THE TEMBLORS IN D.C. & HANOI

With the cancellation of talks in Hanoi, it seems the millions spent in traveling, housing and food... what a waste!

I once had a friend and moral, compass, in his eighties saying "Bob, in order to being a good politician you must be a GOOD LIAR & A good crook!"

In view of what comes out of the president's mouth, my friend was correct!

The word temblor = earthquake. Go figure!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
CHIEF BLOGGER

ELIJAH CUMMING'S CLOSING REMARKS

Michael Cohen was in tears as the Ranking Member of the House Committee spoke truths! This congressional hearing brought out the best in humankind. Emotions ran high as the truth was promulgated. America and the world viewed compelling arguments as to WHY!?

Donald J. Trump is the president, an yes he's in Vietnam. I don't like it. The millions of dollars spent flying Air Force One and the entourage of media-types just gives the world more theater!  What about the 58,000 + Americans  who were killed in the war? Traditionally the defense of the USA was orchestrated by the military. Not so with this president!

I decry the motives, the actions, and the overall history of our leader. It is NOT fake media! If anything, all reporting is being revealed at its best. The evidence against the president is overwhelming in favor of impeachment!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Congressman E. Cummings

ANNUAL PHILATELIC BAZAAR

Stamp collectors take note! This Saturday the Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History is having a bazaar at the museum located at 241 Wellesley Ave, Weston Mass from Noon to 3:00 PM. Stamp collections, country lots, covers, post cards supplies, job lots, handbooks, journals and catalogs may be purchased. www.spellmanmuseum.org - 781-768-8367 for details.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SLIP AND FALL SENIORS

Today's New York Times has a feature addressing falls with seniors. A review of obituaries by the 77 year old author states " One of the most frequent causes of death for people my age (77) is 'complications from a fall.' The truth in the matter falls can be avoided by employing common sense such as having a night light between the bedroom and bathroom.

"Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non fatal injuries among older adults.. and most age-related falls are preventable once you know  why they happen and take  steps to minimize  the risk for yourself."

Personally, I have taken measures to tidy up my abode removing "fall traps" such as an afghan knitted by mother's hands. My toes got caught several times before I came to realize it was dangerous so I gave it away. "One fall in five amongst older adults results in serious injury " so the article reads. "Regular hearing and eye checkups are important."

For me, stairs are anathema. I make sure I hold on to a railing for security and balance. The author pinpoints things by saying "Get rid of clutter - no books, papers, clothing or pet toys left on the floor or furniture that partially obstruct paths to the bathroom, kitchen or bedroom. Install railings.!"

"Darkness can spell danger so leave lights on." "Low heels are a must." Personally, at night I use a cane in my trips to the bathroom. It gives me security.

Slipping and falling is natural to humans of any age; taking necessary precautions reveals common-sense wisdom!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THEY CALL THE WIND MARIAH

Under clear skies comes the" storm of wind" aftermath. My yard is chuck full of white pine branches, some measuring upward of 5 inches. Kudos to National Grid. We never lost an electrical beat.

When the winds roar it sounds like a raging locomotive. Just think if we had the winds with torrential winds. It would be like the Hurricane of '38 where whole trees succumbed to winds of 110 mph atop Bell Hill, NB.

In other happenings I travel to Worcester VA for a tube of Camphor for my condition. All four extremities are affected as is my torso. I live with it 'til March 6th.. a week from now. It seems doctor's appointment schedule are full.  

My blood sugar this morning is surprisingly high at 141. Diabetic Bob. My weight is steady at 179.8. What's your weight? LOL. My waist is 38.

So as Columbus said 'We sailed on!" Enjoy the heat you Floridians!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

HANOI,VIETNAM IN PICTURES

Hanoi Skyline today

Buildings with French influence

Typical Vietnamese street scene

Hanoi will be in the news big time beginning tomorrow. Right now it is 61 degrees and a light drizzle. The population is big.. over 7 million Vietnamese. Hanoi hosted the American POWs in the American Vietnam War.

By the looks of the skyline, Hanoi is truly a modern city and attracts much investments from all over the world. I take exception for Trump earmarking Hanoi being he was critical of the Late  SenatorJohn McCain.. It will be a "Global Summit" and big time.

I feel sorry for the 58,000 US deaths in the dastardly war. Big American Business ae present from KFC to the makers of my clothing. Pickles are even imported from Vietnam and are sold by Dollar General!

The Orient is intriguing for me...Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City and now Hanoi in my living room. It seems Trump wants to rule the world.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
US 51574051
UNITED STATES ARMY E-5
VUNG TAU 1967-1968

 

POWER LINES

Experiencing high winds brings to mind of the integrity of all power lines ranging from telephone to electricity to cable TV. There are a dozen such lines out side my door and as the gale force winds gust, the power lines sway to the rhythm of the bowing trees. It is amazing.

While power outages make the news , the veracity of these lines is miraculous. My yard is full on broken pine bows. Never have I experienced such winds in years. But to think how the power lines don't succumb is super.. for these lines bring us the world...lights, internet, heat, whatever.

Power came to the Brookfields from Palmer about 100 years ago. The innocence of two wires has grown to amazing wonders called The Grid. At any price,

power is a deal. Just try to go without it! Solar and wind sources are growing but the fossil fuels are the biggest source.

Our lives are electric. Switches innocently connect us any where at any time. OK   Reddy Kilowatt!

ps. As a boy of 4 or 5 I put my finger in an open socket and got a shock. I began crying as I feared my death! My folks were quick to tell me that an electrical shock is much different from a human shock.. But then, that is when I had a shock of curls! LOL

MY OBSERVATORY - SNUG AS A BUG IN THE RUG!

The hurricane of late February 2019. I devour meteorological phenomena. Never before in recent times have I observed such forceful winds! And to beat things, the windchills are sub-zero to the skin.

Here's the idea: We can bitch, pis and moan about this happening or we can be on the alert. Too many implications to what may happen over night! I live in 3 rooms: Office, Bedroom and kitchen. I have all new replacement windows and the pad is truly up to snuff with insulation and other weather offensives. Clearly big houses imply big everything.

Grandson Chase Robert just gave me his peak gust of 44 mph. I have recorded winds gusts sof 65 and 73 mph while living on Birch Hill. The highest winds ever experienced came on July 4, 1963 while working atop Mt. Washington in the hotel: 90 mph! I had to throw my body in the wind or would have been blown away.

Tonight's news will be all about the wrath of Mother Nature. Batten

down your hatches!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PRE-ROCK TUNES OF YESTERYEAR

There exists on the internet a great resource to music. A list of Billboard number-one singles date back to the year I was born (1942) and earlier. My new Google Home Hub is my AM Radio in 2019.

Many older readers will recall Bob Perrin's Spa where teenagers congregated in the forties and early fifties.. As a pre-teen I "put another nickel in the Nickleodian!"

I have made a random listing of songs you may recall knowing you can have these titles today for a song!

I recall dancing in the Town Hall in North Brookfield to the music of  the Four Lads.. "Moments to Remember."  "Cry" by Johnnie Ray was tops in 1952 as was 'Wheel of Fortune." Georgie Gibbs had a hit called "Kiss of Fire."  also, Patty Page sang I Went To Your Wedding.  Jonie James sang :Why Don't You Believe Me?

At Christmas time in 1955 sister Jan and I got a portable record player. This was my entre in being a self-admitted disk jockey. This grew into my playing records at NBHS every Noon in the gym.

So many toons loom in our brains and it is therapeutic to tune-in on Tune In. The Fontaine Sisters.. the McGuire Sisters and their hit "Sincerely" come back alive and to be enjoyed by all of us. I did, in fact have a Davey Crocket coon-skin hat in 1955.

Life seemed so innocent as we were "emerging adults." Absolutely every hit song of yesteryear can come alive in your home simply by doing what I have done: get a Google Home Hub!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

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THE WAYWARD WIND

Gogi Grant has a hit entitled The Wayward Wind. Just now as I was leaving the West Brookfield Senior Center I goT blown away! I had to lean into the wind to keep my footing. As I left in my wayward Honda a trash barrel was blow into the path of travel! The guestimated speed was upwards of 50+ miles per hour!

My one fear is losing power! There will be wind-damage news all day long. Air planes go down the runway crooked just to become airborne. No thanks!

Just got a Christmas card from the President! Two months late.. the first class postage is $000.50 and postmarked Feb. 22, 2019! How come? I thought we all have to pay 55 cents! The greetings is classy with a gold seal of the US and fake autographs. I had sent The Donald one a week before Christmas as I know Trump collectibles are at a premium. What am I bid? LOL.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Pretty clever? Eh!

THE MONDAY WINDS OF LATE FEBRUARY

The winds are nearly Gale Force! Snow flurries greet us with a temperature of 32. The winds are natures way of purging the dead woods! So I ask..do you have any dead wood in your life? LOL! Better get rid of it! LOL Mt. Washington wind speeds +120 mph!

Slept well. My Atomic clock was wakinf me up ay midnight each night and I don't know how to change this so I removed a battery. Problem solved!

Camphor lotion from the VA is back ordered! Tomorrow to Worcester as the "Potvin Itch" continues! But why?

"See You Later Alligator!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NOT A GOOD SUNDAY FOR THINGS

The day was murky, weatherwise and otherwise! My eczema is driving me crazy. My back has been home for the big itch. Must consult with the dermatologist tomorrow. Help! LOL.

Chase, Josh and I traveled to South Hadley for two  basketball games. Competition was keen and Quabaug lost both ends of the contests!games.

Fog and rain were the bottom line to it all. Our snow cover is disappearing here in the Brookfields. And then the forceful winds of February will clear things out. The March first countdown is only 4 days away. March will march in on Friday.. a Lion or a Lamb?. Halleluiah!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ST. JOHNS DEFEATS SETON HALL 78-70

Seton Hall done good but that's all they done! It was an embarrassing beginning and their recovery just wasn't good enough to beat The Red Storm. Probably the worse game of the season?! Disappointed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ELIZABETH WARREN - THE SELFIE CANDIDATE

Just finished watching a live broadcast of Senator Warren at Plymouth State University, New Hampshire! Despite the controversary with this lady at hand, I enjoyed seeing the interaction with college students and the topics she spoke about!

Hearing aids were one. Something like 35-40 million Americans have a hearing loss. Huh? Well, the bad news is folks go without and shouldn't. The sophistication of smartphones is way, way ahead of the things that goes in our ears! Fortunately I qualify for hearing devices for free as I am A U.S .Army veteran.

Student loans was another topic. How in hell did we get into this mess? My college loans of 55 years ago totaled less than $3,000... and my dad didn't want to co-sign! I impressed with Joseph E. "an education will be my ticket!" And you know what? It was.

Senator Warren talks about the corrupt drug industry. Case at point Hannaford Pharmacy is ripping off those who have no insurance coverage. Generic drugs rule the roost. I don't appreciate this corporate squeeze.

Yes, the 2020 presidential race is on and it is anybody's guess who will end up at 1600 PA Ave, DC? We will be entertained big time in the ensuing months ahead.

Another observation is the Venezuela/Brazil situation. The world is chuck full with events as they happen. It is obvious poverty prevails at the borders! It is theater, plain and simple. As VP Dick Cheney said to me 20 years ago "Bob, the world is a bad place.!" Veritas.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

UNCLE ALBERT & JIMMY STURR POLKAS

Uncle Albert loved polka music! He was a fan of Jimmy Sturr Orchestra which appears weekly on the RFD Channel at 7:00 pm on Fridays. Each week I watch this show as it reminds me of my uncle.

We think of polkas being of Polish descent but many, many countries employ this happy music. On Sundays WARE Radio has a polka program and I admit that I listen to it from time to time.

My Friday was quiet. I did go to Sturbridge and North Brookfield for gas and drugs. The sun is getting stronger and soon we'll be out of February. I was tempted to have the Honda washed but that's all...for Sunday's forecast is for inclement weather.

It seems all of the news today is scandalous. Not good.

Moderate temperatures right now: 30 degrees.

Nothing special planned for tomorrow but there is a coin Show on Sunday in Devens, MA. Seton Hall Univ. plays tomorrow night at MSG against St. Johns University.\ "Fasten your seatbelts!"!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Polka King Jimmy Sturr

MY UNCLE ALBERT WOULD BE 101 TODAY

Avuncular = uncle-like. Albert J. Poulin, mother's oldest brother, was a veteran of WWII. He trained in U.S. Army Panama for three years before going to Germany. Albert was a small arms instructor.While serving in Vietnam, Albert was my pen pal.

I think he had a tough life but seemed resilient in the trials & tribulation offered him. He tried everything in life from having a used car annex (Norbrook Motors) to selling real estate for Strout Realty. Al smoked 4 packs of Camels for 50 years and died of lung cancer at age 64! It was a horrible ending yet his wisdom was keen. On his deathbed Uncle Albert imparted his gambling habit.

I had bought a Mercedes Benz 240D. Al said to me.."if you can't afford it, Bob, get a mortgage on it. If you still can't afford it  get a second mortgage on the car... but most of all  Keep 'em guessing!"

Albert's final years were incorporated with my sons, Ben & Josh. We introduced him to coin collecting. Also, we took Al in our travels to coin shows. He was a wonderful supporter of my auctioneer cause and enjoyed what it offered him: clerking..

My uncles were many but Uncle Albert was special!

MY ITCHY TWITCHY THURSDAY

My skin condition has me in an uncomfortable position today. It's driving me nuts! I have tried to work around things, first by writing a blog entry on Africa only to have lost a completed version citing the populations of the many countries. I never studied much about Africa even though I was a Geography Major at St. Louis U.

Speaking of the devil I just had a phone call from SLU! A young undergrad names "Tory" was friendly. We spoke over 20 minutes. I had fun sharing with Tory my Saint Louis experiences. To say the least I've had a renewed spirit by learning about my Alma Mater 55+ years later.

My biggest discovery today was in reviewing the history of photography.  We live in unparralled times. Selfies dominate photography and transmitting a photo on the Internet is magical.But here's the rub: OLD PHOTOS IN A SHOE BOX!

My memories in photography and experiences in liquidating estates gives me valuable insights. You must organize all old photos and separate them accordingly. Walgreens sell small book-type folios to help you organize those precious moments before they get lost, trashed or whatever. This is serious as family photographs are priceless! recently a friend showed me some archival photos of 100 years ago. I can't impress upon you how these "mirrors with memories" allow you to tell your own stories.

The history of photography emerged in 1826.Dauguerre  perfected the Daguerreotype that got photography rolling. In 1860 Abraham Lincoln's photo was taken by Matthew Brady. The Civil War had thousands of photos taken.. many were mounted on card board.  (Carte de Viste.)

On the personal side I have handled such photos in the Wendemuth Estate auction and others. It is thrilling to discover historic photos and to offer them at auction. Sometimes original rare photos may sell for six figures!

The photograph book featured sells for $200! I will write more on photographs later. In the meantime I itch therefore I scratch!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

$200!

AFRICA

 

I SCREWED UP! NO ENTRY!

 

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OUR NEUROTIC PRESIDENT & FOLLOWERS

The blame game is in force with the Trump followers and The Man himself!

When the majority of Americans are against the establishment and Trump
blaming every source as FAKE NEWS is absurd. "We The People" is the Preamble of the Constitution! Every knock by Trump & Company is a boost to the opposition. What did Shakespeare's Brutus say centuries ago? "The fault , Dear Brutus, is not in the stars, but in ourselves!"  Right on, Bro!!

You saw what happened to Nixon "I'm No Crook!" Yea, right.

"THE TRUTH NEVER FELL DEAD IN THE STREET!" Harry S. Truman ..Trump is a man of his word. LOL Go figure The Donald!

This charade is good for Freedom of the Press.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
 A LIMOUSINE LIBERAL
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY 101

Coming Up!

May 30, 1943
L-R Jan, Joe, Rita & Baby Bobby

"When Day is Done"  1877 Henry Peach Robinson photographer

MEET LINDA GARCIA JONES - AGE 91

Linda Garcia Jones was born on February 27, 1928 to a Texan family of 10 siblings in Brownsville, Texas! As a girl Linda picked cotton. Picking cotton was "the worst job in the world." "We were expected to pick 100 lbs. a day fighting bugs, snakes & Bowevil. Our feet burned from the hot surfaces in the cotton fields.

Linda is both chic and worldly. She can empathize with Mexican-Americans as she is one. Her husband was George Jones a POW in WWII. Linda and George moved to North Brookfield in 1950 and worked at Valley View School as a housekeeper and at Memorial Hospital as a nurses aide.

 Linda has a certain sensitivity to the present Administration and the building of the Mexican wall. "We are in a terrible phase of life" says Mrs. Jones. "President Trump has said some crazy things such as Mexico paying for the wall. "A wall is ridiculous.  Trump has been so negative" says the lady from Bates Street, N. Brookfield." "A wall will not keep drugs out of the USA.. Many Mexicans are poor and Mexico has its share of problems"

Her wisdom to the younger folks is simple: "Be good.. Treat all people equally.. Treat all people with respect!" Linda is mother of children from three marriages. When asked about her health "Not bad!" Linda's greatest concern is in dealing with a necrotic wisdom tooth. "The dentist wants $350 to extract it!" "I just don't have insurance or money to pay for this."

Linda is a true warrior of life as she advances confidentially to becoming a Centenarian! 

ROBERT L. POTVIN & MRS.JONES

A DREAM COME TRUE

This is an Old Sturbridge reproduction of the Solomon Richardson Parsonage built for me by Richard Kemp - Master Builder. There is
 over three thousand board feet of cherry select flooring. Three fireplaces and a view of the Quaboag Valley West Brookfield, Mass. add value. Raised paneling has pine boards up to 25 inches wide.

The entire construction was supervised by Bev and I - 1987-1989. A friend George Kotval said to me upon seeing the Blair House "You will not be happy unless you build a Classic!"  Enduring a bankruptcy by the first builder, DeLiddo, we pulled our own bootstraps  and finished building it in style.

Steve Howe advised 'Don't move in until your home is completed!' Move in day brought flowers from Mike McIntyre and the Adams!

It was from the inspiration of seeing an article in the National Geographic Magazine featuring Champlaign County Vermont showing a farmhouse did I say "Someday I want to own a farm!"

I dedicated the construction to A.L.Potvin - Builder who supervised 25 homes built in Brookfields. Dad and Uncle Al worked from 1946 - 1966 in carpentry.

Trump's House



Original built in Podunk, EB 1746!

MY DIGITAL FEBRUARY IN PICTURES

Peeking Snow Moon

Brookfield House WB

The Miller's Home On The Common WB

Shackley Bandstand WB

Indian Rock Farm WB

Quaboag River WB

Not a John Deere!

The J.B. Potvin Estate on Birch Hill, WB

A PHOTOGRAPH IS THE REFLECTION OF THE MINDS EYE

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHER

MOON BEAMS FROM LONG HILL

Surreal. This is the only I can relate seeing the Snow Moon rise across the Quaboag Valley. The skies were clear and at the appointed second this miracle of the skies began growing. Initially it was orange. Bigger and bigger a full, full moon began its journey. I followed the rise, initially from the summit of Long Hill. By the time I got back to town I was amazed to see this lunar spectacle, now appearing almost white in color.

Historically, the moon has been the intrigue of astronomers even before Christ. Eclipses were recorded some 1,200 years BC according to my Google Home Hub!

Perigee and apogee describe the moon from its closest position (now) to its furthest. And to think man was smart enough to build rocket ships that got us to the moon and back! 12 astronauts have traveled to the moon.

Hopefully every reader will have the chance to experience what I did tonight. This, my friends, is the 'dream of the ages!' What will we do next?

"OVER THE MOUNTAIN OVER THE SEA! I SEE THE MOON.. THE MOON SEES ME!" SUNG BY THE MARINERS 1953! Thanks to Google Home Hub.

 

Moon rise tonight from Long Hill WB

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

First viewing at 5:32 pm