Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Poonge Nation (population 2) ready for Sox Nation!

My family traditionally has had great nicknames ~ like Skee (my brother) Si (my grandfather that my other brother was named after), Nubbins (my father), Digger (me), Choodalink (my brother), Zeus (my uncle) to name a few.

We also have great names for our living spaces ~ like The BIG G and little g (Uncle Terry's 2 garages), The Grand Allee (my mother's path along side the house), Lower DC (my sister and brother in law's finished basement/relaxing zone), and the Renegage Garden (of course my infamous garden at the condo) to name a few.

Well, of course this tradition has been carried on by myself and my former old boyfriend/now husband.

Way back when, we dated. Bob became "Bug". Somehow we both became "Poonge" or "Poonie". When we reunited, we immediately became using these nicknames again. It was only natural!

  A shot of us in NH on our short but wonderfully sweet honeymoon

It doesn't even embarrass us to call out across a store "Hey, Poonge, what kind of squash did you want?". It may turn others' heads, but sounds as right as rain to us.

So now that Poonge Nation, population 2, has their own home sweet home, we are ready to enjoy a little Sox Nation spirit tonight! Won't you join us in cheering on the Sox in Game 6 of the World Series?

I am a Putnamaniac that loves being a part of both Poonge Nation and Red Sox Nation!


Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Fall in love with Putnam - you will never leave (puns intended here today)!


Fall is most definitely in the air - crisp/chilly temps, scarecrows out and about, apple picking, shorter days, and leaves falling everywhere.



I'm not sure if a lot of towns pick up the leaves from the sidewalks and curbs, but Putnam does!

It is pretty cool and a great service.

Folks rake their leaves to the street, and the town comes by with a big vacuumey/shreader type machine behind their truck. Town employees rake into the chute, and the leaves disappear, just like that! And they do it so quickly!!!

Just another great service from a great town, and great work from their employees.

I am a Putnamaniac that has fallen in love with her town and will never leave!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Today I learned about The Wyndham Land Trust - the signs I drive by all the time!

Today was my last Walktober for the season with The Last Green Valley... and the Walktober season is winding down fast.

I made a great choice (not that there are any bad choices when it comes to Walktobers).

Today I got to walk and learn about The Wyndham Land Trust, and specifically walked the Rapoport/Spalding Land Trust in Woodstock.

Previously I have seen Wyndham Land Trust signs around and about - most frequently on Rt 171 just before the Woodstock Fairgrounds. I drive and jog by it often, but never really knew what it was all about.



Imagine having land and donating it a land trust, so it stays available as open land - for all to visit and enjoy? That would be great! And that is just what happens often, and that is why we were able to enjoy our walk today. I plan to revisit this location over and over again. I also plan to find other Wyndham Land Trust locations and visit them often as well.

You can become a member for only $20 per person or $30 per family per year, and you can also "like" The Wyndham Land Trust on facebook here to keep up to date with information and events.

I am a Putnamaniac that loved to learn about and visit with The Wyndham Land Trust today!






Friday, October 25, 2013

Driven to make a difference!

I just might  be insane... in the good way of course (no disrespect to those with sincere issues ~ I do understand that mental health issues are an important issue in the world and affect many).

However, since I have recently accepted a position with Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT, I think I might have a screw loose.


I have been an exceptionally hard worker my entire life - tried my best - always went above the call of duty -  and I did it for my self satisfaction, and because I wanted to make a difference in the world.

Luckily, I was rewarded for my efforts along the way. I always paid back and donated a lot, because I could and it was the right thing to do.

With all those years of hard work - and rewards - I was still not really prepared for working for Habitat. WOW! These folks, including me, work harder and for less than anyone I have ever met in my over half century on Planet Earth. And those are the staff. Volunteers work to the max - and we all know volunteers do it for nothing, except for the chance to pay it forward.

So, every night when I get home exhausted, bruised, feeling inadequate in reaching my daily goals - I will look at that big picture. If I can help one person, or family, before my days on Planet Earth are through, then I will have the greatest satisfaction ever!

I am a Putnamaniac that is driven to make a difference!







Thursday, October 24, 2013

My friend Sis is a rare find, but so are most of my friends!

Last night the Wednesday night ladies group that I sometime get together with had dinner at Sis' house.

Sis is something else.

 Here is a shot of  Sis at her birthday celebration a couple of years ago ~
Apparently a fun gift!!!

A career nurse, wife, mother, she is now retired and a widower.

She is at least 83 as far as I can keep track.

You'd think she was at least 20 years younger, based on her looks, actions, activities, sense of humor, and all around capabilities.

She cooked a fabulous Italian dinner for 9 of us and prepared 2 "to go" plates for some gals that could not make it.

I'm talking antipasto, garlic bread, chicken, pasta and sauce....

On top of that, Sis had prepared a little Halloween goody bag for each of us.

Think of all the prep (shopping, cooking, cleaning), cooking, and then the clean up afterwards, not to mention the cost of it all.

Sis didn't miss a blink.

I love this woman, and I sure hope I can keep up with her forever.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves my friends, especially Sis Sullivan!

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A Family Friendly Town ~ You Bet Putnam is!

I figured everyone must know that Putnam is surely a family friendly town, with so many family friendly events all year long, but now I have absolute proof!

This family, although they all have big hearts, are a little stiff...


...and Putnam has welcomed them with open arms.

Stop by and say hi to them, and get your family picture taken with them.

They are currently frolicking on the River Trail.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves her family friendly town!



Monday, October 21, 2013

Sidewalks! What a treat!

Since I've moved to the "other side of the tracks" in Putnam, I now have sidewalks!!!

Woooo hooooo!

I feel so much safer out jogging, especially when I am out early in the morning, before sunrise.

You wouldn't think such a simple thing would be exciting, but the road that the condos were on was a narrow road, with no sidewalks, and used as a cut through for lots of early morning travelers. It was pretty scary in the dark. Evenings were even worse.

So even though my sidewalks may not look exactly like this:


I kinda feel like they are just as great. Sometimes you may even catch me skipping and singing something like "I'm off to see the Wizard"!

Appreciate the little things, like sidewalks. 

I am a Putnamaniac that thinks having sidewalks is a great treat!


Sunday, October 20, 2013

Thankful for a day off - and a beautiful one to boot!

After a what seemed like a long week at work, today I had the day off.

What a beauty!



I awoke to a crisp and bright morning.

Knowing I was off to a Walktober, sponsored by The Last Green Valley (where I am a volunteer ranger), I was in high spirits!

This particular Walktober, held on a walking trail in Southbridge MA, was about the tornado that ripped through Southbridge in June of 2011.

The walk leaders and walkers were all excited, and also enjoyed nature's fall beauty today vs her previous wrath.

As I drove home through Woodstock, again the day struck me a purely beautiful. Sights everywhere.

Once home, to our new and almost completely rehabbed home sweet home, my thankfulness continued.

Am I a lucky gal, or what?

I am a Putnamaniac thankful for a beautiful day off!

Friday, October 18, 2013

RPC - everyone in the Putnamania area knows that stands for one heck of a good guy!

There is a legendarily nice guy around town.

I just finally got to meet him recently!

His initials are RPC and everyone knows what that stands for...

Ronald P. Coderre.


He is a sincere, warm, friendly guy with a big heart, and he puts anyone and everyone at ease.

Although you can hear him on WINY Radio often promoting events, projects, or talking American Legion baseball, and you can see him all over town, the thing I always loved and admired the most about Ron is his Memorial Day speeches at Rotary Park after the parade. They are so heart felt and moving that I cry every year.

Of course I was excited to get to meet him recently. At a NECC after hours event, I spotted Ron and marched right over to say hi. What a pleasure. I will be sure to say hi every time I see him from now on. Northeast CT is lucky to have a wealth of good souls, including RPC.

You can check out Ron's business, RPC Associates here, and you can also "like" RPC Associates on Facebook.

An avid sports fan, Ron writes for the Putnam Town Crier, too.

If you don't know Ron, next time you see him around town, march right up like I did and introduce yourself.

I am a Putnamaniac that knows RPC stands for one heck of a good guy!

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Great Pumpkin Festival is this Saturday, October 19, 2013

This Saturday Putnam hosts a great family friendly event.

The Great Pumpkin Festival!

Due to my new work schedule, this is the first year in many that I will miss out on this fun event, happening from 10am - 4pm in downtown Putnam.

Since this is the case, I hope you all can go to the Great Pumpkin Fest and have a ton of fun for me!!!

There will be music, crafts, chalk art, pumpkin contests, puppet shows, snacks, scarecrows, and just all around tons of fun.

Check out all the events and get a map of events here.

So, if you are looking for something to do this Saturday, be sure to hit Putnam!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the annual Great Pumpkin Fest!





Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Elementary School Days

Today I was driving through New London, CT and passed an elementary school at recess time.

This elementary school is in the middle of asphalt land, not like the old Davisville Elementary School (in RI) that I had the pleasure to attend!

 (here is a relatively recent shot of the Davisville Elementary School, which is now sadly closed down... you know are old when your elementary school is no more...)

BUT, the New London kids were still out and having a blast!
There were two little girls skipping and holding hands...

There were a bunch of boys kicking a ball and running around like crazy...

Sometimes when you are a grown up for a long time, you forget how nice and innocent kids can still be. And you also forget how much fun you had yourself as a kid.

What a nice reminder I had today, just by driving by an elementary school at recess time.

Keep your eyes and mind open folks. Don't forget the days when skipping at recess with your bestest friend in the whole wide world was just the tops!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to remember those easy days of childhood!



Monday, October 14, 2013

Volunteer Crow! She is happy to join in the annual Scarecrow Contest!

Every fall the Putnam Business Association holds a scarecrow contest.

It is a BLAST to check out all the inventive scarecrows around town.

I like to join in and do a crow myself, and this year I chose to do a Volunteer Crow!

(Note the Volunteer Crow's arms are raised in joy AND in the shape of a V - 
for Volunteer Crow, of course!)

Why a Volunteer Crow, you might ask?

Well, because I like to volunteer!

I volunteer for: The Last Green Valley, The Bradley Playhouse, Daily Bread, and I volunteered for years with Habitat for Humanity in their ReStore. Now I am a staff member of Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT, and we rely on the assistance of volunteers in many capacities to succeed in reaching our goal of building simple, decent, and affordable housing in our community. 

I know the value of good volunteers. 

Find  your passion and pay it forward by volunteering in your community, just like my friend, the Volunteer Crow!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to volunteer and knows the value of quality, dependable volunteers!

 


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Did your town turn teal for Ovarian Cancer awareness like Putnam did?

The teal ribbons are down, but the problem still exists.

Recently Putnam displayed teal ribbons everywhere around town.

 

Have you seen these in your travels?

Do you know what they stand for?

Ovarian cancer...plain and simple.... learn more here. 

So much stuff impacts so many people.

Be sympathetic. Be compassionate. Be caring. Love life.

I am a Putnamaniac that is aware of all the colors that stand for someone else's pain and suffering. 




Saturday, October 12, 2013

Frank from Thompson ~ the best computer guy ever ~ what service (in more ways than one)!

Recently I thought I had a problem with my computer...

As it turns out, I did not.

I had a problem with the Metrocast technician who came and put cable into our new house. That is another story.

As you know, we rely on computers...a lot... most of us that is.

When you do not have one in working order, especially with no internet connection, times are tough!

My pal, Rob, recommended a guy named Frank.


Frank is the BEST!!! He is a retired service member, a veteran, who served to make a better life for us all. Now he is still serving at a very reasonable price and with almost immediate service call response. As in I called him one afternoon, and he arrived at my house that night as I pulled into the driveway after work.

Seriously.

I hope I do not have another "issue" soon, whether a real computer issue or a cable issue, but if I do, I am calling Frank.

I suggest you do the same. You will be impressed times ten, and then some.

Contact Frank here:
frank-services@sbcglobal.net
860-428-4624 or 860-928-7123

I am a Putnamaniac that is thrilled I met a great computer guy, like Frank from Thompson!


 

Friday, October 11, 2013

The Bradley presents Dracula.... what blood type are you?

October is a spooky time of year.

Witches, ghosts, ghouls, and.... vampires!

Keeping in step with this theme, the Bradley Playhouse is performing Dracula  now.



Although construction is being done on the actual Bradley Playhouse, the show must go on, and it is being hosted at The Little Theater on Broad Street in Killingly.

The Bradley always puts on spooktacular shows, and the performers are folks you see around town. Just the other day we were in Lowes buying some building materials and there was a familiar face. It was one of the stars of Man of LaMancha and Anything Goes.... working at Lowes! Multi-talented!

So, as I look forward to sitting in my seat for Dracula, I hope that my blood type is not a vampire favorite!


I am a Putnamaniac that loves local theater, including the Bradley Playhouse shows!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Rotary Roses are in the air!!! Sweet smell and even better ~ good will!

Fall is not usually the time of year that you think of roses....

Unless you are excited about the Putnam Rotary Rose sale!!!


October 18, 2013 is the big day this year, and it is approaching quickly.

What is this all about?

The Putnam Rotary Club sells beautiful roses for a great price of $15 per dozen. These are beautiful roses. The money raised is used to give back to the community through awarding scholarships and donations to local groups.

So order up a dozen roses (or more) for your neighbor, friends, co-workers, family, and even yourself!

My friends Rachael Johnston (860-923-3377) and Gary O (860-928-1350) are Rotarians. Give them a call to order your roses!

Learn more about the Putnam Rotary Club here.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves Rotary Rose time of year!

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Red skies at night filled with a V of geese in flight ~ What more do you need?

Just got home.

As I was driving, I was compelled by the red/pink/purple/blue sky at night.

Wow - what a show! Good thing I didn't crash - it was just that beautiful!

And smack in the middle of this breathtaking sky was a flock of geese in a perfect v shape.

(not my photo, but you get the idea....use your imagination and it will be even better)

Wow - again.

What more do you need than that.... for me, nothing else!

Soak in the sights while you can, and most of all, love life!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the colorful sky full of geese at night!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Todd's House of Carpets in Danielson makes your house one of greatness!

Since we bought the fixer upper house about a month ago, we've done a lot of work - most of it with our own hands.

Carpets for the bedroom were beyond us, though, and since we had used Lowes for some appliance needs during this project, (since they were open later in the evening when we finally got home from work), we signed them up to do the carpets, too. As much as I love to shop in local, family owned businesses, sometime schedules dictate otherwise.

Many days later, we got a call saying the Lowes outfit could come out in a couple of weeks to measure. It was something like on a Thursday afternoon from 1-3pm, a time when we are at work. We could see this was going to be a long drawn out affair, and after all the filth and work we'd been through already, we were looking to get a room or two completed to lift our spirits.

The answer to our dilemma? Local business, of course. After a quick call to Todd's House of Carpets, located at 82 Main Street in Danielson, we were close to being in heaven.


Todd understood our dilemma and asked if he needed to come out to measure, or if I could measure and bring in the results myself. I whipped out my tape measure, drew up a spec sheet of all 3 bedrooms, and drove down to meet Todd and his wife.

My timing was fabulous. Todd's had just gotten in quite a few rolls of carpet large enough to meet our needs. I had my choice, ordered, paid, and was scheduled for installation the next Monday (I am lucky enough to have Mondays off with my new job to get these sorts of things done now). The installers from Todd's House of Carpets were in and out and done with 3 bedrooms in under 3 hours. WOW. Better yet, it was all done much quicker than Lowes would have gotten to it, AND it was approximately $400 less than the Lowes price.

Moral to the story: Stick with local, family owned businesses if you can. Don't assume you can get better or cheaper product and/or service from a big box outfit. Give local businesses, like Todd's House of Carpets, a chance. They have much more say and power over what they are doing and what they can do for you. Plus, they give a darn!

I am a Putnamaniac that was thrilled with local business, Todd's House of Carpets!

Monday, October 7, 2013

Two very different old men crossed my path in a short matter of time today.

Since I have Mondays off now, I try to cram a lot into them.

I scurried into the local K-Mart for some curtain rods. I chose that store since the other big box "Mart" is always insanely busy...

As predicted, K-Mart had about 7 cars in the lot.

It looked like 4 shoppers and 3 employees.

They did not even have a cash register open ~ the gal at the customer service desk was ringing.

As I stood 2nd in line, thinking I wanted to get moving... the grumpiest of old men shuffled up behind me and loudly proclaimed "they should shut this store down. No one works here". I gently reminded him that it was not this cashier/customer service gal's fault, and that all over the country less people are expected to do much more work. He wasn't charmed by that. He didn't look like he ever knew what "hard work" meant even  back in his day... and I am sure he was in a big hurry to go nowhere.

However, I try not to let other people make their problems and attitude mine.

Another employee came to the rescue and opened up a register. Grumpy shuffled over and was on his way.

As I was next in line, another old fellow came up behind me, smiling and friendly. His wife was in a wheel chair, and they were talking about what a windy day it was, and they hoped the leaves all blew into their neighbors' yard. They chuckled about that. I had a few fun words with them, too.

As I got into my car, I thought how different two old fellows could be. I was glad I got to see them in that small time period. It was a contrasting eye opener.



It was also a reminder to me to treat people kindly and try not to blow off my big mouth if I happen to be inconvenienced for a moment or two. Who are you hurting with your anger except for yourself?

I am a Putnamaniac that will try to be like the nice old man, not the grumpy one!





Saturday, October 5, 2013

Learning to snap your fingers, blow bubble gum bubbles, whistle and other long ago firsts!

The other day I saw a kid blowing a bubble gum bubble. He was having a blast!

Can you even remember when you couldn't blow a bubble - or tie your shoe - or snap your fingers??


Remember how hard you tried to learn to do it, and all of a sudden ~ voila ~ you could do it!

If you think about it, we human beings are pretty amazing!! Go us!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves that I can blow a bubble and whistle, and I can remember when I could not! 



Thursday, October 3, 2013

Abigail's Jewel Box is a great jem in the heart of Putnam!

One of the greatest experiences over the past few weeks was picking out a wedding ring...

We went locally, to Abigail's Jewel Box in downtown Putnam.


What a great choice!

For very inexperienced jewelry people like us, Abigail's Jewel Box is the place to go.

The customer service, knowledge, friendliness, helpfulness, enthusiasm, kindness, patience, efficiency and honesty were above and beyond the call of duty!

Give Zee a call (860-928-1300) or an email (info@abigailsjewelbox.com) and she will make your jewelry buying experience a great one at Abigail's Jewel Box!

PS - My ring is GORGEOUS!!!! Thanks for your mad skills, Zee!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that loved shopping for a wedding ring at Abigail's Jewel Box!



Tuesday, October 1, 2013

The Queendom of planting bulbs in the non-Renegade Garden! I am truly a queen!

Yup.

It was totally a great evening after work in Putnamania.

I planted bulbs!!! Daffodils, crocus, iris....

I planted them in a non-Renegade Garden - without sneaking out under the cover of darkness, on a steep hill in the woods and brush, trying not to fall into the Little River, at our former abode of the condo.

Yes, the condo was brand new and lovely. However, I really missed having a yard.

Since our new home is a house, with a yard... let the planting begin!

Although I love spring, summer, and fall... I will feel my heart warmed with expectation all winter long waiting to see these little beauties pop up!


I feel like a queen!!!

No matter how many more years go by in my life, I will always be just as excited to plant bulbs in the fall. How about you?

PS - Price Chopper has a great deal of "buy one, get one free" on bulbs right now. Take advantage!

I am the most queenly Putnamaniac because I planted a ton of spring bulbs tonight in my yard! Can't wait for spring to see them!