HOW I'M SPENDING MY NEW YEAR'S DAY

From 7:30 PM to the present moment 10:00 I've been enthralled by watching and listening  TO The Eagles! For the better part of 2 hours I've delighted in this form of entertainment. I do not need the din (I'm too old.) LOL

My deepest appreciation to those who read my blog daily: Glory Wedge, Nancy Donnelly, Charline Whitman, Buddy Small, Ben Potvin , "Johnson" and the hundreds of other readers. 2018 has been a very good year in most respects. My core need is family and that is what I have with two sons & daughter-in-laws Heidi and Alisson and 5 grandchildren Chase, Lily, Maddie, Evie and Savannah.

By keeping busy doing what I enjoy (music & blogging) and travel around Massachusetts I welcome 2019! "Wisdom outweighs wealth."

 Sturbridge!(Actually NO SHOW!)

Stay well.. don't drink too much or eat too much and have a HAPPY NEW YEAR!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
YOUR BLOGGER FOR ALL SEASONS!
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

ELIZABETH WARREN

Noted announcer, the Late John Chancellor succinctly put it back in the eighties 'SOMEONE BIG WILL GET SMALL.. AND SOMEONE SMALL WILL GET BIG!' Mr. Chancellor was referring to presidential candidates in the 1988 election. He was right.

Senator Elizabeth Warren is as controversial as a candidate can get. President Donald Trump has set the stage with his name calling Warren Pocahontas!

Face it, Senator Elizabeth Warren is rich and famous. How can she possibly identify with the average middle-class American? Being a professor at Harvard places her as a princess of privilege!

Further, she's a political hack! Right now Ms. Warren gets all of the media attention but 2020 is a long ways away. Dukakis and Kerry proved to place second in their presidential bids.

The November 2020 Presidential Election is a long, way off. There will be many others with the same ambitions. Senator Warren will someday get small  while an unknown of today will get big! Veritas!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

FIRE IN NORTH BROOKFIELD

WHDH TV has a reporter on the scene.  On Nursery Ave, NB.. a multiple family structure.. The fire is big enough to attract Boston television!

Clearly a total loss is at hand. No injuries are reported. Tennant states it was a "refrigerator fire" as the cause.Fire Chief Joe Holway

 came upon the scene as I was leaving.

Robert L. Potvin
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

2019 COMING UP!

 

It seems the year has flown by. Taken into the fact we have seen bizarre weather across the country, I wonder if this is a sign of things to come? Right now we enjoy a very moderate end-of-

year. But for how long? The south and the west have gotten more than their share of misery.  According to the NYT Boston has received 52.91 inches of precipitation compared to the normal of 43.77 and it shows!

 

The lakes and streams are overflowing. The Quabbin is overflowing and there isn't any frost in the ground. My grass even has tinges of green! Arctic air highlights  the Central States.

 

My New Year's traditions include a visit to the Strubridge Antiques Show tomorrow along with listening and watching the Vienna Orchestra entertain me for the New Year. I'll also watch the celebrations across the planet in HighDef.

 

What are your plans?

 

"Let us have wine, women, mirth and laughter.. sermons and soda water the day after!" Byron

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BORN IN THE USA!

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA

 

 

SETON HALL SHOCKS ST. JOHNS 76-74

I had an inkling the Pirates were going to defeat St. Johns and they did 76-74. Not having any cable connection to the game I went to bed early  only to learn just now the Pirates won by 2 points. It is clear to me Seton Hall has some gas in their tank! Way to go Pirates! I think the team is going places!

ROBERT L. POTVIN
ON THE SHU BAND-WAGON
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

 

 

IT HAS BEEN ONE OF THOSE DAYS!

As I was waking up to my Saturday in front of my computer screen I decided to fill my fountain pen with some Waterman Black Ink. Before I knew it I was wearing the whole bottle over my legs, undershorts and floor! "F***"  the cap wasn't on!.. Not what I planned for on this blustery Saturday!

Saw Josh, went to George's Tire Place for tires to be switched. no problem. Much of my day was spent watching C-SPAN and others. The prize for today was going to be watching Seton Hall Basketball. NOT SO! No FOX No kidding!

Next I tried calling Charter only to have poor reception on my phone!

As I seek a score of the game it appears St. John's University is shaking things up in Newark. I guess I will revert to some on line scores and call it a "Lucky Saturday!". LOL

PS 45 -36  at Half St. Johns

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
"INKY"
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585

MY THOMAS EDISON FRIDAY

"IT IS GIVEN TO FEW MEN OF ANY AGE, NATION, OR CALLING TO BECOME THE BENEFACTOR OF ALL HUMANITY. THAT DISTINCTION CAME ABNDANTLY TO THOMAS ALVA EDISON."

Herbert Hoover on Thomas Edison

Needless to say what I watched this afternoon on YouTube on American Experience. This guy Edison gave us so much. As a fan of TAE I try to keep abreast of his amazing life. When sons Ben & Josh attended Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ I used to skip over to Menlo Park to learn more about my main man!

Famed Umbrella Signature

Edison Age 76

The bells were ringing this noon at the North Brookfield Senior Center. The ladies from Brimfield entertained and educated a full house about bells. These bells have a soft touch  and our fearless leader, Diane Nichols taught us well.!

Tonight I watched CHRONICLE as Jeopardy was preempted by the Patriots. The topic was sleep. I really enjoyed watching the program as it gave me insights into the miracle of getting Zs. As for me...I have good nights and bad nights.

One thing I have learned is not "to take tomorrow to bed with you." Everybody has their tricks to getting proper sleep and I think relazation is one of the keys. The New York Times also had a feature on SLEEP yesterday and they recommend music in the background. Be it as it may..my dad said "get sleep any way you can!"

Incredible warm temperatures tonight ; 63 degrees.

That's all folks! Sleep well. LOL

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
The legend of Sleepy Hollow
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

 

COMMON COLD

A runny nose foretells my present state of mind!

I did a trip to Hadley to the Salvation Army: Nothing to move my spirit. The one thing that did move my spirit were the million of gallons going over the 400 foot long spillway at the Quabbin Reservoir. A sight to behold.

On my way along Route 9 in Belchertown I noticed a gas station offering gasoline for $2.199 a gallon .. the cheapest around.. so I filled up: $12.50.

 

Looks like the fair weather has ended for now.

 

The bells will be ringing tomorrow at the North Brookfield Senior Center: Brimfield Bells Concert. C U There!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA

 

CHER

For a lady of age 72 I say "Forever Cher!" Tonight's Kennedy Awards had anybody and everybody in the audience rocking! Nancy Pelosi ( in her eighties) sat next to the most talented actress/singer in the world: Cher!.

Now that my 75" HDTV is paid for I enjoy the pleasures of being there!

My day after Christmas was full.. from laundry to food shopping to a trip to see John B. O'Sullivan in Springfield. Our visit went well reminiscing about our Army days in 1966-1968.

It's late now and am I glad I had Cindy Lauper ( AGE 65) entertain me along with others. Thanks!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHER FAN!

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA

MY CHRISTMAS SUPRISES

It was a full day for me. First, SonJosh called relating he had connected the weather station I game him a year ago. Because of their location the Northwest winds will give us all some excitement this Winter!

Second, Ron & Chris gave me a $10 scratch ticket. I WON  I WON $50! How nice.

Next I just received a call from my long lost friend.. John B. O'Sullivan! Needless to say I am relieved to hear from "Johnny!" I plan on shooting off to Springfield tomorrow afternoon.

My grandchildren received so many presents and cash.... from a dog named Bobby to toys and clothes galore.

My Christmas present will be tomorrow with my Social Security deposit! I'm glad it is behind me. How about you?

The week's weather

 looks good. Enjoy!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
"LUCKY LOUIE"
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

IT'S CHRISTMAS!

While a white Christmas would be nice, the brilliant sunshine of this day is welcomed in every way.

My numbers this morning were great; Blood sugar 113 and weight 179 lbs.

My Christmas Eve was spent watching documentaries like President Teddy Roosevelt, and an interview with Jeff Bezos. The world's richest man is also the worlds smartest man as evidenced by his vast achievements to include AMAZON! This one enterprise summarizes where we are today.. on a fast train to Mars!

The Town of West Brookfield in all of its splendor is CLOSED! My Country Corner, Dunkin Donuts and all other stores are closed!

I will be going to Ron & Chris Marchessault's for another holiday feast. It will be fun as the 4 Potvin grandchildren will be present in their holiday happiness.

Eat, drink and be happy!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

MY NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

MADDIE

CHASE

 

POPS

 

EVIE & POPS

GRANDKIDS

EVIE & POPS

My evening hours were spent watching Johnny Cash! His Christmas program and further his last recording after June Carter Cash died was very revealing. Cash died at age 71 four months after June's passing.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHN DENVER CHRISTMAS SHOW ON YOUTUBE

Isn't it nice to have John Denver and the Muppets Christmas Show on YouTube?

It's Monday, feels like Sunday and no snow on the ground! Temperature is at 28 degrees and my spirit is high! Sooooooooo enjoy the day!

BOBBY

POST 3,000 HELLO YOUTUBE!

Hello YouTube! After months I've reconnected with my favorite channel"YouTubez' and delight in watching the Johnny Cash Christmas Show 1977! Nothing is better than Johnny and June singing the songs of the Season. They seem so happy performing....long after they've been gone. The show includes the Statler Brothers, Roy Clark, Roy Orbison and others.
Looking for some holiday diversion check this vintage special out.

I'm not going to attack Mr. Trump.. it's Christmas!

Chase Potvin had a great basketball game this afternoon in Warren.

Tomorrow I travel to NB to the Senior Center before lunch then to Birch Hill to be with Josh & Heidi and children. Had a nice phone visit with Ben earlier in the evening.

So.....You Better Watch Out.. You Better Not Pout!

T'was the night before the night before Christmas!

SANTA POTVIN

MRS. MATTHEW'S KINDERGARTEN 1948

How many kids can you name?

Front Row - L-R
Paul Eklund, Julie Anderson, Pat St. Martin, Pat Anderson, Cynthia Chasey,Judy Sheldon, BOBBY P. Bonnie Lincoln

Back  Row L-R
Jimmy Hart, Christine Banks, Ronnie Sokol, Sara Fullam, Susan Lloyd, DNNY Docwra , Linda Cluett

 

SETON HALL DEFEATS MARYLAND!

The Seton Hall Pirates win again! Five in a row makes things just right for Santa Claus. Keep going, men!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
'BAND WAGON BOB
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

DONALD ST. CYR

 

A funeral wake was held at St. Joseph School, North Brookfield at Christmastime 1952.

 

Each Christmas I think about my friend, Donald St. Cyr. Killed by an accidental gunshot wound to the stomach is soul went directly to heaven.

 

Donald's grave may be found in St. Joseph's Cemetery along the west wall.

 

To think Little Donald's life was truncated by an accident.

 

The Sister's of Saint Joseph were absolutely  numb to the occasion as I recall.

 

Please and think about little Donald. ..

how sad

I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY - LONGFELLOW

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day,
Their old familiar carols play
And wild and sweet the words repeat
Of peace on earth, good well to men.

I thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of  all Christendom
Had rolled along th'unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good will towards men.

And in despair I bowed my head:
'There is no peace on earth, ' I

 said
"For hate is strong, and mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good will towards men.

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
'God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
The wrong shall fail, the right shall prevail,
With peace on earth, good will towards men."

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world evolved from night to day
A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
 Of peace on earth good will towards men.

N.B. This poem was written by Henry Wadworth Longfellow in the depths of the Civil War c. 1863.

R.L.P.
12/22/18

REMEMBERING DOC WIGHT; MY ONE OF A KIND FRIEND

The New Leader - July 24, 1986

DOC WIGHT

" Aside from family, good friends are long remembered. North Brookfield's Clarence W. 'Doc' Wight will long be remembered by me as those "one-of-a-kind" human beings.

"It's ironic to become best of friends with the person I feared the most as a boy. - the family dentist! After all how many of us run to the dentist or any other medical treatment. Usually I guess we go when we have to and not a moment before.

"Doc arrived in North Brookfield in the depts. of the Great Depression - 1932. He and Mrs. Wight were living in Washburn, Maine, and the railroad was supposed to come through the community never did. At about age 57 (beyond mid-life for many)Doc Wight found a new home and a new beginning in serving people of the Brookfields and surrounding towns in the practice of general dentistry. He bought out the practice of Dr. Scott and practiced dentistry on the second floor of the Adams Block for the next 40 years.

"Doc Wight came from humble roots. His father was a farmer and a shoe factory worker. Clarence wanted to be a doctor however there just wasn't money. Instead he found his way to attend and graduate from Tuft's Dental School in 1914. Doc Wight wasn't interested in money and his life in North Brookfield proved it. He loved the earth and nature .. and more importantly his patients.

Doc practiced dentistry until his 96th year. His life ended in his 96th year having spent his final days at the Quaboag Nursing Home, WB.

Doc Wight proved to be a mentor of mine - s stout hearted Yankee from Down Maine! He truly was my one-of-a-kind friend! Both Doc and wife Mae are buried at the Walnut Grove Cemetery, NB.

R.L.P
12/22/18

N.V.P.

Root Canal

CHRISTMAS IN THE HOMETOWN (NORTH BROOKFIELD, MASS.)

The following is an extract from a New Leader article I wrote on December 11, 1986:

'Twenty five years ago I was a freshman at Worcester Junior College. Amongst a variety of subjects required was English Composition. Innocently I reported to class the first day with a couple of other North Brookfield students, Joe Przypek and Ronnie Stackow., only to learn our professor hailed from North Brookfield, too! Mr. Robert C. Gould was a tall  (Princeton University no less.) scholarly type who had bought John Wood's house on Bennet's Hill - Waite Corner a few years earlier.

'Amongst those theme papers in my attic is a two page theme entitled "Christmas in My Hometown I'd like to share with my readers some of the feelings I wrote back in 1961.

"Adding to all the brilliant Yuletide decorations exhibited (bye townspeople) a romantic but vicious blizzard blanketed my town with more than a foot of snow on December 12, 1961. Traffic was at a standstill for more than a day. After digging themselves out, North Brookfield shoppers filled the stores in preparation for the coming holidays.

" Before I knew it, Christmas Eve was greeting me!  As night fell I decided to go outside my house and observe the surroundings. To the north I saw a gleaming steeple in the distance signifying the presence of our Almighty Being. As I turned to the west a white farmhouse caught my eye, perhaps displaying a small manger.

"Looking south and east I saw several homes displaying the decorative skills of their proud owners.

"Then I sat down for a moment and began to think about the true meaning of Christmas. I suddenly realized the true meaning was right before me in both the beautiful natural and man-made splendor of the season. Walking back to the house several snowflakes dusted my face. Feeling them, I fully realized how fortunate I was to celebrate Christ's birth in New England.

' My grade was a B. Mr. Gould's comments in red ink read  "Naturally it sounds realistic to me."

NB.. this memoir was written just months before Col John Hershel Glenn' flight into space!

RLP

12/22/2018

My cup runneth over!

MY PRODUCTIVE FRIDAY IN DECEMBER

The warm rains of December prevailed. I had a chance to review the many articles written for the New Leader in the 1980s and early 1990s.My scanned copies got lost so I am on hold. I did enjoy reading one article I wrote about my dad for Father's Day 1986. It reveals how close I was with him right up to the end!

The Ronda Honda has two new front tires and an Inspection sticker good for a year. All of my car concerns are good for the time being.

After taking care of my auto affairs I tuned into the TRUMP - MESS in DC. I am afraid Mr. Trump has lots of problems and they are revealed by his behavior. I realize some blog readers support The Donald. Stay tuned.

Richard Baines Johnson's OZONE vanity plates was seen on Route 9, West Brookfield! I phoned Dick who was looking for a meatball sub! We enjoyed our meal downtown at George's Pizza & Subs.

Tonight I enjoyed reviewing a JFK documentary. This one clip tells me how much JFK was loved. He truly was a class act, regardless. Then ELVIS flew in from Hawaii.

We're getting down to the Christmas wire. My plans include spending Christmas Eve afternoon with Josh & Heidi and family.. then to Ron & Chrisies on Christmas Day. Hopefully we'll have more seasonable weather. Right now it's a balmy 56 degrees in downtown West Brookfield! Global warming, you know.

"That's all, Folks!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
SANTA ANA
Box 11

West Brookfield, MA

MY THURSDAY - A DAY OF RECEIVING, GIVING AND OBSERVING

The fine December weather came to a screeching halt today. It seems everybody in the world was out Christmas shopping. Not me! I observed three stores in Sturbridge: Marshals, Walmart and Stop & Shop. Marshals wins the prize for  "over-stocking" like you wouldn't believe. There is a stuffed pony for sale for only $600. Carriages were overflowing with gifts.

Next, ay Stop & Shop, once again carriages were full, full, full. It is not buy one and get one free it is BUY 10 boxes of crackers! Americans are truly gluttons as evidenced by the NBC News on obesity. Fat-so is putting it mildly.

A cash Christmas gift touched my heart. A bottle of Johnny Walker Black  went to my man who keeps me looking good. Life is about giving and receiving. The poor Salvation Army bell-ringer always gets a small donation from yours truly. I don't think the public is that generous in this regard!

Saw SonJosh and his newer black Toyoto Horizon. Nice! My old Honda got some attention in gluing the windshield gasket thanks to Kemp-Nut.

Chase played basketball at Quaboag against Millbury and lost a close one.

Based on my observations of the retail industry most of the buying public have lost the true meaning of Christmas and gift giving.

In other matters Washington, DC is like we've never seen it before.Good Luck, "Donald."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
AN APPRECIATIVE BROTHER
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585

SETON HALL UNIVERSITY DEFEATS SACRED HEART U.

The final score was SHU 90 SHU 76. This is the Hall's fourth straight victory. This is encouraging early in the season. 'Kashvili'  had a wonderful game with 23 points. It was if nobody could miss. This victory is a confidence builder for things to come. GO HALL!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A SETON HALL DAD
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA

JEALOUSY HOMES IN WEST BROOKFIELD

 

These two homes were built in the Gilded Age.(1870- 1900) It seems they are unique and tell a story in their own rite.

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585

 

 

RAGGED HILL SUNSET

The ferocious winds of the morning hours abated considerably by the time the sun was to set at 4:05 PM. I decided to go out with my Nikon D-40 to capture anything that presented the moment. Voila! The West Brookfield cupola was still in sunshine and gave me a decent image as shown above. The antique hay-rake now on  Ragged Hill is now a lawn ornament.

My day was spent in picking up a huge order from TONY'S CLEANERS in Spencer. Owner Tom Lotti does a splendid job in keeping my selected wardrobe just right. Thanks, Tom.

The meal at the NB Senior Center didn't ring my bell today. Meatballs and spaghetti - no thanks! I did buy some Christmas Cards for my munchkins. Christmas is just around the corner.. you know!

For me, keeping busy is the challenge. I did watch Planet Earth disc 5 and feel this is good nourishment for my brain coupled with Humanity From Space. ever watch it? You should!

Speaking of food.. I had three hard-boiled eggs and two Jimmy Dean Sausage patties and delicious cole-slaw. I like Smucker's Sugar Free Marmalade.

Jeopardy. COMING UP!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA