She's a grand old flag

The flag, pledge of allegiance, star spangled banner... they all get to me.

My brother and sister know that when we attend any ball game or race together that when they play the song, the planes fly over, and the flag is waving, I will be crying. I can't help it! It gets to me every time.

This morning WINY radio hosted a drive for the troops. All the flags were flying from all the different service branches, as well as having representatives from every branch there - all ages, shapes and sizes. They were gathering items to send to the troops. Goosebumps!

I dropped off my small donation which can never be enough thanks to those who dedicate their lives and service in order to give me a wonderful life here in New England. Love life in the USA.

I am a Putnamaniac because we appreciate the troops that continue to support us and give us a great life!

You know you're a Putnamaniac when.....

You know you're a Putnamaniac when.....

You haven't been home for a few nights and desperately miss Putnam.

You drive into town and simply relax.

When the speed limit is 35, you go 35.

Passing the school bus at 8pm, you wonder if the kids won their game, and know you will hear the scores tomorrow morning on the radio.

The jingle from WINY Radio plays in your head when you drive by the station.

There is one guy out walking, and you know him.

If you ever sold your condo, you know you'd buy a new home...in Putnam.

You look constantly for ways to raise money for Habitat and to get more customers into the ReStore.

There is always the thought of what more you can do to help the community or get more involved.

Expectations and satisfaction are always expected and fulfilled.

I know I am a Putnamaniac because of all of these things and more!



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May Breakfasts and random drives in breathtaking settings!

I went to an awesome May breakfast this morning at my friend's church in Chepachet, RI.

It was packed! It was delicious! They even offered a fruit platter, and since that was the closest thing to veggies, I opted for that deliciousness. The enjoyment multiplied as I sat and conversed with a young man and his uncle. It continued as I called my friend out of the kitchen and gave her a break from slaving over a gigantic pot of oatmeal. My reward was a big smile and hug, and I got to meet her beloved hubby!

Great morning so far (not to mention I finally saw that Putnam oriole on my early morning jog)!

On the drive home I took a rural road out in East Putnam that I had never been on before. That decision was FANTASTICAL! You can't believe the beauty that is everywhere in Northeast CT, from the top of hills where you can see for miles and miles, to the pastures full of horses or the greenest grass you could wish for, to the babbling brooks, to the water falls. It was no less that a breathtaking ride.

I guess this must be a reason that I don't have a big desire to travel to see things. I love the sights were am I more than words can say.

There is something for everyone in Putnam, downtown and in our "suburbs". You must become a Putnamaniac, too!

I am a Putnamaniac because my morning was filled with a friendly May breakfast and the most random, breathtaking ride in the world!

Renegade Gardener's secret society is growing....

My condo is attached to one other condo. So it is just the 3 of us. Me in my condo, and mother Connie & daughter Pam next door.

We take good care of each other.

We have a random flower sharing program, where one condo will deliver flowers of some sort to the other condo throughout the year.

We have an emergency plan. If a fire alarm goes off in one condo, we will alert the other condo and save each other.

We share delicious foods on occasion. (Well, ok, they are mostly the givers and I am the receiver in this category)!

They have also begun enabling the Renegade Garden, more and more, as they enjoy it as much as I do. Just a few days ago, they gave me these outstanding dragon fly lights.... I put them up tonight under the privacy wall that divides our porches. Now we can all enjoy them. They are beautiful!!! It is difficult to tell by this picture, but you are welcome to visit anytime and check them out for yourself!

I am a Putnamaniac because the Renegade Garden secret society is growing!

Kindness, seriously pass it on!

Random acts of kindness.

Pay it forward.

Kindness, pass it on.

These are cliche expressions, but I take them to heart.

Seriously, do it! Pass it on!

I can't tell you why I am writing this blog specifically tonight.

However, I can tell you to always be as kind as you can be, make an effort to stay positive, and do all of the cliches mentioned above. It will always come back to you in rewards beyond your wildest hopes.

I am a Putnamaniac because when I have paid it forward, it becomes an epidemic, and others do the same!

Orioles are taunting me, as I turn into a version of my mom!

As the years go by do you find yourself turning into your mother, your father, a grandparent, an uncle??

I do!

Those of you who have the pleasure to know my mother, know she is just about the best person on the earth. So as I find myself doing the same things that I used to make fun of her for doing, I can only hope that I become a tiny bit as good as she is.

Today I caught myself sitting first in line at a 4 way stop sign. When suddenly a taunting "oriole bird song" (please click on this link so you can hear the oriole) came drifting through my open car window on this beautiful day. Since I know the orioles love the high tree tops, there I sat....listening.....looking.... trying to make my eyes find that elusive oriole's call.

A few moments later, I got the friendly "toot" from the car behind me. A nice older man smiled at me as I waved my apologies and moved along.

I did not find that oriole, but I found that I was thinking about what a great mom I have to make me appreciate hearing something as simple as the song of the oriole.

I am a Putnamaniac because the orioles taunt me and make me realize what a great momma I have!

Mother's Day Tea at Victoria Station - bring your momma!

Looking for something to do with your momma for this upcoming weekend's Mother's Day celebration?

Make reservations at the Victoria Station Cafe's Mother's Day Tea.

Check it out! It is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from RI.

I am a Putnamaniac because you can take your momma to Mother's Day Tea at the Victoria Station Cafe!