Being as busy as a bee works for me!

I have always loved to keep busy. Sometimes I almost feel a little too busy, but that is still preferable over having too much time on my hands.

There is no time to mope, to get depressed, to dwell on past things. There is barely time to tinkle!

This is a big secret to life, which took me some years to figure out for myself.

Find out what works for you, and use it to better your life. Be true to yourself. Don't try to fit in or be what you think other people want you to be. Be YOU, like YOU, be proud of who YOU are!

It is understood that what makes me tick is not what makes you tick. So discover yourself and bloom!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to keep busy!

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The little things, like popcorn boxes, can make you feel like royalty!

I have a special friend.

She is special because she is sincere, she listens, she shares, she cares, she is welcoming, she goes above and beyond.

She is all that and a bag of chips.

Something she did the other night is just a perfect example of what an amazing person she is and how she thinks of ways to make people feel so special.

She won 4 free tickets to Disney on Ice at the DCU Center in Worcester from our favorite WINY Radio.   Since just she, her son and her step daughter were going, I was lucky enough to get invited.

I LOVE THIS KIND OF THING!!! Lights, costumes, music... Disney!

We arrive, find our seats, and I am totally ready to see Woody & Buzz, and Tinkerbell, and Arielle, and whoever else is in tow.

My friend pulls out some popcorn from her bag for all of us. Not just a baggie full of popcorn, put popcorn bags full of popcorn.

Seriously!? This is over the top thoughtful.

I have been single and rather frugal for most of my adult life. That is how I have been able to get ahead slowly but surely all by myself. My family did not have a heck of a lot when I was a kid, so I appreciate the little things. I can't imagine how families with kids today make it! Everything is so expensive, and everyone expects everything. To work within a budget, but still be able to give your kids a treat at a show and make them feel like kings and queens is simply awesome.

I tried to explain to my friend just how awesome these simple things she does day in and day out are. I had to fight back the tears. She is awesome! Plain and simple.

That is why I am lucky in my life. I know people who do all the little things to make their family (and friends) feel like royalty.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the little things that my awesome friends do!

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Get involved ~ the first steps of anything are always the hardest, but well worth it!

Involve:  
*to engage as a participant.  
*to commit (as oneself) emotionally
*to surround as if with a wrapping

I love this time of year (spring)! because there are tons of things to be involved in. I love getting out and doing "stuff" because it always makes me feel better, it makes me feel vital and involved. 

Perhaps not everyone is wired this way, but I am. I have a lot of energy and need to keep busy, so involvement in "stuff" is good. 

It is hard to take that first step and show up for something... but once you do it, you will be hooked!

There are so many things available in my small community to be involved in, and yet don't ask for any long term commitment. This morning was a perfect example. A town clean up was scheduled. All you had to do was show up. Bags, gloves and a clean up route were provided. Clean up time was about 2-1/2 hours, then you got lunch in the park. Come on! What is not to like? We had some laughs and I always treasure these moments, to be remembered forever. 

"Remember that day we picked up 123,434,234,998,458 cigarette butts" 

Along with this involvement comes the perks of getting out and catching a beautiful sight like this: 

Of course, I got a little dirty and sweaty along the way, but I am more comfortable like that!

Now who wants to come check me for ticks?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to be involved in all that I can! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Spring cleaning time this Saturday in Putnam! 'Tis the season for cleaning our town and your medicine cabinet!

OK, so I like to clean ALL the time, not just in the spring. I can't help myself!

Last weekend I noticed all sorts of "stuff" piled up on curbsides for the weekly rubbish pick up. It seems everyone is in the mood for spring cleaning.

This spring cleaning theme spreads to the whole town with the annual Putnam Beautification day this Saturday!

It also includes Drug Take Back Day, so you can clean out your medicine cabinet and drop off unused or out of date meds at the Riverview Farmers Market on Kennedy Drive.

The Putnam Business Association has put together all of this fine information on their website, as well as tons of other upcoming events and local business information.

I'll be joining in at the clean up as a volunteer Ranger for The Last Green Valley, and I encourage you to join in. Great teamwork and camaraderie will be present and accounted for in full force. Maybe even a little healthy competition between the different teams/different areas. And of course, LUNCH afterwards! These are all some of my favorite things. How can you beat them?

Here are the details from the Putnam Business Association:
Meet at 8:30 a.m. in Rotary Park
Participants will break off into groups and work together to remove trash and litter
from various areas through out Putnam. All the necessary tools will be provided, including gloves and trash bags. Don’t forget to meet back up in Rotary Park around 11:oo a.m. for a FREE lunch as our way of saying “THANK YOU.” For more information on the PBA’s Beautification Day, contact Committee Chair Anna Zubkova at (860) 928-3777

So, don't forget about these two "neat" events this Saturday, April 27th, 2013 in Putnamania!

I am a Putnamaniac that will be a part of the clean up day, since I love my town!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Notables and Notorious ~ brought to you by The Last Green Valley!

The Last Green Valley has some great presentations they offer. They are very entertaining!

Tonight, I am headed to the Pearle L. Crawford Memorial Library, in Dudley MA to enjoy this great topic of Notable & Notorious!

This is one of the most popular presentations, featuring Curious and Infamous Characters from The Last Green Valley. A TLGV Ranger(s) will introduce you to the more “interesting” people that lived in the region.  From colorful characters, to soldiers, statesmen and spies, to the well-know and not-so-well known entrepreneurs, The Last Green Valley was home to many people who, in their own unique way, shaped the region, state and country.

The Last Green Valley also has these other 25-30 minute Illustrated Power Point Programs for Your Organization

The Last Green Valley: It’s Where You Live-It's the last sliver of rural landscape along the northeastern seaboard of the United States, so unique that Congress designated the region a National Heritage Corridor.  Join our TLGV Ranger to celebrate the natural and cultural resources we share and discover how to ensure they remain for the next generation.

Connecting the Drops: Source to Sea Through The Last Green Valley-Join our TLGV Ranger on a “visual” paddle down rivers, streams, lakes and ponds of The Last Green Valley all the way to Long Island Sound.  Explore the water resources of the region and learn how to ensure good water quality for future generations.

On The Wild Side:  Exploring the Flora and Fauna of The Last Green Valley-The Last Green Valley is almost 80% undeveloped land with a multitude of opportunities for exploring the outdoors.  Whether hiking, paddling, pedaling, or simply observing wildlife, the region has a rich assortment of venues for enjoying the natural environment.  Join a TLGV Ranger for an informative program on the “wilder side” of The Last Green Valley.

These are great programs for garden clubs, civic clubs, a fun work event, church groups, senior centers, etc!

If you are interested in booking a TLGV Ranger to provide an illustrated power point program to your group or association, please contact Bill Reid at 860-774-3300, bill@tlgv.org.

You can "like" The Last Green Valley and the Crawford Library on facebook.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the fun & informative presentations done by The Last Green Valley!

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Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Good finds at the Habitat ReStore!

Took a nice walk with a friend yesterday, through town, along the River Trail, with a stop along the way at the Putnam Habitat ReStore. (171 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. Phone: (860) 928-2200).

The ReStore was a great place for a stop along our walk, since we met and became friends both volunteering here.

Sometimes it is like a treasure hunt in there.... and if you look around enough, you just might find something with your name written on it. I found three things yesterday, and it all added up to under $20 (and I paid more than they wanted since it is for a good cause ~ building houses)!

1. A nice corner shelf that just needed some cleaning:
2.  
   
   
   2. Wall candle holders, but so much more happy to be plant holders:

The third item is a wooden planter that I will fill with flowers and put on the back patio this summer!

Sweet deals ~ you just have to look ~ and stop in often!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the cool stuff and good finds at the Habitat ReStore!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Nice weather safety reminders!

The nice weather is getting here... slowly but surely... some days more than others, but it is coming!

This brings everyone outdoors! People that have been cooped up all winter are rearing to go!

This also brings out some not so safe behavior. I see people walking  dressed in all black, at dusk. Bikes are darting out across traffic. People chasing dogs or balls out into the streets without looking.

Since lots of streets are without sidewalks in smaller or rural towns, it pays to have good habits, use common sense, and get safety on your side.

1. Walk or jog facing or into traffic. Do not have the traffic at your back.
2. Wear bright, if not reflective clothing if you will be out at dawn and/or dusk and in the dark.
3. If you wear earbuds, keep them at a volume so that you can still hear people and vehicles approaching you.
4. Always look both ways when crossing a street. Duh!
5. Even if you have the "right of way", remember vehicles are bigger than you and will certainly do more damage to you than you will do to them.

Teach your kids these simple safety common sense things, and they will become a part of every day life!

I am a Putnamaniac that is happy to see everyone outside enjoying the spring weather, safely!

 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Free Comic Book Day! It is everywhere, including right here in Putnam at Wonderland Comics!

Recently I heard an interview on WINY radio.

It was about free Comic Book Day. This year it is Saturday, May 4th, 2013.

Luckily, we have a local business right here in Putnam that offers up this great deal! Wonderland Comics will be open and involved in Free Comic Book Day!

Cool!

There are tons of other things going on in Northeast CT on this day, Saturday, May 4, 2013, so it would be worth your while to come for a visit if you are not from the area. Here are just some of the other things going on:

Pomfret Townwide tag sale

Jog with Judy in Woodstock

Harmonies and Hops in Killingly

Check us out! We know how to have fun in NECT!

I am a Putnamaniac that will check out the Free Comic Book Day at Wonderland Comics!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Putnam's Family Dollar Store is looking good! And I know why!!!!

Do you have a Dollar Store near you??

I do!
I stopped in the other night for a hummingbird feeder (now is the time to get them up) and was impressed how clean, neat and organized this little store is.

Of course, it should be no surprise to me, since my friend, Cyndy, was recently named store manager.

Although this might not be technically considered a "local business", in my book it is, since it employs local people, and gives them the chance to shine and show what they can do.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves my local Family Dollar Store, and the new manager!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Nice crack ~ Filled up with a cute little pansy!

Nature will grow where it wants, and the desire to live is certainly so strong it is amazing if you think about it and don't take it for granted.

I passed this little pansy coming up out of this crack in the sidewalk/building downtown the other day. It amazes me!

Keep your eyes open for these little wonders of nature.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves how nature revives itself, even in the smallest of cracks!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

50 lbs in less than 4 months ~ YES ~ it can be done with determination!

I am not doing an ad for Dr. Oz.

I am letting you know that hard work, diet & exercise changes, and pure determination & dedication really do work.

Wondering how I know this???

I have a friend who fits the description, and she is so inspirational! She keeps every promise she makes, and this time she made one to herself.

Starting in early January for a local "Biggest Loser" competition, she turned the dial on her decision for a healthier lifestyle to overdrive.

She began exercising, very religiously. She is now happily addicted.

She followed the weight watcher food program, eating healthy foods and appropriate portions.

It is now mid-April. She has lost 50 lbs+ .

WAIT - DID YOU SEE THAT??? IN LESS THAN FOUR MONTHS SHE HAS LOST MORE THAN 50 LBS. 

This was all done in a healthy fashion, and with a goal for a lifestyle of this behavior.

Her legs are a lot shorter than my longer ones,  and while we are out on a walk/talk, I now have to move it to keep up with her!

I am a Putnamaniac that is so glad my friend has this determination for a healthy lifestyle, since I want her around for a long time ~ so we can continue to do fun & active stuff!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Rebudgeting time and money for stuff I like - flowers and mulch!

Do you rebudget not only your money, but your time?

There is only so much of each to go around, so sometimes you have to do this rebudgeting.

Today I used money and time that probably should have used to buy new clothes or get a haircut, but what fun is that. I don't like to use time or money to do either.

Sooo......

Yup, the little faithful focus trunk was loaded up with mulch and a few colorful annuals to get things brightened up in the Renegade Garden.

Money and time well spent, at least for me!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to rebudget for stuff I like!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

2nd Annual Harmonies and Hops ~ Celebrate the harmonies of spring in Danielson, CT!

Danielson will be rocking on Saturday, May 4th, 2013.

The 2nd annual Harmonies and Hops will take place.

Head out to Main & Furnace Streets to catch all the fun!

Here is a list from the Harmonies and Hops Facebook page: 

 10AM - Weekend Warrior Relay Race ( KPRD @ Camp Q )
- - - - - Touch-A-Truck
- - - - - Kids Activities
10:30AM - Amazing Animalz - Animal show
11AM - Up Top - Tie Dye Shirt Making
12:30PM - Amazing Animalz - Animal Show
1PM - Riley's Sandwich Shoppe - Make-A-Cupcake
1:30PM - Pizza Pizzazz - Pizza Eating Contest
2PM - 6PM : Beer & Wine Tasting
3PM - DAS - Homebrew Competition

I am a Putnamaniac that will be celebrating the harmonies (and hops) of spring at Harmonies and Hops!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Pomfret Townwide Tag Sale set for Saturday, May 4th, 2013

Saturday, May 4th, 2013 is going to be one busy day in Northeast CT.  (See Jog with Judy blog from a couple of days ago, and look for more blogs with events for this day coming soon).

You will need to plan your time accordingly to fit in all the fun, but you can do it!

If you love yard sales, tag sales, garage sales... you will need to hit Pomfret's 7th annual town wide tag sale. 

Click here for tag sale details.

Get out and take advantage of this great day of bargains and fun!

Be sure to stop at The Vanilla Bean Cafe for breakfast or lunch to repower yourself.

I am a Putnamaniac that was glad to spot the Pomfret town wide tag sale signs on the drive home tonight!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Jog with Judy ~ and view beautiful Woodstock while you are at it!

Jog with Judy is a great community event coming up, and tons of folks will be running, jogging, walking for this great cause.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 4, 2013 ~ 10 am. That is the date for this year's Jog with Judy Event . This is the 8th straight year for this event in honor of Judy.

Jog with Judy is held in gorgeous Woodstock, CT ~ and it is gorgeous in all seasons, particularly in early May. Meet at Roseland Park Road.

Although it was a tragic event and took Judy from the earthly world, it is wonderful that she is honored in this annual event. Get your walking or jogging shoes on, and meet me there.

I am a Putnamaniac that will Jog with Judy, albeit slowly as usual, on May 4th!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Harley Davidson ~ red light pals enjoying an outstanding spring day!

You know it is spring when motorcycles appear everywhere.

As I sat at a red light today, with an older fellow on a Harley Davidson in front of me, another Harley with an older couple aboard pulled up beside him.

They exchanged nods and smiles.

When they light turned green, they both revved 'em up and jetted off on their separate ways, one turning left, one continuing straight ahead on the long and winding road.

The fun they shared in their friendly nods, smiles, and accelerations made me exceptionally happy. I'm not sure why exactly, except that they were so happy, it just made me happy. I love seeing that sort of thing. Brotherhood and camaraderie for no other reason except both parties were out enjoying a ride on their "hogs".

Happiness is clearly contagious.

Do you notice these little things? I look for them, and they are everywhere. Thank goodness.

 I am a Putnamaniac that enjoyed some Harley red light pals!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Sunshiney smiles! Did you see them today?

Whew.

I think we might make it.

Spring was in the air today. Mild temps, sun, without the driving winds.

Daffodils joined in the blooming party along with their shorter crocus counterparts.

Most of all, people were smiling, and going at a bit slower than usual break neck New England pace, soaking up the proverbial sun.

Did you give and get a lot of smiles? 

Wasn't it great?

Doesn't it make you want to sing "Sunny Days" like these stars did for Sesame Street?

I am a Putnamaniac that loved today's sunshiney smiles!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Help clean up Putnam and make it even better!

Saturday, April 27th is Putnam Beautification Day.

It is hard to believe Putnam can be even more beautiful that it already is, but continual improvement is the best policy for all things.

I will be cleaning up with The Last Green Valley team.

If you are interested, please come and help.

Meet at Rotary Park, Kennedy Drive, at 8-8:30 am, on Saturday, April 27. Gloves and garbage bags are provided, as well as lunch afterwards. Great day, great work, great community!

I am a Putnamaniac that will help make Putnam even more beautiful!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Golf flags are flying ~ a sure sign of spring ~ FORE!

A sure sign of spring ~ I've seen those golf flags in the holes at a couple of local courses.

Driving past Vineyard Valley and jogging past Harrisville Golf Course, the winds have been briskly blowing and making those flags flap happily in the wind!

Sweet. Tee her up, and let 'er rip!

I am not even a golfer, and yet I am excited about this.

If you are a golfer, how excited are you?

Golf flags flapping in the breeze are a sure sign of spring! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Talent - oh to be talented like all I am surrounded by!

Have you heard this new Josh Groban song, Brave? (check it out here on youtube).

Whether you like him or not, this guy Josh Groban has talent.

When I look around me every day, I am amazed at the talent I see!

There are:
*brilliant doctors & nurses, teachers, librarians and news people
*hard working and creative shop owners and farmers
*delicious, hospitable and welcoming chefs & hosts at their restaurants, bistros and cafes
*Broadway caliber performers of stage and song
*gym owners and phyical trainers driving us to stay healthy and fit
*brave small business owners that put all of themselves into their businesses
*artistic photographers, painters, crafters of all media
*rugged construction crews
*volunteers that are tireless in their passions for their causes
*dedicated and loving parents

As another Josh Groban song sings:

(I think directly to me in Putnamania)

You raise me up, so I can stand on mountains;

You raise me up, to walk on stormy seas;

I am strong, when I am on your shoulders;

You raise me up... To more than I can be.

 

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the talent that surrounds me!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Sweet Home Putnamania, where the skies are so blue..... Lord I'm coming home to you!

Tonight as I was playing the radio scan game on the drive home, I came upon and stopped at this classic, Sweet Home Alabama. (Check out the Southern rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd performing it here).

Of course I made it into my own commuting home song:

Sweet home Putnamania
Where the skies are so blue
Sweet Home Putnamania
Lord, I'm coming home to you 

Sweet home Putnamania
Lordy, Lord, I'm coming home to you, Yea, yea

As I was singing, I drove up to this sign: 

Sweet home Putnamania
Where the skies are so blue 

That about sums it up!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves coming home sweet home!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

 

Crocus eruptions!

Boy oh boy, the stuff is starting to come up in this glorious arrival of spring!!!

Tonight I passed a yard/field that was loaded, and I mean loaded with crocus!!! As far as my eye could see there was yellow, white, and purple crocus.

Since I didn't want to trespass into the yard, I just got this picture of some crocus online.

Take this picture and multiply it by a thousand!!! That's how many crocus were bursting forth from the spring Northeast CT soil in the spot I passed today!

I hope you are experiencing some crocus eruptions in your area, too!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to experience the eruptions of Spring, starting with the crocus!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar