MY 79TH BIRTHDAY WAS HAPPY INDEED!

It doesn't seem possible...I am an old man! LOL. My birthday was full of happiness from dining at the North Brookfield Senior Center with "Bill." The meal was mundane (hot dog and a cup cake with one candle) to a half dozen ladies sorting creeting cards.With the high cost of cards ($5) it behooves all of us to get our cards for free at the center.Sons Ben and Josh called me to wish birthday greetings. I also talked with sister Jan.I was brought a meal from Ronnie and Chrissie. As the day progressed the weather became threatening. I backed out the red Allante and noticed sprinkles on my windshield. I immediately drove it back to saf

e quarters and made my 4:00 o'clock rounds in the Honda. I had pictures posted on Facebook and the Senior Center's web page. Thanks to all for the greetings! As far as the Red Sox go I get nervous when the Blue Jays score 4 runs in the early innings! Tomorrow is Friday.Maybe I'll wake up to a Sox victory?! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY QUIET WEDNESDAY

Blood glucose 99 Weight 163 lbs It seems the days are getting shorter!Today was cooler and quite clear throughout the day. My day was in North Brookfield at the Senior Center. Bill and I were the only two people staying for meatloafm corn and rice. I really don't know the fate of the organization. Sure women come for crocheting and other activities but nobody remains for lunch! I turn 79 tomorrow! I feel good considering I have 9 lives... The one activity today that is noteworthy is the Red Sox. They are playing two 7 inning games. They lost the first 4-1. The sox had the bases loaded with no outs and couldn't score. Now they lead in the second game 2-1. That's all folks! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER VERY GOOD DAY

This Tuesday was excellent from beginning to end. I tackled reviewing my vast collection of photographs and birthday cards. I got so engrossed I almost forgot going to the NB Senior Center. Two of us ate in. The pasta was decent with a salad and decorated cupcake. After lunch I returned to reviewing my wardrobe. Found the Seton Hall shirt that has been missing for months. The day was warm with temperatures reaching ninety. At 4pm a thunderstorm warning came in. Eventually the storm arrived at 6:00. Josh had invited me over for my 79th birthday celebration. Everyone congregated around the table as we enjoyed pizza. It was a special celebration and the gifts were plenty from a portable rocker to a spiffy Red Sox zippered shirt bearing the Red Sox logo. Speaking of Red Sox, tonight's game was postponed until tomorrow with an afternoon- evening double header. A good Tuesday indeed! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY VERY GOOD MONDAY

BLOOD GLUCOSE 109 Many good things happened this Monday.I received birthday greetings from Sister Jan with a sizable cash gift.Evie sent me a thank you note for a gift I gave her for her First Communion. Chase called me while I was shopping for good relating he passes his driver's license road test. Later in the day he drove over to my house alone. Lily was sorking at Howards where I bought a cup of black raspberry ice cream and left her a $2 tip! My disciplined day organizing my library of books paid off. Now I will devote tomorrow to my draw full of photographs.On Wednesday I'll go over my wardrobe.It seems i have too much of everything.NB Senior Center for lunch. "Smoke gets in your eyes!" S

OX LEADS tORONTO 3-2. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RED SOX GAME OF THE YEAR

It got to be the 8th inning and the Yankees were on the verge of a NO HITTER! Then there were magic moments with the Sox getting 5 hits and scoring 5 runs. The Sox won 5-4. It was, indeed, the GAME OF THE YEAR! The weather has changed with showers and cloudy times. I took Chase to Palmer to practice his driving for tomorrow's road test. Good luck Chase! Tomorrow begins my week of organizing. "A place for everything and everything in its place." I'll do food shopping tomorrow. This morning there was a huge car fire in front of Dunkin Donuts.No details. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLEAR COOL SATURDAY TO BEGIN WITH

Blood glucose 95 my weight must be increased! The air mass gave us a beautiful morning and afternoon. Dick Johnson came by and agreed to drive into Connecticut on Route 169. This is a familiar path to the Connecticut casinos.We drove into Brooklyn where my first adventure in finding an antique shop when I was 16. We then enjoyed seeing the bigger-than-life statue of General Israel Putnam. The ride into the Nutmeg State is rural and enjoyable. We ate at McDonadl's in Plainfield where "lunch for two" including fries, hamburg and a drink set me back $7.51. Cheap.We got home timely for me to watch the Red Sox - Yankee game. The Sox were leading 3-0 until the eighth inning when the Yanks scored 4 runs and won! One more game tomorrow. The clouds are coming in with showers in the forecast.I take Chase for a practice run in Palmer tomorrow afternoon.Laundry detail in the morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BIRTHDAY COOKOUT FOR MADDIE

Madeline turns 13 on Monday. Heidi took Chase and Lily and Evie to Glouster with Maddie for an overnight. They arrived home for a fantastic meal prepared by Josh. He cooked corn-on-the cob and potatoes on the campfire and steak on the gas grill.Earlier he gave me a haircut. The air-mass had changed with lower humidity. I took the Allante for $20 worth of gasoline. Tonight I have been watching the Red Sox play the Yankees. Devers just hit his 2nd home run of the night! The Sox lead 6-1! Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY LUCKY ODOMETER READING

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NEW LEADER ARTICLES ORGANIZED

76 New Leader articles written between 1986 and 1992 have been organized. My hope is to get these transcribed and published. The focus of some of my writing is to recap the history of the Brookfields. I like reviewing these after many years on the shelf. Also, if Charline Whitman from Anderson, SC. can call me some early evening 508-867-3360. The sidewalk detail continues to impress me. Today the crew sprad loam next to the berm and will be seeded. Birthday greetings and gift fom Ben, Allison and Savvy received from Belmont, NC. Last night's Red Sox game was a thiller! Hopefully the Sox can sweep the Yankees in all four games! Today's air has changed for now. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JEFF BEZOS ASTRONAUT

Jeff Bezos may be one of the richest men in the world and he is one of the smartest! Jeff graduated from Princeton University Summa Cum Laude! Today's space launch reminded me when I lived at Cape Canaveral. I was credentialed with the Associated Press and saw John Glenn go up at age 77.I have always been an enthusiast of the Space Age and even taught the kids at WBES. Dick Johnson and I have been enthused since SPUTNIK in 1957. Today was a good hot day. My driveway apron was completed in the heat of the aftenoon.I sing the praises of the men ... five in all. Complete! No Red Sox - Toronto game in Buffalo because of thunderstorms. Had lunch at the NB Senior Center and renewed acquaintenances.. some folks I haven't seen in over a year! Josh mowedd the lawn tonight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NEW SIDEWALK - SECOND COAT OF BLACKTOP

The second coating of blacktop ran in front of my house. The crew of men and equipment are a class act. Next step will be a finishing apron. Nice job! The day waited all day long to clear.It looks like tomorrow will be brighter. The Boston Red Sox exploded with 11 runs in the first two innings against Toronto.I was fearful of a further dip and instead a historic slamming of home runs have brightened my concern. The game is being played in Buffalo, NY. I realize anything can happen.. so let it! Tomorrow the North Brookfield Senior Center is holding a brunch. Plan on wearing my flag trousers and shirt. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SERIOUS FLOODING IN THE MAKING

Blood glucose 110. We had two thunderstorms during the night.My rain gague measured 2.8 inches in a 24 hour period. I took a ride to Horse Pond in North Brookfield to see the spillway surging with water.It seems we are not out of the woods and the forecast for the week calls for more rain! Saw Josh and Chase in the afternoon and we even had a campfire in the rain! I had Chase drive down to the scene of the house fire. The property next to Country Corner may have been hit by lightening? Its

garage is a total loss. As for the Red Sox - Yankees go, I'm nervous. The Yanks lead 2-0 in the third. Today would be my father's 108th birthday. Papa Joe lived to be 70. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MOHAWK TRAIL MASSACHUSETTS

BLOOD GLUCOSE 110 - This Saturday Dick Johnson suggested we head west hoping to encounter thunderstorms in the Berkshires. We traveled North on Route 5 onto Route 2 -the Mohawk Trail. Our destination was FLORIDA, MASSACHUSETTS. Sections of Route 2 were recently paved. Houses are few and the number of neglacted and abandoned were plenty. As our altitude increased the views became beautiful. Traffic was light. We got to our destinaion of Florida which was founded in 1805! We traveled west to North Adams.. beautiful mountain views indeed. We reversed our direction and agreed to eat at McDonald'ss in Greenfield. at the intersection of Routes 5 and 2. Meanwhile we returned to West Brookfield and then the rains came. I brought my trash to Birch Hill. Nobody was home! Upon returning the rains came. It was "on and off" showers and thunder. I waited for the Yankee-Red Sox game to come on. It did. The Sox lost 4-1. Try again today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SEVERE LIGHTENING, TORRENTIAL DOWNPOURS

I prefer to write my entry in the morning! Mohawk Trail revisited. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY HIGH-SPEED FAN AND AIR CONDITIONER SET THE DAY

Blood glucose 103 weight 163 The morning was business as usual - cleaners & food. It was warm to begin with and the humidity gave me the warning: stay inside! My living conditions were comfortable.A late afternoon thunder shower told me "maybe" in going to Birch Hill. I decided to go as the black skies cleared. Josh built a fire. The kids went swimming. Jay O. & family came and before I knew it it was 6:15 PM. I decided to come home and do my peddaling. The Red Sox - Yankee game came on at 7 and the Sox struck first in the Second scoring 3 runs. Now it is in the fifth with a 3-0 lead. I think the All-Star break did the Sox good. Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNNY HOT THURSDAY

The entire day was full of sunshine. It got to be hot with temperatures reaching near 90. I drove my red Allante' to North Brookfield in late morning to pick up my box lunch a ham & cheese sandwich plus chips and a pickle. The Senior Center had but one other person sitting around. Most of the meals were to be picked up. EArly on I decided air conditioning would rule my day. I had high hopes of a Red Sox - Yankee contest from the Bronx and was disappointed to learn at 5:00 pm that the game was postponed because of Covid-19 problems with the Yankees. I drove over to Josh's and saw Chase and Evie. Dad was out runninhg. He had a dinnner committment with Bev so I came home and enjoyed the other half of my sandwich. I "kept cool" in the confines of the Poodle. My evening was spent watching the usual and doing my exercise on the bike. The Brimfield Flea Market is on. I have no desire to attend! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER

Blood glucose 105 The day began with muggy, overcast skies. I drove to North Brookfield to pick up my box lunch. Tomorrow is a ham & cheese sandwich, Chipa & a pickle. Chase called me for a ride at 3:00 from Howard's. We had plans to drive around when he realized he had practice in Oxford so I left him at home and Josh agreed to take him to practice. The skies gave way to some sunshine. The forecast called for thunderstorms which arrived around 7. There were lots of warnings with moderate rain and lightening.Even now the storm lingers with more lightening. Maybe tomorrow will be hot and sunny? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER DISMAL DAY

Weight 163lbs Blood glucose 135 The good news is the All-Star game in Denver. All day long features have brightened this day. I traveled to North Brookfield to pick up my lunch at the Senior Center, Essentially I was the only one there then Nancy D. came in to pick up the Boiled Lunch. Kielbasa, Potatoes and Carrots. I'll return tomorrow for Shepard's pie. Back in Denver the classy All Star's were interviewed wearing some classy duds. Josh called at 5:00 inviting me over for a campfire. It was slow burning for a while. Little Evie was playing around with a blue blanket. I returned as the 6:15 siren blew. Just now the American League scored one run. Devers got a hit! I don't plan on watching any more. The promise for some sunshine tomorrow afternoon is questionable!

. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DISMAL MONDAY IN JULY

More than two inches of rain was collected overnight in my rain gauge. The extended forecast isn't what we expect. Vacations are ruined. I found solace in watching all of the All-Star preparations. Denver is hot and sunny. George Stephanapolis is the guest host on JEOPARDY. He does a good job. I cancelled my appointment with Dr. Dey at Mass General. Will reschedule after Josh comes back from vacation. Saw Chase and the Waz boys walking towards the Elementary School and gave them a lift. I was listening to Casey Kasem at the time and the kids got a kick in listening to"Ben & Josh." I am trying to recover my All-Star ring. Either Ben or Josh has it as I recall. Not watching the Home Run Derby but am impressed with the Angel pitcher and home run slugger who leads the majors in home runs (23.) ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ALL-STAR GAME HISTORY

My sons and I have attended two All-Star games: Cincinnati -Riverfront Stadium in 1988 and Toronto SkyDome 1991. There's a tremendous amount of hype leading up to the Home Run Derby and the game itself. FanFest is one item I recall where vendors do everything from stitching ball caps to displays by Rawlings gloves, etc. Attendances are given as is a listing of MVP. CAl Ripkin was MVP at the SkyDome game in Toronto and Tim Raines, Sr. was MVP at Riverfront. While attending the Toronto festivities a radio station was broadcasting in our hotel lobby. The question came up why there were more games than years played? I had the answer!The first All-Star Game was held at Comiskey Park in 1933.In 1959, 1960, 1961 and 1962 there were two All-Star games played at different stadiums! The Red Sox have 5 players on the roster. The next two days will be exciting, regardless! Play Ball! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NOSTALGIC TRIP TO HARTFORD

JOHNSON and I agreed to head West toward Springfield on this Saturday. Interestingly enough a large flea market with brown tents was set up in Palmer.I didn't know anything about it! We traveled on Route 20 towards Springfield going by Friendly Corporation and Mass Mutual Insurance. Down I-91 we entered the Nutmeg State agreeing we wouldn't stop at the Radio museum in Windsor. We did enter Windsor and found 17 Laurel Avenue where I once lived.I was pleased to note this colonial now has a spiffy blue vinyl siding. This neighborhood is attractive and residential. It is close to the Hartford border. I wanted to do a driveby of the AETNA Home Office. We drove by Bushnel Park on the way.The Home Office is huge and houses, perhaps, 9,000 employees. This trip evokes nostalgia where I once worked as a Claim Administrator from 1975-1978. The way back saw us stop in Manchester at a SubWay where Johnson had his usual meatball sub.I had two toll house cookies and a chocolate milk.We returned to Sturbridge on I-84 then home to West Brookfield. It was a long rount trip for Dick.I wanted to get home for the Red Sox game at 4:00.Sumarilly it was one of the worse defeats of the 2021 season. Terrible !! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MORE RAIN FRIDAY

The flooding this Friday was formidable. I drove to Spencer and was amazed at the flooding on the highway.All morning it poured. I measured almost two more inches in my rain gauge. In turn I decided to revert to You Tube and review some of my interests. First I reviewed Missouri Auction School with owner and president Paul Dewees. It has been 40 years since I traveled to Kansas City with Ben and Josh. Auctioneering is a coomplex enterprise.I emerged from being a rookie to becoming a professional. I began calling coin auctions. A big break came with a real estate and contents auctio in Auburn. I enjoyed being an auctioneer and it showed by the results I got. Rare coin auctions and a massive clock auction stand out in my mind. Next I reviewed the rare coin clip. As the day progressed the rain stopped. At 5:00 I drove the Allante' to Birch Hill. I was pleased to see clear skies. Tonight the Red Sox are playing at Fenway. It's a slug fest with the Sox leading 6-3 in the third. Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TOO MUCH RAIN THIS THURSDAY!

We've had our share of rain this month.Last night's rain measured 1.80 inches. The hype is overwhelming. Today saw me go to the North Brookfield Senior Center again. I saw Judy Lacroix then got my lunch to go.It wasn't anything fancy:meatloaf. The meals cost $3 Tuesday, Wed & Thursday. The afternoon was spent watching all the news about the storm coming our way.Enuf. The Red Sox are off today. I say they need a rest. I switched gears late in the afternoon and watched ELVIS:Aloha From Hawaii. My favorite Elvis song is "Moody Blue." I turned off all news for the rest of the day. I enjoyed pan-fried steak for supper. Game shows as usual. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER STEAMY DAY

BLOOD GLOCOSE 105. I drove the Allante' down to Country Corner for gas. I paid $3.01 a gallon.. $20 worth.! I had predicted this hallmark two months ago! How high will it go? Then, later in the morning I drove the Allante' to North Brookfield to the Senior Center. It was like old times with few folks present.I got my meal "to go." The chicken drumsticks were not tasty! Tomorrow I'll repeat the trip having meatloaf. The temperature got to 90 degrees and I laid low. My two fans & AC do the trick. The Red Sox lost last night by a run and today's game was an afternoon repeat. They were 3-3 on the road trip.I think they need a rest and will have tomorrow off. The All-Star Game is Tuesday in Denver with the Home Run Derby on Monday.I have fond memories of attending the All-Star Game in Toronto in 1991.Such a treat for my sons and I. Didn't see Josh today as another thunderstorm came by around 5:00 PM. Probebly another half inch of rain? The forecast for the remainder of the week is terrible! Dr. Dey's office called rescheduling my visit to July 30. Don't think I can keep it as Josh will be away! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MEMORIAL LUNCHEON REMEMBERING DIANE NICHOLS

WEIGHT 162 LBS. The North Brookfield Senior Center was filled to capacity. I hadn't been there for over a year. There were many familiar faces and a new Director.Testimonies of who Diane Nichols was as director saw many woman wiping their eyes. Diane was a leader and had an infectious spirit! I will resume my visiting the center tomorrow for lunch..$3.00 cheap! The intense heat of the day was followed by a moderate thunderstorm around 5 o'clock.Saw Josh after the rains.Gave him a bag of Australian Licorice which he rejected! The Red Sox continue to win defeating the Angels in a close one. I enjoyed watching much of the game 'Sox in 2.' Tomorrow's game is on at 4:00 pm. Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A HOLIDAY MONDAY IN JULY 2021

BLOOD GLUCOSE 100 I didn't realize today was a Holiday until I went to get my mail and the Post Office was closed! I went about the business of the day: FOOD! Even Hannaford was quiet. I returned home to read the NYT and there was an interesting feature on the new YOGI BERRA Forever stamp. It recounts the names of baseball players that have been featured in the past: The article inspired me to dig out my postage stamp album. I spent more than an hour reviewing the stamps I have from many countries in addition to United States issues. My favorite issue is the 1932 George Washington issue. I have all in mint condition! Postage stamp collecting began with me in 1954.I have many wonderful memories covering the many aspects of the hobby.Josh mowed the lawn with the spiffy riding mower. He and the family had a 3:00 o'clock birthday committment so I didn't see him in the afternoon. I did drive the Allante' around town. Tomorrow I plan on attending the memorial luncheon at the North Brookfield Senior Center for the late Diane Nichols, former director. SOX play late tonight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE FOURTH OF JULY 2021

It was a different kind of Fourth. The laundry detail had more Casey Kasem. A man came up to my Honda and asked me what radio station I was listening to. I said it was a CD of a Long Distance Dedication recorded featuring Casey himself. The man.. age 50.. admitted to being a great fan of CK. The morning and afternoon continued to be cloudy and cold. Things changed as 4'oclock came around as the Red Sox game with Oakland was broadcast live from Oakland. It proved to be another exciting game with the Sox winning 1-0. They took two out of three. Before watching all 9 innings I drove the red car to Birch Hill where I saw Josh running. We met in his driveway where he reported on the success of last night's camp fire finale.The towering maple tree proved to be an umbrella to the crowd seating around fire. Tonight a Capital Fourth was watched for a while. Renee Flemming and Alan Jackson sang two favorites.Tomorrow I must go food shopping at Hannaford NB. My cubbard is bare! My Fourth was excellent! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WARM HOLIDAY COOKOUT ON A COLD JULY SATURDAY

It was a cookout fit for a king.Josh took charge of every aspect of cooking all foods from prime rib to hamburgh to chicken. I arrived about 3:00 and sat in my Honda having fun playing Casey Kasem cds.Kasem's voice today is recognized by adults in their forties. Amy Paquette and Heidi enjoyed Casey's messages in his Long Distance Dedications. Josh smiled with approval. As the visitors arrived, the event was the highlight of a day that was cold and misty. Temperatures struggled to reach 60 degrees. I had fun raising the question Name the only president to be born on July 4th? Nobody came up with the correct answer: CALVIN COOLIDGE! I had fun talking American History with Quaboaag history teacher Jeff Robbins. As I am a student of the American presidency we chatted for an hour! Brian Waz helped out cooking the hamburgers on the gas grill.The facility was wonderful for adults and kids of all ages.Kudos to Josh for making the warmth of the event an outstanding success despite the terrible weather. The Red Sox keep winning. Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WEEKEND WASH IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Weight 160 lbs Who would believe a second holiday weekend would end up with rain and cold temperatures? I measured almost 2 inches of rain this morning.The sun hasn't been seen in days and will remain hidden all weekend.Despite the gloom my day was good. The post office box 11 was repaired when I got my mail. A cute thank you note was received from Savannah..."Thanks Pops for the 20 bucks!" A new black wire fence was installed across from Howard's as a safety feature to the new sidewalk. I took care of all my prescription refills. In the afternoon I visited Chase, Josh and Evie in the red barn. Josh was organizing things for a cookout scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. He cooked me a hamburger and cheese on his grill. Sox are in Oakland for a late night game...going for # 8. Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RED SOX ROUT OVER KC 15-1

The Sox now have won 7 straight!Despite a late night victory the Sox came back in rare form hitting 4 homeruns. It was a pleasure to watch on a dismal Thursday. As I was peddling my bike this morning I saw Son Josh drive by in a spiffy Jeep Wrangler headed for a Boston luncheon. I spoke with him at 4:30. He invited me over but I declined.The rain had begun and I watched more baseball. Earlier in the day I drove to NB and spent $40 on food.The demolition of the auction complex continues. The blacktop sidewalk has one coat the whole length. Maybe next week will see the finished coat. People are starting to use it which is a good sign. WBZ news team appeared on JEOPARDY. Lisa Hughes ,Steve Burton and others. I knew one question: The Brinks robbery 1950. More on the weather it appears the whole weekend will be a wash! Not good. Didn't go to the post office today to see if my lock was fixed? Hopefully Friday will be more upbeat as "Good things happen on Friday!" ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN