Kids - never fail to make me smile! Do you agree?

I get a kick out of and true joy from kids.

I mean, take a look at a beaming, drooling smile of an infant or toddler, and you understand.

A few smiling faces just warmed my heart on facebook. These are the faces of my friends kids. Precious is not even close to describing their value to me. Imagine what they mean to their parents.

Earlier this week I sadly attended calling hours for a family's grandmother. While we were there, a shining, smart, beautiful four year old girl distracted everyone from the reason for having to being there. Using her Mom's cell phone we called a few folks, such as Donald Duck and Santa. Giggles were enjoyed when we asked Santa to make sure the elves were busy making hoola hoops, bikes, and UNDERWEAR! What silly fun.

So, what happens to us as we grow up and older?

Let us all try remembering those little smiles when we are having a tough moment. They are sure to lift us up.

Don't let life get to you for too long. Remember your inner child. Smile, and even drool a little if it makes you feel good!

I am a Putnamaniac that gets so much joy from children!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Art surprises are everywhere!

Don'tcha just love to see art in everything, and everywhere?

I sure do!

This simple piece is one of many on the wall of a Putnam building, the old railroad station in fact.

Come visit and you will find many art surprises and other nice surprises, too!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the art surprises I see everywhere!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

I'd like to deposit 1 pint, please, to the Blood Bank, of course!

One of the greatest things about getting out walking or jogging is that you get to see stuff!

Recently I spotted this sign in front of St. Mary's Church, 218 Providence St, Putnam, while out on a walk with some friendly Putnamaniacs :

The nice thing about this event, is that it is on a Saturday. I will be in Putnam, so I will stop in, roll up my sleeve, and separate myself from some type A+.

It is pretty easy, and most times when you give blood, you get a snack. I am all about the snacks! Plus hopefully you help out someone who needs your blood type. 

If you live in Northeast CT, stop in and make a deposit to the Blood Drive, Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 8am-12:45pm at St. Mary's Church, 218 Providence St, Putnam.

I am a Putnamanaic who loves to make blood bank deposits!

Putnamania Activity Calendar

Empty bowls are soon to be filled up!

Where: Congregational Church of Putnam, 175 Main Street, Putnam, CT 06289

When: Saturday, March 2 , 2013, and due to the incredible response from the community last year we will have two different seating times: 4:30 – 5:30pm, 6:00 – 7:00pm.

What: Sawmill Pottery and the Congregational Church of Putnam (Mission Outreach) will once again host the Empty Bowl Project on behalf of our community’s Interfaith Human Services of Putnam’s (IHSP) Daily Bread Food Pantry.
Tickets and/or reservations will be sold or taken for those specific times.
100% of all proceeds will benefit Daily Bread Food Pantry.

For tickets call:
Putnam Congregational Church 860-928-4405
Sawmill Pottery: 860-963-7807

You can "like" Sawmill Pottery and IHSP/Daily Bread on Facebook.

I am a Putnamaniac that wants all the empty bowls filled up!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

True and Strait words - I ain't here for a long time, but I'm here for a good time!

After seeing George Strait in concert at the XL Center in Hartford last night, I decided these song lyrics make some good sense:

i ain't here for a long time  

i'm here for a good time 

 so bring on the sunshine

  to hell with the red wine

  pour me some moon shine

  when i am gone put it in stone he left nothing behind

  i'm not here for a long time 

 i'm here for a good time

I have never seen so many cowboys and cowgirls and cowboy hats in one place ~ especially in Hartford, CT! But they were having a good time. 

So, upon reflection, I decided to not only endorse this policy, I will try hard to adopt it permanently ~ and live it 24/7.

Check out George Strait and the song here on youtube. 

I am a Putnamaniac that is not here for a long time, but certainly for a good time!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

La familia.... ala Putnamania!

La familia... in other words... We Are Family...

This is how we roll in Northeast CT (NECT). We ARE family!

My positivity today comes from the love I find where I live.

There are good people here, I see them, I know them, and I love them. They are my family.

We are in it together in Northeast CT! Through thick and thin.

If you do not feel connected to where you live, for better or for worse, I can connect you to something real. Contact me, ASAP.

I am a Putnamaniac because we are family in NECT!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Rays of sunshine ~ before sunrise and after sunset! Only in Putnamania!

Putnamania was created and continues for me - my goal will always be to find something positive every single day.

We all know it can be a tough world and even when we are having a great day, we know someone who may be dealing with something tragic, sad, maddening.

Yesterday was one of those days ~ when I knew of a family having a very bad day ~ an event changed them forever.

As my day unfolded, I kept wondering where I would find my positive focus. And I even felt guilty trying to find something positive when I knew others were suffering.

It turns out I was fortunate enough to find two rays of sunshine, without even trying.

• The first beams at me before the sun arises, when I get to Midtown Fitness at 5:30am. Miss Emma greets all comers with a bright and sincere smile. My good friend, Kat, is also there to sweat on those evil treadmills with me. Although I see them both almost every day, I would be a fool to take seeing them for granted.
• The second beamed at me after the sun had set, when I traipsed into Price Chopper after work for some veggies. As I turned the corner into the soda aisle, since I heard the ever tempting Diet Dew calling my name, I bumped smack into a great guy that I had not seen in probably 9 months, and it was his birthday! Hugs and chit chats were exchanged. I wish there were enough time to see everyone, all the time!

So, Putnamania will continue, to keep me focused on the positive, and help me to remember that sometimes the greatest things are right in front of you. Keep your eyes open.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves every ray of sunshine I get!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

I'm gettin' married in the morning ~ Ding Dong....Wedding Expo is this Sunday!

Lately, this song from My Fair Lady, "I'm getting married in the morning" has been replaying in my brain.

I couldn't figure out why, until I heard the ad for the upcoming Wedding Expo on my favorite WINY Radio! 

Now, that makes a lot of sense.

So, if you or anyone you know is getting married, tell them to sign up for the Wedding Expo.

Details from WINY Radio's website: 

WINY WEDDING EXPO

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2013

RACEWAY RESTAURANT, THOMPSON

DOORS OPEN AT 12 NOON

GRAND PRIZE HONEYMOON COURTESY OF HORIZON TRAVEL AND NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE

ADMISSION IS FREE BUT YOU MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE BY CALLING 860-928-1350

I am a Putnamaniac that is definitely getting married....some morning! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

 

Celeb bartending night ~ buy a drink and donate to the Diaper Bank! No bull!

Putnam is proud home to a Diaper Bank!

You got it - it is like a food bank, but they supply diapers instead of food in this case.

I'm not sure the last time you looked at the price of diapers, but they are expensive, and clearly babies go through a lot of them!

There was a need here, and some brilliant and generous person came up with the Diaper Bank idea. It was then born and has been going strong ever since.

This Thursday night, February 21, from 5-9pm, a Celebrity Guest Bartender event will be held at JD Coopers, on 146 Park Road in Putnam, with all tips and donations going to our very own Diaper Bank!

(advertisement courtesy of WINY Radio's website)

I will be there to have my friend, celeb bartender Rachael Johnston of Johnston & Associates Real Estate pour me a delicious brewski! Of course, I will be a big tipper, since it is for a good cause!

Save up your thirst this week and head on over to JD Coopers on Thursday night!

You can "Like" the IHSP, Johnston & Associates Real Estate, and JD Coopers on Facebook.

I am a Putnamaniac that will tip the celeb bartenders to help the Diaper Bank!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Volunteering ~ it ain't such a bad thing!

Volunteering gets confused with "do you want to donate a kidney" sometimes.

I guess I can see why... people are asking you for something (including your time), and in this busy and selfish world, you think you will get nothing in return.

Understandable.

However.... if you look around and volunteer for a few things, you just might find your niche! AND get much back in return.

I proudly volunteer for The Last Green Valley and The Bradley Playhouse.

Great things about volunteering for them?

• You are thanked often and sincerely
• You get to be at great shows, performances, events
• You see people you know and love at these events
• These are organizations I enjoy and believe in, so why not give back

 So, if you have been shy about volunteering for "stuff", take a chance. If at first you don't succeed, try and try again. And if you are ultra busy, you already know, the busy stay busy!

I am a Putnamaniac that has found some great benefits to volunteering!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Don't let life and fun pass you by!

We had a little fun event in Putnamania today - Fire and Ice.

It was a blast!

Why?

It was simple - some horse drawn carriage rides (sold out in advance), ice sculptures, luminaries (in all sorts of containers), hot chocolate, and fun! It got people out and having fun in the doldrummy winter time.

Get out ~ don't let life and fun pass you by!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that will not let life - or fun pass me by!

Need something to do this weekend? 3 great events going on in Northeast CT!

No excuses for being stuck in the house this weekend!

Come to Northeast CT for some fun.

These are three big and fun events to choose from (click on the links to each website for more details):

1) The Bradley Playhouse is hosting "No Sex Please, We're British" on Firday at 7:30pm, Saturday at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday at 2pm.

2) The Little Theatre on Broad Street is hosting "Love Song Cabaret on Friday and Saturday at 7:30pm.

3) Downtown Putnam is hosting the Fire & Ice on Saturday all afternoon until approximately 8pm.

I suggest all three events if you can make them!

(I'll be volunteering at Fire & Ice at the Putnam Congregational Church from 2-4pm.
Both the Bradley and Little Theatre shows have already entertained me, and I will be volunteering at the Bradley for Sunday's show).

You can "like" The Bradley Playhouse, The Little Theatre on Broad Street and Discover Putnam on facebook.

See you around the greatest town ever!

I am a Putnamaniac because I live in the most fun area ~ Northeast CT!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Sleepless nights still make for good early morning visits to Midtown Fitness ~ beat the winter blahs!

Sleepless nights are not uncommon.

I hear people complain of them all the time.

An acquaintance even has a "3 am club" he jokes about on facebook. The sad thing is this club has many members.

My nights are disrupted constantly by:

*Attempting to complete work in my sleep (spreadsheets are never ending - if I could figure out how to translate all that work while tossing & turning into real work, I'd be a gazillionnaire)!

*Dreams, never ending dreams (some nice, some funny, but most often scary as all get out - if I could figure out how to take those nightmare topics and translate them to story form, I'd be a gazillionnaire)!

*Trying to remember all the things I want to accomplish on the next day's "list".

Needless to say, I wake up pooped out! First thing I've thought of almost every morning since I was of junior high school age is that I need a nap! I never take one, but.....it sure sounds like a plan!

However, even with all this tossing and turning, I still experience a great start to the day if I get my butt up, out, and exercising.

This is easy in the spring, summer, fall, when there is daylight, comfortable air, clear roads.

Winter, not so easy, but thank goodness for local gyms, like Midtown Fitness!

As much as I hate getting up, and as much as I hate the evil treadmill compared to jogging the roads and trails, the gyms keeps me sane when I need it most. And it is very affordable.

Do you appreciate the benefits of your local gym? I sure hope you do, and if you are looking for somewhere to go in NECT, Midtown Fitness is an easy answer. I'd be happy to show you around, if you don't mind a sweaty Putnamaniac!

You can also "like" Midtown Fitness on Facebook.

I am a Putnamaniac that doesn't let the sleepless nights impede the benefits of early morning exercise! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Love Songs for Valentines Day at the Little Theater on Broad Street!

Are you looking to get in the Valentines Day mood?

Looking for a special night for your and your better half?

The time and opportunity are upon you!

Head to The Little Theater on Broad Street in Danielson for Love Song Cabaret.

It is a show featuring a collection of love songs from over the years, performed by the best of NECT. 

3 shows only: Thursday February 14, Friday February 15, Saturday February 16.

Don't miss out on impressing your love with some love songs!

You can also "like" The Little Theater on Broad Street on Facebook. 

I am a Putnamaniac that will be serenaded with love songs Thursday night!

Putnamania Activity Calendar

 

Bang a Gong??? Alright...but....what???

Heard this song on the radio today...

Bang a Gong by T-Rex. (You seriously have to watch this clip on youtube...click here... the song is classic, and the outfits are killer. They are so styling)!!!

The lyrics are also awesomely entertaining! Lines like:

You're built like a car, you've got a hub cap diamond star halo
You're built like a car, oh yeah
You're an untamed youth that's the truth with your cloak full of eagles
You're dirty sweet and you're my girl.

So as for the rest of the lyrics, I've been belting them out for a good portion of my life, I think I get the "Get it on" portion, but what the heck is "Bang the gong" all about??? 

And yes, I can be a bit naive, so forgive me if it is obvious!

Song lyrics.... do you have fun with them when you actually stop and listen to them and wonder how some are so universally popular, forever?

What are some of your favorites???

I am a Putnamaniac that loves song lyrics like "Bang a Gong"!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

What was your sorest body part after the Blizzard of 2013 shovel out????

After the Blizzard of 2013, everyone is sore!

Even those of us who try to be physically fit and work out.... there are moans and groans of aches and pains!

My brother and my friend, Kat, both spoke of sore wrists.

My back was killing me, but that is often the case, even without all that shoveling!

Today was still a big clean up day, and I saw many people shoveling out today as I drove from CT to RI. In fact, as I pulled up to my mother's driveway, my sister was out shoveling the end out as fast as she could. The town had just plowed down the street and deposited that hard, snow-boulder stuff at the end of everyone's driveway! I drove next door, thinking I would park at my uncle's but his driveway was also now impenetrable. Further down the road, St. Francis deSales Church had an opening, so there I parked. (One great benefit of living close to a church)!

So what is sore on your shoveling bod? And how to you remedy those aches and pains?

Wouldn't it be nice to solve it all with this little jar of miracle product???

I'm a Putnamaniac that is wondering how all your muscles are feeling after the shovel-fest?

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

 

We are We NECT!!!

I grew up in RI, and there are definite "areas" in RI. South County, Down City, West Bay, East Bay. Every town belongs to an area, and the news is covered for all areas, whether it is television, radio, or newspaper coverage. 

When I moved to Northeast CT some years ago, the woman that I bought my first CT home from instructed me that we in NECT were really not a part of Hartford (so she suggested I should not get that newspaper), but we were more a part of Norwich (she suggested I should get that newspaper to keep informed).

After a short amount of time as a NECTer, I realized that we are really not a part of Norwich either. The CT television and newspaper coverage does not include our lovely area unless there is a major catastrophic event that has taken place here.

During storms, if you look through the lists of cancellations scrolling through the bottom of tv stations, they are endless, and if you blink, you miss the one you were looking for after all that.

However, we are so very lucky to have a local radio station (WINY Radio) and a few local newspapers (Putnam Villager) in NECT. They are we. They work hard to keep us up to date, and when we need information about our area, we get it. I have found that since I moved here, it is a rare occasion that I watch tv news... I tune in to our local information sources, since that is the news I want.

 So, as I am snuggled into my home sweet home as the "Blizzard of 2013" unfolds, I am up to date with local information thanks to WINY Radio! How about you?

Here is a shot of a past snowstorm here in Putnamania (as of yet, today's storm is giving me nothing spectacular to capture).

You can "like" WINY Radio on facebook, and you can also "like" the Putnam Villager on facebook.

I am a Putnamaniac because WE are WE, NECT!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Fire and Ice! Putnam puts out some fun next Saturday!

Welcome to Putnamania on Saturday, February 16, 2013 for a little "Fire and Ice".

 Event design courtesy of Chase Graphics

Officially: Downtown Putnam's 2nd Annual FIRE & ICE Valentine's Festival.

Come and Discover the Romance of Downtown Putnam!

Professional Ice Carving demonstrations, Ice sculptures, Ice Carving competition by local artists, Luminaries, Lanterns, Music, Romantic Horse & Carriage Rides, Special sales, Fire & Ice Menu items at downtown restaurants, and so much more!

Bring your loved one(s) to Putnam for a wonderfully romantic event! For more info go to www.discoverputnam.net

You can also like "Discover Putnam, CT" on facebook here. 

 I am a Putnamaniac that hates winter, but fun times like Putnam's Fire and Ice will get me through it!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Dreaming of hot summer nights... and River Fires in Putnam!

I love long, hot, summer days!!!!!

I am hoping for a LOT of them coming up this year!!!!

One big reason is so we can enjoy the River Fires we have a few times a year here in Putnam every summer.

This picture is from a River Fire past...

This year's River Fires are scheduled for:
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013

Mark your calendars!

They are low key, beautiful, fun, entertaining, peaceful. Plus you can either enjoy a nice dinner downtown, just a short walk away, or bring in a picnic to enjoy on the River's shore.

Any way you slice it, you will have a great night in Putnam!

I am a Putnamaniac looking forward to a HOT summer and some great River Fires!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Is a 16 pound cat fat???

My next door neighbors are so cute.

I don't see them often, even though we live in the same building!
(Mother and Daughter live in and own the condo that is in the other half of the building that houses the condo that I own. One building, two condos, next door neighbors. Pretty simple).
We check on each other occasionally...

I fill the bird feeders so their cats, Molly and Bruce, can enjoy the avian shows during the days. 

Today I got a text from my neighbors including an update that one of their cats, Miss Molly, weighed in at 16 pounds at the vet! I replied back that she was one fat cat!

But, then I started thinking about it ~ is 16 pounds a lot for a cat? I have no clue! Fill me in with the facts folks. How much does your cat weight??

I googled to find some "fat cat" pictures, and there are some funny ones! These are my favorites (and Miss Molly does not look anything like either of these)!

 ...and why does this "fat cat" have more money than me?

So, "weigh in" and tell me how much your cat weighs...pictures would be nice, too! 

I am a Putnamaniac that wonders if a 16 pound cat is indeed fat!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Come over Saturday for Valentine's Day Cookie & Card making! The entire world is invited!

Come on over to this Putnamaniac's home this Saturday, February 9th, 1pm.

Because..........wait for it..............

We are going to make Valentine's Day cookies and cards ~ to hand out to all our loves... family, friends, neighbors ~ whomever you love.

Everyone in the entire world is welcome, and it will be very low key... so stop in and say hi, bake or eat a cookie, and make a card.

Enjoy Valentines Day!

My place is ready...even the chilly porch is decorated:

I am a Putnamaniac that can't wait to make some Valentines cookies and cards! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar, including Valentines Day!

Bradley's current show is No Sex Please, We're British!

The Bradley Playhouse is now featuring "No sex please, We're British". 

This is all I know of it, from the Bradley website excerpt:

This classic British sex farce (that our audiences love so well) tells the tale of a young bride’s mail order gone wrong.  Scandinavian glassware mistakenly becomes a veritable flood of pornography which threatens to engulf the happy couple.  Doors open and close resulting in hilarious mayhem and confusion as a muddled friend tries to set things right.

Tonight I will be checking it out, as well as volunteering for my first time at the Bradley... handing out programs, or ushering to seats, or something helpful. That should be fun! 

Will I see you there? Take advantage of some local, excellent, inexpensive, live entertainment! 

I am a Putnamaniac that will be enjoying the latest show tonight, a comedy, at the Bradley Playhouse!

Putnamaniac Fun Filled Activity Calendar

Toot Toot Feet Feet and other incorrect song lyrics!

The best thing "they" ever did was put radios in cars!

Every night on my way home at about 5:45, the whiner line is on WEEI sports radio. It is hi-freaking-larious! I could not get home without it! You can hear it online here, if you don't get this Boston station in your car.

Then, for the rest of the ride home, I play the "scan" game with myself. Literally just hit the scan button and try to guess the song each time the channel changes. It is stupidly fun, and you get to catch some great songs that you had forgotten about.

Tonight, I stopped the scanning to listen to Donna Summer's Bad Girls in its entirety. It flashed me back to years ago...that song and disco were in their heyday. Some of the classic lyrics to this song are "toot toot, beep beep". A little boy I knew of about 10 years old loved that song... but he sang "toot toot, feet feet" at the top of his lungs! What enjoyment he got out of that song, as I enjoyed his mislyrics and his youthful exuberance!

Other mislyrics I have had friends & relatives admit to are:
"Christmas is coming and Bruce is getting fat" (instead of the goose is getting fat)
"Ladd free Dom free" (instead of let freedom ring)
The list goes on... what mislyrics will you admit to??

So have fun in your car, with the radio, lyrics, memories, and entertaining yourself always!

I am a Putnamaniac that was singing "Toot toot, feet feet" tonight in my car!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar... Bradley Theater's Show starts tonight!