Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Welcomes are everywhere!

Hello and welcome to Northeast CT!


On one of my routes to work, I pass this little gate.

I love it.

It expresses my love for Putnam and Northeast CT in general.

Everyone is welcome ~ everywhere!

Enjoy the sights along your routine routes.

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the welcomes that are everywhere in Northeast CT!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Mother Nature trumps all...

All we can ever do is prepare for what Mother Nature will throw our way, then hunker down and let her rip.

In New England, in general, we are rather "safe" from Mother Nature's wrath, and don't experience the drastic earthquakes, landslides, tornadoes that other areas do.

The best of Mother Nature, or should I say, the worst of Mother Nature that we get is a hurricane or a Northeaster. Occasionally we get a real dandy that people talk about forever.

It seems like Ms. Sandy was threatening as such a big event, with most danger and disaster to come along the coastline, this due to the storm water surges paired with very high full moon tides.

A big event that tore through Putnam is the flood of 1955. There are pictures throughout Putnam on the subject, and folks still tell the tales. Click Here for a great old video on the flood


Good luck, hearty New Englanders. Get your cameras out and store up your memories. We are the folks that will be telling the story of Sandy years from now.

I am a Putnamaniac because I respect the fact that Mother Nature trumps all!


Monday, October 29, 2012

After the storm, relax with some Blackstone Valley Bluegrass at the Bradley Theater!

After Hurricane Sandy, you will need some R&R.

This coming Saturday, November 3rd, the Bradley Theater is hosting a great night of entertainment.

Ultra talented and fun quartet, the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass, will be playing.



The pleasure has been mine to hear them live a few times, as well as at home, where they entertain me quite often. Simply put, THEY ARE FANTASTIC! (You will notice they are all also quite cute and charming)!

The tickets are unbelievably priced at $14. There is no way to beat that price, and you will get a big bang for those bucks. You will probably become a huge fan of this local talent just as so many have.

Ticket info:
Tickets are available at Victoria Station Café or Wonderland Books on Main Street; On-line at www.the bradleyplayhouse.org; by calling 860-928-7887 or at the door. Tickets are $14.00 with a special discount for Bradley Season Ticket holders who may purchase tickets for $10.00 at the door.

I got my two tickets long ago, for me and my best bud, who are big fans of the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass! 

Will I see you there, tapping your toes and smiling? I hope so!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves and can't wait to see the Blackstone Valley Bluegrass on Saturday night, Nov 3, 2012, at the Bradley Theater!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Hello Mudda....I love you. Not only my momma, but all the mommas out there!

I am not a Mother, and although that is how things have worked out and I accept that it is what it is, I know that I have missed out on so many experiences that most others have gone through ~ good times and not so good times.

Recently my friends mother/grandmother passed away. She was an all around fun and wonderful person, and I stress the word fun, since all my memories are of silly and fun stories. Isn't that great, to have nothing but great memories to hold onto?

Just a short time before that, my best bud lost his mother. She was also known as M.O.M. (my other mother). She was also a bundle of fun, and had that impish smile every day and always a kind word or thought for others. It is hard to believe that I will not send her a physical card at Thanksgiving or Christmas this year. I know she will get my mental cards, though, since I send a lot of them up to her.

Two other friends had not expected to have children. By some miracle, both families did have children, and they cherish them and every minute they have with them.

New parents turn to mush as their new babes smile at them and find their toes for the first time.


Yet another friend never knew his birth mother, until this year, in his 51st year on Mother Earth. He was adopted and raised by a fabulous family, but the origin of his life was always unclear... until now. He is aglow with being able to connect the dots in his life and now getting to know his birth mother.

A best friend from my high school days lost her daughter just two years ago at this time of year. A long time family friend just lost her son this summer. Since one of my brothers also passed away at a young age, I know this is close to unbearable for a parent, but I can't know how they feel and get through it. But they do get through it because they are so strong, and they are our mothers.

So after a very restless night of much tossing and turning, thinking about all my mothers out there, I would say thank you and I love you all. You are amazing, and I think every day should be a celebration of our mothers!


I am a Putnamaniac because I love my momma and all the other great mommas out there!


Saturday, October 27, 2012

Geranium Nation is ready for Hibernation!

Since I bought my condo, four years ago now, I bring my geraniums in to the basement every fall.

When the leaves and flowers pale and wilt, I cut these babies right back to the stem.

Every spring I put them out, and I have little faith they will rise again into summer glory.

But they do!

My geranium nation, along with my neighbor's this year, have just traveled to the basement and are preparing for hibernation.

Rest well, my friends.

I will look forward to 2013 and another year of beauty with you then!

I am a Putnamaniac that just put my geranium nation into hibernation!

Friday, October 26, 2012

I just time warped back to my "happy world", thanks to another great show at The Complex Performing Arts Centre!

I love to go to my own little "Happy World".

It had only existed in my mind for years, but I loved to go there.  Kind of like the old commercials that said "Calgon, take me away". 

Luckily I found a real "Happy World" for myself, right here in Putnam.

I leave it early each weekday, before many of the great local businesses are even open.

I get back home each weeknight, after many of the same places have closed, and friends & neighbors are already snuggled into their comfy evenings.

I miss being in Putnam during the week (this place that I love) but when I am home, I make the best of it!

Since there are so many great things to do here in Putnam, and so many great folks, it is easy to slip back into "Happy World".

Tonight, I time warped right back into my "Happy World", in the blink of an eye...with some friends, with some music, and all at a great show, the Rocky Horror Show, live at The Complex Performing Arts Centre!


My sweet neighbor (who is a big fan of the show), and I (who have never seen the show) sat side by each. She knew every word. She sang. She danced in her seat. I could not have picked a better person to see the show with.

The cast, as usual for our local theaters, was FABULOUS! Costumes, band, singing, acting, audience ~ outstanding. I hope I will never take this sort of entertainment for granted. I think I shan't...

Thank you Nicola and your Complex Performing Arts Centre for time warping me back into my "Happy World" tonight!

I am a Putnamaniac because the talented, hard working, talented, and fun people I live with here are my "Happy World"!

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Corn...no more!

There are so many corn fields in the growing season in Northeast CT.

Fields of people corn (shorter) and many more fields of animal corn (much taller).

Most of the animal corn is for cows, since there are also lots of dairy farms around our parts, including Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, which is part of the Farmer's Cow.

You get used to driving by, walking by, jogging by all those corn fields, where the stalks grow as high as an elephant's eye.

Then comes fall... harvest... corn no more.


It takes some getting used to... all those corn fields emptied out like this. However, it sure does open up the views in a lot of places!

(By the way, Fort Hill Farms still has their corn fields full of gigantically tall stalks in their amazing corn maze ~ you must visit it and get lost in the peace in their slice of heaven on earth)!

I am a Putnamania that loves the corn fields when they are full of corn, and when there is corn no more!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Did I choose Putnam, or did Putnam choose me??

That is the question.

Recently asked why I chose or how I found Putnam, I had to think.

Did I find Putnam, or did Putnam find me?

Clearly I have found a home I love here.

Putnam is beautiful, charming, fun, filled with outstanding people, has plenty of community events, great dining, great arts and entertainment... And that is just the start of the many benefits of being a Putnamaniac.

This is one of my favorite views ~ Church Street overlooking Rotary Park and the Quinebaug River.


So, I do not care much whether I chose Putnam or Putnam chose me.

I am just so happy to live here, where I love to live!

I am a Putnamaniac that is happy either way ~ whether I chose or was chosen by Putnam!



Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Sunrises like this... and nothing else matters!

Metallica - love them!

This morning when I commuted out of Putnamania and viewed this sunrise, I sang Metallica's lyrics:
So close, no matter how far
Couldn't be much more from the heart
Forever trusting who we are
and nothing else matters 

Sunrises - since love them, too, I stopped this morning and shot this on Rt 44 at the intersection of Wright's Crossing Rd, to share with you.



In Northeast CT, you can enjoy beautiful sunrises AND get stuck behind a tractor on the way to work like I did this morning.

Check out Metallica performing Nothing Else Matters here.

I am a Putnamaniac that is thankful for sunrises that allow me to forget that anything else matters at the moment I see them!

Monday, October 22, 2012

Putnamania is full of great neighbors - I Love Ya!!! ALL!

The other dark night as I backed into my garage after a longgggg day, I thought I spotted something on my front step.

Stiff legged from the drive, I tromped over to the porch, feeling 100 years old.

This is what I found:

Suddenly there was a bounce in my step, and I skipped with the spirit of a 9 year old Putnamaniac with this nice surprise right into my house!

Random acts of kindness ~ pass them on. You will never have a clue of what a change they can make in someone's attitude!

I am a Putnamaniac because I have great neighbors ~ I love ya ALL!

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Rocky Horror Show!

Here is a tremendous admission ~ I have NEVER gone to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show!

Never, ever.

How embarrassing!

This social faux pas came to pass since it the movie was always shown in the movie theater I grew up near at midnight. Even as a teenager and very young adult, I was not so good at staying up late, so I never went to see it. I understand that I missed out on a lot of fun and audience participation. Renting the movie never seemed that it would be as much fun.

Now I am making up for lost time and will enjoy the show with some friends, live at the Black Box Theater at the Complex Performing Arts Centre, right here in Putnam!


Take advantage of and enjoy local talent, and be sure to seek out your local theater(s). If you are not lucky enough to have your own, come to Putnam for a visit. Located in Northeast CT, we are close by and welcome all visitors!

I am a Putnamaniac because one of my fantastic local theaters will allow me to finally enjoy The Rocky Horror Show!




Friday, October 19, 2012

Boxcar Children ~ do you know these children's stories?

Putnam is home of the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Museum.


It is literally a little boxcar that sits right beside the railroad tracks by the old train station in downtown Putnam. What fun!

This bit of history all comes from Ms. Warner's Boxcar Children books

Do you know of these stories? If not, check them out. Come and visit the museum to really connect!

I am a Putnamaniac because we have the Boxcar Museum here!





Thursday, October 18, 2012

Best Rotary Club EVER??? Putnam's, of course!

Support your local Rotary Club, even if they aren't the best in the WORLD, like Putnam's!



One great Rotary event that I have come to love every year, thanks to my friend, Rachael Johnston, Rotary member, and broker/owner of Johnston & Associates Real Estate, is the Rotary Rose Sale.

I'm talking Gorgeous Roses - a dozen for $15, and the Rotary Club is able to make money for local causes even with this inexpensive rate! On top of that, Rachael is gracious enough to deliver, within reasonable limits of course.

I load up!!!!!!  What a great opportunity to spread some sunshine to my neighbors, and help the Rotary reach their goals.

Putnam's Rotary, whose motto is "Service Above Self" donates thousands of dollars each year to local charitable organizations like TEEG, Daily Bread, the ARC, Habitat, the Deary Cancer Fund, student scholarships, and much more. 

I'm pretty sure people will appreciate if you support your local Rotary Club, especially during the annual rose sale!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the best Rotary Club in the WORLD here in Putnam, and also loves her neighbors!

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Great Pumpkin Festival in the Best Town Ever ~ Saturday, October 20, 2012!

Putnam is a great town!

There are endless community events.

Folks are friendly and like to have fun.

The Great Pumpkin Festival is a great example ~ and it is coming up this Saturday, October 20, 2012, starting at 10am.


Here are some of the details from our local fabulous WINY Radio's website (if you are looking for something to do, check out the WINY website and scroll through the endless list of fun events...).

Train lovers:
~RAILROAD EXPRESS ARRIVES AT 11 A.M./DEPARTS AT 11:30 A.M.
 ~ASPINOCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY PHOTOS AND PRESENTATION ABOUT PUTNAM AND RAILROADS, 10-4 AT THE TRAIN STATION

Fair and fun lovers in general: 
~ARTS & CRAFTS, FACE PAINTING, PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTESTS
~LIVE MUSIC AT VARIOUS LOCATIONS
 ~SCARECROW DISPLAYS
~SPECIAL PUMPKIN MENUS
~LOCAL PRODUCE AND FOOD VENDORS
~MOVIE ALL DAY AT THE LIBRARY– IT’S THE GREAT PUMPKIN CHARLIE BROWN
~BOXCAR MUSEUM, OPEN 10-4
~AUTHOR’S TALK/BOOK SIGNING AND SALE WITH PATRICA MACLACHLAN – 10:30 – 12 NOON, TRAIN STATION
~GERTRUDE CHANDLER WARNER/BOXCAR CHILDREN WALKING TOUR, 11 A.M. – BOXCAR MUSEUM
~MISS WARNER’S CLASS REMEMBERS – 12:30 P.M. – TRAIN STATION
~ASPINOCK HISTORICAL SOCIETY PHOTOS AND PRESENTATION ABOUT
~AUTHOR PATRICIA MACLACHLAN (BOXCAR CHILDREN BEGINNING)-2 P.M.-BOOK SIGNING AND TALK
~HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOXCAR CHILDREN – CAKE AT 2 P.M.
This is just a very small list of what is going on in Putnam during The Great Pumpkin Festival. For some great family fun, this is a must do!


I am a Putnamaniac that lives in the best and most fun town ever ~ and can't wait for our annual Great Pumpkin Festival!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Buds....

I have a best bud. His name is Doug. We've been best buds for years ~ like over 25 years.

This blog is not about that sort of bud.

The buds I speak of today are the buds of the christmas cactus!

They are beginning to appear! Do you see buds on your plants yet??? Let me know!

This little beauty reminds me of all the great people I met when I lived in 
Palmyra PA for a short time a few years back, since I purchased it there.

This big and ancient beauty (notice the impatiens that hitchhiked a ride in with this plant years ago) is actually 2 plants, given to me as little cuttings from my ex-husband's grandmother's grandmother's plants. Definitely an oldie, and both are spectacularly grand when they bloom at different times of the year!
 

I am a Putnamaniac that loves my buds ~ both plant AND people varieties!

Monday, October 15, 2012

Calendars ~ 2 must have calendars for 2013! Tattooed Librarians and the Last Green Valley!

At this time of year, as one year is winding down, and another year is gearing up, calendars start to appear in stores. There are many beautiful, funny, theme based calendars to choose from.

Of all these choices, there are two that you MUST have!

One is The Last Green Valley's "A Beautiful Year in The Last Green Valley" 2013 calendar. I already have mine!  You can buy it here. 

The other calendar is soon to be released, featuring Tattooed Librarians of MA, including my awesome friend, Kat.


Article from Webster Times, September 28, 2012
DUDLEY — “Never judge a book by its cover.” Most people have probably heard this common
quotation before referring to both works of literature and anything they might be judging by appearance only. For 16 Massachusetts librarians who recently took part in a fundraising calendar featuring tattooed library personnel for the Massachusetts Library Association’s youth programs,
this quote rings true for them in both ways.
The calendar, shot at the Chelmsford Public Library earlier this month, will be made accessible to the public in November. All of the funds raised through sales will go toward youth programs at libraries throughout the state.

Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library Children’s Librarian Kathy Dunton was one of the 16 youth librarians to take part in the photo shoot. She said when she first received the email she was thrilled
to have the opportunity to support youth programs. Dunton said working with children and teens every day at the library, she knows how important these programs are to literacy and creating lifelong
learners. “I was beyond excited that I could take part in helping something I enjoy so much,” said Dunton during an interview at the Crawford Library Monday, Sept. 17. Chelmsford Public Library
Youth Librarian Sharon Colvin was one of several embers of the Massachusetts Library Association who helped organize the calendar shoot. “I was in charge of all of this craziness,” Colvin said with a laugh during a phone interview last week. “[The librarians] wanted to put it out there that we’re a fun
group. Youth librarians are one of the most dynamic, and dedicated groups of people around, and we wanted to have a fresh image.” She said while she has lost count in the last 10 years of just how many pieces she has on her body, Dunton said she knows she has spent about 90 hours under the needle.
“I was first tattooed at 23,” said Dunton as she rolled up her sleeves to show the tattoos of books, flowers, vines and even a pair of hot-air balloons that represent the Crawford Library. “I thought it would be only one, but two or three years later I went back and had another done. It wasn’t until I was 30 that this became something that kind of consumed me.” She said she didn’t know who she was going to meet at the photo shoot in Chelmsford, or what would happen during the session. “I didn’t know what to expect, but when I got there one of the ladies told me I was the most tattooed [librarian] there,” said Dunton. When asked if the tattoos have helped or hurt her working as a children’s librarian, Dunton said she has only ever received positive comments, and curiosity from patrons and their kids. “People are interested and want to touch [the tattoos] all of the time,” said Dunton. “They ask, ‘Did it hurt?’” She said the tattoos have also helped when it comes to parents broaching the topic of body art with their teens. Dunton said local parents will ask her to speak to their children about being responsible, and waiting until they are older to get a tattoo done. “I always say wait until after you turn 20,” said Dunton. “That is my thought. It is something that is going to be there forever.”


 I am a Putnamaniac that has two great calendars for 2013, and they really mean something to me, plus raise funds and awareness for great causes!



Sunday, October 14, 2012

Kids have the shortest memories ~ Thank goodness!

Last night one of The Last Green Valley's Walktobers was held at the Audubon property in Pomfret, starting at 7pm ~ Dark. Pitch Dark. There was a bit of a chill in the air, but we knew once we got started with the walk, we'd warm up.

The crowd was a much bigger group than I expected. There were lots of grownups and kids, including the four kids that I was with.

Everyone was smiles to start the evening.


The minute we stepped outside into the dark and invigorating air, every kid in the entire group (expect for one rare little girl with me) started all dramatic varieties:
  • of being scared to death (what if they leave us out here)
  • tired (how long have we been out here, when are we going back, how much longer)
  • bored (is this all we are doing out here - walking)
  • cold (it is so cold I can't feel my feet or legs) 
  • stabbed by prickers (what if I die, I think it was poison)
To top it off, at one point the walk leader pointed out an old family burying ground containing about 17 departed Pomfretians from the early 1800s. That just about put all of the kids over the edge! (Why are we going past a haunted cemetery.... I hate ghosts....what if they come out and get us).

We did experience a few great and timely distractions from all the torture we were putting the kids through.

One was a stop where the walk leader called an owl. The owl almost immediately responded to the call, then flew in. The walk leader was able to light his gigantic flashlight so we could all see Mr. Owl fly by. It was amazing, and the first owl I have ever seen fly right by me! A few other attempts were made to call in owls from other stops along the walk, but those owls were a bit too shy to fly in, and just hooted a hello from afar.

The second great distraction was a gigantic hollowed out tree. The kids on the walk, and many adults, went inside this hollowed out tree and said you could stand up in there with plenty of room. I am going to find that tree again sometime in the daylight and check it out again. Here is a shot of the little elves we found inside the tree.




The mumbling and dramatic comments grew as the night went on, and after a total of just over 2 hours after we started, we ended the walk back at the Audubon building.

The second we were there, it was like no torture had ever occurred. Water was guzzled, tinkles were done, smiles appeared, snacks were eaten...

Kids have the shortest memories on earth! Thank goodness!

On the other hand, if you are ever looking for cheap and effective birth control or a very good chuckle, go and do something unusual like this with about 20 kids! It is pure entertainment!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves how entertaining kids can be, and am so glad their memories of the torture we grownups put them through is very short!

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Good morning, crisp fall back yard!

The chill is in the air for the first time this fall, and people are either loving it or hating it!

Since Mother Nature is in control when it comes to weather (unless you are a conspiracy fan and believe some other human force or organization are pushing the buttons), I try to go with the flow.

In New England we are so fortunate to be able to enjoy all the seasons. It makes us appreciate them all for many reasons.

Looking out my porch window this morning was pure joy. I am the luckiest in the world to have this wonderful view every morning, every season.

Do you enjoy the chilly and crisp fall air, or do you prefer warm summer breezes?



I am a Putnamaniac that loves the show of seasons out my porch window!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Hello Weekend ~ Please promise not to stop when I say when!

Glory be! 'Tis the weekend!

Wild horses could not drag me out of Putnam these next two days...except for a short visit Saturday night to do The Last Green Valley's night walk, Walktober #66 on your program, in Pomfret on the Audubon property, with some good friends and fellow Putnamaniacs. Won't you join us?

Other than that short jaunt to the next town, I will spend every second soaking up Putnamania.

Drinking a coffee in my own kitchen to start the day, and overlooking my garden of the most Renegade variety, in its fall colorful splendor.

On Sunday I will not miss the Follow the Fifty fun walk, Walktober #69 on your program. I will wear my "Ask me why I follow the fifty" t-shirt and proclaim to all that I wear it because the models are an inspiration to me and my community for working so hard and setting examples of a healthy lifestyle. I mean, come on - we love it here, and want to be around to enjoy it for many long and happy years!

To top it off, the Putnamaniacs will be working on their scarecrows for the contest coming up this week.

Watch out fellow Northeast CT people. I am going to have fun all weekend long... and you just might get hugged if you are in the way!


As the Foo Fighters sing, I say this to you Mr. Weekend:
And I wonder
When I sing along with you
If everything could ever feel this real forever
If anything could ever be this good again
The only thing I'll ever ask of you
You've got to promise not to stop when I say when

Check out the acoustic version of this song on youtube here.


I am a Putnamaniac that will never say when to the weekend!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Mustaches and best friends are just the ticket... with perfect timing!

In the past I have mentioned that I do not do much well... except for choosing excellent people to associate with and to add to my mental rolodex of friends.

To prove my point, I just arrived home, a few hours later than would have been ideal, to a mailbox full of stuff.

Benefits reaped from working a lot the last month, were an electric bill & natural gas bill way under $80 combined... that is low, even for the "frugal me".

The kicker was a big envelope, which contained two handmade Halloween cards from twins Allison and Brookie, whom I have known since before they were born. In addition to the cards, were some great mustaches... The twins' mom and I have had a long running joke about mustaches.



I almost busted a gut laughing, and then almost cried my eyes out with joy to know I have such good fun over incredible silliness with excellent people.

Enjoy the little things people. That is what gets us through the day and bonds us together.

I am a Putnamaniac that thinks mustaches and best friends are just the ticket to a great life!

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Think happy thoughts... be positive.... x infinity!

I learn stuff by repeating it over and over and over again ~ and not just to memorize it, but I can actually learn that way.

This method may also have to do with my obsessive/compulsive personality, tending towards the deep end of that spectrum.

In any case, it works for me, so I "use it for good, and not for evil."

When life pinches in on you, especially those dastardly things you can't control, sometimes you really just gotta say to yourself:

"Think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts, be positive, be positive, be positive, think happy thoughts, be positive, think positively happy thoughts, be happy, think happy thoughts, think positive thoughts...." 



Sometimes you might have to say it an infinite amount of times ... or until it works.

Eventually it really does work!

I am a Putnamaniac because I will think happy thoughts and be positive to infinity and beyond!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Burning Bushes are on FIRE!

Burning bushes in New England are glorious!


Keep your eyes open for their stunning fall show!

Burn, baby, burn!

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the burning bushes afire in the New England fall season!


Monday, October 8, 2012

Scarecrow contest 2012 - pregame show!

Starting in a few days Putnam is holding their....drum roll please..... 

3rd Annual Scarecrow Contest as part of The Great Pumpkin Festival (Saturday, October 20th). 


Myself and some fellow Putnamaniacs will be participating.... and this following picture may give you just a little hint of what we are up to for a theme....


And do you want to know why we chose this as our theme? 

Because Putnam is indeed more fun than a barrel full of monkeys. 

Our scarecrow monkeys are in the works...

Monkey beginnings...

                                                       2nd step of monkey making....painting


                                                               Drying monkeys... 
 Stay tuned for details as the scarecrow contest pregame work continues!  

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the scarecrow contest pregame activities and prep!





Sunday, October 7, 2012

Never bored in Northeast CT - ever!

It is completely impossible to be bored for very long in Northeast CT.


There are continual events year long, many free, to attend.

There are tons of outdoor hiking, biking, paddling destinations.

Listen to WINY Radio and go to their site for info, or listen to your local radio information station if you are as lucky as we are in NECT to have such a gift.

Read your local newspapers, either in print or online. I get three free papers in the mail each week, and you can bet I scan them looking for fun opportunities.

Join local groups of interest to you, whether it be outdoor activities, crafts, etc. Organizations like The Last Green Valley offer so much fun!

I am very lucky to live in Northeast CT, where family & people friendly community events abound. I hope you are as lucky. If not, I suggest to relocate immediately! I have some great real estate contacts that will get you where you will love to live!

I am a Putnamaniac that is NEVER bored in Northeast CT ~ never ever!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Do you need more time for fun?? I do!!!

There really is never enough time for fun!

Coming up this weekend in the Quiet Corner of Putnam is tons of fun ~ and YES, I do need more time to fit it all in! (Scientific type people, work on this for me). 

Friday, October 5th, First Friday is in downtown Putnam. This monthly event includes live music and entertainment, crafts, art & artists, food delicacies, drink options, and information for a start! Win-Win for everyone in a family friendly atmosphere.

Walktobers really step into high gear this weekend! The Last Green Valley puts together a fantastic month of getting out and learning about all sorts of places and topics on their Walktober walks, paddles, peddles, and even horsie rides! Check all the events out here - and I have plenty of the print versions on hand ready to be passed out!

The Bradley Theater kicks off their fall offering with Agatha Christie's "Witness for the Prosecution". It promises to be as entertaining as everything else the Bradley puts out. I am lucky enough to live just a mile away, but everyone is welcome at the Bradley. You will certainly fall in love with the fantastic production and come back for more!

So.....get out and live it up! Squeeze in as much fun as you can with the hours you have. And maybe someday, we will all have even more time for fun!


I am a Putnamaniac because I need more time for fun!!!!!!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Thank the man (or woman) behind the curtain!

 Next time you attend an event of any sort, take a minute to thank the men and women behind the curtain.

 Do you know what I am talking about??

Remember the scene from The Wizard of Oz, when it was discovered the great and powerful Oz was really just the ordinary man behind the curtain?


Every time you attend an event, think about all the men and women behind the curtain that put these events together. It takes a lot to run an event, from organization, advertising, materials, registration...

The smoother things go at these events, the more you can overlook the hard work that went into it.

Try to thank the people who take on the challenge and the big pile of work involved in working behind the curtain at the events you attend. They will appreciate the warm smile, maybe a hand shake or a pat on the back, and especially a "Thank You"! 

(I appreciate this point of view, since I used to have a job that had entailed registering over 1,000 attendees, gathering and organizing the speakers' materials and other info into a packet to hand out to all the attendees, and then actually going to the clinic and signing them all in at our annual event. That was a lot of work. I loved it, and I miss it)!

I am a Putnamaniac that appreciates and thanks the men and women behind the curtain!



Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Accents and localisms ~ Are you guilty?

I am guilty as charged!

Not so much for leaving "R"s out of words, but adding them where they don't belong. Pronunciations like idear (idea) and soder (soda) roll off my tongue just a bit too often.

In New England we often hear "I had to paaahhhhk the caaahhhh". (Park the car).

Folks from Massachusetts love to tell us "My pawp and I hiked to the tawp of the mountain. And Go Red Sawx." (My pop and I hiked to the top...Red Sox).

Years ago I visited the West Coast, Southern Coastal Oregon to be exact. At the grocery store they asked me if I wanted a sack. I told them I had everything I needed. They explained the sack was to put the groceries in (we call that a bag here on the East Coast)!

A friend was born and raised in Chicago, and she still "warshes" her dishes by hand. (Washes).

An acquaintance that was raised in Maine on the border of Canada still has a strong french "haccent" after living in CT for over 45 years! (Accent).

What is the accent or localism that gets you every time?


I am a Putnamaniac that loves accents and localisms, and can't seem to stop myself from using them!


Monday, October 1, 2012

Harvest Moon ~ Shine On....

Can you believe the song, Harvest Moon, was written in 1908? Over 100 years ago!

There was a great Harvest Moon in CT last night. I stopped and took a picture in the middle of the road. And YES, in Northeast CT you can do just that, without getting run over or having imposing lights from anywhere!



Here are a few cool versions of the song Harvest Moon:
Leon Redbone (cool cat)

Liza Minnelli (no lie!)
Laurel & Hardy (bizarre & scary)
The Four Aces (nice!)

And by the way, the Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the autumn equinox. Check out some info on wikipedia about the Harvest Moon. 

If you are a reader, one of the best books written ever about the fall harvesting time is Harvest Home, by Thomas Tryon. It is guaranteed to freak you out, and make you think twice about fall festivals! 

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the Harvest Moon~Shine on! 

Here are the old song's lyrics to enjoy:
The night was mighty dark so you could hardly see
For the moon refused to shine
Couple sitting underneath the willow tree
For love, they pined

Little Maid was kinda 'fraid of darkness
So she says "I think i'll go."
Boy began to sigh, looked up to the sky
Told the moon his little tale of woe

So shine on Shine on harvest moon Up in the sky

I ain't had no lovin' since January, February, June or July

Snow time ain't no time to stay outdoors and spoon
So shine on Shine on harvest moon for me and my gal

Snow time ain't no time to stay outdoors and spoon
So shine on Shine on harvest moon for me and my gal