POPS GOES TO BENTELY UNIVERSITY; CHASE COMES HOME

 Chase & Heidi came into my office all smiles! Chase was home for an overnight. I have been invited to tour Bentley's campus with Josh & family tomorrow and out for lunch. It should be good as the weather is clearing up. Today I watched Barrett-Jarrett  car auction. and the host mentioned Steve Magnante "Get well" several times. No new news on Steve's condition. We had a brief campfire on Birch Hill. I left to enjoy a Fiesta salad.Inquired with Rebecca as the status of my LBJ framing. Tonight the Sox & Orioles are scoreless in the 5th inning.Paid my rent first thing. This Saturday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

"WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE"

 Water, water everywhere, and all the boards did shrink, water, water. every where and all the boards did shrink!" These words are from the poem The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Coleridge. My rain station recorded over 3 inches of rain and it is still raining. Today's rain did not stop me from shopping at Hannaford NB nor did keep me back from going to the Legion WB. I was amazed at the flooding coming home. The folks were friendly at the Legion. My new website about weather is enlightening. There over 250,000 weather watchers worldwide.. I will log onto this site daily for new ideas.Tomorrow is payday for Josh.Stay tuned!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BIRCH HILL WEATHER

 This is the most advanced weather observation I have ever seen! This computer site is truly amazing! With the click of my mouse I access charts revealing the temperature at Josh's house. Also the dew point, humidity, precipitation wind speed you name it. This site is the Internet's  1st weather service. It will offer a growth not easy to understand. Popups of weather conditions and warnings all day long. More laer.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MEMORY OF LBJ

 On February 14, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson came to St. Louis University.I was the first student to place myself "dead center" behind a fence. It was 8:00 AM. This was the first campus visited by LBJ. Security was tight with men atop buildings with guns. I observed a white telephone on a platform.I observed everything as the crowd grew. Johnson worked the crowd getting to me. I shook his hand and asked him for his pocket hand kerchief! "He replied 'No Son I made need it later on!" This was the beginning of my "romance" with LBJ.While in the U.S.Army I got stationed at Fort Sam and got to visit the L.B.J. Ranch.I sent my folks a postcard from Johnson City on October 8.1966.In reading the book L.B.J by George Reedy he describes  JFK as glamorous, polished, sophisticated,  and vibrant where LBJ was stormy, unpredictable ,  earthy and  gigantic." Despite his foibles Johnson got things done. I will always have a place in my heart for LBJ!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

REMEMBERING JFK

My memory  of JFK persists. I was  a freshman at Worcester Junior College when JFK defeated Nixon by a slim margin. I recall the Inauguration and the big snow storm the night before. I was a Junior at St. Louis University listening to JFK talking about the Cuban Missal Crisis. I thought I would go if called. My memory of the day he was killed. "Some guy came running down the road yelling Some nut called the president! All these memories are so clear all these years later. We will remember JFK on November 23rd. He was so young.. so sophisticated . He need a young president now! Study the life of JFK. Have a 'sense of history'!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MONDAY OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS

This Monday began at the WB post office.There was a box of  Auto Shield Duo needles plus several renewed prescriptions. I came back to the Poodle and filled 8 days of prescriptions in the Cady.I enjoyed Lobster Bisque and orange juice for lunch. Next my charge was reviewing photographs and cards in the top drawer of he high boy.Came across a picture of my Potvin grandparents with Pepe smiling. Josh took my bag of dirty laundry. This was a good Monday indeed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

'SPILLED MILK'

 My Sunday began by me knocking over a bottle of Ensure drink on my medications! It took many sheets of Bounty to clear up the mess. I must relocate future bottles to avoid a repeat. My food bill came to $93 with duplicate purchases. I forgot to buy a six-pack of MtnDew. The Patriots victory made up for the Red Sox loss to Chicago. I found Sixty Minutes evoking many memories I'd rather forget! I enjoyed JollyTime popcorn and orange juice for my evening meal."Tomorrow's another day.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

'ALL IN A DAY'S WORK'

 I kept busy this dismal Saturday! In going through my library a copy of Whittier's Snow-Bound which I am submitting to the American Antiquarian Society Worcester. My copy is dated 1872 and hopefully it will be accepted! Later I got a call from Rebecca at the WB Art & Frame Gallery reviewing my LBJ materials.I gave Rebecca the OK to proceed! Also, I reviewed two New Leader features on one Connie Mack and the Quabaug Spring Water for consideration of reprint. The Sox lost 1-0 to the White Sox. Tampa defeated Toronto.Earlier in the afternoon Josh came by showing pictures of a huge tuna caught with his college friends off the coast. This Saturday was complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET FRIDAY IN THE BROKFIELDS

My day was quiet. Following the forthcoming Tropical storm plus listening to Oldies kept me occupied. Today was the last day of decent weather. The weekend will not be pleasant. Chase is at the Red Sox game sitting in the Green Monster.The Red Sox are playing the White Sox and have no score in the fifth. Earlier I enjoyed my visit to the Legion with a visit from the Slaters.I had a fish sandwich and left earlier.Quiet. indeed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHALLENGE TO REBECCA AT THE WEST BROOKFIELD ART & FRAME GALLERY

 Being I am totally satisfied with the job done on my King of England portrayal today I brought "all LBJ material" for the challenge.My suggestion of it being "patriotic" was the challenge. Today was another beauty so I retreated to sit in the sunshine for 45 minutes. I reminisced about my 1968 World Series games in St.Louis.I vowed while still in Vietnam I would attend the Series! It happened and I got tickets through Arthur Pappas at the Derby Bar & Grill. To St. Louis I witnessed Cardinal pitcher Bob Gibson  strike out 17. Better yet Julie Nixon and David Eisenhower was there and I got their autographs on the program.My attendance proved to be a fulfillment of my desire.On the way home I quit smoking in New York airport. Winstons were 55 cents a pack! To this date I have NEVER placed a cigarette in my mouth. Good going Bob!!!!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY PERFECT WEDNESDAY

Not a cloud in the sky this Wednesday was ideal. After reading the New York Times and USAToday I traveled to Hannaford NB for a small amount of food. My flag trousers got two favorable comments: "Evil Kanavial" and "Patriotic." Received another call from Chase telling me he got my $20 and more blogs. Chase tells of having "Green Monster" tickets for Friday's game against the White Sox. I sat out in the sunshine for 45 minutes. Josh tells of Heidi getting a dog! I reviewed my next submission of documents for framing at the Art & Frame Gallery, WB..It doesn't get any better than today!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

MY QUIET TUESDAY

This Tuesday was cooler, windier and cloudy for part of the day. I received a surprise package from Chase! A note and a Bentley University mouse pad and a Bentley University pen. Chase called and we chatted. I am sending him some Rolls-Royce literature and a Numismatic News magazine to broader his perspective. No Sox- Texas score.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAINY MONDAY IN MID-SEPTEMBER

We received over an inch of rain according to my Rain Station. My day began with calling the VA and Que for help in obtaining a refill for Auto-Du Shield needles. My next chore was obtaining refills from the VA for four prescriptions. I then began the chore of filling my pill cady for 9 days. I enjoyed Lobster Bisque for lunch.Earlier I received a copy of The Flying Lady.. a bi-monthly magazine of The Royce Owners Club.Chase or Josh should become interested in my interest of Rolls Royce! Later in the day I reviewed possible materials for another framed/matted print. Tonight I had a Fiesta salad. The Sox are in Texas as I write. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HARRY S. TRUMAN

Back in 1963 about a week after the JFK killing I traveled across Missouri with a friend,John Wickersham, across Kansas to Colorado Springs to play "cowboy." Little did I realize we traveled through Independence, Missouri , where retired president Harry Truman lived!It was in 1981 while attending Missouri Auction School did I visit the Truman Library. The one thing I recalled was an autographed photograph photo of Adolph Hitler! Today I have been thumbing through a book entitled "The Wit & Wisdom of Harry Truman." by Ralph Keyes. Truman was a good man who followed FDR. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

THE RED SOX LOSE AGAIN IN TORONTO

 My Saturday was spent watching the documentary on Denis Eckerslay. The ECK's story is most interesting and recommended for Sox fans to watch! The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Sox in extra innings 4-3. There's no mercy as the Sox had their chances.

Working for another "document" to be matted and framed. My letter from a Major General while in Texas along with a photo of LBJ may make the grade?

Just a note on Steve Magnante's condition. St5eve is a patient at St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, according to son Josh. The family requests privacy

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

STEVE MAGNANTE UPDATE

My son Josh advises Steve is at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester. His condition is serious and Steve's family requests privacy. Our prayers for Steve and a speedy recovery.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

THE HYPE OF HURRICANE LEE KEPT ME INFORMED

The extensive coverage of Hurricane Lee was all I seemed to follow. Between the Weather Channel and Pete Bouchard on Channel 10 I was well informed.  I spent my Friday listening to music. I enjoy "Oldies" and other selection. My trip to the Legion Post 244 was without Josh. I enjoyed Carol Slater and Jeff Nickerson. I had a fish sandwich  and a soft drink. Toronto is leading the Sox 3-0 after 5 innings in Toronto.Cooler weather is around the corner.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BOYHOOD MEMORIES OF THE LATE JACK EMERSON

 Today I read the obituary of my boyhood friend, Jack "Cat" Emerson. The last time I saw Jack was at my 80th birthday party. Jack was a year ahead of me at NBHS and wore the FFA jacket. Jack tended some livestock for Abe Aframe. Jack allowed me to drive his '49 Chevrolet! I got to reconnect with Jack at his home on Hadley Path W B. What impressed me most was his "youthful" appearance as he enjoyed gardening. I also recall pumping gas at the Sunoco Station which was owned by brother Russ Emerson. Jack Emerson, too, was a very special boyhood friend!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

STEVE MAGNANTE

 Does anybody know what hospital Steve M. is in? There have postings on facebook of Steve's hospitalization. I last saw Steve about one month ago when he dropped by unannounced. Then Steve told me of being hospitalized in Southbridge. Please advise by calling me at 508-867-3360 anytime!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

A MUCH BRIGHTER TUESDAY

This day got brighter as the day progressed. I took my time reading my newspapers before going to Hannaford  NB for food. The total came to $61 and change. After putting everything away Josh called and came to pick up my bag of dirty laundry.I began organizing my front office getting ready to put must things in my closet. The one thing remaining is the framed collectible from Buckingham Palace. Looks good. The Red Sox last the first game of the double-header to the Yankees 3-2 and are leading tonight 1-0 in the fourth.I continue to enjoy Jolly Time popcorn an a can of MtnDew. A good Tuesday indeed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

REMBERING 911

It was a tremendous turnout at Post 244 West Brookfield!I had watched the History Channel's extensive coverage for hours. When I arrived at 6:17 I was impressed to see all of the First Responders in uniform. The ceremony was held under a tent as the rain continued. My rain station has recorded well over 2 inches. The Red Sox-Yankees may have been delayed? Chase Potvin will receive copies of my college grades..LOL.  

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEST BROOKFIELD ART & FRAME GALLERY

 Son Josh recommended I bring the documents from Buckingham Palace for matting and framing. Today I received the framed documents and I state they are "Perfection!" Preserving important documents is the place to go right here in West Brookfield!Stop in and show Rebecca Fay your pleasure. You'll be glad you did! This was another dismal day of rain, thunder and the Red Sox played in a rain delay. The Sox won as did the Yankees. The Patriots "almost" won. 911 is tomorrow.Let us bow our heads!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SATURDAY OF REFLECTION

After the usual big breakfast and reading the New York Times I dug in in filling eight days of pills. I also identified those which will be renewed with the VA on Monday. My afternoon was spent reviewing my stamp album contents and watching a paid presentation on gold and silver coins. I feel I have to be current if another collection comes my way. A thunder storm was looming late in the afternoon but to no avail. The Boston Red Sox had a rain-delay of an hour and a half and now trail Baltimore 12-8.  I began drinking my chocolate Ensure Plus today in drinking two  bottles.Watched some of the 9-11 review. My day was excellent!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FULL FRIDAY

Weight 157 lbs. It was a calculated risk to drive my Allante' first to get my two newspapers. I decided to go to Hannaford,NB for food and goodies. I spent $71.66, got home, unloaded my take then the rains came! At 1:30 rain and hail hit WB. It was a moderate thunder storm & my rain ration recorded .62 inches before it was over. I went to the American Legion at 5 and was treated like a King! It was crowded and I was set at a card table & chairs.I knew Josh was due. I ordered a fish sandwich which I devoured.Josh arrived and played some music on the jukebox. A second thunder storm hit but wasn't that bad. The Sox are trailing  the Orioles 1-0. My day was full and fulfilling!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NATIONALGRID " NO PAYMENT DUE"

Each Fall I get in for a surprise.Today's bill reads "No Payment Due!"  It seems my supplier VERDE ENERGY USA MASS  out of Norwalk,CT 800-388-3832 is the reason. Why not give Verde Energy a call! I found reviewing blog entries written in 2007 by me serve as a history of my life. These are available to anybody who wants a sampling. Today's heat isn't worth talking about!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SOME IDEAS ON BEATING THE HEAT

 RELAX! Throw your self into some activities especially meant for relaxing. Today Chase called me from Bentley. In conversation I suggested my sending him  copies of my blog from 2003. Chase liked the idea so I spent reviewing some of my entries.This was relaxing for me and may be opening another avenue of achievement? I abbreviated my trip downtown doing only what necessary. Bought some flag stamps for my mailing to Chase.Found music relaxing from Kate Smith's "GOD BLESS AMERICA" to marches by Sousa.Finished off the Jolly Time popcorn and a small can of A & W root beer.My whole Wednesday was relaxing! Sox are trailing Tampa Bay Rays 3-1!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

NATIONAL MUSEUM UNITED STATES ARMY

 Today I received a ball cap bearing the NMUSA logo. I had sent a $50 check for membership. I was all enthused until I found the label "'Made in China!" I was highly insulted by this. Earlier I sent my documents One Lucky Soldier for their archives. Tonight I sent a letter to the Chairman General Eric Shineski expressing my insult. The heat and humidity of this day wasn't felt until my going for gas at Country Corner. A fill up cost me $45.Tonight I enjoyed a bag of Jolly Time popcorn and a small can of A&W Root Beer for the third night! The Sox are tied at Tampa Bay 5-5 after 7 innings. This Tuesday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A LABOR DAY VICTORY FOR THE BOSTON RED SOX

 The beautiful weather continues. I did food shopping at Hannaford NB to the tune of $57.55. I made a mistake and grabbed Ensure chocolate drink instead of strawberry. Didn't recognize it until I got home!Earlier Josh conveyed an invitation to Ron & Chrissies for lunch.A large serving of lobster is all could eat! The big event of the day was the Red Sox victory in this Labor Day was victory over the Tampa  Bay Rays 7-3.At first it looked like Tampa was going to win until the Red Sox exploded with home runs. Later Josh mowed my lawn. This Labor Day was perfect!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RED SOX DEFEAT KENSAS CITY 7-3

    My day began reading Jimmy Buffett's obituary in the New York Times. It is comprehensive. I'll clip it and send it ti Son Ben. My morning was spent putting clean clothes away. After lunch I enjoyed watching the Red Sox Defeat Kansas City 7-3. The disappointing came when I discovered ESPN has blacked out for the Yankee-Houston game, Houston trails 3-1.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

THE SOX ARE LEADING KANSAS CITY 8--I!

It's about time the Sox have turned the corner on this Labor Day Saturday!  Maybe it will be the final turn? This day was good. Josh returned my cleaned clothes. and invited me for a cookout at Birch Hill. I enjoyed a sausage and an Odouls . Went home home to watch the Jimmy Buffett  on the news.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SEPTEMBER FRIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

 A new month, September, and the weather is spectacular.Clear skies, low humidity and gentle winds. I sat out in the sunshine once again for one hour! I paid Josh the rent for the Poodle. He took my "dirty laundry" early in the day. I watched baseball in the afternoon with the Cubs defeating the Reds. Just now I tuned in the Sox in Kansas City where KC hit back-to-back home runs in the first inning! I traveled to the Legion and found it quiet without Carol Slater. My Friday was excellent!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN