LOBSTER ON SALE AT HANNAFORD

It was a pleasant surprise to have lobster at $8.99 a pound.I bought 4 for leter in the week. Saw sister Jan & Ray. Went about getting my mail. Received copies of an article published in UNIVERTAS my college magazine in 1983 about being self-employed. HAd a hamburger at Howard's and black-raspberry ice cream scooped out by LILY! Lightening was sharp. Lights went out briefly.Will call it a day! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BEN TURNS 50!

Today's Memorial Day is meaningful as my older son Ben turns 50.Ben lives in Belmont, NC, is married to Allison and has one daughter Savannah. Ben is a senior underwriter for the Hartford. He graduated from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ. Happy Birthday Ben! This day was sunshine and turned hot and I turned on the AC.

. I drove down to the Legion and attended the festivities at the Memorial on the Common then back to the Legion for more festivities and a brunch. Later I was invited to Ronnie & Chrissies for more food.My red Allante' is a hit. Finished writing about Australia R&R 1967.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON MY 31 OCTOBER, 1967 AUSTRALIAN R&R TRIP

Though I am a little tired from the trip I can honestly say that my mood is 100 % better and I am ready to finish the last lap of this long year with much enthisiasm. The weather is better now and I'll be concentration on tanning myself up for those wintry February days in New England that will soon will be a reality.One last thought regarding my check. Please deposit the exact amount and give me a balance of $1,550. and send me a cashier's check for the balance. It should be around $20. Please do this as soon as possible as I will be needing the money to square away to square away some extre spendings that resulted from my trip.For the records.. my entite ten day absence from Vung Rau cost me $190.00...And I don't think that can be equalled by anybody! 10,000 miles and all? With 100 days remaining I am fine and all is well. Love, Bob. NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Finding this 3 page document more than 50 years later affirms my sincerity. My R&R to Australia set the stage for a family trip in 1990.Ben & Josh traveled with me to Sydney for 2 weeks. It was a trek and not be recommended. My friendship with Rod Bryar grew and we SKYPED until Rod's passing several years ago. Rod and Maddie came to New England for a wonderful visit in about 1997. If readers are tempted to travel Down Under allow 30 days.. do your homework ahead. BOB POTVIN 508-867-3360 BOX 11 WEST BROOKFIELD, MASS 01585

VIETNAM LETTER 31 OCTOBER 1967 CONTINUED

Their houses are small but nice though none have centrdal heating systems. Their standard of living is not as high as ours however it appeared to be comfortable. There are fewer wealthy people in Australia than in America but by the same token there are fewer slums. They do not have any recial problems because they do not allow any negroes to migrateto migrate to their lands. They DO have Aboriganies who are black people, but they are rather primative and live in the central part of the country on reservations.The flight from Saigon takes approximately ten hours by 707.We flew Pan American both ways and were fed the best.We flew the Pacific islands near the Equator including Indonesia.The re-fueling point is Darwin,Northern Australia which is a tropican city of about 10,000. It is equally as hot there as it is here and serves primarily as a military point.When i arrived here this afternoon I had quite a stack of mail waiting for me. Included were several of your letters along with ones from Wayne Cook, Segretto, and Susie.I thought you did a splendid job in taking the pictures.All are so clear and very colorful.The house never looked better especially with colored trees in the background. Everybody looks well and all of the kids seem to be that much bigger. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VIETNAM LETTER 31 OCTOBER 1967 CONTINUED

Rod's mother and father are separated however both have remarried and live five miles of each other. I stayed with his mother as he and his sisterOn Friday evening I went to his father's home for dinner and was received very warmly.After dinner his father took out his slide projector and showd me many of his interesting sights of of AustraliaI wouldn't have enough time to see. He also gave me two books on the mountains along with on one on Canberra, the Nation's capitol.I will be sending these to you along with the other books I bought for your lesson on the land Down Under. While in Melbourne I had a chance to visit the art museum. and the natural history museum. Very interesting.. to say the least.I also toured the country side in Saturday taking in all of the natural sights. The climate of the whole continunt ranges from tropical to temparte in Melbourne. They have snow only in the mountains and it rarely goes below freezing in any of the cities.... To be continued ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VIETNAM LETTER 31 OCTOBER, 1967 CONTINUED

After a good night's sleep I awoke on Thursday and left for Melbourne which is about 500 miles southwest of Sydney.I have a good friend that lives there whom I methere in Vung Tau some months ago. I had sent him (Rod Bryar) a letter about a week ago advising him of my coming to the continent and hoped we could get together. Upon calling his house,his mother answered anxiously saying that Rod was expecting me. So with baggage in hand, I boarded a 727 jetand flew to Melbourne. I arrived on Thursday afternoon and remained there until Sunday evening. I had a great time and in so many ways it reminded me of home. He has a little sports car and we went about the city seeing all of the highlights each night.On Saturday night I had a date with his sister Carol who is a beautiful blonde that is sweet as can be. She's 19 and is just a beauty. Well mannered...cuteand likes Americans We went to several discotecques in the city dancing to the Rock and Roll of Australia ane all in all had a ball. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VIETNAM LETTER 31 OCTOBER, 1967 CONTINUED

Prior to going to the beach, I checked in at the R&R Centre and inquired about the hospitality that was being extended by some of the Sydney families. I took advantage of this and was the guest of a very nice middle-class family (and their daugher) for dinner on a Wednesday evening. They were very interested about the American way of life and gave me a beautiful reception. After a full course meal I took their daughter to one of the best night clubs in Sydney to see pop recording "Dusty" Springfield.It was a great evening of entertainment and I felt just geat in my new suit all tanned up. I had a picture taken of the two of us and I'll be sending it to you subsequently with all of the books and brochures that I mentioned earlier. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VIETNAM LETTER 31 OCTOBER CONTINUED

After arriving on Tuesday morning, I took a room at the Wentworth Hotel for $11.50 a day. It is the newest hotel in Sydney and affords comfort that is strictly First Class. After changing into civilian clothes I moved about the city with big eyes. The city!is clean, yet old.The people are well dressed and the young women are out of this world. I was exposed to all of the latest fashions and after nine months in Vietnam, my mind was really confused. The first day was confused for the most part. I walked through Hyde Park and had the chance to listen to a band concert. It was performed by the Royal Australian Army Band and was superb.I spoke with a beautiful youngAussie lassie for two hours and was on my way to a great adventur.Later in the afternoon I dressed into my blue tropical suit and went out for a steak dinner. After dinner I toured the many clubs and pubs and retired about eleven. The next morning arrouse early and began the day by calling you.The call wasjust wonderful. The connection was superb and it was good to hear your voices. Later on in the morning I went about the city and did a little shopping. I picked up few gifts for the Kids and bought a few books on the continent that I'm sure you'll enjoy.I spent the afternoon at the beaches of Sydney.Though the weather seemed cool, the sun was warm and I was in my glorystrolling about the sands of Bondi talking to the girls in Bikinis. To be continued. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VIETNAM LETTER TO FOLKS SURFACES AFTER NEARLY 50 YEARS

31 October, 1967 Vung Tau, Viet Nam Dear Mom and Dad, Rest and Recreation is over and I'm back in the hamlet of Vung TAu ready to finish my remaining 100 days of Army life. I arrived here this afternoon at 4. Landed in Saigon last evening sbout 8:30 and stayed over-night at Rovito's Dispensarywaiting for a flight back to Vung Tau today. In retrospect, I feel that my trip to Australia was one of the greatest moments of my life. In the that I was there I saw and did more than any other G.I. that has ever visited the country. I Stayed at the best hotel. Went to the best night club in Sydney and had the opportunity to observe much of the Australian way of life...To be continued. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE DETAILS IS IN THE DETAILING OF MY NEW HONDA

I once had a father who never owned a new car but every car he owned was like new! Today my 2009 Honda Accord was treated to the professional hands of Moe's Detailing. My car was "dirty", greasy and needed the hands of the "master" in buffing it not to mention the headlamps that were foggy. Moe's effort significantly exceeded my expectation. He has my Allante' for the same "attention to details" and I promised Moe a BONUS for his efforts. Call Warren 4i3-436-5300 and schedule the same royal treatment today! I now have an LP featuring JFK's speeches! My Thursday was THAT good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COMPREHENSIVE REPAIR TO MY NEW HONDA ACCORD

My new Honda received a comprehensive check of wheels, brakes, belts, hoses,oil change, Wheel Allignment, Inspection Sticker, etc. I am confident the mileage of 183,221 miles will see another 100,000 miles. Brake pads, Rotors, synthetic oil,etc will see my car good for the future. The Honda is now over to Moe's detailing in Warren tomorrow. The final detailing of the Allante' will be done Thursday.I've "shot my wad" and now hope to make some money to off set expenses. It has been fun spending Arbella's money. LOL. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER

This Monday was circled around getting the new Honda ready for the garage.I dropped it off at supper time and Josh picked me up. I spoke with the mechanic and went over my list.It should be ready by tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow night I'll drive it over to Warren for detailing on Wednesday. Enjoyed some black raspberry!. Took the Allante' across the street for a treat.My social security check should be in tomorrow.Received my updated Insurnce coverage from Arbella.I am comfortable in the way things ended up! Another cool night. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COOLER MONDAY

The storms of last night have cleared the air. Slept well in the nude! It's now 60 degrees with lower humidity. Did enjoy some black raspberry ice cream at Howard's yesterday noon before the rush of the day. Nothingin particular planned other than dropping off the Honda at Parsons at day's end. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY HOT SATURDAY AND BUSY, TOO!

The festival on the West Brookfield Town Common attracted thousands, perhaps. Colorful tents had vendors of all disciplines. I drove by as I did my laundry in Warren. The laundromat has new dryers. Major changes indeed. Temperatures climbed above 90+ degrees. After noon I did my shopping at Hannaford. Thank God I have air conditioning in my new Honda. Later in the afternoon Josh called inviting me to his house. Little did I know he was having a pool party and cookout! I enjoyed visiting remaining in my air-conditioned Honda. Came home to watch the Red Sox win. Made up a list for Parsons Auto. My new Honda goes in the garage on Tuesday for a tire allignment Inspection sticker and other details. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

IMPROVEMENTS ON NEW HONDA CONTINUE

Guaranty Glass in Spencer installed a spiffy new Electrochromic tinted front windshield. All windows were washed too.It is amazine what clear windows do. Then Josh installed a new black leather arm rest along with a volume knob for the radio along with installing the chrome license plate frames.The next move comes Tuesday at Parsons for an alignment and other things like an oil change and an Inspection sticker. I went to the Americal Legion but didn't stay long. I decided to go to Nat Falk in Ware for 3 pair of Bermuda shorts and a couple of short sleve shirts. Tomorrow's heat will be interesting. I enjoy AC both in the Poodle and in the Honda Acord! The festival on the Common should be interesting. May just appear! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REPLACEMENT H0NDA SPELLS RELIEF

I drove my new-- used Honda across the city of Worceser into Shrewsbury. I visited Scott Taber of Taber Rare Coin Gallery 298 Boston Turnpike. My friendship with Scott goes back to the days of the Worcester Coin Club. Scott is trustworthy and has the capacity to handle everything in rare coins, gold & silver.Give Scott a call 508-753-9695 and tell him I referred you. Scott does estate appraisls. Mention my name! I found the easiest way is travel Route 20 and work your way back onto Route 9!Getting ready for a new windshield replacement tomorrow in Spencer at Guarranty Glass. Gotta get more exercise as my back is stiff. The exercise bike 2 times a day isn't enough. Ate at Mc Donalds in Spencer and had scrambled eggs tonight. Must weigh myself in the morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FIRST DAY ON THE ROAD WITH THE SILVER HONDA!

Today was an expensive day with the new Honda. I drove to Sturbridge and paid $4.399 a gallon! I paid $75.02 for a fill up. The newer car got a pair of new front tires. Existing tires are snow tires.Bought a pair of license plate frames for $26.36. Am getting a new front windshield in stalled on Friday in Spencer. Overall the newer Honda has all of the acoutriments the stolen car had. I like the air-conditioning! Ate at Spencer McDonalds.. a hamburger and a strawberry milk shake.Tonight I enjoyed scrambled eggs for a change. Tomorrow I hava a business appointment in Shrewsbury. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SILVER HONDA ACCORD IS READY FOR THE HIGHWAY

Today was transitional. After a cool start I did business at Westbrook Insurance. But before that I was greeted with a check for $1,000 from Arbella.Total paid for my total loss was $6,170.63. Now the focus was paying for Sales Tax, Insurance, and Registration. Total bill was about $470. Getting the $1,000 took the pain of transfer to a minimum. I attached the new plates and made plans for tomorrow: buying cheap gasoline at Jack's in Sturbridge at Fiske Hill Road.The Honda's tank is 18.5 gallons.Today I paid $4.60+ at Citgo.I plan on filling up every Wednesday. Tonight will be very cool.Already have plans for Parsons doing a front-end alignment next Tuesday.... detail next Wednesday. I am optimistic in the transfer. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EXCITING MONDAY WITH A NEWER HONDA ACCORD

This Monday saw me do my banking at North Brookfield Savings. I got a certified check and saw the seller arrive with duaghter just before 11:00.The silver Honda fite nicely into a stall that was empty since March 28. It is amazing how the new Honda is compared to the missing (theft) one. The BLOG vanity plate cannot be used! I was informed by Westbrook Insurance Agency next door. I will obtain new plates tomorrow. My new Honda will be locked in the garage! Josh and I have reviewed the work to be done. Moe's Detailing has been hired for both of my cars to be detailed. Other small features will be attended to. Ate at Howard's which is now open 7 days a week. How sweet it is! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A 2009 HONDA CIVIC WILL BE MY NEXT AUTOMOBILE!

Sometimes luck favors those who are in the right right place at the right time! So it was today as Josh headed past this silver Honda Civic. He called me and I responded immediately! This car met all of my qualifications and tomorrow after eleven the Honda will be delivered to the Poodle for cash money. Tonight I watched YouTube on the features of the car I am buying. I am relieved. March 28th is a long time to be traveling in a red Allante'! In other events the lawn was mowed and I got some black raspberry at Howards.Lily was to work at 4:00PM so I left a $1 tip with the boss!. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES AT DAYS END

I got a surprise early in the day:I've dropped 5 pounds in the past week or so. Simply stated I now weigh 155.5 lbs.Eat more!My day began partly cloudy as I did my laundry earlier as I wanted to check the mail for the possibility of getting an ARBELLA check for $1,000. Not yet.It got cloudier as the day progressed.I did not sit in the sunshine as I feel I need a break from tanning. I had hoped to eat at Howards but the crowds were awesome right through supper. The only was I can beat it is to be the first in line. Maybe tomorrow.Josh called promising he'll mow the lawn tomorrow.Needs it! Watched baseball all day.Comfortable AC. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NICE FRIDAY

This Friday was hot. The top down gives me options as I drove to Spencer and North Brookfield. I didn't wear a cap.The the sun was warm and I abreviated sitting in the sun. My tan is getting there.Planned on going to the Legion but Josh planned working cleaning his pool and listening to Apple Country radio. Chase and Evie made my visit nice. Heidi got four new stools for their exquisite kitchen which nears completion.Jeopardy! is going through winners... nothing like before. No $1,000 check in the mail. Maybe tomorrow or Monday.No ideas or clues of my replacement vehicle? Warren luundry tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER FANTASTIC DAY

The coolness of the morning set the tone of the day. I opted not to sit out in the strong sunshine. The highlight of the day came in the positive tracking of the Title sent Arbella "delivered, Front Desk 10.51 AM." This means I should be receiving the $1.000 check in a day or two. Finished business! Got a call from friend Lowell V. Arms in Concord, NC. Lowell shared some information on "Affordable Connectivity program with Spectrum'and a site on auto auctions Cars & Bids.com.Will check the sites out. Mailed him a package on Random Blogs of 2007. Treated myself for a Baby cup of black raspberry ice cream from Howards. Air conditioner installed by Josh. Delightful weather continues. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MAY DELIGHT

At mid-week this May day was perfect for taking a ride. My top is down and I headed for Sturbridge. I'm in a casual market for what may be my next used automobile. As I drove by smaller dealers nothing is cheap! Better yet the beauty of the day saw me travel ofer Fiske Hill.These properties with flowers and bushes told me I was in the right place. Next I drove up highway 49 to Route 9. More beauty. The mail saw the Spectrum bill up another $5 to $155.23. In January my bill was $129.56. Gotta do something! This afternoon I opted to sit out in the sun again. Josh came to replenish the seeds ans suet. Tonight will be cool.. a delight...and will be warmer each day. I'll take it. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER PERFECT THROUGH WINDY TUESDAY

The squirrels raided the seut block, knocked it over and cleaned out the seeds. I replenished everything and now wait for Josh to fill them up. The good news comes an explainition why I received a $5,170.63 check from Arbella. They held back $1,000 until the Mass Title is received.I sent a Certified letter with the Title so I will receive the $1,000 in a few days...$6,170.63 total. Now I go about deciding what I am going to do. I can upgrade the Allante' and have just one car...or keep two cars. With the very high prices of used cars I am in no hury. Today's sunshine was beautiful. Once again I sat in the sun for an hour or so. No plans for the NB Senior Center. I do have a old coin appointment at 1:00. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A PERFECT MONDAY!

Blue skies and no clouds set the tone for this May Monday. My National Grid bill was $77.09 less than last month's bill at $117.27. It's nice to have lower bills! No word on the Honda. I took advantage of the sunshine and am building on my tan. Chase broke his ankle and wears a boot cast. Tonight he has Confirmation at a church in Spencer.I chose not to attend. The squirrels have attacked the suet block. The cardinals and others are giving me pleasure all day long.Tomorrow I go to Hannaford in NB for a short list. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MISSING HONDA MAY HAVE SHOWN UP IN CONNECTICUT!

A Facebook ad carries the message "2009 Honda no title, parts only" any just be the car! More later. This Mother's Day was quiet for me. I watched the Red Sox lose then I sat out in the sun. Josh came by and loaded the suet and bird seed. Will load uo with more on Tuesday.Howard's was booming all day.Sixty Minutes was good as usual. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RICH STRIKE WINS THE KENTUCKY DERBY

A cold, cloudy Saturday.I did laundry in Warren then food shopping in NB. The big news is the gas station is nearing completion and should be finished by June 1. It is a spectacular edifice and will change the complexion of the center of town. Josh mowed the lawn early on. The Kentucky Derby was colorful. I enjoyed watching everything particularly the finish. The finish was record-beaking.Never before did this occurr. It was "Run for the roses indeed." The Boston Red Sox lost.Terrible defeat...3-1. Looks like tomorrow will be clear. Maurice Barfield phoned from Doerun, Georgia. We chatted for 20 minutes. Nothing on the stolen Honda Accord.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CONFUSING

"Dear Robert, We've determined your vehicle is a total loss." My Honda was stolen. How can Arbella claim it a total loss? I'm having Josh handle matters. Today was a much different day. Cloudy. The big event was down on the Common. Tuxedos and gowns. Lizak had two white coaches. Chase said it was the Senior Prom. No more details. The big party was on Birch Hill in the christening of the exquisite new kitchen. Chase will be Confirmed on Monday. Family and friends congregated to celebrate the event. He also will take the SAT test tomorrow. He has a busy life.Lily works at Howard's tomorrow. Must get some ice cream! Jeopardy champ was defeated! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE JURY IS OUT

Josh & Matt Colby from Arbella crossed paths but didn't talk. I chose to take advantage of the brilliant sunshine and sat out for nearly two hours.My next move will be wearing Bermuda shorts. Then as I drove to Birch Hill I was invited to go to Barre and Quabbin to Chase's baseball game.It was cool and we remained for several innings then Maddie had a soccer game so we returned. Friday can bring suprises! We have a Confirmation dinner tomorrow night. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ELECTION DAY

When I voted around ten 100 votes had been cast; at 5:00 pm 333 voters cast their ballots. Idon't know the final count.I placed a call to Arbella and found the name of adjuster Matt Colby. He never called back all day! I will place another tomorrow. The one fact that is real is the prices of used cars and trucks.I have been given a 30 day "chill" by Josh. My day was spent shopping in NB. Saw my sister Jan and Angie M.My red car attracted praise by a lady! Spent the afternoon watching YouTube and music by the Seekers, ABBA and others. The exquisite ketchen at Birch Hill is now complete. NB Senior Center tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ARBELLA HAS BEGUN NEGOTIATIONS

I received a Certified letter from Arbella dated April 27th saying "In the event our investigation determines this is a covered loss, we will promptly resolve your claim." An hour later I received a call from Arbella stating it was a covered loss and they are offering "Actual Cash Value." I must return my Title and we'll go from there. I have a $300 deductible.In other matters the Worcester Community Action Council advised the winter's fuel assistance increased funding to $915.00. having already used $438.16. The remaining benefits are up to $476.84. Chase had a baseball game at Quaboag against Bartlett. Don't know the final score? Howard's was closed.. maybe until Wednesday or Thursday? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL SUNDAY IN MAY

It was just that... a beautifil day. Josh came by with three bars of Dove soap. He theorized why I have back problems: Irish Spring.I sat out in the warm sun then went to Ronnies for a brief sit.Jeff N. called saying he wanted to go over YouTube.It was brief and to the point.Solved. Ben called and we chatted about the Billy Joel concert he attended on April 23 in Charlotte. I watched the YouTube concert for 1 hour 45 minutes.If you want to see Billy check out show.I watched it without interruption. Another week to face Arbella.Whatever will be will be.Shower time! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN