MEMORIAL DAY 2021

Blood glucose 114 Weight 103.5 lbs The dank, dismal weather continued until after supper.Clearing came in from the West and now at sunset the skies have cleared.It a challenge to be forgotten. After shopping at Hannaford I settled down to an afternoon of baseball. Before that I called the American Legion for details on any ceremony. I was told it would be at 11:00. I attended and felt good about appearing. I didn't linger and came home to watching Minnesota who romped the Baltimore orioles then at 4:00 the Boston Red Sox fell prey to the Houston Astros. It was awful. I decided to take the red convertible for a spin and headed for Birch Hill.I was greeted by Josh who signaled me to come in. I was surprised to see all of the cars.I ate a steak-fest with asparagus, onions and potatoes.Delicious. I did my exercise bike routine twice.My Memorial Day holiday was above avarage. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY OF RAIN & BASEBALL

Nearly 5 inches of rain have fallen and been measured in the past two days! This day, the second in a row, has tried the souls of men and women. Fortunately I have enjoyed watching the INDY 500 and baseball. The Red Sox game was postponed however Detroit defeated the Yankees in sunny Detroit. The weather in Indianapolis, Indiana, was also clear. I have an affection for Indiana as my college roommate, Bill Gross, hails from Indianapolis. In 1962 I enjoyed a Thanksgiving holiday at his folks home. Bill worked at the Motor Speedway before coming to St. Louis and had favor in allowing us to drive one lap each around the track in his father's Chevrolet Impala convertible. Also, I attended Indiana University for the Certified Auctioneers Institute for three April's for a week earning my CAI designation. Son Ben turned 49 today! The Memorial Day concert from DC wasn't with a crowd. Tomorrow will clear gradually.. finally. I forgot what a sunny day was! LOL. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SATURDAY IN THE RAIN

My plastic rain gague registeted two inches as I began this Saturday."Johnson" arrived at about 11 and agreed to "travel West" to check water levels including the Quabbin. The waterfall in Ware was impressive.It reminds me of Niagara Fall.!We thought there would be an outside chance for the Quabbin Reservoir going over the spillway. Not hardly. Dick drove over the many roads both to the Tower then onto Granby, South Hadly and Amherst. I suggested McDonalds for lunch.. a smart choice!We both had hamburgers, French Fries and sodas for the sum total of $7.90. Amazing. I had baseball on my mind when I returned. Both the Yankees and Red Sox were playing. Detroit defeated New York and the Red Sox defeated Miami.The Fenway crowd was large.. the biggest of the year. The Sox have won two in a row and hopefully will sweep tomorrow. Despite a rainy Saturday it was a good one! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY COUNTRY TAKES GOOD CARE OF ME!

The Veterans Administration is a vast organization of health care professionals - world wide. The Worcester facility is one example. Today I had my blood drawn and an appointment with a podiatrist. Other visits include visits with my primary-care physician, Brinda Sanjay, MD. Facilities are at 600 Lincoln Street and Plantation Street at Lake Ave. Everything today is computer. The one VA card gives access to all of my health records no matter where care was given. All of my medications are filled and delivered to my mail box. It is comforting to know the VA is on my side! In other matters I enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs defeat the Cincinnati Reds. It is now raining in Boston and doubtful a complete game will happen. The weather forecast is good for one thing: making the grass grow and ending the drought!

A BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY

The day was perfect after a night of rain. Construction continues at my driveway entry. Maybe finishing touches are around the corner? It seems the whole town is flooded with orange construction barrels?! I had a pleasant phone conversation with my sister Jan. We talked for ten minutes once a month. The afternoon and evening was all about MLB. The Sox didn't play today but did win last night.Hopefully they will come back refreshed? I think Fenway will fill to capacity on Saturday. Normalcy at last! Tomorrow morning I travel to the VA in Worcester.. first for a blood draw then onto the padiatrist. Josh picks me up at 9:30. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BENEFICIAL DOWNPOUR, AT LAST!

BLOOD GLUCOSE 115 weight 162.4 After a sweltering Wednesday of 90 degree heat a line of thunderstroms came through after seven.It poured for a while.. enough to give our parched turf a drink. At mid-afternoon I drove the Allante' to Ken's Service in East Brookfield for an oil change.It was the first time I had any service done to the car since buying it in late January.Cost $34.37. It was too hot for me to go anywhere. The AC in the car works well. I had put on my household AC upon rising.The rest of the afternoon was spent watching the St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Chicago White Sox. I enjoyed another meal of steak, beets and olives. The Red Sox are tied with the Braves 3-3 as I write.Devers homered. Hopefully the Sox will win and split. No game tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A PAYDAY TUESDAY

It's fun to get paid a day early. I do my On-Line banking of transferring the funds then go to the Branch to get the needed cash. I payey the rent, got some food, put $20 in the Allante's gas tank and still have money left. This Tuesday saw temperatures in the 40s and was a bright day. I enjoyed a steak for lunch and had noodles for supper. I tended to filling my pill cady having received refills in the morning mail. Josh raised his new Old Glory to set the tone for the forthcoming holiday weekend. He gave me a few ideas on corresponding with the RMV regarding the POTVIN vanity plate. The drought continues. Maybe we'll see some rain tomorrow night? The Red Sox make me nervous. They had the bases loaded in the first inning and scored only one run! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MONDAY OF CAR AUCTIONS AND BLUE JAY BASEBALL

The first thing I did in getting up was to turn off my new air conditioner.The comfort of AC wasn't needed as the morning air was cool enough. I laid low getting caught up in my correspondence. Haven't heard from Senator Gobi regarding my reqquest of reissuing the POTVIN vanity plate. Also, I am intrigued by Heritage Auctions.. the largest in the world. Yesterday's Times had an ad for some incredible wristwatches valued at $30,000 - $50,000.This auction house deals in all of fine arts and offered a complimentary catalog so I wrote for one. I already have an incredible auction of currency which makes me drool. For lunch I had Reman Noodle Soup, pickled beets and olives. Nothing special. Supper saw me have a Stouffers Chicken Pot Pie, apple sauce and strawberry ice cream. The skies began to clear mid-afternoon. I watched the Blue Jays go down in defeat to Tampa Bay in 11 innings.Interesting. The races are getting tighter and tighter.The Red Sox have their work cut out.Moon rise near FULL.. A holiday week in the making. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN AIR-CONDITIONED SUNDAY OF BASEBALL

My Sunday was both routine and quiet. I enjoy living in air conditioned comfort. On my way back from Hannaford I donated my old air conditioner to a street mechanic who will tune it up and sell it for perhaps $45. After making my bed, etc. I settled down to watching two baseball games : The Red Sox versus the Phillies and the Yankees versus the White Sox. Later in the day I tuned in St. Louis Cardinals for several innings. The Yankee contest was good. Aaron Judge took a bases-loaded walk to give the Yankees victory in the ninth. The Red Sox weren't so lucky. In golf, Phil Mickelson won the PGA title at age 51.. the oldest ever to win. We had sprinkles several times in the afternoon and I didn't want to chance the Allante getting wet! Right now the skies have cleared as we anticipate a full moon on May 26th. Spoke with Ben and Josh. My day was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUMMER'S HEAT BEFORE MAY 30TH

In 1945 my late mother Rita told of heat in March and "Snowsuits on Memorial Day!" After a delightful week of beautiful weather the heat-wave settled in. "Johnson's" truck thermometer read 92 as we circled around the Lyman School for Boys which closed about 1972. Dick and I make the trip a couple times a year. The dilapidated buildings are an eyesore to otherwise attractive commercial porperties.Why abandon somthing that may be used for housing. Dick recounts the identity of each building with positive identity. Meanwhile I fired up my new air conditioner and set it at 68. I must get a circulating fan and have a drape to keep the front porch's heat in place. After watching the Yankees win I drove to Birch Hill then to Ronnie and Chrissies where I visited and enjoyed a first class steak dinner.I enjoyed creamy/buttery mashed potatoes, asparagus,corn on the cob and steak! This was a first class meal, indeed. Thanks, folks. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER HOT DAY IN LATE MAY

Blood glucose 117 I went through much of my clothing for Summer and brought a bunch to Tom at Tony's Cleaners in Spencer. If anything I have too much clothes.I suppose its a good time to donate a bunch across the street in a yellow container! As the day unfoldedI decided not to sit in the hot sunshine.Instead I watched the President award the Medal of Honor to a Korean War officer. Very interesting for a man in his 90s. The thought came to me "what if I was a Marine and an officer in Vietnam?" It didn't happen and I feel I came out as "One Lucky Sodier!" Josh called saying Chase had a basebll game at Quabaug at 3:00 against David Prouty.I chose to take the air conditioned Honda. I stayed three times longer. I enjoyed watching #21 at second base. Chase bats left. He met the ball with good connection and got a hit or two. My friend Angie stopped to chat for a couple of minutes.The Cougars defeated Prouty. LAter Josh sponsored a campfire for several friends. Evie and MAddie swam in the pool. My Friday was good! And yes, the Boston Red Sox won again last night! I like "JD Martinez!"

THE HITTING RED SOX

Construction continues in front of the Poodle. Today two pieces of granite curbing was laid at the entry of my driveway. It is a first class job and eventually the sidewalk will get paved. Baseball continues to make the news with last night's NO HITTER pitched by the N Y Yankees.The Sox were in rare form getting all of the hits and home runs. Tonight they continue their hitting ways with 7 hits in a row in the second inning! I cant imagine what the final score will be?!My man Bobby Dalbec homered. The day was hot as I sat out for a while. By the time I get to Birch Hill it was peaceful and idyllic. By the end of the week it may reach 90 degrees? The foliage is coming on strong. The lilacs are peak. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BASEBALL WEDNESDAY IN MAY

Blood glucose 111. It seems Summer is here for now. I sat out in the hot sunshine and followed up in going to Chase's baseball game at Quaboag in my red Allante. The black leather upholstery made the heat unbearable and I remained for two at bats of my grandson. I don't know how the game ended but I learned my lesson: take the Honda next time. I watch San Diego pitch a two-hitter with a "inside-the-park home run." The first since 2012. Then the Red Sox changed their tune by scoring 6 runs in the first two innings.I don't know where the game will end up but it seems they are back to winning. I get nervous whenthey lose. Had a hamburger for supper and a dish of Cherry Vanilla. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUMMER'S TUESDAY IN MAY

This week's weather is like summer! I sat out in the sunshine for quite a while for he second day in a row. The best part of this day was seeing my four grandchildren after their being away in Florida. Little Evie proudly showed me her extensive shell collection, She also had an illustrated chart carrying their names and photos. Impressive! Chase and Josh were returning from baseball practice as I visited. Got a call from Saint Louis U looking for money. I never got acknowledgement of my book sent "How To Start An Antique Business."Other correspondence sent was never acknowledged. Spoke for 15 minutes recounting my St. Louis Experience.Long ago and far away! The Red Sox are playing Toronto. Early in thegame. Toronto leads 1-0. Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DEAR DIARY

I was encouraged by my folks at at very young age to write about snow storms!I have hand written accounts of storms right through high school. Then at Worcester Junior College I was further encouraged by my English professor, Robert C. Gould. Mr Gould consistemtly graded my Theme writings to being "B." At St. Louis my U.S. History professor William B Faherty continued to appreciate my prose and I earned an A! All along my writing contined.As a soldier I wrote many letters including a year in Vietnam.Unfortunately I have only one surviving letter. As an insurance adjuster my job was to investigate claims and record them on a Dictaphone which was transcribed.Typewritten investigations were reviewed by my Supervisors. As my life went on... writing continued.I enjoy writing be it a report or a personal letter. Politicians like mail and I hit paydirt in corresponding with George H. W. Bush.My letters were valuable and sold to autograph dealers.My point to all this is letters ae meaningful to life!In my trip to Hong Kong,Vietnam and Australia in December of 1998 I documented everything with hand-written letters to my mother.I tried to detail each day in diary form.Today I reviewed these.The next big leap came as a blogger beginning in 2003 where I wrote for ON-THE-COMMON.Sad to say nothing was sved by the newspaper. Earlier I wrate a column for The Spencer New Leader. I have original copies of my articles written! The bottom line to this entry is for you to organize YOUR writings! It will be something your family will appreciate! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TERRIBLE DEFEAT FOR THE RED SOX

Blood glucose 110. The Boston Red Sox fell to the California Angles in the ninth inning! It is a loss I want to forget and I will. Seems we expect miracles on the playing field and the "bobble Sox" proved us fans right. zzzi suppose we want the team to win all of the time? Maybe a day off tomorrow will allow the team to forget what happened today? Toronto Blue Jays Tuesday night. Go Sox!Josh returned from vacation and found time to mow my lawn at 7:00 pm. The spiffy riding mower was expedient. Looks good. Hannaford tomorrow. Another cool night for sleeping. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RED SOX SATURDAY

i get excited when the Red Sox win! They won again today 9-0. Johnson came from the north county and agreed to travel to the Quabbin. We went to Athol then West towards Millers Falls then down to Amherst. On the way back we came upon a serious accident on the Belchertown/Ware line. Two bodies were laying on the street. Serious. We got there before the State Police, Ware Police and Ware Ambulance arrived. No details were gotten. MassLive and other news sources should have the details.I opted not to eat at Subway and paid for Dick's lunch. I came back to watch the Red Sox win. This day saw the temperature hit 82 degrees as we traveled over Hampshire and Franklin counties. I expect Potvin family to return from Florida tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MUSIC IN MY BREEZEWAY

After making the rounds in my Allante I chose to sit on a soft chair in my breezeway listening to music on my smartphone. The variety is great and I opt to play what I like.Today I enjoyed Jimmy Duraante, The Seekers, and a slew of tunes favorable to my taste.I sat out for close to an hour as the traffic buzzed by. The smell from Howard's got my appetite going. I chose not to buy my supper but decided to have split pea soup and another hamburger.I was disappointed to have my cable fail for Jimmy Sturr polka show.I did my evening exercise on the bike for 15 minutes then opted to watch the Red Sox and Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. The clouds kept me from sitting out in the sun earlier.The Sox are leading 2-0 as I write.I hope for a victory! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BACK IN BUSINESS

It's Friday and I'm back in business. The Red Sox won last night and that's good.Let's hope they will have a winning streak. Went to the cleaners (Lol) then shopped for some food. Bought some 85% hamburg for a change. herry vanilla ice cream is in the freezer.The lilacs are blooming as is all of nature. Too bad the clouds are settling in! Haven't sat in the sun in quite a while. Will write more at day's end. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PLAY BALL WOOSOX

Blood glucose mid-day 128. I began my day by getting the TELEGRAM & GAZETTE at Dollar General along with some pain pills.. As expected the newspaper was big headlines "PLAY BALL." It is a comprehensive accounting of the most important day in Worcester.Bob Cousy is featured along with Red Sox players of yesteryear. I'll keep the newspaper for posterity along with other significant copies.This Wednesday was breezy and clouded up as the day progressed.I didn't sit out but watched my share of both television and YouTube and Scotty Kilmer. I've seen enough of 'Mr. Mechanic" for a while! The Sox have lost two games in a row and I'm getting a bit nervous.I want to see Boston win all of the time! LOL. I'm enjoying a bouquet of lilacs in my kitchen. Tonight the SOX are 1-1 after three innings. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OPENING DAY AT POLAR PARK, WORCESTER

OPENING DAY at Polar Park, Worcester,was special! It was a bright winday day with many celebs from 92 year old Bob Cousy saying "Play Ball!"Former Red Sox players included Jim Lonborg, Jim Rice, Rich Gedman, Luis Tiant, Pedro Martinez, and others added enthusiasm to the crowd of 2,400. James Taylor and son Henry led the crowd in song. Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutennant Karyn was in attendance. I watched the whole game on NESN. the WoSox defeated the Syracuse Mets 8-5. It seems home runs were popular with the strong breeze blowing.Watching the game was the highlight of my quiet Tuesday. I will buy a copy of tomorrow's Telegram as it should be a "keeper." Saw the grandkids and Josh after supper. They leave for vacation in the AM. The Red Sox are playing Oakland as I write. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD MONDAY IN MAY

Blood glucose 97. This Monday was about buying food and watching YouTube.I spent over $50 stocking up on necessaries.I filled up my Honda with gas. The YouTube attraction was watching the restoration of an Amphicar. This particular show reminded me of MY driving an amphibuous car across the MISSISSIPI in Saint Louis in 1963.The late Frank Tencza and I daringly crossed the Mighty Mo at midnight.It is a long story not worth reporting. Amazing. The YouTube story is about the restoration of such a car. It is worth watching, indeed. BAseball continues to hold my interest. The Sox are playing the Orioles now and are tied 1-1. Home to Fenway tomorrow. Go Sox ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY OF BASEBALL

The free recliner went late in the day! Hello to Emile Flamand in Florida! This Sunday began sunny and clouded up as the day progressed. Did laundry in Warren. Later, both the Yankees and Red Sox were televised at the same time. I enjoyed switching the two contests. It was entertainment for all afternoon and I enjoyed watching the Red Sox prevail over the Orioles. The Yankee contest was the same over the Washington Nationals. The Sox play the final game tomorrow at 7. Saw Josh briefly at day's end. Got a gallon of gasoline for the riding mower. It has a flat tire to be attended to. Spoke with Ben at 6:00 pm. I enjoyed my Sunday! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FREE LADIES RECLINER - FREE!!

Located on my lawn across from Howards's WB 132 Main Street Ladies recliner -FREE, FREE, FREE! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SATURDAY CAMPFIRE IN MAY

"Johnson" came by the usual time this Saturday. We returned to the Brookfield Orchards to witness peak blossoms. Our travel then went to the 4H camp in Spencer and rode around the many rural homes... some delightful. Dick suggested we eat at the famous Hot Dog Annies. Seems the service of the young ladies wasn't worth the five dollars spent for two dogs! Next stop was Gerry Smith's farm in North Brookfield. Gerry was splitting some firewood. We haven't seen him in ages.He didn't recognize us and it was good for a laugh. Came back to the Poodle and enjoyed watching the Washington team defeat the Yankees. It was a record setting defeat for the Yankees. 14 strikeouts! Got a call from Chase saying dad was hosting a campfire.Got a late start. It was a good social for the firends talking about real estate and cars as the kids played.I drove home before dark settled in. Now the Red Sox are defeating Baltomore 7-2. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET FRIDAY

Blood gkucose 108 This Friday was the opposite of yesterday's sunshine. I did my Spencer trip then off to North Brookfield. I took the back road by the Fivemile River. Just up the way is a house with a fantastic lawn. It is the quintessential example. It gets a blue ribbon! Chase had a baseball game at Quaboag. He wears number 21.I arrived early and was amazed how cold it was. I observed all of the pre-game exercises before Millbury's arrival. Chase lead off and hit two foul balls down the left field line. Seems the visiting team was far superior to the Cougars. I remained for a couple of innings. Don't know the outcome.The Red Sox are in Baltimore to play the Orioles but are in a rain-delay. Rain tomorrow. Snow in the Rockies!! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REMEMBERING GRAM RITA POTVIN

I think about my mother all of the time.Rita Ida Poulin Potvin was the oldest of seven children being raised in North Brookfield, Mass. She enjoyed being HOMEMAKER and took care of our household.Dad worked as a carpenter. Rita lived to an old age - 91.She was cheerful and optimistic. My mom was my inspiration. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNSHINE THURSDAY

This day proved to be a winner. The morning was cloudy and by noon the skies began to clear. I was watching inspirational YouTube of JFK."We chose to go to the moon"....Then I came across one on LBJ.. one I had never seen before. Both men came from much different backgrounds. LBJ was a teacher of poor Mexican students. Kennedy just the opposite.I like keeping the flame alive. As the sky cleared I opted to sit out in the sunshine for over one half hour. Seems those moments have been few and far between.Didn't know the Red Sox were playing an afternoon game and defeated Detroit after losing to them in overtime last night.Josh tipped me of "six games being played this afternoon." Drove over to Birch Hill and found Chase eager to take me for a ride in his Jeep Wrangler.Soon he will be getting his driver's license. Maddie had a soccer game but it was in a remote field at Quaboag.Exercised twice on my bike! Ben goes to Quail Hollow for a golf tournement tomorrow in Charlotte! Have fun, Ben. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NEW SIDEWALK IN THE MAKING

Blood glucose 128 The heavy equipment began excavating at 7:15 am. The machine operator exercised great skills in both scraping off the loam and filling the opening with sand from the blue dump truck. By noon the sand was rolled down. I am impressed with the team effort! I don't know when the final coating will be. Cement? blacktop ? Nice. Because the day was drizzly I reverted to YouTube and other TV. I enjoyed watching the making of the Gateway Arch. I was in Saint Louis at college during much of the construction. It was completed in 1965. I have been back to St. Louis several times over the years and Ben and Josh was there in 1986...a trip to remember.(World Series).. Josh came in as I was watching the White Sox lose to the Reds.The Red Sox are playing in a rain delay versus Detroit as I write. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DIABETES & DEMENTIA RISK Page D6

The following is taken from today's New York Times. I am diabetic and want to share this.It is serious. " Diabetes and Dementia Risk..Type 2 diabetes is a chronic, progressive illness that can have devastating complications, including hearing loss, kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure and vascular damaage so severe as to require limb amputation. Now a new study underscores the the toll that takes on the brain. It found that Type 2 diabetes is linked to an increased risk for Alzheimer's disease......" In other news the construction of the new sidewalk on Route 9 WB comes up to my lawn. Tomorrow the construction team will scoop the earth in front of my lawn. The distance from Ridge Road is .6 mile. Stay tuned. The Red Sox are beating Detroit as I write.Will be a high-scoring contest. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLOUDY MONDAY

The construction on Route 9 was cause for a traffic back up all day. The construction of a new sidewalk is getting closer to my property.I received an "over-payment" from my insurance company..$11.25 which went towards a clam roll at Howard's. The day was seeing me refill my pill caddy then watching both YouTube and Pawn Stars.Spoke with Josh who was working in Waltham. Will go to Hannafords tomorrow. The weather all week will be cloudy and rainy.The apple blossoms are in full bloom.I'll take it!Sent a package of articles to Steve Magnante. A good Monday! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TRANSITIONAL SUNDAY IN MAY

Blood glucose 103 Everything about this Sunday was diffeent.Laundry was done as usual. I am disappointed in the double loss of the Red Sox vs Texas. Seems they had victory sewed up only to choke in the later innings. The big event of the day was little Evie's First Communion ceremony. Our little princess was all decked out in a beautiful white gown. She did a brief reading from the altar. Then we had a small get together at Birch Hill. The family is growing up as I continue to age. Several kids jumped in the swimming pool! My Allante got caught in a shower.Earlier as I was turning left

heading for church a white Allante passed by and the driver commented to me! First time I have seen such a car. Wonder if it is local? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL SATURDAY

I began by getting Evie a First Communion card at Dollar General.The Mass is tomorrow afternoon. Steve Magnante called. We agreed to take the Allante' for a ride after my trip with Johnson who drove to Northampton. The classic Victorian homes were worth the trip.The flowering shrubs, bushes and trees were beautiful. Got back in time for Steve. On return Josh was mowing my lawn. Looks good. He removed my sign as the new sidewalk in coming fast. I asked JB for a haircut which he obliged.The Kentucky Derby was exciting as Medina Spirit won. Bob Baffert knows how to win! Speaking of winning the Red Sox won last night and are tied 3-3 as I write.My Saturday was complete! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN