Tag Archives: Richfield Springs NY

I Will Go Back to Back in Time!

I neglected to do a post about the great new antique place I found:  Back in Time Collectibles & Crafts in Richfield Springs, NY.  I found it quite by accident.  I was headed for the library, which of course I drove right past (anybody who knows me is not surprised).  Turning back and finding the library, I saw Back in Time and could not resist checking it out.

One lump or two?

As soon as I walked in the door the collection of tea cups caught my eye.  My sisters, mother, and nieces have had a few fancy tea parties.  It is actually my turn to host one.  I don’t know if I could dare purchase and use such beautiful old cups!

You know I looked at the jewelry!

Vintage jewelry, on the other hand, I rarely hesitate to wear, unless I am going someplace where I may get too rambunctious.  Regular readers know I do not always behave with the proper decorum of a woman my age.

Something for the Disney fans.

Full disclosure:  I am not a Disney addict, have never been to World or Land, and I don’t love Mickey Mouse.  If anybody feels the need to cut my acquaintance because of this, I will understand.  I took the picture, because I like to include pictures I think people will like.  Also, there is a lot going on here:  Hot Wheels and PEZ, for example.

Tins I can get into! Not literally.

I do like tins.  Actually, I have too many tins.  My late husband Steve and I were in the habit of picking them up at rummage sales and such, because we thought we would put Christmas presents in them.  “Put a present in a present,” was Steve’s motto.  It didn’t always work out.  For one reason, we couldn’t always fit a present to a tin.  For another, sometimes the recipient would say, “Oh, here’s your tin back!”

I did not buy any Christmas presents at Back in Time.  For one reason, I was there in January.  When I buy Christmas presents that early, I tend to forget them by December.  I bought a sweet tiny frog for myself.  Steven used to collect frogs.

Back in Time Collectibles & Crafts is located at 112 Main St., Richfield Springs, NY, phone number 315-858-6003.

 

A Mention of Mohawk Mall on Wrist to Forehead Sunday

I drag my attention away from a City Confidential on Roku TV to make a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  Most of the Mohawk Valley seems to be iced it.  I tried to shovel a layer off the driveway while sleet fell on me, laughing at my efforts.  At least somebody was feeling jolly.  There is no need to dwell on these things.  I wanted to give a quick shout-out to Mohawk Antiques Mall, one of my favorite spots, which I visited a few days previously.

I had not stopped there in a while.  Full disclosure:  I mostly stopped because I was pretty sure they would have a current issue of Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  I do not know how much longer I will be writing for them, but I had a nice story in February’s issue about Back In Time: Collectibles Plus Crafts in Richfield Springs, NY (not to self: make a post about them soon!).  After picking up the magazine, I walked over the whole store, hoping something would tempt me to buy.

I’m sure I need a hat like that.

Further disclosure:  I have to watch my money these days, and I have pretty much zero space in my house to put cool things found at antique stores.  I took a picture at a new vendor.  That is, new to me.  I think I mentioned I had not been there in a while.  One great thing about these antique malls:  you can visit again and again and almost always see something new.

Ooh, those are nice!

Another vendor caught my eye, and I thought it was clearly a local artist.  I quickly saw that this was indeed the case.

I LOVE local art!

In fact, I follow Chickadee Hollow Studio on Facebook (I follow lots of local places I haven’t been to yet), so I was delighted to see some of their stuff.  I’m afraid my pictures are a little blurry.  I must go and get better pictures.  And make more space in my house so I can purchase something!

Mohawk Antiques Mall is located at 100 E. Main St., Mohawk, NY, phone number 315-219-5044.

 

Tired Post, Late Shout-out

Why am I always too tired to do my Tired Tuesday post on Tuesday?  Am I getting old or am I just unhealthy?  I know it is not that I am working too hard, alas.  But enough about me, how about a blog post?

Last week I finally drove to Dyn’s Cider Mill in Richfield Springs.  I was in search of popcorn.  They have the best popcorn!  Popcorn is an excellent source of fiber, I have read.  Of course, with the amount of butter and salt I put on it, I cannot consider it a health food.  Still, it goes great with the movies I like to watch.

I love this place!

It was a bright, sunny day, which can be a little difficult to drive in.  Luckily I have polarized prescription sunglasses, a relic of when I used to work in the eye care industry.  It would have been a prettier drive had I gone earlier in the fall, but I can’t do everything (or even many things) in a timely fashion.  I still enjoyed the scenery and kept an eye out for any remaining bits of color (while still paying attention to traffic and bends in the road, I promise!)

I purchased two bags of popcorn and a half dozen donuts.  I know, donuts are far from a health food.  But they were freshly made and yummy!  Now that I have eaten them and they are gone, perhaps I can refrain from buying more and can begin a more healthy eating style.  No promises.

Dyn’s Cider Mill is located at 7915 NY-28, Richfield Springs, NY, phone number 315-858-2078.  You can find out more on their Facebook page.

Tired, Late Post, But Popcorn!

I was too tired to make a blog post on Sunday and I am too brain dead to make one now.  I overslept, not by a huge amount, but apparently long enough to make a difference.  What the heck is the matter with me?  I’m so tired I am even saying “heck” because it is easier than fighting with autocorrect.

“Oh dear me!”

Once again, I throw in a picture to pep things up (autocorrect sucks, but sometimes the predictive text thingy is dead on).  This is from last July.  What a difference a year makes!  I had a husband.  I knew what to wear.  But it is no good to look back and repine.

Mmmm… Dyn’s Cider Mill

I look back to look ahead.  A trip to Dyn’s Cider Mill in Richfield Springs is in my future!  They have, bar none, the BEST popcorn.  Regular readers may recall that I pop it on the stove in oil and put real butter on it, as God intended (I say that as a joke; I do not pretend to really know the plans of the Almighty). Yum!

Dyn’s Cider Mill is located at 7915 NY-28, Richfield Springs,  NY, phone number 315-858-2078. They are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

 

Monsters or Memories?

I am having a difficult time getting myself to do anything.  However, I persevere in trying.  I paid a few bills today, worked on organizing papers, took a couple walks, and drove to Cherry Valley, NY, in search of something to write about for Mohawk Valley Living magazine (preview of coming attractions).  But it doesn’t feel like I got a whole lot accomplished, and I spent a good deal of time feeling unmoored. Never mind that last sentence, let me get on with attempting some semblance of a blog post.

“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

This is how I feel, only not so skinny.  I have put on a few pounds recently.  I have not been running or walking.  In addition to having a nagging cold, I fell down my front steps and hurt my back.  The back is feeling a little better, though, so I may ignore my cough and try a run tomorrow.

This was a great evening.

I move from monsters and moaning to memories with a shot of my recently dedeparted husband, Steve, on Richfield Springs Scenic Railway.  I would like to go on that again.

Isn’t he cute?

Here is a monstrous memory:  Steven in costume at the Halloween Party at Herkimer VFW in October 2021.

So this is my Monday blog post: a couple monsters, a couple memories, and a little moaning about my ills. As always, thank you for tuning in.

 

Lost My Train of Thought?

The reason I did not make my Lame Post Friday post on Friday was that I flatly had no time to do it.  I rushed home after work with just enough time to get ready to go to the Richfield Springs Scenic Railway.  And I only had enough time for that due to diligent pre-planning and preparation,  which regular readers know is not my strong suit.

Yes, the cars originally belonged to Frontier Town.

I suppose I could have, in fact, made my post after I got home or even early Saturday morning.  Oh well, I did not, and it is too late now.  However, I had a marvelous time on the train, as did my husband, Steve, and our friends Kim and Rob, who joined us.

Kim and Rob, excellent adventure companions.

This morning I wrote an article about the railway for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  That is how we got hooked up with tickets for the excursion. How awesome was that?

Steven, getting on the train.

My sister Diane, who I spoke to before I wrote the article, suggested I cut and paste from the article for my blog post.  It is not a bad suggestion, only I typed the article into my dining-room-table-top and I am currently on my Tablet.

OK, one more picture.

However,  I hope this will do for my blog post.  For more information on Richfield Springs Scenic Railway, you can visit their Facebook page.

 

Don’t Be Blank! Plug a Local Business!

I guess my brain is still on Planet Arous,  because last night I had a terrible case of Writer’s Blank.  I don’t think I have mentioned this affliction in a while.  I stare at a blank computer screen or page (I tried both yesterday) and feel that my mind is similarly blank.  It is all very well to say, “Just write something, anything!”  Sometimes I can, and sometimes I can, that’s all.

It seems that this morning I can.  Let us not dwell on last night’s failure and complete a late post now.

Perhaps not the best angle, but you get the idea.

One help is that my lovely husband, Steven, brought me a cup of hot coffee.  Aaaaaahhhhh!  I took a picture, because he put it in a local mug.  We have not been to Dyn’s Cider Mill yet this year.  It is a charming place, with yummy cider and delicious donuts.  Additionally, they sell the BEST popcorn.  I wonder if I could persuade Steven to take a drive out there on Saturday.

Another good reason for heading in that direction:  we can go through Richfield Springs and stop at the Community Food Cooperative.  Just to plug another local business, and include another picture.

One of my new favorite places.

 

Busy Day Before 15K

I had a pretty good Scattered Saturday.  I had to be careful not to overdo it, because I might be running 15K again tomorrow.  I believe I mentioned the mini-maker at Copper City Brewing in Rome, NY Sept. 13.  Even though I ran my official Virtual Boilermaker last Sunday, I am signed up for the run in Rome.  I messaged Copper City and offered to act as a volunteer instead, if they needed another one.  In any case, I will be up early in the morning and off to Rome.

With a possible 15K in mind, I took a short run this morning.  On my cool-down walk, I stopped at a neighbor’s house, where they were setting up a garage sale.  They did not mind me taking a sneak preview.

Before garage saling, however, I had other chores to do.  I put a load of laundry in the wash and wrote a few post cards.  After the laundry was in the drier, I headed to Richfield Springs Community Food Cooperative, where I planned to have a cup of coffee and write.

Note to self: try to get a better picture.

For a picture of the Co-op, this shows a nice view of the opposite side of the street.  After that pleasant interlude, I went back home to Herkimer to consider further options. I went to two neighborhood garage sales, where I made a few fun purchases.  Then I decided to walk to Main Street to the Mohawk Valley Community Market, which includes Renewed and Rescued, and Wakefield Furniture.

Unfortunately,  it was close to their closing time when I got there.  I went across the street to the End Zone Pub and Grub for a beer.  When I was in the army, a drill sergeant said it was a good idea to have one beer the night before a PT test.  YES, I had just one beer!

Now I am home and taking it easy before my big day tomorrow.  I had a bowl of pasta and I am hydrating.  Am I better prepared to run 15K than I was last week at this time?  I don’t know.  However, I had an enjoyable Saturday and I am looking forward to Sunday.

 

It’s Scattered, It’s Lame, It’s Late

What’s wrong with making my Friday Lame Post on Saturday morning?  Maybe a few things, but here we are.  It is prior to 6 a.m., although my timestamp may disagree.  I can’t worry about these things.

This is a really awesome place.

I drove to Richfield Springs, NY to check out the Food Co-op.  I loved it!  I will write more about it soon.  I took went a different way out of town and drove over a scenic route to Little Falls.  Unfortunately,  I did not stop and take any pictures. Maybe next time.

In Little Falls I went to the Little Falls Public Library’s book sale.  I did not have as good luck as I did at last year’s sale, but I found a couple of books and DVDs (including a Bela Lugosi movie, yes!).  Once again, I do not have a photo to share.  What’s that all about, me?

It looks longer and less steep in this shot, I think. 

Here is a picture of my Friday I can share!  Earlier in the morning I ran up the hill to Herkimer College (H-trip-C to locals).  I ran all the way up onto campus, around the stadium, past the Veterans Memorial, down Reservoir Road, and THEN into the residential area behind Valley Health and up the kick-buttest hill!  I guess I should have made a Running Commentary Post and bragged about it.

So it was kind of a Scattered Friday.  In case anyone was wondering: no, I did not have to work.  I took my last discretionary day off, just to get rid of it in case my place of employment abruptly shuts the door.  And if they do not shut the doors and I have to work the rest of the year with no extra days off, I have promised to do a happy dance each day.  Won’t that brighten up the workplace?

 

What a Sunday!

OK, if I do my Wrist to Forehead Sunday post now, I will only be one blog post behind.  I had wild thoughts of doing three posts yesterday or today, but, well, you can guess how that went.  Anyways, I have had a busier than usual Sunday, giving me a real reason to swoon (posing dramatically with the back of one wrist on my forehead, of  course).  It also might make this a Scattered Sunday post.  You decide.  I’ll just keep typing.

I went for a run this morning.  I multi-tasked by putting in a load of laundry before I left.  No hills, and I only ran for 25 minutes.  Once again, I wanted to recruit my energies for Mohawk Valley adventures.  I did not feel I had a sufficiency of them yesterday.  However, planning said adventures hit a snag when our internet when out.  Undaunted (it takes a lot to daunt me), I took our new phone book out of the plastic wrap and started to look at the Yellow Pages.  Lots of leads!

Eventually, though, I just decided to drive to Richfield Springs and hope for the best.  In fact, I knew there was a good diner there.  I was hungry, having only consumed my recovery beverage of chocolate milk after my run.  If the diner wasn’t good to write about, at least I could eat.  Well, I think Cassidy’s (as I was reminded it is called) will be good to write about, but I have not done so yet (see yesterday’s post about waiting till the last minute).

I drove out of Richfield Springs, telling myself I would NOT go all the way to Cooperstown.  As it turned out, I did not have to.  I discovered Audrey’s Old and New, a charming little consignment shop.  That will be good for an article, a blog post, and at least one more visit.

Returning home, I studied my lines for Morning’s at Seven, the play I am in at Ilion Little Theatre.  I kind of lounged on my bed while I did so, making a nap seem like a really good idea.  I did not sleep too long, though.

After getting up, I folded some laundry, put away the dishes Steven had washed earlier, and looked around for other useful things to do.  Eventually I went to the store to get some food and yarn (not necessarily in that order).  Now I want to return to watching television and crocheting an afghan, my favored activity for a Sunday (many other days, too).  I see I am over 400 words on my blog post.  That is more than respectable, according to my rules for me.  400 entertain words?  Once again, you decide.