Tag Archives: sister Cheryl

“Snowman” and a Shout-Out

Posted on December 21, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Here’s a cheerful fellow.

As I sit here at my Chromebook, feeling utterly incapable of making a blog post, I remembered that I had added some pictures to my Media Library that I had not used yet.  I put one in the post, hoping to get myself started.  This snowman (boxman?) was at the UPS Store at Canal Place in Little Falls, NY.  I know, the UPS Store is hardly the sort of distinctive local business I like to highlight in this blog.  However, that homemade snowman won my heart.

Although, now that I look at him, I wonder if corporate didn’t send out the mittens, buttons, etc, for the employees to cut out and use to make the snowman.  Is there just such a snowman at UPS Stores nationwide? Oh well, it is still cute.

This was as far as I got on Thursday with making a blog post.  Now it is Friday afternoon and I thought, “Oh yeah, I didn’t make a blog post yesterday.”  How dreadful of me.  Let’s go back to those pictures I added to my Media Library.

Ooh, pretty!

 

This was at Little Falls Diamond Company, which I visited last Friday with my sister Cheryl.  It is just the sort of distinctive local business I love.

More beautiful stones!

I was just remembering I wanted to visit a distinctive local shop in Herkimer today, so I kind of need to get off the computer and into the shower so I can get there.  Well, at least I gave one shout-out.  I’ll see what else I can do when I get back home.

Little Falls Diamond Company is located at 411 Canal Place, Little Falls, NY, phone number 315-823-0454.

 

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Once Again, The Best Lame Plans…

Posted on October 19, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

I really, truly meant to make my Lame Post Friday post on Friday.  They say something about the best laid plans, but my plans are almost never best laid, so never mind that.  It is early Saturday morning, earlier than I have been getting up, so that is something different.  I always say I don’t like getting up, but I like being up.

And now I have the Type It In Backspace It Out Disease!  I even backspaced out “type-it-in-backspace-it-out disease,” because I decided to capitalize instead of hyphenate.  Which is better?  Please feel free to comment or just discuss amongst yourselves if you prefer.

Weren’t we beautiful?

I threw in a picture to pep things up, one I have shared and will continue to share.  It is the cast of Fabulous and Fatal, a murder mystery we presented in 2019 to benefit the Herkimer County Historical Society.  It would be a good idea if I started writing more murder mysteries, ahead of the time when I actually have to start rehearsals.

Another kind of fabulous.

In searching for another picture to help along the post, I found this one from October 2020.  For once I was not too lazy to go back and look.  It is from a post I made about a walk in Russell Park I took with my sister Cheryl and her daughter Jenna.  That is Cheryl, posing on a bridge for a photo op.  I should give Cheryl a call and see if she is up for another such walk.

This is what I’m talking about!

I see I am over 250 words, so I close with another fall photo.  I don’t think this is as good a year for color as others (this pic is from 2022), but I am enjoying what I see.  I hope to take a walk or run later and see more.

 

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I Dilly Dallied My Weekend Away

Posted on September 16, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Hello and welcome to another Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  I had meant to post on something of more interest but am strangely disinclined to do so.  I know, I know, one must be pitiless in the matter of mood in writing.  That is part of a quote by somebody.  I forget who, but he said it a long time ago. I just imagine it is still true.

Who, me? Procrastinate making a blog post?

This is a plaque my sister Cheryl gave me.  Everybody seems to think it is so me.  The fact is, most of the time I am piddle puttering.  But we’ll leave that for now. I really just wanted to put in a picture to pep up the post.  I hope it worked.

“What do you mean, tomorrow’s Monday?”

I gave up looking for the picture I had in mind and add this one of William Castle, looking flabbergasted.  I actually had to keep reminding myself last night that today was going to be Sunday.  Then when I took a nap earlier, I reminded myself that it was still Sunday, Monday isn’t till I sleep again.  I hope I will sleep again, but one cannot worry about these things when a nap is clearly indicated.

I do love my murder mysteries!

I wanted to end with a cheery photo and at last settled on this one from Donate to Murder.  I hope to remember to take pictures at Tuesday’s rehearsal for Curtains for Frangelica (preview of coming attractions).  In the meantime, I will try to come up with a better blog post for Monday.  Once again, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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Up Early to be Late, uh, I Mean Lame

Posted on September 14, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

I really meant to make my Lame Post Friday post on Friday.  I even logged onto WordPress and hit Add New Post (Classic Editor, to be exact).  I couldn’t even type something in and backspace it out.  Now it is Saturday morning, early for some but a reasonable time for me (six-ish) (see, I don’t always have to be exact), and I am sipping my first cup of coffee with gratitude.

I wonder where that little vampire is.

That took me a bit to find in my Media Library, but it is the coffee mug I am currently using.  And the coffee is giving me a hot flash. Ugh.  Somebody told me the hot flashes would go away eventually, and then I would always be cold.  I won’t mind that; I love wearing big old sweatshirts and I haven’t been able to in years.  At least, I can put them on, but taking them off and putting them on again with my fluctuating body temperatures is annoying.  They get stuck on my earrings and mess up my hair, which is rarely any great shakes to begin with.

They love to climb!

This shot is actually from a February visit to the park with my great-niece and -nephew, Evie and Sheppy (perhaps you read my blog post about it).  I include it because I hope to be getting together with them and my sister Cheryl later today.  If I can get my shit done in time (preview of coming attractions) (getting together with Sheppy and Evie, not the shit I have to do).

Evie didn’t realize I am dizzy enough to begin with.

I include this picture just because I like it.

 

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At the ARC Park

Posted on September 12, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is why I never know what day it is.  Wednesday I made my Tired Tuesday post, now on Thursday I am about to make my Wednesday post.  Wuss Out or Waste Not Want Not is the question.  You could argue that it was Wuss Out Wednesday in any case, but I am no hand at argument (and I am so tired right now I forgot how to spell “argument”).

Is that Friday peeking around the horizon at me?

I knew this picture would turn out dark but hoped for the best. Then the kids refused to climb up the other side and repeat the pose with the sun on the other side. The kids, of course, are my great-nephew and -niece, Sheppy and Evie.  We were at the ARC Park in Herkimer, NY.  I had walked up to join Sheppy, Evie and their grandmother, my sister Cheryl.

The rear view of them climbing down.

It was a great deal of fun.

Sheppy and my nemesis.

This wormy-looking thing goes up and down as you walk across it, if you are heavy enough.  Sheppy is light so navigated it handily. I, of course, being rather a tub of lard, sink down at the designated places.  Sheppy was standing at the end when I walked along it and went down.  He went up and I said, “Eee!”  However, he kept his stance.  When I got to the end, I expected it to go down, but it did not. Then I fell off.  I love that spongy ground!  It keeps women my age from breaking a hip (I actually like to think I have a few more years before I have to worry about hip-breaking).

Evie likes to pose.

I followed the kids around, climbing on most of the stuff they did.  I did not, unfortunately, make it to the top of this tower.  Maybe next time.

Another climbing shot.

Cheryl sat like a lady while I followed the kids around like the silly-head I am.  I especially enjoyed the swings.  Great abdominal exercise, I ought to go there every day!  I pushed Evie on the swing.  Later another little girl asked me to push her.  Her mother came over and asked her if she had asked me nicely and said please.  I assured her she did.  However, I encouraged the little girl, and Evie for that matter, to pump.  I worry I will push too hard while the child being pushed always wants to go higher.

So I have gotten over 400 words.  Not too bad for a Wuss Out Wednesday.  Tune in later, when I hope to make a Pre- or Post-Rehearsal Post (preview of coming attractions).

 

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A Lot of Help from my Family

Posted on June 13, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

A long time ago, my father did the laundry, and my mother marveled that she had been visited by the Laundry Fairy.

“The Laundry Prince,” Dad corrected her in a dignified tone of voice.

Well, the Porch Prince and two Lawn and Deck Princesses visited my house yesterday while I was at work, performing miracles for which I am very grateful.  And a little ashamed, because I feel as a homeowner I ought to be taking care of these things myself.  However, we all need help sometimes, and I am so blessed to have a family that helps me.  After all, I often quote the song,  “I get by with a little help from my friends.”  My family are my best friends!

I do not have before pictures of the porch, but it was in sorry shape.  It was concrete that had been eaten away by erosion, largely because Steve and I never replaced the gutter which the guy took off when he repaired the porch roof after we had just moved in.  One of those things we always meant to get to but really only remembered about when it rained.  I really wanted a wooden porch, and Dad had an idea to use the concrete steps as a base for building one.  My Dad can build or fix anything!

He is amazing!

My sister Cheryl, one of the Lawn and Deck Princesses, sent me pictures.  That was when I realized she was going to do something about Frankentree.  I knew she wanted to, using the chain saw she had recently purchased (and not being one to perpetuate the Mohawk Valley Chainsaw Massacre) (I add for the amusement of my horror-movie loving readers), but I had rather thought she would pick a day when I would be there to help.  She texted, “Too late!”

Who knew it could look like that?

I may have a a before picture of Frankentree.  I guess I will have to give him a new name, since he looks all of a piece now.

This is from 2020.

The tree had only gotten more out of control, with a lot of the lower branches dying off.  The lawn, also, has gotten out of control, largely because I have allowed the daisies and other invaders to grow unchecked.  Mom and Cheryl cleaned out all under and around the tree, as you can see.  They left the daisies, because some blooms remained, but I will be cutting them back soon.  Cheryl suggested that I dig them up and replant them closer to the porch.

My back deck, too, has needed some work.  It was covered with leaves from the tree which gives it so much shade.  My two Princesses performed miracles there, too.

I may actually get to deck sit this year!

My three benefactors were waiting for me when I returned from work.  They showed me everything they had done and offered suggestions for what I should do next.  If only I could think of some way to properly thank them!  They already have plenty of afghans.  Any suggestions?

 

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Family, Food and Fun at Asteroga

Posted on May 9, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Wednesday night I walked down to Asteroga Ale House in Herkimer, NY, to meet some members of my family for dinner.  It was half price burger night. I got there a little early so sat at the bar and sipped a glass of wine while I waited. My sister Cheryl and my parents soon showed up, and we sat at a table.  We were joined by Cheryl’s daughter Kimi, Kimi’s boyfriend, Matt, and his daughter Athena.  We were a merry group, having a lot of laughs while we enjoyed our meal.

Kimi and Athena.

I had a cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, and red onion, well done.  Athena had the same but no tomato, and added waffle fries to hers.  Mine came with homemade chips and a pickle.  Athena is particularly partial to pickles, as am I.  Kimi opted for a Reuben and regular fries.

Athena and Matt.

I forget what kind of burger Matt got, but it had an onion ring on top.  Cheryl got the bacon-mushroom-Swiss burger.  That sounded yummy.  Mom got the same, and Dad got an Italian burger.

Mom and Dad.

I did not take any pictures of the food.  Quite frankly, I was too interested in eating it.  My dining companions graciously agreed to have their pictures taken for the blog.

Cheryl and Kimi.

I took half my burger and some of the chips home, for future enjoyment.  It started to rain when I walked home. I often say, I ain’t sugar; I won’t melt.  Lately, however, I begin to wonder:  would I melt like the Wicked Witch of the West?  At least this time I survived to make the blog post.

 

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Fun on the Train!

Posted on April 20, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Last Saturday, I had a great deal of fun riding on the Adirondack Railroad with my sister Cheryl and her grandchildren, Sheppy and Evie.

My railway companions.

The train went from Union Station in Utica, NY to Remsen, where we got out of the train to make s’mores.  I laughed at myself, because we were seeing sights I have seen many times:  Utica, Utica Marsh, Marcy, trees, etc, but it was so much more fascinating seeing them out a train window!  I think I was more excited than the kids.  We passed behind Cheryl’s house.  Cheryl texted her daughter, Kimi, so Kimi could be in the window waving.  I think the other passengers enjoyed that as well.

Our destination.

It was a cold day with some rain, but luckily none was falling at the time we were in Remsen.  We toasted our marshmallows and enjoyed the warmth of the fire pits.  In the depot was a vat of hot chocolate. Yum!

The hot sips were very welcome!

There were a few other cars at the depot.  One had recognizable profiles.  How cute was that!

A train with celebrities?

At the depot, they moved the engine to the other end of the train to tow us back to Utica.

Next time we want to ride in the bubble on top of that car!

Cheryl and I talked about going on one of the wine or beer trains sometime.  I thought the kids would also like the Richfield Springs Railroad.  Lots of adventures to plan!

Sheppy and Cheryl.

 

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Blame it on the Rain

Posted on March 7, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

Sporadic posting.  It’s a thing now, at least with me.  As a matter of fact, I would not be posting right now, except that it is raining, and I do not want to walk in the rain.  I have walked a mile (but not in somebody else’s shoes) Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of this week before breakfast (today being Thursday, despite what my WordPress timestamp may say).  I believe it has made a positive difference in my mental if not physical health, although I am sure it has not hurt me physically, either.  So my usual morning blogging time has at least been positively spent.

In the meantime, I allow precious time to escape when I would like to be writing. Whatever happened to me writing after work?  For that matter, whatever happened to me writing on breaks at work?  These days I obsessively work on pencil puzzles such as crosswords and cryptograms.  I struggle to finish a letter to a friend, and I totally owe my last two sisters in law letters

So here I am in the middle of a blog post about not making blog posts, and about not writing in general.  A fellow writer once pointed out that writing about not writing is still writing.  Truman Capote once pointed out, that’s not writing, that’s typing, not about me, of course, but I think it may apply here.  Then again, ten finger typing is fun (I am on my Chromebook, in case you were wondering).

Me, pondering my fate.

I threw in a picture to pep things up.  This is from a visit to the Arc Park in Herkimer, NY, with my sister Cheryl and her grandkids, Sheppy and Evie.  I wrote an article about it for Mohawk Valley Living magazine.  Evie made the cover.  I need to work on my article for next month.

The thing about writing, as with many things in life, is you just have to do it.  I observe this and have mentioned it about my MVL articles:  I can’t write the article, I can’t write the article, I can’t write the article, I sit down and I write the article.  I just have to figure out how to get to the last clause sooner.  Likewise with my blog posts.  Thank you for tuning in while I blather on for,wow, over 350 words.  Let’s hear it for the rain!

 

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Which Childhood Was That?

Posted on February 13, 2024 by mohawkvalleygirl

This is swell.  My Chromebook for some mysterious reason will not turn on (YES, it is charged! Sheesh!)  and my laptop, perhaps because I have been neglecting it and it feels hurt, has become as slow as dial-up!  I was going to say the slowest device on the planet but decided to date myself with a reference to dial-up.  Is that even a thing any more? Shows how much I pay attention. Never mind all that.  On with the post!

Saturday was an unseasonably warm day in the Mohawk Valley, and when my sister Cheryl invited me to the playground with her and her grandchildren, Sheppie and Evie, I said, Yes, please!  They picked me up and we drove the short distance from my house to the Arc Park on German Street in Herkimer, NY.  It is a wonderful playground with all kinds of fun things to climb on, slide down, walk over, and ride.  I especially like the rubberized ground.  I can fall down (which I did, but only once) without breaking a hip, something of a consideration at my age.

Wheeee!

I did not utilize this fun thing.  For one reason, I am too tall.  Yes, I could have bent my knees up, but to grip the bar with my weight hanging off my hands… I passed.  Sheppie enjoyed it, though.

Right up to the top!

I climbed on this with Evie.  When I told her I could not climb as high as she could, she kindly suggested I get down.  At one point a little boy I did not know made it to the top but did not think he could make it down.  I encouraged him to take it one step at a time.  I don’t know if I was especially helpful to him, but he did make it to the ground.  Cheryl asked Evie what she could see from the top, and Evie answered, “Everything!”

Photo op.

Cheryl asked Evie and Sheppie to pose at the top, with this delightful result.

I did get a little dizzy.  Yes, I mean more-so than usual.  Sheesh!

I participated as much as possible for one of my years and weight.  I especially enjoyed sliding down the twisty slides, but nobody got a picture.  I pushed Evie and another child on the merry-go-round for a while, saying I would get dizzy if I rode it.  Nevertheless, Evie wanted me to sit down so she could push me.  I did not know Cheryl intended to photograph the event!

Old Aunt Cindy was tired by the end.

Cheryl had a good laugh at me “reliving my childhood,” as she put it.   I guess at my age, one can be excused for having a second childhood.  However, I think the number might be a little higher for me.  But I had fun.

 

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