The best way to notice that school has begun again is the change in the road traffic around the schools.
All summer long barely a vehicle passed me on my morning jog. I haven't felt fear of death or dismemberment in a few peaceful months!
However....dum dum dummmm.... now scores and scores of cars, minivans, SUVs whiz by my elbows and toes in the rush to get the kids to school on time, and then off to Dunkin Donuts of course.
Where is the school bus??? Ahhh, here it comes, and few kiddos are on board. Makes one wonder why we still have school buses. I adore the little old driver who always waves back to me, and I am glad he has a job, but it also makes me think that someday school buses will be passe all together.
Sharing the roads with the hurried, harried parents is all fine and dandy when you see those little smiling faces buckled in the back seats with their new backpacks and bouncy ponytails, ready for another day of fun that school days allow the young.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to Back to School Dayz in Putnam!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Quiet Corner Grooming & Doggy Daycare Pampers your Pets!
The entrepreneurial spirit lives strong in Putnam. Small businesses are everywhere.
Quiet Corner Grooming & Doggy Daycare is a shining example of this.
Developed out of a need for this service in the area, and with much love and dedication, QC Grooming is located on Rt 44, as you enter Putnam from RI. It is a convenient location and has great ownership.
The owners, Wendy and Brett had such a great love for their flock, a few years ago they thought they'd like to share this love and care with all the pets in the Quiet Corner.
Those of you who are pet owners know they are more to you than mere pets...they are a part of the family.
They need to be groomed by loving friends. They need a safe, fun place to stay during those long days when you are at work.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the small local business Quiet Corner Grooming & Doggy Daycare!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Dancing Under the Stars on a crisp late August night
Dancing Under the Stars on a crisp late August night, with a band called "Reminisce"....
Sounds romantic, sounds fun, and so it was.
Sounds like it would stir memories of days not so long ago, and so it did.
Couples, many who have been together for long years, strolled in with chairs in tow and sweatshirts slung over their shoulders for the after dark chill. Many of these couples grumbled about where to sit, what to eat, who were they going to see...then they sat quietly and waited for the music's magic to begin.
As they say that music can sooth the wild beast, so it can sooth and inspire grumpy old couples!
One couple in particular caught my eye. They were so grumpy when they arrived, but soon the band began. Their frowns went away, their feet started tapping to "Blue Moon", and their hands started clapping to "Sherry Baby". Before you knew it they were out on the "dance floor", under the stars with a plethora of other couples transported back to a reminiscent time of all fun and joy.
How wonderful that something as simple as a night full of music and dancing can make so many people happy.
Rotary Park is a great setting for the events of Putnam, with plenty of parking and the picturesque river running along beside it. We are lucky to have events such as "Dancing Under the Stars" to attend throughout the year.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to Dancing Under the Stars!
Sounds romantic, sounds fun, and so it was.
Sounds like it would stir memories of days not so long ago, and so it did.
Couples, many who have been together for long years, strolled in with chairs in tow and sweatshirts slung over their shoulders for the after dark chill. Many of these couples grumbled about where to sit, what to eat, who were they going to see...then they sat quietly and waited for the music's magic to begin.
As they say that music can sooth the wild beast, so it can sooth and inspire grumpy old couples!
One couple in particular caught my eye. They were so grumpy when they arrived, but soon the band began. Their frowns went away, their feet started tapping to "Blue Moon", and their hands started clapping to "Sherry Baby". Before you knew it they were out on the "dance floor", under the stars with a plethora of other couples transported back to a reminiscent time of all fun and joy.
How wonderful that something as simple as a night full of music and dancing can make so many people happy.
Rotary Park is a great setting for the events of Putnam, with plenty of parking and the picturesque river running along beside it. We are lucky to have events such as "Dancing Under the Stars" to attend throughout the year.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to Dancing Under the Stars!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Sensible, safe roadways
How silly to comment on my sensible and safe roadways in Putnam, but they are really quite nice. I grew up in RI, so trust me, I have seen some bad driving! (Nothing personal to my RI friends and family).
The speed limits are set, and people obey them! How refreshing! You can pull out of a side road or parking lot without fear of feeling the breath of a car tearing up the road behind you!
There are buttons for pedestrians to push at intersections, so the traffic lights all turn red. You can cross without fear of losing limbs or having your piggy toes run over! AND pedestrians actually use them. How refreshing!
There are sidewalks throughout most of the town. How refreshing!
People are courteous and let you pull out when needed. My brother was shocked at this courtesy on a recent visit to the quiet corner!
After a certain time at night, the traffic lights turn to their hibernation phase of blinking yellow on one side, and red on the other side. Not quite rolling up the sidewalks at night, but almost. When this time of night arrive and I am out, it still makes me a bit shaky... I rolled through a yellow light one night at midnight after returning from "Dancing with the Stars" show at the casino with my sweet friend Deeda. The police officer who pulled me over took instant mercy on me after seeing the horror on my face for not only being pulled over for rolling through a yellow blinking light, but actually being awake and out of the house at midnight!!
One of the many things that can easily be taken for granted is the nice road travel here in Putnam. A quick drive elsewhere reminds you of how lucky you are as a Putnam resident or visitor.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the sensible, safe roadways!
The speed limits are set, and people obey them! How refreshing! You can pull out of a side road or parking lot without fear of feeling the breath of a car tearing up the road behind you!
There are buttons for pedestrians to push at intersections, so the traffic lights all turn red. You can cross without fear of losing limbs or having your piggy toes run over! AND pedestrians actually use them. How refreshing!
There are sidewalks throughout most of the town. How refreshing!
People are courteous and let you pull out when needed. My brother was shocked at this courtesy on a recent visit to the quiet corner!
After a certain time at night, the traffic lights turn to their hibernation phase of blinking yellow on one side, and red on the other side. Not quite rolling up the sidewalks at night, but almost. When this time of night arrive and I am out, it still makes me a bit shaky... I rolled through a yellow light one night at midnight after returning from "Dancing with the Stars" show at the casino with my sweet friend Deeda. The police officer who pulled me over took instant mercy on me after seeing the horror on my face for not only being pulled over for rolling through a yellow blinking light, but actually being awake and out of the house at midnight!!
One of the many things that can easily be taken for granted is the nice road travel here in Putnam. A quick drive elsewhere reminds you of how lucky you are as a Putnam resident or visitor.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the sensible, safe roadways!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Time for the Brooklyn Fair
Fairs are great fun for all ages!
There are sights, sounds, and smells that stimulate all sorts of emotions and memories.
Animals, sausage & pepper sandwiches, cotton candy, doughboys....
Carnival ride tunes, mooing, kids screaming with delight from the rides, revving motors of tractor & truck pulls....
At fairs you run into people you only see once a year, so the social aspect is vital.
Entertainment at fairs ranges from some big names to the local talent.
Sometimes you even get a fireworks show!
Fairs announce the winding down of summer, school starting is just around the corner, and cool nights begin to give us some restful sleep.
The Brooklyn Fair is our first fair in Northeast CT and it is so close to Putnam! Hop in the car, and enter the fair gates in about 15 minutes! See what is going on at the Brooklyn Fair this year!
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the nearby Brooklyn Fair!
There are sights, sounds, and smells that stimulate all sorts of emotions and memories.
Animals, sausage & pepper sandwiches, cotton candy, doughboys....
Carnival ride tunes, mooing, kids screaming with delight from the rides, revving motors of tractor & truck pulls....
At fairs you run into people you only see once a year, so the social aspect is vital.
Entertainment at fairs ranges from some big names to the local talent.
Sometimes you even get a fireworks show!
Fairs announce the winding down of summer, school starting is just around the corner, and cool nights begin to give us some restful sleep.
The Brooklyn Fair is our first fair in Northeast CT and it is so close to Putnam! Hop in the car, and enter the fair gates in about 15 minutes! See what is going on at the Brooklyn Fair this year!
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the nearby Brooklyn Fair!
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
A lifetime of Chickens, with the BIGGEST CHICKEN EVER in Putnam!
I have been surrounded by chickens my entire life!
My grandfather had them, my father had them, my mother still has them! Mom's of course have luxurious housing, roomy pens, gourmet meals, and are all named aptly. I hear my neighbor's rooster cock-a-doodle-doing on my morning jogs.
Chickens influence our thought processes, reasoning abilities, and philosophies. Really, which came first, the chicken or the egg. Never forget, don't count your chickens before they hatch...
Concern strikes the nation when we hear of salmonella fouling our fowl, or as recent headlines report of the condition of our eggs being a scrambled mess.
However, my favorite chicken of all is the GIGANTIC chicken I pass every day at the Cargill Falls Mill. I don't know whether to wave to him or to garyo, the Johns, and their fun daily intern at WINY each morning. Come on, how many towns have a GIGANTIC chicken? I will be so sad when he is no longer there.
Check out some more items on hand in Putnam, a great antique marketplace: Putnam Antiques
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the GIGANTIC chicken!
My grandfather had them, my father had them, my mother still has them! Mom's of course have luxurious housing, roomy pens, gourmet meals, and are all named aptly. I hear my neighbor's rooster cock-a-doodle-doing on my morning jogs.
Chickens influence our thought processes, reasoning abilities, and philosophies. Really, which came first, the chicken or the egg. Never forget, don't count your chickens before they hatch...
Concern strikes the nation when we hear of salmonella fouling our fowl, or as recent headlines report of the condition of our eggs being a scrambled mess.
However, my favorite chicken of all is the GIGANTIC chicken I pass every day at the Cargill Falls Mill. I don't know whether to wave to him or to garyo, the Johns, and their fun daily intern at WINY each morning. Come on, how many towns have a GIGANTIC chicken? I will be so sad when he is no longer there.
Check out some more items on hand in Putnam, a great antique marketplace: Putnam Antiques
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the GIGANTIC chicken!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
The Complex Performing Arts Centre/Black Box Theater -More GREAT Putnam Talent!
Local talent was mentioned in the first Putnamania Blog, and here is praise for another great host of talent, a mere half a mile or so away from the Bradley! Located on 95 Front Street, again you can walk to The Complex Performing Arts Centre from downtown Putnam after that yummy dinner, or park handily along the street.
The owners, braintrust, talent, and elbow grease behind the Complex are charming Carl Mercier and his beautiful, uber-talented wife Nichola. I can't believe I know this guy!
I've had the pleasure of enjoying Cabaret in this intimate Black Box theater, and can't wait to enjoy these upcoming shows:
The Heidi Chronicles with choices of September 24, 25 or October 1, 2
Assassins with choices of October 22, 23, 29, 30
Not only do they provide great entertainment for the community, but the Merciers also provide dance classes for age 3 and up! A great way to broaden your child's horizons starting young, and burn off some of their excess energy.
I strongly urge that you discover these talented and dedicated folks, and this wonderful offering here in Putnam, You can do that by starting at their website. www.thecpac.org
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to The Complex Performing Arts Centre!
The owners, braintrust, talent, and elbow grease behind the Complex are charming Carl Mercier and his beautiful, uber-talented wife Nichola. I can't believe I know this guy!
I've had the pleasure of enjoying Cabaret in this intimate Black Box theater, and can't wait to enjoy these upcoming shows:
The Heidi Chronicles with choices of September 24, 25 or October 1, 2
Assassins with choices of October 22, 23, 29, 30
Not only do they provide great entertainment for the community, but the Merciers also provide dance classes for age 3 and up! A great way to broaden your child's horizons starting young, and burn off some of their excess energy.
I strongly urge that you discover these talented and dedicated folks, and this wonderful offering here in Putnam, You can do that by starting at their website. www.thecpac.org
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to The Complex Performing Arts Centre!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Subtle smooth sounds of Putnam
You can get so used to hearing sounds every day that sometimes you stop noticing them at all.
Waking up to The Little River running steadily behind my home, with the mallards splashing down and quacking happily, along with the bird songs of cardinals, chickadees, finches, and even an occasional oriole (oooh laaaa laaaa) is such a great way to start the day!
Mother Nature graces us with many other daily melodies including: the cows mooing and chewing in their fields, and all the various rivers & streams in the area, even when at a low level as they are now, still babble merrily along, all leading to a crescendo at the Cargill Falls.
The church bells ring their glorious tunes. The fire horn blows every night at 6pm. The trains rumble through and toooooot their hellos and goodbyes to all of Putnam as they chug along to their next destination.
The town and school fields across the river allow me to enjoy the teams of all seasons. How nice to sit on my porch and hear the little leaguers, cheerleaders cheering "push 'em back, push 'em back, waaaaaaaay back", Clipper football games with full band entourage.
Rotary Park offers a wonderful variety of sounds of its own throughout the year in all the concerts and events held there.
I hope to never stop hearing these wonderful sounds. Open your ears today and enjoy the many sounds you hear.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the subtle smooth sounds of Putnam!
Waking up to The Little River running steadily behind my home, with the mallards splashing down and quacking happily, along with the bird songs of cardinals, chickadees, finches, and even an occasional oriole (oooh laaaa laaaa) is such a great way to start the day!
Mother Nature graces us with many other daily melodies including: the cows mooing and chewing in their fields, and all the various rivers & streams in the area, even when at a low level as they are now, still babble merrily along, all leading to a crescendo at the Cargill Falls.
The church bells ring their glorious tunes. The fire horn blows every night at 6pm. The trains rumble through and toooooot their hellos and goodbyes to all of Putnam as they chug along to their next destination.
The town and school fields across the river allow me to enjoy the teams of all seasons. How nice to sit on my porch and hear the little leaguers, cheerleaders cheering "push 'em back, push 'em back, waaaaaaaay back", Clipper football games with full band entourage.
Rotary Park offers a wonderful variety of sounds of its own throughout the year in all the concerts and events held there.
I hope to never stop hearing these wonderful sounds. Open your ears today and enjoy the many sounds you hear.
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the subtle smooth sounds of Putnam!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Putnam River Walk - history, beauty, community all rolled into one!
Much needed rain falls gently on this fine Sunday morning in the Quiet Corner, but the River Walk is never quiet. No matter the weather, season, or time of day, you will see walkers doing their thing here!
A delightful welcome to Putnam, (exit 95 of Route 395), as you enter Putnam on Kennedy Drive, there is no way to miss the well used River Walk. Winding beside the river, and under the trees and past the old mill buildings, you will always see strollers, roller bladers, dog walkers. Many mornings I glimpse a happy gentleman sitting in his lawn chair and watching the cars go by, along with the birds and butterflies.
Simple things can be forgotten in the busy lives we lead, so take time to stop and enjoy!
I stopped for a walk over the bridge just yesterday with my sweet Mother during her visit to Putnam.
After all "these boots are made for walking"! I'd be happy to take the walk with you!
Check out the Putnam River Trail
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the Putnam River Trail!
A delightful welcome to Putnam, (exit 95 of Route 395), as you enter Putnam on Kennedy Drive, there is no way to miss the well used River Walk. Winding beside the river, and under the trees and past the old mill buildings, you will always see strollers, roller bladers, dog walkers. Many mornings I glimpse a happy gentleman sitting in his lawn chair and watching the cars go by, along with the birds and butterflies.
Simple things can be forgotten in the busy lives we lead, so take time to stop and enjoy!
I stopped for a walk over the bridge just yesterday with my sweet Mother during her visit to Putnam.
After all "these boots are made for walking"! I'd be happy to take the walk with you!
Check out the Putnam River Trail
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the Putnam River Trail!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Bradley Playhouse productions never fail to satifsy
Have you been to the Bradley Theater in Putnam, and if not, you are missing out entertainment that you can't imagine! All done by local residents, school kids, town employees... You get the idea! Talent rich environment surrounds us in the Quiet Corner.
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Grease! And yes, I have been singing Hand Jive all day long! I am hopelessly devoted to the Bradley Theater and great local fun.
Check out their website and upcoming shows: The Bradley Playhouse website
- Bradley presents 7 fantabulous shows a year, with a number of viewing times for each show.
- Tickets are cheap! They offer season tickets, flex tickets, or just single show tickets.
- There are 5 super delicious restaurants within view of the theater.
- Just recently an industrious fellow started a valet service in town, so you don't have to even walk to get there!
Last night I had the pleasure of seeing Grease! And yes, I have been singing Hand Jive all day long! I am hopelessly devoted to the Bradley Theater and great local fun.
Check out their website and upcoming shows: The Bradley Playhouse website
I am a Putnamaniac thanks to the Bradley Theater!
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