at the Overlook Mansion in Little Falls.  Who could be uncheered by a murder mystery? (That is a paraphrase from Winnie the Pooh, by the way.  I think the real line is, “Nobody could be uncheered by a balloon.”) Thursday I have the read-through for Steel Magnolias at Ilion Little Theatre.

And then I have at least two more murder mysteries to write, in addition to writing articles for Mohawk Valley Living magazine and making a blog post every day. Then there is running, finally organizing my house and life, and of course seeking out new Mohawk Valley adventures.  I hope to also find time to crochet, knit, and watch true crime on cable television, as well as the occasional cheesy movie to write a blog post about (I haven’t done one of those posts in a long time!).

I see that I am over 250 words.  Score!  And never once did I whine about my inability to come up with a blog post for today.  That makes me feel a good deal less stupid than I felt when I typed the first paragraph.  You see, I was right:  just wait and I will feel a different way.  Bring on 2017!

 

Picture This!

What a moron I am!  Or as Bugs Bunny would say, “What a maroon!  What a Ta-ra-ra-GOON-dee-yay!”  I started writing a real post, about an authentic Mohawk Valley Adventure Steven and I had yesterday.  It isn’t bad. I could have finished it.  BUT, I wanted to add pictures!

Regular readers have probably noticed I never use pictures.  I could rationalize that with something like, “I’m all about the WORDS,”  but that is only what I say to make myself feel better about my lack of technological finesse. I think sometimes pictures are nice.  I like to see them in other blogs.

So we got a tablet some time ago and learned to take pictures on it.  Much later, we learned how to email them, then how to share them to Facebook.  I’m thinking it will not be too difficult for me to take one more step and put a photo or two on the old blog.

So yesterday at Pumpkin Junction, I took some pictures.  Today I shared them to Facebook.  Then I went to Facebook and downloaded them.  I’m pretty sure all I need to do now is hit where it says “add photo” and it will give me the option to get the photo from my downloads.  It really shouldn’t be too much problem, even given my vast reserves of incompetence.

However, and here we get to the real typical me, Steven and I have to leave soon for dress rehearsal for Splitting Issues, the play I believe I have mentioned before.  Opening night is Friday.  It is long past time for this blog to go All Splitting Issues All The Time.  However, I hope tomorrow to give my shout-out to Pumpkin Junction.  With pictures.  I hope you’ll stay tuned.

 

Just a Few Shout-Outs

So yesterday I thought I was coming down with something and today I am pretty sure I am.  It would not be such a big deal if I could keep from being such a colossal baby about these things.  Or if I could just quietly take a day off from posting.  But, as they say, I gotta be me.  However, instead of whining for 200 or so words about how crappy I feel, how about I give a brief overview of Steven’s and my Monday morning adventures.

We began by fueling up at Crazy Otto’s Empire Diner in Herkimer, NY.  Then we headed for the big city of Utica.  I drove, as I had slightly more of an idea where we were headed.  That is, I had been there.  I had not driven there.  However, after a wrong direction and only one turn around, we got to the So Sweet Candy Cafe on the corner of Columbia and Varick streets. Yay!

After that we had wanted to check out Adirondack Distillery, which is handily located right across the street.  The message on their answering machine said they were open Monday through Friday.  This Monday, they were not.  Rats!  We walked down Varick Street, just because we were there, then back to the car and headed on.  The Other Side Gallery was also closed.  I had not even checked their Facebook page, so I suppose that served me right.

We found Off-Center Records & Collectibles with very little problem.  A parking spot presented a little more problem, but we got one not too far away.  After a fun interlude there, we checked out New York Connection, which I had never heard of but noticed a couple of doors down.  Those are both stores I mean to write more about.

On our way home, we stopped at Juliani’s Produce and Greenhouse in Schuyler.  I got and immediately ate a chocolate half-moon cookie.  We also got fixings for a salad, which I later made (I believe I mentioned it in yesterday’s post).

We enjoyed our little jaunt very much, although I was ready to get home and relax.  I am ready to relax now.  I guess it is Tired Tuesday after all.