Tag Archives: writing

Return to Athenix

Posted on January 5, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

I got to thinking about Athenix Books and Brews and The Keep and decided I wanted to join.  Also, I had not purchased anything on Jan 2 , and that is no way to support a business.  I am not extravagantly well off, but I can afford a purchase or two.  Accordingly, I drove to Little Falls, NY.

Cool sign!

This time I remembered to take a couple of outside pictures.  I went in and greeted the owner.  He pointed out his two daughters, after whom the store is named, he was holding one and the other was relaxing on a nearby couch.  I looked around to decide what to purchase.  A number of people were browsing, so it was difficult to see everything.  What a good problem for a store to have!  Alas, no books caught my eye.

My purchases.

I had said yesterday that I did NOT need another coffee mug.  Unfortunately, when I was doing dishes the morning, my Dyn’s Cider Mill mug broke.  I don’t know when I will get to Dyn’s again (they are probably closed for the season).  In the meantime, another Little Falls mug can fill in the gap.  Um, yes, I did already have a Little Falls coffee mug.  But this one is purple!  When I went to pay for it, I fell in love with an adorable ghost pen holder (full disclosure:  at first I thought it was just a ghost and had to be told it was a pen holder).

It took a little while, since I was joining The Keep and because, well, I always talk too much.  I apologized to the woman behind me.  She said that was fine, she was enjoying looking around.  She asked the owner what if somebody wanted to buy one of the books hanging from the ceiling.  He said there would be a $100 surcharge for hauling out the ladder.

The outside is decorated with books, too.

We are all looking forward to the opening of the cafe.  I want to sit there and sip coffee and write.  Maybe I can finally finish that novel.

 

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No Brews Yet But Books!

Posted on January 4, 2026 by mohawkvalleygirl

Athenix Books and Brews in Little Falls is a great addition to the Mohawk Valley.  I went to their soft opening yesterday and was enchanted.  Alas, I did not get any pictures of the outside of the store or the logo.  That is another reason I must return.

Brews refers to brewed coffee, not beer, and they intend to open a whole cafe.  I have been following Athenix on Facebook, as they chronicle their progress, fixing up the space and getting ready. Only the book section opened Jan. 2, but for book lovers and lovers of local like me (oh, how alliterative, “lovers of local like me), that is enough.

SO going to buy a shirt!

In addition to new and used books, local jewelry, candles and other merchandise is available.  When I was there, a lot of people were browsing the stacks and making purchases.

I spoke to the owner, who my sister Diane Young had previously contacted.  A couple of stores in Liverpool carry her books, and she would love to expand her reach to Little Falls.  She had meant to come to the opening with me but was not feeling well (these colds that hang on and on, ugh!).  He said she should come see him when she is in town, and bring copies of her books.  My sister the author.  I really must up my writing game.

Who me? Buy another coffee mug?

For a monthly fee, you can join The Keep.  You get 10% off most purchases plus additional member sales, and you get a free monthly t-shirt.  Wow!  I want in!  I stupidly did not join yesterday.  However, since I plan to make it a regular stop, I’m sure I will have the chance.

Athenix Books and Brews is located at 624 E. Main St., Little Falls, NY.  They are open daily from 9 to 6.  I encourage you to follow them on Facebook.

 

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I Have No Defense

Posted on December 17, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Well, I did it again.  I went three whole days without posting. In my defense…

The three words that best describe me are as follows, and I quote…

I guess it isn’t really a defense, but I have been running around like I have health, energy, and ambition (I bet you thought I was going to say, “like  a chicken with its head cut off”) (you know who you are).  Saturday I ran the Reindeer Run 5K on unreliable streets in Little Falls.  After returning home to shower, I went to Ilion to take a picture of the Frosty Forest at their Municipal Hall, a fundraiser for Hoffman Wellness Center.  I wrote a quick blurb for Sentinel Media (must also do a blog post), which I emailed out.  Next I went to the cookie sale at Herkimer County Historical Society, because, well, cookies.  I had a very nice visit there with a couple of my favorite volunteers.

Finally I went to the Elks Lodge where I donated a few canned goods to Feed Our Vets and watched part of the Army/Navy football game. I wore my Army shirt, just to harass a couple of Navy vets I’m friends with.  Once of them did an end run around me, though, and wore Army stuff.  He served in both branches.

Sunday I was up early and off to Herkimer High School to volunteer for the Elks Hoop Shoot, a nation-wide foul shot contest.  That was a little nerve-wracking, because I had to pay close attention as one of the score-keepers.  I am not so good with numbers.

So it has been a weekend of lots to blog about but no time to blog.  You may be tempted to point out that today is Tuesday, and I had all day Monday to write numerous blog posts.  You are, of course, at liberty to point out whatever you would like.  I did a few things Monday, as it happens, but I feel I have blathered on for long enough.  I am going to bill this as a Tired Tuesday post and feel justified in doing so.

Bunny looks interested in hearing whatever I have to say.

I close with a picture of the bunny from Herkimer County Humane Society, because I like that bunny.

 

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Of Slippers, Socks, and Something

Posted on December 4, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I don’t know what in the world is wrong with my WordPress, but I cannot seem to type anything in this space in the Classic Editor.  I think I am in the Block Editor now, which I do not navigate as handily.  Never mind.  I have missed posting for some days now and feel I can manage a Non-Sequitur Thursday post before hopping off (not literally, of course) to breakfast with some friends.

No, NOW I am on the Block Editor. I’m not sure what I was in before. It took me a minute to figure out how to Add Media, and now I have no idea how to add a caption to the picture. I just took it this morning. My mother gave me these slippers over Thanksgiving. My father gives her slippers every Christmas (just like Steve used to do for me), but she does not wear them out as quickly as I do. I mentioned that I needed slippers, and she fixed me up. I took the picture, because I thought the color was festive, and I knew the socks were.

Now I can’t remember how to Add Media.

Figured it out! These are the Christmas slippers my late, dearly missed husband, Steve gave me some years ago. I have not worn them out yet, because I only wear them at Christmas. I see I was wearing the same leggings, and one of my favorite pair of Christmas socks.

I had to search for this picture! These slippers I completely wore out, because I loved them so much. It seems Block Editor does not tell me how many words I have, but I am sure I am over 200. Unfortunately, I have not been particularly Non-Sequitur. But I guess I can bill it as a Throwback Thursday. At least I am back on the blog.

Now I can’t figure out how to add Categories and Tags.

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Oh No! Not a Blogger’s Sick Day!

Posted on November 26, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I missed blogging and running Sunday and Monday then took a three mile run this morning.  I was set to do a Running Commentary Post!  I even purposefully ran by a few places I know I have pictures of in my Media Library so I could illustrate.  I felt rather awful after the run, wondered if I should have kept it to two miles, trudged my cool-down walk, and just managed to stretch before getting in the shower.  Still, this was going to be find.

After a shower and finding an outfit to put on, I fixed myself a nice egg sammich for breakfast, using Heidelberg French Peasant Bread (just to add a little local flavor to the post).  I had big plans in my head to go shopping and get stuff done after writing my blog post and  before covering the Frankfort Town Board meeting tonight.

Then after breakfast, it hit me.  For some days I have been dealing with some sore throat/coughing, which I thought was post nasal drip due to my ever present allergies.  This morning, it was suddenly much worse, with a banging, sick headache.

Only I feel like the real thing.

It’s no fair!  This is Thanksgiving week!  I am supposed to get together with my family and have fun!  Oh well, these things happen and we must make the best of them.  Perhaps it is a 24-hour Bugaboo and I will be fine tomorrow.  I am about to try the effects of a hot toddy.

Take your medicine, old lady!

This is actually from The Atomic Brain, a favorite cheesy horror movie.  She is actually drinking a cocktail, and that sour look on her face is natural.  My hot toddy features whiskey from Cooperstown Distillery, just to give another area business a shout-out.

Anyways, I wanted to post something, anything, so here it is.  As always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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Slacking But Still Blogging!

Posted on November 23, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I am going to make a Slacker Saturday post before I continue to slack.  Full disclosure:  I slack many days.  I have always been kind of a lazy bum.

NOT a slacker.

I am looking at an episode of Columbo, which I found on Roku TV recently.  Regular readers know how much I love Columbo.  Earlier today I went on a two mile run, and after I finish this post I will walk to the post office with my usual Saturday post cards, which I have already written.  I am afraid that is the extent of my productivity today.  Well, I might work on a letter as I go.  No promises.

Good place to eat.

Maybe I will treat myself to dinner later.  There are several good choices in Herkimer. This is the first one I came to in my Media Library.

I could never do my hair this way alone.

How vain of me to share a picture of myself.  It relates to the post, however, because this is from the Ilion Little Theatre production of Prescription: Murder, the first episode of Columbo, which was also a stage play.  I was the murder victim, and I think a lot of people were happy to see me go.  It was probably the only way to shut me up.

It is easier to shut me up from blogging, and I will sign off now.  I hope to have a Mohawk Valley Adventure soon to write a blog about.  When I am done slacking.

 

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Walk, then Wrist

Posted on November 9, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

Oh well, I thought it had been another week since I last posted, but it seems it is a matter of three days only.  I’m not sure what malaise I suffer, but let us not worry about it, shall we?  For one reason, I ought not encourage myself to whine over my real or imagined ills.

Still there! Still red!

I throw in a picture to pep things up.  I fear this will be a Wrist to Forehead Sunday post.  For one reason, it is Sunday.  For another, well, I said I ought not encourage myself to whine, but I admit I tend to do so with little or no encouragement.  I took that picture yesterday when I went for a walk.  That tree has been cheering me up for some time now.  I am impressed by how long the bright leaves have lasted.  Yesterday’s walk cheered me up, too.  Exercise is a magic elixir, I find.

A local landmark.

This was the other picture I took on yesterday’s walk.  It is now an apartment building, but it was the Margaret Tuger School, remembered by some of Herkimer’s older residents.  They brag about being paddled by Ms. Tuger.  I first heard of her when I saw her portrait at the Herkimer County Historical Society.  I was fired with ambition to write a biography about her.  Unfortunately, I had no idea how to research and write a biography.  I still don’t, but I love to read them.

In addition to my walk, I went to a rummage sale at Herkimer Reformed Church yesterday.  I thought of going to a tasting at Valley Wine and Liquor, but my steps took me in another direction.  So I did at least three blogworthy activities yesterday.  I will content myself with this Pedestrian Post, and hope to post again before another three days pass.  Once again, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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Back on Track?

Posted on November 6, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I have not only not been blogging, I have not been running as much as I like to, for various reasons.  The problem with not doing something, especially when you suffer from depression, is that the longer you don’t do it, the harder it is to start doing it again, be it running, writing, or going out with friends.  I have been saying for days I want to start running today and finally decided today would be the day.  As I went to bed last night, I thought, I can run first thing, before coffee or anything!  Could that be the reason I slept in later than I have in over a week?

Yes, I got up with absolutely no inclination to run or do anything.  However, after a cup of tea, something to eat, and waiting for what I ate to digest, I decided to take Nike’s advice and Just Do It.  As soon as I started to find some running clothes to put on, I felt better about everything.  I misplaced my Garmin, but my phone was charged and has the Map My Run app.  I did not misplace the strap I use to hold it on my arm.  Soon I was on my way.

How I felt before my run.

I ran by this skeleton as I left my house.  There were a lot more leaves around him today.  I had no plans as to where or how far to run.  I figured I would listen to my body and just keep moving for a while.  As it turned out, my body was not at all averse to running.  I felt fine!  I could keep going for miles!  In fact, I kept going for two miles.  I felt especially happy about this, because I might do the Reindeer Run 5K in Little Falls in December.  I have run it before and enjoyed it quite a bit.

They even provide little bags!

As I walked my cool-down walk, I took this picture.  I had noticed it during my run and felt impressed.  This, I thought, is being part of the solution!  I personally try to always remember to carry a bag or two when I walk my dog (when I have a dog).  However, it cannot be denied that shit happens.

I guess that was a little digression from Running Commentary, but it got me close to 400 words.  Score!  Am I back to blogging?  I hope at least I am back to running!

 

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I Stumble in my Blogging Journey

Posted on November 3, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

So I started my November of posting every day by, you guessed it, not posting on November 2 (today is Nov. 3 by my calendar, although my WordPress Timestamp may say Nov. 4; I don’t properly understand these things).  However, it is only a little after 5 a.m. (ah, the miracle of Fall Back).  I had quite a stretch of making my posts late, in the morning, before I left for work.  We’ll pretend this is one of those days.

As it happens, I no longer work.  Except for almost every night when I am asleep, I dream I am at work at various places.  I must find a book on dream interpretation and see what it means, although I might scare myself.  Who wants to be inside my head?

A little fall color, at least.

I throw in a picture to pep things up.  I have fallen off the running wagon for one reason and another (explanations are tiresome), but I have tried to at least walk.  This shot was from a walk I took while staying at my sister Diane’s house last weekend.  I liked the look of the dark green against the bright yellow.

The road less traveled?

This is a picture I took in Ilion last week to possibly go with my story for Sentinel Media about the Ilion Town Board meeting.  It is one of the entrances to Russell Park, a good place to take a walk.  I may go there for a walk one day before it gets too cold.

So I guess this is another nothing post, but one does what one can.  I shall try to continue with a better blog post later today.

 

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No Blog November?

Posted on November 2, 2025 by mohawkvalleygirl

I pause in my gyrations to try for my first blog post in a week (and a day).  I have been in the midst of a deep dark depression (excessive misery) (AAAUUU!).

Now I pause because I don’t know how to spell OH.  Not everybody will get my tele-literary reference above, but there used to be a very silly show on Saturday nights called Hee-Haw!  They featured some very talented musicians, but I was there for the comedy, some of which was musical.  There was one recurring sketch with these old hillbillies lying around singing, “Gloom, despair, and agony on me!”  letting off a wail of despair at the end of each line.

If I was on one of my older devices, I could perhaps have found an appropriate illustration, but I have not figured out all the ins and outs of my Chromebook yet.  I am SO twentieth century!

Coffee always helps.

I am currently sipping coffee out of this mug.  It was Steve’s.

I’m sorry, I forgot where I was going with this blog post.  I guess I was just feeling kind of mortified that I have not posted in over a week and since I was taking a break to sip some coffee, I would try for a few words.  And I see I am over 200.  Score!

OK, my mini challenge to myself is to post every day in November.  Only a 30 day month, how hard can it be?  As always, I thank you for tuning in.

 

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