Reasons to live in the Mohawk Valley

My daughter and grandson came to visit for Thanksgiving and one of the things we do I talk about how wonderful it is to living where I do.  Besides the fact that we (meaning our farm) rarely get bad weather, and that I have lived here 60+ years, I believe that the Utica Rome area is on the edge of a boom.  But besides that there are many reasons why my daughter and her family would benefit from living here.
In random order as they popped into our heads.

1. On call baby sitters - what a money saver.
2. You can grow vegetables year round in our greenhouse  (like that Alaska show)
3. Biking, canoeing and kayaking are close by (not to mention the Adirondacks)
4. Two families means meal sharing possibilities plus canning and preserving company and help (I'll be able to pick more blackberries).
5. You don't have to listen to the tornado sirens and remember you don't have a basement.
6.

the latter rain

Reg Layzell 
Reg Layzell and Kayy
Latter Rain
Azusa Street
Dick Iverson
Uganda and Hugh Layzell
Latter Rain and the Local Church
Voice of Revolution
Latter Rain Movement
Present Day Truth
City Life Church

Hippodrome - Utica NY

 The Hippodrome Theatre - yes sir - in Utica NY.  Did I say we had quite the theater district.  When I first say hippodrome I thought - wow - for horse races?  But of course, I knew better.  Located on Lafayette Street.

The Hippodrome Theatre, Utica, New York, 1910

Just above the entrance is the word "Vaudeville." The postcard sent from Utica to a C. Troast in the Transvaal.

From the postcard collection of Theatre Talks  Facebook.

the hippodrome theater, utica ny  - printed by the Utica Paper Co. Utica, NY

Wish I could increase the size on the pamphlet.

Out and About - Steuben Park

Utica was once known for its beautiful parks.  Many have fallen into disrepair

 but the city people are trying to bring them back to what they once were. 

When ever I see a photo of a building or area, I try to figure out direction, 

what is there now, did my grandparents or parents walk there?

The above photos were from the mid 1800's, the year my 

Heinrich ancestors arrived here from Germany.

taken - autumn

angle - I think is looking north towards Park Ave. and Charlotte St.

But then something happened.  

The elm trees grew, so other young trees were added  

AND the fountain was transformed.  

Still looking the same direction which makes me think we are looking north. 

Over the years, some interesting buildings were part of the park landscape. 

Constructed 1893 - 1894  and vacated in the 1950's was

Utica Steuben Street (Steuben Park) Armory

I think the photographers was standing on the top of 

Charlotte Street and I think those elms on the left are still

there or at least one is and have a "face" on the side. 

Looking east down rutger street

the above drawing says "Oster Steuben Park". 

 I suspect this is a rendition by Mr. David Oster, a local artist 

as how he envisions how Rutger Park could look today.

Old Postcard

http://signsofuticanewyork.blogspot.com

bean burgers yum

1 (15oz) can black beans
1 ranch seasoning packet
1 egg, beaten
1/2 onion, diced
2 jalapenos, diced
1/2 cup oats
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp paprika seasoning
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
3 tbsp sriracha sauce - type of hot sauce - a paste of chili peppers, distilled vinegar, garlic, sugar, and salt
3 tbsp water
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a baking sheet.
Mash black beans in a bowl; add onion, garlic, jalapenos, & bell pepper. Mix. Set aside.
Whisk water, sriracha sauce, ranch packet, chili powder, cumin, paprika, & garlic powder together in a separate small bowl.
Mix oats & egg into the black bean mixture. Combine with the seasoning mixture.
Spoon ‘burger-sized’ mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, about a 3/4-inch thickness per mound. Shape into burgers.
Bake in the preheated oven until cooked in the center and crisp in the outside, about 10 minutes on each side.
Enjoy bunless or you can use lettuce leaves for a Paleo “bun.” My favorite buns are the Ezekiel bread brand!

Why I LOVE three day weekends

 Finally, found a large box to construct a light box (again) but I think this one is a tad small also.
Been working new sweater patterns - soaker pants, a shawl collared sweater and a one piece side to side that really got me doing a lot of ripping out and knitting.  Of course, I will try it again but maybe in a solid color this time.

Love how these to go together and didn't even plan it. 

Next project - a pair of wool soaker pants with a different gusseted crotch.

Check out my other creations at belles place etsy. 

Vacations over - Now back to work

It is funny in the craft show world.  You can carry a product for a year with only selling 

one or two and then you hit that one special show and you sell a dozen in an afternoon.   

The Clinton Show was one of those shows.  Sold out of my "body buddies" so had to get

 to work making more.  Over the years there have been so many people making these

 but I think have come upon the perfect blend of fabric, sewing and filling. 

I use flannel because of it's coziness.
I sew three chambers in them because it lies better around your neck.
I only use flax seeds because they have better heating properties but mostly because I love the way they smell when warmed AND they don't get a nasty food smell if over heated.

Tonight - I cut out 2 dozen buddies and started the sewing while catching up on some Hart of Dixie and Parenthood.  That used up my stash of flannel.  Gee, how sad cause now I'll have to go buy some more, said a sewer never.

Oh, and why not come out for the next "best show of the year" on Thanksgiving weekend - The Indie Garage Sale at MVCC.  Hope to see you there.