MY 15 HOUR WEDNESDAY COMING UP

It hasn't been a good day...it has been a great day! From stem to stern I have kept busy with tomorrow in mind: MARCH First.! My philosophy is to" SEIZE SPRING!" Old SOL is too strong for me to worry about the "S" word. I have lived to see a foot of snow on April 18th one year. They had to bring in helicopters to melt the stuff.


Further, in 1956 we had 3 Blizzards in  8 days. So what.


Today was about banking, dirty laundry in NB, food shopping,  Shell gasoline fill-up, Staples for my fantastic $5 reward and an attendant case of 24 Poland Springs well water for an even swap of my Rewards! At one dollar a pop anywhere I ended up with quite a trade. Go figure!.$24.00!


I had to go to Marshalls while there. I weakened with wishful thinki8ng. The LBJ blue checkered shirt and white Levis...man.. I'm trying to fit my flabby body in size 16 and 36" trousers. Never happen! So what. Instead I got a pack of glenn shorts "Made in Vietnam." I was made in Vietnam once upon a time ( 1967.) Oh my.


Bought a wonderfully matted gilded frame for a special copy of JFK's Inaugural Address. Good stuff at the Spencer "Army" for ten bucks + tax.


The game is young but The Hall is trailing 24 - 18.T  but then I think I "smell defeat?"

The ball just isn't falling for The Hall.


No Thank you, Reba!


Bath time after the game. Maybe a second English Muffin and peanut butter spread to wrap things up. Yes!




Very truly yours,


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A MAN ON THE RUN
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-8673360

SETON HALL VERSUS VILLANOVA FS-1 8:30 TONIGHT

Could be the game of the year. Stay tuned! Go Pirates!

DOLLAR GENERAL - BROOKFIELD, MUCH IMPROVED!

Friends have given me the thumbs up with improving the helter-skelter ways of DG. One friend said to me, just now, "We started going to the Palmer, MA store things were so bad in Brookfield." While I think this move is positive I do feel the outside needs a "police call" as I once learned in the U.S. Army. Butts are everywhere.. the yard is a mess thus calling for further positive action by DG. Call me what you want, a gadfly, or whatever, we, as customers, are entitled to certain privileges: an orderly DG. HAnnafords NB has a lady arranging and dusting the shelves all the time. Take heed, DG. Look sharp, feel sharp, be sharp!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A DG BROOKFIELD CUSTOMER
BOX 11West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

MY BILLS..MY GOD!

The secret to life and living: Get what you want and pay later!

My Late friend and coin customer Ralph Turner of Hardwick is quoted 'The only money you will ever have is what you spend!" Tis true.. but if you are spending OPM (other people's money) you can end up in a "Titanic Situation."

Well, today I invested in my creditors and have curbed the wolf! Life is expensive and they say death is equally as expensive. With Spring just around the corner I will take it all with a lump of optimism.

"Forward ever.. backward never." Right? LOL

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BORROWER

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585

508-867-3360 Anytime

PRESIDENT KENNEDY IN IRELAND

YouTube, NOW!

You will delight at the rare footage available on YOU TUBE. JFK'S visit in June of 1963 is truly a wonderful testimony to the memory of Mr. Kennedy and his forebears. His great-grandfather came to Boston and worked as a Cooper.  Several generations a Kennedy lived in the White House for 2 years and 10 months.

The ras footage is priceless s was Kennedy's infectious smile. I think he loved being President; I know he did. His mannerisms were exemplary for the World, or so it seems.

Immigrant Irish had one distinct advantage: Their English accent. My forebears took generations to learns the Queens English and I'm proud to say "I still work at it." Blogging keeps me in my "fighting weight!" LOL.

JFK left such an enduring legacy I think his works lead the way. IF you have never traveled to Columbia Point, Boston, to the JFK Library and Museum, do it on weekends. No traffic, no problem!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A KENNEDY FAN FOREVER

BOX 11

WEST Brookfield, MA 01585

508-867-3360 Anytime

A NEW ROLLS ROYCE? YES!

Since 1961 I have had a love desire in owning a RR someday. After watching tonight's special on the Smithsonian Channel for an hour I confirm my wishes: a royal navy blue Rolls with maybe a white leather interior. DREAM, LOFTY DREAMS. Someday over the rainbow! LOL.


My Spirit of Ecstasy lives on!

May be seen in the Springfield Museums!

PAGEVIEWS TODAY NUMBER 400, SO FAR!

Two hours to go!

ROLLS ROYCE SMITHSONIAN CHANNEL 9:00pm TONIGHT

Now we can see how the filthy rich ride around town! Watch the building of a modern ROLLS ROYCE tonight on the Smithsonian Channel. I will.

THE LUCI BANES JOHNSON INTERVIEW

At 70, Lucy Johnson is vibrant. Her widow's peak defines her uniqueness as LBJ's younger daughter. (She changed her name from Lucy to Luci in rebellion as a teenager!) Luci converted to Catholicism early on when she married Pat Nugent in front of 55 million television viewers in 1967.


Presidential children take on many features. I once interviewed President Calvin Coolidge's surviving son John Coolidge in his Farmington CT home! I also shook Luci's older sister Lynda Robb's hand  during Bill Clinton's inaugural in 1993. I did not see Luci!

 Nice Family Portrait

A Day in Infamy

Luci Johnson, today.

Luci is the mother of 4 kids and runs the LBJ holdings of "extreme wealth."

You can check-out her interview on YouTube if interested.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Senior Blogger

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585

508-867-3360

PAGEVIEWS TODAY ALMOST 300!

At 274 and counting, this marvelous Monday is one for the books.The Polar Vortex never came back to the Brookfields and 50 degree readings swere common. My organization of my life is a daily adventure.Yes, I have the fever..even in February! But guess what Thursday morning will bring? MARCH all over our bodies! Thank you "Don Kent."


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
REGGOLB BLOGGER
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

LBJ - THE MOVIE Woody Harrelson A+

I have seen LBJ and Woody Harrelson in person! I now have seen the movie LBJ in the confines of my political theater. My librarian Holly T gave me preferential treatment in handing  me this 97 minute DVD  just now. Now I write my review.


The opening scenes are not for Christians. LBJ's style is raw, real and riveting. I just love it. Historically I feel Producer, Rob Reiner, did as fine job in paying attention to the details. As a JFK/LBJ 'expert' the movie came across as real.


While it has taken over 50 years for the Vietnam diatribe to fade away, this movie skirts Vietnam totally. The only war Johnson deserves credit on is the War on Poverty and that didn't last long.


My collection of JFK/LBJ political artifacts brings my Office to life. Having shook LBJs hand twice I had a visceral experience of the highest order. Johnson was real. LAdy Bird exclaimed "LYNDON WAS A NEEDED PRESIDENT!"... and that he was.


He was a colossus. If you still are interested why not view the American Experience LBJ Part 1. and Part 2? Narrator David McCullough does a fine job in revealing this TEXAN as no other portrayal can equal. "All the way with LBJ,"

Mike! LOL.

DOLLAR GENERAL NORTH BROOKFIELD,MA PROGRESS

TYVEK Commercial Wrap now surrounds the sheathing on the outside. Construction lights hang in the interior darkness. I would think the plumbers and electricians are doing their thing. The structure is imposing and fits tight on the tiny lot. Word has it the doors to Dollar General will be open in Late Spring. Stay tuned.


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Observer
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

THE NEW QUABOAG BOOK SHOP W. BROOKFIELD

Books are not an endangered specie. Books are alive at the Quaboag Book Shop on Route 9 in West Brookfield! I have been a customer of the Book Bear for some 40 years and enjoy shopping from time to time.


My latest acquisitions include "Baseball" by Ken Burns and a Victorian wonder with gilded edges, front & back, and a ton (39 count) of etchings of Byron's Ladies like I have never seen before. This book.. entitled 'The Byron Gallery' is one of the finer purchases in my entire life! The inside page is inscribed in black ink "Merry Christmas from Cuz"

 Will, December25, 1879!" It was copyright in 1871.


The new owner, Jay Horgan, invites you to browse around if you are a bibliophile or not. Jay's new business card reads 'Used, Rare and Out of  Print Books..bought, Sold, Traded.' The shop hours are Wed-Sunday 10:00 - 6:00 PM. Located on Route 9, West Brookfield, beyond the center of town.


In my case of my "BYRON GALLERY" you can judge the book by it's cover!




ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Bibliophile
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

WHEN LBJ HOWELED WITH HIS BEAGLE

lbj WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE!

DOG-EAT-DOG

WHEN I WEIGHED 214LBS.

One secret of longevity may come in watching your weight. I just found a document in my PC dated July 26, 2009. 'As a younger man I was always active in my work and sustained a weight in the 180s.. Now I am 214lbs!"


This morning I weighed in at 185lbs. This means I have "shed" 29lbs since 2009. What's my secret? I EAT LESS. But my weight-watching goes far beyond this. I eat 3 meals a day and rarely "PIG OUT."  All winter my treat has been microwave popcorn.


I rarely drink sodas. I like high-sugared orange juice and supplement it with Allen's Sweet Cider from their mill. I love 1% Low Fat milk. I don't drink as much water as I should.


Ice cream has been a 'No-No" all winter. I try to look at the sugar content of drinks.


I feel I have conquered being obese. Losing weight is cognitive. Being "fat - dumb  & happy"  can prove to be anathema in the long run. FIBER-ONE cereal works. While I love my sweets I know "when to say when."


No alcohol since 1985; no cigarettes since you know when. I think I have earned my grade of "A". I give lots of credit to Sue Burchman at the Worcester VA MOVE program. Sue taught me how to read the labels.


With summer coming I think it's a good time to lose weight. Don't you?


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
"WEIGHT-WATCHER"
BOX 11
WEST Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360

DAVID McCULLOUGH AUTHOR & HISTORIAN

The United States is totally indebted to this one author & historian!

Because of my new "Kitchen-Classroom" I am learning, learning, learning!

Mr. McCullough is both a great narrator as well as a prolific author on American History. I enjoy his syles! LBJ wins the prize in my history camp.

 As far as McCullough's wisdom goes he says "Attitudes are not taught...they are CAUGHT!" He says "we think with words." An IDEA is how we grow.


So with this in mind I'll cue in to YouTube and enjoy LBJ for the thousandth  time! LOL


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
YouTube aficionado
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Any time.

NEIL DEGRASSE TYSON - VISIONARY

My new Samsung SmartTV continues to pay me daily dividends. Searching for interesting topics from Billy Joel and Piano Man  to the  Earthrise photo, a rising celebrity, Neil DeGrasse Tyson is truly a rock star! His knowledge of Space seems  un-paralleled  in modern times. I really like his style in delivering his speeches.


Dr. Tyson is an entertaining public speaker. He spoon-feeds the Average Joe sin every aspect of geophysics. The two speeches I have watched inspire me. Tyson knows his topic.


He's truly a politician and has a very high credibility factor.Better yet he's Director of The Hayden Planetarium in NYC!.. so why don't you check Neal out? Good stuff and "growth oriented!"


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Senior Blogger
Box 11
West Brookfield


508-867-3360

Moon & Earth

CASEY KASEM LIVES ON WBMW

This Sunday morning with the rain and all and 34 degrees calls for some introspection. Pop tunes floated in my mind: "SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN" and others. Finally, I figured how simple it is to find Casey


First I sought WBMW-FM on my Honda radio. A scratchy, long distance rendering of Barry Manilow. Then I thought? Can I get this streaming on my computer? Sure 'nuf! I can't miss for future listening. Today, February, 1982! SonBen likes the 1980s. Me too!




To be reasonably competent and computer savvy we must work at things all the time.

I try to!                                     Casey Kasem  forever.


 P.S. Olivia Newton John is truly PHYSICAL!

SETON HALL WINS, JOHNSON WINS..POTVIN WINS!

After waking up to the delightful song of 1970 "Come Saturday Morning" by the Sandpipers and planning my February budget, my long-lost sidekick "Johnson' appeared at my back door. Immediately I changed my morning plans from doing dirty laundry to riding  shotgun to Casino Royale in CT.


First, after graciously receiving 4 crisp Andrew Jacksons as an "advance" on winnings I walked out to Dick's Silverado truck and I insisted we go to Ernie's Car Wash as his truck needed a "Shampoo. "The  truck "thanked me" for the $9.00 gesture. Then we took the "long way" across Oxford and Webster and 395 to the Tribe. The trip was up-beat on this late February day.


The Mohegan garage was full and the crowd was full of gamers.Dr. J. used his Free Slot Play then got ten crisp $100 Bills. Nice. "Kenny Johnson" hit early.. say $300 then went up to the expensive machines and lost. BAck to reality "Johnson" went through the motions. "No Luck."


In the meantime I caught a glance of a college basketball game: SETON HALL versus St. Johns coming from Madison Square Garden, NYC.  Then I zeroed in on my SmartPhone and followed the game to their Overtime Finish and The Hall's win.


Richard B. Johnson always shows me his ticket when he wins. This time the payout was well over $1,000 with a $200 profit. In a surprise move RBJ said "Lets go to your favorite 99 Restaurant for lunch. "OK Google."


The service seemed slow yet the food proved to be "Good" popcorn and all. We both enjoyed oversized burgers. The waitress reminded me of my banker, Kelsey N!


Laundry was addressed when I got back.


"Come Saturday Morning" was fun in every respect. Thanks, Dick!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
Chief Blogger
box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

MY SIX GRANDFATHERS IN A NORTH BROOKFIELD HEAVEN

Talk about roots, I have six grandfathers buried in North Brookfield! From my Great-Great Paul Wine to my Dad, Joseph E. And to think they lived a lifetime in NB. is noteworthy. The oldest one died in 1912.My father passed-on in 1983. But our World has changed so much. From fancy cars to Smart TVs we live in a New World I'm afraid. That's okay as my munchkins will expand their thinking exponentially. Some may live to be 100 or more. OMG. What a time to be alive!

DOLLAR GENERAL HAS RESPONDED!

When you're right, you're right! Dollar General has responded to my "crusade." Now I must drive to their Palmer Store for inspection.


The Palmer Store of Dollar General is much bigger than Brookfield by comparison. But once again "housekeeping" is called for. A Dollar-Cop is called for to keep the enterprise neat and clean. The company needs a SOP with a vision. Stock shelves off hours, DG.


My conversation lasted some 22 minutes with the Regional Supervisor! The person calling seemed to be interested in my input."I will be going to the Brookfield Store tomorrow!" I think they are getting my message!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
CHIEF BLOGGER
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360
.

HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE ON YOUTUBE

Once again my cereal was cerebral in watching all about The Hubble Space Telescope. Every morning I am locating poignant topics for my Morning Joe. It is amazing.


Edwin Hubble conceive the idea of a gigantic space telescope in 1923. It took until 1993 for the boys at NASA to perfect this 8 foot reflecting mirror. The Hubble Telescope rode the back of STS rockets into Space. This miracle from Mars has been sending back images of our Galaxy in a "never seen before" posture.


Whether you are a rocket scientist or a space enthusiast like

yours truly, learning about The Hubble Space Telescope will give you a different perspective of the Universe and beyond.


Back in the early 1800s poet Lord Byron penned the following:


'There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
by the deep sea and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, nut Nature more.
From these our interviews, in which I steal
From all I may be, or have been before,
TO MINGLE WITH THE UNIVERSE, AND FEEL
What I can ne'er express, yet cannot all conceal.'


'To mingle with the Universe'...tells all. Are you mingling with our Universe or are you 'out to lunch?'


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
HUBBLE ENTHUSIAST
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585
508-867-3360

"WE SAW IT HAPPEN" AN AVIATION DOCUMENTARY

If you're looking for some history check out "We Saw It Happen." This covers the first 50 years in aviation like you've never seen! I love it as I'm a student of aviation. In college I wrote a term paper 'GOTHAM IN THE AIR AGE.' In 1993 I attended an auction of aviation history in New York City. Recently I presented the auction catalog to Gould McIntyre a ninety year old Pan Am pilot who serves as a docent at the New England Air Museum at Bradley Field, Windsor Locks, CT.


We Saw It Happen is full of first person witnesses to the pioneering efforts of early 'Sky Divers." Starting in 1903 with the Wright Brothers and Kitty Hawk this is a must-see. From Charles A Lindberg to Jimmy Doolittle you will be inspired, to say the least. The B & W film is one hour, twenty-nine minutes long. It can serve as your feature movie of the February evening.


Come Fly With Me!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
AN ENTHUSIAST OF MANY TOPICS
BLOGGER-IN-CHARGE
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360  Anytime

SUCCESS

THERE IS ONLY ONE SUCCESS... TO BE ABLE TO SPEND YOUR LIFE IN YOUR OWN WAY! Anon.

SETON HALL MEN'S' BASKETBALL 89-77 WIN

The Pirates slid into home with a victory in Providence.

WHAT I DO AS AN AUCTIONEER - ROBERT L. POTVIN AU2000

Celebrating 40 years in business.

Auctioneering is a becoming. It takes years of experience to learn of the market conditions.. and in this Space Age, all bets seem to be off.




WHAT WE CAN DO - AND DO IT WELL:

SELLING

Clerking & Cashiering, Runners, Security, Logistics. (Tent rentals.)
Type-Written Appraisals $300.00  Consultations $50.00 hour

• We depersonalize estates with forethought.
• Clothing is donated to charity.
• All found money is turned in.
• We seek potential value through research.
• We segregate "like kind and quality."
• We expect all auctions to stand on their  own two feet.
• We analyze what's at hand.
• We employ the "Contrast Principle" in selling.
• We hold pre-auction Tag Sales.
• We control the crowd.
• Today's auction promotions can be tricky:
• Social Media - Auction Zip.Com -Print media - Signage
• Everything actioned "As-Is"  No reserves.
• All Sales Final   No returns what-so-ever.
• Mass Sales Tax.. dealer Re-sale exempt.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A SPACE-AGE AUCTIONEER WITH A GOOD SENSE OF HISTORY
Box 11
132 East Main Street ( Route 9) Across from Howards
West Brookfield, MA 01585

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION & NASA TV FOR BREAKFAST

Isn't it just wonderful to have a cerebral breakfast? My YouTube kitchen brings me exactly what I am looking for: adventure. The miracle of a router projecting amazing images for NOT is a sweet deal for me.


From spacecraft to Blue Moons I like to think I'm hip! How about you? Can you name the planets in our Solar System? How about the names of the astronauts who walked on the Moon? NASA.TV.Com is the place to be for a cerebral breakfast!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CHIEF BLOGGER

BOX 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585

508-867-3360 Any time

SETON HALL - PROVIDENCE B BALL GAME SUSPENDED!

With the Pirates leading 56 - 47  over providence Mother Nature intervened! The parquet flooring succumbed to the ice of the hockey rink which is located beneath the floor. MOISTURE formed and the court is unplayable. With about 13 minutes in the second half  TIME OUT! No further details are available! GO PIRATES!


The game will be resumed today at noon.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PROUD PIRATE FATHER

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585

EARLY SPRING IN THE BROOKFIELDS!

What a bonus this day in February was. I observed bank thermometers at 75 and above. Had the old Honda washed at Ernie's car wash in Spencer.Four young men were working assiduously  giving my car a "Mental Shampoo! LOL.


The relativity of the season is relative. Air-mass movements define HEAT and COLD. While everybody expounds tomorrow's weather I focus on theh here and now.


My toilet became plugged and the landlord is in Iowa. Not to worry. I flushed it twice. Voila. LOL.


Seton Hall plays Providence  in 20 minutes so I will have a "work break", some of Allen's Cider and Gorton's Fish Sticks! Yum!


'Enjoy life all you can. it's a mistake not to!" Rolls Royce ad..


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
HUNGRY MAN
Box `11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

THE RED BOOK - AN ABSOLUTE MUST FOR COIN COLLECTORS

 Commonly called the " BIBLE FOR COIN COLLECTORS" This annual publication for all collector-enthusiasts  is pregnant with prices and guidelines and colored photographs of  ALL United States minted coins.


I received my first copy of the Red Book in 1954. I was in New Orleans while attending the ANA Convention did I have Q. David Bowers autograph my son Ben's copy. Since then I have tried to own a fresh copy every year.


This one book is recommended for all bank trust departments. Coin collections are a personal HOBBY, and yes, investment. Every man's collection is very personal. Many times, this hobby last a LIFETIME!


 Throughout AMERICA dealers hold bourses featuring dealers in the buying and selling of NUMISMATIC properties.


Old coin collecting is for folks of all ages. Our "cashless society" is in the making.. could be redesigning what we collect and how. I noticed the HSN Network selling millions all the time. No comment!


Local dealer's are good and offer Personal Service as part of dealing.


If you buy a copy for the coin collector in your family It's a good deal all the way around. "SOLD" on the Red Book! I bought my 2018 copy today!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
COIN DEALER
Box 11
West Brookfield, MA 01585


508-867-3360 Anytime

JOHN F. KENNEDY INAUGURAL MEDALLION JAN. 20, 1961

A rare find in my quest of JFK memorabilia comes in the Inaugural Medal of President Kennedy. This heavy bronze medal is a "keeper" as it not only comes wrapped in plastic but  has a wonderful attendant paper covering the highlights of our 35th Presidents accomplishment from 1961 to November of 1963. The summary is a pedigree of the medal!

ROBERT LOIS POTVIN

KENNEDY AFFICANADO

Box 11

West Brookfield, MA 01585

508-867-3360 Anytime