Day Kimball Hospital is just a stitch away

Putnam does have a lot of nice things.  I could go on forever!

Add Day Kimball Hospital to my list of Putnam's nice things. DKH is literally within 2 miles of my home. That sounds pretty good in case an emergency comes up!

I know many people who were born there, who work(ed) there, who've had medical tests galore there, who have had surgery there...

It is a luxury to live so close to DKH, and like all things in our quiet corner, it sits on a beautiful hill and overlooks a scenic vista (...not views "to die for", since we are talking hospitals here, but really awesome seasonal views year round)!

My wish is that you never have to visit me there, nor will I have to visit you there, however it is nice to have the piece of mind knowing that Day Kimball Hospital is just a stitch down the road.

I am a Putnamaniac because I feel safe and secure with DKH so close!

A book will always jump off the shelf at the library!

I've been a big fan of libraries and the escapes they provide since my mom took me and my brother, Skee, on walks to the Davisville Free Library. We thought we were so cool to get our own library cards and books. Such fond memories inspired one of my Farmer Nubbins' children stories (see end of blog for story).

I still think it is pretty cool, and now I go to the Putnam Public Library and pick out my books. They literally jump off the shelves at me. What a great way to discover a new author or to find an old familiar favorite.

Go to the library, and if you have small children, get them started early. I never met a kid that did not like to read. Even the ones that don't come by it easily. There is always something for everyone.

I am a Putnamaniac because the librarians all know me due to my frequent visits!

One of

Farmer Nubbins’ Favorite Places

(Can you guess where it is?)

Can you guess one of Farmer Nubbins’ favorite places to go?

It is in a building that was built long ago.

Farmer Nubbins likes to walk to this special place.

When he opens the door and walks in, he gets a big smile on his face.

Once inside he learns about people, places, and things.

And he also learns which planet is encircled by rings.

This place has many desks and lots of shelves.

And you can also find out about fairies, trolls, and elves.

You can borrow things, if you have a special card.

Anyone can get one, it is not very hard.

Sometimes the kids get to make different crafts.

Once they made paper boats and popsicle stick rafts.

 

Another thing that happens here is the weekly story hour.

Hear stories of such things as princesses trapped in high towers.

 

Have you figured out this place by using the clues?

The animals here are not alive or in cages, so it is not the zoo.

A lot of you may guess that this place is a school.

That guess is close, you’re getting warmer, and that is cool!

Here are a few more hints to help you out…

You should speak softly here, please don’t shout.

This place has thousands of books to read.

That is a big hint indeed!

Farmer Nubbins is at his local library.

Libraries are great places, don’t you agree?

You should visit the library in your school or your town.

Pick out a book, pull up a chair, and sit right down!

Story Notes: My mom used to walk us to the Davisville Free Library all the time when we were kids. We got so much enjoyment during those walks and learned an appreciation of reading at a young age. Part of the walk included crossing over the train track bridge, which is another whole story altogether.  We enjoyed the outdoors and the exercise to get there, as well as the time spent together, and finally an escape to another time and place through our stories. What could be better?  

This guy can't wait for golf weather!

OK. It is March 8th. We've had some rain, mild temps, and happily some melting lately.

We can see the light at the end of the tunnel of a long, white winter.

We can smell spring!

That sentiment rang out loud and clear this morning as a guy stood in a muddy parking lot by the soccer field, hitting gold balls onto the still snow covered field. Big smile on his face.

I am a Putnamaniac because we all show our anticipation of spring weather in different ways!

Antique Bottles and Glass - learn a lot more from Heckler Auctioneers

I learned about this interesting business just up the road in Woodstock recently.

Norman C. Heckler and Company are auctioneers.

They sold a glass flask with General Jackson's bust on it last October for over $176,000.

WHAT???

That is amazing to me, and it also raises a million questions...
1) Where do you find an old bottle like that?
2) How the heck do you know it is valuable when you find it?
3) Who on earth would spend that much to take it off your hands?
4) Who do you trust to find out the value and get it for you?

It seems to me that the answer is to go straight to Heckler's and get their expertise in such matters.

Since I have dug up some glass bottles at the tree farm over the years, I can appreciate Heckler's enjoyment in their business of dealing with antique glass. I know my glass is very valuable...to me...since it recalls lots of fond memories, and looks so pretty sitting on my porch.

Get digging and find your own valuable memories!

I am a Putnamaniac because there are auctioneers, like Hecklers,  that deal with very interesting articles right up the road!

Steeples; reaching to heaven or shouting out their location to you?

From our picturesque little downtown of Putnam, I can easily see 3 steeples, belonging to the;

1) Congregational Church of Putnam

2) St. Mary's Church

3) Putnam's Town Hall

Steeples are as New England as it gets.  The steeple was one of the first architectural forms to be cultivated in New England, and it is still one of our most boasted calling cards. 

Steeples are associated mostly with churches, but are found in other New England buildings, like Putnam's town hall, as well. Some say the steeples were made to reach towards heaven, as those early New England settlers were very dedicated to their religions. The tall steeples certainly did shout out the location of their buildings to the countrysides and travelers seeking refuge. You can always spot them from afar.

Remember the children's rhyme (recited with the use of your hands and fingers):

This is the church, this is the steeple, open the door, and see all the people. 

Do you enjoy old New England architecture, such as steeples? Do you look around and even see them poking up where they do? Do you enjoy the architecture of your town?

I am a Putnamaniac because I love the steeples I see around town!

  Putnam Town Hall

Putnam Congregational Church

Weather Alert - the snow will go away someday

Gorgeous day in the Quiet Corner.

Very windy, but sunny and otherwise mild-ish - with no precipitation falling.

The kinda obvious wise weather alert today is that the snow will eventually be gone.

Putnam town trucks and payloaders are scooping up buckets of snow from parking areas along the River Walk, in anticipation of all the dogs and their people who want to get back out to their favorite walking spot, as well as upcoming River Fires, Concerts in the Park, Fireworks, car shows, and lots more outdoor fun town activities.

Did you smile at the sun today? Will you be glad or sad when the snow is gone for yet another season?

....Soon some of us will be complaining that it is too hot out! I will be happily smiling and sweating!

I am a Putnamaniac because I know that the snow will eventually melt away!

Not the Mighty Mississipp, but the Little River, she's a'rolling!

This morning, looking out my porch windows, I remind myself how lucky I am to have the Little River in my backyard.

It is great to see it this time of year, since the leaves are not on the trees yet. In the summer, you can hear it, but it is much more difficult to view.

It is really moving along pretty quickly now, and with all the snow there is still to melt, I imagine it will be speeding along for some time now. Hard to believe it was so dry last summer that I saw 5 deer taking a walk across the pebbled bed one morning. Seasons change.

Enjoy the sounds of the Little River rolling on by:

I am a Putnamaniac because the Little River lulls me to sleep each night!