#upstatelife — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #upstatelife, aggregated by home.social.
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Today’s Cocktail: The Improved Whisky Cocktail
In honor of National Bourbon Day today, I thought I’d try something new: the Improved Whisky Cocktail. It’s been around since at least 1887, but it was new to me, and I think it’s excellent.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 bar spoon maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash absinthe
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Peychaude’s bitters
I used the excellent local Helderberg Bourbon from New Scotland Spirits.
Cheers 🥃
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Today’s Cocktail: The Improved Whisky Cocktail
In honor of National Bourbon Day today, I thought I’d try something new: the Improved Whisky Cocktail. It’s been around since at least 1887, but it was new to me, and I think it’s excellent.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 bar spoon maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash absinthe
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Peychaude’s bitters
I used the excellent local Helderberg Bourbon from New Scotland Spirits.
Cheers 🥃
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Today’s Cocktail: The Improved Whisky Cocktail
In honor of National Bourbon Day today, I thought I'd try something new: the Improved Whisky Cocktail. It's been around since at least 1887, but it was new to me, and I think it's excellent. 2 oz bourbon 1 bar spoon maraschino liqueur 1/4 oz simple syrup 1 dash absinthe 1 dash Angostura bitters 1 dash Peychaude's bitters I used the excellent local Helderberg Bourbon from New Scotland Spirits. Cheers 🥃https://sam.upstate.blog/cocktails/2026/todays-cocktail-the-improved-whisky-cocktail/
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Today’s Cocktail: The Improved Whisky Cocktail
In honor of National Bourbon Day today, I thought I’d try something new: the Improved Whisky Cocktail. It’s been around since at least 1887, but it was new to me, and I think it’s excellent.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 1 bar spoon maraschino liqueur
- 1/4 oz simple syrup
- 1 dash absinthe
- 1 dash Angostura bitters
- 1 dash Peychaude’s bitters
I used the excellent local Helderberg Bourbon from New Scotland Spirits.
Cheers 🥃
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Rt 2 Corridor (Congress and Ferry)
I submitted the below comment to the public comment section for the Rt. 2 Corridor project. Capital Streets has a good deal of additional information.
I write as an RPI alumnus and former resident of the City of Troy. While I now reside across the river in Colonie, I return to Troy regularly to enjoy cultural events, to shop at the farmers market, and to patronize the many fine restaurants and small businesses downtown Troy has to offer (and to attend the occasional hockey game at my alma mater). While I frequently ride my bike when I’m on my own, I more often drive, as I’m accompanied other family members. In both cases, I am very aware of the challenges that have prompted the work on the Route 2 Corridor.
I’m concerned about the City’s decision to use Alternative 1A. The size of the lanes means increased traffic speed, with commensurate increases in noise, pollution, and danger from moving vehicles. The loss of tree cover will make walking less pleasant throughout the corridor. The reduction in parking will make it more difficult to travel to Troy, even if the first two problems didn’t discourage me from coming in the first place. Even the added bike lane is largely unusable, as the lack of any barrier from the higher speed moving traffic will make it uncomfortable to use at best. And having lived for a number of years a block away from the corridor, I can’t imagine it being better for the City’s residents either.
In short, the City’s preferred choice doesn’t seem to solve any of the problems that motivated the project to begin with. There are better options available. Alternative 1B, and even Alternative 1A Modified address many of the concerns above. I urge the City to reconsider its choice.
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Rt 2 Corridor (Congress and Ferry)
I submitted the below comment to the public comment section for the Rt. 2 Corridor project. Capital Streets has a good deal of additional information.
I write as an RPI alumnus and former resident of the City of Troy. While I now reside across the river in Colonie, I return to Troy regularly to enjoy cultural events, to shop at the farmers market, and to patronize the many fine restaurants and small businesses downtown Troy has to offer (and to attend the occasional hockey game at my alma mater). While I frequently ride my bike when I’m on my own, I more often drive, as I’m accompanied other family members. In both cases, I am very aware of the challenges that have prompted the work on the Route 2 Corridor.
I’m concerned about the City’s decision to use Alternative 1A. The size of the lanes means increased traffic speed, with commensurate increases in noise, pollution, and danger from moving vehicles. The loss of tree cover will make walking less pleasant throughout the corridor. The reduction in parking will make it more difficult to travel to Troy, even if the first two problems didn’t discourage me from coming in the first place. Even the added bike lane is largely unusable, as the lack of any barrier from the higher speed moving traffic will make it uncomfortable to use at best. And having lived for a number of years a block away from the corridor, I can’t imagine it being better for the City’s residents either.
In short, the City’s preferred choice doesn’t seem to solve any of the problems that motivated the project to begin with. There are better options available. Alternative 1B, and even Alternative 1A Modified address many of the concerns above. I urge the City to reconsider its choice.
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Rt 2 Corridor (Congress and Ferry)
I submitted the below comment to the public comment section for the Rt. 2 Corridor project. Capital Streets has a good deal of additional information. I write as an RPI alumnus and former resident of the City of Troy. While I now reside across the river in Colonie, I return to Troy regularly to enjoy cultural events, to shop at the farmers market, and to patronize the many fine restaurants and small businesses downtown Troy has to offer (and to attend the occasional hockey game at my alma […]https://sam.upstate.blog/public-correspondence/2025/rt-2-corridor-congress-and-ferry/
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Rt 2 Corridor (Congress and Ferry)
I submitted the below comment to the public comment section for the Rt. 2 Corridor project. Capital Streets has a good deal of additional information.
I write as an RPI alumnus and former resident of the City of Troy. While I now reside across the river in Colonie, I return to Troy regularly to enjoy cultural events, to shop at the farmers market, and to patronize the many fine restaurants and small businesses downtown Troy has to offer (and to attend the occasional hockey game at my alma mater). While I frequently ride my bike when I’m on my own, I more often drive, as I’m accompanied other family members. In both cases, I am very aware of the challenges that have prompted the work on the Route 2 Corridor.
I’m concerned about the City’s decision to use Alternative 1A. The size of the lanes means increased traffic speed, with commensurate increases in noise, pollution, and danger from moving vehicles. The loss of tree cover will make walking less pleasant throughout the corridor. The reduction in parking will make it more difficult to travel to Troy, even if the first two problems didn’t discourage me from coming in the first place. Even the added bike lane is largely unusable, as the lack of any barrier from the higher speed moving traffic will make it uncomfortable to use at best. And having lived for a number of years a block away from the corridor, I can’t imagine it being better for the City’s residents either.
In short, the City’s preferred choice doesn’t seem to solve any of the problems that motivated the project to begin with. There are better options available. Alternative 1B, and even Alternative 1A Modified address many of the concerns above. I urge the City to reconsider its choice.
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Mulled Cider
We had our first really autumnal day here in upstate New York. It's been around 50 and rainy all day, and the leaves are starting to come down. Since it's also Indigenous Peoples Day, the kids are off school, and I'm off work. It was the perfect day to make some mulled cider. 2 quarts fresh apple cider 1 orange, sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole allspice 6 whole cloves 1 star anise pod Put the cider, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker on high. The remaining spices […] -
Mulled Cider
We had our first really autumnal day here in upstate New York. It's been around 50 and rainy all day, and the leaves are starting to come down. Since it's also Indigenous Peoples Day, the kids are off school, and I'm off work. It was the perfect day to make some mulled cider. 2 quarts fresh apple cider 1 orange, sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole allspice 6 whole cloves 1 star anise pod Put the cider, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker on high. The remaining spices […] -
Mulled Cider
We had our first really autumnal day here in upstate New York. It's been around 50 and rainy all day, and the leaves are starting to come down. Since it's also Indigenous Peoples Day, the kids are off school, and I'm off work. It was the perfect day to make some mulled cider. 2 quarts fresh apple cider 1 orange, sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole allspice 6 whole cloves 1 star anise pod Put the cider, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker on high. The remaining spices […] -
Mulled Cider
We had our first really autumnal day here in upstate New York. It's been around 50 and rainy all day, and the leaves are starting to come down. Since it's also Indigenous Peoples Day, the kids are off school, and I'm off work. It was the perfect day to make some mulled cider. 2 quarts fresh apple cider 1 orange, sliced 3 cinnamon sticks 4 whole allspice 6 whole cloves 1 star anise pod Put the cider, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a slow cooker on high. The remaining spices […] -
Wildlife: Hawks in Suburbia
Our suburban neighborhood has been attracting hawks (and a bald eagle) for five or six years now. I do wonder if my neighbors' penchant for cutting down trees has left enough clearings surrounded by tall trees to afford the hawks a good vantage point, but I'm decidedly not an ornithologist. They're quite bold, and they seem to tolerate humans quite well. A couple years ago, I happen across this one sitting on a car. And then earlier this summer, I encountered this one eating a squirrel in a […]https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2025/wildlife-hawks-in-suburbia/
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Wildlife: Hawks in Suburbia
Our suburban neighborhood has been attracting hawks (and a bald eagle) for five or six years now. I do wonder if my neighbors’ penchant for cutting down trees has left enough clearings surrounded by tall trees to afford the hawks a good vantage point, but I’m decidedly not an ornithologist. They’re quite bold, and they seem to tolerate humans quite well.
A couple years ago, I happen across this one sitting on a car.
And then earlier this summer, I encountered this one eating a squirrel in a front yard.
I sat and watched for a few minutes, hoping he would take off, but I was disappointed. Still, it’s not everyday you get to watch a hawk eat in suburbia.
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Cocktail: Gold Rush
A friend recently asked if I had any favorite cocktails for summer. When I gave him my list (Old Cuban, French Harvest, John Collins, numerous margarita variations), he asked if I had any suggestions for someone who preferred whisky. To me, the Gold Rush is the obvious answer.
2 oz bourbon
3/4 oz lemon juice
3/4 honey syrup
Shake with ice, and serve in a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
In the spirit of celebrating local artisans, I made mine with Helderberg bourbon from New Scotland […]
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Cocktail: Gold Rush
A friend recently asked if I had any favorite cocktails for summer. When I gave him my list (Old Cuban, French Harvest, John Collins, numerous margarita variations), he asked if I had any suggestions for someone who preferred whisky. To me, the Gold Rush is the obvious answer.
- 2 oz bourbon
- 3/4 oz lemon juice
- 3/4 honey syrup
Shake with ice, and serve in a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
In the spirit of celebrating local artisans, I made mine with Helderberg bourbon from New Scotland Spirits here in Albany County, and honey syrup made with the spring honey from Where the River Bends Farm across the river in Schaghticoke.
It’s definitely a summer favorite.
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Albany Tulips
Today I rode my bike past Washington Park in Albany, the site of its annual Tulip Festival. While the festival is still ten days away, the tulips are already in bloom. One of the great advantages of traveling by bike is how easy it is to stop on a whim and enjoy the world, rather than just watching it pass by through the window. I took a number of photographs, some of which I'll share here. Taking photos in a public park on a gorgeous, sunny, spring afternoon is a bit of a challenge, as […]https://sam.upstate.blog/upstate-culture/2025/albany-tulips/
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Albany Tulips
Today I rode my bike past Washington Park in Albany, the site of its annual Tulip Festival. While the festival is still ten days away, the tulips are already in bloom. One of the great advantages of traveling by bike is how easy it is to stop on a whim and enjoy the world, rather than just watching it pass by through the window. I took a number of photographs, some of which I'll share here. Taking photos in a public park on a gorgeous, sunny, spring afternoon is a bit of a challenge, as […]https://sam.upstate.blog/upstate-culture/2025/albany-tulips/
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Breakfast Sammy
I felt like actually making something for breakfast, and a breakfast sandwich comes together quickly. While not unique to this region by any stretch of the imagination, it’s the type of breakfast I associate with upstate New York more than any other. Local food writer Deanna Fox did an intersting piece in the Times Union about the breakfast sandwich a few years ago.
Nothing complex for me today though: bacon, egg, and cheese on an English muffin.
I intentionally break the yolk when I fry an egg for a breakfast sandwich. Unlike with eggs over easy with rye toast, or eggs benedict, I find a runny yolk to be inconvenient on a sandwich.
When I don’t have white American cheese, I shred some of Trader Joe’s Toscano on the egg instead. It’s similar in texture, though it was a much more robust flavor, and it works well with eggs.
And that’s it: a quick and easy breakfast snack that’s perfect for any time during the day.
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Leases and Independent Businesses
The Albany Business Review reported yesterday that Rare Form Brewing in downtown Troy will be closing temporarily while they find and move to a new location. Apparently, lease negotiations didn’t work out. The article didn’t go into more detail about why lease negotiations didn’t work out, but this is just the more recent in what feels like an increasing trend of established independent businesses being forced out by their landlords because of issues with re-negotiating a lease. A […]https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2025/leases-and-independent-businesses/
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Leases and Independent Businesses
The Albany Business Review reported yesterday that Rare Form Brewing in downtown Troy will be closing temporarily while they find and move to a new location. Apparently, lease negotiations didn’t work out. The article didn’t go into more detail about why lease negotiations didn’t work out, but this is just the more recent in what feels like an increasing trend of established independent businesses being forced out by their landlords because of issues with re-negotiating a lease. A […]https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2025/leases-and-independent-businesses/
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Leases and Independent Businesses
The Albany Business Review reported yesterday that Rare Form Brewing in downtown Troy will be closing temporarily while they find and move to a new location. Apparently, lease negotiations didn’t work out. The article didn’t go into more detail about why lease negotiations didn’t work out, but this is just the more recent in what feels like an increasing trend of established independent businesses being forced out by their landlords because of issues with re-negotiating a lease. A […]https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2025/leases-and-independent-businesses/
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Cocktail: A La Louisiane
In recognition of Mardi Gras this past Tuesday, and National Absinthe Day this past Wednesday (March 5), today’s cocktail is an A La Louisiane (also sometimes called a De La Louisiane).
https://sam.upstate.blog/cocktails/2025/cocktail-a-la-louisiane/
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Cocktail: A La Louisiane
In recognition of Mardi Gras this past Tuesday, and National Absinthe Day this past Wednesday (March 5), today’s cocktail is an A La Louisiane (also sometimes called a De La Louisiane).
https://sam.upstate.blog/cocktails/2025/cocktail-a-la-louisiane/
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Cocktail: A La Louisiane
In recognition of Mardi Gras this past Tuesday, and National Absinthe Day this past Wednesday (March 5), today’s cocktail is an A La Louisiane (also sometimes called a De La Louisiane).
https://sam.upstate.blog/cocktails/2025/cocktail-a-la-louisiane/
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Cocktail: A La Louisiane
In recognition of Mardi Gras this past Tuesday, and National Absinthe Day this past Wednesday (March 5), today’s cocktail is an A La Louisiane (also sometimes called a De La Louisiane).
https://sam.upstate.blog/cocktails/2025/cocktail-a-la-louisiane/
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Nine Pin 26er: “Marmalade” [Video]
The 21st Nine Pin “26er” limited edition ciders: “Marmalade”
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Living in the Albany area is often an exercise in living with cognitive dissonance. Twenty-first century Albany is simultaneously a small American city, not big enough to rate any major league (or even AAA) sports franchise, or a Costco or Ikea, and the capital city of New York, the state home to the financial capital of the world and one of the most famous cities in the world.
It’s against this backdrop that I read today’s story in the Times Union about the new executive director of the Albany Institute, Albany’s art and history museum. The Albany Institute hasn’t really been on my radar, despite living within ten miles of it for the past sixteen years. Its existence hasn’t registered next to the Clarke, the Tang, the Fenimore, Mass MoCa, and Art Omi, among other regional art galleries.
That might change soon, if Kayla Carlsen, the new executive director, has anything to say about it. I was surprised to learn that less than 1% of the Institute’s collection has been on display, leaving vast amounts of art and historical artifacts hidden away. It would be great if the Albany Institute can help raise the profile of the city of Albany closer to something worthy of a major American state.
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Living in the Albany area is often an exercise in living with cognitive dissonance. Twenty-first century Albany is simultaneously a small American city, not big enough to rate any major league (or even AAA) sports franchise, or a Costco or Ikea, and the capital city of New York, the state home to the financial capital of the world and one of the most famous cities in the world.
It’s against this backdrop that I read today’s story in the Times Union about the new executive director of the Albany Institute, Albany’s art and history museum. The Albany Institute hasn’t really been on my radar, despite living within ten miles of it for the past sixteen years. Its existence hasn’t registered next to the Clarke, the Tang, the Fenimore, Mass MoCa, and Art Omi, among other regional art galleries.
That might change soon, if Kayla Carlsen, the new executive director, has anything to say about it. I was surprised to learn that less than 1% of the Institute’s collection has been on display, leaving vast amounts of art and historical artifacts hidden away. It would be great if the Albany Institute can help raise the profile of the city of Albany closer to something worthy of a major American state.
Share this page from your fediverse server https:// ShareThis server does not support sharing. Please visit .
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A Visit to a Garden
My wife and I visited the home of a very dear friend yesterday. She has an amazing English-style garden, and I was able to take some photos as we walked around.
One of our goals for our own yard is to reduce the amount of lawn we have. Replacing much of it with gardens of this style (creating a more labyrinthine feel) is one of the things we hope to do over the next decade. Seeing and experiencing our friend's garden very much vindicated our desire. [...]
https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2024/a-visit-to-a-garden/
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A Visit to a Garden
My wife and I visited the home of a very dear friend yesterday. She has an amazing English-style garden, and I was able to take some photos as we walked around.
One of our goals for our own yard is to reduce the amount of lawn we have. Replacing much of it with gardens of this style (creating a more labyrinthine feel) is one of the things we hope to do over the next decade. Seeing and experiencing our friend's garden very much vindicated our desire. [...]
https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2024/a-visit-to-a-garden/
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A Visit to a Garden
My wife and I visited the home of a very dear friend yesterday. She has an amazing English-style garden, and I was able to take some photos as we walked around.
One of our goals for our own yard is to reduce the amount of lawn we have. Replacing much of it with gardens of this style (creating a more labyrinthine feel) is one of the things we hope to do over the next decade. Seeing and experiencing our friend's garden very much vindicated our desire. [...]
https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2024/a-visit-to-a-garden/
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A Visit to a Garden
My wife and I visited the home of a very dear friend yesterday. She has an amazing English-style garden, and I was able to take some photos as we walked around.
One of our goals for our own yard is to reduce the amount of lawn we have. Replacing much of it with gardens of this style (creating a more labyrinthine feel) is one of the things we hope to do over the next decade. Seeing and experiencing our friend's garden very much vindicated our desire. [...]
https://sam.upstate.blog/brief-thoughts/2024/a-visit-to-a-garden/
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Published in the TimesUnion this week:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/paid-parking-begins-memorial-day-saratoga-springs-19380919.php
The reactions of many of the people quoted are typical and show just how car-brained some people are. I’m particularly amused by the business owners suggesting that this will reduce business.
I […]
https://sam.upstate.blog/in-the-news/2024/on-paid-parking-in-saratoga/
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Published in the TimesUnion this week:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/paid-parking-begins-memorial-day-saratoga-springs-19380919.php
The reactions of many of the people quoted are typical and show just how car-brained some people are. I’m particularly amused by the business owners suggesting that this will reduce business.
I […]
https://sam.upstate.blog/in-the-news/2024/on-paid-parking-in-saratoga/
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Published in the TimesUnion this week:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/paid-parking-begins-memorial-day-saratoga-springs-19380919.php
The reactions of many of the people quoted are typical and show just how car-brained some people are. I’m particularly amused by the business owners suggesting that this will reduce business.
I […]
https://sam.upstate.blog/in-the-news/2024/on-paid-parking-in-saratoga/
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Published in the TimesUnion this week:
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/paid-parking-begins-memorial-day-saratoga-springs-19380919.php
The reactions of many of the people quoted are typical and show just how car-brained some people are. I’m particularly amused by the business owners suggesting that this will reduce business.
I […]
https://sam.upstate.blog/in-the-news/2024/on-paid-parking-in-saratoga/