Artistic guy painting some "happy little trees"... and heavenly NECT pastoral scenes!

Yesterday morning I was on my way to work, trucking along Rt 44, at just around the Putnam/Pomfret line.

Listening to WINY Radio.

Thinking about what needed to be done once I got to work.

Looking forward to dinner later that evening! (Of course ~ food is my favorite)!

And there on the side of the road, across from that big farm with multiple barns and all those hay rolls neatly lined up, (by the Longmeadow neighborhood), was an artist with his easel set up, and he was painting.

He was painting "happy little trees", the wide open and green fields, the blue sky filled with clouds that brought to mind a million things. One looked like Dumbo the elephant. One looked like an old man with a pointy nose & chin and kindly eyes.

How could I not think of Bob Ross and his PBS show teaching us all how to paint "happy little trees"?

The scenery is really something at this location, every season, every day, but yesterday was really even more spectacular than usual.

I am so glad that artist pulled over and situated himself to take advantage of a perfect subject; a heavenly Northeast CT pastoral scene.

I am a Putnamaniac that loved seeing that artistic guy on the side of the road taking advantage of a great and typical sight in NECT!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Stop sign graffiti made my day ~ Seriously!

Driving out to the end of the road that I work on tonight, I approached the usual stop sign...

However, today it was not as usual as it usually is.

Someone had graffitied it.

It looked something like this:

 

I sure did stop and thought for a moment. Today, and every day is a gift. Sometimes you need  a reminder. So I thank you, Graffiti Artist!

I am a Putnamaniac that loved the Stop Sign Graffiti that I saw today!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Coventry CT Farmer's Market - all that it was billed as ... and more!

So, yup, today was my first visit to the Coventry, CT Farmer's Market.

WOW!!

It is like a Farmer's Market on steroids!!!

Chief Ranger Bill of The Last Green Valley has told me about how amazing this Farmer's Market is for years.... he is pretty excited about most thing like this, so I kind of took his praises with a grain of salt.... until I arrived at the grand market...  So although I have always trusted Chief Ranger Bill in the past, I will certainly trust him forever more.

A wonderfully sunny day full of fresh air indicated that the day indeed would be fantastic.

Our booth, for The Last Green Valley, was located directly next to an herb farm booth. Ohhhh, the smells....

There were fabulous vendors from all of Northeast CT and our fringes.

There were also fabulous businesses there visiting the market, such as The Farmer's Plate, from Thompson, CT.

How nice to see folks enjoying themselves, visiting each other, open to conversation.

Good times. Memories to be made forever!

Visit your local Farmer's Markets and support local farming!

I am a Putnamaniac that loved visiting the Coventry Farmer's Market!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

August is around the corner and Anything Goes in Putnamania!!! (at the Bradley Playhouse of course)!

The summer is flying by this year! Wow!

It is almost August, and The Bradley Playhouse always welcomes in a new show once August arrives.

This year we are anticipating the musical  "Anything Goes"!

I am already signed up to volunteer three times, which means I get to see it three times!!!

Get your ticket and I may just usher you right to the seat that you chose ahead of time. Reserved seating is just one perk of enjoying a show at The Bradley Playhouse!

I am a Putnamaniac that knows Anything Goes in Putnam, especially at The Bradley Playhouse!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Super absorbent TP (toilet paper, to you and me)!

Sometimes crazy funny things pop into my head.

Tonight I had to stop on the way home from work to buy toilet paper for work (if we want to tinkle tomorrow, this was a necessary stop).

It was pouring rain...

I tiptoed through the puddled parking lot, and got my gigantic work sized load of TP.

As I tiptoed back to my car, I used the gigantic work sized load of TP as an umbrella of sorts... to keep my dry from the rain. I mean it is super absorbent!

All I could picture was the pouring rain getting into the packaging and all the rolls of TP expanding as they sponged it up! Would everyone in the parking lot be giving me and that sight the eyeball??? How would I bring that TP into work?? What would it look like??

I kinda wish it had happened. That would have been great!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves super absorbent TP!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Bullfrog fog!

It was a steamer this morning.

Guess I did not need to wear 2 t-shirts out jogging... Live and learn!

Early, foggy mornings are kinda nice, though. It is so quiet and peaceful. You can really have some time to yourself and plan the day out. Great way to start the day in that peace and quiet.

Until... dun, dun, dun.........(dramatic music)...

...You pass the swampy area loaded with bullfrogs! Those buggers are in there partying the morning away! Funny!!! I could not help but chuckle to myself.

Here is a nice youtube video on Senor Bullfrog.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the bullfrog foggy mornings!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Jessica Tuesdays = DELICIOUS!

Believe it or not, I had never been to a delicious place in  Putnam, Jessica Tuesday's. Basically this is because they were a lunchtime place, and I am not in Putnam at lunchtime.

However, Jessica Tuesday's is now open on Friday and Saturday nights!

Guess whose butt was in the seat Saturday night, before the latest and greatest show at the Complex Performing Arts Centre?

That is right...this Putnamaniac.

What a delightful place. The greeters, servers, waitresses, owner... Delightful!

The atmosphere, interior, exterior (including a new patio with live music)... Delightful!

This is one happy and no longer hungry Putnamaniac that can't wait to go back for my next yummy meal at Jessica Tuesday's! (Even veggiesauruses like me have plenty to choose from. A taste for every tastebud)!!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the great places to dine in Putnam, like Jessica Tuesday's!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Jelly Roll Soul ~ Great FREE concert tonight in Thompson. This is what summer is all about!

Sure it is HOT!!

It is summer in New England.

It is what summer is all about!!!

To top off this nice, hot week, there is a FREE concert tonight at Riverside Park in Thompson, CT.

Come on down for the fine tunes of the original Jelly Roll Soul.

You can "like" the original Jelly Roll Soul on facebook, too.

Sing it and swing it tonight sisters and brothers! Love the horns!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to get out in the summer heat - especially for free local concerts!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Keep calm. Learn English ~ best foreign exchange t-shirts EVER!

Tonight I was at The Last Green Valley's booth at Willimantic's Third Thursdays.

I was approached by a group of oriental foreign exchange students ~ bright eyed, smiling, and eager to learn!

They had the best t-shirts EVER!

Red shirts, with white lettering that read:

Keep Calm

Learn English

Clearly they will do well in life. A desire to learn, adventurous, and a great sense of humor!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves ambitious foreign exchange students with a sense of humor!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar 

Deer flies, West Thompson, Watermelon Smoothies, and laughing at Smokey & The Bandit - oh what a night!

Some times the perfect mixture of events makes me smile and very content.

After work yesterday, we headed to West Thompson Dam for our evening walk, instead of the usual Putnam River Trail.

The sometimes grumpiness of a not so easy day at work still cast a bit of a shadow on us both.

And of course, it is hot, humid, and ultra buggy. I mean, it is summer in New England!  (I love these conditions... my co-walker... not so much).

The deer flies were pretty aggressive, so basically I try to out move them. Walk as fast as I can, and it is no big deal to me.

My walking partner however.... not so much. I had to conceal my smile at his continuous rantings, towel waving, and hand swatting as the expletives flew ~ "These deer flies are relentless...this is terrible...we are never coming back here until winter....THIS IS MISERY"!!!

We survived the walk!

After entering a nicely central aired condo, and having taken a shower, my co-walker extraordinaire was in a much better mood.

Homemade spinach pies for supper and a great 98 calorie watermelon smoothie (blend 2 cups watermelon, 1/3 lowfat greek yogurt, then add ice as needed) for dessert only increased the good mood.

I exited the living area to send a few emails from the other room.

Soon, all I could hear was chuckles...quiet and subdued at first, then expanding into full blown belly laughs. Thank you AMC for showing an all time favorite, Smokey and the Bandit!

It is great to see someone turn their day around with the perfect mixture of events!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to smile when others are happy!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Wild indian child enjoying the summer time break from school days!

Driving home tonight on this delightfully sweltering day, with the windows open, the smells of freshly cut hay, cow farms, perennials abloom, and hot tar amongst other great sense awakeners, had me lost in thought.

I truly love the hot and long summer days. I was at peace.

As I turned onto my street, I spotted a young boy of about 5 years old, wearing a homemade, construction paper indian headband with a homemade feather tucked into it. He had a stick in one hand and some string in another hand. One can only assume that he was making a bow!

As kids, we used to do this sort of thing all the time. We got booted out of the house no matter what the season or the weather. Imagination was all ours, and we used it to the fullest.

I am thrilled to see that kids still do this now a days! There is nothing better than getting outside with yourself and your imagination! No matter how old you are!

I am a Putnamaniac that love the little wild indian down the road tonight!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

QV Velo gave me a spot of cool air and lots of "Good Mornings" as they rode by!

It was a great morning for a jog, so out I went.

In the distance I could see a bunch of bicyclers coming towards me. Like about 15-20 easily.

"Runner up, runner up" was called back through the ranks of peddlers.

They all scooted over in order to not run me over. (Sounds like common sense, but cars do not always give you this courtesy in some areas I have jogged).

I gave a big wave and "Good morning everyone" to them, and I got it back x all of them... "Good mornings", smiles, waves.

I saw a couple of QVVELO shirts on this group, and you can learn more here about the Quinebaug Valley Velo bicycle club.

 
There are many great bike groups in NECT, and another great source, if you are interested, is Danielson Adventure Sports. Get them a look if you are looking to fill your biking desires. 

Another fine start to a lovely day here in Northeast CT.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves a good morning wave from the bikers!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Best overheard conversation ever!!!

Tonight on the way home from work, I had to stop at the Windham Walmart to get a few things.

Me + shopping = Misery

However... as I scurried from the produce section to the bug killing section, I passed through children's clothing.

I heard a wee voice say "Dad.... come look at this gorgeous dress!!"

The dad looked down and replied "It is gorgeous sweetie".

Yup - I could survive shopping if that sort of conversation occurred every time.

I am a Putnamaniac that heard the best overheard conversation ever today!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Linda Eder Al Fresco in Rotary Park this Saturday, July 13, 2013 ~ What a chance to see a FREE show!

Linda Eder.....

I was oblivious. I did not know who she was.

My mother's friend, however, was right on top of it. She is a HUGE fan of this great performer.

Way back in early, still chilly spring, she started quizzing me about the Linda Eder concert coming up in Putnam this summer. Apparently it was listed on LindaEder.com long before it was announced locally here in town.

I am no chief of detectives, but when I saw the date of July 13, 2013 on Linda Eder's schedule and also saw the same date listed as a River Fire, well.... duh... it sure did look like Putnam's al fresco event was going to feature Linda Eder.

photo courtesy of TLGV.org 

The Last Green Valley

Next, I needed to discover a bit more of this talent.

WINY Radio has been a huge help in informing us folks that were not so up to snuff, but soon to be fans. The station's promotion of the event features snippets of Linda Eder's music. WINY has also been featuring a song every morning. She sounds GREAT. Sort of a Barbra Streisand sound... great pipes!

So now I am just as excited as my mom's friend!

How can you lose? A super talented, big time performer in Putnam's Rotary Park, accompanied by her musicians, the Seven Hills Symphony Orchestra, AND a River Fire.

SCORE!!!

Putnam knows how to bring on the best times ever... Memories are being made all the time, to savor forever.

Never fear, Putnam does not rest on her laurels after a big event, but goes right to work on the next big thing.

See why I love my town!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves her town and all the great events!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar including Linda Eder al fresco River Fire



Rent - The Complex Performing Arts Centre is ready to cover you with a milion goosebumps!

Rent is one of my favorite musicals.

AND it is being performed at Putnam's Complex Performing Arts Centre starting this Friday, July 12, 2013.

Rent shows are:
Friday, July 12, 8pm
Saturday, July 13, 8pm
Sunday, July 14, 2pm
Friday, July 19, 8pm
Saturday, July 20, 8pm

Why, oh why did I get my tickets for the 20th??? The last night??? Because I was busy every other time, but this will be so worth my wait.

The Complex Performing Arts Centre, located at 95 Front Street, (phone 860-963-7170), is a top notch entertainment venue. They take on difficult shows and kick out great performances.

In addition to great local theater, The Complex also offers dance, music, and arts. Check them out!

You can also "like" The Complex Performing Arts Centre on facebook.

As for this Putnamaniac, I will be humming my favorite song from Rent, "I'll Cover You" right up until I am sitting in my seat and singing at the show!

I think they meant it when they said you can't buy love
Now I know you can rent it
A new lease you are my love, on life
Be my life

I am a Putnamaniac that gets a new lease on life every time I see a show at The Complex Performing Arts Centre!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar, including the Rent show dates

Team Longmeadow continues to raise money for the Deary Cancer Fund!

Last year was my first year on "Team Longmeadow", organized and driven by Longmeadow Automotive.  

I raised $700 to add to the gi-normous amount raised by the entire team. Every little bit helps.

It was a great feeling, because the money raised by Team Longmeadow for the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund all stays local to help our friends, families, and neighbors here in Northeast CT.

That makes the fund so worthy of donations.

This year my time is quite limited for a number of reasons, and I don't foresee being able to get the donations that I did last year.

However, during the cold winter months, I buckled down and made some greeting cards featuring pictures of past Deary Memorial Race, Walk & Rides. The problem is, I personally do not have a good avenue to get these out there.

Queen of solutions, Karyn, the fearless leader of Team Longmeadow, has offered to take the cards into her business, Longmeadow Automotive, in hopes that patrons and friends of Team Longmeadow will see them, pick out a few to take home, and donate!

So.....hint, hint, hint.... if you want a few cards to mail out to friends, try one of Team Longmeadow's Deary Memorial Race, Walk & Ride cards! Remember, every little bit helps add up to a gi-normous donation to our friends, families, and neighbors!

You can "like" Longmeadow Automotive on Facebook here.

I am a Putnamaniac and Team Longmeadow member, raising donations for the Deary Memorial Cancer Fund!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

The 4th is over ~ so...what is it about fireworks that people love (including me)??

Yup - the 4th of July is over.

But the fireworks were GREAT, especially here in Putnam!

What exactly is it that we love about fireworks??

The light, the sounds, the colors, the ooooohs and aaaaaahhhhhhs??

I love all of the above, plus sitting out on a nice summer night in my town!

 ...and this was not even the finale...by camera died long before that!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves everything about fireworks and my town! 

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

 

Day-cation! We've got plenty in NECT

Northeast CT is loaded with quick get away day-cations.

Even partial day-cations if you have just a few hours to spare at most.

Take advantage of the area ~ escape and relax for a few hours.

This day-cation spot at the West Thompson Dam is just 5 minutes from my home!

Day-cations ~ do wonders to the body, mind, and soul!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves where I live, because it is like being on vacation whenever you want!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

It is a grand old day!

Early this morning the flags are flying, the cars are getting packed up, the potato salad is being sampled, the kiddies are giddy! So are the grownups!

It is the 4th of July, school is out, and lots of us are lucky enough to have the day off! Remember to be kind to those who are stuck at work today.

This is actually a video I took of a previous year's fireworks in Putnam, but I uploaded it as a picture.... pretty cool looking! 

 

Enjoy this fine summer day!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the 4th of July!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar

Bousquet Memorial Garden. Simple, Sincere, Beautiful, Nice!

There is the nicest, littlest, simplest, most sincere, beautiful memorial garden on the River Trail in Putnam.

I never had the pleasure of knowing the fine man that this garden is dedicated to ~ Steve Bousquet, and that is my loss.

However, I know so many that love him and speak of him, that I feel like I know him.

It also appears that his son and daughter in law are carrying on the hard working and humanitarian efforts that Steve himself started at Bousquet Appliances and TVs.

I am honored and breathless each time I pass this garden ~ and not just because I am not a physical specimen huffing & puffing jogging by, but because I am in awe of someone that can affect their friend, familys & neighbors in such a spectacular way. I aspire to be that awesome.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves, respects and is in awe of someone who is a complete stranger to me, yet still affects me so positively!

Putnamaniac Activity Calendar