INFLAMED TOES

One of my ailments is in my toes. Neuropathy and inflamed tootsies brings me to contact the podiatrist on Monday.

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ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHNNY CASH CHRISTMAS SPECIALS WORTH WATCHING

Three Johnny Cash Christmas Specials are worth watching on YouTube.
1975, 1976 and 1977 give you three hours of Christmas programming along with celebrities like Tony Orlando, Kris Kristopherson, and many, many more. Cash was in his prime during these years and are still worth watching today.!

Ray Conniff's WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS is another hour of great Christmas songs.

Today was bitter cold. The wind-chill bit into the brilliant sunshine. It will be interesting to see just how much snow we end up with. I did my share of "watching" until SonJosh invited me to travel to Ware to Lowes. This one store dazzles me to no end.

Welcome December in a fine fashion!The lucky folks.. the Snow Birds are leaving us stout-hearted "Yankees."

I enjoyed more collegiate basketball and will all winter!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

JOHNNY CASH - THE KING OF COUNTRY!

SETON HALL PIRATES WIN AGAIN!

The highlight of my black Friday was the aggressive victory of the Pirates over Iowa State! The first half was close and the second half proved to be all Seton Hall and Myles Powel! It is clear the Pirates are on their way. The next game will be in Iowa on Sunday, December 8th.... round 2! Way to go Pirates!

I had a good day. First I had half-hour of physical therapy. Next I spent over $50 at Hanniford on food and supplies. Next I got my clothes out of hock at Tony's Dry Cleaners. The rest was watching college basketball.

Get ready for a December surprise! Sunday may see snow and plenty of it. The weather is colder and all indications are of a snowstorm...maybe even a foot or so.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL PIRATES WIN 81-56

Tonight's victory confirms the strength of the Pirates. As the game progressed the stronger the team appeared. One more game tomorrow.
Stay tuned!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HAPPY FRIENDSGIVING

Blood glucose 77                      Weight 173.5lbs

Seton Hall men's basketball suffered a monumental loss against Oregon.71-69. It seems everything turned against the Hall as the second half progressed. All-American Myles Powell's great effort fell short in the final minutes of the late-night contest in the Bahamas. And then again "It's still November!" Hang tough Pirates! Two defeats are revealing!

A cloudy windy Thanksgiving Day. Must do some food shopping. Dinner at the Marchessaults at 1:00. Consolation game at 9:00 PM.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ESTATE AUCTION REMINISCENSES

I always wanted to be an estate auctioneer from age 9! At age 39 I attended Missouri Auction School, Kansas City with family and grew in a profession that afforded me intellectual challenges a well as hard physical work. I became the impresario of taking full charge of orchestrating public auctions.. both for charity, businesses and family.

The liquidation of an estate takes from 4 to 6 weeks. Usually it begins with a written appraisal. This gives me a road map. Photography comes in as does researching of items.. preparing newspaper ads and lining up manpower for auction day. Clerks, cashiers, bid spotters and sometimes other auctioneers are called in to help. Directional signs are important.

In 1985 I purchased a green and white canvas tent along with say 50 chairs. An auction supply company provides all necessary forms. Sales slips, bidder cards numbered are a must for organization. Exact accounting is made by having  clerking sheets filled out with buyer number and amount paid.

In my career I began by calling auctions for fund raising. Then, eventually I earned a commission on items sold. I had a 10 day payout to allow checks to clear. I collected Mass. Sales Tax. Attending my auctions was fun.

The following is a partial list of auctions called:

• Fabiola Brunel
• King Estate
• Mann Estate
• Crooks Estate
• Marion Varney Estates - Antique & real estate
• Thompson Clock Auctions.
• Wendemuth Estate
• Whitney Estate  
• And many, many more...

I was a foreclosure auction for 10 years for the North Brookfield Savings Bank and others. Some auctions were tape recorded of which I have today.

Times have changed and for those fleeting moments....it was my pleasure to work with Ben, Josh, Gram Rita and other family members and friends.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                                          

A PERFECT LATE NOVEMBER TUESDAY

Blood glucose 77                    Weight 173lbs

The thermometer on my Honda's dashboard read 62 degrees! It truly was a perfect Tuesday. Christmas trees are coming into town and will be sold as I write. Kemp's Cider Mill on the Ware Road, WB will have some of the best balsam trees available at moderate prices.

Collegiate men's basketball is ramping up for some exciting contests. The Hall (13)  meets Oregon (11) tomorrow night and is one game to watch as states in today's NY Times.

The West and mid-west is getting belted with rain and snow. I'm afraid our fair weather will disappear tomorrow. The rest of the week may have some surprises. Diane Nichols of the NB Senior Center tells of snow at Eagle Hill School in Hardwick the other night!

To the VA optometrist at 11:00 tomorrow for my annual eye exam. SonJosh will be driving me in.

Bon voyage in your travels. Drive safely!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MILD MEANINGFUL MONDAY

The good news is Seton Hall University mens basketball team received another vote of confidence in the placings at 13th! The next game will be Wednesday night against Oregon at 9:30 PM. Stay tuned.

My physical therapy session was good. It seems, however, the aches and pains of back and right leg were worse than before. My big bitch is the eczema continues all over the back, upper arms and legs. I did receive notice of a follow-up session with a dermatologist on December 10th in Shrewsbury with a doctor Kuchnir and Dr. Scoch.

Tomorrow nurse Denise stops by at 1:00.

Had fun doling out Georgia pecans today. I have exhausted all supplies. To the  faces of recipients makes it worthwhile. I had shelled and baked and Lawry's Seasoning 10 bags! Did buy a half-gallon of apple cider and gave it to Lily P.

YouTube is working again! Got the password from SonBen and it worked! Thanks Ben.

Big Jeopardy! show coming up.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY NOR'EASTER

Blood glucose 117         Weight 173.5 lbs

It is, perhaps, the busiest Sunday of the year at Hannaford Food! Food baskets were flowing over to the tune of $300 - $400! I stated to a lady "Thanksgiving is one day when Americans eat to their heart's content and continue the remaining 364 days in the same fashion!"

Alex Trebek is feature in a cover story on STAR Magazine. Good coverage.  "Goodbye, My Friends."

As beautiful as yesterday was, today's weather was blustery. In leaving Hannaford I was confronted with gale winds from the Northeast in a driving rain. It was reminiscent of the December day back in 1956 when Paul Kizzle and I discovered Small Pox Cave! Rain changed to snow... nice!

Today was conducive to naps. Did buy some sunflower seeds for my bird friends. I am entertained by the birds of winter!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEST BROOKFIELD ESTATE SALE TODAY

The Patnaude family is liquidating the entire estate of antiques and collectibles today! Located next to the Methodist church across from the catholic church this IS the place to shop as EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Prime antique house!

Car insurance renewal Arbella : $386.00. due 12/29/19. Westbrook Insurance.

Approval letter for more physical therapy - Comprehensive Physical  Therapy .. WB. 10 visits approved.


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

WHERE WERE YOU ON NOVEMBER 22, 1963?

Blood glucose 80              Weight 174lbs

I was a college junior walking between classes at St. Louis University about 12:45 PM. A student came running down Grand Boulevard yelling "Some nut just killed President Kennedy!" I confirmed this fact by going over to Lou's Tobacco Shop where a television was going. Then I went to my political science professor's office. Dr. Paul Steinbicker was seated at his desk. You knew something was wrong just by looking at his face.

At this moment all radio and television stations transformed their programming to subdued mourning music. The world began reacting to John Kennedy's murder. The whole weekend focused on his death. Little did we know this one act of cowardice by the assassin would affect the world as it has for 56 years.

All governments of the world memorialized JFK's memory with coins, stamps and a slew of collectibles. To this day the Kennedy spirit lives.

The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston  is THE place to visit. I have been a past member and took some West Brookfield Elementary students several years ago along with attending postage stamp ceremonies.

I cherish my memories of President Kennedy's charm!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BILLY JOEL THURSDAY

After my physical therapy I sought getting my oil changed.. but to no avail. I enjoy listening to Channel 30 of Sirius XM Billy Joel Channel. I felt the day was too good to spend it inside so I drove to The Quabbin. The tranquility in the pathless woods gave me pleasure as I listened to Joel. The panoramic views from the Enfield Lookout affords a picture of distant summits second to none.

I did get Rhonda Honda washed in WARE.. another inferior wash! SonJosh says "the wash in Sturbridge is best." I'll try it next.

Getting ready for more Seton Hall men's basketball on Saturday... 12 Noon.. Florida.. televised from Newark FS2!

Also enjoyed listening to music in my Man Cave: Too early for Christmas music, don't you think? Man of Lamancha and the Beatles.

Put together a birthday gift for Chase Robert age 15!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

My All-American Grandson!

TED WILLIAMS & JOE DIMAGGIO

Blood glucose 93  Clear skies in the Brookfields

Ted Williams is perhaps the best ballplayer the Red Sox ever had! Ted was that good! His lifetime home runs numbered 521 despite being called up for military service in WWII and Korea. Ted Williams is the last major league ballplayer to hit .406! Ted was controversial. He never tipped his cap in hitting a homerun and even spit at the crowd and was fined $5,000! Ted Williams lived to be age 83. He was manager for the Washington Senators and the Texas Rangers.

Joe DiMaggio, too, was that good!  His claim to fame was that in 1941 Joltin Joe  had a hitting steak in 56 games! Heinz 57 was to pay him $10,000 if he hit one more homerun! Didn't happen.

The Yankee Clipper or Joltin' Joe prided himself  as being "the greatest hitter ever to live!"

Williams and Dimiggio are a tough act to follow!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

The Splendid Splinter

Mr. Coffee




 

THE FOG WARNING WINSLOW HOMER

Blood glucose 105                Weight 173lbs


The good sisters of St. Joseph gave us an introduction to fine art with the John Hancock miniature copies of select paintings. This is how we learned. Unfortunately John Hancock discontinued this practice decades ago.

I have seen the original Fog Warning at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston! Isn't it amazing that one gesture lasts a lifetime. Too bad John Hancock doesn't give out such images today!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

ARISTOTLE CONTEMPLATING THE BUST OF HOMER

Rembrandt 101

 

Aristotle & Homer

 

Frank Cooke taught me to appreciate  many things including

fine art.

 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JFK: YEARS OF LIGHTENING

Highly recommended! A retrospective review of our slain president's time in office.. 2 years 10 months.   11-22-1963  11-22-2019

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CUMBERLAND FARMS NORTH BROOKFIELD CLOSES

Blood glucose 85                  Weight 173.5 lbs

Big business seems to lack an important feature: no conscience! Main Street North Brookfield, Mass. continues to lose its posture. Vacancies keep happening. There was a time when most of the businesses were family owned.

Cumberland Farms is truly big business with 6,000 employees and 16 Billion in Revenues.  They have 566 locations from New England to Florida. Cumberland Farms seems to be everywhere. Their modern stores are classy.. but wait. What about the millions of dollars brought into the small stores like North Brookfield? Closing North Brookfield Cumby's is truly a mistake!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

SETON HALL MENS BASKETBALL AP #13 RANK

The Hall dropped a point in ins weekly ratings. Not to worry. <y men from South Orange will have a restful week.. their next game on Saturday at 4:00. There will be other contests to watch.

My therapy this morning left me in pain down my right leg.

Housekeeper came and cleaned up my pad and did my wash. I like being waited on!

Spent an hour further separating my Georgia Pecans. Bought some Zip-Locks and Lawries Seasoning. I have a dozen bags to enjoy and share. Haven't decided whether I want to roast them before sharing them?!

YouTube is on the fritz again. Must get SonBen's log-in address.. then contact Jeff Nickerson.

Watched lots of Pawn Stars this Monday. B Ball and Jeopardy! tonight.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL 83 - SAINT LOUIS 66

The Seton Hall Pirates confirmed their strength and winning ways by defeating my alma mater, SLU. It was Miles Powell and the Pirates all of the way. I was nervous at the beginning of the game as SLU had won 3 games straight! Not to worry. The Pirates prevailed. Next game Saturday.

It has been a college basketball Sunday for the most part.

I spent the better part of an  half hour separating the shells from the Georgia pecans. I called my friend Maurice who advised me there were 6 lbs.

Patriots were winning over Philadelphia.

New version of America in Color on the Smithsonian Channel at 8:00 PM.

Therapy tomorrow morning at 10:00.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL AT SAINT LOUIS SUNDAY @ 4:00pm

The Pirates of Seton Hall invade Saint Louis for basketball Sunday at 4:00 PM ESPNU. This should be a test and maybe another epoch game for SHU. Saint Louis is 3-0.. the Pirates 2-1.


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

GEORGIA PECANS

A Priority Mail box of Georgia pecans greeted me at the WB Post Office this cold Saturday morning! My auctioneer buddy J. Maurice Barfield sent me a box of Georgia pecans weighing 6 lbs.

I have received such a shipment in the past. After removing broken shells I roasted a batch in butter, garlic salt and Lawry's Seasoning. I have such a supply I will dole these out in baggies to family and friends. A delicacy, Indeed!

Thanks Maurice!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHANGE IN PLANS

Blood glucose  90                    Weight 175lbs

After close to a dozen Saturday trips to TwinRiver, Johnson and I won't be heading Rhode Island! Further, my plans on me driving to Leominster to see Dick have been aborted. The drive for me is out of my safety range.

Our Saturday morning is a beauty. Not quite as cold with clear blue skies. I have some errands to do and will remain close to the fort. College basketball is in order. Seton Hall tomorrow. Enjoy this one day!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOLIDAY HARVEST VETERANS, INC. WORCESTER

On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, the Veteran Inc. Shelter, 69 Grove Street, Worcester,  opens its doors at 7:00 am for a morning of thanksgiving giving away turkeys, and all the fixings to in-need veterans and their family members.

Bring DD-214 or VA Card as proof of Veteran Status. Distribution of food is from 10am to 2pm.

 For more information contact (800) 482-2565 or info@veteransinc.org .

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE MOST EXCITING COLLEGE GAME EVER!

Seton Hall men's basketball bowed to Michigan State 76-73 in the most exciting game ever witnessed! Myles Powel shone like the All-American he is. The Hall will get attention in their great effort! Go Pirates!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
A proud Seton Hall dad

ANTICIPATION- SETON HALL VS MICHIGAN STATE

Blood glucose 97                 Weight 173lbs

A much different  Thursday. Cold to begin then clouds and moderating temperatures. I had a therapy session in the morning. Tests show some progress.

Laid low watching Pawn Stars and American Pickers.

Tonight at 8:30 the Pirates of Seton Hall University are in Michigan taking on Michigan State. The absence of Myles Powell with a sprained ankle changes the anticipation. Can the Pirates prevail? Hope so!

JEOPARDY! has an exciting contest in the Championship finals.

Time for some New England Clam Chowder!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

A BRILLIANT COLD WEDNESDAY

Blood glucose 78                Weight 173

It seems the days are so short it's difficult to capture the moment! I did drive to Ware for a case nutritional drink (Equate -Strawberry)  and a few other goodies. Then it was watching the hearings. But the big news for me was New York Times columnist, Thomas L. Friedman endorses Michael Bloomberg for president! "I Like Mike" is the title of his column. Bloomberg is my age and seems to carry himself well. As a self-made billionaire Bloomberg served 3 terms as Mayor of New York City.

As for the hearings... I question if average Americans follow or understand all of the legalese? Trump, at his news conference, calls it  "Witch Hunt." The insulting Donald!

Tomorrow my nurse Denise Shea comes in early... then I return to Comprehensive Physical Therapy for more relief. The persistent sharp pain down my right leg plus neuropathy in my feet concern me.?

Another cold night in store. Was about 10 degrees this morning. It's 4:52 PM and already twilight. Thanksgiving is in two weeks!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY "NO-SNOW" TUESDAY

Blood glucose 94                      Weight 172 lbs.

As the skies clear in the west and temperatures plummet, this Tuesday didn't see snow other than a few flakes at noon. Northern Vermont got a lot; we didn't see any in the Brookfields!

My physical therapy session went well. Mark gave me a great massage on my lower back. The pain down my right back & leg continues as does my neuropathy on my feet. Looking for somebody to apply ointment to back twice a day!

The NB Senior Center provided a vegetable soup and tuna fish roll. Not appetizing for me. Did some food shopping at Hannaford NB. Lay's Salt & Vinegar chips led the list. Increasing my intake of water.

College ball tonight plus the game shows. Getting psyched for the Michigan - Seton Hall game on Thursday night.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHNSON MAKES A "HUMMER SPLASH"

GEORGE GORDON - LORD BYRON

 

 

I named my son Joshua Byron Potvin. It was Frank Cooke that inspired me to read some of Byron's poetry. For a lifetime the inspiration has remained.

 

I didn't know didly about Lord Byron at NBHS. Mrs. Murphy didn't inspire me; Frank Cooke did. Byron was born in 1788 and died in 1824. His prolific writings are of a romantic nature. Byron was a ladies man and had an incestuous relation ship with his half-sister Augusta. He fled England for Greece and fought in their cause.

 

Frank Cooke

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

 

 

 

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY

Blood glucose 82      Weight 172lbs (Same weight as when I entered the U.S.Army in 1966!)

My peripheral  neuropathy begins in my feet. Numbness is my biggest complaint  along with shuffling and some pain and tingling but now I experience a sharp pain on my right lower back and leg. I get relief when I sit.

Today, I sat with Roland Langlois of Leicester, MA. He is the Disabled American Veterans - Quaboag Chapter agent. Roland encourages me to apply for additional benefit rating. Now I am at only 20% rating.

It is interesting to hear people's experiences such as "a liver transplant, hip and knee replacements" and more. Courageous veterans, indeed!

It seems with  my infirmities I may get a higher rating. Presently I get $385.41 per month. Diabetes is related to the rating.


The Veterans Day breakfast at the Senior Center was well attended. The breakfast was great.. especially the burned bacon and sausage. I recognized many veterans and their wives. It is hard to believe I have lived in WB since 1978 with my family.

Snow is in the forecast.. how nice!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DISCOVERED BLOG ARTWORK

NASCAR BEN

Fat-so Bob

Johnson's Plane

Jacob Knight WB Cover

Johnson's Hummer

Fenway Bob

Fat, Dumb & Happy

Cirque Soleil Roustabout

Skip Ledoux Store NB

The Late Dick Fiske

Bates Observatory NB