Self maintenance ~ easier said than done ~ and not recommended!

Religiously I maintain my car, and organize and clean my house, garage, office... Immaculate! I eat almost perfectly and exercise as regularly as I can with my schedule. Floss every day.

Previously I also religiously went to the doctor, dentist, blood bank, and hair stylist...but not so much lately.

I'm not exactly sure what happened, and I don't recommend this to others, but a few years ago, I got off track. I am horrified to admit that I have not been to a doctor or dentist since 2007... After a two period of cutting my own hair, I got a haircut in December of 2012, but my next appointment was canceled during one of those winter storms we had. Since then, I have done a few of my own snips as needed.

This is almost certainly all due to some major changes in my life during those years. Of course, I'd been spoiled by a great dentist, doctor, and hair stylist in RI, where I grew up and lived until I moved to CT, PA, and then back to CT. Although they are all still there, it is one heck of a long ride to get to them from Putnam. Besides, I am ensconced in a medical community here in Northeast CT. The hospital is only about a mile or two away from my house for goodness sake!

I write this blog in efforts to get back on track and on schedule with regular body maintenance visits. Recently, with the help of my sister, I updated the family's health history, so I can go into a new doctor armed with info.

Goodness only knows what is going on inside each of us, so we have to remember that we are as valuable as our cars and homes! It is ok to take the time for yourself.

I am a Putnamaniac that is in need of regular check ups again!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Easter Buns! (My friend Livia calls the bunnies "buns") I miss that girl!

When I lived for a very short time in Palmyra, PA, I met some great people and made some great memories. For geographical purposes, Palymrya is next door to the ever delicious Hershey, PA, and not far from Harrisburg, PA.

My job while there was working second shift (or the swing shift as we called it) in the "cage" of the new Hollywood Casino in Grantville, PA. That means I was locked up behind the scenes with all the money. Lots and lots of money!

As each new shift came in to replace the outgoing shift, all of the cash and checks were verified. On April 1st, Shan and I came in and began verifying the money, starting with the $100 dollar bills. The count was off by about $3,000,000 or so. I recounted. I looked in drawers. I looked in cupboards. I was starting to sweat. What was going on with the missing money??? The outgoing shift busted out in laughter, and sang me the "April Fools" chorus! Good times.

Every afternoon, I picked up my coworker, Livia, and every night, we'd drive home together. She was from Brazil, and she was a blast. Of course, we could get her goat by calling her "Livia from Bolivia". She would become highly offended. Apparently Bolivia is quite a step down from Brazil! She was also beautiful inside and out and quickly picked up the nickname "The Brazilian Bombshell".  We had some great laughs in my faithful Ford Focus. We'd cuss about the crap at work, then we'd laugh about it.

Just before Easter, as we headed home at sometime around 1-2 am, about 85 bunnies went running across the street, into yards, into fields ~ they were everywhere! Livia grabbed my arm, and yelled "Don't run over the buns.... one might be the Easter bun!" Then we laughed our heads off! We could picture having to tell her young daughter that Marcy had run over the Easter bun last night.
(Maybe it was our lack of sleep while adjusting to working the swing shift that made this so amusing to us)!

Luckily no buns at all were hurt in the making of this blog!

I can remember my last shift at the Casino before moving back to CT. Sitting in the car before going in to work, Livia and I lingered to spend a bit more time talking together.... but of course you know I was worried about being late, so I moved us along.

When I look back at my life, I try to focus on these great memories, because they are mine. They are also so much better than focusing on the not so great ones. Don't you agree?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves Easter because it reminds me of the Easter buns and of my friend Livia!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

It was a good Friday for an Airline Trail jog!

Yesterday I discovered that I would have today as an unexpected day off! Fabulous!!!

I awoke to a sunny day! Oooooh laaa laaaa.

Last night I had decided if it was nice out, I'd head out to the Airline Trail. I first experienced this area last fall, during one of The Last Green Valley's Walktobers.

At 10 am I took off from the Audubon land in Pomfret, and headed west along what used to be part of the railroad route from Boston to NY. My destination was Brooklyn Road, out near WeLikIt Ice Cream.. and then back to the Audubon Center again. Maybe a total of 10-12 miles or so I am guessing.
 

Spring is coming!!! I saw turtles, frogs, butterflies, bluebirds.. and heard loud spring peepers. Glorious!!!

Check out all the pictures I took today in my facebook album here. 

I am a Putnamaniac that is so excited that spring is on the way and it was a not only a good Friday, it was a GREAT Friday!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

MeHarmony ~ enjoy yourself!

We've all heard of EHarmony, the match making website.

These sorts of sites and groups have become quite popular in our online, fast paced, busy world.

I wonder, if you are that busy, how do you fit someone else in?? Why do you want to squeeze one more thing into an already jam packed life?? Is there time to go through the effort to meet someone?? Why aren't you happy in the few spare moments you have to just be with yourself??

My selfish idea has always been for MeHarmony!

For most of my life, I've been single. For about half of my life, I've lived alone. 

I love to spend time by myself - maybe a little to much, but I treasure doing what I want to do when I have some free time. Whether taking a jog, reading a book, watching a ball game, seeing a show, writing a blog, gardening, listening to music, even cleaning ~ I am ok to do it with myself!

How about you? Are you comfortable and happy with yourself? If not, get to know yourself, and learn to love yourself! It is a relief to spend time with someone you like!

I am a Putnamaniac that believes strongly in MeHarmony!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Man Oh Man! of LaMancha! Check it out at the Bradley Playhouse!

Up next at the Bradley Playhouse: The Man of LaMancha!

Interestingly enough, this musical was first performed in another great CT venue, The Goodspeed Opera House, in 1965.

Once again, I have never seen the show, nor do I know anything about it. (Although I had seen a few popular shows before moving to Putnam, my theatrical experiences have been broadened widely by the great local theater offered in Northeast CT).

Clearly I am looking forward to this show (and if I have time to volunteer, I will see it more than once)!!!

Will I see you there broadening your horizons?? I sure hope so!

You can "like" the Bradley Playhouse on facebook here.

I am a Putnamaniac that can't wait to see the Man of LaMancha! Oh Man!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Parking shortage downtown? I've never been bothered by walking a few more steps!

As Putnam becomes more popular, and more folks frequent downtown for the great restaurants, theater, shopping, and other community events, some worry about the parking "shortage".

It seems that parking has been a problem for a long time in the tiny little downtown area of Putnam. Probably happens in all small towns.

I don't get it.

I go downtown at the times when it is the busiest, and have never had a problem parking. Of course I don't look for, expect, or need to park at the front door of where I am going.

We are all supposed to be getting more heart healthy, working out, entering walks/races, so why are we not willing to park and walk a bit in our every day situations?

Seriously, the furthest I've parked and walked to any of my downtown Putnam destinations is probably 1/4 of a mile. After having to sit on my butt all week at work and driving in my car, I am thrilled to walk a few extra steps!

I  understand that not everyone can walk any distance more than a few steps due to a handicap. However, I am guessing that most of us can walk a few steps under our own power ~ perhaps the equivalent of a city block or two.

If you accept and enjoy the few extra steps, you will find plenty of parking in Putnam!

I am a Putnamaniac that has never had a parking problem in downtown Putnam!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

North vs South ~ what a difference a direction makes! (Especially in gardening)

It is amazing what a difference in growth there is depending on what side of the house your gardens are on or which direction they are facing.

Take a look at the toasty south facing side of my house. Daffodils and sedum popping up. (And they have recovered since their climb out of a few recent snow coverings).

Chilly, darker north facing side of my house. Snow! Enough all ready - get outta here!

Choose wisely what you plant and where. Better yet, choose wisely when buying a home. Notice which direction it faces and whether it will be warmer and brighter naturally by the way it faces. Then, choose what suits your likes!

I am a Putnamaniac that prefers the south facing side!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Woodstock Fair Poster Contest! Get out your imagination & skills and do it!

Although I am looking forward to a long, hot summer, it is still not that long until we will be going to the Woodstock Fair ~ Always on Labor Day Weekend.

But... I don't want to rush it! I am a summer lover.

There is something sooner than the actual fair ~ a contest is coming up for the Woodstock Fair's poster! There are even 3 cash prizes for the top 3 winners.

I have no skills, but I do have good ideas, so the lack of skill never stops me. One of these days an idea will translate nicely into a finished product. Here is my entry, for what it is worth. (It is not easy to see everything in this picture of my poster, but peeking around the huge pumpkin are a pig, cow, and sheep, along with a tractor and ferris wheel in the background, with some corn & apples in the foreground. The fall leaves at the bottom note that the fair is indeed "Always Labor Day Weekend")

What I am suggesting is that if you have real skills, enter this contest yourself!
Register by May 4th.
Deliver the finished product to the Fairgrounds on Saturday, May 11th, from 10am-noon.

Here is the form ~ they will need your name, address, and phone number added to it.

Good luck!

I am a Putnamaniac that wishes she had some mad artistic skills!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Putnam Farmer's Co-Op brings me back to an EG, RI back street Grain Store from days past

Putnam Farmer's Co-Op is a cool place in town. My mom, still a Rhode Islander, has even contacted them in her search for a few silkie chicks.

Every time I pass it, I am reminded of Mr. Lee's Grain Store on the back streets of East Greenwich, RI, that I visited often as a kid.

My children's storybook character has even had a visit there. Check it out!

 

Farmer Nubbins Visits the Grain Store

(Story notes: This story brings back all the memories of going to Mr. Lee’s grain store on the back streets of East Greenwich as a little kid. The smells of grain and hay and fuel were fantastic. Is it any wonder I have spent over 25 years of my adult life working at a tree farm as a part-time fun job just to keep those senses in touch with the past? What fun it was to run wild in what seemed like a gigantic warehouse of surprises, with little kitties hiding everywhere… I was very lucky to meet someone as kind to kids as Mr. Lee was when I was a little girl. June 200)

Farmer Nubbins awoke early and rubbed his eyes.
He peeked out the window and saw the sun rising in the sky.

He hopped out of bed, put on his work pants and boots,
A farm is no place to wear a fancy suit.

Farmer Nubbins then had a good breakfast, including some juice.
“Squawck, Bock” – what was that commotion? “Oh my, some of the chickens got loose.”

Farmer Nubbins ran outside and rounded up the loose chicks.
He put them in their cage and locked it up with some sticks.

Now that things were all settled, Farmer Nubbins opened the barn door.
He went in and picked his feeding pails up off the floor.

“My animals sure eat a lot,” said Farmer Nubbins as he looked into the grain bin.
“It’s almost empty, I’d better get more before everyone gets hungry, and they no longer grin.

This meant a trip to the grain store in town.
Everyone knew it was the best place around.

So Farmer Nubbins finished his chores and hopped into his truck.
The driveway was a bit muddy, but he didn’t get stuck.

Before he knew it, Farmer Nubbins was where he wanted to be.
He had arrived at the grain store, owned by Mr. Lee.

Mr. Lee’s Grain Store was always such a fun place to be.
People of all ages loved it, and some of the little kids called it “Mr. Wee’s.”

“Mr. Wee, Mr. Wee,” called out some kids as they ran inside.
“Can we go out back in the hay bales and hide?”

“Of course you can play. Go have a blast.”
Mr. Lee knew summer vacation would go by very fast.

Not only were the bales of hay piled high on the floor,
There were many other things to find and explore.

If you looked in the corners you could always find a little kitty.
Some were frisky, some fluffy, but all were quite pretty.

Sometimes Mr. Lee would have baby bunnies or chicks.
He even had an old dog that could roll over and do tricks.

Mr. Lee’s store had grains, oats, and seeds of every kind.
They were all lined up neatly so they were easy to find.

Farmer Nubbins shopped for his animals and filled his cart high.
Then he paid Mr. Lee, loaded his truck, and waved goodbye.

As Farmer Nubbins’ truck came into view, his animals’ eyes grew wide.
They could see all the bags of grain piled up over the sides.

Farmer Nubbins unloaded his truck and put everything in its place.
When he was done, he had filled every space.

Every farm animal now agreed, from the goats to the hens,
that Mr. Lee’s grain store was a great place, even though they’d never been.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves grain stores, like Putnam Farmer's Co-Op!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Godspell ~ fall under the heavenly spell of the Complex Performing Arts Centre!

The Complex Performing Arts Centre opens up their production of Godspell tomorrow night.

It runs Fridays and Saturdays March 22, 23, 29, 30 at 8pm and Sunday, March 24, 2013 at 2pm.

I have never seen this show, but clearly by its name I can figure out it is based on something religious. (I am as sharp as a tack)!

There is a song that comes into my head often, mostly when I am thinking about life's daily journey, living healthy, exercise. That song is "Day by Day". It comes from this musical. (Listen here on youtube). 

The best part of seeing any local theater here in Northeast CT is that the talent is HUGE, and yet it is all done by folks you know that live here along side you.

The folks who will be sitting along side me for the show are some fine neighbors of mine, and I can bet they know every word and sing right along. Those are the kind of folks to go to a show with!

Aren't I lucky? YES I AM!

There is time for you to get to one of these heavenly shows. Do it! Give them a call and get your tickets now: 860-963-7170.

I am a Putnamaniac that can't wait to fall under the heavenly spell of the Complex Performing Arts Centre!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

New Casino to open in Putnam!!! Moniker to be PutnamaniaMANIA!

A new casino to open in Putnam???

No way!

There is no truth to the rumor that I am going to refinish my lower level with gaudy, ugly patterned carpet, block out all natural light, pipe in loud "BING - BONG" noises on top of mind numbing muzak, offer watered down drinks, take most of your money, yet throw you a few coins once in while to keep you desperately hopeful in a casino named PutnamaniaMANIA.

The entire condo neighbor would certainly object, since it breaks more rules than a Renegade would dare to break.

It is also not necessary, since Putnam and Northeast CT have so much other superior entertainment to offer and for you to enjoy.

There are local theaters like the Bradley Playhouse, The Complex, The Little Theater on Broadstreet.

Live music is in fine tune at the Stomping Ground and at Bella's Open Mic Nights.

Drinks and dining can tickle your tastebuds at the Courthouse Bar & Grille, Bella's, 85 Main, Victoria Station, Someplace Special, and more.

Nature abounds for hiking, biking, kayaking, walking, fishing... and The Last Green Valley can help you find just what you are looking for in those departments, as well as all other farming, agricultural, orchards, and antiquing opportunities.

There are events scheduled quite often and you can find out about them all on WINY Radio's upcoming events page.

So I guess you can see why Putnam does not need a casino, even one named PutnamaniaMANIA. because there is plenty more solid stuff going on here!

I am a Putnamaniac because we have tons of solid, quality fun & entertainment going on here!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Little girls in matching dresses ~ some simple stitches deliver sincere joy!

For some reason I don't have a ton of memories of childhood and growing up. Do you?

Perhaps I have the memories, but maybe I have always kept so busy that I don't take the time to remember back to those simple, innocent days.

However, when something randomly triggers a memory, I wrap myself around it as tightly as I can and go back to that time and that memory...

Today I saw two little girls, who were not sisters but friends, dressed in the same outfit.

(you get the idea...)

March 2013 blew away, and I was transported back to the mid 1960s.

Early morning sunshine, birds tweeting, coffee & toast smelling up the house, and I was up, dressed and ready to go.

Opening the door to a fine spring morning ~ destination: Davisville Elementary ~ twirling in my brand new dress no less. I loved to twirl and get the skirt of my dress to open like an umbrella! Sure I got a little dizzy on occasion, but it was so fun!

My mom made the dress for me, and that was not entirely unusual back in those days. I felt fine! School was one of my favorite things, and it was going to be a great day. I was of course in a hurry, since even as a kid I did not want to be late. So I enjoyed the start of the day as only a worry wart type of kid can, and hastily crossed to street to pick up my best friend ever, Valorie, for our walk to school.

(Val was not quite so concerned with the minutes ticking away, nor was she an eternal time keeper as I was, so her mom and I moved her along as best we could most days).

As their front door opened to my knock-knock-knock, there stood Valorie, not only ready to go, which was a surprise in itself...but she was wearing the same dress as me!!! Lo and behold, our mothers had made matching dresses for us. As a 6 or 7 year old little girl in the mid 1960s, this was quite a treat. Not much more could make you feel that special or lucky ~ you and your best friend going to school in matching dresses!

As the years go by, I wonder if I imagined that whole memory. How could I? It had to have been real. I even remember the dresses...

Either way, I still love that memory, and I remember all the amazingly nice things my mom did for me, my brothers and sister when were kids. She still continues to do them to this very day.

Although it has been quite a long time since I was a kid with nothing but innocent joy up my sleeve, I love to revisit those days when they come back to me.

I hope today's children, with so much at their disposal in this instant gratification world, still get those breathtaking moments of surprise and pleasure.

What do you remember as such a lovely surprise of your childhood?

I am a Putnamaniac that was reminded today of how some simple stitches could deliver sincere joy!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

PutnaMermaid spotted in the River!

My mind constantly searches for a way to spend more time in Putnam, my home sweet home.

Since I don't work in town, but in another world, just over an hour away working rather long days, I am really only home for some time on the weekends.

Tonight a brilliant idea struck me! Voila! Putnam has all these lovely rivers... so you know what I am thinking... right???

Mermaid!! A mermaid would fit right in here!

Putnam's own version of the Loch Ness Monster, but oh so much more friendly. What an attraction!

Of course, she would be called the PutnaMermaid.


Set aside the fact that I don't like to be submerged in water ~ neither in the ocean, lakes, rivers, nor even pools, but hey, if it would keep me in Putnam more, then I am willing to give it a try.

In the meantime, if you are looking to learn more about all of our waterways in Northeast CT, check out The Last Green Valley's website. They will hook you up!

I am a Putnamaniac that is willing to be a PutnaMermaid if it allows me to stay in Putnam a bit more!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Cargill Falls is falling swiftly with the spring rains and snow melt!

Cargill Falls is always a beautiful, compelling, mesmerizing, and hypnotizing place.

In the spring it is generally amped up and falling very swiftly.

Last evening I was on the other side of the Cargill Falls Route 44/Kennedy Drive bridge, along the River Trail and loved the sound of the water so much, captured this video.

Enjoy, and visit it in person as often as you can!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the swiftly falling Cargill Falls!

Putnamania Activity Calendar

The Music Man Junior is playing, so get your 76 trombones ready!

Recently I went to enjoy my first show ever at The Little Theater on Broad Street.

I loved it!!! It was fun, entertaining, nearby, and inexpensive. What is there not to like?

Their current show is The Music Man Junior.

The movie is great (Shirley Jones and a very young Ron Howard amongst many others starred in that classic). The musical play is great, too, and I've seen it done by a few different groups.  Even the Simpsons did a Music Man spoof.

I am no Nostradamus, but I expect the Little Theater's show will be top notch!

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

Get your tickets and be ready to enjoy 76 trombones in the big parade, up close and personal, at the Little Theater on Broad Street. 

I am a Putnamaniac and a huge fan of all the local theater in NECT!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

The Sugar Shack is a great destination this weekend! March 16 & 17, 2013

If you are looking for something fun to do this upcoming weekend, the Fabyan Sugar Shack is OPEN ~ Saturday March 16th & Sunday March 17th from 10am - 4pm!

The Fabyan Sugar Shack is having an open house ~ a Maple Cotton Candy Festival ~ featuring all sorts of maple delights (like maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, maple sugar, maple jelly, maple ice cream toppings, maple pepper rubs & seasonings).

Their address is 384 Fabyan Rd, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255.
Their phone is 860-935-9281 and/or 860-617-5159.

Experience a little old fashioned New England fun and flavor this weekend. Mmmmmmaple!

I am a Putnamaniac that is going to check out some maple deliciousness this weekend! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

 

24 little minutes of selfish time ~ be sure to take some time for yourself as often as you can!

Not much "yourself" time is needed each day to make a person happy, but it is needed!

Mondays are sacrificed in my life to everything other than "myself" time. I can live with that....giving up one day to enjoy a little "myself" time for the other six.

However, you know life.... it is so greedy and demanding sometimes. Before you know it, a few more days of your life have flown by and you haven't had any "yourself" time in days.

So after a few days of no "myself" time for a few days, I managed to find 24 minutes after work today.

Just 24 minutes all by yourself, being selfish and doing exactly what you want is quite refreshing!

The stop for a 2.5 mile jog after work at the Windham Airport/Reservoir path served as that refreshment for me today.

Afterwards, I hopped in the car, enjoying the setting sun and the fingernail moon, the fresh crisp air.

The drive home was extra nice, listening to the Woodstock Academy boys basketball team win the semis on WINY Radio!

Do you listen to your inner self and provide yourself with the time you need? I know it is tough to find it in this busy world, but the 24 minutes I came up with tonight, made me feel like "Marcy, the self proclaimed Queen of Putnamania" for the rest of my night.

...this is an old picture I took looking out my bedroom window one morning...the heart is handmade by my cousin and serves as a daily reminder to take care of myself...

 

Take care of yourself ~ physically and mentally. You deserve it!

I am a Putnamaniac that really needs those few minutes of selfish "me" time every day!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

My Deary Fundraising project has already started, and the annual race is not until August!

Talk about being prepared! Well, I was a Brownie and a Girl Scout as a kid...

The 24th Annual Deary Race/Walk/Run/Ride is coming up ~ Saturday, August 10th, 2013.

Last year I raised a little over $700 to donate to this fund, which supports local people with cancer, by trying to run the 5 mile race ten times, for a total of 50 miles. (I made it 25 miles one day, and 20 miles the next day. That was acceptable to me).

My buddy created and does this over the top extension of the usual 5 mile run to a 50 mile run fundraiser... he does it year after year, with ease. He does it because he lost loved ones to cancer. He is a machine.

I have not yet decided about me and 50 miles this year, but that is probably because it is still yucky weather out. Once it gets nicer, I might commit.

In the meantime, I have started my fundraiser. Taking some great pictures from past Deary Races and the beautiful memorial gardens at JD Coopers, I am making greeting cards and collages to sell with fabulous pink colors. The works have begun, card stock has been cut & folded.

I do have plenty of time to complete this project, but it will probably be complete within a week or two!

I am a Putnamaniac working on my Deary Fundraiser already!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

This annual has a long rooted desire to live! On and on and on it grows!

A few years back, in early fall of 2007, I moved to Palmyra, PA, for a short time.

I met some fabulous people there, but I really missed New England and moved back "home" in late spring of 2008.

While I was gone, my mom babysat one of my children ~ a holiday cactus. It is a really old specimen, and a bit fragile, so instead of taking it on that long drive to PA, I thought it best to leave it in good hands with a renowned gardener, my mom.

My beloved cactus picked up a hitchhiker while staying with my mom. This impatiens hopped on board sometime in the fall of 2007, and was settled in nicely when I gathered up the plant to bring to my CT home in May of 2008. 

It is now March of 2013 and this impatiens is still settled in. It blooms almost continually.

There is a good story here.... this is an annual that has been living since 2007 ~ for over 5 years now!

If I were a prolific author, I would be able to make this into a magical novel.

Alas, I am not, so I will simply enjoy the magical story of this annual, with a long rooted desire to live as it flowers its pink beauty on me.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves this impatiens' will to live on and on!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

I love having to appear at the Courthouse Bar & Grille!

One of my most favoritest places in all of Putnam is the Courthouse Bar & Grille.

Yes, I did say favoritest... which I know is not a real word, but I think it should be.

This place has great atmosphere, service, food and drink.

The Courthouse is also a great community minded and involved small business, right here about a mile away from where I live.

How can you beat that? The answer is: it is unbeatable. Give them a try when you come to visit Putnam. There is truly something for everyone!

You can "like" the Courthouse in person and on facebook here. 

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to go to court at this Courthouse!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Beautiful back yard mornings!

Stunning sunshine, reflecting off yesterday's new snow, woke me brightly this morning.

So clear, so bright, so clean!

As I was doing the weekly chores, cleaning, changing sheets, I opened my bedroom windows to hear the river rolling by, and the original tweeters ~ birds ~ tweeting out their "it is almost spring" song.

Check out what I enjoy every single morning. Having a river, in my case the Little River, as your back yard neighbor, is nothing but heaven on earth. How can you wonder why I love this place?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves my beautiful back yard mornings!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

I am positive that I will welcome spring!!!! Hopefully soon!

Putnamania is about finding something positive every single day. It is easy to do here.

On this day, at the end of the first week of March, yet more snow has fallen ~ about another twelve inches worth.

looking out upon snow, snow, snow...

So, today I am positive that I will welcome spring with open arms this year! How about you?

Putnam is gorgeous in the spring!

I am a Putnamaniac looking forward to the arrival of SPRING!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Join in the fun by entering local events, like the O'Putnam 5k this Sunday!

If you have never joined in a community event, like our upcoming O'Putnam 5k this Sunday, you should do it!

 Here is a shot of me and great friends before last year's O'Putnam 5k

There is nothing to fear, and only good fun, exercise and fresh air to gain.

Most of these events can be walked or jogged if you are not a runner. Most people can walk the 5k distance (3.1 miles). The only person you need to beat is yourself. So relax on the pressure, and sign up for this great event, or one near you soon. The atmosphere and camaraderie are contagious.

Lots of these sort of community events support local causes, too.

Most events include a t-shirt in the entry fee! It is fun to collect the t-shirts and see people around town with the same t-shirts you have.

Just get out and do it!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves having fun in local 5k events!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Owls - whoooooo????

Lately I have had a few friends who have spotted owls and even taken pictures of them in their yards.

I have only seen an owl once, on a night hike at the Audubon land in Pomfret. It was.... AWESOME!

However, I feel that I am going to see another owl again, soon... very soon... perched atop a branch for me to view in all the splendor of nature.

But until that happens, I was thinking about the tootsie pop owl.

Remember that commercial from back in the day? How many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? (See the commercial here). How can you answer that? As a matter of fact, I still love tootsie pops and have never been able to keep track of how many licks.

So, keep on looking for owls! I sure will, as I lick my tootsie pop.

I am a Putnamaniac just waiting to see an owl perched in the trees behind my house!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

 

The Blueberry Muffin fairy was at my house today!

You've all been visited by the tooth fairy, Santa, Easter Bunny... but has the Blueberry Muffin fairy ever visited you???

She made a stop at my house today!

Homemade blueberry muffins sat at my front door step waiting for me when I got home from work just now! YUM!  (And oh so much better than a flaming bag of poop)!

I am no Sherlock Holmes, but I suspect that it was my sweet neighbor, Claire, that baked and delivered them to me. I choose great friends, don't I??

I hope you get or give a great surprise like this today, or some day very soon!

I am a Putnamaniac that loved my visit from the Blueberry Fairy!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

End of the day bonding makes it all good.

I work in a very small office of a construction company. In the past, I was the only office employee, and I was by myself a lot of the time.

Now I do have an in-office coworker, although he is based in our office's "mantown", down in the lower level of the house. 

My days are spent in front of the computer, handling lots and lots of paperwork, perched on my stability ball on the upper level of the office, looking out a huge window into scenic Andover, CT. So basically, I still work by myself most of the time.

All my other coworkers are out there in the "field", working their butts off, in all sorts of weather, building America. Think about that! Even today seemed so cold and windy... and it is March for goodness sakes. Remember back not that long ago to those days with strong winds and temps hovering around 0 degrees. Imagine working with cold steel outside for 8 hours a day? It was so windy one day that one of the guy's hard hat blew right off his head and into the river under the bridge they were working on.

At the end of the day, these construction guys call in and report each of their crew's hours to me. It is a time I look forward to... to find out how these guys made out each day, to tell each other a joke, to talk about their weekends, and to thank them for their hard work.

Nowadays, negative reinforcement is all too common. I do not like it, and I do not approve of it. Teamwork and camaraderie are very important to me. This is what I get from those daily calls from my coworkers. Thank goodness for that!

Here are a few of the guys, hanging off of a wall they are building. Notice how close the railroad is behind them. Luckily, this is close to a station, so the train goes past them very slowly.... but oh, I have heard some other stories. These guys are tough!

I hope you have some great coworkers, too!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves bonding with my coworkers!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Get your run on ~ O'Putnam 5k is Sunday, March 10th!

Next Sunday, March 10, 2013 welcomes in the 2nd O'Putnam 5k.

Although this is a not so gorgeous time of year, that is all the more reason to get out and have some fun. Sign up, walk, jog, run, skip, do cartwheels for all we care, just come on out to Putnam for some fun!

I am a Putnamaniac that will get my jog on at the 2013 O'Putnam 5k!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Glimpses of spring ~ it is coming!

By this time of year, as winter winds down, we look for signs of spring.

Daffodils, tulips, crocus peeking out of the melting snow.

Forsythia and weeping willow buds getting fat.

The stinky smell of skunks waking up and letting us know they are here.

Washing windows to let the sun shine in.

Birds singing a slightly different song.

Days growing longer.

Seeing five of your neighbors in ONE day!

What signs of spring are you seeing?

I am a Putnamaniac looking for and finding signs of spring!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Cupcakes are a cookin' for Putnamania this weekend!

Right now all I can smell is delicious, moist, yummy cuppy-cakes!

Why am I in a baking frenzy??

There is the big Empty Bowl event in Putnam tomorrow night at the Congregational Church, 175 Main Street, and they need desserts. I can handle dessert cooking, so am happy to chip in!

Plus, I also plan to visit my pals at Putnam's Habitat ReStore, 171 Providence Street, and of course, they love treats!

So there you go. Let the cupcake frenzy continue!

I hope you are looking forward to the weekend, too, and some great community fun!

I am a Putnamaniac in a cupcake cooking frenzy!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar