MY BOSTON RED SOX WEEKEND

To Boston 3 times in three days and I luv it! Just got in from Union Station.. my new mode of travel for a Hub of an experience. I love greeting people from all over America, Canada and the world. People Watching if you may.  I think being nice to people pays off as they'll be nice to you!

Today, I was the first human on the grounds of Fenway University. My commuter-rail ride from Worcester was at sunrise. On a Sunday morning at that hour even the skunks are sleeping! LOL. As I walked towards La Fens two New Yorkers from Ithaca were well received by yours truly. "Where you from" is usually my entre' in braking the ice. Kathleen and her lover smiled when I gave some visitor tips. I know Boston well and enjoy sharing my insights.

Being October 1st tomorrow and having arch rivals (Yankees) play on the fields of Fenway, October will zip by so fast because as Major League Baseball will take over the scene. The world will be in attendance at the Park!

But here's the rub: John Henry's Green Monster is not that but it's The Greed Monster! Scandalous prices fall the way of PT Barnum's adage" There's a SUCKER born every minute. Say what you want.. Old Bob knows the score and will be in the ring beginning on Friday night!

My three day photography war was awesome. One Colorado photographer reviewed my work and gave me an A+. RAE MARIE PHOTOGRAPHY. Rae's business card too is A+. "Inspired imagery for the perfectly imperfect"

I had the best seat in the house.... old grandstand seats are like park benches on Yawkey Way. As people walk by I hit them with a wink and a smile. Many visitors to Boston sign up for the $20 tour. Son Ben and I took it 20 years ago for half the price!

My new Fenway Contact is the "Peanut and Cashew Man." If you've ever been to Fenway you know where I mean. There's a mutual respect between the two of us, and he is a an accomplished street vendor. "Peanuts, Cachews and more. Nicky's Da Man!

The crowed swelled slowly. The Scalpers were yelling and screaming  "Tickets.". have any to sell? "Buying tickets" My peanut man told me "they tear up the unsold ones!"******

Lady Luck shone on me after game time of 3:00 PM. I purchased a grandstand ticked for ten bucks way out in right field. I'm finding walking up  the cement stairs is tough. I remained at the seat briefly then decided to take a Cab to South Station. A big cab fare ensued because of school starting. So what! Boston visitors and SOX FANS!

The hour is late and I'm bushed so I'll see you in October..


ROBERT L
A true baseball Fanatic
The Brookfields

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A WEAPON OF DELIGHT: MY NIKON D-40 CAMERA

It is said " a photograph is a mirror of an image"   The history of photography goes back almost 200 years. Since then photography has evolved exponentially. George Eastman of Kodak fame and his Brownie Camera fame allowed the working class to snap photos.

The carte-de-viste came earlier. In 1985 I auctioned off a collection of Civil War soldiers taken by a War, Mass man by the name of Aiken. The collection fetched $1,200. Early American estates had ton-types and ambro types. Glass negatives were also pat of photography's earlier years.

As our culture evolved Germany was reputed for having some of the best cameras in the world. Leica is one such example. Photography kept achieving higher degrees of photograph perfection. Later enlargements were the rule. I have such works of my parent's marriage in 1936!

If war means progress, photography kept getting better. Color photography seemed to be a quantum leap in the world. Photographs were transmitted around the world. Life was getting better with the documentation of events.

Enter one Edwin Land the father of the  of the Polaroid. Recall television hosts taking pictures and  peeling back the tab and voila: instant photos! Somehow the Polaroid presence was abbreviated by advancing cameras. The SLR (single lens reflex) gave even greater photos. I bought a Canon SLR from Tim Nason about 1972. My purchase allowed me to jump into the next level of photography. The camera lasted 25 years. People raved about my photography

!

Roll film was eventually replaced  by the digitizing of photos. Once again photography enticed more folks to learn how to "point and shoot." Smart phone have made photographers of the masses. Selfies further catapulted the average person in becoming a Mathew Brady.. the person who documented the CIVIL WAR in America. with his pictures. Once again my charge of liquidating estates was fun when I unearth early photos. Thr Late Ralph Whitman was high bidder on a Civil War photo mounted on a cardboard backing.

In Vietnam I zapped soldiers instead of snapping photos as an X-Ray technician. I had a dark room, developer and fixing solutions and a water rinse. The films were air dries then brought to a radiologist.

In the past two days I've shot over 250 images and had Walgreens develop all with wonderful results. Today I plan on returning to Fenway Park with camera in hand.

Heidi Potvin is a wonderful family photographer. The munchkins are poster-children for Mama.

With the above I say "SMILE, YOURE ON CANDID CAMERA!" LOL.

Robert L

IT'S BACK TO BOSTON FOR GAME 2 -

More later!

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME: TAKE ME TO FENWAY PARK!

My total Fenway experience tonight was wonderful! In taking 150 pictures on my trusty NIKON D-40 I've documented a moment in time.. a moment emblazoned on my soul!

The New York Yankees trounced our beloved Red Sox..so what . The game of life entails much more than the prescribed nine innings. Nearly 40,000 fans milled all around Fenway devouring sweet sausages, a cold Budweiser and attendant souvenirs.

It took me more than an hour to ambulate down Yawkey Way evoking memories  dating back to 1952. I sought to be credentialed but wasn't successful so  paid $93 for a grandstand seat! From my front-row perch on the third base side I delighted in having fun with some New York fans sipping their Budweisers. As a non-drinker I became intoxicated with friendly banter. People laughed and forgot all about their troubles.

The 37,000+ fans cheered for outs and gasped at the 7 home Runs cout by the Bronx Bombers. Here came the judge #99. His imposing stature was like a present day TED WILLIAMS.

As a guest of Tammy and Josh K. old "Pot-Nut" was in rare form. Scalpers sensed I needed a ticket and I resisted. As game time approached their demand lowered to face value. Still, being a man of principle, I did not acquiesce.  Paying full price gave me a certain dignity as I got my $90+ invested in one ticket by mixing with humanity.

Baseball fans came from NYC as well from Canadian Provinces! Fat and skinny fans were at their finest and truly polarized. 'Yankees Suck' echoed across the manicures turf. There wasn't one unhappy person in the house.

The Grand Slam erupted like Mount Saint Helens. Never have I heard more adulation that cheering crowd.. all on their feet.( I didn't realize it was a "slammer" until after the clout! Amazing grace personified.

A Yankee employee went out of his way to obtain press credentials for me. "Come back tomorrow sir.. I think I can help you!" stated BEN.

Tammy and Josh went their separate ways upon parking the spiffy new white Honda for $45.00. I was in my glory, Glory, as I scoped out every thing and every body! I now have documentation of what a Friday night game at Fenway really is:

pure happiness.


ROBERT L.POTVIN

BASEBALL MEMORIES LIVE FROM VIETNAM 1967

5 October, 1967 1:30 AM
VUNG TAU

It's early Thursday morning  here as I listen to the first game of the 1967 World Series. The game is being broadcast live and a loyal Red Sox I am. It doesn't seem real to listen a game being played the day before in Boston!

It is the last of the third and Boston is struggling- The Cards are strong - you can't deny that, but by the sound of the crowd, Boston is giving it the old college try. Let's hope for a few breaks and a few runs!



Received Orders for R&R to Sydney, Australia on the23rd this month. pm.Will fly to Saigon on the 22 and depart from Tan Son Nhut airfield
at 3:45 PM on Monday for Sydney.I should be gone until the 30th or 31st,

Santiago just hit a home run - what kind of a baseball is Boston? Then YAZ
fired in  the ball to get the out at home plate

It is going to be long day tomorrow and I don't imagine the game will be over much before 3:30 am or so.  I'll just go to bed early tomorrow night and get up for the second game - - providing the Sox win this one-

At any rate all well with me and I:m looking forward to my trip in 18 days. -

Love, Bob.

P.S. George Scott just doubled - guess that makes you happy Dad?

MY RED-WHITE & BLUE THURSDAY IN THE BROOKFEILDS

All systems say 'go' in my advancing years!  My focus was first on Walgreen's-Ware with Sharon the fabulous photography technician. I had over 100 prints "developed" and delight in the quality and price. This is good for me as I give away the pictures. This is a trait of mine since Uncle Albert got hitches in February of 1953! Marion Tataronis was her name with daughter Ann. Remember!?

I AM DISCOVERING HOW "USER FRIENDLY"Walgreen's is with yours truly. Their weekly flier spells out many things.

The day was truly "Fall-ish" the hues on the leaves indicate we'll have Fall after all. I will need a herd of goats to devour my lawn before frost. So what? I'm happy.

I have applied for some money with North Brookfield Savings. It is my convenience store FOR $. I even ran into Harvey Thomasian..AGE 90! Chief Thomasian and I go back to when he was a patrol officer. I used to ride around with Harvey on patrol. We embraced with smiles of friendship and approval.

I am poised to travel to Beantown tomorrow. Josh Kemp and mom will take Old Bob as a passenger. The games will be exciting, for sure.

May take a trip to Amherst to my sign. Preparing  a program of "Teddy Ballgame."
 Dinner tonight at Salem's was #1. Had pumpkin rolls and a big bowl of Chowde from the Sea. Evan Leasca ( Martha's son) is the new breed of Salems. A PC graduate, Evan and I will corroborate our ideas. The ambience at Salem Cross fits in well with the season. Tonight a small fire was burning in the Rumford fireplace.

Met two cowgirls just in from Denver: Lisa & Stasia." Welcome to West Brookfield I say."

It's getting late and now my office is closed!

ROBERT LOUIS

 

BOB POTVIN WILL BE ON SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT ( FENWAY - PARK!

Working at being credentialed!

ON EMPLOYING BRINKSMANSHIP

No, this is not a ship steered by the Brinks robbers! Brinksmanship is about having enough courage (AKA BALLS.) Don't think seasoned negotiators in ALL business transactions "are softies taking selfies." Hardly. When "push comes to shoves" tempers flair, perhaps, and the negotiation process works out: A good deal a bad deal.. or NO DEAL!

Think about it..An auctioneer is the voice of the seller. I know this as I have staged about 50 estate auctions, foreclosure auctions  for banks and individuals and real estate auctions.

I 'm like Cashius Clay was was.. only I have been told  by Jane Newton  Late of Royalston "Bob, you're' quicker than a mink! Go figure!

I am a student of humanity and have spent a lifetime as the Middle-man!"  ONEE COLLEGE PROFESSOR told me 'but that's were you want to be!" He was right. Professor Dave Kubly of Worcester Jr. College fame said 'Bob, you have a lot of balls!' In St. Louis brass was my reputation and not in the school band! LOL

I took this of NYC the path of 9/11 Hijackers

 

Fat Bob in the race at Charlotte

You must have the effrontery ( shameless boldness ) Ruby Tuesday told Mr. Leach I was insolent and rude. Hey Ruby...HA HA HA. Bitch!

Every salesman has a certain technique in their selling process. I have many. My sons call me a chameleon. "a person given to often expedient or facile change in ideas or character" also appearances. "I wear many hats in my life!" Cheapest hair pieces I can find! LOL

For me life is fun.. but don't put the screws to me because I screw back!

AETNA TAUGHT ME WELL AND I TAUGHT MY CLAIM STUDENTS WELL. Essentially our lives ae a negotiation from birth to death!

Chicken little or chicken shit.. "when hen shit  freezes friendship ceases!" Ed Luke.. my neighbor in Scituate c. 1974.

So now I must take a 'Johnson' work break!

IT is better to get pissed-off than pissed on! OMG!
 Sleep well, Baby-San!

Your man in black - BOB CASH!

 

QUIT SMOKING TODAY!

Tobacco and money have always gone hand-in-hand!

John Rolfe of Virginia is credited in raising tobacco and selling it to England over 400 years ago. As I approach my 50th Anniversary of being smoke free I share with you some wisdom about my half century of saving money by not smoking. When I quit cigs were 55 cents a pack Today a sawbuck will fetch 20 sticks of cancer. The Surgeon General's dictate of 1964 really didn't quell the addiction smokers have.

My family history with the men.. invariably all succumbed to tobacco. Mother's notes reveal Great grandfather JOSEPH POULIN "Lived and trapped with the Indians around Lake Superior until he was 14. Emigrating to North Brookfield my great grandfather was" a railroad night watchman and pipe smoker. He died of cancer of the tongue."

Uncle Albert Poulin admitted of "smoking 4 packs of Camels a day for 50 years and died a horrific death of lung cancer in 1983. I was with Uncle AL all the way from diagnosis by Dr. John Petter to Al's last breath at age 64.
Albert was a gambler and like a muddy track!

My father and grandfather Potvin smoked and both died of strokes.Their wives lived past age 90. That tells me something: If you smoke and are addicted or whatever you are killing yourselves prematurely .. and your loved ones! Other peoples smoke is just as bad in the long run!

Having quit the weeds at 3:00 PM on October 7, 1968 and never having another cigarette since then  I am of opine that governments and big tobacco carry all responsibilities of smoker's lugubrious deaths in America. I see friends with oxygen tanks and wrinkled faces and souls. The ads on Tv make me puke!

Inflation has skyrocket a pack of cigarettes  and has made stockholders rich.
Today's usurious prices across the board at $10 a day is $3,640 a year X 50 years  $182,000. Forget winning the Lottery! I have won by not smoking!

My willpower and determination pays me 100 fold each day. I see it every morning at Country Corner.

When Ben and Josh were teenagers I posted my offer with a $100 bill. Having not smoked by age 16 both sons collected their rewards from Dad.

Alibis and excused don't get it with me!

YOU CAN QUIT IF YOU THINK YOU CAN QUIT. NO RECIVITISM CRAP! TRY!

ALLOW LADY WILLPOWER to come into your brain and soul! I did.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A MAN WITH A PLAN THAT WORKED.
KISSING A SMOKER IS LIKE KISSING AN ASHTRAY!

MEET JOSH KEMP, MY AIDE- DE- CAMP

Joshua Kemp, my aide-de-camp has been helping "Pot-Nut" for quite a while now. My advancing years require getting help and "Kemp Nut" fits the bill. Of recent times I have called him a recruit. I treat him at times as if he were in the U.S. Army!

I cover many details of life and Josh is responding nicely. Soon I will promote this PRIVATE to Private First Class! Millennials need mentors and this kid is a delight to help me out arranging my abode and lifestyle. I swear and he responds.

How's your attitude towards "emerging adults?"

"It's your attitude not your aptitude that determines your altitude!" Jack Cregan.

AIM HIGH AND FLY LIKE AN EAGLE!

ROBERT L.

ON TOP OF THE WORLD

Ten years after I graduated from Saint Louis I wrote to Rosario Mazza, SJ. who was studying in somewhere in Europe. I crafted a short letter to him. He wrote back immediately and sent me a profound message: "Stay good, Bob. Do not strive to be top dog. People are experiencing incompatible marriages and living far beyond their means...." I kept this letter for 25 years until divorce in 1998.

Father Mazza was my friend. .and little cuckoo. He once told me about being away from his home in Colorado for ten years. "As I rode across Missouri and Kansas the lofty Rocky\ Mountains came into view. I cried like a baby when I realized I was returning."

Funny thing is, I TOO CRIED LIKE A BABY as I flew over the State of Ohio on the last leg of my journey from Vietnam.. As the February sun peeked out of the horizon I realized I was a "Coming Home Soldier as Bobby Vinton sings.

Yes, life delivers much happiness and, perhaps sadness. Are you on top of your world or are you chasing rainbows or are you content with your life?

Ben and Josh and my 5 grandkids are truly my delight! I have two nurses as my daughter-in-laws -Heidi and Allison POTVIN! How lucky can this old man be? 'Age is only a matter of mind..if you don't mind it doesn't matter." Mark Twain.

If your ships are heading in the wrong directions, grab your rudders and grab life "STAY GOOD!"

Robert E. Bosken, SJ

William B Faherty, S.J.

LBJ & his AMPHIBIOUS CAR
like the kind I drove across
the Mississippi in the Spring
of 1963

Frankie Tencza my passanger and college friend

"CREDIT MAKES ENEMIES... LET'S BE FRIENDS"

When I was a boy growing up in the tiny town of North Brookfield, MA. dad always took me to Tony's Barber Shop and Bowl. Each time I got my "ears lowered"  small sign was emblazoned in my soul. It read "CREDIT MAKES ENEMIED - LET'S BE FRIENDS." How true.

Over my lifetime bad credit has never been an issue with me. I pay my bills!

Now, after the debacle (complete failure) of the electronic auction at the end of December, 2017,one creditor, Capitol One has proven to be anathema  of my financial scores. Big, big banks usurp our spirits. By the swiping of our plastic credit cards, the end result may prove to be disastrous! Years ago local bankers like "Pete" Herard granted you a loan based on a handshake. Today, electricity zaps us and the chip in the card machine makes a noise like a frog.

I follow my credit score closely. Traditionally it has been around 700. Today it comes in at 516: "POOR." Oh yeah, allow me to plead my case!

CAPITOL ONE was charging me over 24% interest for my $3,900 balance. Usurious interest charges have snowballed since the beginning of the year. What to do? I have grabbed the bull by the horns! I reverted to YOU TUBE and educated myself how to get out of the "money hole." It is working!

I called CAPITOL ONE and mitigated my rate from over 24% to 7.40%. At that rate I will pay $79.00 per month for 5 years. At that low rate and monthly obligation , the incentive will be to pay it down sooner. After making three consecutive months my account will no longer be delinquent!
Yes.."I got myself into it...I am getting myself out of it!"

SHELL denied me an updated credit card. Even though I pay a monthly gas bill of about $100, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing! My current balance is $414.26. Screw 'em!

As an entrepreneur I value my freedoms.  Soon my credit score will rise like the heat of summer. It is a revolving debt. In2011 the outstanding debt (in billions) was 841.5. In 2016 it was 992 billion! All of this financial info may be found on "Credit Card Debt Statistics: September 2018. Check it out.. all 10 pages but remember Tony Ingemi's sign

CREDIT MAKES ENEMIES; LET'S BE FRIENDS!

"Money creates as many problems as it solves." Jim Kenary..

This is like going to confession! LOL..screw 'em!

Robert L.
Busted
Box 11
West Brookfeild, MA