THE NIGHT BEFORE THE FOURTH ON THE LAST DAY OF JUNE

This day was perfect. A modest pile of bonfire wood and a band setting up gives West Brookfield the place to be.My entire day was focused on attending the wake for Deny Long in Barre. I didn't know what to expect so I left early.Other than family I might have been the first present. I have never been to Pillsbury/Barre before. I was greated by Mary and spoke at length of Deny's final days. What I liked was the plethora of Deny's photos of his entire life. The FFA blue jacket was hanging aside the casket. Earlier in the day I went to Walmart in Ware then to Warren for laundry.Notified Johnson of Mary's inquiry. Tomorrow I travel to Mass General to see my hematologist. Josh is driving. I prepared Dr. Dey an album of my random blog entries. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BUSY WEDNESDAY

This beautiful Wednesday morning saw me driving to Summit Farm in New Braintree. I had hopes of seeing Mary but found nobody home.There was a car but no MAry. I plan on going to Barre to Pillsbury for the wake tomorrow at 5:00.My blog about Deny had 35 visits. Next stop after reading my newspapers was lunch at the North Brookfield Senior Center. It may have been 5 or six weeks since last visiting.I chatted with my friend Bill before lunch. After lunch I watched Houston defeat the Mets 2-0.The highlight of the day came in my searching for a particular photo in more than 100 stored in my top bureau drawer. I keep all snaps and cards. Wouldn't you know I came across the Vietnam snap of me on the last to be searched! Josh will be pleased of my find. He's assembling a collage for my 80th.. just one month away. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DENY LONG RIP

I was shopping at Hannaford this morning when Tom Long told me of his brother's passing. Deny was a life-long friend dating back to our freshman year at NBHS. I was attracted to Deny in his entrepreneurial ways of farming.I will miss Deny and I express my concolences to Mary and family! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CLEAR SKIES AT SUNSET

My Monday was good. I began by arranging books in my office and listening to Neil Sedaka's Greatest hits.. then The St. Louis Cardinal's '67 season. I was interested in this because Ben & Josh and I traveled to St. Louis to the World Series in 1987. a life-long memory... all three games at Busch Stadium.My afternoon today was reviewing the hundreds of blogs to include titles such as "Bill Gross", "Boyhood Memories", "Dippy's," "The Stouthearted Winthrop B. Gay","Letters from College", "Yanausas Gulf Filling Station", "On Raising Sons" and a slew of other entries from 2006, 2007, 2008. I will continue tp review these and organize them by topic.Haven't decided what will be the solution! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY OF BASEBALL

I took advantage of the intense heat by watching MLB baseball between the Yankees on one channel and the Red Sox on another. Before that I did food shopping in NB - Hannaford.The one thing that stood out was what I paid for green grapes...over $6.00. I think it's time to switch to strawberries. As far as baseball goes the Red Sox prevailed over Cleveland for a sweep. The Sox are as hot as the weather. The Yankees came back in the 8th & 9th to win. For a minute I thought the Yanks were going to be no hit again. The New York Times didn't have a big spread about yesterday's No Hitter. Tomorrow I will spend time organizing my front office and do my pills. Looks like rain is in the forecast. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NEW YORK YANKEES NO HIT BY THE HOUSTON ASTROS

It was an exciting game to watch. The Astros made history by defeating the Yankees 3-0.I imagine tomorrow's newspapers will have indepth coverage. It was a hot Saturday with afternoon temperatures reaching 90.I did laundry in the morning.Josh came by and came back once the lawn dried up.Later in the afternoon I visited Ronnie and Chrissies and was invited for lobster & steak.Cousin Ella was visiting from New Jersey. It is interesting to see how mature everyone is. Came back to watch the Red Sox play the Guardians in Cleveland.Enjoying my two sources of fans and air conditioners.Tomorrow looks more muggy.This Saturday was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FRIDAY OF FOOD AND MORE FOOD

It was a better day for me. As usual I ate a full breakfast of green grapes, a banana, 4 pieces of hard salami, a slice of cheese, nutritional drink, water, tapioca,& Greek yogurt.Lunch saw me having a Life Cuisine High Protein Life Style Korean Style BBBQ beef bowl. Then tonight at the Legion Post I enjoyed fried onion rings and potato chips bought by Josh. We had a friendly visit of Jeff Nickerson which added to the friendship. Josh enjoyed playing music on the juke box. For a minute it looked like rain and Josh put up the top on the Allante'... then put it down. My Friday was good indeed! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE MOOD OF AMERICA SEEMS DOWN

I watched the Trump hearings and the testimony is incredible.This guy Trump is a bad actor! Watched the Eagles in Australia. Refreshing music. Drove the Allante' to Birch Hill.Josh was unloading firewood. Jay Ostrout arrived in his spiffy silver truck along with his son.I enjoyed talking with him about meteorology and other topics. Chase & dad were in Rhode Island checking out possible colleges earlier. Have developed a condition on my scalp. This day was difficult for yours truly! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY INSPIRING AFTERNOON FROM THE EXPERTS

My Wednesday morning was laundry and rain. I began the afternoon looking for some inspiration and I found it! First I watched Youtube and Rev. Robert Schuller in his Crystal Cathedral.I sought pianist Roger Williams and found his talent at the keyboard non pareil. Next I found an interview of Rev. Norman Vincent Peale and his wife Ruth right up my alley. Dr. Peale is incredible in his journalism prowess.He was a speaker, a journalist, a story teller and so much more. The Peales were world-wide and supreme publishers. I found their work inspiring as I am looking for a way to organize my random blogs. Tomorrow I will begin organizing my work. The sun finally came out late in the day.Talked briefly with Josh. Enjoyed a Lean Cuisine meal of Apple, Cranberry and Chicken supper. Decent. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A JOHNNY CASH TUESDAY

This Tuesday was spent shopping in North Brookfield. I decided to get a reem of copy paper for $13.99. Yesterday I bought a reem and a half of the same paper for $10.42 at WALMART. I spent $42.16 of my gift card leaving a balance of $7.84. This day was cloudy. I did enjoy a Lean Cuisine Sweet & Spicy Korean-Style Beef and finished off the cherry vanilla ice cream. I am not going to mention the hearing testimony. Look forward to the headlines in tomorrow's N.Y.Times and the USA Today.Enjoyed listening to Johnny Cash LPs at Josh while he cleaned his Weber gas grill. One of my favorite CAsh songs is "THESE HANDS" What's yours? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A JUNETEENTH BY SURPRISE

I didn't realize it was a holiday until I pulled the post office door which was locked! My mission was to go to Sturbridge to Staples for some HP printer ink. When I bought a refill pack more than a year ago it was $152.99. Today they wanted over $220.00. My next move was to go to Walmart. Today I bought a similar pack for $120.89.HP paper was 750 sheets for $10.42 plus I used my Walmart giftcard from Ben. It is clear WALMART is much cheaper. Now I must decide if the trip to Sturbridge for more paper is worth it?. I used all 750 sheets in printing my random blog entries.Hannaford gets $12.00 for a ream. Had a Lean Cuisine lunch of Apples, Cranberry & Chicken. Yum. Sat out in the sunshine with my t shirt on for 30 minutes. Enjoyed watching the PBS testimony to the Late Mark Shields..a Red Sox fan and I a fan of his! RIP Mark. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD FATHER'S DAY

This Father's Day was cool. Mt. Washington, NH had snow! I worked on my blog heving printed and organized over 500 pages!It covers 2007 from March to August. My work is overwhelming. Tomorrow I go to Staples in Sturbridge as I ran out of printer ink.I plan on spending over $152 for 952XL black, cyan, magenta and yellow 5 pack. I will bring the tome for 3 hole punch. My Father's Day at Ronnies was special. We enjoyed chicken cooked on the grill, whipped potatoes, salad and black raspberry ice cream. The Potvin Family was very generous with a Hannaford gift card and 2 t-shirts bearing images of license plates. I wonder why. LOL.A noted obituary was of PBS Commentator Mark Shields who died at age 85. Shields was a "Local Boy" and "a commentator om PBS NewsHour for 33 years.Shields was a favorite of mine! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER WAS SHORT LIVED!

It semes my delight was short lived! This Saturday's weather deminished as the day went on.With Father's Day tomorrow I don't see any blue sky in the West. I went about doing laundry in Warren then shopping in North Brookfield. Got Father's Day Card for Ben & Josh. Received a card from Ben & Allison & Savannah with a Wal Mart gift card. Thanks. Baseball was part of this afternoon. The Sox beat St. Louis last night and are losing at Fenway tonight.Enjoyed corn on the cob - 2 ears then a little ice cream from my freezer. Tonight I spent an hour further editing my blog. Plan on printing the month of March & April tomorrow. I am proud of my editing.Happy Father's Day! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL JUNE NIGHT

The torrential downpour, lightening, winds cleaned up the atmosphere. The pollen has been washed away and cool is moving in.This type of June weather was what my father and I delighted in. We would sit on lawn chairs enjoying the Northweast winds.Tonight reminds me of Dad. This Friday took care of drycleaning and filling my pill cady.I called the VA for replenishing pills that had run out. Called Josh to go to the Legion for onion rings but he was "knee deep" in situations needing his attention.I visited him briefly before going. Saw Jeff Nickerson.Gotta buy gasoline at $5.089 for the Allante'. Weather pattern is a delight! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLOUDY THURSDAY

It seems the weather affects my mood.I got a pill cutted from the VA and a print out on my lab results. Had a Howard's hamburger and some ice cream from LilyP. Always friendly. When I called Josh at the appointed 4:15 hour he volunteered two Junior domestecs, Maddie and Evie, to help him in cleaning the Poodle.It was long overdue. Seeing the girls cleaning with dad's supervision gave me one clean pad. They were paid and all smiles. The squirrels took over the seed bin. A new block of sewet was installed and tomorrow looks like a return of the cardinals, etc. The good outweighed the bad and I always maintained good things happen on Friday. Go Celtics! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEDNESDAY - FROM SUNSHINE TO CLOUDS

This Wednesday began clear. It was cool.I did another batch of laundry in Warren. Then I had to return to Hannaford to get forgotten water, milk. I find that a written list is a must.I did treat myself to Cherry Vanilla ice ceam. Josh invited me over and we enjoyed listening to Credence Clearwater and John Denver.It was breezy and cool. Chase came by. Dad alerted me to "Chase Potvin Soccer" on Youtube. Check it out! I found editing my Randon Bloggs from 2007 great. It is a review of my writing. I will print copies for those who may desire copies. My Honda drips oil so I'll return to Parson's. Also I'll get a quote on repainting the front bumper. Josh had "Square Pockets" if you know what that implies $$$$$! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FLAG DAY 2022

I began my day by wearing my flag socks to Hannafords. No less that 5 customers commented favorably to my socks and one commented to my flag belt! It seems I "overbought" many things like paper towels and other stuff and forgot to get water. LAter I went to Country Auto Body for a price on painting my front bumper. They quoted me $400 and I asked if they could do it for $300! Will call tomorrow. I have mixed emotions on spending more money. Enjoy sitting in my new rocker for over an hour. Today was exceptional in the sun. Went to the Legion's flag burning. Arrived late. Thought it was 6:30 when it was 6:00. Hundreds and maybe thousands of redeemed flags were burnede in the big drum. Richard Kemp gave me a Legion t-shirt. This sunny Tuesday was excellent. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COIN BUSINESS A SUCCESS

This particular estate of coins, eagles, silver dollars,and a 1824 half dollar and a myrid of lesser coins and other goodies fetched over $6,000 for my client. It behooves folks to look in their jewelry box, safe deposit box and change to see what you have. As mentioned it's FOUND MONEY and who can't use $. Sterling silver flatware is also another find. I've been dealing in the above since 1978 and am pleased to help for a competitive fee. Bob Potvin 508-867-3360. I am enjoying my double air conditioning. Josh mowed the lawn tonight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET SUNDAY

Blood glucose down to 85.Didn't take any Advil today. Getting ready for tomorrow's coin business. Today was about the Boston Red Sox winning a one hit victory over Seattle. Raephal Devers hit a two run home run. The team gets a day off tomorrow.Son Ben gave me an in-depth accounting of his family's trip to Southern California. Didn't see Josh today but did enjoy a ham supper at Ronnies. Took the Allante' out for a newspaper then to Ronnies. Was afraid of rain.Don't know what this week's weather looks like! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SATURDAY

Blood glucose 115 My number was higher. Was it because of the change in medication? Tomorrow's reading will tell.It was laundry as usual. Nothing real happened throughout the day. I enjoyed Lean-Cuisine and corn on the cob. Traveled over to Birch Hill in late afternoon. Met Chase & Evie as I went to see Josh mowing his expanse.Seems the peace and quiet is much different than the Poodle. We listened to McCartney & Wings. Josh raved about Farmer Matt's hamburger, etc. Heidi arrived as we chatted. Gave Maddie her graduation card and $20. Am taking 3 Advil every 3 hours in hopes of relief for my aching back.Slept from 9 - 5. Had a BOOST nutrition drink for supper. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL FRIDAY

The day began early with Josh picking me up for Maddies 8th grade graduation ceremonies. Never did I realize the size of the graduating class. I had a preferred front row seat. Maddie received two diplomas for achievement in science and computers.Superintendent Steve Duff was roaming about the big gumnasium. Good luck Steve!Did some serious food shopping in NB. Enjoyed 4 fresh corn on the cob, Lean Cuisine meal and a Table Talk apple pie.Been taking Advil for the back. Went to the American Legion enjoying a dish of sweet onion rings.Friend Jeff Nickerson sat with me telling of his trip with his father to Washington, DC.Laundry in Warren tomorrow.It was a full Friday indeed. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE PRICE OF GAS $5.029

Where is it all going to end? I filled up on a half a tank and it cost me $33.00! I don't dare to run the Allante'!This Wednesday was good. I heard fron the VA Clinical Pharmacy Specialist who adjusted some of my drugs including insulin. Heard from a coin dealer. Got the Honda washed in Ernies in Spencer.. basic wash $9.99.Was going to write On becoming an auctioneer.Seems so much has changed since my evolution of becoming.As a kid I was inspired by LeRoy VAn Dyke's song AUCTIONEER. It came out about 1956.I was auctioneer each June in Scituate at St. Mary's Parish.Also I was auctioneer at the Worcester coin club. Eventually I attended Missouri Auction School in Kansas City for two weeks. Ben & Josh attended with me. A few years later I attended the Certified Auctioneer's Institute. at Indiana University at Bloomington for three Spring's schooling.As I grew certain Trust Officers hired me to liquidate estates. My Massachusetts license was 2,000!So much has changed today with E-Bay, etc. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

I LOVE MY NEW SILVER 2009 HONDA ACCORD!

With the settlement from Arbella of $6,170.63 I had enough to make repairs and improvements to put the Honda in tip-top shape! Thank you Arbella! Got a call from the VA with my blood results and will be receiving a call tomorrow at 10:00 to go over the details.Should be interesting. Did the usual shopping at Hannaford. Saw sister Jan again.She recommended pork for a meat. Seem to be having trouble attracting bidders on the silver dollar collection! I'll try again tomorrow. Enjoyed a cup of black raspberry ice cream from Howard's then more Ramem Noodle Soup for supper.. Looks like rain is coming. Good. All cars will get a free wash job LOL ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER BUSY DAY

Today was the first day I've visited the new VA facility in Worcester. It is modern and it is beautiful. My visit with Brenda Sanjay,MD. was the first time since December.As usual she was pleasant.I had some blood drawn and instructions to notify Dr. B. Dey at MGH. Did some coin business and laid low.Ate some beef flavored Maruchan Ramen Noodle Soup for supper... the first time in a long time. Howard's wasn't open today. Had hoped to get some black raspberry ice cream. Paid my National Grid bill of $65.81. Last month it was 117.27. I like the bills that say "NO PAYMENT DUE." Received a solicitation from the NRA! They offered a fancy knife if I Joined.Not interested in the NRA!!! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BUSY SUNDAY IN EARLY JUNE

It was like one thing after another. The lawn got mowed early. I treated myself to fried clams and ice cream at Howards.Then Josh invited me to go to David Prouty High to see Chase play soccer. As it was he didn't play much as tomorrow's baseball at Cape Cod took priority.Prouty's soccer field is located on a mountain top.Quabaug won easily like 6-2 or thereabouts. I came home and got interested in watching the Red Sox prevail over Oakland. The Sox swept the 4 games from Oakand! Now it's down to Anaheim. Tomorrow I travel to Worcester to the VA to the new clinic at UMAss. Josh is driving and picks me up at 9:00. We'll take the "green" Honda. This Sunday was excellent! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WHERE WILL THE PRICE OF GAS END?

The national price of gas is incredible!We are still under $5.00 in West Brookfield but not for long. This Saturday saw the routine laundry in Warren. I anticipated a phone call or two that never came. It was Yankee baseball for part of the afternoon then off to Birch Hill where I was entertained to Waylon and Willie. A different form of music. I enjoyed an O'Doul's and crackers. Asked Josh for a ride to the VA in Worcester on Monday." Gotta check my schedule" was his response. Weather was fair and will be for the next few days. The pollen is ruining my beautiful details on both cars. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DAY OF MUSIC, LOBSTER AND SUNSHINE

The weather cleared in the afternoon in time for Josh to wash my red Allante', boil four lobsters, and give me a haircut.We listened to the Sound of Music and Julie Andrews as the lobsters boiled.I was a bit concerned as the lobsters were bought on Tuesday. They seemed alright and were sweet with drawn butter. Seems more junk is coming my way from Birch Hill to include a shoe box of old license plates and LPs. I traveled to the Legion after my visit to Birch Hill. Busy at first then it seems everyone left. Laundry in the morning at Warren. Weather seems to be good for the weekend. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MORE WORK ON COINS

I spent the morning reviewing more coins. It's funny when other eyes perceive coins differently.Perception! Sold some unwanted gold jewelry which fetched over $500. More work to be done. Went to Ware to Nat Falk for some new t-shirts and boxer shorts. Was going to eat at Jennines but they weren't open.Difficult getting help so I came to WB and had an order of fried clams. They were sweet. Saw the "Rodzik girls".. Chris and Maureen. Josh stopped by and got rid of a hornet's nest and invited me to Chase's soccer game.It started to sprinkle so I returned the Allante' to the garage and took the new Honda Accord which I filled with gas. Didn't stay too long.. couldn't see. Not interested in the basketball game tonight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DAY FOR SELLING JUNK SILVER, SCRAP JEWELRY AND MORGAN SILVER DOLLARS

Today most old coins are found in estates.The coin collecting hobby was with men. Junk silver relates to 90% half dollars, quarters and dimes with the date 1964 and before. In 1979 silver coins went to the moon in value.I paid as much as $24 for one silver dollar of average condition.Today the prices are lower. Coins were kept in Whitman folders by date and demonination. As one client once said "It's found money." Today it is the same. Scrap jewelry 10k and 14k can bring in more "found money." All rare coins are based on condition and rarity. Liquidating silver and gold is expedient. Thinking of selling? Why don't you give me a try? Today was a gloomy day. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN