A DARK THURSDAY

Enduring these dismal days is one thing. Looking forward to some beautiful sunny days is another! Being cooped in doesn't seem to offer many options. The radio or television or reading newspapers seems to be the only option!
I do make several trips to Country Corner or the Post Office.

No afternoon bonfire today. Did see Josh briefly, however. He alerted me of my Facebook account being hacked. My photo is being used. DO NOT fall for it!

Friday will be good as it will be MAY! Hopefully we'll have an abundance of sunshine and warmer weather. April was not a delight....

"WHAT'S IN YOUR WALLET?" Jeopardy! final question. I got it!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FACEBOOK ACCOUNT HACKED!

I AM NOT SOLICITING MONIES FOR COVID-19!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OUR FRAGILE MIRACLE

The miracle of May is just around the corner! Shrubs are flowering and all of life renews itself. We have had more than our share of rain and cold weather however.

Last night's Birch Hill bonfire was abbreviated. The East win was chilling. I had underdressed for the occasion! Earlier in the day sunshine prevailed. I did sit outside and enjoyed the sunshine for an hour or so.

The forecast for the next few days isn't very encouraging. Hopefully next week's weather will be better.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BATES OBSERVATORY RIP

After 128 years, historic Bates Observatory, Bell Hill, NB has been razed! The lookout, now, is but one story high. Hon. Theodore C. Bates built this brick edifice which has weathered many the storm. Gradually it succumbed to the elements.

During WWII the observatory was used by boy scouts to spot air planes. Eventually it seems BO was abandoned. Public apathy led to its demise. My efforts to restore BO fell to no interest.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER RUBY TUESDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

A partly cloudy Tuesday made things brighter. Once again I did some food shopping at Hannaford's. More people are wearing face masks. It's interesting to see folks eyes. Some with approval others look the other way!

The big news today came when I checked my bank statement and found U.S. TREASURY deposit for $1,200.00! I didn't expect it. How sweet it is!

Today's campfire was friendly. Josh & Chase and I speculated on how I should use the "Trump money!" I said buying scratch tickets might be a good idea. Chase volunteered "Buy 600 worth of $20 tickets." The conclusion was to save it for a rainy day!

There's activity in North Brookfield atop Bell Hill. No details yet.

Looks like another good day tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WHAT GOES ON?

RAIN MONDAY

Despite a rainy Monday, my Monday was good!

The day began with a phone call from my VA nurse, Denise. She is thorough and helpful. We review all of my ailments and Denise takes charge. Later in the day I replenished my pill caddy.

My next Monday detail was "dirty laundry." This routine task  sets me off in a good mood.. then I put things away for a week and make my bed.

The inclement weather kept me housebound. I watch lots of news and got a lead that Trump was to be on at 5:30. He showcased all the big wigs including the Presidents of Wallmart and CVS. At the end of things El Presidente' went into another blame tirade AND look at me.... Enough said.

I like watching PBS and NBC for a broad view of World happenings.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD, WET, REFLECTIVE SUNDAY

For as yesterday was warm and sunshine,  today was cold with a Northeast wind and rain! I didn't realize how cold it was until I went to Josh's house for a free haircut. I get a haircut every month which suits me fine!

Controversy continues by statements made by Trump. It seems he has his "foot in his mouth" and is in retreat. Looking at his track record regarding daily briefings on the virus I doubt if the president can go too much further  before opening his mouth.

I want to recognize my daughter-in-law Heidi Potvin, RN, for her professional work at Mass General! Heidi travels to Boston almost daily to work. This noble effort is reviewed by Chase, Lily, Maddie and Evie not to mention loving husband Josh! THANK YOU, HEIDI, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART... you are truly a courageous lady!

Tomorrow will be "Monday as usual" with laundry, pick-up and clean-up.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HEIDI

A LATE-APRIL SUNNY SATURDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

The clearing last night foretold the beauty of this Saturday! I goofed in thinking there would not be a campfire. There was!

Today I arrived at the J. Potvin Estate on Birch Hill with grand children playing. Josh was cutting firewood. He started the fire as I sat in my rocker. The sun was warm and the winds were soft. My time .. much in solitude.. allowed me to be reflective of the day. Josh went for a bike ride and seems to be in perpetual motion with splitting wood and all.

I detected some changes in Trump's behavior! Now, after some 40 daily conferences and question session. DJT called things off. Maybe he has been caught in some exaggerations of the truth? LOL. Tomorrow's news programs should be interesting!

Folks were enjoying the moment with mowing grass, raking lawns and visiting neighbors. Gradually Spring will eek its way in regardless. It seems snow is in the forecast again. How nice!

Noticed a house fire on my way to Hannaford. North Brookfield and West Brookfield Fire Departments were responding and traffic was detoured. No other details.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Mass General in Spring

A NO-CAMPFIRE FRIDAY

This Friday was wet! I went about my routine in style. Dry cleaners.. gas etc... Gas in Sturbridge is $183.9 all stations. I chose to tank up at Country Corner.

Then lots of television. I saw Trump sign the Executive Order surrounded by his supporters... then he gave away 2 boxes of pens! A little of Donald Trump goes a long way... and then tonight his daily conference was truncated without and Q &A session. Good. Enuf.

Tomorrow looks to be promising weatherwise. The skies dried out and at sunset a golden setting of the sun.

New England Clam Chowder for supper. I began working at a 1/2 lb. of Bologna with Cocktail Sauce with Horseradish. Decent.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Executive Scribble!

A FRIENDLY CAMPFIRE ON BIRCH HILL

Blood glucose 100

My day, overall, was good.. I watched a special on Anthony Fauci, MD. Dr. Fauci is a graduate of Holy Cross College, Worcester! The man is brilliant and is a runner.

The day was partly cloudy. I thought it would be a good day to sit in the sun but it clouded up as I went outside. About 3:45 I drove over to Josh's estate. It proved to be rewarding. The grandchildren were riding bikes and having fun with laser guns and basketballs. There wasn't much wind.

For nearly two hours my son and I discussed all of the news  (and gossip.) Josh roasted marshmallows and relaxed. Josh told of planting Christmas trees with the kids. A good investment in 10 years.

Tonight I watched PBS, Lester Holt, and a little of Trump. Did I detect a poor me attitude of the president?

And oh yes...my Social Security check came in. How sweet it is! Rain tomorrow.. sun on Saturday.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE TRUMP & PENSE NIGHTLY CHARADE

Who needs it? Each night Trump reminds the world how great he is. He slams Obama and even is smiling more. What a waste!

The wild winds ruled the day with prohibitive wind chills! It was too windy for a campfire. I paid a brief visit to Josh who gave me copies of my "Starting An Antique Business."

Received a delightful and stunning colored photograph  of Savannah Hope Potvin  age 5 - Belmont, NC. I have always maintained Savvy is going places and she's is only in kindergarten! She's got it all!

Niece Susan Boyd turns 60 today! Congrats Sue!

Enjoy the winter winds... and the forecast isn't that encouraging!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THUNDER TUESDAY

Blood glucose 90      Weight 170

The day was dismal and rainy. At 4:00 one bolt of lightening welcomed the front and by sunset the skies had cleared!

Did food shopping at Hannaford's NB at Noon. The store was loaded. I spent forty bucks on extra paper towels and water... and a pint of Butter-Pecan ice cream! Yum.

A letter to the editor in the New York Times succinctly expresses my feelings about Trump's TV Show:  "Mr. Trump's briefings aren't really "news" anyway, they are just third-rate reality TV complete with tantrums, jealousy, infighting and too much makeup and hair spray, all at our expense." signed Kate Faherty, Hillsborough, N.C."

With early openings in some states, social distancing is of question! Tattoos?!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

"How Dare He behave so badly? Please turn off the cameras."

TRUMP'S BRIEFINGS LOL

Donald J. Trump has captured daily prime time audiences in a way that appears to be deceitful! Ted Koppel told The New York Times last month "Training a camera on a live event, and just letting it play out, is technology, not journalism; journalism requires editing and context." The question, clearly, is whether his status as president of the United States obliges us to broadcast  his briefing live. His answer was "No!"

"Prime-time Donald", the bare-knuckled politician with imperial impulses, falsely claiming that "When somebody is president  of the U.S. the authority is total." Trump's arrogance steers his ship! Now he's marrying Gov. Cuomo!

"Trump has completely politicized this pandemic and the briefings have become a tool of that politicization"

Now he brings in a General touting the Wall's progress. He turns "on" and "off's" at will.

The above is taken from a New York Times article "STOP AIRING TRUMP"S BRIEFINGS!" by Charles M. Blow today.

In other news.. a quiet day … a small bonfire with Josh. American Pickers, etc.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

Imperial Donald POTUS

SUNDAY SUNSHINE

This Sunday was all we had hoped for: SUNSHINE!

The remaining snow was gone by Noon. At 4:00 pm the only remaining evidence was the snowman built by the Potvin kids!

I spent min-afternoon on Birch Hill. Josh had just ignited his campfire as I drove into the yard. The South wind fanned the fire nicely. The three girls had fun building their Chicken Coop in the East field. It was rewarding seeing  Lily, Maddie and Evie play.  Earlier the Potvin family went on a long bike ride.

I had watched the Sunday news programs with interest. Gov. Charlie Baker and Gov. Cuomo were good. Tonight, Trump in his usual fashion slammed a CNN reporter. Not good. Never have I witnessed such arrogance from DJT. Then he defends ROGER STONE! LOL.

The week ahead should prove to be interesting and Americans have "cabin fever."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MR. PUT-DOWN

MID-APRIL & A SNOWMAN ON BIRCH HILL

Blood glucose 117

This April Saturday saw the ground and trees covered in about 3 inches of fluffy snow. For a moment I thought Christmas had returned! It seemed to be surreal.

The day was without much action or adventure! A highlight was a snow man built by the grandchildren.. a smart move. SonJosh called off any campfire late in the day. When I went over at 4:00PM Josh, Jay O and kids were unloading tree branches for the stockpile.

I weakened and got a lobster roll at Howard's. Not as good as their scallops.

Tonight, at sunset a marvelous band of clear skies can be seen in the West. Believe it or not we may see temperatures reaching the high fifties. Nice.

There's a Special on at eight.. a star-studded program featuring all of the big names from Lady-Gaga to Stevie Wonder. We need some inspiring entertainment!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THIS SPRING THE SEASON IS IN REVERSE!

Okay so I bought a pint of Rum-Raisin.. Haagan-Dazs.

Snow is in the forecast with varying forecasts from a couple of inches to half-foot in the Berkshires. I'm glad my snow tires are still on the Honda. You just never know.

The campfire on Birch Hill was good. I doubled down with a red plaid scarf, a Quaboag sweat shirt and black wool Buffalo jacket. I kept reasonably warm as "Josh-the-fireman" fed the fire that was fanned by a West wind. I lasted for an hour and a quarter then it was off to Hannaford.

The store seemed empty. Many masks were observed. My total purchase totaled $20.26.

Earlier in the day I traveled to Sturbridge for a superb $5 wash job at C&R Tire... and cheap gasoline. The whole town has gasoline priced from $1.839 forward. My trip was for not! $12.00  for a fill-up. Then to Spencer for clothes pickup.

We just can't seem to find that corner where Spring is hiding.

Jeopardy $100,000 Championship game was enjoyable.

Hang tough, Americans!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Uncle Alex!

MY NEW BRAINTREE ALTERNATIVE

We didn't enjoy a campfire today on Birch Hill. Josh was tied up with business so I headed my Honda for beloved New Braintree! The greening pastures and budding trees in the afternoon sunshine gave me what I wanted: peace & quiet!

When I drive around New Braintree I allow my mind to wander back to 1959 when I was a delivery boy for LaBelle's Food Centre of North Brookfield. Each Saturday I would drive the 59 Chevrolet wagon to farm houses. Today I took in Mother Nature at her finest.

Cushman Road has a fantastic view looking West to the center of town. The Police Academy can be seen along with other landmarks including the Congregational Church.The other Wine Road was taken and the beauty of a tree farm made the trip special.

Speaking of trees, the Town of West Brookfield has been removing trees on Route 9, WB as if they were all diseased! Both sides of the highway are bare of what appears to be healthy trees of all sizes. What gives?

Nature abounds on this cold Spring Thursday. And now there's snow in the forecast! Enough!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WINDY WEDNESDAY ON BIRCH HILL

Blood glucose 111

Today was a cold hump day! I sat out in my garage and abbreviated my sitting as it was too windy and cold. At 4:00 I drove to Josh's estate and too found I had to abbreviate my stay as the wind was penetrating. On the way home I realized how crystal clear it had turned making the remainder of the day pretty from my front office.

It seems winter has returned by the looks of the Weather Channel forecast. St. Louis is as cold as it is here.

Received a Dual-Sided Scrubber and Massager for my "back-scratch" issue! The VA takes care of me once more....has over 900 massaging fingers. Should relieve my discomfort!

Now I must find relief for sciatica and neuropathy. These issues slow me down! Sitting down is my only resolve. Fortunately I find comfort in bed.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TUESDAY IN APRIL

My trip to Hannaford for food was early. Much to mY

surprise the shoppers were few and I managed to breeze through in style. No waiting.

An interesting purchase was four ears of sweet corn! I boiled two and enjoyed them with butter for lunch. After lunch I opted to sit in the sun. I was a little leery as I thought it was cool. Actually it was perfect.

No campfire today on Birch Hill today.. "tomorrow for sure" related Josh.
I did notice the tin roof on the governor's mansion was blown off in a section. This gives testimony of how fast yesterday's gale-force winds really were Blue Hills recorded a gust above 80 mph! Must check with Josh and his anemometer's reading.

Made arrangements for Kemp-Nut to clean up my yard and mow on Saturday.

Seems Trump defense is growing! Cuomo and the president are at odds! Enough!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MONDAY POWER OUTAGE

Blood glucose 89

The electricity went out about 4:20 PM and didn't return until midnight? The only resolve is my new flashlight and my phone. I went to bed without any evening news or game shows. Without any distractions my night's rest was excellent and long.

Today is cold.. in the thirties.. scattered clouds. Headed for Hannaford for some grub. I always make a list and forget little.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

KIDS PLASTIC PLAYHOUSE - SOLD!

Blood glucose 100

SOLD! In selling anything.. do your homework, recognize the value, get lucky and bingo! Sold. The house sold to the first customer!

 

 

 

This Easter Sunday was like no other. Josh presented me with a ham dinner. I missed a campfire last night. My granddaughters were all dressed in their new outfits.

 

Ben called from Belmont, NC, relating it was pouring. Tomorrow we'll be getting it here. Monday!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

 

 

A SATURDAY OF NETFLIX

A windy cold Saturday kept me inside! I watched 'How To Become President' and learned a lot. This documentary is the best historic narrative covering everybody from Abe Lincoln to Trump. It covers what makes people vote and why. Later I watched Oliver Stone's narrating the atrocities of WWII. Tonight I watched part of "JACKIE" on Reelz. There's more JFK on at 8:00 PM.

At noon Josh brought over a large plastic doll house to be sold. It rests on the front lawn with a price tag of $100. No bites yet! Sells new for over $400.00! Check it out!

I did watch " Ask This Old House." I found this interesting as a home restorer I identified with the many trades. A good review indeed.

Not staying up for Trump's daily blah. Coronavirus numbers are staggering.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

"LOOK TO THIS DAY!"

Blood glucose 119                   Weight 171 lbs.

"Look to this day:
For it is life, the very life of life.
In its brief course
Lie all the verities and realities of your existence.
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of achievement
Are experiences of time.

For yesterday is but a dream
And tomorrow only a vision;
And today well-lived, makes
Yesterday a dream of happiness
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well therefore to this day:
Such is the salutation to the ever-new dawn!

Sanskrit -

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Kalidasa

 

 

A COLD PAINFUL GOOD FRIDAY

Blood glucose 95

It was business as usual this Good Friday. I shopped at Hanniford NB then to Tony's Dry Cleaning - Spencer.

Sister Jan sent me a Patriotic mask she fashioned with her hands. Red, white and blue.. to wear at the post office and other places. A thoughtful gift indeed!

The weather today was extremely windy and wet. It spit snow and kept everybody inside. Josh came by about 4:00 PM to apply ointment to my aching back. It seems the sciatic pain is more pronounced tonight. The only relief is when I am seated. "Don't grow old, Robert!" This is what my maternal grandmother said as she hobbled around in her eighties!

Hope Saturday will be more "user friendly!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET THURSDAY AT THE POODLE

Today was another day of introspection and filing of paperwork. This activity is good as nothing else appealed. Most of the day was "wet." A massive squall passed through in mid afternoon but lasted only a few moments. By sunset the skies had cleared giving reward.. blue skies!

Richard B. Johnson's LIFELINE can be seen on Facebook. Clearly this impressive array of jobs an engineer is noteworthy. Congrats Dick!

Friday tomorrow. Cleaners, Hannaford early and windy!

What? Me worry!
Alfred E. Newman

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEDNESDAY ON BIRCH HILL

Winds and clouds prevailed this Wednesday. Josh had just started the fire when fickle winds caused me to relocate twice! Evie and Maddie cooked hotdogs on a stick. I had one. Enough for a month.

I took care of filling my pill caddy for the next 3 weeks. I sat on my chair in the breezeway before heading for the Potvins. Each day I allot from four to six for the pleasure of my family.

Watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy round out today.

Ragged Sun set

Now I relax to Easy Listening until a shower!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE FULL PINK MOON

The full pink moon is the biggest to be seen all year! In viewing the moonrise across the Quaboag River in Brookfield and from the parking area of the Elementary schooling West Brookfield the moon is the biggest for the year. Check it out!

Earlier I spent 2 hours on Birch Hill with Josh and the kids. From a distance I spotted five deer grazing near the woods.

It was a sunshiny day allowing me to sit in my chair capturing "rays."

The pandemic headlines on both the NY Times and USA Today continue to be scary! No Trump "show" for me tonight!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SURPRISE ON BIRCH HILL

Blood glucose 95  Weight 172 lbs.

The skies finally cleared and this Monday was great! The Northwest winds made it feel like March as we sat around the campfire. Josh roasted some Italian sausage in foil and this served as supper.

I brought my Nikon D-

40 and got some great pictures of Josh & the girls - Lily, Evie and Maddie. I made prints for the family.

On my way out I viewed THREE DEER grazing down at the end of the field. Three doe were not intimidated. As I got closer to the three I parked my Honda and barked like a dog. They lifted heads and ran as I shot some pictures and disappeared in the woods.

In other news I got my National Grid bill for March $157.28..Feb 28 March 31.

Laundry and Hannaford in the AM. I then enjoyed an hour seated on my chair in the garage. Friend Jeff Nickerson and I chewed the fat for an hour! My Monday was excellent!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

EDITORIALS SLAM TRUMP!

Both The New York Times and the USA TODAY slam Trump for his narcissistic behavior. Denial is one thing "They exaggerate their accomplishments, focus obsessively on  projecting power.".

"He picks fights with Democratic officials and members of the press." "Trump loses his temper at PBS reporter Yamiche Alcindor bragging he's doing and claiming that he knows more about South Korea than anyone (he doesn't.)

"He brought up a parade of CEO's, including MyPillow owner Mike Lindell who preached a mini-sermon!"

Trump is more like a Tenderfoot than Eagle Scout!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY AFTERNOON CAMPFIRE ON BIRCH HILL

The weather insists on being clouzy! Josh built another amazing campfire and roasted several pieces of Italian sausage like Fenway.

Early I reviewed some 50 e-mails I printed in 2007. I sent out notes on several and amazingly get a response from Susan Murphy.. a college friend  at Saint Louis. Susan now resides in SC. like most Americans she, too, is bored.

I plan on reaching out to others realizing some are still in the circuit!

Monday-laundry and other necessary chores!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY STAY AT HOME SATURDAY

This Saturday is panning out much better.! With phone conversations from Florida and Washington State I got caught up in talking with old friends: Lowell V. Arms and William N. Gross.

"Gobel" and I go back to NBHS, Worcester Junior, The U.S.Army, and living in Charlton City. Lowell now lives in Concord, NC. Bill Gross, a college roommate and attorney lives in Vancouver, Washington. I also gave a call to Sybil Sandman in NB.

This afternoon I decided to do a "tour of North Brookfield and New Braintree. I pretend I am a Ranger again. My observations saw many folks doing yard work, walking. etc. I think this better weather raises people's spirits.

Dollar General NB is where I got a tube of Poligrip. No tissues or paper towels, however.

Trump is on now so I'll close!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MISTY DREARY FRIDAY

The big news in the Brookfields is Howard's Drive-In opened. Despite the weather, folks lined up in this ritual of Spring including yours truly! I opted for a scallop roll and satisfied my quest. D-licious!

The news is overwhelming and the numbers are staggering. I wonder how we'll fare in the Brookfields? The poor Veterans.

Visited Josh & Chase later in the day. It's nice having family nearby as is having Ben read my blog daily! Thanks.

The weather forecast is a gradual clearing over the weekend.  Next week will be more Spring-like. The daffodils are in bloom and the robins are abundant... yet it will be a Silent Spring indeed.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A PRODUCTIVE THURSDAY

My Thursday was good. I dedicated time to organizing my front office. It payed off. Then in a surprise move SonJosh replenished my food supply with a variety of goodies for my well being. Thanks, Josh!

The coldness of the day kept me inside most of the day. I did buy gasoline at Country Corner - a $10 fillup. In the afternoon

 I spent time in my back room. This is where family pictures are kept along with other stuff. I pulled together a variety of presidential books and papers for Maddie.

Tomorrow I must review all outstanding hospital bills and decide what to do with them. Fridays are usually good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

METEOROLOGY AS A HOBBY

I have been enthused about meteorology since I was a boy! My dad raved about the Hurricane of 1938 and the destruction done in the Brookfields. Bell Hill observatory estimated winds at 110 mph.

Today, advancing technologies have a plethora of weathermen  in Boston. I like Pete Bouchard! The Weather Channel's graphics are the best.

I am surrounded by weather instruments of yesteryear.. I even sold Downeaster instruments for a brief time in the early 90s! While living on Birch Hill I kept records of my observations as a weather historian and even called in reports to Evan Rubin in Springfield!

Meteorology is a lifelong interest. All of the information made available makes for good conversation!

If you want a new approach to obtaining weather info tune in The Weather Channel and don't play the volume! You'll be surprised of this new approach!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY STAY-HOME WEDNESDAY

Blood glucose 115

This day was defined by a heart-felt call from son Josh and two VA doctors.

Josh is concerned by my activities and reviewed once again what is expected of me.

The doctors reviewed my present situation in good style.

My television watching  was "How It's Made" and network news. Earlier in the day I reviewed The New York Times and the USA Today. Scary headlines. I feel I am informed. Did watch more Trump stuff on NETFLIX.

It was two hot dogs and chocolate milk for lunch. Gotta stock up on more food. A cold, partly cloudy day. Rain and wind is in the forecast!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN