Keep up to date with feel good moments on our facebook page!

When life gets busy, you find a new way to do what you love!

This Putnamania blog was a way for me to focus on something really special and good every day!

It became my habit to look for and easily find an outstanding scene, person, event or feel good story every day. I maintained that wonderful routine for a few years! It was a great feeling.

It is still my habit to seek out something wonderful each day, however, my life situation has changed so much, that I very rarely have the time to sit and capture it completely in a blog.

Someday I will find the time again.

In the meantime.... I have begun posting quick blurbs as time allows on the Putnamania facebook page.

Enjoy as often as you can, and always feel free to point out and share the wonders you see before you each day!

I am a Putnamaniac that sure can get busy doing the things I love!

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A bird feeder with a cat watchdog!

Anyone who feeds the birds knows the suffering of the always attacking squirrels.

Many attempts at thwarting the 4-legged thieves are made. Double-sided tape is wrapped around the pole holding up the feeders. No good.

Grease is smeared on the pole, but the squirrels keep trying until that has worn away and they can still make the climb to the most delicious seed.

Edwin Way Teale professes in his book, A Naturalist Buys an Old Farm, to hanging a feeder to a thin wire from a tree branch. He moves it out further a little at a time to see just how far the squirrels can jump and still get to the feeder. He discovers that when the feeder is finally out of the reach of the squirrels, they still jump wholeheartedly, hitting the feeder, sending the seed flying, where they can then just eat off of the ground. Squirrels surely get an A+ for effort.

You buy feeders that say they are squirrel proof, but somehow the furry beasts eventually find a way.

This morning as I was driving out of my neighborhood to work, I spotted a great sight.

Not the usual pesky squirrels at the feeders, but a big, fat, black cat sitting under my neighbor's feeder, eyes focusing upwards, and tail swishing.

Lesson learned is that nature does what it does.
Put food out, and it is survival of the fittest, or the most acrobatic, as to who gets it.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to see what happens out my window! 

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Taking a look at a port-o-john, through the eyes of Jimi G.

I have this friend.

He is very sincere, enthusiastic, hard working, fun, nice, thoughtful, smart, talented... and he is really not a close friend.

We have spent very little time together, but the few minutes here and there are always some of the most valuable and pleasant that I spend with anyone.

When I see his smiling face in a crowd, or sitting somewhere, the magnetic pull is irresistable.

Why?

Because we have conversations like this:

"I love my daughters. They grew up so fast!"

"Look at that mother over there, bending down to the stroller, smiling and having fun with her little one. We are seeing that! Isn't it a great thing!"

"That forgotten 45 your requested on WINY Radio was GREAT!"

...and one of the best one's yet... "I remember going along the river trail one day, and there was a guy there cleaning the port-o-john. He was whistling, and going about his job with great pride. He cleaned the inside, then the outside. He was not ashamed or embarrassed of his job. He was proud to be doing a fantastic job! Isn't that great?!"

Yes - it is.

It is also great to know people that value the goodness, hard work and sincerity of others.

THAT is why I love my friends, and that is why I am pulled like a magnet to them, and opposed to those who do not see the value in these precious things.

I am a Putnamaniac that sticks with those who see the good and rise above all else! 

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Unloading a truck on a rainy day can be fun!

My momma always taught us kids how to have fun!

Whether you were cleaning your closet, out in the woods picking blueberries together, snapping green beans from the garden for canning, babysitting your little brother and sister or having homemade apple crisp in the fresh fall air for dessert, have fun doing it!

That advice has been followed and revisited successfully many times over the years. Somethings are much easier to have fun doing, but you can pretty much always talk yourself into fun!

That happened today!

The Last Green Valley's Walktober brochures were ready to be delivered, and half were coming to my garage. The old truckster followed me up Rte. 395 in the pouring rain, backed in to the driveway, and we unloaded 3 pallets or approximately 12,000 Walktober brochures! One guy in the truck handing each box to me and the other guy one by one.

It was fast, it was fun, we laughed about getting in our much needed cardio work.

It is amazing what a smile and a good attitude can do!

I'm a Putnamaniac that is happy to unload a truck full of boxes in the rain any day!

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The dreaded colonoscopy - not so dreaded!

Since I am of "that age" now, it is colonoscopy time. It was actually 5 years ago, but I now have a schedule that will allow such things as taking care of myself medical appointment-wise.

Colonoscopy! You hear the stories, oh boy do you hear the stories... and of course they are all very dramatic stories. The prep - good lord - the prep!!!!

Somehow I think that hearing those horror stories make things so much easier to do than you think they will be!

Braced for the horrific "prep", I completed the mission so easily I thought I might be missing something. I read the instructions, then I read them about 652 more times. I had followed them, and it was no big deal. In advance proactive strike attempt, I had cut down my food intake quite a bit in the week or so before, and I was hoping being a vegetarian would be somewhat helpful. Perhaps that was helpful, or perhaps it was just easy for me, or perhaps some people really love to dramatize!

Living in the community here is northeast CT and Putnam in particular, makes it easy to want to take care of yourself, in case just wanting to live the longest, healthiest life possible by taking care of things in your control is not enough motivation.

It is a medical minded community. In fact I walked to the hospital for the procedure since it is only about 2 miles away.

People care about each other. People stress the importance of routine checkups and tests. People share stories of how these tests have saved them by detecting things early so they could be treated. The Deary Cancer Fund is HUGE in this area. WINY Radio hosts guests from the medical community frequently. So although most of these folks don't know this Putnamaniac personally, I still feel that they care for my health and well being, as I care for theirs.

Generations is our family's medical choice, because it is very convenient. Their staff, from the folks you check in at the desk with, to the APRNs and Docs themselves are SUPERB.

Generations refers to Day Kimball Hospital, and this local facility is a blessing to those of us who have it so close by.

Imagine your job is to be on a team that performs colonoscopies. They were the brightest, happiest, most pleasant team I could hope for!

The procedure itself was unmemorable. I fell asleep and woke up to find it was all complete, plus I got a much needed glass of water and a granola bar. Add snacks to any equation and I am sold!

So, march onward in your health care. Be proactive! You know your body better than anyone. You take care of your car, your yard, your home... right? Add yourself to the list! You are worth it!

I am a Putnamaniac that will not think of it as the "dreaded" colonoscopy any longer!

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River Fire!!!!! I mean RIVER FIRE!!!!!

I do mean RIVER FIRE!!!!

All caps, all the way!!! I love RIVER FIRES just that much!

There are 3 river fires, I mean RIVER FIRES, every year in Putnam.

Ever since I first moved to CT from RI some years ago, RIVER FIRES have been 3 of my favorite nights of the year!

Some years I can't make all 3, but it is always my goal.

There is a concert in the bandstand in Rotary Park on Kennedy Driver before the fires are lit on the Quinebaug River.

We all sit and watch the concert and entertainment, cheering wildly, singing, simply loving life. Then we all turn and face the water and watch the fire pots dance and reflect on the waters. The music continues on through this mesmerizing time, thanks to WINY Radio and Karen O's fabulous music choices.

Voila! It is all magical.

I invite you to come and enjoy a river fire, I mean RIVER FIRE this summer!
The schedule is:
*Saturday, July 18th, with the Britishmania concert pre-RIVER FIRE
*Saturday, August 8th, day of the Deary Races, and day before the Main Street Car Cruise and the ARC duck race
*Saturday, September 12th.

Come on down to enjoy Putnamania and tons of things great and small, all within walking distance from the RIVER FIRES!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves RIVER FIRES!

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FIREWORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Aren't we all kids at heart when it comes to fireworks?

Why else would bazillions of people gather to sit outside and look up to the dark skies, waiting and waiting for the brilliant and loud displays?

Simply because we do love fireworks.

Everyone cheers, whistles, oooooohs & ahhhhhhhs!

Northeast CT offers some great fireworks, and the towns plan in conjunction with each other so you can see more than one show!

Last week Killingly held their Red, White & Blue BBQ, concert and fireworks to great applause.

Putnam has their concert and fireworks coming up this weekend, Saturday, July 11th, with the music starting out at 7:15 (featuring the Johnny Press Mess), and fireworks blasting off at 9:15. (Note the rain date is Sunday, July 12th if needed).

Putnamaniacs converge in Rotary Park for all of this fun!

This year you will want to plan accordingly since the Rte. 44 (Pomfret Street) bridge at Cargill Falls, beside WINY Radio, is under construction and closed. There will be no parking at all on Church Street down to Putnam Supermarket (that is the road that runs along the Quinebaug River and you see from Rotary Park; the town hall and police station are on it, too.)

No worries, plan your time and parking. Come early, stay late. Enjoy! Life is too short not to "ooooh and ahhhh" at as many fireworks as you can!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves fireworks as often as possible!

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I love where I live - especially in the spring and summer!

Long live long days!

Long live bright sunshine!

Long live warmth, green, and things growing around us!

I know that not everyone is on the same page in this life.

Full respect is given to each person and what makes them tick.

Truly we should be true to ourselves.

In this short life, I will admit to being a bright, sunshiny, hot weather, green and growing type of gal.

Who knows why what it is that makes each of us happy.

However, I would say embrace what makes you happy, and get through the rest of it by seeing what makes another happy!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the green, long days of spring and summer!

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Goals set + doing them = sense of accomplishment!

"To do" Lists are great!

There is always a list going in my house, my job, my mind....

Big goals, little goals, short-term goals, long-term goals. 

Writing it down helps me a lot, and it has worked that way since I was a kid.

See the list.  Do each item on the list. Cross them off. Make a new list!

In the meantime you get a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you take a look around at your life and see what you have done, simply by doing it!

Whomever at Nike came up with their slogan "Just Do It" was pure genius! Don't you think?

No matter if I have 15 spare minutes, a few hours, or a day, I can do something on my list!

Example: After work tonight I went for a quick jog, got home and had a little free time. Looked at the list.
*Bulkhead needed some touch ups.
Paint + brush + a few minutes = Sweet looking bulkhead! Good as new.

 I am a Putnamaniac that is happy to squeeze in the items on my "to do" lists!

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My garden days are always like spending a day with my poppa!

I am now past the age that my maternal grandfather (Poppa Si Moone) was when I was born.

He called me "Sweetie-Pie" and I was his shadow from the time I was born, until he retired and moved to Maine when I was about 10 years old.

Growing up we lived next door to Poppa & Nanna and all the uncles - 4 of them. 4 rotten uncles! They teased the heck out of me, but I could take it since any torture was worth spending time with my Poppa and Nanna.

I was in that garden between our houses from spring to summer to fall, helping Poppa; digging, hoeing, weeding, planting, learning, and all around having general fun. Downtown was spent sitting on his lap in their living/dining room.

When they moved I first experienced a broken heart, and I was HEARTBROKEN!

However, we all learn to keep on trucking in life, and I certainly survived.

To this day, when I am out in my yard and garden, I do feel my grandfather looking down over my shoulder, saying "Good job Sweetie-Pie", or maybe "Don't plant those quite so close".

That is a GREAT FEELING!

I am a Putnamaniac that still likes spending time with my Poppa in the garden!

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Just look around you! What do you see? Are you missing out?

A few weeks ago I attended an outdoor festival in the town of Griswold, put on by their recreation department, for families with children. YouthTopia!

Perfect - and right up my alley!

The sky was overcast and downright foreboding that morning, and the wind was brisk.

Focus and swiftness were needed to set up in case of a downpour!
Unload the car - check.
Set up the tent and tables - check.
Ready for the event - check!

Chit chatted with families, telling them about who and what I was representing - The Last Green Valley (where I love to live, work and explore)! Lots of materials were passed out!

Then, there was a slight lull. I took a sip of water, took a breathe, turned around and saw this:

What a sight and sound right there before my eyes! How had I missed it? Doesn't it make you wonder what you might be missing?

Stop and look around once in a while! What a delight we may have right before (or behind) us!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to find what is right in front of my eyes (and sometimes behind my back)!

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Do you ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh where you live?

So, I ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh a lot about where I live.

I look, and I ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

I smell, and I ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.


I taste, and I ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

And as of tonight, I painted - a scene of where I live, just a mile away from my house, and I ahhhhhhh.

This is a painting of the Quinebaug River, looking down at Rotary Park from Church Street. I jog by all the time!

And yes, tonight I painted it!

HOW?

Artique, a paint bar exists! YAY! I have attended a few times now, and I always choose the same host, Kathy Guertin, although Artique offers a few greats hosts/hostesses.

They take you step by step through each stroke, and voila! You are now an artist!

Find your inner artist. Love where you live!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to discover her inner artist at Artique-Putnam!

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The Man Who Came to Dinner - a funny classic revisited at The Bradley Playhouse!

Have you heard of "The Man Who Came to Dinner"?

I'd heard of it, but did not know the premise.

Thanks to The Bradley Playhouse in Putnam, I have now been not only informed, but entertained and amused.

The Bradley Playhouse has a way of doing this for us with their great productions using local talent.

The Man Who Came to Dinner is a comedy, and based on a true story and quite the character from years ago. As with the shows of those years (this original film was released in 1942), it is full of some of that good old fashioned comedy.

The Bradley Playhouse has already entertained full houses for the first weekend, but never fear, there are still 2 weekends left for you to sit back, relax, laugh, and forget all the troubles of today with a flash back to some good old time comedy.

Buy tickets online here, or call the Bradley at 860-963-7832.

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the shows and my local theater, The Bradley Playhouse! 

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We've got the whole world in our hands (aka you don't have to stop to smell the roses)!

Just got in from a jog around East Putnam - sweet! This morning's original plan was to attend a 10K trail run event, but time did not allow for that plus the time for driving to and from. Luckily I can improvise and just hit the streets.

I passed a snake, which put a little jump in my step, and spotted a chipmunk scurrying into a stone wall. He obliged with my request to stay there and not visit my veggie garden.

Birds were singing loudly! The greens are as green as they can get! The wild roses in the woods are at peak aroma right now, and I did not have to stop to smell them. My feet kept moving the rest of this Putnamaniac along and I could smell just fine.

Upon arriving home, I walked in to hear some of the Jukebox Gold Sunday morning show on WINY Radio - they play great stuff, and heard (not this version, but this song); "He's got the whole world in his hands."

We really do have it in our hands, don't we. Get out and enjoy it, even if it is just a solitary walk!

I am a Putnamaniac that is so happy to have the whole world in my hands, especially the area I live and work! 

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First Friday = FUN, FUN, FUN!

It has been a long time - again - since I have sat down to capture the fun and good that surrounds me here in northeast CT, particularly in Putnam.

That is because I have been out as much as possible seeing the good people, visiting the good places, and having more fun than I could have ever imagined right before my eyes (all 4 of them)!

But, I did want to take a moment to remind everyone about Putnam's First Fridays, which occur on the first Friday of each month, May - October.

FREE!!

An art and culture based street fest.

It is family friendly.

You will see nothing but smiling and welcoming faces.

If you have never been, now is the time to treat yourself to a little bit of fun and the good life. A mini-vacation for you!

Details here on Discover Putnam.

I will be there as Ranger Marcy for The Last Green Valley, so be sure to find me and say hi. I give out free hugs, too!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves First Fridays! 

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Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT ReStore finds!

Whew!

Busy times as of late for this Putnamaniac, and I am sure for you all as well.

Spring, particularly after a long and weather filled winter, gives us all a lot to do!

As I was about my home work/errands one day a couple of weeks ago, I looked around and quickly noticed a ton of things that I have added to my home over the years, thanks to shopping at my local Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT ReStore!

I really wanted to point out to you what great stuff you can find at a Habitat ReStore. Of course, since I do volunteer from time to time, I really have the opportunity to see things as they come in! That is a great benefit of volunteering, should that entice you into inquiring about it!

As you will see in these photos, some things that I have bought at the Habitat ReStore look brand new, some are clearly well used, some I have painted or re-purposed.  In any case, these are a few of the things that have been added to my home sweet home over the years, all while my purchases are helping someone else to get a safe home of their own.

Take a look.

I am a Putnamaniac that supports my local Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT! 

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The Bradley Playhouse production of Nunsense is heavenly!

Friday was the opening of Bradley Theater's Nunsense, and this Putnamaniac was there!

Thank goodness there are still 2 weekends left to catch this show.

Do not miss out on the talent you will see. It is funny, the cast has great timing and their voices are spot on. Songs, dance, fun!!! You could not have hand picked a better cast! There is a little surprise local bit of fun tossed in, too!

So, be sure to get off the couch (to quote my friend) and into the Bradley Playhouse for this show.

Remaining dates are:

Friday, April 17, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 18, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 19, 2:00 p.m.
Friday, April 24, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, April 25, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 26, 2:00 p.m.

Tell them the Putnamaniac sent you!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves the local talent at my local theater!

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Cleanups! YES - I am talking to YOU! You can make a difference! Proof enclosed!

Our Putnamaniac team does a bi-weekly cleanup. Some weeks we have as many as 6 of us, and lots of times just me.

We chose one particular area in our town that was asking for help. An area not very large, but hit hard by litterbugs.

For just one hour every other week, we meet at this spot and spend one hour cleaning up.

One hour - every other week. Not too demanding.

This morning was our first time back to do a cleanup after a very snowy spell, and although I was warned by another good community who had been out doing a stretch of town earlier himself, I wasn't prepared for what was found.

SHOCKING!!!! Our little area that we work so hard to keep clean was a disaster area.

In the usual hour, we covered only 1/3 of the territory, and picked up 3 times as much as usual. These photos do not show all the bags that were picked up!

After the cleanup was done, and feeling a little frustrated, I went out for a jog to clear the old noggin'. 

That did the trick.

What I realized was that just that one hour every other week done by Team Putnamania makes a difference. Before all the snow came and our cleanups were curtailed for a while, we had the litter under control enough that we could clean up our whole strip in that hour, and sometimes sooner!

Obviously some folks are just going to litter. I don't get it, but I do get that if more and more people join in on the cleanup side of things, it can be made manageable.

YOU can make a difference.
1) Choose a designated time.
2) Choose people you know that you can count on and who are interested in making their community a nicer place. Friends, family, neighbors, fellow church goers, coworkers....
3) Choose your cleanup location - it can be your own yard and the street in front of your house, or maybe your favorite stretch of road, or maybe something you drive by every day and shake your head at the mess.
4) Stick to that schedule and do it. Routines are easily made and kept.
5) Give yourselves a big pat on the back - brag! Tell people what you do. You will inspire them!

Now, everyone, get to work!

I am a Putnamaniac that knows we can all make a difference and our own community a better and more beautiful place!

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When my feet hit the ground, instant smiles are produced!

Yesterday I went for a jog after work - outside - in the air - my feet on the ground - alongside a river - birds singing!

Today, I was a bit short of time, but decided to stop at a local walking path and take some photos for work.

The minute my feet hit the ground, I was elated! Huge smile! Very happy!

I was not unhappy before I got there, mind you, but I could feel quite a big sense of excitement and elation to just be outside - hearing the water roaring by, the birds singing, seeing a beaver swimming along for quite some time.

I was there for maybe a total of 20 minutes.

Why do I not take at least 20 minutes every day to give myself a thrill?

Life can be improved so easily!

Why do we forget that?

GET OUT AND DO WHAT MAKES YOU ECSTATIC! Don't forget to do it - just a few minutes each day!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves to get my feet on the ground!

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Do you know about the Children's Tumor Foundation?

Do you know about the Children's Tumor Foundation?

I think you can guess by the name of this, it is probably not a lot of fun.

At this time, there is no cure.

However, folks who have this are certainly outgoing and hard working!

The president of the Connecticut chapter is a young, smart, beautiful woman that lives in Thompson, and who also has NF.

I think that their website can elaborate far more efficiently and succinctly that I can, so please visit this site: http://www.ctf.org/

A great way to show your support locally is to join an NF Walk. We will be having one in September in Putnam. We all like to walk. We all like to help our fellow man. Please sign up and join the walkers if you can! If you are not close to Putnam, find a walk near you.

I am a Putnamaniac that believes in supporting mankind!

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The Knights of Columbus Hall in Thompson is a GREAT place to hold your event!

Twice recently I had the pleasure to visit:
Riverside Knights Banquet Hall
1017 Riverside Drive
North Grosvenordale,CT
860-923-2967

Today I attended a craft fair, and just a few weeks ago attended a fund raiser there. 

I will admit that it is not that exciting to look at from the outside, but once you get inside, you will be very pleased!

It is a big and open room - great for birthday parties, wedding receptions and dances, as well the the sort of functions I already mentioned, and anything else you can think of, too!

Downstairs there is a kitchen, bar and dining area. They cooked all day there today for the craft show vendors and attendees.  The prices were very low and the quality and service were good!

If you are local and planning an event, seriously give the Knights of Columbus a call! See you they can do for you.

I am a Putnamaniac that is very impressed with the Riverside Knights of Columbus Banquet Hall!

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Empty Bowls fills bowls for others in need!

Easiest blog EVER!

Empty Bowl Project to benefit Daily Bread Food Pantry. 

In case you didn't notice the details:
Saturday, March 21st (THIS SATURDAY)!
2 seatings: 4:45 and 6 p.m.

$20 for a bowl and dinner.

Bowls made by Sawmill Pottery.

Soups made by local restaurants & great cooks.

Benefits to our local food bank.

You leave with a full belly, a handmade bowl, and a sense of community.

Pay it forward. Repeat that action as often as you can.

I am a Putnamaniac that thinks Empty Bowls is pure genius!

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Neil Diamond, a 78 year old Italian man, my BFF make for an emotional night!

Generally I am one who loves to show my very happy & enthusiastic emotions, and keep the sad ones to myself.

That theory and practice went out the window tonight.

As I was leaving the parking lot from a good day's work, on time, I had a text from my friend's husband.

She is my BFF and like a little sister to me... I love her to pieces.

Her mother passed away. Today. It was also my BFF's anniversary today. What a day for her.

As I drove north on Rte. 395 and cried my eyes out, my heart was breaking for my dear friend.

My hubby is not a fan of seeing me upset or crying, so I pulled myself together before arriving home. I was picking him up to head out to the Neil Diamond concert in RI. Neil is a class act and was on my bucket list. (Barry Manilow is still on that list)!

So, off we went, with me only having a moment to text my BFF a few x's and o's .... I know her heart is breaking, and I can't help her, nor make it stop.

Once the hubs and I arrived at the concert, we received upgraded seats. Awesome! Very good seats.

As I sat down, I said hello to the couple next to me. The old fellow had me at "hello". We chit-chatted about technology, like cell phones and computers, which he and my hubby quickly agreed were "no good"! The wife and I humored the men folk. This gentleman told me he was 78. They were the cutest couple ever. All dolled up and still going out on dates!

Neil Diamond was fabulous.

I almost cried 8,788 times....

Why?

The old fellow next to me- 78 years young - sitting next to his bride and singing at the top of his lungs, then clapping and whistling after every song was just amazing.

Music gets to me. All I could think of was my BFF and this couple beside me.

All I could think of was how life can get you.

It always goes on.

I am sure that adorable couple sitting next to me have had some bad, sad, and trying times in their day, but tonight, they were acting like teenagers again.

I just wish my sweet friend was not having a trying time right now.

I know they have to come, but if they could all just be "sometime in the future..." with that future to never come.

I am a Putnamaniac that wish me and Neil could make everything ok for my BFF

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Putnam Lions Dog Park = A Roaring Success!

Dog Park - Roaring?

Wait a minute.

 Dogs don't roar!

Am I mixed up? 

I think not!

The Putnam Lions Dog Park IS indeed a roaring success!

It is always full of both 4-legged and 2-legged creatures!

Today I stopped in to take a picture of three dogs hanging out and enjoying the snow.

 You can see there is a large area, and they do have separate sections for large and small dogs. 

This guy looked like a porcupine!

These friends needed a drink to refresh them after all the running around!

Kudos to the Putnam Lions Club for their vision and hard work to bring this dog park to us. It is amazing to see how many do use it, respect it, and enjoy it.

Park at the Farmer's Market Pavilion, 18 Kennedy Drive in Putnam, and you will see the dog park right there. Enjoy!

And be sure to thank a Putnam Lion for helping bring this great community project to us all!

I am a Putnamaniac that loves that the Putnam Lions Dog Park is a ROARING SUCCESS!

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Excitement with Florence in the Walmart parking lot!

Did you hear a ruckus in the Putnam Walmart parking lot this morning?

A lot of hooting and hollering and laughing?

That was me!

Why the cause for excitement?

I mean, you know I HATE shopping...

Well... as I was leaving the store, I spotted Florence headed in.

I yelled "FLORENCE!!!! HELLO, IT IS MARCY!!!"

Then I ran over for a hug of rather large proportions coming from a petite little lady!

Florence was one of my sweet neighbors when I owned the condo.

I LOVE Florence, and I had not seen her in ages!!

We hugged and caught up a bit, then parted.

It was awesome! I am so lucky to know so many great people!

I am a Putnamaniac that was thrilled to have the excitement of seeing Florence in the Walmart parking lot this morning!

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Stew & Story enjoyed at The Inn at Woodstock Hill

I just got home from dropping off my friend and former neighbor off after enjoying a great night of "Stew and Story" at the Inn at Woodstock Hill. 

It was her idea.

I had never been.

It.......... was............ AWESOME!

The Inn itself is just fabulous, and I have enjoyed it in the past, but this "Stew and Story" was my first.

Tables are set so nicely with cheese, crackers, fruit...

A choice of a few soups is all yours, including a vegetarian choice! Refills if you'd like are offered, too. A bowl full of assorted rolls.

And if this all wasn't nice enough, after you are through enjoying a nice meal, you gather to listen to a reader.

The first tonight chose Ernest Hemmingway. He is not one of my favorites, as he can be quite depressing... However the reader chose a rather nice piece.

Back to the tables for a light dessert and coffee. Relaxing, enjoyable.

And then another reader, who in the case of our second offering was actually a story teller. She told 2 lovely tales!

The night was certainly enjoyable, and I will absolutely do it again!

Price = $25 each. That bill is common now a days, and I feel like all things considered, (the setting, the service, the food, the entertainment, the atmosphere, and a great night out with a friend & the hubby), I got the bargain of the century!

I suggest that you keep your eyes open for the next time a "Stew and Story" at the Inn at Woodstock Hill is on, and make your reservations, or just go for lunch or dinner!

You will love it.

I am a Putnamaniac that just loved every minute of Stew and Story at the Inn at Woodstock Hill!

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Embarrassing but thankful moments in life ~ like when your old timer neighbor snow blows your driveway for you!

Talk about embarrassing moments...

Last night before we went to bed, me and the hubby voted that if the snow total wasn't that outrageous in the morning when we got up, that we would just leave it, and at the end of the day we would do the cleanup after we got home from work.

During the night, we heard the plow come and go a few times.

We did the usual tossing and turning that this winter has brought to a lot of folks.

When it was time to get up and get a move on, we voted. Drive through it and clear it at the end of the day.

Off he went.

As I got ready, loaded my car and was about to leave, I could hear an engine of sorts right outside my garage door. I looked out and saw my old timer neighbor snow blowing our driveway!

How embarrassing!

I went out to ask him what he was doing, and of course to thank him. His reply was that he just liked to keep busy, and by keeping moving he keeps moving. I agree with that attitude. I hope I continue to keep moving, too! He will be getting a Dunkin Donuts gift card tomorrow morning so he can enjoy a hot cup 'o joe with his friends ~ on us ~ very thankful neighbors!

I am a Putnamaniac that was embarrassed and thankful all at the same time!

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Impossible not to love & admire Kies Orr of Fort Hill Farms!

Do you know Kies Orr?

She is inspiring to say the least. 

Kies is one of the family members that runs Fort Hill Farms in Thompson, CT. 
They are also one of The Farmer's Cow family farms. 

Basically I know Kies through her hard work, and through her momma, Kristin, who is majorly proud of both Kies and her sister, Lily. 

But I also know Kies because of the hard worker and sensible person she is. All through her school years, Kies was up and out with the dairy cows, then went to school. After putting in a full day of school and participating in the usual after school activities, such as running on the track & field team, back to work at the farm it was. Dinner, homework, a little sleep. Next day, repeat.

Kies spoke often on the local radio station, WINY, throughout her high school career, as a mouthpiece for the FFA program, and also as a guest on "Redmen Roundup", the weekly spotlight on the high school's sports stars. Eloquent and at ease all while being clear and concise. That was Kies' style, because that is who she is.

That was just up through high school. 

Next it was off to college, where Kies was still working harder than many I have known.

That sounds like an awful lot of work, and not much spare time, doesn't it?

Yet she has never uddered.... I mean uttered one complaint. Why would she? This is her. This is her life. She is true to herself. 

I was inspired not for the first time tonight again as I read Kies' facebook post:
"Why do you "farm" people ask me, "If the future is so bleak? Why keep on losing money when another job you can seek? You've got a choice to make a change, why do you stick it out? We just don't understand your mess and what's the fuss about?" I look at them they'll never know, nor will they understand. The joy, the pride, the peace I feel when standing on this land. I took this picture this morning after milking was done, sunrise over the cows and the barn just melts my heart. This dairy farm runs through my blood and I won't give it up for anything!"

You go Kies! You are an inspiration and impossible not to love!

I am a Putnamaniac that thinks Kies Orr is pretty much amazing! 

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Talk about an Epic bike ride and lifetime experience! Go Dot! Go Hannah!

Today I am living my life - and my blog - vicariously through someone else!

Actually through two someone elses.

I have not been able to stop thinking about this since yesterday, when I spoke over the phone with Dot, owner of our local Sawmill Pottery here in Putnam.

She is on a cross country bicycle trip with her friend Hannah.

Did you just read that, stop for a minute, think about it, really comprehend what it takes to stop your life and do something like this?

Wow. WOW.  WOW!!!

Physically - you are riding a bicycle across the country, in the elements, in unfamiliar territory, without your usual comforts of home.

You set aside your work life or leave your business in the hands of someone else. 

WOW.

WOW!!!!!

Previously I have experienced such journeys in literature in books such as "The Memory of Running", "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry", and "The Road to Grace" to name a few, and of course the now classic film "Forrest Gump". They were all emotional and thought provoking, but they were literature.

This is real - real people that live where I live. You see them around!

I will not divulge all the stories that have transpired on Dot and Hannah's journey. I will let you read and follow along with them in Hannah's blog. I urge you to read it all here. 

People are amazing and inspiring for a million reasons! WOW!

I am a Putnamaniac that is amazed at what people do! 

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