Friday, November 30, 2012

Picking up fun guys (or fungis) on the River Trail!

There are so many reasons for getting outside, in all seasons, and in almost all weather...

Fresh air pumping through your veins is always invigorating, and I swear it is a reason that (knock on wood) I rarely get sick, not even the sniffles.

The views are always great, no matter if it is nature, other people, or architecture that you are seeing.

Another great reason to get out is that you can pick up fun guys! Well.... in my case, it was actually a fungi I picked up on the River Trail, but check him out!




He did not want to let go of the stump along the river, and I don't blame him. It is gorgeous there. However, I will give him a great home, put him to work as part of some artistical project, and give him a good home with me!

                             (Yes, I did make up the word "artistical", but I like it)!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to pick up fun guys (and fungis) on my jogs!




Thursday, November 29, 2012

Christmas Sing a Long / Spelling Bee with Frank Sinatra!

Frank Sinatra was one swinging cat ~ he even cooled up Christmas songs.



I, for one, LOVE Christmas music.

The carols and hymns simply makes me feel lighthearted and happy go lucky! I know all the songs, of course, since I have been singing along with them now for half a century!

One of my all time favorites is this version of Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra (click here to enjoy it on youtube).  This is the song that they spell out  
"J-I-N-G-L-E    B-E-DOUBLE-L-S" 
as they sing along. Give it a try. It is hard to do if you are not a spelling bee whiz!

It is certainly a reminder to me that I have never been good in spelling bees. I need to write or type the word and see it. Clearly I am a visual person!

If you heard my singing.... you would also agree that I am not an audio person!

How do you do in this situation? Are you good with the sing along/spelling bee or do you get tongue tied like me?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the Christmas Sing a Longs....even if a spelling bee is included!


Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Scenery Seen on the way to work! Breathtaking!

Yesterday Mother Nature dropped a perfect snowfall.

Everything was coated white this morning, but the roads were clear, and now it is about all gone!

The drive to work was dreamlike on account of this frosting...I could not believe I was seeing all of this beauty before my eyes.

I had to pull over and take a few shots....I am stunned at how this picture actually came close to capturing the breathtaking beauty.

 This is at the intersection of Rt 44/169 and Rt 244 in Pomfret 
(across from the Vanilla Bean)

Wow!!! Wow!!! Wow!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that did indeed see some breathtaking scenery this morning!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Make your mark on the world - even if it is the size of the head of a pin!

Do you ever wish that you could really leave your mark on the world?

Boy, I do.

Think of those before us that have done incredible things... freed the slaves, invented the polio vacine, discovered continents, taught thousands of children....

Well, it is pretty clear that I am not going to do anything that spectaular, but that does not mean that I am going to stop trying to aim for something grand!

The impact I may leave on the world will be small enough to fit on the head of a pin, but if we all do this, it will add up to a tremendous mark!



Even if I just do one little thing every day, I think I can live with that.  I hope you will all join me!

I am a Putnamaniac that wants to leave a good mark on the world, even if it fits on the head of a pin!





Monday, November 26, 2012

Reflections on bridges and beautiful scenery...


There is neverending beautiful scenery everywhere in Northeast, CT, and it does not matter what the time of year.

This is a look up the Quinebaug River at a little walking bridge, along the River Trail.
It is late fall, and although all the leaves and color of early fall have left us, look at the blues of the sky and the river. The reflection of the bridge in the river is simply artwork in and of itself.


Earlier this day I had jogged past and enjoyed the view. I am glad to be a slogger (slow jogger) as you can really appreciate the sights at that speed. It was so lovely, I drove by a bit later to capture this picture. At that moment, a flock of bluebirds fluttered by. Outstanding!

I hope that you enjoy sights like this every day! If not, the Quiet Corner welcomes you with open arms and much beauty.

I am a Putnamaniac because I love to reflect on the beauty that surrounds me everywhere!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Putnamania was Dazzle-rific & Dazzle-tastic!!! What a great annual parade!

Putnam is totally party central of Northeast CT!

Tonight was our 11th Annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade!

It is free, it is fun. Bundle up. March with your group or line the sidewalks and cheer.

I walked with The Last Green Valley and had the time of my life!


The kids love it...kids of all ages. However, watching the little kids enjoy it is really the most spectacular fun.

Here were my blogs on the last 2 Holiday Dazzle Light Parades:
My first time, November 27, 2011
Yet another one I missed, November 29, 2010.

I am a Putnamaniac that hopes to attend every Holiday Dazzle Light Parade forever!


Saturday, November 24, 2012

River Trail morphs into Story Trail... another great reason to visit Putnam!

Putnam seriously comes up with the best ideas to get people out and enjoy things as a community and a  family.

Take this latest idea for example.

Putnam already has a great River Trail. It is well used. Recently a children's story has been added along the trail. You walk with children, stop at each post, and read. By the end of the trail, the story is complete.


How awesome is that? A simple idea to have a little family fun. Brilliant!

The scenery sure does not hurt!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the ideas that are always emerging in our town, just like morphing the River Trail into a Story Trail!

Friday, November 23, 2012

There is just something about Santa!

I'm not exactly sure what it is about Santa, but I love that guy!!!

This has been going on since I was a kid, when some tried to explain to me that perhaps Santa was not real.

I did not fall for that trick. He is real for sure.

He is the guy that helps his grandmother all the time. He is every military guy serving. He is the single working mother. He is the teacher that constantly encouraged that kid and changed her life. He is the firemen that come out to rescue us in a car crash. He is the doctor that saved a life today. He is the baby that just found her toes and can't stop playing with them. He is the boss that pushes his employees to make them better people & then appreciates their hard work. He is the grown up that takes time to listen to a kid.

He is every good man and woman and child.

Of course, the real Santa does allow some helpers on occasion, like this fellow that rolled into Putnam tonight on a fire engine!



Spread the love and kindness, and be a Santa yourself!

I am a Putnamaniac that not only still believes in Santa, but knows him, too!

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Grow a turkey for Thanksgiving ~ one of my favorite stories dedicated to my brother, Skee!

Farmer Nubbins is a character I created, based on my family and some of the stories that I remember from childhood. Farmer Nubbins is more specifically based on my father...if you knew him, you would understand.


In any case, I have written a few children's stories featuring Farmer Nubbins, and hope to do more at some point in time, when I have more time.

This is one of my favorites, dedicated to my little brother, Skee, who is always sorely missed.

Farmer Nubbins’ Friend Grows a Turkey for Thanksgiving


Farmer Nubbins had a visitor one day in the fall long ago.
It was a young boy, who had something he wanted to grow.

If you want something to grow, a farm is a good place to be.
Farmer Nubbins’ vegetable garden went as far as the eye could see.

Skee was the blonde boy from just down the road,
and as he came to the farm, from his pocket jumped a toad.

The toad hopped away as quick as he could.
A boy’s pocket is no place to be, so the toad hopped quickly into the woods.

Skee loved to collect things in all kinds of weather,
and on this fine chilly day, he’d found a beautiful feather.

When Skee picked up the feather, and idea came into his head.
Maybe the feather would grow if he planted it in a garden bed.

Since Farmer Nubbins had helped Skee many times in the past,
Skee went there quickly, he needed to act fast.

Every day the weather got colder and the sun went down in earlier in the sky.
Thanksgiving Day was coming & Nana soon would bake pumpkin pie.

Skee wanted to plant his feather and grow a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner.
The family would feast on the turkey, carving it thinner and thinner.

Farmer Nubbins couldn’t believe when he heard Skee’s plan.
He gathered all the farm animals and told the whole clan.

“Skee wants to plant this feather and grow a turkey to eat” Farmer Nubbins told all the animals, as he paced on his feet.

”We can see your confusion, Skeeter, but turkeys don’t grow out of the ground.”
Then Farmer Nubbins reached into his pocket & pulled out an egg, without making a sound.

”Eggs are where baby turkeys come from, if they are kept warm in a nest.”
“Their mothers sit on them, warm them, and get lots of rest.”

“The moms sit and sit on the eggs until they are ready to hatch.
When the chicks are ready, they peck their way out & the eggs start to crack.”

That is the way little turkeys come about.
Lots of other creatures start out just the same, there is no doubt.

Well Skee felt a little silly now that he understood,
but it is good to learn new things, and he wanted to learn all that he could.

Skee said goodbye to all the animals, it was getting very late.
He wanted to get home, and gobble up the dinner that’d be on his plate.

“Thank you Farmer Nubbins, for the lesson of growing turkeys for Thanksgiving Day.”
“I shall remember it always, and I know I will learn many lessons along the way.”

Story notes:
This story is based on the story of my brother “Skee” – a character himself from day one – who picked up a chicken feather from our yard, and wanted to plant it and grow an Indian. Childhood memories are funny, since my recollection was that Skee wanted to grow a turkey, hence this story came about. My elder family members reminded me it was actually an Indian he wanted to grow. This turkey theme still works for me!
written by Marcy B. Dawley, April 2006

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to remember heartwarming stories of my childhood!

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Holiday Dazzle Light Parade marches forth aglow this Sunday night (Nov 25, 2012)!

If you want to get geared up for the Holiday season and enjoy the feeling of community, you must visit Putnam for our Annual Holiday Dazzle Light Parade!

The date is Sunday, November 25th, starting at 5pm. The parade route starts on Grove St, heads down Kennedy Drive, loops back up Providence St, then back down School St to the point of origin on Grove St.

Last year was my FIRST time! I loved it. Talk about stimulation and good old fashioned fun!

It is loud, it is fun, it is bright and aglow with lights!!! It is a PARTY all along every step of the approximate 1.5 mile parade route.

Well over 100 entries are signed up for this year's parade - everything from Fire Departments, to Jeep Clubs, to Organizations, to musicians and bands performing, to all other sorts of Clubs, to families, to local businesses, to cows!!!  And plenty more!!!!

Floats are built, lights are affixed, horns are tested, music systems are powered up, voices are tuned up!

This Putnamaniac will be marching with The Last Green Valley! After all, it is where I live, and where I love to live! Here is a shot of one of the parade "paddlers" from last year's parade:


You can "like" the event: Holiday Dazzle Light Parade on facebook here.

Come in to town early, park, enjoy the parade and then some dinner at one of our many great restaurants.

For more fun events going on in Putnamania, check out WINY Radio's event calendar here.

Putnamaniacs know how to dazzle and throw a great party!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to be dazzled by the Holiday Dazzle Light Parade!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Ho Ho Ho ....He's back!!!!

Who else do you think of when you hear "Ho Ho Ho"????

Why, that jolly old elf, Santa Claus!

And he is indeed back in Putnamania for the season, practicing his flying right over Cargill Falls.


What a great treat it is on the night I come back into town from work and see the man in the red suit testing out his reindeer over the falls!

It does not matter that I am 52 years old. This sight every year brings me right back to the ripe old age of 6 again.

Think about some of the great memories you have, during the holidays, and every day.

Enjoy every day like you were a kid again!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves when Ho Ho comes back to town for the season!

Monday, November 19, 2012

36th Annual Turkey Dip ~ A great start to a day of thanks and hopefully good health to all!

This Thursday morning, Thanksgiving Day, November 22, 2012, Quaddick State Park in Thompson, CT hosts the 36th Annual Turkey Dip.

If you don't live in Northeast CT, you might be thinking everyone gets together and samples some new chic sort of breakfast appetizer type of invention.

Nope!

At 8am a bunch of bold (crazy) folks jump into the Quaddick Reservoir and get wet...and invigorated... and cold! This craziness ensues for a good cause, and that is to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. Last year $25,000 was raised. WOW!


Thanksgiving morning can be a busy time, with preparations for the big meal later in the day, traveling to visit relatives, football games, and yet all these folks get out bright and early to have a little fun and support this cause that clearly is important to them. Cheers to them!

If you would like to sign up for the Turkey Dip and participate yourself, click here.

You are also welcome to just come and cheer on these chilly gobblers!


In any case, enjoy a healthy and fun Thanksgiving!

I am a Putnamaniac that can't wait for the big Turkey day, although I will not be dipping this old bod into the Quaddick!!!



Sunday, November 18, 2012

Get out and smell an early fall morning!

Since the clocks have recently changed and we fell back a few weeks ago, it is so nice to be able to get out in the light for an early morning jog to start the day.

The cold and brisk late fall mornings sure do smell good! It is fun to not only see, but smell the different seasons. And since my nose is sized large, I sure can smell!



Wood stove smoke seeping out of chimneys, frost on the windows and grass, the crunchy smell of all those fallen leaves!


So, remember to get out and smell the season! Take in the sights! Nothing better than fresh air pumping into your veins!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to get out and 
smell the early fall mornings!

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Another Top 10 Day in Northeast CT ~ we have way more than 10 by the way!

To quote one of my Northeast CT pals, Jimi G, today was a "Top 10 Day".



Of course, Jimi is rather optimistic and looks at the good side of things, so it only figures that he enjoys lots of "Top 10 Days".

That is the sort of folk that I like to associate with, "Top 10 People". 

It is easy to look at the bad side and complain.

It is also easy to look at the good side of things and appreciate them, and a heck of a lot more enjoyable. Work at it if you have to, because the end result is always worth it. Like any habit, you can make it a good one and it gets easier the more you do it.

Oddly enough, when you add up the "Top 10 Days" in a year, we have WAYYYYY more than 10 of them.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves having way more than ten "Top 10 Days" every year!


Friday, November 16, 2012

Lessons from the young, who learn from the grownups ~ Circle of life

Grownups teach the youth.

In most cases, the parents or guardians take up this task, since they do spend valuable time with their children.

Children learn how to behave, how to give back, how to be compassionate and understanding, how to laugh at themselves, how to live a good and productive life.

However, in some cases, it is turned around that the grownups learn from the children.

Take my friend, Seth. He is the short guy in glasses, not the cute turkey man.



Seth is 7 years old, yet has the wisdom and outlook of an 89 year old sage.

He teaches me something every time that I see him.

For instance: Putnam Ford/Project Northeast held their annual food drive at WINY Radio in Putnam today. Seth saves up his coins all year long for this food drive. He gladly & often passes up some of the smaller things that other kids might never want to give up, and rarely do.  He understands that not everyone may not have as nice of a life as he does, with a loving family, a welcoming home, meals and snacks to eat, support and love. Seth is thoughtful of others, and he also has a great sense of humor.

 Sethie making sure his big tube of coins is safe in the bed of the Putnam Ford truck, that will hopefully be full at the end of the food drive.

As I made my donation this morning, I was glad to do it, although last night while writing out the check, I was not feeling so generous...I was selfishly thinking something like "if I didn't donate so many local groups, I would probably have my condo paid off in quite a few years less than expected"...When I see what 7 year old Seth sacrifices and is glad to offer what he has to the community, it sure does change my outlook!

If you met Seth's parents and grandparents, you would know where he gets all of his good traits. They teach him well.

I thank the moment I met this kid and his family. This grownup has learned once again from the youth. Circle of life! Keep an open mind and heart as you travel through life.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the circle of life as grownups teach the kids, and kids teach the grownups!





Thursday, November 15, 2012

Quincy MA is my pal, Coach HennDog's version of Putnamania!

Hometown pride!

Clearly I have it!

My friends have it, too, even if they do not live in Putnam.

When working at M-F Athletic/Everything Track & Field, based in RI, for years, I not only worked with fine people, but met some fine people along the way, too.

There is a great guy, a master's thrower, that lives in Wilkes-Barre, PA. It is a pleasure to have kept in touch with him and his wife, even though I have not worked at M-F since 2007.

Then there is Coach Hennessey, aka the HennDog to his pals.


HennDog is an amazing soul, and has given so much to his town of Quincy, MA over the years, mostly through his teaching and coaching of unnumbered amounts of youth. He has almost single handedly run the Quincy Track Club for most of his life. He thinks all of this is no big deal.

Just the other night I got a text from the HennDog, informing me that the mayor would be having a ribbon cutting ceremony at the new Quincy High School track, Faxon Track, on Sunday, November 18, 2012. Is this guy a Quincymaniac or what?

So, my question is, how do I get so lucky to meet and be in touch with so many amazing people?

Blessed...

If you are a track fan, you can "like" Quincy Track Club on Facebook. You will only enhance your life by getting to know someone like my Henndog, even if only on Facebook. 

I am a Putnamaniac that knows other Putnamaniacs, like Coach Hennessey, even if he is really a Quincymaniac!


Wednesday, November 14, 2012

The underlying cause of superficial sadness ~ I know what is really getting to me, do you?

Last few days have been oddly emotional for me, for dumb reasons... like watching the tv show Bones, like listening to John Denver's Rocky Mountain High on my drive to work on WINY Radio...

Yup, I feel like this at a moment's notice, and sometimes without any notice at all:


Clearly, it is not the tv show or the song I am really crying over. It is a deeper thing that I don't want to focus on...

Since I don't like to dwell on sad stuff... and sad stuff does happen to all of us... There are no explanations for it other than "that is life", so sometimes I guess I think it is easier to bury to real stuff and cry over a song.

Well, I guess we really all do know what it is that is bothering us when it boils right down to it. We each deal with it how we can.

This week, what got to me was that another friend that I went to high school with, lost their young adult son. This is the 3rd friend that I grew up with that has lost a child. I find that unacceptable, yet I can do nothing about it. That gets me thinking of all of the other losses people have endured. Sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, grandparents, spouses, best friends.... the list does not end.

Luckily, time does heal a bit, but it is so hard to watch your loved ones waiting for that time to pass.

Good thing I am not in charge of everything, as I would like to be.... because there would be a big overpopulation problem.

Love your loved ones, as often and sincerely as you can.

In the meantime, I will cry over a stupid song when something is really bothering me.

I am a Putnamaniac because I do know what is really bothering me, and I wish I could take the hurt away from all those that I love.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

2 dinner invitations + 1 night = definition of Putnamania!

So, today was an amazing day to be a Putnamaniac, as most days are.

My neighbor emailed me while I was at work and invited me to join her in a homemade spaghetti dinner feast.

My 7 year old boyfriend (as defined by him: "he is a boy and he is my friend") left me a voice mail while I was at work inviting me to join him and his mom & dad for homemade chicken soup.


WOW!!! How awesome is that?

Actually, even though this is run of the mill behavior for Putnamaniacs and CT's Quiet Corner residents, it still never fails to shock and surprise me... and make me smile and feel very thankful.

Although I did not get home until after 8pm, which is a bit too late to show up for either of these invitations, I am so glad that the offers were made.

In the meantime, I stopped and got myself a bottle of Taylor Brooke Wine,  so I could toast my fine and thoughtful friends... and after all, I am supporting local business in the same breath (sip).

Enjoy life, my friends.

I am a Putnamaniac that was lucky enough to get 2 dinner invitations tonight!



Sunday, November 11, 2012

An EXPLOSION is about to occur!!!

Although I am a fan of men in uniform, there is no need to dial 9-1-1.

It is that time of year!!!

The Thanksgiving / Christmas cactus are getting ready to explode!

You do not need any bomb sniffing dog or robotic creation to fill you in on this:



Tick tock, tick tock... count down to the explosion!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the explosion of the Thanksgiving/Christmas cactus!

Saturday, November 10, 2012

85 Main ~ simple, understated name for a fabulous place! Right here in Putnam!

Putnamaniacs are so lucky to have so many wonderful dining options downtown (and all within just a mile or so of where I live).

Today my neighbors and I got together for a leisurely lunch and visit at 85 Main, located at...you guessed it, 85 Main Street.


We have been trying to have a few hours together for about a year and a half now, but with life being so busy, today was the first time we all had available.

It was worth the wait, as we dined and visited, chit chatted and laughed.You will note that my neighbor, Connie, smiling on the right is 90 years old. Connie and her daughter, Pam, smiling on the left, live beside me, and I could not have chosen better neighbors. They are caring and fun, and they know the owner of 85 Main, soft spoken James Martin. They even got a kiss from him!

Since I have dined at 85 Main without Pam & Connie, I know the food is always outstanding, even if you aren't on kissing terms with the head honcho!

There is something for everyone, and it is prepared to perfection and presented like a piece of artwork.

Top shelf. No other way to put it.

If you have not tried 85 Main, come and visit. If you have not been recently, get back there ASAP, as you will be delighted once again.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves 85 Main and enjoying a leisurely lunchtime visit with my fine neighbors there!


Friday, November 9, 2012

Thank a veteran and do something good for the world every day!

Sunday, November 11, 2012 is Veteran's Day.

You hear about it, you read articles about it, folks suggest that you thank a veteran.

Do you really have the gumption to do that? I do.

I appreciate so much that I live here in a place that I love, and I know it did not come without some hard sacrifices of others.


Being a single woman, who owns her own home (in fact, this is now my 5th home), drives where ever she wants to, goes out to eat and for entertaining events with family and friends on a whim, has always had a job (and a few pretty good ones), jogs at the break of dawn or at dusk on my town's streets, speaks her mind (maybe more than some care to hear), and enjoys pretty much the definition of freedom every day, I appreciate that others have sacrificed for me.

I have not sacrificed a minute of my life, and I think that is why I try to contribute to society in other ways...perhaps a donation here, or volunteering there. It is not much, but I want to pay back and make the world a better place.

Actions speak louder than words, so thank a vet, and do something good for the world yourself!

I am a Putnamaniac that will thank veterans and try to do something good for the world every day!

Thursday, November 8, 2012

How wonderful life is while you're in my world!

Yup, I am stealing Bernie Taupin and Elton John's "Your Song" tonight for my blog.

Not necessarily because I am that lazy... but because I heard the song driving home from work just now, and I realized how long it has been since I have heard it. It sure is a good one!

The sweet words can be applied to all the good people I know, not just one person, but to all of my fine family and friends. This is "Your song"!

 How wonderful life is while you're in the world


Take a listen to Elton tickling the ivories here and know that I am thinking how wonderful my life is, since you are all in my world.

Be sure to tell the ones you love, that you love them! Yes, this is your song!

I am a Putnamaniac that has only the best family and friends, and my life is absolutely wonderful because of you all!



Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Thompson Turkey Trot or Wobble... good family fun!

If you are looking for something fun to do this coming Sunday morning, November 11th, then come on over to Thompson CT's Turkey Trot or Wobble.



I usually do a lot of jogging all by myself, and have added up some quality Marcy time over the years, but I have also enjoyed a few running/walking events these last few years, too.

Pretty much the coolest thing about doing these events is that you get to see couples running together, or moms & dads & sons & daughters running together, best friends running together, sisters & brothers running together. I think that is just awesome. I hope these folks know how precious it is to have running pals like this.

So, if you are looking for a fun thing to do on Sunday, sign up and get addicted by clicking here!

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the Thompson Turkey Trot/Wobble and good family fun!

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Turkey time.... yeah it is!

Don't you just love to decorate for the different holidays and seasons?

I do!!!!

The turkeys have just come out of hibernation for this gobble, gobble season...

...Not the kind you kill and eat, but the kind that decorate your homes!

Check out some of my beauties:

This welcoming fellow is posted at my front entrance... a gift from my former boss, Eric, and he sits comfortably in this wee chair.. a gift from my friends Rae & Deeda...

These gobblers sit upon my dining room table...hoping for some extra broccoli...
sorry fellas, I ate it all!



Here is the cutest cookie cutter, on the stove, 
hoping someone will use him to make cookies some day...


On the fireplace mantle is this little foul, instructing us to "Give Thanks"... will do!


And lastly... this little craft turkey I made years ago, along with the birdhouse for the season, too!


I would love to see some of your turkeys...or other holiday and seasonal decorations, too! 
Does it put you in just the best mood ever to decorate?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves turkey time... as well as all of the other holidays and seasons there are to decorate for!


Monday, November 5, 2012

Views everywhere!

Seven Mile Road in Scituate, RI is designated a "Scenic Road". There are even signs along the road to tell you that. It is indeed a beautiful area.

I am so much more spoiled now, because pretty much all of Northeast CT is scenic.

We don't need a sign here to tell us about it.

We just open our eyes and look around!


I enjoy the views... and sometimes I can't stop myself from pulling over and taking a picture to share with others who don't have the same pleasure of these views.

This is along Route 97 in Pomfret, CT. Gorgeous in every season.

I am a Putnamaniac that enjoys the views I see everywhere!

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Gift idea for the music lovers in your life! Blackstone Valley Bluegrass!

If you are looking for an enjoyable gift for your music lover, I have three words for you:

Blackstone Valley Bluegrass.


I have seen them live a few times, and have also ordered their cds. (Yes, yes, I still like cds).

As soon as I am done here, I am going to order some more for presents!

You can also order their songs for .99 each in mp3 format on cdbaby here. 
Samples of their music are available. 

Here is a great example of their work and sound on youtube. Fast like lightning!

You can "like" Blackstone Valley Bluegrass on facebook, too.

Let the gift giving begin ~ nothing is better than the gift of music.

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the gift of music, and get myself this sort of gift all the time!




Saturday, November 3, 2012

Fore.... its in the hole....its in the hole... at the Harrisville Golf Course!

I've only ever golfed once, so it is on my "to-do" list, once I get some more time. I'd love to learn the hang of it, and it seems like great exercise.

The Harrisville Golf Course is on one of my jogging routes and right up the street from me, on Harrisville Road in Woodstock.


Harrisville Golf Course is a family owned and operated 9 hole course, and it is beautiful. This morning as I went past in the chilly fall air, there was one hearty pair out for a try at the golden game. Greens were very green. Everything else was green, too, come to think of it, except for the trees with their fall colors, falling fast.

If you are looking for a different spot to golf, keep this place in mind. Since it is just a mile away from me, we can plan a visit! It is also where I plan to take up the game when I get the time!

Then we can head into downtown Putnam for a spot of lunch or dinner at any of my hometown favorites: perhaps The Courthouse, Bella's, Someplace Special, 85 Main....

Not unlike this scene from Caddyshack, some day I will have my big game, and I will be dancing on the course, not much better than Al (better known as Rodney Dangerfield)!

I am so spoiled to live here!

I am a Putnamaniac that will some day put it in the hole at Harrisville Golf Course, of course!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Use what talents you possess ~ do you do this?

One of my favorite sayings, by Henry Van Dyke, is "Use what talents you possess: the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best".

Everyone I know is acceptionally talented and successful.

They are outstanding:
Librarians, salesmen, teachers, real estate agents/brokers, businessmen, volunteers, cashiers, accountants, bankers, business owners, artists, musicians, mothers, fathers, riggers & ironworkers, attorneys, inventory specialists, waitresses, mechanics, office managers, insurance people, doctors, nurses, principals, military service people, landscapers, firemen, rescue workers, carpenters...

You get the idea, seriously everyone I know is great at what they do, and although they might not all be financially wealthy, they are wealthy in their lives.

Do you recognize yourself in this list above? You should!

My boss's husband gets my talent mixed up sometimes. He thinks I am smart, because I give things 100+% effort, and I never give up. I prefer to do things efficiently, accurately and sincerely. Since most things have not ever come that easily to me, I learned at an early age, to try hard and never give up. That works for me, and since that is the talent I have, I use it. (If it fools my boss's husband into thinking I am smart, I'll take it, although it does make me feel a bit fraudulent).


Use what you got, baby! I don't want those woods to be silent!

I am a Putnamaniac because everyone I know uses their talents to the fullest!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Experience something again for the first time in another's joy!

I stop out at the walking path along side the Windham Airport and the big reservoir of water on the other side often on my way home from work.

It is a beautiful place, with the little, tiny airplanes taking off and landing on one side, and the swans swimming on the other side.



The trees that surround the area are lovely in every season.

Sunsets are picture book most nights.

And yet, you can get used to seeing such beauty and wonder.

I must have... because tonight I saw a gal there, obviously for her first time.

We did not speak, but nodded and smiled a hello as we passed.

The look on her face, wide eyes, and ear to ear smile told me all I needed to know. She was looking up at the small and almost silent planes as they came and went right over our heads. Her camera was aimed and snapping shots of the water, the swans, the trees in full fall foliage.

I found great joy in her joy. I looked around anew myself, and beheld all this beauty once again, as if it were also my first time seeing it.

Thank you, stranger, for opening my eyes, to familiar sights, that today became new once again to me.

I am a Putnamaniac that saw something again as new, thanks to another's joy!