A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY CAKE AT JOSH'S

Blood glucose 103    Weight 168lbs.

This Friday was sunny and not as warm. I went about my business as usual . Now I have a full array of clean Bermuda Shorts and short sleeve shirts.

My day became full with arriving at Josh's for 5:00 PM. Things were quiet until friends began arriving. Lester and Amy Paquette and 3 kids arrived first. All went directly into the swimming pool along with Evie and Maddie.
Then came Ava & Mason Ostrout and dad Jay. Brian Waz came without kids.

SonJosh prepared a gourmet cookout on the grill... then a surprise for POPS came: An ice-cream birthday cake. 'Creative-Josh' decorated the top with an image of Trump and blonde hair and a "COVID 78" inscription. I have the images on my phone but don't know how to transfer them to this site!

The crowd sang me "Happy Birthday,Pops" and the spirit was high!

Then as I was ready to leave Evie, Mason and Leo were quizzed about the full moon coming up on August 3rd. Answers varied. Then as I was leaving I observed the gibbous moon to the East! It seems the days are getting shorter and cooler. How nice!

Thanks for surprise folks.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MORE QUIET THURSDAY

This Thursday began brighter but the day became cloudy by noon. I picked up my mail after 11:00 and received an Exxon gift card from Ben, Allison and Savvy for my 78th birthday! Thanks.

Much of mid-day was spent watching the funeral of John Robert Lewis from Atlanta. I tuned it in as former president Bill Clinton was speaking. Later on former president  Barach Obama delivered an eloquent speech recounting his years of being friends with the former congressman. Obama is such a change from what we have in the White House now!

Later in the afternoon SonJosh called asking if I wanted to ride shotgun as Chase and Maddie had sports practice at Quaboag. I said "yes." We had fun reviewing celebrity wealth and song titles. I didn't watch much evening news with Lester Holt when I returned..

Baseball caught a little interest as did Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!.

Tomorrow, Friday, will be good. I must redeem all of my change at Hannaford as there is a national shortage!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

I miss my Allante'.

A HAPPY BIRTHDAY INDEED!

Blood glucose 83

My 78th birthday was a happy day indeed! I had fun asking Amanda at Country Corner "How old am I?" She responded "68!"

At ten Sister Jan called singing "Happy Birthday." We chatted for a while when she said my birthday gift was in the mail. It was and a generous amount it was.

Plans with Josh, Heidi and children was dinner al Lakeside 308 in East Brookfield. With the help of Heidi and Chase I hobbled down to outside seating overlooking Lake Lashaway. The seating was "sunnyside.' Only 3 pontoon boats graced the lake's waters.

Birthday cards and a matted and framed recent photo of my family recently taken at the White Mountains, NH. It is fun seeing the grandchildren get older. Maddie drew a special birthday card for me! Josh gave me a hardbound book "The Patriot's Reference!"

Josh & I had fish & chips; Heidi swordfish.

 It pleases me to watch the kids order with confidence!

My day was a happy day.. as Sister Sledge sings "WE ARE FAMILY!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

POPS GOES FOR A SWIM IN THE POOL

Blood glucose 106

Another hot day indeed. My trip to Hannaford NB was early and I remained home all day until 5:00 pm. Josh called earlier saying 'you're going in the pool' with certainty in his voice. It was hot enough to get me thinking in a new direction!

When I arrived a fire was burning in the pit. There was a breeze of sorts yet the heat was enough for me to strip down and head for the pool. Granddaughters Evie and Maddie were having fun diving off of the diving board. When they saw Pops head for the water they laughed with approval!

My steps were certain as Josh gave me a tube for safety. Step by step I walked towards deeper water. I felt confident as I floated towards the middle of the pool. Everybody laughed.  The girls splashed all around me. I cooled off and enjoyed getting wet!

The breeze got stronger as Josh made some popcorn. Everybody was happy. When I asked Evie "how old am I going to be tomorrow she replied "Ninety!?" We all laughed.

This one event proved 'You are never too old to take a dip in the pool!'
I was refreshed! Tomorrow we will celebrate "78" by eating out! Thanks, family!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

7-29-1942

BIRTHDAY BOY BOB

Grade two

DR. ANTHONY FAUCI'S TOPPS BASEBALL CARD BREAKS RECORD!

Dr. Anthony Fauci is now the top TOPPS baseball card in sales! Amazing!

The day was hotter than hell! On my way to doing laundry in Warren a black  otter or mink or something like that zipped in front of my car and made it without getting killed!

I got my work complete and remained in my cave all day! I did get the mail but found the heat oppressive. I drank my share of bottled water and laid low.

Josh called about 4 stating he was going to take his new boat on Lake Wikaboag with his kids so I remained at home. Just too hot for me.

Heard from Dr. Wei's office giving me an August 12 date for an injection. Josh advises he'll be at Cape Cod that day so I must re-book my appointment.

Getting ready for "78".....

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COOPERSTOWN

MLB had a feature about Cooperstown and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. I found it to be most interesting as I have traveled to Cooperstown in the past couple of years. By attending the Hall of Fame you get a historical perspective of baseball's best players enshrined. Today's program featured many ball players but Pedro Martinez was my favorite! I also like Tony LaRussa!

I drove over to the Potvin Estate to find Chase just getting up. He said 'Dad is playing football at the Elementary School grounds. I drove to the grounds and saw Josh in motion so I just waved and came home.

My guess is Josh was later on Lake Wickaboag in his boat.

This afternoon was about watching MLB games. The Red Sox lost to the Baltimore Orioles... two out of three! The Yankees defeated the Washington Nationals. Other games were seen later on. The fake fans in the seats provide for imagination. Better than nothing!

Son Ben called relating to his motor trip to Maryland and attendant car repairs. Now family is back in North Carolina.

Tomorrow, Monday is "laundry and food shopping as usual." How hot can it get? 100+.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BIG TRUMP RALLY IN WEST BROOKFIELD!

After breakfast blood glucose 80

Another Trump rally was held across from the Nursing Home in West Brookfield. It was a colorful display with many waving banners and flags. I Ignored them as I drove by!!!

No thunderstorms today. The heat was a tad less but not worth talking about. Josh was on the lake with family enjoying the new boat.

Several yard sales were held but I didn't bother. All I need is hair. LOL.

Baseball and NASCAR took care of this Saturday's afternoon. I watched the Red Sox who were losing. There were other games.. in a crowdless setting.  Just not the same.

Tried some different food for lunch and supper. Two pan-fried franks and B&M Beans for lunch and three pieces of broiled bacon and more beans for my evening meal.

More Summer weather and heat continues.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER SCORCHER IN THE PROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 113    Weight 169lbs.

The summer of my discontent... is a way of saying it is just too darn hot!

Opening Day is at night against the Baltimore Orioles. Strange but true. We've never seen such an event with a fanless crowd. Millions of dollars are being lost on a daily basis. Some feel bad.. others don't!

It was Friday night on Birch Hill again. The music played on the Bose speakers. Kids were happily immersed in the swimming pool while the adults enjoyed a libation and hedged their bets in the BLOCK ROCK contest. Host Josh fired up the grill as I was leaving.

Earlier in the day I received a call from Dr. Edward Wei of Mass General.. Spaulding Framingham regarding my aches and pains  in my flank, back and legs. We spoke at length and agreed another epidural injection was in order. Because the pain is constant son Josh said "Get in there the sooner the better."

And so it goes....Hot..hot..hot!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OPREHESIVE HUMIDITY THIS THURSDAY

It was another hot, muggy day. For those who don't like the heat as I do, hibernating  in air conditioning was the only resolve.

At mid-afternoon the Western skies turned black. Then the downpour came but with little lightening. My rain gauge is broken though I say we got close to an inch of precipitation. By five o'clock the roads were dry again.

Josh had a fire on the hottest day of the summer! I had a bottle of O'Doul's to quench my thirst. Did see the Birthday Girl Maddie for a moment. Teenager next year!

Opening Day with the Washington Nationals. Dr. Anthony Fauci, with uniform shirt, mask and ballcap threw out the first pitch! The "Good Doctor" is genuine if you ask me!

My VA nurse called early in the day reviewing my situation. Tomorrow Dr. Wei calls at 3:00 pm.

Josh will sponsor Rock Block tomorrow with friends. I enjoy seeing the interaction of it all.

KEEP COOL & KEEP COOLIDGE!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SEVERE LIGHTENING STORM!

A very active lightening storm at hand! 7:35 PM

 The storm had many bolts of lightening but not much wind or rain.

The day was good. Chase Robert came to mow my lawn mid-morning. A surprise! The family returned from their NH vacation in the morning. Good reports of hiking in the White Mountains!

I didn't travel far this Wednesday. I did collect my Social Security and pay Josh the rent. More relaxing television and AC.

The President goes on and on with his press conferences.... Sad to see the poor victims of crime in his audience. No thanks.

HAPPY 12TH BIRTHDAY MADDIE!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PLAY BALL!

Weight 168.9 lbs

It was another hot, quiet day in West Brookfield. The highlights of the day included the Press Conference by Trump and the return of Major League Baseball!. I enjoyed watching some of the game without any fans.. and Trump abbreviated his BS session big time.

The Boston Red Sox are playing the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway. It is weird watching players contest in masks. I have fond memories of attending baseball at Rogers Field, Toronto both in 1991 at the All Star Game then in 1993 at the World Series! Back then Toronto was a team to be reckoned with especially when player Joe Carter sent one into the stands to end the Series. "OK BLUE JAY!" The All Star Game.. played in daylight was the last day game. Joe Garagiola was MC. … not to be forgotten.

I heard from Dr. Shankar's office regarding my ailments. Will discuss things with Dr. Wei on Thursday.

"THE ANSWER IS'...don't  miss  Trebek's memoir on sale today..Simon & Schuster  Non-fiction.. The beloved "Jeopardy!" host and game-show icon, moved by the support amd goodwill he received from fans all over the world following his pancreatic cancer diagnosis, finally tells  his life story in this charming memoir."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

ALEX TREBEK

 

 

A JULY HEAT WAVE 2020

The temperature read 97 degrees at 4 PM today! It was a difficult Monday with not a heck of a lot to do. I addressed my duty of doing laundry in Warren. I remained in my AC Honda... the coolest part of the morning. My house AC is set at 68.

The big news is Hannaford is remodeling the interior and  exterior of their NB Store! It needed attention. All of the clapboards have been removed. Should be interesting!

Sons Josh and Ben continue to be on vacation.

Alex Trebek is featured in today's NYT with a new book.. "The Answer Is". The Jeopardy! programs are early shows for the next four weeks.

The week looks HOT!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY "JOHNSON" SUNDAY

This July Sunday began in a usual manner....eat, shave, get the newspaper then watch Jane Pauley. Then I heard a door slam and Dick Johnson came in with a smile. "Want to head for the Quabbin" he asked. I concurred saying I had some money to defray gas costs.

Although it was very warm the skies were blue with few clouds. I was game. It had been months since we "headed west." First we headed up Coy Hill, WB to Lucy Stone's foundation. .. then to the Quabbin Reservoir. We chatted about old times and enjoyed the beauty of both the vast waters and forests. I then said "let's go to Northampton!"

We enjoyed traveling through Belchertown, Amherst & Hadley. The Salvation Army Store was closed. We crossed the Connecticut River and the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Bridge and drove by the small statue of "Silent Cal" I keep my affection alive of the president as he is my favorite.

"Mr. GPS" wheeled his GMC truck over the many roads including Mt. Tom. Dick is familiar with every road and it's story as he worked at radio stations in the area in years past.

On the way home we ate at Janines in Ware.

The remainder of the afternoon included my watching  NASCAR from Texas.

SonBen called from the road in Maryland as he and family are on vacation.

Monday coming up with usual duties of laundry and food shopping. Yes, it was hot 94 degrees and a good Sunday!


ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

RICHARD B. JOHNSON

 

 

A HOTTER-THAN-HOT SATURDAY

We are in the middle of a heat wave! When I looked at my car's thermometer late in the afternoon it read 95 degrees! Wow!! The day was virtually cloudless which made the difference. Air-conditioning goes without saying!

NASCAR from Texas was good. I enjoy watching and reminiscing my many trips to the Charlotte Motor Speedway with SonBen a while back.
Then I traveled to NB for a visit with Steve Magnante. Steve is like family with me dating back to the eighties when he worked at my estate auctions. Steve was worki8ng on his Smart Car.It is cute and Lily Potvin would enjoy it. I will have Steve drive to Josh's some time for the grandkids to see.

Have been in touch with Rita Power in Natick. Paul Power is another college friend. Paul was re-admitted to the hospital yesterday. rita sent me two photographs. In talking with Rita I have made a note for Ben & Josh and my condition "Prepare for what's to come!" Paul has advance  conditions of neuropathy, etc.

Tomorrow may be even hotter

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Steve Magnante - Celebrity Automotive Expert

MY "FULL-CIRCLE" FRIDAY IN JULY

Blood glucose 89

Despite the terrible, gloomy day, my day was a total success! From the get-go I decided to reach out to family and friends and that I did!

Son Josh was packing for vacation to the White Mountains, NH. I rode shot gun after observing the ramifications of taking everything with them in the Toyota van!

Next stop was picking up clothes in Spencer, then, on the way back I stopped for an oil change at Ken's Auto in EB. $28.. cheap! Next stop was Lee's Coin & Jewelry in EB. Nothing new except a full impressive inventory. 508-637-1236.

It was time to visit Deny Long in New Braintree and that I did. Denis raises goats and has some 150 baahing  in the back field. Denis will be 80 in August. Next I rang up old Dick Johnson in Leominster. everybody is doing their best, considering.

Just now I received a call from Natick. My friend Paul Power is back in the hospital. I had a lengthy phone-visit with Mrs. Power about Paul. And then the sun came out! It took all day for things to burn off. Now we enter into the weekend. 100 degrees will be possible..... Cook your eggs on the pavement! LOL

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHANGE IN THE WEATHER

Blood glucose 93    Weight 169

It was "clean out the refrigerator day." I have been remiss in getting rid of spoiled food. Now I returned to Hannaford NB to begin again. I got some UTZ pretzels, chips, watermelon and other goodies. Prune juice..OMG.

I watched "HOW ITS MADE".. The Panama Canal. An awesome story in every sense. Old Teddy Roosevelt was the prime mover. Today 100 years later a new and improved Canal has been built.

Received some mail from a Chicago Pen Pal! One of the veterans organization offered the service so I sent my name. "I enjoy writing to soldiers" was Diane Nealey's message.

No 5:00PM gathering tonight. Josh and kids were enjoying a cruise on Lake Wickaboag. It will be a growth activity for all. I'm too old to water ski LOL!

Change in the weather pattern for the next few days. Both Josh & Ben are on vacation in the next few days. St. Louis friend Bill Gross phoned from Washington State. Always fun to reminisce.

Called Quirk Wire to compliment them on the new building. Unbelievable !
Emile Flamand wrote from Florida. Thanks EMO!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BRIGHTER WEDNESDAY

Blood glucose 97       Weight 169lbs.

It was a brighter Wednesday from the get-go. I had issues with my PC password and my North Brookfield Savings On-Line account. After fooling around with unsuccessful attempts I contacted STAPLES in Sturbridge and the savings bank. I was successful in both accounts allowing me to proceed accordingly.

After reading the newspapers and getting caught up on all of the FAKE news I was inspired to recount my St. Louis U days. I crafted three such entries for your consideration!

Contacted Dr. Edward We in Framingham advising of my new MRI. He can review it and will contact me on July 24 at 3:00PM by phone.

Went over to Josh's at 5:00 PM and traveled with him in doing some small errands with him with the kids. Then he ignited a fire and we enjoyed listening to some Rock. Little Evie scared the living daylight out of me by calling "BOO" from behind as I relaxed in the rocking chair.

Friends arrived and I shoved off in time for Lester Holt's News.

Earlier Josh and I spoke about my lack of appetite. "Clean out all leftovers" was his behest. Tomorrow I will make a new list and begin again!

This Wednesday was good through  and through!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE SUMMER OF 1964 CAPE COD NATIONAL SEASHORE

Last semester at St. Louis University was preceded by summer employment on Cape Cod! I wanted to be a ranger and was successful in obtaining a job from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy! I make contact with Francis T. "Red" Lee who introduced me to Mr. Kennedy by way of a letter I sent him.

The Summer of 1964 was my Dream Job.I drove a Dodge Power Wagon over the sand dunes of the Outer Cape. My employment allowed me to save enough money for my last semester. Further loans were obtained to get me to my goal: A college degree.

Saint Louis was a stopping point for politicians and baseball. I worked at Bush Stadium as a runner for one Paul Vathis.  an AP photographer who won  the Pulitzer Prize of Kennedy & Eisenhower at Camp David! I worked three games and saw the Cardinals capture the World Champion title. It was meaningful for in 1987 I took sons Ben & Josh to attend the World Series back in St. Louis! I was amazed to see how things changed in three decades!

Further, LBJ campaigned in St. Louis to the jeering of the crowd. I was there!

On February 7, 1965 I reached my goal of college graduation:" DEGREE CONFERRED!" I maintained " What I have learned in my time at St. Louis U wasn't what I learned in the books and classrooms but what I learned on the streets and associations I made.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DISCOVERING ST. LOUIS

Initially I would ride public transit for a 10 cent fare. The university is located in Mid-town. The trolley is on Olive Street. The university is surrounded by commercial enterprises and slums! SLU was in an expansive re-birth with substantial new classrooms and housing. It was convenient.

Gradually my homesickness wore off with friends made. St. Louis  was my home. Springtime in St. Louis saw beer-drinking parties at Forest Park. Socializing with co-eds was normal. In the Spring I liked forward to obtaining summer employment. I hit pay dirt in getting a job as a cook ATOP MT. WASHINGTON IN THE HOTEL!  It lasted one month then I quit. I returned home to North Brookfield, MA and was hired once more by Frank Cooke. Mr. Cook, in no small way, helped me in my quest for obtaining an education. He served as my mentor.

Returning to Saint Louis was problematic. I had little money and began borrowing student loans. Getting my father to co-sign the notes was difficult. I said "This will be my ticket to life."

Year two at St. Louis was more comfortable. I found two courses  CONSERVATION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES AND U.S. HISTORY inspiring. I got As in both! Father Faherty was genius!

I worked as dormitory mail clerk that year in addition to working in Lou's Tobacco Shop and the bookstore. All along mother sent me $5 a week.
It was more like home.. 1,200 miles from home.

My last semester at SLU proved to be full of excitement. Earlier LBJ came to campus then the Cardinals played in the World Series!

William B. Faherty



Frank Cooke



 

HOMESICK IN ST. LOUIS

Leaving home in 1962 for sights unseen catapulted me into an adventure that shaped my entire adult life. I boarded a Greyhound bus in Worcester and for the next 24 hours I traveled to NYC, PA WVA, Indiana onto Illinois. My destination was Saint Louis, Missouri.

In retrospect bus travel left much more of an impression than flying by jet. Little did I realize how flat the Midwest was. I didn't know what I was in for.

I had graduated from Worcester Junior College and left home with a suitcase full of ambition. My hopes were to received an education in meteorology! That lasted for two weeks as higher math wasn't my bag and I quickly transferred to the College of Arts and Science majoring in Geography.. minor in Political Science.

Living 1200 miles from home in Massachusetts necessitated making friends both in the dormitory (Clemens Hall)  and in class. It was a whole new experience for me. Soon the folks back home in Massachusetts were pulling strings.. I was homesick! It was so bad I bought an airfare as my safety net.

My new friends included Bill Gross from Indianapolis. Also, a Jesuit named Father Robert E. Bosken befriended me as we both were coin collectors! I yearned for the beautiful Fall colors of New England as the Midwest just didn't get it! Saint Louis offered other interests to include the Saint Louis Cardinals.

Dormitory living saw new friends from all over. My first Thanksgiving away from home saw me travel to Indianapolis with Bill Gross. It was here the two of us drove a lap at famed Motor Speedway.

My employment was necessary. I found working in the University Bookstore a natural and latched onto the Manager, E.V. Shields. I was on my way. My academic achievement was 'Average Attainment' and the first year as a Billiken was uneventful.

To be continued

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

Father Bosken

 

MY QUIET TUESDAY

The heat of July continues! It was a cloudy day and a day of cumulus formations. I went down to check my mail at noon and a sprinkle dampened the day.

My discomfort in my right leg, back and flank continues. Thought I would hear from the surgeon by today? Will call my VA nurse tomorrow.

The daytime television is a mix as usual. FOX, CNBC, CNN and Boston 10 plus the Weather Channel. There's so much controversy it isn't funny. The heat of summer seems to bring out the worse. Homicides, etc. leaves little for happiness. I mix it up and make it through the day.

At 5:00 I drove to Josh's to find "nobody home!" No clue where he was; doors were down.

Evening news with Lester Holt on NBC is always good with me. Then the Game Shows. They are all repeats yet entertaining. I like Jeopardy wiz James Holzhower! So does Alex Trebek.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER HOT DAY IN JULY

Blood glucose 103

I don't know what it would be like without air conditioning! My evening rest was good between a circulating fan at my face and AC set at 68. My sciatic pain continues and it is a challenge to find comfort throughout the day. No word from the doctor.

I did power spray the Honda between wash & dry at the laundromat. Car looks new from a distance. LOL.

Food shopping rounded out the morning after making my bed, etc.

I channel hop all day long between The Weather Channel, FOX, CNBC and CNN. Trump was on campaigning. 'See what good I have done for America'.. BS.

Saw Josh at 5:00 pm. No fire. Came home for a bowl of  Honey Nut Cheerios. Had some Rum Raisin earlier.

At 7:00 we had a brief thunder storm.. rain.. lightening. Couple more days of humidity then cooler days according to PETE BOUCHARD.

Monday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOT, HOT SUNDAY

This Sunday was full of news! The Roger Stone situation continues to make news headlines. The arrogance of Trump and Stone will come back to haunt them, I'm sure!

I found an ample supply of paper towels at Dollar General - North Brookfield!

Son-Josh came by after lunch to clean my floors with a Swiffer! A good way to start the week!

NASCAR FROM Kentucky was exciting. A rookie by the name of Custer surged ahead in the last lap! Next race will be on Wednesday from Bristol.

Poor Dr. Anthony Fauci! He hasn't been in the "presidential mix" since June 2nd! I detected something was wrong in his absence from Trump's daily briefings!

It'll be "Monday as usual" with dirty laundry and more food shopping. The entire week promises to be hot. How nice! LOL

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER HOT, MUGGY, DAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 113

The weatherman threw a curveball. Instead of torrential  downpours the day dawned with partly cloudy skies. I was ready for a lousy day, but instead, it was bright for the most part.

The big news is the presidential commuting of one ROGER STONE. It has been in the news all day long and some say it will cost Trump the Election in November?!

Did see Josh late in the day. He was mowing his expanse in style. No fire tonight.. he has other commitments.

Shortage of paper towels! Both Dollar General and Hannaford is out! Will try DG NB tomorrow.

My AC is set at 68. The Honda AC is heavenly!

News programs set the stage for tomorrow's watching...Not traveling far.

Josh is coming to clean tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TROPICAL MUGGY FRIDAY IN JULY

It seems the wonderful weather pattern of June is a forgotten memory. For days on end we enjoyed low humidity and fluffy fair weather clouds to be replaced with low clouds and high humidity. This was the pattern today. Now we are faced with a Tropical depression!

The mood of the day was satisfied by shopping at Hannaford's, getting my dry cleaning in Spencer and settling down to watching MECUM Auto Auctions. Josh called at mid-afternoon inviting me over at 5:00. He didn't mention a pit-fire and surprised me when I arrived.

A fire sets the tone. It was warm yet the East wind made it comfortable. Little Evie (Fire bug) played with pieces of firewood and friends arrived. Jay, Ben, Brian came to play the Block Rock. This further set the tone of levity as the songs blared over the Bose speakers.

This is a heartening event as the "Boys of Summer" antied up their wagers and even children played for dollars. I observed all festivities with approval. Everybody wins in this healthy social occasion. My visit was for an hour and a half.... then I came home for an update of news and a bowl of Honeynut Cheerios!

Rains held off enough to call it a good Friday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MRI MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING

Blood glucose 121    Weight 120 lbs.

My MRI was a success! Josh drove me to Waltham for a 5:00PM appointment. The procedure lasted 25 minutes. It was noisy as heck and uneventful. MASS GENERAL HOSPITAL scores high grades in the process. Now I must wait for the results to be called by Dr. Schankar.

Another hot day in the Brookfields. Summer is here to stay for a while. I live by AC.

Spoke with J.M. Barfield, Doerun, GA. We talked about the BIBLE at length. He gave me some notes for passages to read... some of which I am familiar with. Maurice is Born Again... I am not!

Dry cleaners in the morning.

Heat wave continues. Lots of hot air from Washington! I did enjoy Gen. Colin Powell's interview this noon.  VERITAS!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING

The Power of Positive Thinking is a book title that made one man famous and rich! Norman Vincent Peale, a minister, wrote this book in the 1950s. Peale, a Midwesterner, staked claim to Marble Collegiate Church in New York City, became a motivational speaker and founded The Foundation for Christian Living in Pawling, NY.

I became a fan of Dr. Peale in the Seventies. Mother detected I was in trouble and gave me "YOU CAN IF YOU THINK YOU CAN" to read. This one book of Dr. Peale catapulted me to getting back on track. Then and there I was sold on Dr. Peale's philosophy.

Today, in searching for something to do I logged onto The Power of Positive Thinking audio-book and listened to Dr. Peale's reading it for three and one half hours! It was so refreshing to hear his "story telling style."

Dr. Peale lived to age 95! He was featured on Schuller's Crystal Cathedral Hour of Power which can be accessed on You Tube.  His messages are sound years later! Check 'em out!

NVP

 

A NOT-AS-WARM TUESDAY

Blood glucose 103

This Tuesday began bright and signs of another warm day but clouds set in.
I replenished my pill caddy which took about an hour. Once again I relied on news-television. I skip channels and compare. The highlight of the day came with a White House Roundtable featuring President Trump, his wife, VP Pense & wife and educators from all over the country.

Each person had a chance to express their feelings about when to re-open the school year OR delay it. The consensus was overwhelming to begin again AS USUAL. Each person speaking emphasized the importance of students interacting with fellow students, faculty members, etc. I agree. The burden of having parents teach their children and  hold a job, etc. is overwhelming! I see it with my own grandchildren and their parents!

Late in the day I went unto YouTube and logged onto PBS "LBJ" Part 1. I have watched this Lyndon B. Johnson special many times and always come away learning more about this president and his times.

SonJosh, Heidi, and kids are away overnight. No campfire tonight.

Received a call from the MRI office for a pre-MRI interview. My date is Thursday at 4:45 PM in Waltham.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WARM & GOOD MONDAY

It was "Monday as usual" with laundry and food shopping. I spent nearly $70 at Hannaford to include a 16 bottle of Ensure. So what as I enjoy a bottle every breakfast.

The day went by nicely as I was entertained by American Pickers and Pawn Stars. I do watch the news channels through out the day keeping up with what's going on.

The holiday mood continues as some folks are on vacation.

Saw Josh at 5:00 PM briefly. Heidi is off and the family is enjoying boating and other activities. Ella is on vacation!

Monday was a good day indeed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER SPECTACULAR DAY

Temperatures in the nineties allowed us to enjoy another holiday Sunday in style. My morning was spent watching news programs and interviews. I don't like the continued social unrest across the Land! Shootings and killings are not what America means. We are the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!

One History Channel favorite  for me is "CARS THAT MADE AMERICA GREAT." It is a wonderful history of how Ford and Chevrolet and Chrysler ruled the roost in the early years. Today it's all about Lexus, Toyota and Honda.

Visited the Marchessault family where Heidi & Josh & kids were enjoying a steak meal. I was given a plate prepared by Josh. Chase volunteered "I'll mow your lawn when we're finished."

Upon completion of mowing Josh invited me for another boat ride. I opted to take a rain check. We must find an easier access with fewer steps! He relates how great the fireworks were night from the boat.

KEVIN HARVICK wins again Brickyard 400 at Indy!

A full holiday-Sunday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SPECTACULAR FOURTH

Blood glucose 103      Weight 172 dressed

The skies cleared overnight giving us promise of a nice holiday... and it was.

Josh came by before noon asking me if I wanted to take a ride in his new-used Ski Centurian? I said yes.

It's a new experience for the Potvins to have a boat on Lake Wickaboag. This spiffy craft is 30 years old and runs new. It is docked at his mother Bev's. With the help of Chase and Josh I landed comfortably at the head of the craft. Josh equated the new experience to that of his owning a Mustang 5.0.!

Josh gave me a retrospective review of all lake properties... indeed a treat. Chase gave his red shirt to the lake losing it by error. A review of Lake Wickaboag properties is revealing. There are more than one million dollar residences to say the least. I learned by observing and listening to my son.

At mid to late afternoon I did my New Braintree trip. I had time to kill before Trump's "Salute To America."

At 6:00 PM I was entertained by the president's tribute. His message was patriotic and stern to those felling historic statues. I agree they should be arrested! The air show was another first class retrospective review of US aeronautical history. "Paradise is found in the shadow of the sword." Our military might is second to none!

Indeed I had a good day... how about you?

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DISAPPOINTING FRIDAY

With the 4th of July weekend at hand, the day was a bummer! It seems the world has been cancelled. Trump is spending taxpayers money like there's no tomorrow! Mount Rushmore is symbolic of our heritage and no masks and no social distancing puts him above the law! 7,500 guests.. OK Google! Talk about setting the stage for more Coronavirus as a result!

My highlight was a haircut by Josh-the-Barber. I visited with Heidi, Chase & Josh. Seems the weather is a letdown. Hopefully tomorrow will be better? I have been invited for a boat ride on Lake Wickaboag with Capt. Josh at the helm.

HAPPY FOURTH MY FRIENDS!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A 92 DEGREE THURSDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 110

The morning skies were clear as I began my day. After the usual chores and reading newspapers I enjoyed the AC in my abode. I eventually worked my way to NB to Hannafords. The store was packed and the lines were long. I sported my flag trousers and shirt with the 4th of July in mind. As I was checking out the lady behind me said "very handsome!" I thanked her behind my Patriotic mask. She also thanked me for my service as I wore my Vietnam Veteran hat.

The entire afternoon was spent watching the HISTORY Channel. It featured things like accents, and how the states got their sizes. It captured my interest for hours.

I didn't realize how hot it really was until I drove over Birch Hill to see Josh. 92 degrees read the thermometer on my car's dash. My awesome AC in the Honda equalized things. Josh was working on his new-used boat.. a blue Ski Centurian. Chase came around and said the wrong thing to dad.. and dad barked! I decided it was time to leave!!  LOL.

Looks like another scorcher for tomorrow!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER CLOUDY, MUGGY DAY WITH THUNDERSTORMS

We've had our share of undesirable summer weather. Hopefully tomorrow will be clear and cooler?

The day began with a call from VA doctor Bennett. He did an interview on my moods,, etc. Nothing to get excited over!

This day was a video day. I began with watching and listening to The Carpenters. I like renewing my memories of the Seventies when I worked in Brockton and living in Scituate. Next came a video "Humanity from Space." This PBS classic covers how we have evolved over the past 12,000 years. Next cane Yellow Submarine and the Beatles... a classic.. "When I'm Sixty-Four.

I watch my share of Fox, CNBC and CNN. Seems Trump has been lying low lately? He travels to Mount Rushmore for July 4th.

Josh called about 4:00 PM relating to our "Official Business." I shot over at five and had a nice visit. No bonfire... just thunder and rain!. We had more train and thunder tonight. Good for the lawns!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN