Hanging out the porch window

So, this may seem pretty lame, but I gotta tell you that pictures do not do the Renegade Garden justice, as I video taped hanging out the porch window.

You gotta see it live and in person to appreciate it! All visitors welcome in the guest bedroom!

I am a Putnamaniac, and Bruins fan, happy to have such niceness & beauty out my porch window!

The patios are hopping downtown

It is a sunny and warm Memorial Day in Putnam, although it did not start out that way.....

Pouring rain, thunder, and lightning barged into town early this morning, and hung around long enough to cancel the parade. That was a bummer, but considering all the vets have done for us, it was nice that they did not have to march in the parade to receive our thanks.

Just after noon the sun arrived. I went downtown just to see what was doing.

Flags were flying, and people were enjoying themselves all over the place. Putnam has become a destination, and every seat was filled on the patios of Someplace Special, 85 Main, Bella's Bistro, and Victoria Station. These places, plus the Courthouse Bar & Grille are within feet of each other, and only a mile from my house!

What a great way to spend a Monday holiday!

Who is coming to pick me up and head down to one of these great places?

I am a Putnamaniac because there are a multitude of relaxing and delicious dining establishments available!

My country 'tis of thee

Although I am a horrible singer, let me clear my throat..... ahem...

My country, 'tis of thee,

Sweet land of liberty,

Of thee I sing;

Land where my fathers died,

Land of the pilgrims' pride,

From every mountainside

Let freedom ring!

 

I am a Putnamaniac because flags are flying this weekend! Happy Memorial Day!

Beaver sighting!!! Right in the Quinebaug River in Putnam.

Holy Smokes!

I stopped to take a few pictures of all the flags flying on the poles downtown that are waving to celebrate the upcoming Memorial Day holiday.

I almost dropped my camera over the side of the bridge when I looked over the edge and saw a big, fat beaver swimming by! He spotted me and went under, flapping his big, flat beaver tail as he dove deep! I wanted to stop traffic so I could share this with someone!!! Instead I ran across the street to the other side of the bridge, and there he was again, heading down towards Cargill Falls and WINY Radio. 

Luckily a family was walking by, so I showed them my beaver friend. They had just been to Mystic Aquarium with their children's school today, so it was perfect timing for them.

Soon another older couple came walking by, hand in hand (how cute is that??). I showed them the Putnam beaver, and although he was almost out of sight by then, they spotted him, too!

It was next to impossible to get a picture of this little scamp, but I tried anyways.

Apparently he is looking forward to the next River Fire as much as we all are!

I am a Putnamaniac because you never know what you will see, but it is always exciting and makes you smile!

Condo friends starting to unite - a food drive is our first mission!

Last night was our annual Sabin Landing Condo Association meeting. This is an open meeting, that all condo owners are welcome to attend, mingle, share ideas, etc. I have always had a good excuse not to go to them in the past years, but this year no excuse was to be found. Like a good grown-up, I attended. What a nice surprise to meet a few new neighbors, and see some old friends that I've known right along.

The best part of it is that we decided we should try to accomplish some things as a group, as a community. Our first event will be a food drive. All neighbors will bring food items to my condo, and at the end of June I should have a big load to deliver to The Daily Bread, right here in Putnam.

I have a good feeling that this is just the start of the Sabin Landing Condo Association's presence in the community! We still have a few more units to be built, so you could be lucky enough to join us!

I am a Putnamaniac because the Sabin Landing Condo Association is starting to unite and become a positive presence in our community!

Celtic Revival in the Park; music, dancing and a some preaching that I didn't expect

Ok, so maybe I didn't research this event that was in Rotary Park today... and maybe the I should have been forewarned since the word "Revival" was in the title.

However, I was clueless as to the content of what I was going to attend, other than I expected some Celtic music and dancing like you get on the PBS specials.

I got a bit more than I bargained for. It was like seeing the Partridge Family if Billy Graham had been their father. The singing, dancing and music were great, but it sure did feel a whole lot like "Church in the Park".

Although I try to be a good person, I am not a "holy roller". Preachy people make me edgy. Far too many of them are too fake for me, and do not live what they preach.  Actions should speak louder than words. 

So, I made the best of it for as long as I could take it, and in the meantime, I took in the scenery. There was a band of bikers. Believe it or not, they were the Christian Motorcyclists Association. Check them out. They "Ride for the Son".

Here is the Sky family website, too, if you are inclined to learn more about them. The are by their own claim, "Prince Edward Island's Premier Irish Dance Show."

I took a little video of 3 of the Sky family's children doing their Irish stepping. You gotta give 'em credit for being talented! They all played like 3 instruments each as well.

 I am a Putnamaniac who has hopefully not offended any of my religious pals today. There are a good and sincere many that I know!

Changes in attitudes

This afternoon and evening... it stopped raining!

People came out of the woodwork - strollers, dog walkers, joggers, romantic couples, garden tours...

I also got new glasses!

With the clear atmosphere and new specs, Putnam was more glorious than ever.

I stopped emailing and organizing, and sat on the porch, listening to the River rush by, and talked to one of my besties, Deeda, for a long, long time.

And in honor of my pal Steve-o's birthday, a little chorus by Jimmy Buffett seems in order:
Its these changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes
Nothing remains quite the same
With all of our running and all of our cunning
If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane

Life is good!

I am a Putnamaniac because there were changes in attitudes today!

I'm a Chopper Shopper

This Putnamaniac has been busy lately!

Driving home tonight, I wondered what I should blog/brag about Putnam today...

There was an adorable old fellow out hoeing and planting in his garden in the drizzle. He sure did remind me of my days growing up and digging in the garden with my Poppa. Boy, did I love that.

Passing the ball field, the little leaguers were out in the fog, their parents sitting frozen on the steel bleachers... now that is dedication.

In my development, my neighbor Larry (aka Legs to me, since he is always out walking) walked on by and waved...

However, I decided that today I am a Putnamaniac because I now get $1 off each gallon of gas from my Price Chopper shopping points! I hate to shop, and don't buy much, and I am still up to $1 off per gallon. That is awesome with the price of gas at $4.18 per gallon here in the Quiet Corner.

I am a Putnamaniac and a Chopper Shopper because I can save $$ on gas!

Turtle's Tacos....mmmmmmmouth watering place

Volunteering at the Habitat ReStore on Sundays is great for many reasons.

One of the reasons that I would not have ever imagined is being located across the street from Turtle's Tacos. 

The smell starts drifting across the street first thing in the morning as they prepare for the day. OMG!!! Such awesome delights for the nose! 

At least one of the volunteers usually orders something and brings it back to the ReStore to enjoy for their lunch. OMG!!! Such awesome delights for the nose!

And if you think the nose likes it, you should find out what the tastebuds and tummy think about it.

Check out Turtle's Taco Shop as soon as you can! 178 Providence St, Putnam, CT.

I am a Putnamaniac because there are so many delicious smelling and tasting places there are here! Come and visit!

Renegade Growth

Gardens are like children,

Everyone thinks their own are THE BEST!

Well of course we do, because we know what we put into the them, and they entertain us.

So now I am once again soooo excited about the growth in The Renegade Garden as of late.

Enjoy a little tour...if you dare!

I am a Putnamaniac because I experience growth here, in many ways!

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!