Thanksgiving week - do you really think about being thankful?

Thanksgiving. Pretty elementary word. Not much translation needed.
Thanks giving.
Giving thanks.

Do you ever really take a moment and think what you are truly thankful for?

This was a rough couple of weeks for some folks I know well, and for some simple acquaintances I don't know so well.

One sweet family buried their dear mother. She was loved to pieces and will be missed equally as much.

Another family buried their dear daughter, who hadn't had as much time to experience what life has to offer.

A woman with a baby had her house burn to the ground.

So, please take a moment to be thankful for what you are truly thankful for. Time is very fleeting.

I am so thankful to have an outstanding mother, sister and brother, as well as wonderful friends, an uncle who has been like a father to us Dawley kids, health, a picturesque town to live in... the list goes on forever.

How about you?

I am a Putnamaniac giving thanks every day for what I have (and I don't mean material things)!

Ambitious school kids get street renamed!

A bunch of ambitious school children at the local school decided to get the street that leads to their school renamed in honor of Israel Putnam, a  revolutionary war hero. They researched not only Israel Putnam himself, but learned the complicated steps it takes to make a change like this in a community, even in a small town like Putnam.
Read about Israel Putnam on wikipedia

There are many references to Israel Putnam in our area - there are schools & parks named after him, statues showing him off, and of course, the town of Putnam!

After a long battle with government red tape and town votes, I noticed this morning on my jog, that the new street sign is up! Kuddos to those industrious children and the teacher(s) and parent(s) that led and inspired them!

I am a Putnamaniac because the kids are ambitious, inspired, and encouraged to be so!

Goofy guy in Turkey costume, for a good cause!

Thanksgiving Food Drive today at WINY radio station, held by Putnam Ford Mercury.
Business owner dressed up like a turkey and waved folks in.
How can you refuse?
A good cause in a great town!
Be sure to spread some good will in your town this week for those in need.

I am a Putnamaniac because a full grown man dresses up like a turkey for a good cause!

Santa and his reindeer are exercising over Cargill Falls...

People are quite opinionated about Christmas decorations and music.

Some like it ASAP, some like it whenever, some like it only after Thanksgiving.
Some think it comes too early and is rushed.
Some think it doesn't last long enough.

I LOVE IT whenever! I turn on the "all Christmas" music radio station as soon as they start.
The music makes me happy. 
The sparkly decorations delight me.
Hopes of peace on Earth, and happiness and well being to all are in the forefront of my thoughts.
Wonder and excitement of the children sticks to me like glue.

So now that Santa and his reindeer are flying over Cargill Falls as of today, I am quite happy about it! They will certainly need their exercise in order to be in tip top condition for the work they have cut out for them on Christmas Eve.

Most importantly, even though this happens to be just a plastic Santa and reindeer, they symbolize all the above feelings for me.

Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.

I am a Putnamaniac because Santa and his reindeer fly over Cargill Falls!

Walkers with walkers

What the heck am I talking about??  Walkers with walkers??...

On this past gorgeous Sunday, Thompson held a Turkey Wobble (walk) and Turkey Trot (run) through the woods and trails in their park.

While we runners were out doing our impressions of mountain goats over rocks and stumps, over hill and dale, the walkers were finishing up their walk.

Apparently a 70+ woman completed the walk - with the help of her walker. That could not have been easy.

GaryO from WINY was broadcasting live and interviewed her. When asked why she did this difficult walk, she replied that it was on her bucket list. She got a spontaneous round of applause from the gathered crowd.

GaryO reported the scoop to me when I got out of the woods and my race was finished. I believe that he was as excited and inspired as the walker-walker was.

The amazing thing is that Thompson has a Turkey Dip (swim) scheduled for Thanksgiving morning. The walker-walker informed us that she will be a walker-swimmer that day!

I am a Putnamaniac because people of all ages really love to live life!

The children are our future and not only in Putnam

There was a popular Whitney Houston song back when she was still "in the game".

Her lyrics that made me think today are these:
I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier. 

Having children seems to be a right of entitlement to most people. 

Just because most people can have children, it doesn't necessarily mean they all should have them.  
Some people want children desperately and can't have them. 
Some people keep having children and yet don't have the slightest inclination to care for them. 
Some people chose pets instead, and they are their children.

Although I am one who never had children myself, it is clear to me that children are absolutely our future. Parenthood is the most important job anyone can have. It requires more work and dedication than I can imagine. It brings joy, anxiety, triumph, pride, and sadly can bring heartache as well. It lasts FOREVER.


Whether you are a parent by natural pregnancy, invitro, adoption, or whatever other method may exist that I don't know about, your job is to take care of the little ones. Teach them to be responsible for themselves, have good values, use common sense. They will be in charge some day. 


The mayor of Putnam and his wife are now in Europe adopting a baby. This has been a two year + process for them. Being a public figure, this news is public as well. I can also think of a handful of friends this very moment that have just recently given birth, are pregnant, or are attempting to become pregnant. Each and every one of you are taking on the biggest job of your life. I know you will all work your hardest and succeed in giving us a competent next generation!


I am a Putnamaniac because children are our future! Here and everywhere.

Fall warmth and baby carriages

After a few cloudy, damp and dreary days, a sunny fall day is AMAZING!

The sun makes everything look and feel beautiful, warm, cozy, and totally optimistic. 

Somehow the sun also brings out baby carriages. They are being pushed all over town on such nice days. How nice to see all the young mothers, grandmothers, babysitters, and their little ones enjoying the fall sun.

I hope you, too, enjoyed some warm fall sun today.

I am a Putnamaniac because all the shiny happy people are out walking today, including lots pushing their baby carriages!