ANOTHER COLD START

It was another cold start with the temperature hovering around 40 degrees.My two newspapers were in. I was reading them in the breezeway when Josh came to rearrange things. A new shower stall and bench was to arrive at noon. Plumber Larry Allard will be replacing "new for old." The NB Senior Center was to feed only three of us. I noticed the construction of the new gas station in the center of NB is progressing with truck loads of sand and huge concrete pipes to be placed. I came back to watch the St. Louis Cardinals defeat the Milwaukee Brewers. Cardinals did lose last night.My highlight of the day came when I presented Lily a gift card for her achievement as Captain of the Field Hockey team. She was all smiles!Go to the pediatrist in the morning at 11:00. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER COLD START - 40 DEGREES

Blood glucose 96 It was the coldest morning so far. The clear sky clouded over by noon. I did food shopping and purchased a gift card for 'Captain Lily.' I'll see her tomorrow at 5:00.The ROTARY luncheon was good. The crowd was decent.Didn't win anything. Sue Thompson of "Norman" and "Sad Movies" died at age 96! Josh called saying he forgot to tell me of Chase's soccer game.I opted not to go. Took a spin in the Allante' at 5:00. Nobody around. Matt Amodio of Jeopardy! fame keeps winning.It is a pleasure watching Matt continue to win.No USA TODAY again today. Sox are leading in Baltimore 1-0. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RUBY TUESDAY TYPE Of DAY

The rumble of thunder and p-stone hail kicked off this Tuesday. No USA Today and Country Corner but I did see Angie Manero! I kissed her on the cheek and wished her well. The day was spent watching JFK and other stuff. The meal at the NB Senior Center was interesting.The chocolate cake was the best. No baseball during the day. The Sox are in Baltimore and lead the Orioles 1-0 as I write. I acalled Josh at 5:00 and was surprised to hear of his having a campfire. When I arrived my 8 year old grandaughter Evie was tooling around on an Artic Cat four wheeler!It was reminiscent of Josh having a three wheeler back in the mid Eighties. The rain didn't dampen our spirits.Hopefully clearing will come overnight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE COLDEST MORNING SO FAR

Blood glucose 101 This was the coldest morning so far. I had all of the windows open. The temperature was at 43 degrees so I closed them and turned on the heat! Got the two newspapers and read them in the breezeway.I like the USA Today as it summarizes items not found in the New York Times. Had trouble making my bed as the sheet tore. Josh to the rescue. Got a selection of JFK inspitational items in the mail. The selection so moved me to watch the Years of Lightening Day of Drums.Kennedy had it all. Watched the White Sox defeat the Tigers.Getting down to the nitty gritty! Congrats to my oldest grandaughter, Lily, for being named Captain of the Quaboag Field Hockey team. We had a passing shower in the afternoon.Matt Amodio keeps on winning on Jeopardy! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SEPTEMBER SUNDAY OF GETTING THINGS DONE

A cool beginning foretold the day with clear blue skies. My laundry got done although I forgot to include 4 T-shirts! My Cadillac was washed and my lawn was mowed. I rewarded Josh with 4 Maine lobsters from Hannaford. The afternoon football game was not fun. I watched it and felt the Patriots were not playing to expectations. The next contest came at night from Fenway Park. Another sell-out crowd is at hand. No score after 3 innings. I will not watch any more tonight and will get the score in the morning.I will resume USA Today daily purchase. This week winds down the regular MLB baseball contests. I wanted to post the Jeopardy! champion Matt Amodio who passed the million dollar ($1,004,001) mark on Friday.Only two players, Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer have two million dollar records. An exciting week with all of the contests! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE GRAND-SLAM WASN'T!

It was a grand Saturday with blue skies and an early visit by "Johnson." We didn't travel far....North Brookfield and New Braintree. We visited Deny Long then went to McDonald's in Ware.The service stunk as did the french fries.NO MORE WARE! The day was spent in anticipation of the Red Sox Yankee contest at 4.00 PM. Things were going good until the eight inning then walks and a hit batsman set the stage for the knockout punch! Poor Bobby Dalbec's homerun didn't do the trick! It seems the Red Sox are destined to lose?! Enough said! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TRANSITIONAL FRIDAY

Blood glucose 90 The day began with showers, then heavy downpours.The USA Today at Country Corner was sold. They promised a reserve beginning Monday. I got drenched in leaving Hannafords.Not fun. I did enjoy an afternoon baseball contest between the Cardinals snd the Cubs. St. Louis won nicely.Got my "ears lowered" by barber Josh then had Chase drive the Allante' to Quaboag to pick up his Jeep Wrangler. Tonight the Yankees made their debut scoring 6 in the first 2 innings.Such a disappointment to say the least. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

USA TODAY

I have returned to buying the USA TODAY each morning for $2 a copy! I like what this Gannett publication offers. It is a colorful print divided into four sections. Front page, Money, Sports and Life. It is much different from The New York Times. This newspaper has USA TODAY Snapshots.Today is Bruce Springsteen's 72 birthday showing his picture in the LIFE Section.The Money section gives lots of snippets on a variety of topics.Fifty states are featued each day.I think the main reason I returned is to follow the Sports section and the Pennant Race. The USA Today is published daily four days of the week then the Weekend Edition. Speaking of sports today was an off day for the Red Sox. The New York Yankees come to town tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE RED HOT RED SOX

Blood glucose 101 The Boston Red Sox are sending a message to the New York Mets: Don't fool with us! The Sox are leading 6-1 after three innings.It seems their winning-ways are setting the stage for Friday's invasion of the New York Yankees! Today, despite the misty ways, proved to be good. I didn't realize it was Social Security day! I did my banking early. Josh is busy thru Friday with Principal business and entertaining with a game at Polar Park, Worcester.Will see him on Friday for a haircut. Tomorrow's meal at the Senior Center will be good. Pattie Z is featuring her homemade Lasagna. Once again the crowd at lunch was only five!Weather forecast for days isn't encouraging.The Red Sox are! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET TUESDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Another cool, foggy morning. Things burned off by 9:00 and the day was partly cloudy.I traveled to NB for lunch. There was a minimum of five having "Kathy's Brunch." No baseball on tv this afternoon. Saw Chase & Josh at 5:00. Congrats to Chase for winning a Class Officer's position at Quabaug. The farmers cut hay and baled it in their soccer field. The hype of the day came with the Mets coming to Fenway. The yellow uniforms are stunning.Go Sox! Jeopardy! Champ MAtt Amodio's winnings now total $893,201 in 25 days. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL MONDAY

Blood glucose 92 This particular Monday began with a cool 45 degrees. After reading the Times I drove to NB for some food. My total purchse was $33.67. I tended to my pill cady and spent an hour filling, ordering and requesting a refill on gabapentin. The process took a while. Also, I cleared my Thursday appointment with Dr. Bennett. Josh said he was busy so I'll cancel and re-schedule accordingly. He advised me of two games .. one with Lily and Field Hockey at 4:00 and 6:00 with Chase playing soccer. I made it with the 4:00 game and ended up taking Maddie home from school. Lily's team lost 0-2 and Chase was ahead 3-0. Tonight the Jeopardy! champ Matt Amodio has a 24 day winning of $857,001! Keep going, Matt. Not interested in watching "ALI." ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SEPTEMBER SUNDAY OF SUNSHINE AND VICTORIES

This is the weather we've all been waiting for. My laundry routine went well.I came home to get ready for a Red Sox game in yellow uniforms. These spiffy clothes have made winning special. Five straight gives the Sox momentum for Tuesday's contest with the Mets at Fenway. I wonder what was the longest winning streak of the year? The Pats victory was special. Drove over to Birch Hill but found nobody around.Called Josh who was at Brian's watching the football game. Have turned off my AC and opened up the windows. Enjoy it while you can! The Rockies have snow!Spoke with Ben in Belmont, NC. All is well. Food shopping tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNSHINE Baseball & Another Red Sox Victory

This Saturday began with overcast skies. By the time Johnson arrived the sun began to break through. It remained sunny the rest of the day.Our Saturday trip brought us West. I promised Dick a wash job for the truck.He took my offer to heart and he chose for a "Premium Wash -$18.00." We headed for Northampton again.I always enjoy seeing Western Mass. on a Saturday. Traffic was heavy in Amherst and Hadley. We ate at the McDonald's in Ware. Poor service. We returned in time for me to enjoy the Boston Red Sox' victory over the Orioles. The Sox have momentum as the Yankees lost! I watched the Tigers defeat the Rays and that is good. Tomorrow will be another game with the Orioles. GO SOX! Drove to Birch Hill and found Chase home. Everyone else was tied up and headed for the Burgesses for Isabelle's 16th birthday. I offered Chase $5 to wash my red Allante'. He laughed! My Saturday was above average! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DISMAL FRIDAY THOUGH GOOD

After a good night's rest my Friday was routine. Josh and Larry Allard, Plumber, came by anticipating a new shower stall for me. My lunch at the WB Senior Center for 3 was good.The main thrust of the day came in watching Barret-Jackson Collector Car Auction. I am so impressed with the effort of one Steve Magnante. Steve is an automotive historian and knows the details of everything from the Pierce-Arrow headlights to Mopar cars. I will contact Steve when he returns from Texas next week. Josh invited me over to a campfire at 5:00. He sponsored a pizza party for Chase's soccer team.It was misty and gang met in the barn upstairs.The Red Sox are playing in their yellow uniforms and are leading 2-1 after two innings. My Friday was good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THURSDAY IN MID-SEPTEMBER

This day was quiet. I did eat at the NB Senior Center and enjoyed the company of Nancy and Margaret. The afternoon was spent watching Barrett-Jackson Auction and Steve Magnante. I enjoy seeing the variety of cars and trucks offered. Most are well above average in price. Didn't see and Allante's this time. In West Brookfield the sidewalk from the Library to the Methodist Church was completed today. Gradually the job is getting completion.Saw Josh briefly at 5:00.The man is extremely busy. He came over at 7:00 and washed my kitchen floor, bedroom and bath. I told him I was appreciative for his help.Jeopardy! champion Matt Amodio's winnings are now at $775,401.Keep going,Matt! No baseball today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE RED SOX ARE WINNING AGAIN!

Blood glucose 99 Weight 166lbs It was a day and night of baseball. The Red Sox were victorious last night and again today.Today's game was exciting. It was a tie going into the tenth inning then lady luck saw Boston score 6 runs. Seattle just couldn't catch Boston. The victory made my day! Now they

have a day off for rest and travel coming home for a Friday night contest.Everything else on this Wednesday is secondary.I did go to the NB Senior Center for lunch although I didn't eat much.The ladies around the table made for interesting conversation. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

The 3,000- STRIKEOUT CLUB

Nolan Ryan leads the leagues with 5,714 strikeouts.Randy Johnson is at 4,875 and interestingly enough Roger Clemens is third at 4,672.The list if 19 and Max Scherzer surpassed the 3000 mark at 3,003. The other Red Sox on the list is Pedro Martinez at 3,154 and Curt Schilling at 3,116. Hitting and strikeouts is the name of the game. The season is winding down and the poor Boston Red Sox are faultering.They lost again in Seattle. Saw Josh briefly at 5:00. He had socer practice with Evie so I didn't stay long. Weather is changing again. Rain is in the forecast. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL SEPTEMBER MONDAY

The sky was clear most of the day.I enjoyed the morning by sitting in the breezeway and reading the Times

, first, then by watching baseball. The Yankees defeated the Twins in 10 innings from a come-from-behind victory. Josh called for me to pick up Chase for a ride to Quaboag. Chase has a soccer game in Auburn tonight. I then watched Maddie's soccer game against Granby. It was 0-1 when I left. Jeopardy began a new season and the dedication of The Alex Trebek Stage. It will be another cool night. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY OF DEFEATS

The Boston Red Sox lost to the Chicage White Sox with a walk-off homerun. For the moment I thought the Red Sox were going to win. Then the Patriots lost in a close one. This Sunday was warmer. I did my laundry in the morning. The owner gave me a stack of quarters and two boxes of Tide saying "Your laundry is on me!" How nice.Did some food shopping in NB. I didn't hear from Josh all day.Drove over Birch Hill with no signs of life. Was he and the family on the lake in the boat? Watched with interest the 9-11 recap on Sixty Minutes.Running my AC again.My Sunday was reasonably quiet. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COOL SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

BLOOD GLUCOSE 90 Weight 164lbs.. It was the coolest September morning at 45 degrees. I left the windows open yet put on the gas heat for a few minutes. The big event in West Brookfield was the Church Flea Market. It was a colorful spectacle with tents. I had no reason to visit as I felt I had no desires for more "stuff!" Dick Johnson was late in arriving because of cell phone problems. I made a $20 donation for gasoline in his truck. We once more traveled West to the Quabbin then North towards Athol.We ate at a McDonalds in Orange, perhaps. Upon return I watched baseball on MLB then drove over to Birch Hill. Little Evie came out to say her parents were socializing with friends so I returned home

.I watched all of the 9-11 ceremonies on tv. I was living in Boston at the Veterans Shelter at the time. Felt ARGENBRIGHT Security screwed up royally in allowing the hijackers pass through the gates. Tonight the Red Sox are ahead 7-2 against the White Sox in Chicago. Maybe they'll win? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FRIDAY NIGHT BASEBALL

Two very important contests in the majors as I write: The Mets versus the Yankees and the Boston Red Sox versus the Chicago White Sox. Boston is 9 games behind Tampa Bay and the Yankees 10. The season is winding down and every game important.I'll wait for the morning news to learn who won. Today saw us wake up to sunshine after getting an inch of rain over night. The day was partly sunny and the highlight came at mid-afternoon at Quaboag High School. Maddie Potvin #4 had a Jayvee soccer game in the lower field.Dave Bouchard and Principal Steve gave me rides in their motorized buggies and a chair at the 50 yard line. Son Josh showed up and I remained at the end of the first half in a 0-0 tie. I don't know the outcome?? The entire weekend looks bright. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BASEBALL THURSDAY

The New York Times featured a summary of Derek Jeter's lifetime accomplishments.It is impressive to see how amazing he did! Games Played 2,747, At bats 11,195, Plate appearances 12,602, Hits 3,465, Doubles 544, Strikeouts 1,840, Stolen bases 358, Hit by pitch 170, etc. Derek Jeter is one spectacular human. I'm going to give Josh the entire listing. Today was rainy but good. The Saint Louis Cardinals defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1. I like watching games played in St. Louis for obvious reasons. Tonight it is the Yankees versus the Blue Jays. The Sox are off for the night. Clearing is forcast for Friday. The weekend looks good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COOPERSTOWN WEDNESDAY

The day was perfect.It was fun seeing all Hall of Famers return. Many are grey and white. Some overweight. Red Sox players include Perdo Martinez, Wade Boggs and Dennis Eckersly. All videos recounted baseball history. I thought of those passed HOFers I have met. At the top of the list is Tommy Lasorda! Derek Jeter let the pack with his beard. The crowd was overwhelmingly "Jeter". I left early as Chase had a soccer game at Quabaug. The Cougars won 1-0. Saw Bobby Miner walk by. We chatted briefly.My lawn was mowed by Josh with a powered hand mower. I polished off the delicious coffee icecream.Lunch was at the NB Senior Center.Quiche, watermellon & cookies were a hit! Got another "No Payment Due" from National Grid! Change in the weather tomorrow! No score at Fenway .. 5th Inning! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TORONTO BLUE JAYS AND THE TAMPA BAY RAYS ARE COMING ON STRONG!

The teams with the heaviest bats and luck are coming on strong. The Red Sox seem to be in trouble. They cannot handle balls, commit errors, give up homeruns and look like the Bad News Bears. With just three weeks left in the season I have my doubts!Cooperstown ceremonies begin tomorrow at 11:00 AM and can be seen on the MLB Network. In particular is the induction of Derek Jeter. I plan on watching the ceremonies. Attended Lily's field hockey game at Quaboag. A terrible performance. Tomorrow Chase has a soccer game at Quaboag. Good luck, Chase.Josh is having trouble starting the riding mower. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FRIEND JOHN B. O'SULLIVAN AGE 75 HAS DIED

I just received word my Army buddy, John B. O'Sullivan, age 75, has died! Johnny and I endured Basic Training at Fort Knox, KY from May to July of 1966. We were kindred spirits...rebels with a cause. O'Sullivan was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and came to America for a better life. We each lived our own lives and "Johnny" worked in Springfield, MA.We renewed acquaintenances in the past few years.I would visit him at his home on Langdon, St. Springfield.His daughter Eileen called me with his passing. "A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter." ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING DEFEAT AT FENWAY

Blood glucose 120 Weight 165 lbs. The weather cleared up nicely to give us a fine Labor Day holiday. The anticipation was high for baseball at Fenway. Tampa Bay proved they are the better team and the Red Sox proved they are error prone! Chris Sale just didn't have it today nor did the Sox. It was a very long contest.

Boston essentially gave away the game! Josh had trouble starting the riding mower. I enjoyed some bacon and cheese for supper. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CAMPFIRE SERENADE WITH JOHN DENVER

As nice as yesterday's weather was.. today's wasn't! Sprinkles featured the day and I watched the Red Sox fall to the Indians. It seems the team just couldn't catch up.Josh had mentioned getting some LP albums at the Palmer Flea Market. I went into my closet and found 18 of my nascent collection. I then further chose the ones he would enjoy and I chose John Denver's BACK HOME AGAIN as my top choice. I drove the Honda to Birch hill as the weather was threatening. A fine mist began. He had a roaring fire going when I arrived. Soon after the music of Denver's singing began. He has a turntable connected to the speakers.Denver's music is reminiscent of the Seventies. It was great to hear about "Grandmother's Feather Bed" and other songs. I also liked hearing "Matthew." It was fun to reminisce and maybe we can hear hear some Johnny Cash MAN IN BLACK? We now have a diversion in entertainment as we sit by the fire! ROBERT LOUIIS POTVIN

THE WINNING WAYS OF THE RED SOX

With four straight victories the Boston Red Sox are on the road to recovery. Devers and Verdugo saw the team off to victory.It will be interesting to see the team keep the momentum, first with Cleveland tomorrow then Tampa Bay beginning Monday.Go Sox! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OUR SATURDAY ADVENTURE

It was a perfect Saturday and Johnson promised some adventure. We traveled to the Quabbin to see if the water was over the spillway. No such luck. Next we traveled to the Barre Falls dam to find many tourists but no flood waters. Next we traveled an incredible bumpy dirt road to Oakham. We hit holes in the road... the worst ever. I had hoped to go to Farmer Matt's in New Braintree but ended up in North Brookfield so we ate at SUBWAY.Dick had the usual meatball sub and I a Doctor Pepper and a bag of chips.We traveled 100+ miles but no photography> Maybe next week? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EARLY SEPTEMBER CAMPFIRE

The Labor Day weekend is here. It was a cool clear afternoon after morning clouds. The detour was short lived and opened up at 3:00 pm. Josh invited me over to his place. Little Evie got her hair-cut as did Maddie. Lily was going to friend Hanna's for a sleep-over. Chase was playing at a soccer game in Auburn.I mentioned the Labor Day festivities and the big to do is the Spencer Fair with a $12 admission! Governor Charlie Baker made a presence early on. Tonight's campfire was above average. Josh split a bunch of dry cherry. I stayed later. Got home to see the Red Sox belt two homers!. The led 2-0 after a couple of innings. Dick Johnson should be here in the morning. Joe T called me as I was calling it a day.Sorry Joe. Tomorrow will be good as the weatherman reports it will be the pick of the weekend. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ROUTE 9 WEST BROOKFIELD NOW OPEN TO ALL TRAFFIC

At about 2:45pm the detour was lifted and East/West traffic on Route 9 resumed.Everything is back to normal. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ROUTE 9, COY BROOK, DETOUR, WEST BROOKFIELD, MA

I measured over 5 inches of rain overnight. The day started normal. I noticed the Coy Brook at Wine Village being swollen.After returning from North Brookfield the detour signs appeared.I couldn't drive from WB center to the Poodle. I had to drive up Route 67 to Wine Road, NB, to George Allen Road turning left onto Foster Hill Road onto Brookfield and Route 9. The traffic was heavy and dangerous.You could return to Route 9, Brookfield at Pillsbury Funeral Home and McCarthy Bus. The detour is formidable..+- 6 miles.To get to my house (Route 9 West) traffic was limited to local residents only. I don't know how long this detour will last???? Same thing If I want to do downton I have to reverse my mile trek. The Mass DOT yellow trucks and orange barrels are everywhere. How long is questionable. I must travel East to Spencer in the morning. I will do my banking in East Brookfield. Route 9 East is normal. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RAIN, RAIN, GO AWAY

A new month should give us hope.We are socked into more rain. When will it end? Maybe tomorrow? I went about my business learning Amanda has quit Country Courner pumping gasoline.She now works at Dunkin Donuts I am told.Did food shopping in NB. Did buy some bacon for a change. Total costs were about $30. Afternoon baseball from Cincinatti Cardnals versus the Reds. Cardinals won. The center of town has a new paved highway.Beautiful. Visited Chase, Josh, Evie and Maddie.The kids have gotten haircuts for school which begins Tuesday.Chase got a pineapple tree from Florida.Interesting!Curious mind! Sale is pitching for the Sox tonight. Boston is behind 2-1. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN