Saturday, March 31, 2012

The Little Red School House - much history and fun enclosed!

One and two room school houses were used not that long ago - especially in the history of the world, let alone the history of my immediate family's life!

I grew up right next door to the Little Red School House, where my mom, aunt, and uncles went to school. Boy, the stories I heard!



They actually remember having to carry all their books and marching down the road to the "New" Davisville Elementary School when that opened. (Sadly that school, where your's truly went, is also now closed down).

Today, there is a reunion for the Little Red School House, to be held at the Davisville Free Library, just down the road (another place where I spent a lot of time as a kid).

Although I did not go to the Little Red School House as a student, I did go to Brownies and Girl Scouts there, had tons of fun with the North Kingstown Rec Department during summers, and played endless wiffle ball and kick ball games. I met life long friends there.

Check out this article from the North East Independent, that features some nice memories from my mom at attending this school.

So, I am headed off for some fun in RI today, and will surely enjoy not only my memories of not so long ago, but many other's memories as well.

I hope you have some good stories of your own to tell, and many of your family and friends stories till to hear!

I am a Putnamaniac because The Little Red School House is part of my history!

Friday, March 30, 2012

The Renegade is Rising!

The Renegade Garden, steeply sloping between the condo and river, is rising - a little more with every spring day that passes.



Growing stuff gets me excited!!

There is no way you can see how steep this is, but it does explain my shaky filming! Come and visit the Renegade Garden any time. Visitors are welcome in all seasons!

I am a Putnamaniac because the Renegade Garden is rising a little every day... nature is amazing and can't be stopped!

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Thank God I'm a Country Girl!

This morning I got to hear my Forgotten 45 request on WINY Radio, and I belted it out at the top of my lungs as I drove to work!


I sang it loud and out of tune just like I used to sing along with my album, way back in the day!

Tonight, after a very longggggggggggg day, I sang it again in my car as I headed back to Putnamania, along the pitch dark roads, surrounded by trees and stars. 

What song you ask??


John Denver's "Thank God I'm a Country Boy", but I change it to "Thank God I'm a Country Girl".

And since it is early to rise, early in the sack, it is time for me to say good night!
Thank God I'm a country girl!

Be sure to check out John Denver's song on youtube here. 

I am a Putnamaniac that loves that she can be a country girl here, even if it is in a condo!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Juke Box Gold Sunday Mornings......Good times!

Music of all sorts of varieties tickles my fancy at any given time. I love it all - from classical, to polkas, to country (even the old stuff like Buck Owens), to poppy/geeky Barry Manilow, to a bit heavier Metallica, to the sweet old Beach Boys, to folksy Alison Kraus, to my teen years with the Cars, Steely Dan....and on and on the list goes.

Over the past couple of years I have been home early on Sunday mornings and enjoy Juke Box Gold on my local WINY Radio.



What a blast! Host Bill Alley is on from 6am-11am playing great stuff. You can listen online if you are not in the local area to pick up 1350am. It is like American Graffiti in your own home every week! 

Some of the fun stuff I heard this past Sunday (click to check them out on youtube):
The Streak, by Ray Stevens
 Paper Roses, by Anita Bryant (in honor of her birthday)
Runaway, by Del Shannon
King Creole, by Elvis 
Cupid, by Sam Cooke

You just don't hear these songs most of the time, and you may have completely forgotten about them!

WINY Radio offers us local folks the local info, news, weather, events, but even if you don't live in Northeast CT, you will love Sunday morning's Juke Box Gold music.

Chances are, you will be intrigued by some of the local events you hear about and plan a visit to come enjoy some of them with me! I will warn you, if you come often enough, you will not want to leave... and soon you will be my neighbor here in the Quiet Corner!  I can't wait to welcome you "home"!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the good time I have living here, especially singing & dancing to Juke Box Gold on WINY Radio on Sunday mornings!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

The Last Green Valley's Ranger Marcy?

The Last Green Valley is where I live!

Straight from their site, their description/definition goes like this: 
The Last Green Valley is two things - it's the 35-town National Heritage Corridor where you live, and it's also your member-supported non-profit organization working locally to preserve the irreplaceable land, water, and cultural resources of the region.

This Putnamaniac is also a member of The Last Green Valley, which offers many great programs, especially to their valued members! What fun!!!

Running such an organization requires all sorts of help, including members to sign on and act as Rangers...
You know I can't resist checking this out and seeing if I could become a Last Green Valley Ranger!

How can you not want to help keep The Last Green Valley green??


I am a Putnamaniac because I love living in The Last Green Valley and just may become Ranger Marcy!

Monday, March 26, 2012

M my name is Marcy, and other fun kids games!

Clearly, like most people, I think constantly and reminisce a lot...

This past week would have been my brother Skee's 50th birthday. You know you are old when your little brother would have turned 50! Since I think of Skee often, it is like he is still here with us all...

So, my reminiscing this week drifted back to kids' games we used to play, back when we had just each other as companions, and we were way too young to wander out into the neighborhood world of years ago...

Fun stuff like:
*A my name is Ally, my husband's name is Alex, we live in Alabama, and we grow Apples....(Little did we know we were using our brains when we were playing this game)!
*Jump roping, even if you had to tie one end to a pole since there were only two of you to jump with the big long rope. (Little did we know that we were exercising and improving our coordination while jumping. And believe me, there was a lot of payback for getting your little brother to jump with you - I had to play a lot of trains to make up for the jump roping).
*Making forts on rainy days - tip over the chairs and bring out the blankets and commence building forts where you could color and read on those dastardly rainy days where you just couldn't get out to play.
*Swinging as high as you could go, without tipping the swing set over... I was always very careful and nervous, so I didn't push the limit, but Skee - oh boy...... the poles of that swing set lifted very high off the ground making me ultra nervous on many occasions...
*Walks to the Davisville Free Library with Mom, stopping at the top of the train bridge to count railroad cars. Yes, we would stand there and count every single train car, and some of those trains were long.....


Here are some shots from 1965 of me and Skee on that ever tipping swing set! You can see that he wants to be gliding high instead of posing for a picture with me! Skee was about 3 years old and I was 5 years old in these pics.

What sorts of kids' games did you play with your siblings, cousins, neighbors, friends, or by yourself when you were a kid?  Wasn't it fun?  Doesn't it seem like just yesterday?

I am a Putnamaniac because I remember all the fun kids' games I played not so long ago!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Your friends are your friends till the "end"!

Remember all the spelling tips you got when you were a kid in school?

Like I before E except after C.

I had a friend way back when that remembered how to spell friend by saying "Your friend is your friend till the end." In this manner she always could spell friend correctly, because it ended with "end".

Last night I went to one of my friend's 60th birthday party.

Joan is the youngest of 8 children, and therefore has not only a big family but a huge extended family. Tons of nieces, nephews, in laws, and more.

She has worked at the same job for decades, so there are tons of close ties there as well.

Church is an important part of her life, too, so she has many more friends from that contingency.

On top of all of these connections, Joan also has a ton of friends, of all ages.

So it did not surprise me to be at her surprise birthday party attended by 100+ people, all vying for a hug, a dance, a picture, a story to retell....

Tears almost escaped my eyes on many occasions last night...
1st, when her nephew who arranged the party, asked Joan to dance. It was so touching to see this dance....
2nd, when the dance floor was filled with Joan's friends and family of all ages, boogying down and having the time of their lives....
3rd, looking at the picture collages that were hung celebrating the many years of this fine woman.

These celebrations of life and friends are priceless. How wonderful to celebrate great people. I must always remember to let people know how special they are when I see them. Life is too short to do otherwise.

(This picture was not taken at Joan's birthday party last night. It was taken last winter, but it shows a small sample of our great group of friends. The birthday girl is on the far right).


I am a Putnamaniac that will love my friends till the "end"!

Saturday, March 24, 2012

The Courthouse - serious deliciousness with so many choices!

There are a few great places to dine in downtown Putnam, and The Courthouse Bar & Grille is one of my most favorite and delicious to visit!


When I moved from RI to CT years back, The Courthouse was the first place I "discovered" and I've loved it ever since.

My Uncle had a different "favorite" place up in Northeast CT, but since I introduced him to the Courthouse, it has also become his new favorite!

Their menu is very diverse, so no matter what sort of tastes your dining party has, everyone will find something there!

So, while I'd love to write some more, I am craving an Open Faced Veggie Melt.... Gotta go!

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the Courthouse's delicious choices!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Art and great artists in the Quiet Corner (Tom Menard is one)!

Tom Menard is an artist that lives in Northeast CT.

I love his creations!

They are personalized visions of not only the towns in our Quiet Corner, but many other locations as well.

Check out this beauty he did of Putnam (I have a small version of this one and another of Putnam as well).


Tom has also designed labels for Taylor Brooke Winery's bottles!

If this sort of art is to your liking, check out Tom Menard's website! You might find something you like. Also keep your eyes out for him at local events, as he often sells small prints and cards sporting his homespun works!

I am a Putnamaniac that just loves local artist Tom Menard's creations!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Somebody else's Poppa made me think of all my good times with Poppa Moone!

Today I saw an old fellow, dressed in white t-shirt, suspenders, and dickie pants. He was out in his garden....

Just like my Poppa Moone used to be. Of course Poppa Moone's shadow most days was a little Marcy.  He had a nickname for everyone, and I glowed when he called me "Sweetie Pie".



He took me in the garden with him since just about the moment I was born. I went back to my mother filthy, covered with soil, and as happy as a girl could be.

He taught me how to plant, how to hoe, how to water, how to pick. I loved every second with my Poppa, and I greedily think how lucky I was, because I was the first grandchild born, and I lived right next door to him.

When I was not in the little greenhouse or in the garden with Poppa Moone, I was on his lap, watching the ball game, or just looking out the windows. His lap was a safe harbor from those tormenting uncles in that house as well!

He took me in his truck for ice cream cones at 7am.

He had an old grain bin that he insisted a tiny lived family lived in. I was, and still am quite gullible, but I really was thinking that a little family certainly couldn't live in that grain bin. Much to my surprise, one day there were some little people in that grain bin! (He had bought some tiny little dolls and strategically placed them there for me to find). Of course my poppa would not lie to his sweetie pie.  To this day I still keep a few little tiny 1" plastic babies in my jewelry box to remind me of my poppa and that little grain bin family.

So, today as I saw someone else's poppa out in his garden, it made me love and miss my old Poppa Moone very much.

I had and still have many influences in my life, but I can't imagine having gone through my early years without my Poppa Moone.

I hope everyone is lucky enough to have great memories of someone(s) special from their early days.

I am a Putnamaniac because I loved every minute spent with my Poppa Moone, and still enjoy him often, although he passed on to the green pastures beyond earth years ago!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Red Wagon at the edge of a field and kids running like they were on fire!

A great sign of good weather here in Putnamaniac today...

...a Red Radio Flyer Wagon parked at the edge of the soccer field.



Way on the other side of the field were two little toddlers running like they were on fire, and their parents chasing along after them. The family dog was also in attendance, wagging wildly.

They were all laughing (and barking) their heads off!

I could not help but smile along with them as I drove by.

I am a Putnamaniac because a red wagon and a family running & laughing in a field made me smile big time today!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Teach your children well....

Teach your children well...A great old song by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. 

That phrase packs a lot of punch.

"Teach your children well."


Talk about a lot of pressure!  When you think about it, children are but little sponges ready to soak up all they hear and see. Clearly that means as grown ups, we influence these little innocent ones 24/7.

I don't have kids of my own, but many of my friends have kids of all ages. I have always tried very hard to be a good influence and act as a good roll model while I am around them, one and all. A few others I know don't have their own children either, but are a big part of their nieces & nephews lives as well.

My friends are all such outstanding parents, and they do teach their children well. Sometimes I do not know how they have the energy to do it, but they do it. The roll of teaching their children well is never taken lightly. No wonder all the little kids I know are so great!

So parents, uncles, aunties, grandparents, when you are pooped out at the end of the day, or the little ones are giving you a run for your money some day...think of the song, and "just look at them and sigh and know they love you".

Here is a nice country girl version of the song featuring Suzy Boggus & Kathy Mattea - check it out. I think they do justice to this old classic with a lot of meaning.

I am a Putnamaniac because my friends do teach their children well!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Don't let me forget these beautiful spring days....

Sunshine.

Warmth.

Birds busily singing.

Buds growing bigger every day.

Grass turning green before your very eyes.

Kids playing as fast as they can.

People raking yards.

Daffodils opening their yellow faces.

Please don't let me ever forget for a second how wonderful a spring day in New England feels.


Spring indeed has sprung and given me that sense of peace - a slice of heaven on earth.

I am a Putnamaniac because I will not ever forget beautiful spring days, just like today!

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Can you spell: Bradley Theater is ENTERTAINING?!

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is now playing at the Bradley Playhouse in Putnam.


As per usual, it was a ton of fun! Good local jokes, involved some volunteers from the audience, great music and songs...

We are so lucky in Putnam to have two great theaters, and I rarely miss a show. Until you go, you will not know what you are missing out on!

Check out a show and you will be H O O K E D!


There are shows going on year round at both the Bradley Playhouse and the Black Box Theater. Plan a night, and come for dinner and a show!

There are theaters, small and large worldwide. I have friends in Amsterdam that are involved with their theater. One is the head wig maker (although I believe they have a fancier word for it...). If you are not near or able to come to Putnam's great theaters, find one near you and go!

I am a Putnamaniac because I can spell F U N and 
E N T E R T A I N M E N T at my local theaters!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Big Dad, Little Son, shoveling some quality time - Priceless!

It is perfect spring jogging weather today, and since I'd planned a new route for myself shortly after tucking myself in my bed last night, I was ready to go this morning.

The nice thing about doing whatever it is you need and/or choose to do to keep yourself sane, is that it really works! Jogging does it for me. I get to think, plan, set goals, just space out. It is very quality time that I spend with myself.

Some days you get some big bonuses - like today.

As I was loping through the industrial park, I glanced over and saw a father and young son (looked about 2-3 years old) shoveling dirt into the bucket of a loader. Dad had a big shovel. Son had a little shovel. I am sure this is a chore the father would not like, except for the fun of having his son there with him. As for the son, it is pretty clear he'd be happy doing anything with his father. Priceless!



I am so glad I go out and jog. I get a lot of joy out of it! I can only hope that you enjoy your quality time with yourself as much as I do mine.

I am a Putnamaniac that saw a priceless sight today - a father and young son shoveling side by side!

Thursday, March 15, 2012

Peep Frogs!!!!!!!!!!!

Spring gets me pretty excited... for lots of reasons!

Longer days, warmer days, stuff starts to pop out of the ground, stuff turns green!

An entire awakening!!!!!! Yippeeeeeee!!!!

I especially look forward to hearing the peep frogs as that is a sure arrival of spring. My ears (which work pretty well as they have to pick up the slack for the bad eyeballs) strain each late afternoon/early evening to hear to first peepers peeping. When I hear them for the first time, it is like I have been declared the winner of the best lottery in the world! Spring is here! The peepers tell me so!


I have a friend that I only hear from once a year, and it is when he hears his first peepers of the spring. Years ago we used to walk out the door from work at the end of the day and listen for the peepers...

Although miles apart now, we still walk out of our respective work locations and listen at this time of year...

Today, I got his email. Peepers were heard in RI last evening. That means it will not be long before I hear them in NECT.

Living on the River I enjoy a great many symphonies, and the peepers are some of my favorite performers. Thank goodness they come back for repeat shows every spring.

If you would like to learn a bit more about the peepers that I love, click on this link to the National Geographic's site. 

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the peepers, and also love to hear from my peepers loving friends!

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Follow the Fifty Models of Heart Health...

How do you feel about your health?

I mean there are genes, our own habits, a bit of luck to consider, but overall how do you think you rate on a scale of 1 to 10 in overall healthiness?  Are you accountable for your own behavior, and are you honest with yourself?

In general most people I know are very healthy and work hard to be that way, and lately it seems that everyone has been kicking it up a notch! Good - I'd like to keep everyone I love around as long as possible.

However, there are opportunities all over the place if you think you need a hand in getting on track with your health. One recent fabulous opportunity opened up for the women of Northeast CT in the "Follow the Fifty Models of Heart Health".


The goal (which was thought to be very lofty) was to get 50 women, with certain risks and criteria to sign up for this program, be in the public eye and under the microscope, working to improve their heart health. The idea was simply to bring awareness not only to these 50 but the entire community as it follows along on their quest.

In the first 3 days, they had 50 applications.
In 10 days, they had over 100 applications.
The final application count was 189.
183 of these women were chosen, and the very few that were excluded was due to their not fitting into one of the restrictions (like age bracket, where the live, etc). I understand it was very difficult to turn them away....
So instead of following 50 women, we will now follow 50 TEAMS!!!

This pretty much sums up Northeast CT. We join in the important things. We cheer for each other. We are trying to better ourselves.

If you would like to learn more about the Follow the Fifty Models of Heart Health, check out this article.

You can like them on Facebook, too. 

I will be cheering them along, learning what I can from them, and keeping myself as healthy as I can, too!

I am a Putnamaniac because I will Follow the Fifty Models of Heart Health!

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Beautiful Lengths donated by beautiful people!

Just recently I heard a friend that I grew up with cut her really, really, really long hair.

Thinking she just wanted a change, I thought, good for her. It is nice to change it up once in a while.

Then I heard further info.... she cut 13" off and donated it to the Pantene Beautiful Lengths Program, which makes wigs for women with cancer.


Wow. Well, that puts another whole spin on it. Very unselfish and giving.

Another of my friend's young daughter has also donated her hair to a similar cause, and there are some folks around Putnamania that have also done the same.

It is nice to know there are programs like this out there, and that good people support them! Thank goodness for good people!

I am a Putnananiac because beautiful people I know donate their beautiful lengths of hair!

Monday, March 12, 2012

Four bananas make a bunch and so do many more! Do you remember the Banana Splits?

Going way back in the time machine..... Do you remember the Banana Splits Show??


I remember very little about the show, however, I can sing the song pretty much by heart.

Check out the Banana Splits theme song by clicking here.

I'm not sure why the Fleegle, Bingo, Drooper and Snork song sticks in my head so well, but I do remember saving up enough boxtops from some cereal to send away for a 45 record of this song. I don't even think it was vinyl, it was some kind of bendable cardboardy type of material. And I LOVED it!!! Clearly I played it over and over and over again.

So, I must leave you now...over hill and highways my banana buggy goes...

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the Banana Splits and especially their theme song!

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Fun Day Sunday!

I think they should rename Sunday to Funday!  (Maybe even rename the entire weekend from Saturday and Sunday to "Fundays")!



Lately I have been squeezing in the fun on Saturdays and Sundays, and I don't plan on slowing down anytime soon!

Jogging, hikes, plays, tours of places I have never been to, birthday parties, dinners and visits with family and friends, and even a 5k!

As spring and summer approach, more fun can be squeezed in with the beautiful weather and longer days.

Bike riding, Renegade Gardening...simply sitting in the sun, stretching my legs out and reading a good book.

I get my calendar filled up as quickly as I can!

I hope you enjoy your Fun Days as much as I do, spending them in the ways that you love and enjoy!

I am a Putnamaniac because I love Sunday Fun Days!

Saturday, March 10, 2012

No saps in The Last Green Valley or at this maple sugar farm!

As I mentioned earlier this week, The Last Green Valley scheduled a tour of a maple sugar farm in Eastford, CT this morning.

I went!

The thing I was most curious about was the actual sap, and collecting it - moving it from place to place....

After 25 years of helping out at a Christmas Tree Farm, I am used to sap that is sticky as all heck. So my question was how do you get all that sticky, sticky sap from the bucket attached to the trees, into a different container on a vehicle, and then into the boiling vessel in the sugar shack. The sap that I know and love (from Christmas trees) would stick to everything, and by the time you got it back to the sugar shack to boil, you'd have nothing left but sap stuck to everything, including yourself!

Well, well - come to find out, the maple sap is much more watery that pine, fir, spruce sap.

I also found out how short the sap season is, what affects the sweetness, and lots more. Like less than 1% of all sugar maples in CT are being tapped! So that leaves a lot of opportunity for those who are inclined.

Here is a great link to the Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut. There is tons of info on maple sugaring!

However, if you enjoy learning by doing, as I do, then find a tour and take it!

Or.......become a member of The Last Green Valley (dirt cheap at $25 annually for individuals) and come on a tour with me next year!




Check out all of my pictures today on my facebook page by clicking here. 
(I am on facebook as Marcy B. Putnamaniac Dawley).

I am a Putnamaniac because I am no sap! And neither are the hard working and patience people who make CT Maple Syrup!

Friday, March 9, 2012

Love is in the air...

Love is in the air
Everywhere I look around
Love is in the air
Every sight and every sound 

Are you old enough to remember this blast from the past??  


If you are wondering how I know that love is in the air, it is because two great Putnamaniacs are getting married tomorrow in the beautiful Putnam Congregational Church

I will be there smiling and crying with joy all at the same time. When love is in the air like that, it really extracts my emotions and gets them all jumbled up into a big wad of love. 

I know relationships, marriage, and living with others is not always as easy as it looks, and it takes a lot of hard work, patience, communication, etc, etc, etc.... Ups and downs, smooth times and bumpy times...

This is why I have opted for the bachelorette life for most of my adult life. I could never figure out the proper operating procedures to enter into and maintain any sort of "relationshiphood".  I have filled my life wonderfully with other things along the way.

However, that does not mean that I don't have a ton of respect (and sometimes even envy) for the folks that stick through all the crap that can go along with lifetime partnerships. I love to see couples that have been together forever enjoying themselves and having a good time. Priceless. I can only imagine all the memories, good times, comfort, intimacy, and fun that could amass over time for a couple that figures it all out. 

So, tomorrow, I will witness one of those couples tie the knot. They are great people, and they are both smart enough to know that the other is a keeper! 

Did you pick a keeper? I sure hope so, and if you still haven't found your "keeper", do not settle for someone unless they measure up.

I am a Putnamaniac because Love is in the Air!





Thursday, March 8, 2012

O'Putnam 5k is almost here!

I am so excited about this coming Sunday's O'Putnam 5k right here in Putnamania!


I know it will take me at least 30 minutes to do it, which is nothing to brag about and not exciting at all.

However I think Putnam itself surely is something to brag about, and that is why I am excited!

How great is it that a local business, The Courthouse, which also offers delicious food, went to bat and got this race delivered to Putnamania!

Costumes are encouraged! I already have a green sweatshirt decorated, since I am a Putnamaniac, and I also have a fabulous headband ready to sit atop my head!

I even made some stickers to pass out if any of my fellow Putnamaniacs want to adorn themselves.


Sign up for the race, come and watch, or just come and spend the afternoon in Putnamania!

I am a Putnamaniac because the 1st ever O'Putnam 5k is almost here!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

My generous neighbor, Larry "Legs"

So you might think with a name like Larry "Legs" my neighbor is part of some big crime family in Putnamania!

Hahahaaaa! Nope - this is not true at all. "Legs" is my nickname for Larry. When I first moved into our condo development, Larry was always out walking, so when he introduced himself, I mentally named him "Legs" so I would have the association of the Ls. I hoped it would help me remember his true name, Larry. That little word association trick worked just fine, and it has many times over my years.

The one thing I did not know about Larry "Legs" is how generous he is.

Since we have done a few food drives here at our condos, Larry "Legs" has been one of the biggest contributors. Many times I come home from work to a box or 2 or 3 or more full of product to deliver to our local food bank, The Daily Bread. Last night was one of those nights, so I just made another delivery to the food bank tonight!

Larry "Legs" works for Pastene, and he contributes not only items that the Daily Bread can use to fill their visitors bags, but he also donates in quantity so a meal can be made in their kitchen, which they serve weekly.


How can you not love this?

If your restaurant or store wants to buy Pastene, let me know, and I will introduce you to Larry!

I am a Putnamaniac because I have a generous neighbor, Larry "Legs"!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Maple Sugaring is a sure sign of spring in New England!

I love spring for a million reasons, and one of the reasons is that I get to see all the buckets in the woods attached to the maple trees, gathering sap for maple syrup!

I spotted this get up last year while out jogging, and I could even hear the sap gurgling through the system! I was so amazed that I took my camera and went back to get this shot!


This year, The Last Green Valley is offering a great maple sugaring tour to members (membership is DIRT CHEAP! Since I am pretty cheap myself, and I think it is well worth it, so you know that means it really is well worth it)!


Slated for March 10th, the maple sugaring program begins in the sugar bush that host Steve has spent years carefully nurturing and developing. Here he will explain the biology of maple sugar trees and how to tap them for optimal production. We will walk to the sugar house to learn how the sap is boiled down to make syrup. The program is followed by a sampling of fresh, warm syrup on ice cream. Please contact Bill Reid for additional information and to sign up for the program: 860-774-3300 or Bill@tlgv.org

I hope I see you at the Maple Sugar tour!

I am a Putnamaniac because The Last Green Valley also welcomes in spring with a Maple Sugaring Program!


Monday, March 5, 2012

I "heart" Putnamania, starting every morning!

As I was getting ready for work this morning, making the bed, combing hair, brushing teeth... I spotted this on my wall:


That is how much I love Putnamania.... Hearts appear on my bedroom wall in the morning!

Actually, it was a shadow cast by a stained glass heart (that my talented cousin helped me make years ago) that hangs in my bedroom window and reminds me of all that I love.


Any way you slice it, it was a beautiful sight to start the day!

I am a Putnamaniac because hearts and love start every day!

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Roll up the sidewalks and shut off the stop lights!

Last night I was headed back home from a fun night in Hartford.

Since I am not a night owl, it was late for me, rolling into town at 10:30pm.

As I drove through Brooklyn, and then into Putanamania, I realized that it now seems normal for me to see the traffic lights not in regular operation, but all just flashing after a certain time of night. One way flashes yellow, and the other side flashes red. Since there is such a small amount of traffic at night, people are allowed to use their own judgement on the "red" side and may proceed with caution after stopping - just like at a stop sign.



When I first moved to Northeast CT, I was amazed by this phenomenon, but now I find it endearing. Another small town comfort. I had never lived where this sort of thing happened!

And although we don't literally roll up the sidewalks at night in Putnamania, figuratively we do!

I am a Putnamaniac because we roll up the sidewalks at night and shut off the stop lights!

Friday, March 2, 2012

I love a good white coat!

Driving home into Putnamania this evening, with some light still in the sky, it struck me at how comforting a nice white layer of snow on the ground can be.

Although I am not a fan of winter or the cold, and in particular the sloppy weather that can accompany this season, it is beautiful to see it when you really just take a look.

That feeling struck me so strongly this evening, at dusk, in my home sweet home of Putnamania.

This is the sight I woke to last week on another recent overnight snowfall.



Take a look at at your beautiful surroundings often, and really see them. You will appreciate the scenes all over again!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves a good white coat on my town!