LONG FRIDAY

 My Friday was back to normal. Did do some food shopping at Hannaford NB. My charge was to review Ward Hollow for the third time. When I returned the disc to Jeff Nickerson I said an A+! There's so much history about North Brookfield, MA it's not to be taken lightly! Spoke with Chase Robert and Lily P who will be home for the weekend. As I was ready to go to the Legion Carol Slader called advising her husband Brad was in Harrington Hospital. No further details. Did enjoy a cheeseburger deluxe and a Ginger Ale on ice. The Red Sox and Twins are tied 1-1in the Tenth Inning. Thy day is done!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MIDNIGHT ON THE MISSISSIPPI

 This is about an incredible adventure I experienced as a student in college. In the Spring OF 1963 I was visiting a smoke shop right off campus of St. Louis University. Lou Marcus was the owner and my friend. On this particular night a man drove up the store entry on Olive Street and yelled to Lou for some cigarettes. I was there and took them to Doctor Sauer. Lou knew him as he was a professor in the SLU Medical School. I was intrigued with the car he was driving. The little car was a boat! I showed further interest in the machine and was invited to drive the car. I immediately drove over the the SLU campus two blocks away. I ran into Clemens Hall dorm and grabbed my friend Frank Tencza. I assured him he "would enjoy the ride" First we drove to Gaslight Square. This was a recreated village of pubs and Dixieland bands in Old St. Louis. Kind of like a Riverboat scene in movies.  Doctor Sauer was pitching down the Scotch whiskeys while Frank and I drank Cokes. I wasn't satisfied in just driving the Amphicar around the City of St. Louis., so I asked "How does this go in water? "Now the Mississippi River is about 2 miles of the East of the college campus. Doctor exclaimed "Drive it down to the River!" I did. Now the Mississippi River  is about two miles east of the college campus. Today the famed Gateway Arch decorates the riverfront. I daringly drove the car/boat to river's edge. I pushed the lever forward and I could hear the twin propellors whirling! The next thing I  knew I was on the Mississippi River! Incredible! The three of us were without safety devices. Tencza was to my right and Dr. Sauer was "out cold" in the back seat. I "fogged" the throttle and began heading for the shores across the river in Illinois! The rushing waters didn't bother me. I kept feeling the base of the doors for leaking water. When I drove towards the middle of the Mississippi  Rivera bright search light panned my path. I thought "I've had it!" I kept moving East until I hit the shore. Unlike the levee of St. Louis with red bricks, I landed in Mississippi mud! Four wheels were buried up to the hubs Now what? I thought quick and retrieved some driftwood from the shore. Frank and I built up the wheels with wood and were able the little boat/car to higher grounds. I found a road that leads towards the bridge to St. Louis. In the meantime Dr. Sauer had the big idea he wanted to drive the car and grabbed the wheel. I stopped the car and the commotion attracted neighbors. They called the cops. When the East St. Louis  police arrived they said " Dr. Sauer what are you doing here?" Long story short, the good Dr. Sauer paid our cab fare back to campus. We got home about 4:00 AM.! Today, Amphicars  are true collectibles  with less than 4,000 made .It was a German import to the USA. LBJ had one on his ranch. I saw one performing on the waters of Lake Lashaway. It's the only commercial amphibious made and I had the "pleasure" of driving one across the Mississippi River! VERITAS!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FULL WEDNESDAY

 This has been  a 14 hour day for me. The main focus this morning was getting my Honda serviced at Parson's Automotive to the tune of $49.85. The power steering problem was diagnosed and will cost $700 to repair. No problem. "Fix it and fix it again" was the advice of Frank Cooke on repairing my Mercedes 240-D which I drove 242,000 miles! Baseball continues to hold my interest with the Red Sox winning 2-1 over the Rays. Did receive a phone call from my college mate, Bill Gross in Vancouver, WA. It is comforting to hold Bill's friendship since 1962. The weather has changed and will not improve for days I will recap my experience of crossing the Mississippi River in an Amphicar in the days ahead. Time to wrap up my full Wednesday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN 

ANOTHER COMPLEX TUESDAY

 This Tuesday saw lots of activity. After going through my rituals I headed to Hannaford NB where I stocked up on necessities and spent $100! While there I ran into sister Jan. It's always a pleasure to visit my sister!. I attempted to reach Karen Lynch at CVS to no avail. Instead I continue to review the Wikipedia  story on AETNA. It is amazing on what I am learning about the behemoth in the industry. My 13 years gives me two legs up. My training in the Home Office Sales Course in addition to being a training instructor for new field employees from across the country allows me to refresh my memory of days gone by. Tonight the Red Sox lost 8-3 to Tampa Bay but I have discovered a   MLB RACE TO THE PENNANT. goes all over the place giving me a reality that there's more to baseball than Boston! Tomorrow I take my Honda to Parsons Auto in East Brookfield. All in all My Tuesday was complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NEW APPROACH

My approach in adjusting to the SAD. which  means going to be  later! Instead of a 8:30-9:00 it will be after 9:30. Adjusting will be easy as the Pennant Race will bring the leaders to my HDTV! This Monday saw lots of activities. I had Josh on my mind for a lift  to the VA for a blood draw. He did show up in Lily P's VW which brought a smile to both of us. The blood draw was usual along with a urine analysis. The results should come in a few days. My latest kick is researching my former employer: AETNA.As I receive a small check each month in retirement My job now is to connect with Karen Lynch, CEO of CVS. I'll call for a copy of her book. Earlier, before Josh's arrival I filled all pills in the CADY. Let's see how all adjustments for a better night's sleep works? And how are you sleeping?!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION

 It seems a quiet September Sunday has turned sour with the latest attempted assassination on Donald Trump. Discovery will reveal more of the same and will be banner headlines for the days to come. The news here in New England is the dual loses of The Patriots and the Red Sox. I am looking forward to the Playoffs and the World Series. Too early to pick the teams. Son Josh and Chase Robert have gone to Fenway Park for a concert. Pearl Jam? I will get a full report from Josh who will be bringing me to the VA for a blood draw in the morning. Beautiful weather continues!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD AND REWARDING SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

 I call this a "transitional" Saturday. Wasn't distracted by all of the activities around West Brookfield. This day was perfect. The Boston Red Sox left their mark at Yankee Stadium winning a game they deserved the Yankees 7-1. Maybe the Sox can repeat their winning ways tomorrow? Josh came by removing the trash and applying medication on my back. He promised mowing my lawn tomorrow. Tonight I decided to re-watch WARD HOLLOW. As an 82 year old type I appreciate all that went into the production. Jeff Nickerson is to be commended in all of the research that went into preserving North Brookfield's history for future generations. Go to the Haston Library in North Brookfield and get a copy for your review!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WARD HOLLOW - THE STORY OF N. BROOKFIELD - A REVEW

Jeff Nickerson loaned me his copy of Ward Hollow.. In reviewing this 90 minute documentary it is refreshing to watch the history of my hometown: North Brookfield, MA. Copies of this documentary may be gotten at the Haston Free Public Library, NB for a review. My visit to the Legion as interesting. Over-late a haddock meal not eating only half! Live & learn!  my spiffy red Cadillac Allante' and got great reviews from Betsy! Thanks.  As for the Red Sox - Yankee game  the Sox lost in ! Incredible weather continues for activities on the Town Common tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DISAPPOINTING LOSS TO YANKEES 2-1

 My whole day was spent in anticipation of the Sox-Yankee game. The game went into the 10th Inning with the ghost runner. Boston couldn't and the Yankees did! I enjoyed in sitting in the sun for 30 minutes. Didn't take the Allante' out Did watch the Cardinals play ball in St. Louis. My memories of my time in St. Louis from 1962 - 1965 persist. Tomorrow will be Friday the 13th and I plan on going to the Legion. No word from Josh. Despite the Sox loss my Thursday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COMPLEX 9-11

 My 9-11-2024 was eclipsed by the Red Sox defeating the Orioles 5-3 in 10 Innings. It was a day of accomplishments. I began researching ;"Stamps . a nation's calling card" with The American Philatelic Research Library Must be a member to obtain this. After sitting out in the blazing sun for 30 minutes it was my charge to get the Cadillac Allante' washed. Did so in Warren at Moe's. With a clean car I did attend the 9-11 ceremony at the Legion. Jeff Nickerson led the program.. impressive indeed. My 9-11-2024 was one to remember!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DEBATE TUESDAY 9-10-2024

This Tuesday was too beautiful with clear blue skies and a happy feeling. My ay was seen sitting in the sunshine then driving to The Clam Box in my red Cadillac Allante'. No Lily P!. My meal was different. Sea scallops , fries and a diet Pepsi. I'm researching the history of First Man On The Moon stamp. Trying to resurrect "Stamps, a nation's calling card". Years ago I featured a video showing how this particular stamp was made! I do have an unused sheet of this stamp, framed, in my office! My favorite! Tomorrow I'll contact The American Philatelic Library  for more info. Red Sox lost to the Orioles 5-3.I don't like Donald Trump and  his negative attitude! Give it up Donald!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE CHENEYS ENDORSE HARRIS!

The Opinion headline in today's USATODAY reads "He can never be trusted again" .."Trump's GOP is a machine of grifting and self-aggrandizement." "The Cheney's  'made an accurate and patriotic calculation." Now we await tomorrow's "Debate in Philadelphia The world will be watching! My Monday was busy putting  away "Clean" laundry and refilling my pills. Josh came by to apply medication on my back. The Sox are leading the Orioles 12-3 in the 8th. Today was looking up as we go into Tuesday where I will fetch the US Mail and go to Dollar General for some 'Quicker Picker Uppers1"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNSHINE SUNDAY

You couldn't ask for a better Sunday in September! My Sunday saw me travel to Hannaford NB for groceries. My list failed me as I didn't get  Bounty quicker picker-uppers! I discovered it when I got home. Spent $80 and my latest "kick" is peanut butter. In researching I found applesauce and cottage cheese good are great  for part of my breakfast for my morning diet along with Ensure+ and hard salami. Not to mention the Red Sox collapse in the 9th Inning. Spoke with sons Ben & Josh. The anticipation is focused on Tuesday's Presidential Debate. Who will be telling the truth?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NO ROLLS ROYCE FOR ME!

 Son Josh took an offensive approach in his "Don't buy the car!" He had inspected the RR at 7:00 AM more than I had 3 hours later. The RR appears to be about a 1985 model.. nothing I would be interested in. On to the next thing. I did watch a video on "Teddy Ballgame" Ted Williams which I found interesting. Ted Williams was the last batter to have an average of .406.Tonight the Red Sox are walking all over the White Sox 7-5win! Tomorrow I will watch Joel Osteen at 10:00 AM then do some food shopping at Hannaford NB. We had rain tonight.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ROLLS ROYCE FOR SALE IN WARREN!

Son Josh called all enthused saying "There's a Rolls Royce  for sale on the Old Warren Road!" I will check things out in the morning. My enthusiasm on RR go back to 1961 when I traveled with one Frank Cooke to Sam Adelman's junk yard in NY. From this one experience saw me working on RR's in Cooke's garage in North Brookfield. I re-joined the Rolls-Royce Owner's Club and Enthusiasts several years age. I must satisfy my curiosity!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY IN WEST BROOKFIELD

 This Thursday was beautiful! Crystal clear skies left little for the imagination. Did sit out in the sunshine for 30 minutes adding to my "September Tan. I decided to drive the Cadillac Allante'  about town for 11 miles. One  impression came as I drove by the Ragged Hill Orchards witnessing apples yet to be harvested. Coming back home it was Bush's Homestyle Beans for supper with Ensure Plus as my drink. . My weight this morning was 159.4 lbs. Spoke with Josh later in the day. Looks like the Legion tomorrow. One more day of sunshine and then some. It was a beautiful Thursday indeed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE 4 SEASONS

I've  always been a fan of The Four Seasons. The listing of song titles include: Rag Doll, Dawn Go Away, Let's Hang On, Ronnie, Bye Bye Baby(Baby Good Bye ),  Silence Is Golden, Big Man In Town, Save It For Me, Toy Soldier,  and many more lift my spirit!  What's your favorite? Today has been another day of sunshine. I sat out for 30 minutes and am working on my 'September tan!" Sox are trailing the Mets 4-3 in the 6th. No game tomorrow. Maybe Fenway will be more friendly?! Liz Cheney will support Harris!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY CLOCKWORK TUESDAY

 IT has been a 'Clockwork Tuesday' for me. I  started by transferring funds at the bank before going to vote. I slipped in the booth and good folks came to my aid.. I voted Democrat! Next it was getting the mail then came back to find a nice note from Josh. next it was taking inventory of my VA medications. I renewed three or four then called Que at the pharmacy for help. Did sit out in the hot September sunshine for 30 minutes. I decided to return to The Clam Box and found everything was in my favor. It was whole belly clams, French fries and a Diet Pepsi. Tonight the Sox are trailing the Mets 2-1 in the seventh inning. The Mets pitcher has struck out 11 Sox batters on his 29th birthday! Tomorrow it will be returning to Hannaford NB for a couple of necessities. Weatherwise the week is delightful.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LABOR DAY 2024

My Labor Day 2024 was full! The first order of business was traveling to Hannaford NB for $70 worth of food. Nothing in particular. I try to diversify but nothing met my fancy. It was a sunny day so I decided to sit in the sunshine when it clouded up! I remained outside for 30 minutes. Later in the day I decided to travel to The Clam Box in Brookfield and was disappointed not to find a parking place for me and my Allante'. I will return tomorrow when the holiday rush lets up. The Mets are leading the Sox 4-1 Not good! Bello just doesn't have it tonight. Tomorrow will be back to normal. I will vote, get my mail and do some banking. Did watch Harris and Biden speak in Pittsburgh. Good stuff. The whole week looks good weatherwise.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SEPTEMBER

 September has many meanings for me. I begin by listening to Jimmy Durante as he sings the song But September is when the leaves begin to turn. Six weeks from now Fall will have even more of a meaning .Baseball on this day saw the Yankees get decimated by the St. Louis Cardinals 14-7. The Red Sox, too, fell to the Detroit Tigers 4-1.Is the baseball season over? Tonight I reviewed the video about the Life of John F. Kennedy. I am sending a letter to VP Kamala Harris to watch this inspiring message about the life of JFK. Tomorrow is a Federal Holiday so RELAX I say. Any plans? My usual will work out fine!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN