HAPPY 10TH ANNIVERSARY -BEN & ALLI

It seems 10 years have flown by! Ben & Allison were married in Myrtle Beach, SC and the entire family attended the wedding. I have a wonderful book of the wedding as a reminder and I will review it afterwards. This is the last day of August and it's dark as I write.The waxing moon is clear. Amazing. This day was highlighted by a call from Josh asking for a ride to Ware/Palmer to DeSantis Motor to pick uo Chase's Jeep. Josh brought it early in the day. The North Brookfield Senior Center featured beans & franks. Tomorrow is September first. Just look how dark it is as I write!Spoke with sister Jan in NB. Told her of my priceless photo album from my 80th birthday. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE RICHARDSON ROAD OLDSMOBILE REGENCY IS STILL FOR SALE

I returned to Richrdson Road WB and found the Olds Regency waiting for a buyer! It is a big car and a beauty. Check it out! Today was hot and boring. No baseball to watch. The NB Senior Center, too, was interesting with Bill.Tomorrow is another meal at NB. Spoke with Josh but didn't see him. I did another spin over Warren & WB back roads.Nothing like the other roads recently traveled.Received my monthly Aetna pension of $260.17.The last day of August! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A PARTLY SUNNY MONDAY

Blood sugar 95 This was a nice Monday. I returned to Hannaford for nutritional drink as I forgot to get some yesterday. It was a day of introspection. Did enjoy some Lean Cuisine Apple Cranberry Chicken both for lunch and supper. Spent time going through some paper work of which I haven't seen for years. Found Bob Glass obituary of 2009. Mr.Glass lived to be age 75.He's the auctioneer who hired me to catalog a massive rare coin collection which I earned $10,000 commission! Later in the afternoon I drove the Allante' over some roads in North Brookfield and Brookfield. There are some special homes, mostly new On Town Farm Road, NB, Donovan Road and others. I continue appreciating fine homes in the Brookfields!Finished the Hood Coffey Ice Cream. NB Senior Center tomorrow for lunch. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TIME FOR A REST!

The birthday season is over until Chase's birthday in November. The big thing is the launching of a NASA rocket tomorrow morning. I plan on tuning in early!The 322 feet high rocket is the biggest and most powerful ever built according to NASA.I attended the launch of STS-95 in 1998 I was there for 8 days and went around with estranged cousin Paul J. Kizzle. It was exciting. John Glenn returned to space. I have been a space enthusiast for years and have a large collection of envelopes commemorating different different flights. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN.

EVIE'S 9TH BIRTHDAY PARTY

It was another birthday party for a Potvin.It began at three only this time the invitees were much younger.The theme was the NBA and everybody wore a team t-shirt. I was presented a leather bound photo album by Amy Paquette. The album is priceless carrying photos of all party guests of a month ago. Today's party hosted all of Evie's family and friends. Cotton candy and pizza along with Dixie cups graced the buffet.Evie unwrapped all of her cards and presents with a smile.I basked in the late August sunshine and laid low. Then moved into the shade.It was a happy time for all attending! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOSHUA POTVIN TURNS 48 TODAY!

Things just didn't turned out as planned.The Salem Cross Inn was out and no electricity so we dined at Francescors in Brimfield. The place was hopping.I chose clam chowder and scallops in butter.The three granddaughters sat across from me and the conversation was good. Lily is now talking about getting a car. Maddie has agreed to wash the Poodle's windows and Evie turns 9 tomorrow! Chase sat to my right. We were belted with a thunderstorm about 3:30 however things cleared in time. Josh sat next to me. Tonight WSBK was off the air so no Red Sox. Seems the air cleared by sunset. This young ladies vision is "NBA Themed". Don't know where I can buy an NBA T-shirt? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRIPADVISORBOBBYP0009

There was a time when I was a prolific contributor to Tripadvisor.com. You can log onto my site by trying tripadvisorBobbyP009. If you are successful you will find 291 contributions. This Thursday was spent watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs. Before that I washed some front windows and scraped some paint. We're getting ready for Josh's 48th birthday tomorrow.I went over to Birch Hill and enjoyed a campfire. Evie and Maddie were in the pool. The day was pleasant.Tomorrow the family will dine at the Salem Cross Inn. Should be a fun time! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SAMARITAN HOUSE - CONTINUED

Today I mailed a comprehensive package of my credentials to the Samaritan House. Sumarily I began a "new' life. It was refreshing living in St. Albans with a new job as a janitor.I made friends, became familiar with the St. Albans Public Library.I endured the Vermont Winter and eventually got my mother's 87 Oldsmobile Cutlass.I lived in Fairfield and even changed jobs as a janitor which turned out to be horror show. Then things went down hill from there.I'll wait to receive a response to my package before continuing this. In other news Josh turns 48 on Friday. We as a family will dine at the Salem Cross Inn! As for today..it was splendid. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SAMARITAN HOUSE ST. ALBANS, VT

This will be a difficult blog for me to write. After living in Boston at the Veteran's Shelter for a year and one half I earned enough money hoping to get a job in Canada with the Circque Du Soleil.I had worked in Boston with them as a janitor and liked their attitude. Got a bus to Canada and wasn't allowed into the country! The Custom's Officer said "You have one choice.... to return to Boston! I called my mother and her advice was "find a veteran's home. I was hitch hiking with my duffel bag and was picked up by one John Martin.He asked me "will you be a janitor?' I replied "yes." I applied for the job at the St. Alban's Court House and I got hired by one Tom Dart. The next step was to find housing and I did: The Samaritan House. To be continued. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL MONDAY IN AUGUST

Blood glucose 85 The day began getting MIRABEGRON 25 MG AND FINASTERIDE 5MG AND FLUMOX. I filled my pill cady for a month then ordered a month's supply. Because the weather turned "wet" I began reviewing my Dale Carnegie books plus my Effective Business Speech text book by William Phelps Sanford. This was the last speech course I took at SLU and thoroughly enjoyed the professor! He had white hair and was a class act. I earned an A! Tomorrow is pay day with Social Security coming in.To NB Senior Center for lunch...American Chop Suey & salad. Round table discussion with Bill & Donna. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY NIGHT WITH GEORGE W. BUSH

The Red Sox and Orioles are playing in Williamsport, PA. It was great to see the former president being interviewed. His answers evoked memories of GHWB. The Bushs are a baseball family and George W. was recently was featured in a statue! George W. rarely makes the news. I liked what I saw with kids interviewing him!This Sunday was a bit cooler.Got my laundry done then watched the Yankees defeat Toronto 4-2. Congrats to son Ben for winning tickets to an Elton John Concert! Spoke briefly with Steve Magnante.Steve is unable to go to lunch for a couple of weeks. Ate a Lean Cuisine meal. Maybe some rain tomorrow? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY PRODUCTIVE SATURDAY

Blood glucose 85 This Saturday began with a trip to Napa WB for two licence plate frames for Chase.They had two left at $18 each.Next stop was Hannafords NB. First purchase was two birthday cards for Evie and Josh. Evie's card is entertaining. The tapioca pudding was out! I treated myself to 3 pieces of watermellon. Watched the Yankees lose to Toronto then watched the Red Sox defeat Baltimore. Chase came over for his break from Howard's.He picked up his frames. Next I drove around WB. Went up Wigwam Road then to NB. Wrote out cards for Ben & Allison and their 10th Wedding Anniversary on August 31. Am mailing the card and a gift card to Cracker Barrel. Cards for Josh & Evie are ready for Saturday's party. Watched Chronicle and enjoyed their program on fruits. Gave my One Lucky Soldier blog to Jack Emerson. Laundry in Warren tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NICE FRIDAY IN AUGUST

I received a food voucher from the American Legion for $50. Don't know who gave it?? It was a baseball afternoon between the Cubs and the Brewers. The final score was 8-7 Cubs. Later in the afternoon I drove my red Allante' to Birch Hill.Josh was wraping up cleaning Chase's Jeep. He invited me for a wash job and I accepted it.My vehicle never looked better! I promised Chase a pair of license plate frames from Napa.Evie handed me an invitation to her 9th birthday on August 27th at 3 pm. It is an NBA themed themed featuring cotton candy!The days are getting shorter! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET THURSDAY

I Spent the morning filling my pill cady and going to NB for some Fish Oil tabs and food.Took the red Allante' out for a spin of some 15 miles around town. I am paying more attention to TRUMP signs!With Liz Cheney losing in Wyoming the mix may be in Trump's favor? Got my excise bill on the Honda $44.09 and the Ambulance subscription of $25.00. Dry cleaner in Spencer tomorrow. Still no rain and heat is forecast. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRIP TO BOSTON A SUCCESS

My morning began with doing a small batch of laundry before leaving for Jamacia Plain and the VA at noon.We arrived at about 1:20 pm and had no wait. The urologist was pleasant nd gave an indepth explanation explanation how the prostate works. He was pleased with my list of 11. It was agreed my flomax would be increased to 2 pills a day and will be introduced to finasteride 5mg dailu and mirabergeron 25 mg daily.I am to return in a month. Steve Magnante called setting up a date for next week at the Black & White Grille in Spencer.I enjoyed a Lean Cusiene meal for supper then a dish of Friendly Coffee Ice cream.The weather was clouzy all day with evidence of rain. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TO BOSTON & JAMACIA PLAIN VA TOMORROW AFTERNOON

At noon I head for the Boston Healthcare System for a visit with a surgeon. Interesting! I had to prepare a list of all prescriptions taken:ten!I have been to Jamacia Plain VA years ago. Not to be concerned! Got my silver Honda washed for the first time since having it detailed. Spiffy although rain is in the forecast.$12 in NB. I tanked up with gas. Now have a full tank costing me $70 total. Have a call into Steve Magnante. Watched some of Steve's "Junkyard Crawl." Want to take him to the Black & White for lunch. Enjoyed a "Round table discussen with "Big Bill" and Donna S. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DELAY IN WRITING MY BLOG

I ran into snag just now in writing my blog. This Monday was good. I began by using a $50 gift card for gas in my Honda.. Thought I'd get more but you never look a gift horse in the mouth. At the end of the afternoon I spent $20 for gas in the Allante'. My morning was spent buying food at Hannafords.. NB. I stocked up on the usual then came home to a ham and potato lunch. The highlight came in the touring of New Braintree and North Brookfield. These two towns just don't compare to West Brookfield! I watched The Weather Channel as it is edifying. A feature of Saint Louis University was seen!Had a Lean Cuisine supper of Apple,Cranberries and Chicken! My Monday was very good in every respect! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL AUGUST SUNDAY & OLIVIA NEWTON-JOHN

This Sunday was the best all week. The humidity was low and the skies mostly clear.I watched the Mets for a while then Josh came to mow my lawn.He invited me to travel with him to Lowes in Ware. After talking with Ben about Olivia Newton-John I decided to log onto YouTube. Ben reminded me of a video I once owner 'Olivia Newton-John and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra Live at the Sydney Opera House." I have seen the Opera House three times and two days ago the Opera House was illuminated in pink to mark Olivia's passing. Check it out! RIP ONJ! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GREAT NIGHT'S SLEEP

I usually retire about 9:00PM.I get up during the night and have a bowl of cereal and blueberries. I never look at the clock. Last night I went to bed the usual and slept all night until 6:05 AM. Maybe I had reduced the AC? I'd like to get this sleep every night!!! Today the clear sky clouded up and remained cloudy until sunset. Noticed a section of my right front Honda fender was misssing. Don't know why? Car falling apart?? Will check on the Sox -Yankee game. Enjoyed watching the history of the Boston Red Sox on NESN. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

'GEORGY GIRL' SINGER, JUDITH DURHAM HAS DIED AT AGE 79

I was serving in Vietnam in 1967 when I first heard of the Seekers! This Australian group "achieved global success" with their hits to include "I'll Never Find Another You".. "A World of Our Own".."The Carnival is Over" and more. The Seekers was made up of Judith, Athol Guy, Bruce Woodley and Keith Potger. The Seekers success was monumental having sold 50 million singles and albums. You can watch Judith Durham on YouTube. Today was much cooler with a break in the intense heat and humidity. The weekend weather looks favorable! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RARE FIND ON RICHARDSON ROAD WEST BROOKFIELD

This was my second day of traveling up hills in West Brookfield. I drove up Foster Hill Road and observed Joe Spadea's "Palace" along with his daughters. These two "castles' are unique. Further down the road in Brookfield is a 'Potvin built" home of Cliff Gadaire. Then I traveled to Long Hill. Once again some homes have a splendid view looking east. Tonight will be a good view of the Sturgeon Full Moon. I traveled up Richardson Road toward the summit. Low and behold I came across an Oldsmobile Regency about 1985 for sale. This blue beauty has a sign in the window "Barrett-Jackson quality." This automobile is huge and would have appeal to a funeral home fleet. I continue to select high quality homes for appeal! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BEAUTIFUL WEST BROOKFIELD

I like riding around town in both of my automobiles. I travel up Ragged Hill and down Foster Hill. As I have owned some 8 housesI like to think I am a connoisseur of residential real estate. Your property is a reflection of your attitude.Big houses, small houses, old houses and new houses in addition to the lawns, shrubs all tell who you are! How about maintenance? Time for siding or a coat of paint? It behooves all of us to take stock of present conditions. The Bandstand and Town Common are a reflection of the center of town.Isn't it beautiful? Look at the skyrocket values. Look sharp,feel sharp be sharp! That's why I like living in West Brookfield! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER HOT TUESDAY

The highlight of my Tuesday was greeting MIKE HICKEY at my door! Mike is Ben's friend and today works at the Worcester Post Office. He came with his wife who had a gold chain to sell. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EXCELLENT MONDAY DESPITE THE EXTREME HEAT

I began my day in Ware at Walmart. I used the entire gift card of $80 and stocked up on everything I use i.e.2 reams of printer paper, nutrition drink, PoliGrip and other amenities. I used the electric scooter to get around which made my task "fun." The sad news comes with the passing of Olivia Newton-John age 73. Young Ben Potvin used to play "Physical" on a small cassette player. I liked "Xanadu" and "Hopelessly Devoted To You." Looking for a small antique floor safe with decorative features in good shape. I have owned two such safes in the past.Please call me at 508-867-3360. Will pay a fair price! Also, the passing of author David McCullough at age 89.He had a unique voice in narrating history. I liked when he did "LBJ!" ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY WITH INTENSE HEAT

It seems the heat wave will last forever! I went about my Sunday routine of doing laundry. There was but one customer when I arrived. The routine costs me $5.00. I got back around 12 and made my bed. The AC and fan keeps me cool. It was Red Sox for much of the afternoon until I visited Ronnie & Chrissie. They too had the Red Sox game on tv. Got back in time to get my weekly call from Son Ben. He said the trip cost him $500 for gas! I received a $50 gas card at Citgo.Enjoyed Ra

men Noodles for supper. Had the remaining lobster for lunch.Planning on going to Ware-Walmart tomorrow. Have a $80 gift card and will stock up on supplies. The heat will continue for part of the week. Enuf! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A HOT DAY WITHOUT STORMS

My day was spent in the front office.Initially I organized LP albums and books. My entertainment came by listening to Casey Casem then to Carpenters Gold. I reviewed a book of blog entries and came across a JACK EMERSON entry. I'll give to my friend.The Football Hall of Fame program was interesting although I did not know anybody! Had left over lobster for lunch and Chuck Eye steak for supper. First steak I've had in a long time. On these hot days I ride around town to break up the monotony.Traveled up to Ragged Hill. All is nice with "Honda Air coditioning." Laundry in Warren tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER HOT & MUGGY DAY

This Friday was good. Received my Nationalgrid bill for $84.11. As I have two fans and air conditioner running I think the bill is fair.Spent $58.94 at Hannaford. My two gift cards have been used. The heat continues. We had a thunderstorm and downpour around five pm. Drove to the Legion and enjoyed a visit by Jeff Nickerson.Jeff and wife Sharon will be celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary this week! Josh & Chase are at Fenway for a concert. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY "NO NAP" THURSDAY

Despite the extreme heat I had a very productive Thursday. Received the wrong USA Today. Spent the morning writing out Thank You notes, addressing them and applying 60 cent postage. Later I replenished my pill cady and ordered two prescriptions.Didn't get the mail. Spoke with Josh for addresses.Interestingly enough I didn't take a nap! Tomorrow is Friday... things are usually good.Plan on going to the American Legion for some delicious onion rings. Hi to Mike Flanagan in Ohio! Mike is an Army buddy having served in Vietnam. He's the guy who won $200 with me on a slot machine! We split the proceeds. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOT, HOTTER, HOTEST

Not only is it getting hotter, the lawns are drying up. Forest fires are inevitible. Not good. I had an abbreviate meal at the N.B. Senior Center. My appetite wains in the heat. Bought 20 60 cent flag stamps to match my flag t-shirt. Working on my thank you notes from ,y 80th B.day party.Now that I looked high and low Josh told me where to look: on ther reverse of the invitation! DA. Tomorrow will see me address about 20 envelopes.Best thing to do in the AC.I'll try to make them personal.Got Call from the Salem-Swift River Historical Socitey advising of an Open House on August 21, Sunday at 1:00 PM. A request was made for information of the Wendemuth family hailing fron Prescott (Quabbin.) They were residents in North Brookfield on Bates Street -1936 -1986. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY HOT TUESDAY

This week will get hotter with each day! I live air conditoning: my house, my Honda,

everywhere I go. Began working on my thank you notes. Must but some stamps. Misplaced the list of attendees! Josh gave me a spiffy USA flag T shirt which I'll wear with pride.I enjoy watching JEOPARDY! with Matt Amodio.Matt gets bounced on tomorrow night's game. To the NB Senior Center for lunch tomorrow. Will sit with Bill and Donna, perhaps. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOSH & HEIDI'S 19TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Tomorrow marks the 19th wedding anniversary of Josh & Heidi!I recall the reception at the Harding facility in Barre.Josh called me in the afternoon stating "I have a load of photographs from Saturday's 80th Birthday party." I think if you contact Josh you may get to see them. Needless to say how wonderful they are. I used one of my Hannaford $50 gift card spending $47.01. It's fun not having to spend my own money. LOL. The day was dismal until late in the afternoon when the skies cleared. As I write this blog at 8:30 the skies are clear with a waxing crescent moon. Enjoyed a Lean Cuisine Apple, Cranberry Chicken. Probably will do laundry tomorrow in Warren. A hot week is in store. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN