One person can make a difference - take a look at The Last Green Festival!

One person CAN make a difference.

The owner of Vegware in Danielson, CT, is also a member of The Last Green Valley.

He wanted to do something to help and bring attention to The Last Green Valley.

And do something, he did.

The Last Green Festival was born.

In words from their website, this event is:a 3 day outdoor music and arts festival in Brooklyn, CT. The festival will work to promote sustainability and greener living as well as promote preservation of our region. Our mission to provide education on more sustainable options for greener living will include: Exhibitors, Demonstrations, Public Speakers, Music, Art, Film and a variety of Food and Retail Vendors.


Yup ~ ONE guy got this rolling! And although he recruited a ton of help, he proved one person can make a difference. I hope The Last Green Festival becomes an annual affair.

The weather was certainly not with us for this weekend, but there is no controlling Mother Nature.

Follow your passion! YOU can make a difference, too!

I am a Putnamaniac because one person can make a big difference!

It is elementary ABC - Abolish Breast Cancer and all similar evils!

This morning I woke up leisurely and healthy.

I took an aleve and hopped in my car to go participate in the ABC 5k in Pomfret.

This is just the second year that I have participated in this event, but I will go for as long as they have it.

What a shame that this event ever had to develop, but tragedy brings out strength in others.

You all have many similar stories, causes that you are passionate about, and perhaps events that you have established in honor of loved ones that have left our company in this life far too early.

Stick with your cause, fight the fight, and keep your chins up.

We'd all want others to do the same for us in the same situation.

I am a Putnamaniac because it is elementary, we must carry on for those who no longer can!

Walktober - yup, that's right Walk in October! Tons of FREE walks available!

Walktober is a big deal in Northeast, CT, and it starts in less than 24 hours!

What is it?

There are over 100 FREE walks, bikes, paddles going on through the month of October, originated by and promoted by The Last Green Valley.

You can get the brochure, listing all the dates, times, places, topics, types, durations, and all the information you need to choose which walks you'd like to join by clicking here and going to The Last Green Valley's downloadable brochure. You can also get a hard copy from me. Since I volunteer, I have a bunch of the available at all times!

Tomorrow night (weather permitting) I am headed out to the very first one!
Details on all walks, like tomorrow's walk, are all this informative:
Sprague, CT - Meet at Giddings Park on Rte. 207 in Franklin. The park is between the Pautipaug Cemetery and the town athletic complex. The hike is on the Sprague Land Preserve. 860-822-9808
On the night of the harvest moon, join us for a special experience. Hike the trail on a Town of Sprague preserved property, mostly along the Shetucket River. Please keep your flashlights off. Your eyes will adjust and you will experience more. Bring flashlights. 2.5 hours, 2 miles. Sponsored by Sprague Conservation Commission

I chose a ton of Walktober events that I am going to attend, so I hope to see you! What a great opportunity to learn about new places, history, and enjoy the fresh air and beauty that belongs to only us here every fall in Northeast CT!

Check out a bit more of what The Last Green Valley is and why I love it here. 

I am a Putnamaniac because we know how to enjoy the fall in many ways, and Walktobers are some of the finest ways!

Veterans Day is every day, not just once a year!

Last winter I visited Washington, DC for the first time, and enjoyed the War Memorials... as much as you can "enjoy" them due to their reasons for being. They are stunning and awe inspiring tributes to say the least.

However I am equally awed by the Veterans Memorial Park right here in Putnam. It is small, but it still packs a punch.

 There are two World War I statues like this, listing all whom were lost in that war, although it is tough to see in this picture I took. The list is very long considering what a small area we live in:

A look at the Korean and Vietnam Memorials:

I drive and jog past this small Veterans' Memorial Park constantly, and still I sometimes forget that they are there, and why they are there.

I'm going to start paying attention EVERY time I pass from now on.

I am a Putnamaniac because I will thank and respect the Veterans and their Memorials every day!

Putnam is a Cargill kind of town!

Putnam has Cargill Chevrolet, which has been around forever.

We also have the picturesque and loud Cargill Falls.

 The Cargill Mill building.

And here is the little sign that tells a bit of the historic story:

Don't you just wish you could go back in time and see what it was like to live in another era in the place that you know only in today's world? Reading about it is one thing, but what a different life they led not that long ago... in the history of the world.

I am a Putnamaniac because we are a Cargill kind of town, and there is a ton of New England history that goes along with it!

Do you park close or as far away as you can in parking lots?

Do you notice how much time people spend driving around searching for a parking spot as close to their destination as possible.

In Putnam, it is really silly, because even the biggest parking lots are not that big, yet people still cruise looking for a spot in the front row.

Even more silly is to see exercisers parked as close to the entrance of the gym or even the jogging paths. I mean, they are going there to walk or jog. Would a few more steps do them in?

Perhaps it is a feeling of victory to find and insert your car into a spot so close to where you are going.  That is too crowded for me, though. I park as far away as I can and use those few extra steps to loosen up my bones after being stuck in the car to get to wherever it may be.

I agree with Clark Griswold's parking habits, and also with his approach. If you see me running through parking lots in the style of this movie clip, now you know why (Click here to enjoy both Sparky Griswold and my parking lot habits!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to park on the outer edges of parking lots!

Circle of flirting!

This looks like an innocent little circular walkway here in Putnam.

It is not innocent at all. It seems to inspire flirting and romance!

Recently I saw a middle aged couple out for their walk. As they turned off of the Church Street sidewalk and approached this circle, the woman split off to the left, breaking into a little jog, looking back at her manly counterpart, clearly challenging him to a race to where the circle once again meets the sidewalk. He picked up his pace, too, even though he was on the shorter section of concrete. They were both smiling brilliantly. They met up shortly, laughing and flirting like teenagers.

It was refreshing and inspirational to see this couple enjoying themselves so.

I'm going to keep my eyes on this area and see if this trend continues. Perhaps it is the Putnam version of the Fountain of Youth ~ The Circle of Flirting and Love!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves our own little Circle of Flirting....and Love!

Fall is most certainly arriving quite colorfully!

Fall is coming all right.

The first signs are as colorful as we come to expect and love!

Putnam's Rotary Park is showing a little color, and I am sure you are starting to see it where you live and love life, too.

So although fall leads to winter, it is always welcomed with all its glory and colorful beauty!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the colorful arrival of fall!

Paying it forward - do you vote for or against?

I am "FOR" paying it forward.

Generosity, kindness, and good behavior in general seems like the only way to go.

However, not everyone sees it this way.

Last weekend, our condo association held our annual yard sale. I CHOSE to donate any money that one of my neighbors and I took in for our few items to the local food bank, Daily Bread.

It was reported to me that a "shopper" was told of my plans to donate my proceeds, and refused to visit my condo. They didn't agree with my "paying it forward".

Hmmmmph.

I believe I am quite clear that I don't believe in endless handouts and think people should cut back and live within their means. However, in some circumstances, people need a little help.
They may not have the family support that we can take for granted.
They may not have the life skills to earn more than the bare minimum to get by on, and when that floor falls out from under them, what do they do?
They may not have earned enough to save up for tough times.
Good old health situations can also step in and stomp on you hard.

Thankfully, I have always been able to live within my means, have saved plenty in good times, have enjoyed good health. I pray that I never am in need of any kind.

Have you ever visited a food pantry when your neighbors are there getting food? I have, when I bring my donations. I've seen people that I know, that have jobs, and that work! I've seen young couples with little babies. I've seen people older than my mom. It is a depressing scene, and to think that this is many of their only options.  (I am sure some folks take advantage, since that is also the way of the world). 

To that nay-Saying yard sale shopper, who did not agree with my paying it forward, I say this to you:
1) There for the grace of God go you.
2) Hope beyond hope that karma does not bite you so that you may be in need some day
3) Thank goodness we live where we can agree to disagree.

I am a Putnamaniac because I believe in paying it forward, that free handouts are not a way of life most people choose, and that I hope that if I am ever in need, there is someone to help!

Scott Deslongchamps Marathon Cheerleading Committee is ready to go & cheer our guts out!

I figure if my pal, our local hometown long distance running champ, Scott Deslongchamps can run his guts out at the Clarence DeMar Marathon on Sunday, September 30, 2012, the least we can do is go and cheer our guts out for him!

This guy is a machine!

Another good friend of mine had run her first marathon earlier this year, and I had another obligation so I could not go and cheer her on. That about broke my heart, because I was so proud of all the time she trained and all the dedication she put into it.

I have marked my calendar with Scott's Marathon date so I can hopefully not miss out on another great accomplish by a great person.

If you are free that day, join the Putnamaniac caravan and spend a few hours in Keene, NH to cheer on our fellow Putnamaniac!

I spotted this interesting sign.... if Scott sees a sign like this, it is all over... guaranteed his time improves to the speed of light!

 I am a Putnamaniac that will be a loud part of the Scott Deslongchamps Marathon Cheerleading Committee!!

People are paddling all over the place!

Paddling is the thing to do.

EVERYONE is doing it.

(I have not tried it yet, but it is on my "to do list"...Volunteers willing to teach me will be accepted kindly).

A great resource for paddlers of all water craft, be it kayak or canoe, is The Last Green Valley's Water Trails info page on their website.

There is also a Paddle Guide available - with so much information! You can download it, and/or I have printed versions available as well.

The Last Green Valley's site also has the BEST interactive map that you could hope for. Scroll down, click on "Paddling" and all the places to paddle pop up for you to discover more about ~ in person once you've done your research and chosen a new spot.

You can even get an app for your IPhone! How cool and convenient is that?

"Like" The Last Green Valley on facebook to keep up to date.

Now, get out there and paddle your - - - off! Stay safe, have fun!

I am a Putnamaniac because people are paddling all over the place, and I vow to soon be one of them!

Car concerts in the Quiet Corner!

Don't you just love singing in the car??

At the TOP of your lungs!

It is just like grooving on a Sunday morning!

Driving home tonight, headed up Rt 395 towards Putnamania, I was singing along with Toto's Africa (check it out, and sing along with it here on youtube).

By the way, did you know that Toto did not write their song for my friend Rosanna, but for Rosanna Arquette, (see and hear "Rosanna" on youtube) who had a small but interesting role in Pulp Fiction (see that clip here ~ adult language used). 

IMAGINE having someone not only write a song for you, but having the song become a popular, well-known hit? Being a true romantic, I would LOVE that. So, yes, I am patiently waiting for the "Marcy" song to be written and performed for me.

Now, back to singing in the car tonight... As I was singing "Africa", I looked over at the car passing me. The guy's head was bobbing, and he was singing "Africa", too!

I love when that happens! Duet Car Concerts!

Of course now, whenever we hear and sing "Africa", don't we always think of the Straight No Chaser Christmas version? Check that out, too.

Boy, I love to sing in my car! Don't you?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves my car concerts ~ especially when they are shared as a duet with complete strangers!

I am a lineman for the county... well, not really, but I love the song!

Music soothes the savage beast...

It also gives you energy, makes you sing, dance, smile, laugh... and sometimes it makes you oh so sad for no specific reason...

I am a fan of every single kind of music there is! What about you?

Glen Campbell is one of my all time favorites.. I can remember when he had a variety tv show when I was a kid, and I would actually come in at the end of a long day of playing in the summertime to watch his show.  Something about Glen Campbell reminded me of my Uncle Terry, who I have always loved so very much.

Today at work, I was listening to another favorite, James Taylor, when lo and behold he sang a Glen Campbell song ~ "Wichita Lineman".

Why does that song get to me??? Who knows ~ but it does!

So I searched a few others that have performed this song. Check them out:

Glen Campbell - an older version

Glen Campbell - a newer version

James Taylor

REM

Johnny Cash

with Stone Temple Pilots

Keith Urban

Michael Stipe & Patti Smith

Cassandra Wilson

OK - I gotta go cry now.....

Which is your favorite?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves all music, and at this particular moment the song "Wichita Lineman" !

Celebrating Agriculture this Saturday at the Woodstock Fairgrounds!

Celebrating Agriculture!

A great event.  (Their website has tons of info, including a schedule of events. Check it out).

When: Saturday, September 22, 2012 - 9am - 3pm.

The celebration will be held at the Woodstock Fairgrounds, Rt 171, Woodstock, CT.

Price of admission and parking is FREE! That is $0.00 for a fun day for you, family, friends!

There will be things you can spend money on once you get there, but it is certainly not required.

Go, enjoy yourself, learn about the hard work that goes into the many things we can easily start to take for granted in our lives.

You can also "like" Celebrating Ag on facebook.

I am a Putnamaniac because I do celebrate agriculture, and not on just one day a year!

Clipper Classic Marching Band Festival is this Saturday night, September 22, 2012

Musicians are all brilliant in my opinion!

After taking a few years of piano lessons as a kid, I still have a hard time getting my right hand and my left hand to do what the are supposed to be doing... and forget about any other distractions thrown in.

Marching bands though - WOW - they have to play, and at the very least they have to march at the same time ~ sometimes in intricate ways and always in entertaining ways!

The Putnam High School Clippers host a marching band festival every year. Since the high school is just across the river behind my home, I can hear it all! But hearing isn't the only fun, since it is a very visual festival, too, so I march on over to see the show.

The event begins at 6pm, only costs $8 to enter, and kids under age 10 get in for FREE!

Check out a few past years' performers here on youtube:
Norwich Free Academy
Killingly High School

So if you are looking for invigoration, family fun this weekend, march yourself over to Putnam High School!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves marching bands and all their skills! 

Dogs are ready to have a Dog Park...especially this Big Dog!

People love their pets.

Pets love their people.

They do wonderful things for each other!

A nice trend in the modern world is to have special dog parks, so owners and their hounds can run, mingle, play, sniff butts (dogs only participate in the butt sniffing please), and all other fun things that dogs love to do together and with their owners.

Putnam is planning a dog park! Of course! Putnam tries to make itself a family friendly, fun place to live, work, and visit, so a dog park is keeping that right on track.

This big guy is ready for the dog park! Are you??

An entire pack of Big Dogs visited Putnam just about one year ago (check out that blog for more about the Big Dogs here) ~ and this one is now here to stay!

I am a Putnamaniac because we will soon have a dog park!

Cooking up some common sense - do you take for granted most people have it?

After work I stopped at a big box store to pick up a few needed things.

Controversial as the big boxes are, sometimes I still shop at them since the prices make the torture worth it. Plus, although big boxes are not generally locally owned, they do employ local people.

The cashier, perhaps not a Rhodes scholar, but doing her best, began telling me that she had made shepherd's pie today, with sweet potatoes instead of regular white potatoes.

 
She informed me that sweet potatoes were better than white potatoes for you. I agreed and told her that I love sweet potatoes, too, since they are always listed as one of the top power foods on any list you see. Her jaw dropped and she said she was now really glad she had used sweet potatoes.

She proceeded to tell me that she had been living on her own since she was 16 years old and had always had a problem cooking for herself. Her friend was now helping her learn to cook better and more healthy.

Wow. I walked away with a crazy mix of emotions!

I felt so sad for this youngish gal, who obviously didn't grow up with anyone to teach her basic nutrition facts - or where to find them on her own.

I felt sad that she didn't have the tools on her own to figure such things out, which seems like common sense to me.

I felt so happy for her that she was clearly proud of not only learning to cook for herself in a more healthy fashion, but that she also had a friend helping her along this path.

I felt glad that she was working! And she was doing a great job.

Now that I am home, I wish that I hadn't been in such a big, selfish hurry to get home, and found a manager and told them that this employee was a keeper.

Next time I will take the time for someone else besides myself.

 
I am a Putnamaniac that is so glad I had a mother that taught me many things, and mostly to use a little common sense, since I am lucky enough to have a small amount of it!

Workin' too hard can give you a heart attack & other myths about heart disease!

One of my neighbors, a slight and marvelous woman, had a heart attack a little over a year ago. She does not look like someone who you would expect to have a heart problem, let alone any other health problems.

That goes to show you, a body can fool you.

Thank goodness, she survived and is doing simply fabulous! I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have her and her sweet heart on the good side of healthy once again!

Her journey has taken her straight into the heart and soul of the Follow the Fifty Models of Heart Health!

 What is Follow the Fifty?

Taken succinctly from their website: They are "a women’s heart health awareness and action campaign that warns women about heart disease and provides tools to help them take action against its risk factors".

This description is just the tip of the iceberg. It has affected and inspired not only the 183 Heart Models, their coaches & families, but the entire community! 

Follow the Fifty is teaching Northeast CT about heart health & wellness in general, and dispelling such myths as Billy Joel's lyrics "Working too hard can give you a heart attack" 

Work, play, live as hard as you can, but don't let your body fool you. Take care of it as well as you take care of your car!

You can also "like" Follow the Fifty on facebook.

Check out Billy Joel's entire song "Moving Out" here. 

I am a Putnamaniac that Follows the Fifty and hopes to enjoy heart health for a long time!

Penny Candy ~ the joys of growing up across the street from such a delicious establishment!

No wonder I have a sweet tooth (and it is amazing I still have teeth when I think about my love for the sweet, sweet sugar).

I grew up across the street from a very little store, which sold a few things, but all that mattered to us kids was the penny candy!

Steven's Store had an old glass display case, loaded with candy!

The bottom row had all the single penny candy items; like pieces of bazooka joe bubble gum, smarties, hot balls, and those round bullseye looking things with white heaven in the middle (clearly these were my favorites)!

The middle and top shelves had those larger more fancy and expensive items.... entire candy bars! I rarely chose from up there... I preferred getting a whole bag of goodies vs just one item.

The freezer in back had freeze pops, fudgsicles, popsicles.... handy for days when the ice cream blew past you... and since I've been a notoriously slow runner my entire life, I just couldn't catch him some days!

When I was a young teenager, Mrs. Stevens let me put up a little index card offering my babysitting services. I got tons of jobs in the neighborhood! Of course I always stopped in and bought a bag of candy to bring to my young charges before each sitting job. The kids loved me ~ I learned the art of bribery at a young age!

Didn't you just love penny candy??? What was your favorite???

And by the way, what the heck were pixie stix really, but a strawful of sugar?

I am a Putnamaniac that loved growing up so sweetly across the street from Stevens' Store and their delicious penny candy!

Big Sabin Landing Condo Garage Sale! Tons of shopping in one place!

The Sabin Landing Condo Association is holding our annual yard sale/garage sale/tag sale event Saturday, September 15. 

What does this mean for you "Yard Sailors"??

Plenty of shopping in one easy stop!

We have 28 units in our lovely condo development, and although not all neighbors will participate, plenty of us will. Simply park and walk from condo to condo, then pack up your loot and hit the road!

Teaming with a neighbor who has a commitment to another event that day with the Follow the Fifty group, whatever we make at our sale will be donated to the Daily Bread food bank here in Putnam.

And...since we plan on building some more condos on the last undeveloped piece of land here, I would be happy to invite you in to my condo so you can see the quality all of us owners enjoy. Perhaps you will soon be our neighbor, too, and participate in the next Sabin Landing Condo Association Yard Sale!

I am a Putnamaniac looking forward to our annual Sabin Landing Condo Association Yard Sale!

Kids, a hill to roll down, and a great concrete guy!

What do these three things have in common?

Kids, a hill to roll down, and a great concrete guy...

My neighbor and I are getting a concrete patio poured behind our condos this week. It will really neaten up our small grassless "lawn" area back there. 

The great concrete guy came over with his two young daughters to go over the final project yesterday.

My neighbor and the great concrete guy chatted.

Meanwhile, I taught the girls how to make a whistle out of an acorn base...and got them to run up my little hill and roll down it, over and over and over again. Hair was tangled and full of grass, and peals of laughter & giggles ripped the air! What a blast.

 (this picture is not of my actual rollers yesterday, 

but you get the idea)

Even with all the fancy toys there are nowadays, a good old hill on a sunny day is more fun than any amount of money can buy!

So find a hill and get rolling!

If you need a great concrete guy, call Billy Conway at 860-234-1594. Tell him Marcy sent you.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves kids, rolling down hills, and a great concrete guy!

Team Colors! Football season has begun!

Football season has begun!

Local high schools are playing.
(NK Skippers and Quinebaug Valley Pride are the high school teams I cheer for)! 

Pop Warner teams are playing.

NFL teams are playing.
(You know I love the New England Patriots)!

People are cheering, cooking, and wearing their team's gear everywhere you look!

What fun!

Do you get excited for a new season, and who do you cheer for?

Remember to support your local high school athletes always. Team sports during school years are a great experience, and these professional players were once high school athletes themselves.

I am a Putnamaniac that is loving that football season has begun ~  and cheering loudly for all of my teams!

Runnin' down a dream.... to be surrounded by only the best!

Tom Petty is one of my favorite performers... and the song "Running Down a Dream" has been in my head all day long.

Like most folks, I set goals and have been running down dreams forever and always.
A lifetime goal is to surround myself with great, uplifting, positive people. People that I am tickled pink to see, no matter what the circumstances. People that love and appreciate life, even when it is giving them a run for their money.

Every day of my life is proof positive that I have succeeded handily in achieving this goal and have run down this dream. Everyone that I know is amazing. I hope they all know it.

I saw a ton of friends that I have known for years today, and although I don't get to see them often, it is like 30+ years has not passed, but perhaps only 30+ minutes. They are all as fabulous now as they have always been. Thank goodness some things never change!

Here is a shot of a couple of my fine friends circa 1980.

Here is a shot of the same couple, married for many years now, finishing the NK5K together as leaders of Team Marissa. Their story is amazing, as are all my friends' stories.

I might not be good at much, but I am GREAT at picking good friends!

I will keep running down that dream till I am no more.

 Check out Tom Petty live, doing this song on youtube.

I am a Putnamaniac that will always be running down the dream, and succeeding to be surrounded by the best!

If I had a million dollars ~ I would pretty much happily give it all away to local causes!

A fun song is "If I had a million dollars" by the Barenaked Ladies. (Enjoy a live version here on youtube).

I'm pretty sure if I ever had a million dollars, I could and would give pretty much all of it away to the great local organizations in my area.

The Quiet Corner of Northeast CT is tight, and this community watches out for and takes care of each other. The generosity here always amazes me.

Flat handouts aren't the answer. 

However, a hand up, while someone is temporarily in need, is effective. The best case of "paying it forward."

A former boss of mine used to joke about my working 7 days a week for years and years and years (and loving it for the most part)! He'd say "If you didn't give away most of what you make, you wouldn't have to work so much"!

Little did he know, I like working, and giving. Luckily, I don't need that much and am pretty simple with my needs, so why not help out?  Someday I may need help and will be happy to know that help is there.

The Barenaked Ladies say: If I had a million dollars, I’d be rich...
I say: I am already rich!

I am a Putnamaniac that is rich, but if I had a million dollars, I would pretty much give it all away to good local causes!

First Friday Fun ~ just a few more left to enjoy!

Friday, September 7th, delivers another First Friday to downtown Putnam.

What exactly is First Friday?

We close off a part of Main Street.

Tables, tents, and booths are set up - with information on organizations, artwork, food, and drink.

Artists, musicians, bands arrive to perform.

Let the fun begin!

It is a mini street fair, based around art of all varieties.

This event, occurring each first Friday of each month, from May through December, offers tons of fun, and is set right in the heart of so many great dining choices, too! There are lots of fine restaurants to choose from within an arm's length of First Friday. There are also tons of unique shops in this area, too.

How can you miss out with a visit to Putnam on any day or night, and especially on First Fridays!

You can "like" First Fridays on Facebook, too.

I am a Putnamaniac because I am a fan of First Fridays, and enjoy as many as I can (volunteering at the Last Green Valley's booth each month is a guarantee that I will get there to enjoy it)!

My friend Kristin grows purple flowers.....dragging the line....feeling fine ~ at Fort Hill Farms!

A musical blast from the past was enjoyed in the trek home tonight!
...Dragging the Line by Tommy James (see & listen here on youtube). 

It made me think of my friend, Kristin Orr, who owns, runs, sweats & breaths life into Fort Hill Farms! My friend, Kristin, grows purple flowers ~ (and she eats them in ice cream she makes with them, and drinks them in tea she makes with them, bathes with the soap she makes of them)....

This lovely purple flower I speak of is lavender...

You can "like" Fort Hill Farms on Facebook, or visit in person at 260 Quaddick Rd, Thompson, CT (just off Rt 44 coming in from RI).

When you get there, please sing this song to Kristin... I dare you! She will reward you with a gigantic smile and the warmest welcome you can ever imagine!

Makin' a living the old hard way
Takin' and giving by day by day
I dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
My friend Kristin grows purple flowers
We ain't got much but what we got's ours
We dig snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)

I feel fine I'm talkin' bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)

Loving the free and feelin' spirit
Of huggin' a tree when you get near it
Diggin' the snow and rain and bright sunshine
Draggin' the line (draggin' the line)
I feel fine I'm talkin' bout peace of mind
I'm gonna take my time I'm gettin' the good sign

I am a Putnamaniac that loves feeling fine at Fort Hill Farms!

Condo composting!

Do you compost?

Tons of people do this, and why not? You put your kitchen garbage items; like banana peels, coffee grounds, egg shells, into good use! By turning this trash usually thrown away into rich material for your garden, you see nature working at its finest.

Living in and owning a condo, which has wonderful benefits, sometimes limits your ability to do many things homeowners usually do.  Like composting...

Don't think that is going to stop me from giving it a try..

I have the extreme benefit of owning a condo abutting the woods. And there is only one other unit in my building, so I only have one neighbor attached to me. Seems a pretty safe bet that I can manage to compost inoffensively and inconspicuously.

If you have been holding back from composting, or think it is hard, or even expensive to get started, think again. Here is a great article about composting, using a simple garbage can, from National Geographic (and I am sure you can find tons more articles elsewhere by googling). I have everything I need already! There is nothing to buy to get started!

Condo composting ~ here I come!

My Renegade Garden will LOVE it!

I am a Putnamaniac that is going to give condo composting a try!

Last River Fire of the season - plan your Saturday night now!

This is it! Saturday night, September 8th, will be the last River Fire of the season in Putnam, held in Rotary Park (Kennedy Drive).

Most of my friends are planners, like me, so I hope this is not to late to let you know about the last River Fire of the season.

If you have been to Providence's Water Fire, you might think you know what our River Fire is here in Putnam.

Well....both events do include fire pots aglow in the river and wonderful music, but after that there are many differences.

Putnam's River Fire is more mellow and you can pull up a seat, relax, and enjoy the show. With 20 pots set in place in the Quinebaug River, there are many spots to view from. Along with being able to sit and just watch, you can walk along the River, over the bridge, and enjoy many different views. The crowd is not so tight that you feel claustrophobic.

WINY Radio provides music which is ideal for such nights ~ it transports you to another place in your busy mind.

Parking is aplenty, and traffic is never a problem.

There are tons of places to go out to eat downtown before the River Fire show begins, or you can pack a nice picnic and enjoy it in the park.

Park, eat, enjoy. Pretty simple evening! Always guaranteed to be enjoyable!

I set up my chairs early in the afternoon in the same spot for every event, so look for me there ~ better yet, come and join me! It is one of the only times I actually sit and relax!

(Putnam will hold a "family fun day" from 4-7pm before River Fire, so if you have kids, be sure to come early and tire the kids out)!

I am a Putnamaniac that LOVES and recommends Putnam's River Fires ~ a truly pleasurable night!

Mushroom Walk - just one of many fun things available to do in life!

I drive past the Goodwin Conservation Center, just off Rt 6 in Hampton, going back and forth to work all the time.

Like most of us, I just drive past interesting things and never think much about them.

When you live near "cool stuff", you can take them for granted, while other folks plan and make a trip to visit these destinations.

This week the Goodwin Forest had a little sign out front that caught my eye: "Mushroom Walk".

I signed up and went!

Saturday morning was a top 10 gorgeous day - $5 bucks and a few hours later, I had enjoyed a great walk around Goodwin Forest, met some interesting people, learned some interesting facts, and most of all I now have an itch to get out and hike at Goodwin more often AND hunt for some cool looking mushrooms wherever I may be! (I have some artistic creations in mind if I can find what I am looking for)!

If you would like to learn about mushrooms, try this website: MushroomExpert.com. You will be astounded by the information!

Otherwise, stop driving by places that might offer some great adventure for you, and go in and have some fun! Life is too short to be missing out on these simple pleasures!

I am a Putnamaniac that is glad she discovered Goodwin Forest and hunting for mushrooms!