Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Northeast Transit - take a ride for cheap!

The Quiet Corner of Northeast CT is named aptly.

We are not big city hustle and bustle.

You would not think we would have such a high fa-looting thing as public transportation.

A-HA! We do!

The Northeast CT Transit District keeps us moving.

They provide public transportation to northeastern Connecticut - open to ALL members of the public. 
Buses are fully ADA certiļ¬ed, have wheel chair lifts, and are equipped with bicycle racks.

Rates: Can you say "Such a Deal??":  ALL Rides are $1.00 (Discount Tickets (15 Rides - $10) 


Small town living with big city perks! 

I am a Putnamaniac because the Northeast CT Transit District keeps people moving!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Splish Splash Santa - in my bathroom !

You can't get away from Santa even in my bathroom!

Although he does not sing like my Australian friend John does (Splish, Splosh, I was taking a baaaahhhth), this guy belts out a fun version.

Take a listen:

I am a Putnamaniac that loves her elfish friends and Santa in the bathroom, splishing and sploshing!

Monday, November 28, 2011

Occupy Putnamania!

There is a movement that has been taking place in Putnamania for some time now.

It is known as "Occupy Putnamania".

We Putnamaniacs occupy our comfy, affordable, diverse homes and neighborhoods.
We occupy the great selection of restaurants and stores.
We occupy the theaters, with the best live shows anywhere.
We occupy the social events galore, such as the River Fires, Arc duck race, concerts, 4th of July fireworks, Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, and other endlessly fun events.

You may have heard of some other "Occupy" movements taking place throughout the country.
While they have their agenda, I am very pleased with the "Occupy Putnamania" contingency here in Northeast CT!


I am a Putnamaniac who is thrilled to be a part of Occupy Putnamania!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Razzle Dazzled in Putnamania!

Earlier this year I was Razzle Dazzled at The Bradley Theater's production of Chicago. Remember the lawyer's song "Razzle Dazzle 'Em"??

Well, I was Razzle Dazzled to the max again tonight at the Holiday Dazzle Light Parade! 

This was the 10th Holiday Dazzle Light Parade, but my first! Excited me!!!!!!!

The beautiful walk from the ReStore to the parade alone was enough to thrill me:



But the parade itself - YOWZA - SOOOOOO glad I live in such a fun place as Putnamania!

There were over 130 parade participants, all outstanding, words can't describe.

Some of my favorites:
*Kies and Lily and new calves with the Killingly FFA Agricultural Education entry! When they are not parading around, the calves reside at Fort Hill Farms in Thompson with vivacious and life loving Kristin Orr, who watched the parade with me!


*WINY Radio's vehicle - Clark Griswold, eat your heart out!


*Johnston and Associates Real Estate's Dickenesque Village, because, well, just because I love Rachael and she is a fantastic person, hence the whole loving her thing!


The grand finale - Santa!!!! Followed by all the local town rescue vehicles! Take a look and listen! Holiday overdrive!!!!!!



You must come see the parade with me next year!

I am a Putnamaniac who is Razzle Dazzled by the constant fun here!

Morning Glory!

What's the story Morning Glory???

Today it is beauty in Putnam.

After a little jog to get loosened up for a busy and fun Sunday, I went to one of my favorite perches, and a scenic overview of Putnamania.

Looking east-ish:


Looking west-ish:


Morning Glory!

I am a Putnamaniac because I started my day with Morning Glory!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Martha Stewart...who's your momma???

Martha Stewart has nothing on me!

I decorate using things like a bag of bows, cheap shiny glass balls (unbreakable) from the Habitat ReStore...Snowmen I've had for years.... I make my own bows for tree tops and wreaths...I pretty much can decorate for very little dollars and even less shopping (which is the best, since I hate to shop)!!!

So today's question is to Martha Stewart. Who is your momma, Martha??

I'd say the answer is that it is this Putnamaniac - check out the sparkle-tastic fun I had today!

Starting at the front porch:


Let's come inside the best condo in Putnam:



And into the living area and porch:


Little tree I decorate for every season:



Renegade Garden transformed into the candy cane forest!



Ho Ho Ho Martha - who is your momma???

I am a Putnamaniac because I love where I live and have a condo that Martha Stewart would be jealous of!

Friday, November 25, 2011

Santa arrives along with a sensational evening - Ho Ho Ho!

Ho Ho Ho!!!!!!!

Turkey is digested, and Santa has stopped in for a visit on the most sensational of days and now evenings here in Putnamania!

This Putnamaniac was foolishly washing windows and missed Santa's arrival on the Fire Truck this afternoon, but I made it in time to see the gigantic line of excited kids waiting for a chance to tell the Jolly One what they desired for Christmas.


I also made it in time to see this beauty with my own four eyes, and that I will not soon forget.







I couldn't be happier if I were twins!

I am a Putnamaniac because Santa arrived along with a sensational evening!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Lucky and Thankful I am!

I have had a very nice life so far.

I have been extraordinarily lucky in the family, friends, jobs, coworkers, etc, etc, etc, that have entered my life.

I am THANKFUL for every moment of this lucky life of mine.


As another Marcie once said: "But Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. You heard what Linus was saying out there. Those early Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving,' Charlie Brown"

I am a Putnamaniac that is lucky in life and thankful for knowing all of you and experiencing all that I have so far!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Eat Ham says the Turkey....

It is almost Turkey Day!

Apparently not all Turkeys are not thrilled about this fact.

I can imagine why.


Do you think the people who live in this house will not eat turkey on Thanksgiving??

If they don't approve of eating turkey, why would they approve of eating ham?

OR...do you think perhaps this turkey is making a statement all of his own and suggesting the ham Thanksgiving dinner?

I am a Putnamaniac because I do love Thanksgiving, turkeys, and a sense of humor!

Monday, November 21, 2011

The Black Box Theater is now offering Season's Tickets starting in 2012

YIPPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!!!

That is what I have to say now that The Black Box Theater is offering Season's Tickets starting next year! I am all over this!  I know what I am getting myself for Christmas!


For many years I have enjoyed being a Season's Ticket holder at the Bradley Playhouse, just up the road from The Black Box. (I already got my 2012 Bradley season's ticket, as a pre-Christmas gift for myself....hahahaha)! Holding a Season's Ticket, I assure myself that I will never miss a show, and I assure you, I do not! There is always something to look forward to, and the shows at both theaters are spectacular! 

There is a great line up of shows at both theaters, including Rent to finish out the season at The Black Box next December. I have seen Rent in Boston on the big stage, and I will bet you that The Black Box outdoes them! The local talent is that good.

Black Box owner, manager, director, actor, ticket taker, charmer extraordinaire, Carl Mercier is my Santa this year!

I am a Putnamaniac because The Black Box Theater is now offering Season's Tickets!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Leaves - leave me so confused!

In the winter I long for the spring and the trees to start budding out. I love leaves!


Spring comes, with all it's glory and buds, and YES, leaves on the trees. Gloriously green! I love leaves!



Fall is now upon us, and the leaves turn wonderful colors... with the sunset glowing on them, they look ablaze. The burning bushes are burning aflame with red deliciousness. I love leaves!



And now these leaves that I have yearned for in winter, anticipated in spring, relaxed under in the summer shade, and viewed their fall palate of colors just recently, are now all over the ground, and I must rake them. I hate leaves!


I am a fickle Putnamaniac who is left confused by my love and hate of leaves!

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Free stuff and great deals in abundance in Putnamania - check out where!

The Putnamania Habitat ReStore sometimes has selected items for FREE!  We tag them so it is obvious what they are.

 

Today I saw a couch! Yes, a couch for free! Although it is not in perfect condition for entertaining the Rockefellers, it is perfect for a family room where the kids will hang out and by their rambunctious nature add wear and tear and stains, etc to everything they touch. How can you beat this??

There were a few other items that were marked with the FREE code, as well as tons of stuff at ridiculously low prices. Electrical items, hardware, lighting, tvs, furniture, doors...and more! There is even a gas fireplace insert.... If you are re-doing your living room, come and snag this. I love, love, love my gas fireplace!

I was able to resist an adorable table that the sides fold down (it makes a good sized table when those leaves are raised!), and the cutest little shelf with a heart carved into it, and a mirror that someone had made out of an old window... If  these things remain there for another week or 2, I will buy them! (I like to give everyone else a fair chance at these nice things, though....even though some need a little elbow grease, you can get some cool stuff)!

I mention the Habitat ReStore a lot. I can't help it. It is a great thing, and the circle it creates with Habitat and the building of homes is genius.

Stop in, say hi, check it out, donate something, or buy something!
171 Providence St, Putnam (across from Putnam Supermarket and Turtle's Taco Shop).

I am a Putnamaniac because the Habitat ReStore is here in town with great deals - including FREE stuff!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Happy with good choices!!!

This morning.

I woke up. Chilly, sunny, beautiful.

Cutest kid in Putnam, Seth Dunton, and his cutest mom in Putnam, Kathy Dunton, stopped by to get my extra pennies to bring to the food drive held by Putnam Ford at WINY Radio.

On my way to work, I dropped of some food myself, happy to see the life sized turkey on hand again this year.


Drove 40 miles to work, further west in Windham County CT, enjoying the road, radio, sites.

After work I drove what seemed like 879,327 miles to EG, RI. The subpar, inefficient, impatient, inconsistent roads and/or drivers in RI made me realize how good I have it in Northeast CT.

There are people I love dearly in RI, so it is worth the torture to get there to see them.

Arrived at home later tonight, in Putnamania, with an amaryllis on my doorstep from my neighbors.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I am thankful I live in beautiful Northeast CT!!!

I am a Putnamaniac thankful that I made the good choice to live and work in Northeast CT!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Compelling Beauty!

Driving to work the other morning, past the roaring Cargill Falls, I saw a guy getting out of his car, taking a tripod and camera out of his trunk. strolling over to catch a picture.

As steam and mist rose mystically over the falls, crisp sun shone in the sky, and it was all framed by the arched shape bridge. It is a great New England sight that this fellow hoped to capture.

Although I am no Mr. Tripod, I was glad I had my camera with me on the day I spotted this beauty that compelled me:



Do you travel with your camera with you at all times, in case something strikes your fancy, or a group of family & friends are together?

I do, and although I don't have a tripod or high tech camera, I am always ready to capture whatever I think is beauty. You never know when you will see it, so be ready! There is something that will be beautiful to each of us.
  
I am a Putnamaniac because there is beauty all around, and each person finds it their own way!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The Inn on Woodstock Hill - a must visit for a special event!

If you have a big celebration coming up, (like an anniversary, birthday, retirement, etc) or are planning a wedding or other important gathering, or need a special gift, the place to visit is The Inn on Woodstock Hill.

The setting is picturesque New England at its finest.


The Inn at Woodstock Hill offers dining, lodging, and event accommodations and more.

The ride to get to the Inn at Woodstock Hill is classic and scenic in every season. It is right up the road from where this Putnamaniac lives, but it is a nice ride for those of you not right in Northeast CT.

If you want to make a special event or celebration really special, please visit the Inn at Woodstock Hill, and stop in to visit me on the way to or from!

I am a Putnamaniac because the Inn at Woodstock Hill is a must for special events!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Illumination!

This Putnamaniac has neighbors that light up her life!

Literally!!!

The light on my doorbell has been out....probably forever.


It is now lit, since my wonderful neighbors not only noticed it was not working, but they fixed it!!!

I won't mention any names but they rhyme with Pair (Claire) and Hay (Ray).

How can you ask for better neighbors?


I am a Putnamaniac with great neighbors that light up my life (and doorbell)!

Monday, November 14, 2011

I Focus on fun in my Ford Focus commute!

It really hasn't been all that long in the history of commuting that such things as DVD players, Bluetooths, GPS systems, etc have come into being in our vehicles.

In the "old days", we had to read a map, hope to get a little reception from a radio station we were near, and if we needed to make a phone call, we'd look for a pay phone!

My family headed to Maine every summer to visit our grandparents. With parents in the front seat, the four of us kids would spend the 6 hour ride crammed into the back seat, with nothing for entertainment but ourselves.

We'd play games like:
* Punch Buggy (remember where you got to punch an arm if you saw a VW bug)
* Spot the State Plates (look for and call out all the different state license plates you could find)
* Cemetery Challenge (hold your breath the whole time you passed a cemetery - big ones were tough)!


All of this put me in good training, for now as I have returned to work at a place with a 40 mile commute each way, I can easily focus on fun in my Ford Focus commute.

Now I play:
* Scan game (hit the scan button and as it moves along the stations, name that tune and artist, including commercials)!
* Spot the landscaping champ or faux pas (always keeping my eye out for a new garden idea or what not to do)
* Look for the Putnamania good thing of the day (you can see some really nice things if you look for them)

...And the creme de la creme was that today I found a Boston station that has started to play Christmas music 24/7 !!!!! This might drive most of you crazy, but I love Christmas music. It warms me and makes me happy!


So, yeah, technology might have improved quite immensely over the years, but I can still entertain  myself pretty simply in my car!

And I am always so happy to arrive back home in Putnamania!

I am a Putnamaniac that focuses on fun in my Ford Focus commute!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Parents - how do they do it??

As I headed off to my sweet cousin's baby shower today, I wondered how do parents do it...The work, the commitment, the sleepless nights, dealing with all the phases of life as the little one grows from that tiny innocent baby, the worry, the bazillion soccer games, the drum lessons, college applications, the heart aching love they possess.


I am not a parent, so I really am amazed by parents, and so overwhelmingly impressed by the good ones. They are making an effort to be good parents. It is a choice that they make and carry out every day. Wow. Wow. Wow.

The dictionary defines parents as:
1. One who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures and raises a child; a father or mother.
2. An ancestor; a progenitor.
3. An organism that produces or generates offspring.
4. A guardian; a protector.
That is pretty dry stuff, and doesn't hit the tip of the iceberg.

I am a Putnamaniac because I am lucky to know so many top notch parents!

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Putnam Ford - free oil change for my little Miss Faithful Focus today!

No doubt that Putnamania is about Putnam Ford today.

I took little Miss Faithful Focus in for an oil change and got it for FREE!

"Get out of town!" I said to the guy at the counter.  "Seriously" he replied.

Apparently I earned enough points to get this oil change for free. Considering little Miss Faithful has given me 106,000+ good miles so far, this is a nice day for both of us!

I've had a succession of Fords (mustang, escort, escape, and now the focus).
They have all been solid & dependable vehicles, and I love Putnam Ford's honest friendly approach.

They are located right over the RI and MA borders here in Putnam, so if you are shopping for a new car, I suggest a visit to Putnam Ford, and ask for my neighbor, Tim.

I am a Putnamaniac because little Miss Faithful Ford Focus got a free oil change at Putnam Ford today!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

'Twas a dark and stormy night.... and still beautiful!

Even with the rain coming down, and the sky getting dark earlier every day, it sure was a beautiful ride home.

Have you noticed the "burning bushes"?  Not the kind in the bible story, but the kind that now have brilliant red leaves???? They were all glowing tonight as the rainy dusk crawled in to Putnamania.


Have you also noticed that the branches of the tall maple trees that have lost their leaves look like fabulous skeletons reaching up in the sky, especially with the evening closing in?

Even in the rain and near darkness, you can see beauty! Open up your peepers and take a moment to look!

I am a Putnamaniac because even on dark and stormy nights, there is beauty here!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Fort Hill Farms, growing a lot, including grace and great attitudes!

There is a fabulous place in Thompson, CT, and not too far from this farm loving Putnamaniac.

Fort Hill Farms is a beautiful place, as are so many places in Northeast CT.


Fort Hill Farms is beautiful not only visually, but also beautiful in the positive attitude that grows and is shared there. How can you not take a little of that positive attitude home when you leave there?

Events are plentiful, fun is contagious, and you will leave with a smile on your face, an appreciation for nature, and a little grace as you drive away.

You will also be anticipating your next visit to Fort Hill Farms, whether it is for some lavender, a hay ride and tour in the summer, the corn maze in the fall, a free concert, or any of the other fun, family things to do! I wish I had more time to get there, like every day! Be sure to add a visit to your "to do" list!!!

I am a Putnamaniac because Fort Hill Farms grows many beautiful things including attitudes!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Patriotic week in Putnamania!

Today is election day.

Friday is Veteran's Day. 

I put my flag out this morning and so did my neighbor. And so did the town!


The flags were flying everywhere in Putnamania when I headed home tonight. (this is a picture I took during the 4th of July days of summer, but a flag was in this same spot today)!

A nice touch in Putnamania is that on election day, they ask voters to bring a canned good with them to the polls. The donations are given to local food banks. Very nice.

It is a Patriotic week. Fly your flags proudly like we do in Putnamania!

I am a Putnamaniac because we'll be flying our flags this Patriotic week!

Monday, November 7, 2011

Take yourself out for dinner and support good causes!

I took myself out to dinner this past weekend!

The Putnam Congregational Church hosted a Roast Beef Dinner. Although I am not an organized religious person, I am a big eater!


But since I am not a big meat eater, you'd think I might not have had much to enjoy at a roast beef dinner... not so! My plate was loaded with mushrooms, green beans, and butternut squash! I ate so much that I did not even have room for a piece of home made pie!!

I love to go out to eat, and I also love to support a good local organization or cause, so it was a win-win!

Listen to your local radio, (this is how I heard about this dinner), read your local newspaper, and take yourself out for a nice dinner while supporting your community. You will enjoy all of the deliciousness!

I am a Putnamaniac that likes to take myself out to dinner and support good local groups!

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Take another road, just like Jimmy Buffett and I did...

Today I noticed my neighbor has a "parrot head" license plate holder. You would think is adorable if you knew my neighbor... I never pictured her as a "parrot head", but it made me think of my favorite Jimmy Buffett song...Take Another Road.

It is a song of great escape, and I took another road for years and escaped to my own "Happy World" I created right inside my own brain. I'm sure you've all done this sort of thing, for many reasons on many occasions. Each person has their own method of dealing.

Take a look at the chorus, which sums up how we all feel from time to time: 

Take another road to a hiding place
Disappear without a trace
Take another road to another time
On another road in another time
Like a novel from the five and dime
Take another road another time

The roads of life brought me to Putnam, CT, and this is indeed my Happy World. 


Although you may travel down some roads that don't feel quite right, never look back. Follow where they take you, meet who you will, and learn what you can. 

Don't be afraid to "take another road", both literally and figuratively. Hopefully those roads will lead you to your Happy World. 


I am a Putnamaniac because the roads brought me here to my Happy Place!

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Batteries - help out an elderly or short neighbor!

It is end of day light savings time, time to "fall back", and most importantly time to change your smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.


It is a simple thing to do, but lots of times we skip over the simple things.

Don't let the simpleness of this task fool you into thinking it is not important.

If you have an elderly, really short, disabled, or busy neighbor, buy some extra batteries and when you change your your batteries, go and change theirs as well. I do it for my neighbors, as I can reach the ceiling a whole heck of a lot easier since I'm approximately a foot taller than they are!

This is also the time to change your furnace filters! Do it in conjunction with your batteries, and it will be easy to remember.

Stay safe and healthy, thanks to yourself and your good habits. Pass it on by helping someone who might need it.

I am a Putnamaniac because I try to help out someone who may need it and hopefully help keep us all safe and healthy!

Friday, November 4, 2011

A debate or a family fueding over politics???

It is time of year for politicians, debates, political signs, voting....

There are 2 major candidates running for Mayor in Putnamania: Peter Place and Doug Cutler, Jr.

Most people pick one or the other.

I pass a home every day that has signs for both candidates in their yard...



I would love to be a fly on the wall during their family debates!

I am a Putnamaniac because people choose who they want to vote for, and not for who someone else tells them to vote for!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Sunrise, Sunsets...breathtaking in the fall, especially in Putnamania!

Sunrises and sunsets at this time of year, as the seasons change from warm summer into colder fall weather are breathtaking. A real picture does not do one of them justice - ever.

So shut your eyes, and picture the brilliant pinks, oranges, lavenders, reds.... Wondrous!

Which brings me to a great show tune, from a great show. Sunrise, Sunset.

I was lucky enough to see Fiddler on the Roof and hear this song at The Bradley Theater.

I'd never seen the show before, and my mouth was literally hanging open for the entire show. I was so focused on not missing one second of the story or the music. 


I feel the same way about the gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. I just don't want to miss one second of any of them. 

And so as the darkness has overtaken Putnamania, I will remember tonight's glorious sunset, and sing this tune...

Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
 
This verse sums it up.     Such is life...laden with happiness and tears...


I am a Putnamaniac who loves the breathtaking fall sunrises and sunsets!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Singing in the car! At the top of my "out of tune" lungs!

Driving through my cute little town of Putnamania, with WINY Radio on, I was singing along to some good tune.

I am a legend in my own mind when it comes to car singing. I belt it out, with the windows rolled up, and wonder if I might have missed out on being the next big singing superstar.... NOT.... I really stink up the joint, but as long as my windows stay rolled up, I figure I'm not guilty of producing offensive noise pollution.


As I was singing this one particular song, I passed a car with the man driving singing the same song.

I looked at the car behind me, and that lady was singing the same song.

Shortly I passed another car, with a mom and daughter, singing the same song.

I'm thinking Putnamania might have a pretty nice little car singing chorus group without even knowing it!

Silly stuff like this makes me smile! Do you notice these dumb little things that happen in your day?

I am a Putnamaniac proud to be part of our unofficial car singing chorus!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Bat Boy, the Musical....I can't wait for Saturday at the Black Box Theater!

The Black Box Theater's Bat Boy, The Musical, is on my calendar for this Saturday night!



I can't wait! I know it is only Tuesday night now, but I can't wait!!

I have NO CLUE what Bat Boy is about, nor will I look it up before I go, because I want to be in complete awe of the performance as I take it in for the first time.

I am confident that the awe will be fulfilled, as it is every time I go to The Black Box Theater.

It is a very small and intimate theater, they choose difficult and unusual performances, and they score on each production!

A few I've seen are Cabaret, The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Jesus Christ Superstar, I Love you-You're Perfect-Now Change... and I can't wait to add Bat Boy to my list!

You MUST go to a performance at the Black Box Theater, if you like to enjoy yourself that is.... If you don't like a good time and great performance, then just skip this place!

I am a Putnamaniac because I can't wait to see Bat Boy, The Musical, at The Black Box Theater!