A FRIDAY TURNED CLOUDY

My eczema on my back bothered me all day as did the painful right leg. Despite ailments I went about the day the best I could. First my right rear tire need air and my friend at Country Corned helped "Old Bob." Thanks Amada!.

Friday is dry cleaning as usual.

I caught a special on the Smithsonian Channel The Day Kennedy Died. Although I have seen this a zillion times it is good to refresh memories.

Tonight I watched the game shows then caught Michael Moore speaking in Iowa for Bernie Sanders. Watch the Monday vote as there may be surprises. I give Bernie credit for the campaign he and his team are running.

Finally, I caught a little collegiate basketball. All the action will be in Newark at 11:00 AM tomorrow! Go Pirates. FOX.

Did speak with "Johnson" earlier in the day. He too is enduring Winter!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY IN WEST BROOKFIELD

Blood glucose 82

This January Thursday was cold, clear and beautiful! With 99% of snow gone and a lengthening daylight I chose to do a historic journey up Foster Hill. I read the markers telling of how Indians killed the whiteman in 1660. The burial grounds denote places of where forebears are buried.  The fields and stonewalls remain the same after hundreds of years. As Milton C. Richardson once exclaimed "Farmland forever."

Have you noticed Quirk Wire expansion? The massive crane is now raising steel girders into position. This is encouraging for the future of a small enterprise expanding big time. Hats off to Jason Paquette and crew for fashioning a 21st Century building complex. It means jobs for regional folks. Nice.

Another new building is at Parson's Auto in East Brookfield. Things are booming and that's good.

Fishing Derby will be held on February 16th. I bought 10 tickets. Maybe I'll get lucky and win? LOL

The New York Post has a good story on Seton Hall's victory last night in Newark. No interesting b-ball games on the tube tonight.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS DEPAUL FOR 11TH STRAIGHT!

The Prudential Center in Newark is where history has been made! 'Rock-Star" Myles Powell took time to get in sync. For a while the Pirates seemed doomed. Depaul led the whole way  until the Pirates got into sync. Then, like the last time the two teams met, SHU players came alive!  Roman Gill blocked the opposition to defeat. Powell got hot scoring 24 points. He is now 4th in all time SHU points scored.

The wisdom of Lou Tice, coach, is quoted "TEAMS KNOW WHEN TO WIN!" I do believe this. Depaul was a threat but came up short!

Hooray for the men from South Orange, NJ! Xavier is next at 11:00 AM Sat. at the PRU!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN
 A proud Seton Hall dad!

ROGET'STHESAURUS OF WORDS FOR INTELLECTUALS

Blood glucose  105

My granddaughter Lily Victoria turns 14 on February 8th. I have purchased this book and one for her brother, Chase, so they will have advantages in life with a great vocabulary! Words allow us to express ourselves in "ways of expression and improved reading compression." "This book makes you smarter and helps you sound smarter!"

These books were purchased on line from Barnes & Noble - Worcester  @ $16.95 each.

Do yourself a favor...get the book! "By learning these words, you will distinguish yourself from your friends and colleagues, and sound like an intellectual!"

The president is CONTUMELIOUS + Insolently humiliating and abusive: contemptuous; insulting!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SAGARIN RATINGS LISTS SETON HALL 6TH!

The men's basketball ratings are encouraging. Sagarin Ratings lists Seton Hall 6th and USA Today Top 25 Poll has the Pirates 9th! Depaul Wednesday 6:30 PM 1.

Received a call from my neurosurgeon's office stating the possibility of an injection in the sciatic region will be tested first. Spoke with Josh in that regard.

Did my share of music video watching this afternoon. Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen ae amazing. I favor The Boss over The Piano Man and am dazzled on both performers skills in front of 50,000 audiences! Amazing.

Clouzy day.. the rest of the week is looking good for fair weather!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BACK PAIN MAY REQUIRE SURGERY!

Received a call from the NP regarding my ailment of sciatica pain on my right side. Gotta attend to this and may even require surgery! Will talk with Ben and Josh and meet with Dr. Shankar.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL REMAINS 10TH IN TOP 25 A.P. POLL

The Pirates (15-4) remained tenth in the latest  AP Poll. This is good and hopefully a week's rest will allow the men to prevail against Depaul and Xavier this week. Both games will be in Newark.

Did laundry in Warren and shopped at Walmart - Ware. Chiquita never showed up again!

Cloudy day...

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY QUIET SUNDAY

It has been a quiet Sunday for me. I did travel to Sturbridge to the C&R Car Wash and got a thorough wash for $5 and a coupon. I traveled to Marshall's but didn't stay long. My sciatica on my right thigh, back and leg  is bothering me.

After reading the Sunday Times I relied on a variety of TV programs. No real Collegiate games were of great interest. What will be interesting tomorrow will be the AP Poll of the Top 25. Son Ben says Seton Hall will be ranked 8.. I say 6.

Getting by much of January without any appreciable snow. I like it!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE TEAM TO WATCH!

MY BASKETBALL SATURDAY

From 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM it has been basketball! Little Evie and sister Maddie and Dad enjoyed practicing and playing in both West Brookfield and QRHS. Maddie's team won by a point.

This afternoon it was about Big East teams.. St. Johns and Providence then to Kentucky and Texas Tech losing in Overtime. Now Baylor (#1) is playing Florida. I will not stay up for this contest. No Seton HAll game today!

Enjoyed some lean bacon and cereal for supper plus a few Fig Newtons.

The weather turned sour with rain now.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NICE FRIDAY

The highlight of my Friday came with finding The History of Worcester County 2 Volumes - 1879! I found this historic set at the Quaboag Book Shop. It is a massive set of in-depth of every town in the County along with vintage engravings. Nice!

I had an interesting day, first with therapy on my back and right leg then to NB for some food. I left my cane in my carriage and fortunately recovered it after driving to Spencer for my dry cleaning.

The next foible of the day was my getting trapped! My left big toe set off a mouse trap in my kitchen. BAM! The strength of the spring fed trap explains why mice are a killed.. the spring is so powerful!

Other than that my Friday was "normal."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

QUABOAG REGIONAL 1,000 POINT SCORERS

It was an evening of the Quaboag Community. Twenty-four alumni of 1,000 point scorers were recognized for their achievements back to 1973. A new banner was unrolled featuring the names of all 24  names... males.. females.

The crowd filled the bleachers and in the light hearted spirit friends met names from the past. The varsity men defeated David Prouty of Spencer. The girls were in contest with Prouty girls in the nightcap.

It was another sunny day beginning at near zero again. The day warmed up moderately. Didn't travel far. Did have a Northeast pizza for a change.. a combination job with a Diet Doctor Pepper.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL RECORDS NINTH STRAIGHT WIN!

Providence College went down to defeat against the Pirates of Seton Hall. Myles Powell wasn't hot but Romaro Gill was! I thought the game was in Providence. Wrong! The hometown Newark crowd cheered Seton Hall to victory. They are digging into the record books and it feels good.Nine straight wins!  5-2 on the road!

Now we have a week's rest before the next game in Newark. GO PIRATES!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MRI TUESDAY

Mass General Waltham is one impressive health facility! I arrived an hour early and was taken in within five minutes for the MRI x-ray. I had psyched myself to endure this procedure and did in a fine fashion. Now I must wait for the neurosurgeon for the findings.

It was a cold start in the Brookfields… near zero! This week will be dry with the possibility of snow on the weekend.

Tomorrow I go to Worcester VA to see Dr. Bennett. Tomorrow night it will be Providence College basketball for Seton Hall. Go Pirates.. again!

Gov. Charlie Baker is giving his State of the State speech. I think the Governor is well regarded. We are a good state!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A HOLIDAY MONDAY

Just a note to state I travel to Waltham tomorrow with Josh to get an MRI.

The day today was bright and cold. The excitement is that Seton Hall is ranked 10. My bet with Josh was a wash.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL MEN'S BASKETBALL NOW IN TOP 10!

Seton Hall men's basketball rating is now 10th in the Nation! Last week their rank was 18th. It is obvious all eyes are on the Hall! Keep going!

With laundry done and bed made it's time for a break. Had three eggs for lunch.

Bright sunshine prevails with cold weather aloft.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOW & COLD & QUABOAG BASKETBALL

Blood glucose 93

A cold Sunday waking up to 4-5 inches of snow. Josh began shoveling when Ronne M came and finished the rest with his truck plow. A piece of cake!

My afternoon was spent watching Quaboag schoolboy basketball. No luck this Sunday against NIPMUC regional.

Phone calls came in from both Oregon and South Georgia. Col. Barfield relates AFIB problems. Bill Gross in Portland tells of hearing problems. Both calls were lengthy and informative plus a call from SonBen. Our conversation was about Seton Hall's anticipated Monday AP rating. Josh and I have a $5 bet. I say the Pirates will be in the Top Ten. Josh doesn't.

Didn't watch any football today. Did watch Steve Magnante and Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction.

Tomorrow we celebrate M.L. King Holiday. I once attended a speech given by Dr. King while at St. Louis U.  Historic to say the least!

A MIRACLE IN MANHATTAN - SETON HALL WINS AGAIN!

Blood sugar 89     Weight 172

The Seton Hall Pirates beat St. John's at the Ma

dison Square  Garden 82-79! The Pirates came alive in the second half and Myles Powell did it again scoring 29 POINTS! The Pirates never gave up and took the lead in the final minutes and WON! Look for another leap in the standings on Monday. Providence College next in Providence on Wednesday.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLEAR, COLD & GOOD FRIDAY IN JANUARY

It was a good day with a great breakfast served at the North Brookfield Senior Center. It was abuzz with visitors and members enjoying bacon, eggs, sausage, French Toast  juice, fruit and more. Once a month Chef Kathy provides this wonderful meal.

Got my dry cleaning from Tony's Cleaners in Spencer. Then watched Barrett-Jackson Collector Car auction from Arizona & Steve Magnante.

Just returned from Quaboag where Chase's JV team defeated Oxford in a close one.

Snow is in the forecast. How much remains questionable.

Big b-ball game from the Madison Square Garden tomorrow at 11:30AM. Go Pirates!.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD THURSDAY OF ITCH AND PAIN

Blood glucose 93

It was a wintry day of itch and pain! Therapy awakened my right flank with discomfort. Seems things just aren't getting better. MRI next Tuesday in Waltham. I'm one big itch. Have been enduring this condition for 6 months to no solution. Oh well.

The big political news is THE PLOT THICKENS. I don't like it. The President is adept at telling lies.

Getting psyched up for St. John-Seton Hall game for Saturday.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Master at telling lies!

SETON HALL DEFEATS BUTLER 78-70

It was another nail-biter and the Pirates of Seton Hall prevailed over Butler!
The Hall began nicely then had some sloppy passes. Never in my wildest imagination did I feel SHU would pull this off. Myles Powell had another stellar performance with 29 points! Remember what Coach Tice once said "Teams know when to win! 7 straight victories for the Pirates! Now it's onto St. John's at Madison Square Garden on Saturday at 11:30 AM. on FOX! Go Pirates!

It was a nice day today.. partly cloudy. I had lunch in NB at the Senior Center. It was hopping.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RUBY'S TUESDAY

USA TODAY SNAPSHOTS

Professions that got the best honesty ratings from the public last year:

• Nurses 85%
• Engineers 66%
• Medical doctors 65%
• Pharmacists 64%
• Dentists 61%
• Police officers 54%
• College teachers 49%
• Psychiatrists 43%
• Chiropractors 41%
• Clergy 40%

I'm pleased and proud to, say both Ben & Josh are married to nurses Heidi & Allison!

SAGARIN BASKETBALL RATINGS

8 Seton Hall
10 Butler

Tomorrow night's game - 6:30 from Indianapolis...Go Pirates!

BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN - Son... a Jersey City, NJ firefighter! The Boss was at the ceremony with wife Patty!

BARRETT-JACKSON COLLECTOR CAR AUCTION - Local Celeb, Steve Magnante of North Brookfield leads the pack of analysts and announcers!

I did go to the NB Senior Center today for lunch. Good to see old friends!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COMMANDER-IN-THIEF- DJT

 Today's New York Times editorial tells it all "You Call That Transparency, Mr. Trump?"

"Presidential travel is an expensive proposition, requiring elaborate security measurers, including a sizeable Secret Service detail. With a jet-setting first family such as the Trumps, the costs quickly balloon."

"The exact amounts are hard to come by , but what is known is jaw-dropping. In one month . In a one month period in early 2017 ,the president spent$13.6 million on just four trips to his Mas-a-Largo property in South Florida according to estimates by the Government Accounting Office. That's an average of $3.4 million a trip."

Talk about abuse of power!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY INDOORS MONDAY

For as great as Saturday and Sunday were with temperatures in the sixties and seventies this Monday was spent indoors. I switch channels between watching news to watching Judge Judy! I like Judy's ad touting Mike Bloomberg!

Chiquita came and did my laundry and mopped the floors and made my bed. Wheel of Fortune's Pat Seajack was back at the helm. 

Hopefully tomorrow's weather will be brighter!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL IS RANKED 18TH IN TODAY'S POLL

Fasten your seatbelts for Wednesday's game in Indianapolis. IF the Pirates are on their game.. MAYBE, just maybe, they will defeat Butler? Each game is unto itself and with  a little luck the Pirates will prevail! "GO PIRATES"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JUDGE JUDY ENDORSES MICHAEL BLOOMBERG FOR PRESIDENT!

Blood glucose 79

Michael Bloomberg, age 77, received the endorsement of Judge Judy over the weekend!  Judy Sheindlin, age 77, has a daily following of nearly 10 million viewers according to the New York Times. This is good news for The mayor.

Judge Judy Sheindlin -
"I'm the boss applesauce!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SUMMER SUNDAY IN JANUARY -2020

It was an unexpected bonus this Sunday!

At 8:00 AM I drove to Country Corner in an incredible downpour. Never have I experienced this before! It was awful. By the time I got to my destination things had quieted down.

Coming back I look to the western horizon and saw clear blue sky. Great. I knew my Sunday was going to be a good one and it was. Josh called me alerting a girl's b-ball game at noon at Quaboag. Plans changed and I enjoyed watching the game at the West Brookfield Elementary School. Palmer girls came to town and flexed their muscles with superior performance. Maddie had a 3 pointer. The girls went down to defeat!

After the game I enjoyed the warm sunshine relaxing on a chair in my garage. The sun's rays were warm. Prior to that I drove to Hannaford's for some blueberries-on-sale. The ambient temperature on my dash read 71 degrees. What a way to enjoy this day. Two "summer" days in January!

Colder weather is forecast all week.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS MARQUETTE 69-55

The Seton Hall Pirates have made life interesting! They keep rallying and keep defeating the opposition. The Pirates pulled their boot straps to take the lead  of 40-37 at the half and "were in command" with 3 minutes to go. Miles Powel led the teal to their sixth straight victory with 22 points.. It is safe to say they will be in the Top 25 on Monday's voting. One victory at a time will reveal "The beast of the Big East!"

Next game on Wednesday at Butler in Indianapolis 6:30 PM FS1!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

APRIL IN JANUARY

It was the first Spring day of the new year! Temperatures in the Brookfields topped out at 67 degrees. Folks were walking around as if winter never came. I even had my moon roof opened!

 My National Grid bill of $183.17 reminded me of how cold it was a month ago. I recall minus 3! This reprieve levels off things a bit and yes, two days from now it will be winter again!

More after the Seton Hall-Marquette basketball game at 4:00!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET FRIDAY; TWO LOSSES AT QUABAUG!

This day was about addressing my right leg pain. I contacted my neurosurgeon's office and arranged for an MRI in Waltham on January 21st @ 2:00 PM.

Tonight I traveled with Josh to Quaboag and saw Northbridge defeat the Cougars twice  in men's basketball. Chase played a good  game despite his final miss. The boys lost by 1!

January weather will give us a "hot" weekend. "Summer in winter!"

Basketball Saturday coming up! Pirates at 4:00 PM!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FULL WOLF MOON COMING UP

Blood glucose 79

Today was clear and cold. Went about my routine of therapy, food shopping and visiting sister Jan. We met at Hannaford's where I bought some bacon and eggs which I enjoyed for lunch. Bought some of the lean bacon for a change.

The glow of the Seton Hall victory over Xavier last night paved the way for a visit to son Josh. We're excited about Saturday's contest against Marquette CBSSN 4:00 PM.

Then, with the bright sunshine at hand I did a jaunt to New Braintree. It is always therapeutic for me to travel to my favorite rural town nearby. Thought of stopping at Deny Longs but didn't. Was greeted by a waxing gibbous moon when I came back to WB. Tomorrow's Full Wolf Moon may not be visible in the Brookfields? The day's are a tad longer! Have you noticed? Weekend weather will be a Janauary thaw.

Called my neurosurgeon and alerted him to my ongoing discomfort of lower back.. burning sensation, pain etc.

Another dead mouse! #6.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS XAVIER 83-71

The Hall was on the ball and pulled off a major win in Cincinnati. Myles Powell was on his game with 24 points.. Each victory strengthens the whole team's confidence! Way to go PIRATES! Marquette U. Sat in Newark at the Pru. 4:00 PM. 5TH STRAIGHT WIN!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOWSQUALL WEDNESDAY

The day began with partly cloudy skies. It was routine for me.. watching Trump surround himself with Generals and Cabinet members. I try not to get too involved as his message doesn't change!

After lunch and a nap I noticed clouds coming in about 2:30 PM. Suddenly a squall line of heavy snow and ice pellets dropped visibility to near zero. I haven's seen such a squall line in decades. A Weather Channel warning came on the TV. Then clearing came back as colder air comes in. Amazing 'til warm weather settles in for the weekend. Who can believe this?

I feel bad for Australia.

So many animals burned to death.

Tonight is Seton Hall basketball from Cincinnati at 8:30 PM against XAVIER. Before that is the Jeopardy Championships. Should be good.
Stay tuned!

Little Savvy is feeling better!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY QUABBIN TUESDAY

The day was too good to stay in so I headed West! I did the entire Quabbin road to recharge my battery. Some runners and walkers revealed the tone of the day: moderate.

I traveled to Walmart-Ware for  some bottled water.

Tonight so much collegiate basketball but more important was the Jeopardy Tournament of Champions. James H & Ken Jennings made this double session interesting. These guys are brilliant.

Changing weather overnight. Don't think we'll get much in the Brookfields!

Get well Little Savvy! ( Granddaughter)

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD JANUARY MONDAY

I found this Monday go by nicely. My morning was modified as Chiquita never showed up so I did the laundry in Warren. Then to Hannaford for a few food stuffs.

With the International news as it is I have reverted to my YouTube listening. Lawrence Welk entertained me nicely in the late afternoon hours. Once I get the weather picture from Pete Bouchard it's more music. JoAnne Castle, Myron Florin and others.

Vana White runs the Wheel of Fortune for this week then Pat Sajek is back. No word on how much longer Alex Trebek will host Jeopardy! It will a whole new ballgame I'm afraid.

Two mouse traps set. Nytol!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SUNDAY NIGHT MOUSE

Blood glucose 82

I had settled down in my easy chair when I caught a mouse scurrying around my front office. At first I couldn't believe my eyes... another Mickey! It apparently found a way to get in as there are lots of cracks on the perimeter.

I set a trap with a small piece of cheese and witnessed the cleverness of this rodent. It ate the cheese without setting off the trap! Strike one. Another setting was made and yes, the clever mouse got another "free" snack.

This critter moved fast from wall to wall. I didn't give up as I set another cheese laden trap and decided to go to bed. During the night I heard a snap. I caught the mouse!

What to do? I thought of getting a cat? Fortunately I am not fearful of a mouse as others may be. Another trap is set.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

SUNDAY'S DISAPPOINTMENTS

Maddie's game was off today at Quaboag. It seems they just couldn't pull things together in the absence of two star players.

The football world has Patriot fans licking their chops in defeat. Bill Belichick's press conference was humbling. The whole team seems to be in shock. "Wait 'til next year." Is their dynasty over??

Sunday's weather changed for the better as the day progressed. Looks like the week's weather will be moderate. Most of the snow has melted except for snow plow banks.

Seton Hall men's basketball team travels to Cincinnati, OH to play Xavier Wednesday evening at 8:30 PM FS1 8:30 PM. I did watch Xavier trounce St. John's today.

The Middle East war situation has America on guard. ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN! Not good!  

Enjoyed thick cut Oscar Mayer bacon & cereal for supper!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                                         

MY RAINY BASKETBALL SATURDAY

My day began at WBES where little Evie and friends learned more about basketball. Josh is one of the coaches and enjoys working with the kids. Maddie assisted dad while I sat with Heidi. Good show!

This Saturday was murky and mild. I devoured many collegiate contests and felt good after Seton Hall sent Georgetown to the showers last night. One game I recall is Syracuse losing to Notre Dame by a point.

Tonight I caught the first period of the Patriots & Tennessee in Foxboro. There's a lot on the line for both teams. GO PATS!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS GEORGETOWN!

It was Seton Hall all the way! Myles Powell and team were ahead all of the time. It was a confidence builder and an important victory. Next game at Xavier Wed night 8:30 PM FS1. Should be interesting!

Chase lost to Millbury.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BILLY JOEL THURSDAY ON SIRIUS - FM

Blood glucose 80           Weight 172.2 lbs.

The new year began with the return of the Billy Joel Channel on Sirius FM # 30. I like this BJ channel as it is retrospective. Today Billy told the story how he began playing Piano Man in a California bar. The lyrics are true to life!

The day was moderate with clouds and sunshine. Looks like the next few days won't be so pleasant.

Spent some time reading my new purchase diabetes solution kit. This disease is very serious and will require changing eating habits. Never gave things a thought until now. Our eating habits are our downfall!

Tomorrow is TGIF. Basketball is in the works from grand kids to Seton Hall at 9:00 - versus Georgetown Univ. in Newark at the Prudential. GO PIRATES!

Am drinking more water.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET NEW YEARS DAY

It has been a quiet New Years Day. While the Sturbridge Antique Show was truly a highlight, late in the day I visited my family on Birch Hill. Jay Ostrout stopped by with his black dog! Josh shaved off his beard.

Enjoyed some Oscar Mayer "thick cut" bacon for supper. Game shows spell my evening. Don't forget, tomorrow's Thursday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

STURBRIDGE ANTIQUE SHOW HOST HOTEL

It is the best show I've ever attended! The place is hopping with buyers and dealers. The show goes on 'til 5:00,PM.Come to Sturbridge.. come to the Host!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN