Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Go fly a kite!

Seriously, did you ever try to go fly a kite?

As kids, we'd buy the cheesy kites at the little Steven's Store across the street, put them together, tie long tails on, run as fast as we could into the wind.... and those darned kites would rarely fly the way we dreamed they could.

Sometimes the string broke free and off they sailed to kite heaven.

Sometimes they crashed and burned and left this earth via the garbage man.

Sometimes they landed, and we stumbled on them and crushed them.

And yet, we had so much fun trying to fly those kites! Just imagining them lazily drifting up with the clouds as we laid on our backs watching them float, steadily holding the string, was good enough for us.

We sure did get our fresh air and exercise, along with a lot of laughs, too!

I spotted this kite in a tree today. It looks like it has spent some time there... perhaps a statistic from lat year's kite flying season.


Whatever and whomever guided this old kite into these particular limbs does not matter to me. I'm just glad it was there, because I have spent lots of moments thinking back to those old kite flying days of mine.

Perhaps there is a kite flying festival day to come to Putnamania some day! Wouldn't that be fun!

I am a Putnamaniac that always loves to go fly a kite!

Monday, January 27, 2014

Balmy winter weather and a new home meant it was a car washing sort of day!

After another recent cold stretch, and I mean cold, like barely over 10 degrees for way too many days, it made today feel like a tropical heat wave! The thermometer ascended all the way up to over 35 degrees!

With all the snow that has fallen recently, too, and salt that accompanies it, that means our vehicles are just filthy.

Since it was so mild (relatively speaking) today, I grabbed my keys and was going to go off to the car wash. For the last 5 years or so, I've used the car wash versus washing my own car at home, since there was no spigot available at the condo I owned.

Hold it!!!!

I stopped dead in my tracks.

I now own a home! With a spigot and hose right by the driveway! Glory, glory, halleluiah!

Soon after, with a warm bucket of sudsy water at hand, I was once again washing my own car!

 Here is the clean and shiny Ms Faithful Ford Focus tucked in safely in the garage!

The little things in life are there to appreciate. Find them all!

I am a Putnamaniac that was thrilled for a rather balmy day, and a new home where I can wash my car!

Sunday, January 26, 2014

Beadmania took place today at Beads over Main Street in The Flying Carpet Studio!

As I climbed the stairs in The Flying Carpet Studio up to the heavenly Beads over Main Street, I had no clue what I was in for this afternoon!

Holy beads Putnamaniacs!!!

 
This shot is only about a 25th of the beads to choose from - tons of styles, icons, themes, textures, colors - You get it - there are tons of beads!

My friends (a mom and twin almost 9 year old sissies) and I were on a bead date, after a yummy lunch at 85 Main. (Dad enjoyed lunch with us, but opted for a little coffee and wifi at Victoria Station while us girls beaded it up).  

One sister made 2 stunning bracelets, and the other sister made a bracelet and a pair of seahorse clip on earrings. I made myself this great necklace with green leaves, and I plan on wearing it whenever I volunteer for The Last Green Valley. It is just perfect!


If you are looking for a fun activity with friends of any age, the Flying Carpet's Beads over Main Street is the place to go! It is a blast, you get to be creative, and downtown Putnam offers a ton of other fun right within walking distance of The Flying Carpet Studio's Beads over Main Street!

We clearly enjoyed a lot of fun, food, and creativity all within one square block in just a couple of hours this afternoon! You can, too! Come on down and check out every inch of fun in Putnamania!

You can "like" The Flying Carpet Studio on facebook here

I am a Putnamaniac that enjoyed Beadmania today with my friends!



Saturday, January 25, 2014

Putnam Town Employees are all that! Including helpful and efficient!

The post office recently delivered a piece of paper that stirred some questions, regarding a home inspection for the town's appraisals and taxes.

The first place to start, common sense would dictate, would be the town hall.


I shot off an email, and in no time at all, I had my questions answered. 

Just like that. Easy, breezy. No delays, no misunderstandings, no non-answers ~ just the direct answers to my questions.

How refreshing!

I hope your town's employees are just as efficient and helpful as mine are in Putnam! If not, I'd suggest you move on in to Putnam and enjoy all the great things here, including great town employees!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the great town workers we have to help us!

Friday, January 24, 2014

Early morning love songs and guest DJs to start a great day!

Listening to WINY Radio is my one and only way to start the day.

Positive, energetic, fun!

Even if you don't live in within the 1350am radio wave reach here in Northeast CT, you can certainly listen online. You won't be disappointed... ever!

Every now and again, WINY raffles off a guest DJ morning spot.

This morning the owner of PAP Napa Auto, located in Brooklyn and Plainfield, CT was the raffle winner and therefore the guest DJ.

As guest DJ, this person gets to choose some songs.

So, one of the first things I heard this morning was the guest DJ offer up the song "The Luckiest" by Ben Folds, dedicated to his wife. He said that he tries to sing it to her, but can never get past the first line.

Wow. Wow. Wow.

People are sincere and thoughtful and clearly in love here in NECT.


So, what about me?

I am so in love with my community, thanks to folks like the guest DJ this morning.

And where was I before the day
That I first saw your lovely face?
Now I see it everyday
And I know

That I am
I am
I am
The luckiest

Wake up with the ones you love, where you love to live. 

I am a Putnamaniac that loves early morning love songs from guest DJs!



Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Winter wanderings - alternately titled "I may have a screw loose"

The temperature on my phone screen read 11 degrees.

Confidentially, between just you and me, that is about 70 degrees lower than my comfort zone.

Uncomfortably Numb is my middle name from sometime in November all the way through sometime in May or June.

As my husband relaxes in the recliner, in shorts and a t-shirt, I sit carefully layered with fleece bottoms, a long sleeved t-shirt, turtleneck, and at least 1-2 fleece tops. He is comfy. I am still cold.

One major reason I move a lot, and perhaps have been accused of being hyper over the years, is that moving warms me up.

Therefore in mathematical and scientific equations: Comfort = Moving.

So, as that 11 degree readout mocked me today, I decided to move!

A walk versus a drive to the library seemed in order.

Along the way I saw beauty, helped and visited with a friend, breathed in some wonderful fresh air, and felt overall victorious over my arch enemy of seasons ~ winter.


YAY!!!

        I am a Putnamaniac that went way outside my comfort zone on my winter wandering today ~ and decided I did not have a screw loose at all, but just like to do what I don't think I can do or want to do sometimes!


Monday, January 20, 2014

Giggling girls (of all ages) in the supermarket aisles!

I just popped into the local Price Chopper grocery store for a couple of things.

As I was checking out at the self checkout register, a passel of little girl friends ran into each other.

Literally!

Of course, this was on purpose.

Today, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, is a holiday for many employees and school children. These elementary school girls were quite excited to see each other on a day out of school and otherwise away from each other. 

Squeals, giggling, hugging, jumping up and down ensued. They were like a whirling dervish!



This public behavior can be annoying to some, at times, including even to me, but today it struck me as very cute and innocent. Days gone by when you could simply squeal with delight because you were delighted!

As I headed towards the exit, I saw a sweet friend of mine. I mentioned that when I spotted her that I wanted to run over, hug her, jump up and down, and squeal with delight like the little ones had just done.

Imagine what those little girls would think?

Imagine what the rest of the shoppers would think?

Clearly I am in favor of public giggling, squealing, and jumping up and down from now on when you see your friends.

Who is with me?

I am a Putnamaniac that really enjoyed the giggling girls in the super market today and wanted to join in and be one myself!





Friday, January 17, 2014

Discovered ~ a fine young gentleman!

Whew.

I was so hungry and pooped at the end of this day...

Even though I have planned out meals and shop every week, ahead of time, sometimes at the end of a body beating, brutal day, I just can't cook any meal for my little family of me and my hubby.

So, I scooted into Price Chopper after work, praying I'd find something acceptable to the digestive system and a healthy choice.

I found that and something so much better.


As I trailed behind a short mother type, with her 6 foot + son type pushing the shopping cart, I overheard his advice "yes, mom ~ I do love these, but we can do without them this week."

As I went to pass them, he politely pulled aside and said "after you, ma'am. "

WOW!

I passed the mother type and praised such a great guy! She beamed proudly. Who wouldn't?

Hopefully you came across such good upstanding youth today!

I am a Putnamaniac that discovered a fine young gentleman this evening!



Thursday, January 16, 2014

Thompson Bonfire is hot stuff ~ and a lot of fun!

January winter blues got you down?

Need an excuse to get outside, have some fun, have stories to tell for the rest of your life?

Thompson's Recreation Department has an upcoming solution to the above dilemmas.



Mark your calendar and hit the road on Saturday, January 18th.

Bonfire & Fuel for Fire

Join us for this Holiday Community-wide Bonfire on Saturday, January 18, 2014!
5:30 p.m. Winter Concert with Bob Bloom "Drumming About You" at Louis P. Faucher Room in Thompson Community Center/Library.
6:30 p.m. Bonfire (pond across the street from Community Center/Library)
If ice is frozen on the pond there will be ice-skating, so bring your skates! Witness Judi Jones hooping with rings of fire! WINY will play music for the festivities. Sip hot chocolate, enjoy baked goods and roast marshmallows to make s’mores!
Co-sponsored with Community Fire Company and Thompson Dept of Public Works

General Information
  • Hot chocolate, baked goods and s'mores kits available for purchase with funds going to Fuel for Fire and Project Graduation
  • Park in the Library/Community Center lot.
  • Inclement weather date: Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014
Concert, bonfire, hot chocolate, marshmallows, s'mores, skating = FUN!!!

Get out and have some winter fun! This will make even winter haters (me) enjoy winter!

You can "like" the Thompson Recreation Department on Facebook here. 

I am a Putnamaniac that thinks the Thompson Recreation Department's Annual Bonfire is hot stuff!





Monday, January 13, 2014

The Bradley Playhouse needs a helping hand this week!

Calling all fans!

Calling all muscles!

Calling all who like to help!

Calling all who like to have fun!

So... who is calling??

The Bradley Playhouse needs some help this Friday night, January 17th at 6pm.

 You may or may not have heard, but their ceiling had a bit of an issue back in December.

Busy beavers have been working away, and things are almost back to normal at the Bradley.

Here is where the help is needed (posted on The Bradley's facebook page recently):
"We are moving back in! Renovations are complete and we are moving back in to the theater on January 17th. We need your help to move lighting and sound equipment from the stage back upstairs to the light booth. If you are able to help, please show up at the theater on January 17th at 6:00 pm. WE ARE BACK!"

 Come and join it! You will appreciate just a smidgen of what goes into the local theater that we all love to sit back and enjoy! I will be there - so we can high five each other for a job well done, and joining in on great community service!

You can "like" The Bradley Playhouse here

I am a Putnamaniac that can't wait for the Bradley to be back in full swing!


 





Sunday, January 12, 2014

Date Sunday at The Complex Performing Arts Centre with my pal Seth!

It is a great day!

Anticipation is increasing as the countdown is on for my Sunday date to see The Little Mermaid at The Complex Performing Arts Centre with my pal Seth.


I love this theaters productions so much, and going with a kid to see this fun filled show promises to bring all the more fun! Plus, Seth's friend is one of the actors in the show. How cool is that?

There are two more shows next weekend, and plenty more other productions to come throughout the year.

Don't miss out on quality, local, small theater.

Check out The Complex Performing Arts website for more information, and you can also "like" them on Facebook. 

...."wouldn't you think I'm the girl who has everything"...  wait a second - I do have it all!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that can't wait for Sunday date time at The Complex!




Saturday, January 11, 2014

Knock three times ~ by Bobby White & Marcy (aka Tony Orlando & Dawn wannabees)

In the shower - always a conduit to my best musical talents, as my hubby was in the basement insulating pipes, I heard this...

Knock, knock, knock...

Honest to goodness!

So in my musical shower surround, I belted out "knock 3 times on the ceiling if you want me, twice on the pipe if the answer is no....".

Luckily, the hubby is rather deaf, so he did not hear my musical offering.

However, when I went down shortly after to throw in a load of laundry and relayed my shower time tuneful fun, he immediately broke into chorus... "knock 3 times...".

Music, showers, basements  ~ life can be fun!

Thank goodness for enjoying it, and growing up with Tony Orlando and Dawn! (Personally, I would love to dress up every day like this)!!!


You might also thank goodness that you are not a close neighbor of ours ~ with all the singing going on!!!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves knocking three times!





Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Gathered my acorns for a little winter warmth tonight - how 'bout you?

It is winter, and we are all freezing!

It seems to be a bit colder lately than most winters, but since the temps are one rare thing I do not compulsively keep a year to year running log of, I am just guessing.

I am rather sure that every winter I think it is a bit colder than the last.

You know how we people can be - living for the here and now.... it tends to make us think that this moment is always the coldest, or the hottest, the best, the worst....

And they say other living beings have short memories....

Tonight I am warming up by baking a classic ~ New England acorn squash ~ filled with kidney beans and a sliver of cheese on top... ready to melt and blend this mash into a delicious and warm evening dining experience.


Color me happy with anticipation as I wait to enjoy the acorns (squash) that I gathered for the cold winter months.

The little things make a life. They make it great.

Enjoy yours!

I am a Putnamaniac that gathered my acorns for a little winter warmth!

Monday, January 6, 2014

Nothing like some rain to inspire!

We all know that rain is needed.

Today we got it and then some!



The birds seemed pretty happy about the raindrops today, as it was mild, and their chirping away seemed to indicate good spirits.

Most of the snow is now gone, melted by the pelting, warm drops.

Winter rains and snow help build up the ground water that we will all need throughout the rest of the year.

It also gets you to move your feet as fast as you can when you get stuck out in it while jogging - especially if you wear glasses!

On top of feeling victorious when you finish, you really have some nice red cheeks when you get back home!

Does rain inspire you?

If not, what is it that does inspire you. Remember to look for inspiration everywhere!

I am a Putnamaniac that is inspired by the rain - it got me moving!


Thursday, January 2, 2014

Pleasant Street made me feel... well... Pleasant!

The marvel of words!

The word Pleasant turned my frown upside down today.

How?

As I was driving and grumbling in the cold and snow, because I am just not a fan no matter how much I try to convince myself otherwise, I passed Pleasant Street.



This is a road I pass all the time, on foot and on tires, and I always think "how nice ~ Pleasant Street".

Kinda dumb, huh?

Well, today it really did the trick for some reason.

As I passed by, I again thought, "how nice ~ Pleasant Street".

Then I continued to think that everyone that lives on Pleasant Street must be so pleasant all the time - I mean, why not? Suddenly I felt a bit more pleasant myself.

Quickly I approached my street, named for an unknown gentleman, I thought how pleasant my street was, too ~ and my house, yard, and even the driveway that I would be shoveling shortly.

Oh ~ the power of words.

Think before you speak. Choose your words wisely, as you will want to use them to the best of your ability and have others marvel at your vocabulary super powers!  Use them for good instead of for harm.

You will be the super hero in many lives!

I am a Putnamaniac that felt rather pleasant today after all!




Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The Last Green Valley celebrates a score in 2014!

Four score and seven years ago...

Wait - that is the wrong speech.

One score and zero years ago, The Last Green Valley became a National Heritage Corridor.

That is 20 years to you and me.

 Here is a shot of mine I doctored up. It is TLGV float for the 2013 Holiday Dazzle Light Parade ~ our pre-parade gathering. We were grand marshals in celebration of kicking off the 20th anniversary of TLGV.

1994-2014.

20 years of what? Two things - The Last Green Valley is a 35-town National Heritage Corridor in eastern Connecticut and south-central Massachusetts, and it’s also your member-supported, non-profit stewardship organization working locally to celebrate our heritage, conserve our natural resources, and respect our working lands.

Check out this great youtube video about The Last Green Valley. Open spaces, rivers, history, agriculture...

I love where I live!

I am not only a member of The Last Green Valley, but I'm a volunteer ranger, too. 

You can be, too! Join for dirt cheap, and enjoy the many benefits, most of all, living in a still mostly unpopulated area - approximately 78% still remains as forests and farm lands. 

This membership makes a great gift for family and friends, too! Hint, hint, hint! Be creative and generous in your gift giving this year, making The Last Green Valley's 20th year a great one! 

You can "like" The Last Green Valley on facebook here.

 I am a Putnamaniac that loves living in and volunteering for The Last Green Valley!