TO BOSTON

Blood glucose 85             Weight  175 lbs.

Today, Josh drives me to Mass General Hospital for a checkup with my neurosurgeon. It has been almost 6 months since surgery to my back.

World Series

I went to bed at 10 with Houston leading 1-0. I awoke at midnight. It was the last of the ninth and Houston was down to their last out! How could this be? Each team had 9 hits but the Astros were trailing 7-2! The final out was made and Texas lost! This World Series was spectacular. Many youthful players brought the Nationals to victory.

Now a sleep-deprived  nation gets caught up on their sleep!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE WASHINGTON NATIONALS ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS!

 

DAVID KILLS GOLIATH!

 

Robert louis potvin

WASHINGTON NATIONALS IN 7!

Blood glucose 150                   Weight 174.3 lbs

The reason for the high blood readings is I had a tapioca pudding and some graham crackers before retiring!

WORLD SERIES 2019

Never before can I recall when the home team lost all of their games! tonight will be the finale  and all bets are off! SonJosh bet me $20 favoring the Astros but I didn't take him up on his wager! Tonight I'll be cheering for the Nationals. Seventh-game contests can be interesting.

JFK  REDUX

Spent yesterday afternoon reviewing JFK videos. It is obvious our government wasn't truthful in the Warren Commission Report. The Magic Bullet Theory doesn't hold water if you ask me. Grassy Knoll  witnesses attest to a person firing from that perch. Also, X-rays were doctored. It is sad the Crime of the Century remains a mystery 56 years later!

If you wish to review this Dallas tragedy, why not get a copy of Years of Lightening.. Day of Drums video?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MORE CLOUDS THIS TUESDAY

Blood glucose 85                   Weight 174lbs.

Received a great kindergarten photo from Savannah Potvin age 5.Great photo!

Did go to Ragged Hill Orchard yesterday and got a dozen apples of mixed types. Delicious!

Have physical therapy at 10:00 AM at Comprehensive Physical Therapy, West Brookfield. Twice a week for a month. The VA is picking up the tab. Thanks, Uncle Sam!

World Series tonight - Game 6. Wouldn't it be amazing if the Nationals won 2 more and the title of World Champions?

To NB Senior Center for lunch. Enjoy this one day!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BACK TO HOUSTON

Blood glucose 71             Weight 174.6 lbs.

The World Series is becoming more and more interesting! If the Nationals win two straight they will be champions.. if not Houston will be champs. Stranger things have happened. Washington's bats were loud in Houston in the first two games. Can they do it? Fortune favors the Astros!
Stay tuned!

Blood sugar is low. Not to worry. Had a big breakfast which will equalize readings. Cloudy and cold with a fine mist. "Monday, Monday!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY DREARY RAINY SUNDAY

Blood glucose 82                  Weight 175LBS

What a difference a day makes! We've had our share of sunshine this Fall and now we endure a dismal stretch of clouds and rain. Better yet it's cold! It's in the 40s and November comes on Friday!

My day has been quiet. I did go to NB for some food then to Sturbridge with SonJosh and Staples.  I needed Quink and import from France. Ouch!

a new bottle of ink and Josh printer ink. I paid $12.74 for a bottle of

The World Series seems to have turned the corner. Houston has evened the series at 2-2. One more home game in DC than it's back to Houston. Stay tuned.

In the meantime it will be Patriots football. Just can't imagine sitting out in the rain and cold.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHNSON HITS FOR $300+

Blood glucose 81

It was a pleasant trip to TwinRiver as "Johnson" hit for $335 in Free Slot Play. I wasn't so lucky. My ten dollar donation is my limit.

It's a nice Saturday.. in the high fifties. Rain is in the forecast. Big Estate Sale on Church Street. Didn't stop.

Happy Halloween cards with small cash gifts  for the grandkids.

Houston Astros prevailed in last night's contest. May turn out to be interesting. Go Nationals!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RARE LINCOLN CENTS

Robert E. Bosken, SJ  A prolific Lincoln Cent enthusiast/collector

Blood glucose  85            Weight 173.4 lbs.

The Lincoln Cent wheat-back pennies were introduced in 1909 commemorating 100 years of Lincoln' birth. These cents replaced the Indian Head cents. Coin enthusiasts have sought rare date Lincolns for 110 years. The following are key dates and attendant values:

• 1909-S V.D.B. Good condition     $600
• 1914-D             Good condition     $150
• 1922 Plain        Good Condition    $450
• 1931-S              Good Condition    $ 60
• 1955 Doubled Die   Obverse          $1,400

Wheat cents were issued through 1958 being replaced with the Lincoln Memorial Reverse. Over the years pennies have become disregarded by society. Fewer and fewer Wheat backed cents are found.

Father Bosken, a Jesuit at St. Louis U., would pour over a $50 bag of Lincoln Cents every Sunday afternoon and admitted to finding every date and mint mark in his quest!

The Official Red Book.. A Guide book of United States Coins by R.S. Yeoman 73rd Edition is advised to readers who want to know more about Wheat Cents and their values.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

55 Doubled Die Obverse . . Very valuable!

FROSTY THURSDAY MORNING

Blood Sugar 78        Weight 173.4 lbs.

This Thursday is dawning in a fine style. The grounds are frost-laden and the skies are crystal blue without a cloud Temps around 30 degrees.

The baseball scene has taken a turn for the Washington Nationals! Two victories in Houston.. now to DC for a Friday night party. Can the Nationals do it? I think so.

Nurse Denise is due at 8:30 AM.

I continue reading Connie Mack's autobiography. Insightful and revealing in the early days of MLB!  Should finish the book later today. Jimmy Carter's book next.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Looking down Foster Hill towards Congo Church  WB

SUNNY WEDNESDAY

Blood glucose 73       Weight 173.4

The Tuesday night victory by the Washington Nationals over the Houston Astros set the tone for this day. I stayed up until 10:00 PM knowing Midnight wasn't necessary as the Nationals were well ahead.

I read the first 100 pages of the Connie Mack Autobiography My Sixty-Six Years in the Big Leagues. It is as if Mr. Mack was talking directly to me in person. Mack was a devout Catholic. He also recruited college ball players to play on his famed Philadelphia Athletics. Better yet "Mr. Baseball" relished talking about his formative years in the Brookfields working in a shoe factory for peanuts! It seems his professional life was always selling players to meet the payroll! His message seems philosophical throughout.

Bought The Encyclopedia of Baseball at the Quaboag Book Store for $9.00 cheap! Will serve as my reference.

Did go to Chase's soccer game at Quaboag. It was 5-1 when I left. My perch was atop a knoll. Not sure if #7 was Chase?

Did do my first visit at Comprehensive Physical Therapy in WB. Jim Buzzle is in command. Must go back Friday at 9:00 AM. I'm confident of getting relief. I even walked for a bit on the Town Common.

Tonight will see Game 2 in Houston. Go Nationals!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Mr. Mack featured  on a 1952 calendar

 

OUR MILITARY MIGHT

Today's New York Times features a story on our troop strength around the world: "200,000 Soldiers Abroad"

• Afghanistan 12,000 - 13,000 Troops
• Syria                          About 200
• Iraq                            About 6,000
• Persian Gulf Nations 45,000 to 65,000
• Africa                           6,000 to 7,000
• Japan & South Korea  About 78,000
• NATO Nations            More Than 35,000
• Elsewhere                     More Than 2,000

 It is clear we are all over the World.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

         

REMEMBERING CONNIE MACK

The taproot of our National Pastime can be attributed in a big way to a lanky boy from East Brookfield, MA by the name of Cornelius McGillicuddy! Connie was born during the Civil War in which his father was a soldier. Mack was a catcher and climbed baseball's  ladder, first in the Eastern League, then, at a early age, bought into the American League. His business friend Ban Johnson allowed him to take ownership of the Philadelphia Athletics. Mack's lifetime record stands at 3,731 wins and 3,948 losses. He retired at age 87.

Mr. Mack never wore a baseball uniform as a manager. He always wore a business suit and hat. From the dugout he would wig-wag his scorecard signaling players to relocate on the playing field!

I have an audio-cassette of Connie Mack's voice recordings entitled "Mr. Baseball" which was produced after his death in 1956. Hearing his squeaky voice adds a dimension to his 6'2" stature.

The Connie Mack legacy continued with his grandson and namesake being elected to the United States Senate from the State of Florida and his great-grandson being elected to the House of Representatives!

I wrote a cover story of Connie for the 1986 Spencer New Leader. The gist of the feature is of Connie Mack Day, July 10, 1934 held on the North Brookfield Town Common. To think Connie Mack once played baseball in the Brookfields truly immortalizes the man!

A comprehensive book entitled "Connie Mack and the Early Years of Baseball"  by Norman L. Macht can be found in the WB Library!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NB -YouTube offers many great clips on Connie Mack, Cooperstown Hall of Fame & Museum and others. For more than two hours I delighted in reviewing baseball history. Looking for some diversion? Relax to YouTube baseball entertainment!

Also, the book "My 66 Years in the Big Leagues" the autobiography of Connie Mack is found in the West Brookfield Library!

RLP

A MILDER MONDAY IN THE MAKING

Blood glucose 74     Weight 172.5 lbs.

What a difference a day  ( good night's sleep) makes! It was to bed at 9:00 PM allowing my sleep-deprived body to recharge itself. It worked! Now it's Monday .. milder.. with sunshine. Temperatures were in the low forties at daybreak.

The big news regards Letters to the Editor in the New York Times. I quote a portion written by a psychiatrist, Henry J. Friedman of Cambridge, MA. Harvard Medical School on Trump:

"As a psychiatrist who contributed a chapter to "'The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump" I have often been asked whether he meets the definition of a narcissist to which I have answered, half in jest, "No, rather he gives narcissism a bad name."

"President Trump's grandiosity and paranoid retaliatory behaviors are so far beyond those beyond what in contrast could be called "ordinary narcissists " that he requires a category beyond narcissism.  The proper category would be would be "destructive behavior"....


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Trump's bold autograph reveals something!

NAMES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Fifty-six men signed the Declaration of Independence.

President of Congress: John Hancock

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple
Matthew Thornton

Massachusetts
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

Connecticut
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

New York
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

New Jersey
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

Pennsylvania
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

Delaware
George Read
Caesar Rodney
Thomas McKean

Maryland
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton* (Only Catholic to sign!)

Virginia
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

North Carolina
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

South Carolina
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heywood, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Georgia
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

 

 

 

LATE NIGHT CONFUSION

Last night's victory by the Houston Astros over the Yankees led to confusion on my part! I had vowed to stay up late, regardless, and I dozed twice only to be awakened by the ebullient cheers of the Astro fans. I knew I wanted to write something recognizing the victory.. only thing is.. I thought they had won the World Series! OMG. It was like Dewey Defeats Truman.

Today has been transitional. After a frosty start clouds moved in and changed my mood. My sleep-deprived day saw me get the Sunday New York Times. A feature about the City of Saint Louis got my interest. Also, the recap of the fabled Montreal Expos turned Washington Nationals makes them a Cinderella  club of destiny. Now we wait for the World Series to begin on Tuesday night. Should be a great Series!

Josh, Heidi & kids traveled to U-CONN, Storrs, CT to a soccer game. I think it's wonderful for the grandchildren to watch collegiate sports at such a tender ages. Way to go, Potvin family! Along the same line I bought several books at the Quaboag Book Shop on soccer for them to enjoy.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

AMERICAN LEAGUE CHAMPIONS ASTROS

Jose' Altuve hit a 2 run homer for the Astros! Pandemonium prevails in Houston! "Yankees suck!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COMMON HEAD COLD

Sneezing and blowing for a couple of days!

The day was an Autumn delight.. from Twin River to Ware-Walmart. I won ten bucks! LOL. "Poor Richard!" Brookfield Orchards is booming!  Take your kids and grandkids. It's much more than a Big Mac! Pick your own!

Ready for a good baseball game.

"Drink plenty of liquids, Bob!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WIDESPREAD FROST IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 84             Weight 173 lbs.

Today's brilliant sunshine features blazing colors in those trees that retain their leaves. Temperatures got down to 30 degrees and valley fogs added & accentuated the rising sunshine.

No NYT newspaper so I bought three scratch tickets $500 a week for life. I won a dollar. LOL.

Grandson Chase is a star. He is scoring goals for Quaboag like there's no tomorrow. Kudos to Chase & mom & dad!

"Johnson" is due momentarily. The ride to Twin River Casino should be one to remember. Indian summer personified!

Yankees won.. back to Houston! Either winner if fine with me!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CLEARING FRIDAY SKIES

Blood glucose 105      Weight 173 lbs.

Breakfast at Tiffany's:

The breakfast at the NB Senior Center was terrific! I hadn't had any crisp bacon in quite a while. Also sausages, eggs and fruit cup and OJ topped things off. The crowd was small. I invited a friend who stood me up! Oh well.

Next, I did some food shopping at Hannaford NB. About $30. Gigantic blueberries, raspberries,, sliced American cheese, Genoa salami, ham salad topped things off.

Got all clothes from Tony's Cleaners. Look sharp.. be sharp.

MLB Baseball:

Looks like the Huston Astros are going to be in the World Series versus the Washington Nationals! One more victory over the New York Yankees will earn them a berth. If so, the World Series will be "very interesting!" Stay tuned!

Colder weather has arrived. Folks are raking leaves... more than half of the foliage is on the ground.

Received a call from Comprehensive Therapy.. WB. The VA is going to pay for some therapy beginning on Wednesday! Man, I need it.

I reviewed some early blog entries I wrote in 2015 & 2016. Tremendous! Looking for something to do? Check em out!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BEETHOVEN, BYRON & BOB

Blood glucose 90       Weight 173.5 lbs.

As an alternative to viewing the evening news I opted in spending a couple of hours reading Byron's poetry and listening to two of my favorite classical hits by Beethoven. Mind you I have never had instruction in classical music. I have developed an appreciation of Beethoven over the years!

One Frank Cooke was my teacher of sorts. The Pastoral symphony #6 was my introduction then The Ninth .. The Choral.. two of Beethoven's most popular.

As far as English authors, George Gordon.. Sixth Lord Byron, too was introduced by Mr. Cooke. I have grown in appreciating the works of both over time. Music is relaxing for sure!

RAIN

My barometer reads 29.24 inches...the water in the rain gauge dazzles me at 5 inches. Maybe I didn't empty previous collections? Puddles on Route 9 were flooding and the winds were strong. Many trees no longer host leaves.

BASEBALL

Maybe the New York Yankees will play  Houston  tonight in the Bronx?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

Go Astros!

HEAVY FROST IN BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 86               Weight 173+ lbs.

Our bonus Fall weather continues. It was dark when I got up 6:30 AM.I knew it felt cold but didn't expect seeing "frost on the pumpkins!" Forecasters at The Weather Channel are calling for another October tempest later in the day into the night. Tonight and tomorrow will be a total washout.  Many trees will be stripped of their foliage. Rains & winds on the Cape will be formidable!

Nothing special planned for this Wednesday. Tidy-up my pad. Will go to NB for lunch at the Senior Center. Baseball is questionable.

Gram's birthday today
 d.o.b  10/16/16....



ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

YANKEES LOSE TO HOUSTON 4-1

Blood glucose 86                  Weight 172.6 lbs

The day felt like a Monday!  I went about my daily routine enjoying the brilliance of the moment. The leaves tell the story and with rain in the forecast tomorrow night we can say goodbye to leaves on the trees.

The Bronx Bombers were humbled by Houston. Houston now takes the lead 2-1.Great pitching and hitting by Houston!

Now I await The Cardinals versus the Nationals... plus the Democratic Debate. Two games of a different nature!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Coy Brook WB

 

A SPECTACULAR COLUMBUS DAY

Blood sugar 109

The temperature at dawn was in the lower thirties. As the day progressed the partly cloudy skies cleared nicely.. BUT..the carnival is over! No matter what was done today..it was a perfect day!

The late-night baseball contest between NYY & Houston  saw me retire at midnight in a tie. Then a walk-off blast by Houston changed the tune. It was a fitful night for me.. maybe because of the Canada Dry caffeine?

Did some food shopping then visited Josh, Heidi & family as they returned from their brief  Vermont vacation. Son Ben should be calling in a bit. Ben & Allison have been on a cruise.

My Saint Louis Cardinals must win a game or two to make things interesting otherwise the World Series will be in DC! Go Cards!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AUTUMN LEAVES

N. Main ST. WB

Town Common  NB

Lake Lashaway EB

Coy Brook  WB

Foster Hill  WB

Sherman St. WB


In 1962 I was a fledgling  college at St. Louis U. I was homesick and missed the colors of the fall season. I yearned for those things that were near and dear to my soul. It seemed St. Louis trees were bland in color. Twenty five years later.. back in St. Louis for the World Series I was amazed to witness colorful maples!

Today I have posted several shots of peak foliage in the Brookfields. This one day is bright and temperatures mild. This is it!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
 

 

 

 

 

A BETTER SATURDAY

Despite losses at Twin River Casino, this Saturday was good!

Baseball in St. Louis for two nights was record-setting. The Nationals have kept my Cardinals quiet. All the heavy-hitter's bats were quiet and strikeouts prevailed. Maybe a day off will help?

Finally the skies cleared right before sunset. Then the waxing moon nears full.. tomorrow night: Hunter moon. Hopefully we will have a sunny Sunday and beyond?!

Now it's the Yankees versus Houston. Should be a good contest!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WASHINGTON NATIONALS ONE-HIT CARDINALS

One of the best games ever played at Busch Stadium! Cardinals and fans are stunned!  One-hit wonders! LOL 2-0 LOSS....

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY DOWN FRIDAY

BLOOD GLUCOSE 66..186..172  WEIGHT 171LBS

It all began a couple of days ago when I didn't take my omeprazole before breakfast. An upset stomach ensued necessitating taking a couple of Tums. Things quieted down until I craved potato chips. That plus Ginger Ale seemed to make things worse. Then I skipped supper. My morning fasting read was 66. I didn't panic but I did feed some sugar to my blood. More upset stomach. Now a water diet.

Bills came in today. The VA drug bill was $168 . I am now obtaining all prescriptions from the VA. Screw Hannaford! Cable bill $129.85, Auto plate renewal $80.00 (VANITY SURCHARGE) and others. PAID!

Spoke with sister Jan for 16 minutes. Enjoyed watching the Weather Channel with all the options from blizzards to a subtropical storm off the New England Coast. The highlight of the day will come from St. Louis at 8:06 PM.. Cardinal baseball!

"Johnson" has confirmed our return to TwinRiver in the AM.

Really looking forward to some Indian Summer weather. Ben & Josh are both on vacation.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TYPICAL THURSDAY

Blood glucose 79     Weight 172lbs

I have begun gnawing at the unpaid medical and hospital bills. When you owe money ignoring your creditors is a mistake. I am now learning how negotiation pays off. Some have programs to help you. I always submit by asking is the best resolve!

Did go to the Quaboag Book Shop. Business was flourishing. 35% price reductions across the board is good thru Sunday.

Sent another package to Mr. David  McCullough in Hingham. He's my U.S. history professor! Great insights being obtained by watching speeches and interviews on YouTube!

Picked up the 2020Price Guide to American Coins by Yeoman.

Got my spiffy new Fossil watch repaired at Cormier Jewelers Spencer.$3.00. Chatted with NB's Bob Smith while waiting for the repair.

The sun actually came out briefly this morning! The hype of the Nor'Easter is big news. Interesting to see the clouds travel East and West.

More baseball tonight. Good. Popcorn & Ginger Ale!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CARDINALS HUMILIATE BRAVES 13-1

Meet Me In St. Louis!

A record-setting 10 run first inning says it all! Get ready for the next step on Friday night.. either the Dodgers or the Nationals! Go Cards!

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN