Frostival! and it was not even too frosty!!

Welcome to the Frostival! What a nice offering from Putnamania's neighboring town for an early evening New Year's celebration!

The streets of Danielson were blocked off and loaded with people of all ages strolling and enjoying! Families, young couples, old couples, a horse drawn wagon ride with the best jingle bells that I have ever heard!

Bands and music were plentiful! I chose to see "No Perfume", three uber talented sisters, who sang and played instruments - at the same time! (I understand now why I have no talent. These 3 got my share, and then some)!

There were some hearty souls out Karaoke'ing ... they were as talented as me, but give them credit for belting it out somewhere other than in the shower or in their car!

There was kettle corn cooking, hot chocolate pouring, and lights!

And fireworks, and wishes all around for a great New Year!!!!

I am a Putnamaniac because we ring in the New Year in a community fun way!

Putnam....the cat

Columbia, CT is about 40 miles away from where I live in Putnamania.

It is another gorgeous part of CT. Scenic, rural, peaceful, beautiful.

I work there, in a great office on Columbia Lake, and my boss lives just a hop, skip and a jump away from our office in Andover, CT.

She has a cat that she adopted over a year ago, from Putnam.

Monsieur Cat's name is Putnam...how cool is that?

I suggest, of course, that even though she already has 4 horses, 3 dogs, and 4 cats, that she certainly needs another pet from Putnam, and should name it...none other than... Putnamaniac!

I am a Putnamaniac because people adopt their pets here, and then name them for our great town!

Putnamania invades Washington DC

This Putnamaniac had a rare family vacation and visited Washington DC for Christmas.

What a treat! To be with my family and see the sights of such a historical city for the first time!

It was spectacular, surprised me on more than one occasion, and there are endless things to see and do there. It was nice having the "inside scoop", since my sister and brother live there, they know the ropes and pointed us in all the right directions!

What an experience.  I suggest you put it on your "to do" list if you have never been.

However, now that the holiday, and hustle and bustle of vacationing are behind me, there really is no place like home, and I am glad to be back in Putnamania.

I am a Putnamaniac because it is truly my home sweet home, and I appreciate all the history of our country that makes it so!

PAWS!

Northeast CT has lots of paws, as I am sure a lot of areas do.

Stray cats multiply like crazy.

We've got another kind of PAWS here in Northeast, CT, too.

PAWS is Pound Animals Worth Saving.

They work hard to find good homes for way too many cats. 
They do it with way too much of their own time and money. 
An easy way to contribute is to bring your returnable bottles and cans to their drop off boxes (they are all over town - in front of WINY Radio, Putnam Supermarket, corner of Grove & Perry Streets, etc). If you know of somewhere else that they can place a bin, contact them (maybe your apartment complex, work place...).

The shelter is located at Windy Acres Florist, 244 Route 171 in Woodstock, Connecticut. We have adoption hours from 11 to 3 P.M. on Saturday and we can arrange for other times during the week.  For an adoption application email Lydia@paws-ct.org

They need more foster homes and also more volunteers to help at the shelter, so if you’re able to help even a few hours a week, contact Kathy at Windy Acres at 860-928-0554 or Lydia at 860-480-1104.

I am a Putnamaniac because some people have made PAWS their cause!

Have you ever actually gone into a food bank?

We all hear about food banks, and we donate to them, too.

It gives us a nice warm, fuzzy feeling, and it is the right thing to do if we can donate, even just a little.

When lots of people chip in a little, it all adds up.

But... have you ever gone into a food bank?

People of all ages are in there asking for help. I am sure it is not easy for most of them.

It is an eye opener.


It sure does make me thankful for my life so far.

I am glad food banks, like the Daily Bread in Putnam, are available for those who have times of need.

Always chip in to your community when you can, in any way you can, since you never know if you may be on the other side of the fence and need help yourself.

I am a Putnamaniac because bringing in donations to the Daily Bread Food Bank opens my eyes, and I am proud it serves so many!

Random fun things in Putnamania!

Some of the odd and random things that I love about Putnamania:

People use the buttons on the stop lights for crossing the streets. They don't just run out in front of you.

People are friendly and take a moment to smile and say hi!

WINY Radio - positive local radio with everyone there is just as hyper and excited about life as me - well...probably more, and they love BARRY MANILOW, too!

We have Manny Quin, the best mannequin police officer in the world! He even has his own facebook page!

We have awesome waterfalls!

I could go on and on and on!

But you know I will, every single day!

I am a Putnamaniac because there are tons of random fun things here!

Victoria Station, a cozy place to visit with friends!

There is a great little place in downtown Putnamania, Victoria Station.

It is actually not "little" at all, it is very large, but so very cozy and comfy.

It reminds me of the coffee place on the old tv show, Friends, where all the friends used to hang out.

There is seating all over the place, so you can grab a treat, some coffee or hot chocolate, and sit a spell.

It was nice to relax during this busy time of year with some good friends, so stop in there and visit soon, or at any time of year.

Victoria Station offers much more, such as rooms to hold your special functions.

Check them out, and watch out.... if you visit Putnam often, you will soon become a Putnamaniac, too!

I am a Putnamaniac because I can meet and visit with my friends at great places like Victoria Station!

Annie! Enough said!

I love theater - especially musicals! Probably because I can't sing or dance worth a hoot, but love to try anyways!

Putnamania is lucky to have two local theaters; the Black Box Theater and the Bradley Playhouse, too.

The last show of the 2011 Season at the Bradley was Annie, and I was front and center, surrounded by some good imported RI friends, including twin sisters I have known since the day they were born (one on my lap the whole time, and the other who lost a tooth during the show), and their beautiful Mom & Dad, as well as one of my best buds of all time!

Nothing is better than going to a show a mile away from your home on a bright sunny day just before the holidays, with some great people you have loved for a major part of your life.

Be sure to get out and enjoy some fun times with the ones you love, all year long!

And remember, You are never fully dressed without a smile. 
Check out this song, one that you don't hear every day from Annie.

I am a Putnamaniac who always dresses fully, including my smile!

Cookie swap food drive is a success!

I had this idea.

I get lots of ideas.

Sometimes they are good ideas. This one was good!

I invited all my fellow condo-ers over today for a  cookie party.
I just asked them to bring something for the food or diaper bank in exchange for a plate of homemade cookies.

SUCCESS!!! People are so good!

Take a look pre-party:

And here is an after party look:

Some fine fellow condo Putnamaniacs took the time to visit and give of themselves today!

EXCELLENT DAY!

I am a Putnamaniac because I am always astonished by the generosity of average every day folks who are in this area!

Farmer Nubbins visits Putnamania and tells a little story!

 This Putnamaniac had a crazy, animal filled household growing up. I did not always think it was so entertaining growing up, but since then I realize it was quite entertaining. I created Farmer Nubbins, who is a child friendly version of my father. Here is one of my favorite memories and Farmer Nubbins' stories.

 Farmer Nubbins’s Whistling Pigs

Have you ever heard a whistling sound
coming from a pig?

Guinea Pigs whistle loudly even though
they aren’t very big.

Farmer Nubbins learned how loud his
Guinea pigs could whistle one day,
when they escaped from their cage and
tried to run away.

The noise began when Farmer Nubbins
opened his door.
He had just gotten back from the Guinea Pig Store.

“Wheet-Wheet, Wheet-Wheet” was all
Farmer Nubbins could hear.
It was so loud, he had to cover his ears.
“How on earth can I catch these escaped whistling pets?”
“Shall I try to scoop them up with my net?”

Farmer Nubbins didn’t have good luck with the net at all.
It made the pigs whistle louder and
caused Farmer Nubbins to fall.

“Wheet-Wheet, Wheet-Wheet” the guinea pigs squealed.
“We would love to be outside running around in the field!”

Farmer Nubbins thought maybe he could catch
these fast pigs in his sack.
He got up from the floor, where he had
fallen on his back.

Farmer Nubbins dumped all the guinea pig
treats onto the floor.
Now he had a sack ready for this tricky chore.

”Wheet-Wheet, Wheet-Wheet” whistled the pigs with delight.
“We’re hungry, and we haven’t eaten since last night!”

As Farmer Nubbins figured out how to
catch the whistlers in his sack,
they all tip-toed over to the pile of treats for a snack.

The guinea pigs gobbled the treats,
as Farmer Nubbins set his trap.
But the pigs ate so much, they soon needed a nap.

Imagine Farmer Nubbins’s surprise
when he turned around with a smile and saw
those whistlers asleep in a big pig pile!

Now that the pigs were so fast asleep,
Farmer Nubbins could catch them all
without making a peep.

He moved the snoring pigs one at a time,
not taking too long,
and he got them all back safe in their cage where they belong.

Over the years the whistling pigs did get loose every now and then,
But now Farmer Nubbins knew the secret of getting them back into their pen!

Story notes:
This story is based on a true story of Guinea Pigs getting loose in the Dawley basement and evading capture for many weeks. Every time the basement door would open, you would hear that piercing “Wheet - Wheet” whistling as it echoed throughout the “Dawleyville” house! We all still laugh at this “Farmer Nubbins” story to this day at family gatherings. February 2006

 I am a Putnamaniac that loves when good old Farmer Nubbins comes to visit in my stories!

Santa does a fly by over Putnamania!

Every year Santa arrives over Cargill Falls.

I don't know how exactly he gets there, but I suspect that Christmas magic has something to do with it, along with the Putnam Recreation Department.

He just appears one day, and I spot him on my way home from work.

I wave to him every day, because I love him and want to be sure that I am on the "nice" list.

Do you look forward to seeing something like this in your hometown?
Do you have a memory of something similar from your childhood that you miss?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves Santa doing his fly by over Putnam!

Red berries - a winter nature delight!

I love these red berries in the winter.

Maybe because they stand out so brilliantly against the otherwise blahness of winter landscapes.

I don't even know what they are, and Jimmy cracked corn, I don't care.

My four eyes seek them out along my drives and jogs.

Triumphant smiles appear when I spot a brilliant bunch like this!

Do you seek them out, too? Will you now? What do you look for instead?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the red berries, such a winter's delight!

I live in a condo DOWN BY THE RIVER!

This verbiage in my video is a take off of Saturday Night Live's skit where Chris Farley was a motivational speaker and lived in a van, down by the river, eating government cheese! (Just in case you didn't know what the heck I was talking about here).

Enjoy my condo down by the river!

 

And here is Chris Farley's bit. Very funny stuff! Click here to enjoy.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves living down by the river!

I think one of my neighbors is really Santa's elf!

I have suspected in the past that some of my neighbors might really be elves, undercover, working for Santa, but residing in the best condos in Putnamania here at Sabin Landing.

Wikipedia tells me: A Christmas elf is a diminutive creature that lives with Santa Claus in the North Pole and acts as his helper.

Now I have undisputed proof that one of my neighbors is indeed one of Santa's elves.

1) She is a petite little lady, with a french accent (and Canada is a heck of a lot closer to the North Pole than Putnam is)!

2) She delivered this handmade basket of greens to me yesterday afternoon!

Clearly only one of Santa's elves could make something so beautiful and seasonal and thoughtful!

I put it right on my table, and my mini Santa's are right at home here!

I will also behave myself all the time since that undercover elf will be watching me.

I am a Putnamaniac that has Santa's elves for neighbors!

Nunsense is perfect nonsensical fun at The Black Box Theater!

The Black Box Theater's latest show is Nunsense.

I saw it years ago in RI at the PPAC, and it starred former nun and RI Attorney General, Arlene Violet. That was a nice RI spin on the version, and it was enjoyed by all in attendance.

Putnam's version was spectacularly funny as well! Our own Day Kimball Hospital was referenced, and a hilarious video of the nuns visiting the Courthouse Bar & Grille was featured. A surprise solo was also given by the talented young man who starring in the last Black Box show, Bat Boy.

I did not expect anything less than a heavenly performance!

Goodness knows that I thank the heavens for such ambitious local theater here!

(And I thank goodness that the ensemble at The Black Box Theater is far more entertaining than me)!!

Take in a show at The Black Box Theater.
95 Front Street (just down the road from Putnam Co-op)
860-963-7170

I am a Putnamaniac that is in heaven with the local theaters here!

Treasures to be found!

OK - I know I go on about the Habitat ReStore.... sorry....I can't help it....probably because I spend most of my weekends off in there volunteering.

BUT, I have found some treasures there for myself, too.

Since I have a brand new condo, filled with new appliances, great lighting, a gas fireplace, shiny wood floors, good windows, doors, furniture, etc - I don't need to buy any of those types of things from the ReStore, but take a look at what I have found for the best condo in Putnamania!

Stop in for a visit sometime.
Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday from 9am-4pm.
Location: 171 Providence St, Putnam (right across from Turtle's Tacos).

I am a Putnamaniac because there are treasures to find everywhere!

I got mooned tonight in Putnamania....

Mother Nature mooned me tonight when I entered Putnamania!

There is a moon out tonight! Did you see it?

I am a Putnamaniac who loves the moons that Mother Nature throws out over our town!

AAA Staffing is AAA+

There is an employment agency right here in Putnam.

AAA Staffing. 

They put forth AAA+ effort in matching potential employees with potential employers.

I have been lucky enough to always find jobs on my own, but I would not hesitate in asking for AAA's help along the way. 

They are so well known that one of my High School friends that now lives in FL knows about them!

If you need help, finding employment or finding employees, call them! (860)-928-2466

It is as simple as that.

I am a Putnamaniac because AAA Staffing is A+!

Friends come in all shapes, sizes, ages!

What are your friends like?

Mine range from age five to eighty three...at this time.

They are boys, girls, men, ladies, every nationality you can think of, every size and shape you can imagine.  They live in many states and in many countries.

I wish I had more time to spend with every one of them.

I hope they know how much I love them, and how happy I am that they passed into my life, even if it was long ago.

Some I have been lucky enough to meet right here in Putnamania!

I love them all.

I am a Putnamaniac with friends in all shapes, sizes, and ages!

Christmas Cactus History - and colorful beauty to behold...

Christmas cactus.

You probably have one... and even if you are not a plant person and do not have one yourself, you surely have seen them, a lot!

Lovely creatures.... So many colors, so many leaf textures, so many different times of year they bloom....variety is the spice of life!

It seems that this plant was originally cultivated started in the early 1800's in Europe.
See more plant history on wikipedia. 

It also seems to me that every Christmas cactus that I know has it's own history.

For example, I have two of these plants.
One was given to me by my ex-husband's grandmother YEARS ago... she gave me two pieces from plants that originated from her mother's plants. One half blooms at this time of year, and the other half blooms around Easter. Both in the same pot. WOW! Old source! In year's past I had two sister cats, who ate these plants down to nothing... and yet they have revived and flourished over time.

The second plant I bought during the short time I lived in PA. It blooms a few times a year, and every time I look at it, I see the best people I met in PA.

My friend, Kat, here in Putnamania has a Christmas cactus with a history that she shared with me, too.

What is your Christmas cactus history? I know you have one!

I am a Putnamaniac who has Christmas cacti with their own history!

The Man in the Glass

My pal Tony from the Habitat ReStore is an unusual person.

In general, I like unusual people. They are happy to be who they are, and they let me be who I am.

However, often times another very unusual if not offensive gentleman (in my opinion of course) comes into the ReStore. He gets under my skin a bit. (I am not the most patient person, but I do work on this...continually).

Tony knows that this guy gets under my skin.

Following Tony's unusual personality pattern, he brought me in a few poems... concerning how people are not always as they seem to be, and they are not what they once were, how we all grow old... etc, etc.

Tony tries to make me a better, patient, accepting person.

He expects things out of me.

I like that. I expect things out of me, too.

Here is my favorite line from one of the poems Tony brought in, The Man in the Glass, and it sums up what I try to achieve in my life :

"You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, 

and get pats on the back as you pass; 

But your final reward will be heartaches and tears, 

if you've cheated the man in the glass."

You must face up to your own expectations. Aim High!!!

I am a Putnamaniac who works hard to face the "Man in the Glass"! 

Here is the entire poem if you'd like to view it: 

When you get what you want in your struggle for self

And the world makes you king for a day,

Just go to a mirror and look at yourself,

And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife,

Who judgment upon you must pass;

The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life

Is the one starring back from the glass.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest.

For he's with you clear up to the end,

And you've passed the most dangerous, difficult test

If the man in the glass is your friend.

You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,

And think you're a wonderful guy,

But the man in the glass says you're only a bum

If you can't look him straight in the eye.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years.

And get pats on the back as you pass,

But your final reward will be the heartaches and tears

If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Put one foot in front of the other!

Put one foot in front of the other!

This was a little diddy from the Christmas special "Santa Claus is Coming to Town".

I sing it to myself all the time. It works not only at Christmas, but during any time of the year.

If I am out jogging and don't feel like moving, I sing "Put one foot in front of the other" and soon I am home again, feeling fine!

When I don't want to do an unpleasant chore, I sing "Put one foot in front of the other" and soon I am done!

Give it a try - when you don't feel like doing any particular thing, sing out loud and proud "Put one foot in front of the other", and soon you will be done!!

Take a look at this unusual video of the song... go ahead, put one foot in front of the other!

 I am a Putnamaniac who puts one foot in front of the other all the time!

Peaceful Putnamania night river sounds

When I snuggle into my bed at night I hear the soothing river in my back yard as it meanders along its appointed path.

It makes different sounds all the time, depending on the weather, or how high or low the water level is.

No matter what its voice, the river always  sends me off to a peaceful slumber, ever thankful I found Putnamania.

Although this is not "My" river, it sounds quite similar to what lulls me off to sleep every night. Take a listen.....to Peaceful river sounds

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the Peaceful river sounds!

Good deed doers!

The Wizard of Oz had gazillions of good quotes, but one of my favorites is The Wizard saying:

"Back where I come from there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phila... er, phila... er, yes, er, Good Deed Doers".

There are many levels of good deed doing.

I heard about a guy locally that donated $500,000 of his own money to the Day Kimball Daycare project that is currently in the fund raising stage. WOW. I would love to be able to be a high rolling do gooder like that...

However, not all good deed doing needs to be on such a grand scale.
*Open a door for someone - with a smile.
*Let someone pull out in traffic ahead of you, and then don't ride their bumper.
*Drop off some items in the food bank's box at the exit of your local grocery store.
*Donate locally whatever you can - every little bit does help.
*Shop locally and keep your community strong.
*Lead by example. Be proud of yourself and your behavior.

I am happy to say that I know many good deed doers! I meet more every day!

I had a friend that used to joke with me and told me that if I didn't give so much away, I would not have to work so much. That is ok by me... and although I chose to not be working seven days a week any more, I find that I can still make donations, and I have time for volunteering on the weekends.

Are you a good deed doer? You probably are and don't even know it!

If you aren't, give it a try!  Oh what a feeling!

I am a Putnamaniac who is happy to know so many good deed doers!