The first day of the rest of your life - is really every day!

We all get so excited about the first day at a new job, first day of school, a clean bill of health, some sort of milestone or benchmark...

We call it "the first day of the rest of our life."

I like to think of everyday that I wake up as "the first day of the rest of my life."

Not groundbreaking, but it sure makes me appreciate each and every day.

How about you? Make every one of your days "the first day of the rest of your life!"

I am a Putnamaniac that makes every day the first day of the rest of my life!

Putnamaniac wristbands - for a good cause!

We know I am a Putnamaniac!  In case I forget who or what I am, I wear my Putnamaniac wristband every day!

If you haven't figured out what Putnamania is all about, it is simply to find something great in every day, and pass along kindness and a helping hand in any way that you can.

I started this blog about a year ago, since I really wanted to make a habit of finding good and positive things to focus on in life. There are enough reminders of the bad, but if you open your eyes and ears, you will find plenty of good.

Like all habits, such as eating, exercising, flossing, your attitude can become a good habit, too.

Let me tell you - I have had a fantastic year since I've become a Putnamaniac. It is now a good habit to feel good and positive, and it gets easier every day.

The next step of Putnamania is to contribute more to the community, and hopefully someday not just as an individual as I do now, but as a group of Putnamaniacs.

I started by getting these custom leather Putnamaniac wristbands made up. I chose green, since Putnam is in "The Last Green Valley". I have a bunch of them to sell, and all profits will be donated to local organizations. The first $100 is going to the Daily Bread, our local food bank. On deck is Habitat of Northeast CT, and after that there are many other great organizations to benefit from donations.

This is where I need help, and goodness knows I hate asking for help with anything. I am used to doing what I need to do all by myself. However, I am trying to make another good habit, and asking for help when I need it, especially when it will benefit many others.

Wristbands are for sale for $10. I have them, and if you'd like one... or more, you can email me (dawleymarcy@yahoo.com) or phone me (860-933-5425).

These are a great item of interest - I had a little boy sitting next to me on a hayride ask me what my wristband said. So if you have one, you can spread a little Putnamania yourself, plus you know your donation will be going to a great local cause here in Northeast, CT.

These wristbands were custom made for me by Chickey Designs. You can see all of Chickey's  wristband varieties (selling for $15) by Chickey Designs at her website here.

I hope to hear from you, as Northeast CT always shows great generosity in reaching out to those in need!

I am a Putnamaniac with wristbands for good causes to prove it!

Snowflakes and leaves falling at the same time in Putnamania!

Beautiful, cold, beautiful.

Since we can't control it or do anything about it, let us just enjoy it!

My Renegade Garden this afternoon....

I am a Putnamaniac because both snowflakes and leaves are falling today!

Putnam Trick or Treat Night brings tears to my eyes.

I've always want to cry at Hallmark commercials, or at Harry Chapin songs, or when I see a very old man shopping for groceries by himself, or at a particularly touching section of an awesome book... but tonight I surprised myself by wanting to cry at the gazillion little trick or treaters that were traipsing through Putnamania during the Annual Trick or Treat Night. I really don't even know why, except it overwhelmed me at how many people there were and how excited they all were.

It was my first time to see this event. (My schedule never allowed me to witness this community event).

I will NEVER miss it again.

As I drove through town, the sidewalks were filled with kids in costumes, and lots of parents dressed up as well. I thought there were be some kids, but there were gazillions of them, each as adorable as the next. It was like a movie... or a Hallmark commercial.

The businesses in town were out handing out treats in front of their establishments, and were all costumed themselves.

I saw lots of little Marios, Princesses, butterflies, super heros, monkeys... A few of the best costumes were a big brother as a bottle of mustard & his little brother as a bottle of ketchup, a family dressed as pizza (dad was the box and the kids were the slices).

I must tell you that these simple things bring so much joy to me, and judging by all the families I saw tonight, the joy was shared by them all, too!

Get out and enjoy the simple things... you think they might not be a big deal... until you get there and see them for yourself!

I am a Putnamaniac because my first Trick or Treat Night in town brought tears to my eyes!

Birthdays and Good Guys!

Some of us are lucky enough to be able to choose to work at being positive.

Being positive is not a given, and it is not always easy, sometimes it is quite hard work, but for most of us it is a choice. It helps to be surrounded by good people.

It is also a habit that you can get yourself into.

Physical health, nutrition, exercise, flossing your teeth... these are habits that we work on diligently.  Positive attitude can slip by the wayside. Life happens, and it is not always a bowl of cherries.

Putnamania is lucky to have a local, family friendly, community minded radio station, WINY Radio.

The WINY owners, Karen & Gary O are full of energy and positivity. They give of themselves always, without prejudice, whenever you see them. They are inspirational, and they are contagious.

The entire staff is very uplifting, energetic and fun as well!

Today is Gary O's birthday, and if you are not familiar with the positive ions escaping from WINY Radio, tune in online starting this morning. I mean, these people are perky at 6am, and if you happen to stop by at 6pm on your way home from work, they are just as perky.  Join in the fun, and choose positivity!

I am a Putnamaniac because I am positive that Gary O will love this birthday card that is from all of Putnamania!

Every neighbor has an "Uncle T" type of guy!

I grew up next to my grandparents and uncles.

My grandparents moved away to Guilford, ME when I was ten years old (a very sad day for tall lanky young Marcy, who loved spending every minute with Nana and Poppa next door....).

However, Uncle Terry bought the house from them, and I don't know what we would have done without him there over all these years. He is the go-to guy, not only for us, but I think for lots of other folks in town, too.  (He is the cute guy in the middle of me and my brother in this picture here - he always has that impish grin on, and is usually doing something impish, too!)

Uncle T's yard is always neat, tidy, spotless! His fleet of vehicles, personal and business, are also always spit shined. Everything is always organized, and he always has another project up his sleeve. (So, now you don't have to wonder where I get it from...).

There is a guy in my neighborhood that I refer to as "The Uncle T" of the neighborhood. Always has a project, always has everything neat and in order. I love this guy, yet I only know his name from jogging by the mailbox, and we share occasional waves and "hellos" as we pass from time to time.

Do you have an "Uncle T" in your neighborhood? I'm so glad I do because it makes me think of my Uncle every day and smile!

I am a Putnamaniac because my neighborhood has an "Uncle T" type of guy!

Team Work is the best feeling!

Recently I saw the boys soccer team walking from the school over to the field for a game.

It made me think of how much teams and team work have meant to me over the years.

Since I am not gifted in any individual area, I learned at a young age to make the most of working as part of of a team.

In high school I was lucky enough to have a great coach and teammates on the NK Skipperettes Basketball team.

Recreational softball and basketball teams were also loaded with great teammates all through the years and even into adulthood.

Over the years I've worked at a few different jobs, in a few different states, with top shelf people all the way.

Putnam is loaded with teamwork! I foresee a little group of Putnamaniacs becoming the next great team in town!

Do you get that grand feeling of being a part of a team, where everyone chips in and helps? The individuals in the group become a whole.

So, although I think I don't excel in anything specific, perhaps I do.... and that is that I can choose the best teams to be a part of!

I am a Putnamaniac because teamwork is a continued way of life here!

Whine? No thank you. Wine? Yes please!

Nobody likes a whiner...

Lots of people like wine!

We are lucky to be surrounded by a few nice vineyards here in Putnamania, like Taylor Brooke Winery, right up the road in Woodstock.

It is not unusual to bring a bottle of wine along with you when you are invited somewhere, and it is extra nice to be able to bring along a local wine.

This Autumn Raspberry is perfect for this time of year! Released Labor Day weekend it is 100% Riesling with a natural raspberry essence. Another semi-sweet favorite which is wonderful with roast chicken with rosemary. Make a reduction sauce for your roast pork and serve with dinner!

So, if you'd like to cook up some dinner, and invite me over, I'd be happy to bring the wine from Taylor Brooke Winery!  Support local businesses!

I like the wine in and around Putnam, and I never whine about it!

Wait Until Dark.... if you are afraid of the dark....you will be even more!

I just got back from The Bradley Playhouse's Wait Until Dark.

As I exited the theater, I kept expecting someone to jump out from behind a bush as I walked back to my car....way down that darkish side street...with all those shadows...

Now at home, I checked under the beds.

I checked behind the shower curtains.

I checked the basement.

I checked the closets.

Being the biggest 'fraidy cat on the planet, I still enjoy submitting myself to scary stuff.... I mean, Stephen King is my favorite author.  I make up scary stories as I jog past dead snakes, thinking they just might come back to life and grab onto my leg as I try to hop over them...I imagine Chupacabra
busting out of the corn fields to scare the dickens out of me...

So of course, The Bradley Theater's Wait Until Dark, gets the highest of marks!!! There is just one show left - tomorrow afternoon, so you more faint of heart will be all set. When the show ends, you can walk out in daylight. But I'll bet you check your backseat before you drive off anyways!

If you'd like to learn more about the old school movie, Wait Until Dark, click here.

I am a Putnamaniac because The Bradley Playhouse can scare the dickens out of me!

P&W Train pulls in to Pumpkin Putnanmania today!

Putnamania was the place to be today - even more than usual! It was Pumpkin Fest!!!!!

A train pulled in from RI, carrying many valuable passengers (including my momma and five of her friends, from not only various spots in RI but from VA and SC as well), dropping them off to let them enjoy our Pumpkin Fest!

They were greeted by a band and many friendly faces! The visitors loved the welcome and said it made a huge impression inside the train- happy chitter was heard throughout as the train pulled in to the station. No one had disembarked yet, and they were already thrilled!

Jimmy Weigel was there and dressed for the occasion as part of the welcoming committee. Since I always enjoy his performances at The Bradley Theater and The Black Box Theater, he was happy to pose for a shot with a few of the ladies!

We hit Someplace Special for a fantastic lunch, with delicacies like pumpkin bisque, chicken pot pie, thanksgiving wraps.... anything on that menu is superb, and the owner was greeting one and all! 

After that fine food, we were now all powered up, and we hit the streets. There were crafts, artists, (including one of my local favs, Tom Menard), bands, shops, pumpkin ice cream from The Quiet Corner Creamery, and tons of things for the kids to do. It was totally family friendly, as most things are in Putnamania. Everyone is welcomed with a smile!

Don't forget the great pumpkin, weighing in at over 1000 pounds!

Best of all, my mom got to meet two really great Putnamaniacs, Kathy & Seth Dunton, complete with a few Seth classic jokes - one ending with me marrying a dragon (or maybe it was an alligator...I'm rotten at remembering jokes-especially Seth's)!

The time flew by and soon it was time for the train to depart... so off they choo-chooed into the afternoon and back to RI.

You might think this was all the fun that a Putnamaniac could have in one day... However, tonight I can't wait to go see Wait Until Dark at the Bradley Theater... and then being scared of the dark when I arrive home later tonight!

Did you have this much fun in your town today???

I am a Putnamaniac because there is bountiful family friendly fun every day and especially on days like today!

Think Pink - show your support like these rescue vehicles!

Pink has become synonymous with finding a cure for cancer, specifically breast cancer.

Everyone knows someone who has been affected by this awful thing.

This was a colorful display I saw recently at the Exeter, RI volunteer fire station.

There are about a gazillion signatures all over these vehicles, gathered at all the locations they have visited. Cancer touches everyone, so lets all support the women and raise awareness in any way we can, as these pretty pink rescue vehicles do.

I am a Putnamaniac who is aware of the evils of cancer and hopes for a cure, sooner than later.

Blackstone Valley Train will be chugging into Putnamania this weekend!

My mom sent me an email back in early May of this year.

It contained a link for the Blackstone Valley Train, and was about a trip scheduled to come to Putnam on October 22nd.

So, yes, she is looking forward to visiting Putnamania by transportation other that her car.

Well....it is almost October 22nd, and my momma will be on this train, enjoying the views along the way on to her trip to Putnam. She has friends joining her that will also become Putnamaniacs that day!

This train will drop the passengers and leave them to spend a few hours of fun right here in Putnamania. A great day to visit, since it is our Great Pumpkin Festival. All of the restaurants will feature "pumpkin" menus, and there are always great shops to visit. Pick up a gift for someone, or get a little something for yourself! The entries in the 3rd annual scarecrow contest will be judged, too!

You can also take a ride on the train yourself...it will leave Putnam at 11:30 for a 90 minute ride.

Come and visit Putnam this Saturday, October 22, for the Great Pumpkin Festival and more!

I am a Putnamaniac because the Blackstone Valley Train is bringing a very valuable passenger to visit me!

Manny Quin, Putnam's most popular police officer!

I've written a few times before about how much fun it is to have Officer Manny in Putnam:
Manny on Duty on Sabin St blog
Manny (as in Mannequin) the Cop

He pops up when you least expect it.

When you spot a police car on the side of the road, you always check your speedometer since you are not sure if it is Officer Manny in the car, or a live officer that might want to hand out a ticket to speeders...

This was the purpose and idea of adding Officer Manny to the force, and it has worked out splendidly.

Manny Quin is also popular with Putnamaniacs as well as visitors. In fact he is so popular, he has his own facebook page! Check it out by clicking here! What is more fun than this?

I am a Putnamaniac because Officer Manny Quin is quite a popular police officer!

Daily Bread - a food bank named very literally!

Food Banks are every bit as popular and needed as much as financial banks are nowadays.

At certain times of year we always hear about the food banks - around the holidays for instance. Everyone steps up and donates.

Great... but what about the rest of the year?? It is easy to forget about the food banks if you are not one who needs to visit them for much needed nourishment.

Make a habit of dropping off a few items every week, or maybe organize a monthly food drive at work. Some stores have bins set up at their entrance/exits, so you can simply drop a few things off without having to go out of your way.

It is always good to help your community when you can, because someday you may need a helping hand of some sort.

Putnam is proud to have the Daily Bread doing an outstanding job!

I am a Putnamaniac because the Daily Bread is named for what it does literally!

Scarecrow making is not as easy as you'd think! (but that didn't stop me)...

Putnam has a nice little scarecrow contest every October.

Last year I enviously looked at all of them... a few favorites were the Tooth Fairy flying outside the dentist's office, the mini Putnam PD car, with Manny Quin at the wheel, and of course the Flintstones!

Being pretty much the female Clark Griswold (you remember his high intensity holidays and vacations in those fun "Vacation" movies), I just knew I had to make a scarecrow this year.  I just was stumped at what my theme should be.

Well, DUH... of course it should be a Putnamaniac, so I set to work. My Uncle T supplied me with what would  be her spine, legs and arms. I dug out some old "tree farm" clothes, from all my tree farm working years...
I actually had to SEW... burned my self numerous times with the glue gun, had to get a whole new roll of duct tape, bought YARN, and made one heck of a mess in my garage. But she was starting to come along...

I needed a respectable head for the Putnamaniac, but I used these parts instead. You'll notice the picture I chose to use of me has the permanent marker mustache on it, cause why not??

Once she was graced with a beautiful face....hahahaha, I stuffed her into the faithful Focus and headed to town.

One guy totally tried to harsh my mellow when I was setting Ms Putnamania up, telling me that she didn't really look like me... Come on, I didn't have the chance to draw on my mustache before heading down to set her up! Little did he know that others have tried to dim my flame, but that only makes it spark up and burn brighter, so I continued on my happy mission.

She is now happily proclaiming the joys of Putnamania to all who see her, because she finds something great in Putnamania every day!

I am a Putnamaniac and so is my scarecrow!

Emma Acres is acres of milk cows, fun, and great folks!

The Putnamaniac took a little ride to Rhode Island today to visit some old, hard working friends.

Scooter & Cynthia Laprise, and all of their children, own and work Emma Acres, in Exeter, RI. They have 78 cows that produce milk, milk, milk, and more milk! Check out this quick video look into the vessel that holds the milk, after it has left the cows and before the twice weekly pickup is completed.

I got a tour of the whole place, the process and all the work that must be done every day, and even met a few of the "girls". Scooter introduced me to them by name!

The family runs this farm as well as having "regular" jobs, school, and life! (Most people I know have a difficult time managing themselves, and maybe a cat or dog or two....imagine doing what you do and taking care of a farm full of 78 cows??!!).

This little gal had a great time today and found a new friend !

Here in CT, we have the Farmer's Cow. In RI they have Rhody Fresh. Where ever it is that you live, support your local farmers, and buy local products. They are by far the best and freshest choice!

Take advantage of opportunities to visit local farms and businesses, too! There's a lot for the kids to do, you may learn something new, find a renewed appreciation and respect for the folks that run these places, see old friends that you love even more today that you did years ago, and it was all for free! How can you beat that?

I am a Putnamaniac because I know hard working people like Scooter & Cynthia Laprise and family, owners of Emma Acres!

Habitat and the ReStore - seriously a great thing!

Habitat is really a great idea - and pairing it with the ReStore is simply brilliant!

Habitat's goal is to build homes.

The ReStore supplies all sorts of things for people to use in their homes, whether they are fixing up, remodeling, or building themselves.

There is a wealth of electrical, plumbing, hardware, appliances, doors, windows, furniture, flooring, and the list is endless. 

The money made in the ReStore goes to the new build projects.

If you have a Habitat ReStore near you, it should be the first place that enters your mind if you have something to donate, or need to buy something yourself. Perhaps you think you have nothing to donate - donate yourself and volunteer! A great volunteer is priceless!

Repeat after me "ReStore, ReStore, ReStore, ReStore".... Excellent - now it is ingrained.

Spread the word of the value of the Habitat ReStore. Let's make it work to its fullest potential!

I am a Putnamaniac because of the Habitat ReStore, ReStore, ReStore, ReStore!

Fall colors, framed right outside my windows!

The last few days, the fall colors have really kicked in on the river.

When I arrive at my home sweet home, this is my first colorful vision:

Upon further inspection, as the vividity of Mother Nature draws me to the porch, I am treated to a brilliant display: (....yes, I did just make that word "vividity" up)...

How can your day be anything but spectacular when you look at these sights?

I am a Putnamaniac because I have great views, framed every day, and in every season, right in my own Home Sweet Home!

History runs deep in Putnamania and all throughout New England!

New England has a rather rich history, and each area carries their own encyclopedia of facts and certainly some fiction.

Last November I read a book about the Mayflower, and the voyage to the "New World". The things our forefathers went through simply amazes me, since I am certainly a girl who loves the modern day conveniences such as heat, bathrooms, cars, etc... They were a lot tougher than me!

The town I grew up in Rhode Island has a facebook page, North Kingstown Facts and History. 
It is great to see the old pictures posted and to read of the town's interesting past.

A guy I went to elementary school with wrote a book on the "village" of Davisville that I grew up in, titled simply Davisville, RI, The History of the Mill Village. Pretty cool to know what went on back in the day!

Now as I am learning about my town of Putnam, I am lucky to have the source of the Aspinock Historical Society.

Our local radio station, WINY Radio also does a weekly Friday morning show, titled "Remember When". It is quite fun to listen to and learn from as well!

People love to reminisce, so enjoy some of it yourself, and dig into your town's history!

I am a Putnamaniac because I love to discover the stories of the past and the local history!

Walktober!

The Last Green Valley, it is where I live!

Every October, Walktober events are held throughout Northeast CT.

Northeast CT is beautiful no matter how you slice it, and whenever you see it, but somehow the fall brings new energy, with the cool nights and the vividly clear days.

Take advantage of a Walktober event, the chance for beautiful sights, and you might learn something new!


Click here and scroll down for the link to The Last Green Valley's Walktober Brochure.

Fall in step, and invigorate yourself!

I am a Putnamaniac, loving life in the Last Green Valley and loving Walktober, too!

Hay Rides! Samples! Sunshine! Fun!

Columbus Day!

Lots of folks have the day off from work, and since I don't, I went and enjoyed Lapsley Orchards on Saturday. If you have this beautiful day off, and are looking for something to do, then I suggest Lapsley Orchards!

You can go and not spend a cent, and still get plenty of enjoyment.

Lapsley offers FREE great horse drawn hayrides through the orchard, free samples of apples, as well as lots of other free samples!

Of course, you know that you will buy apples, squash, pumpkins, cider, etc this fall, so I suggest you stock up at Lapsley. The prices are outstanding, plus you can't get it any more fresh than when you pick it yourself!

I am a Putnamaniac because there is tons of fun available, starting today at Lapsley Orchards!

Heroes...jogging right by you in Putnamania!

My mom raised us to surround ourselves with positive & quality people, find the positive things in life, and always take the high road.  If she could do this, then we certainly would.

I've been lucky to have found great influences and positive people to surround me throughout my life. It makes a difference!

This morning a great local person jogged right past me with his jogging buddy. He went along on his happy pace, with a big smile and a pleasant hello offered.

This guy is a very upbeat and positive person, and a local hero.

The legend of his high school cross country records is still mentioned often, and he continues to tally up wins or places in the multitudes of races he runs.

All that is great, but what makes him a local hero most of all is that he donates his time and body during the Annual Deary Road Race every year to raise money for this local cause.

He starts at midnight, hours before the "actual" 5 mile race begins, he runs the course NINE times, and then he runs the course ONE MORE TIME for the actual race. I'm no professor, but doing the math, that adds up to FIFTY MILES!!! In just about a nine hour span.

His dedication for this grueling event is for his parents, but also for all others who have suffered from cancer, either themselves or for their losses.

How can you not try to be a better person yourself when you know people like Scott Deslongchamps are out there?

I am a Putnamaniac because amazing local heroes jog right by you in Putanmania!

Apple Picking at Lapsley Orchards, the lap of fall luxury!

A beautiful fall weekend is predicted, and for the second time in my life, I am going apple picking!

Friends I grew up with, and my momma, from RI are making the lovely journey to the Quiet Corner, and I am taking them to Lapsley Orchards!

Although it is my second time apple picking, it will be my first visit to Lapsley Orchards.

I have done many drive bys and now I have the time to stop, visit and pick, pick, pick! Extra bonus is that they are having an open house, with hay rides and more!

In anticipation of a young child being in this apple picking party, I bought some yummy pumpkin shaped cookies, a couple of new Halloween books, and GIGANTIC pumpkin shaped marshmallows for her! No need in wondering if I sampled the marshmallows - indeed I did!

My hopes are that you have an exciting weekend planned for yourselves as well, and if you are free, head on up to the Quiet Corner for some apple picking at Lapsley Orchards!

I am a Putnamaniac because I will be picking apples in the lap of luxury at Lapsley Orchards tomorrow!

Westview's Employee of the Month is Annette Gancarz - and she is also MY friend!!!

The happy Putnamania moment came to me today in a phone call from a coworker, who was proudly calling to boast about his wife.

Annette Gancarz was chosen as Westview Health Care Center's Employee of the Month!

This award is voted on by the employees of Westview. That is an extra special acknowledgement, since it is coming from the folks that you are in trenches with, working side by side, shift by shift, month by month! 

This honor can only be awarded after an employee has been with Westview for a year. Annette has been there for 1 year and 4 days. It is clear that they could barely wait to honor her! Obviously they recognize someone deserving of a pat on the back.

And although a pat on the back is great, Annette also hauled in a bit more than a thank you: a dozen roses, a day off with pay, an engraved plaque/clock, special parking spot for the month, and even a bit more!

Isn't it nice to find an establishment that takes the time to reward good workers. I was beaming with pride for Annette, too, right along with her hubby! How can you resist her great smile on top of all of her other great assets?

I am a Putnamaniac because my friend, Annette, is Westview's Employee of the Month!

Montauk Daisies found a home in The Renegade Garden!

My earliest years were spent in the garden with my Poppa, covered with dirt (me, not him).

Gardens have taken over all 4 of my other yards that I've owned. My connections were much stronger to the gardens than they were to the houses themselves.

25 years of my adult life I spent weekends, holidays, and vacations working at a tree farm, out in the dirt and air.

Clearly I like to be outside and growing stuff, and getting close to the earth.

My brother and sister nicknamed me "Digger" years ago. They still call me that!

Now living in a condo, with all the rules that might have stopped some folks, I found my loophole and continue to dig. I am not only a Putnamaniac, but I am the Renegade Gardener. Since I abut woods that roll straight down to the river, I am not gardening on common property, but in woods that are otherwise just a bunch of unsightly weeds and brush. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

These lovely montauk daisies are now in bloom!

They were a gift from that same aforementioned brother, whose own nickname is "my one yiddle man". Can you imagine that he just got me a couple of these?? And as I sit here now, listening to a Buck Owen's cd that my sister made for me, I can't imagine having a better brother or sister.


Check out this classic Buck Owen's Song, Whose gonna mow your grass.
Are you old enough to remember Hee Haw, back in the days of only three channels to chose from??

I am a Putnamaniac because I have the best brother and sister in the world!

They put the "wee" in PeeWee football

Imagine Vincent Price saying this:  "It was a dark and stormy night."

And really, it is a dark and stormy night - cold, wet, dreary, just blech in general.

What the heck is Putnamania going to be about today, I wondered to myself, walking around the grocery store, trying to remember what the heck it was that I needed to get.

As I came around the corner, I almost ran smack into a little soaking wet and muddy Pee Wee football player. He was still in his uniform, jersey almost down to the floor. He came up to my knees.

My first thought was, this poor kid - so drenched that he just must be miserable.

Then I looked at his face, which sported an ear to ear grin, and there was quite a bounce in his step. I imagine he  saw himself  as the next Wes Welker!

Hurray! There is my happy Putnamania feeling for the day! I threw my hands up in a touchdown signal, and said "SCORE" rather excitedly. I got a few looks, but what the heck, I gotta be me!

If you take a minute every day and look around, you will find something to take you to your own "Putnamania".

I am a Putnamaniac because the littlest wee PeeWee shared his happiness with me today!

Mushroom Walk!

It looks gloomy out, but that didn't stop me from getting out this morning.

Coming back from my jog I spotted all sorts of little mushrooms popping out of the mulch... they seem to delight in all this damp weather, and therefore I found some delight as well! I went on an impromptu, self-proclaimed mushroom walk.

Lots of little weenie ones popping up...

 and a couple of alien looking ones here...

 another unusual looking pair, with a third pushing through soon, too...

A classic...

No matter how dreary out it is, you will always feel better getting out if just for a moment or two.

The first step is always the hardest to take, but you can make yourself take the first step in whatever you need to conquer in your life!

Here is an appropriate poem by Sylvia Plath, called Mushrooms:

Overnight, very whitely, discreetly,very quietly
Our toes, our noses take hold on the loam,acquire the air.
Nobody sees us, stops us, betrays us; the small grains make room.
Soft fists insist on heaving the needles,the leafy bedding, even the paving.

Our hammers, our rams, earless and eyeless,perfectly voiceless,
Widen the crannies,shoulder through holes. 

We diet on water,on crumbs of shadow,bland-mannered, asking little or nothing. 

So many of us! So many of us! 

We are shelves, we are tables, we are meek, we are edible,
Nudgers and shovers in spite of ourselves. Our kind multiplies:
We shall by morning inherit the earth. Our foot's in the door.

I am a Putnamaniac because I take that first step every day and enjoy such things as mushroom walks!

Running for those who couldn't today

Putnamania brought me to Pomfret this rainy morning for the ABC 5K.

Pomfret is another very close community, right next to Putnam. The ABC 5K  race began and continues in honor of one of their loved ones who lost a battle with cancer. On top of that I learned today of another young mother who lost her battle just this week. Her young son not only ran and got a medal, but was accompanied by a herd of his fellow Rectory School mates.

I took a picture of this runner's homemade shirt, which says it all.  "I run for those who can't".

What a great feeling of camaraderie to be with this group of all ages. I had the pleasure to jog along side a great gal, who also loves to get out everyday and jog for peace of mind, body & soul. Both she and her hubby ran today. We came in 1st & 2nd in our age group, and both joked afterwards, that we aren't getting faster, but getting older. Aren't we lucky for that!

Be sure to enjoy and treasure every moment you have here! This Putnamaniac sure will!

I am a Putnamaniac that will run (slowly) for those that can't, and I will enjoy every moment!