A GOOD TUESDAY

This was a transitional Tuesday. The change in weather...cloudy, muggy forthcoming rain changed my mood! I have been working on my auction research, in depth!

First, I reviewed more videos of past real estate auctions. Second I spoke with the Division of Standards in Boston regarding licensing. The lady, Jeninine was most helpful. There are only 460 licensed auctioneers in the Commonwealth! Requirements have changed and I am out of luck as I haven't renewed my license in several years. Hey, at this age think I am past tense!

Tonight I did speak with Col. J. Maurice Barfield for 50 minutes  on how things have changed. It's all "On Line" today. The days of big crowds is over!

Tomorrow I'll inventory the real estate auctions I staged   years. Should be interesting!

I am not watching the debate! My rest is more important!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

MY "NO-NAP" MONDAY

Blood glucose 134 Weight 172lbs

My Monday was a good Monday! My trip to the laundromat was like every other trip. I got to make my bed by 10:30. The rest of the day was spent getting all of my auction memoirs together in preparation of Thursday's meeting with  a potential client who wants to start an auction business!

I started by listing   auctions I performed over the years. This got my creative juices flowing. I averaged about six events. Then I called Kiefer Auction in, Fergus Falls MN for a copy of  their supply catalog. Next I called the Division of Standards in Boston for details about licensing.

The highlight of the day came in watching two auction videos in 1986 and 1987 for over two hours! It was a treat for me to see a "younger" me.

Saw Josh at 5:00. We laughed about Trump's credibility factor!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

A WARM SEPTEMBER SUNDAY

I bought a copy of the Springfield Republican todau to review the auction display ads. Douglas Auctioneers of South Deerfield has an auction of a General Estate Auction next Friday night. I sent an email requesting info on the auction school offered by this company.

Auctioneer Bill Eckelbery called me with general information about trends. "People don't want antique furniture!" He holds auctions outside.No auction this Wednesday because of the weather forecast of rain.

The friendly knock of Richard B. Johnson came on my door slightly after noon. Dick and I decided to take the back road to Coy Hill in Warren. I tell you "Johnson" knows every road in the state! We covered W.E. Wright factory complex. inside and out!

The foliage is running between 10-20%. Some trees are outstanding in bright colors!

Delivered a stack papers to Josh who was watching the Patriots game. He mentioned taking his boat out of the water for winter. We hitched up van to the trailer and removed it back to Birch Hill. Chase drove it from Gram's launch to the town beach.

Back at  Birch Hill cleaned the base with Scrubbing Bubbles type cleaner and put the boat to bed in the garage for winter!

My  Sunday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

 

 

SATURDAY IN THE PARK

The Biden Trump exhibits on the town common was colorful! One Volvo in particular attached a large flag on a pole on the roof and kept circulating the common in style. I thought it was very clever!

No Josh today! Did see a yellow telescope mounted on stand. Guess Chase had it out last night. Listened to Justice Amy Barrett while waiting. Impressive speech

Got a call from a Palmer business man who is interested in starting an auction business. We spoke for 40 minutes nuances and requirements of starting such an enterprise. We meet  on Thursday I will mentor man.

Sunday morning & Jane Pauley and other news programs coming up!

ROBERT LOUIS POIVIN 

 

 

 

 

A NICE FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER

Blood glucose 115  Weight 166 lbs.

My morning was spent in going to Framingham with a visit to Dr. Edward Wei. It was a follow-up visit to the steroid injection received on August 19. As it was I related to the doctor "I saw no difference or relief!" I continue to endure pain on my right thigh & back. Dr. Wei suggested consulting with Dr. Shanker - the neurosurgeon!

This day was much warmer than the previous few. It was a sunny day with few clouds. Didn't do much until 5:00 PM. Josh built a nice cherry wood camp fire. It was a quiet visit for me until 6:15 when the siren blew. That's my signal to go home for Lester Holt's newscast.  The big news will be the appointment of the Supreme Court judge tomorrow!

No gameshows .All about the Patriots!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

CLOUDY THURSDAY IN SEPTEMBER

My day was quiet for the most part. I traveled to North Brookfield to Hannaford after lunch and spent fifty dollars on food. It seems I like sweets more than anything else!

It was campfire at five with Josh. No kids around. Josh and I talked about the music plating in the background. His talent in building a great bonfire showed.

Tomorrow I have another doctor's appointment in Framingham at ten. We'll leave at nine.

Warm weather for the next week. Little rain in the forecast.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

 

 

A NICE WEDNESDAY AFTERALL

Blood glucose 94

This Wednesday was good afterall. I found baseball between the Dodgers and Padres interesting as they hit four home runs in one inning.

Birch Hill was peaceful. Josh improvised in lighting the campfire with a blowtorch! The fire burned well with split cherry wood. I found tranquility nice as the west wind blew from my back.

JBP acquired a buggy not a wheelchair and has visions of me being scootered around airports! He is pressing me to have a bucket list.  I don't know how I'll respond to this?

The disappointment of the Class Reunion being postponed until next year was not that bad. Good always comes from bad.

Warmer weather will fill the rest of the week. Bermuda shorts!

ROBERT LOUIS  POTVIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CLASS REUNION POSTPONED

In checking with the 308 Lakeside Restaurant I was advised "the reunion has been postponed until next year!" I am advised they can only accommodate 8 people per table. Naturally I am disappointed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

Class of 1960

RUBY TUESDAY CORRECTED

Blood sugar 121

Another cold beginning. Frost. Heat came on automatically. Thank God I have a garage for my Honda!

My entire day was quiet watching much television. The fun part came when Josh squared me away with my blog.

It was 5:00 pm as usual. Josh already had a fire going. Evie was taking pictures of her sunflowers on the wall. Next year dad suggested she plant a long row of seeds. I think it will be exciting to see so many flowers.

Class reunion tomorrow at 308 Lakeside at 1:00 PM. Should be very interesting! LOL.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

 

 

 

 

 

A COLD START TO THIS MONDAY

Blood glucose 89 It was the coldest morning of the year. SonJosh reported 29 degrees and my front lawn was white with frost! I went about my laundry detail in Warren. People are helpful with me getting things going. The total process costs me $5.00. My day was full of Pawn Stars. Rich Harrison had a good sense of humor and plays with Chumlee and Junior. I log onto FOX and the other channels as the day progresses. The big event of the day was getting my haircut by Barber Josh. I sat outside by the campfire as he clipped off five weeks of growth. We joke about things in the process.ie is curious about the different sized attachments. Later we traveled to Warren to pick up Mattie from socker practice. This Monday was a good one! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL DAY

Blood glucose 107 It was another frosty morning with temperatures hovering around 32 degrees. The frost was more pronounced around the neighborhood. Jane Pauley hosted CBS Sunday Morning and Lady GAGA was the main attraction. This young lady seems to be as complex as they come and her colorful ways don't leave much to the imagination! I did food shopping at Hannaford NB and saw Heidi in the checkout line.Didn't recognize anybody else as masks are everywhere. No watermellon today. Television was all about RETH BADER GINSBURG. It's going to be interesting in who are Trump's nominees? The women photos seem so young! Josh mowed my lawn after lunch. The grazz is full and looks great. After mowing he invited me to ride to Ware to Walmart and Low I watched the Red Sox prevail over the New York Yankees 10-2. Too late in the season for any hope! Wait til next year. Ben and I Skyped after supper. It will take me several lessons to become adept at it. Watched reporter BOB WOODWARD in an interview on his new book is amazing how much rereveals about Trump's behavior! Monday,etc ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

The smoke and haze lifted and our skies were crystal clear all day. Frost was visible cross the way at GREMARCO. Bill Mansfield said "we had a heavy frost." I had 32 degrees on my thermometer. The political rally at the West Brookfield Town Common was in favor of Trump!Banners and flags and political signs were everywhere The land at the apex was overtaken by Trump. There was even a clown sporting a Trumptrump Mask and blonde hair. Talk about getting attention! I saw Josh at the Post Office and he suggested I go there with my Derby and Harris Tweed sport coat! No Thanks. Howard'S Drive-In is closed for the season. All signs are down. I tried the SkyView app and was dazzled on what it reveals! I'll consult with Josh for details. I picked up a couple planet images and the Space Sytation. I think there are too many lites showing? Tomorrow is 'Jane Pauley Sunday/. Will be a frosty start to the new week. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER QUIET DAY - FRIDAY

This Friday was quiet!I went about my routine with no problems.Picked up my dry cleaning and mail and returned to the Poodle. Spent the afternoon watching television. Boring! Went to NB and Hannaford for basics. I am on a hard candy kick. Did buy two Lean Cusines. My 5:00 o'clock routine was different. Josh played taxi for Chase and Maddie. Poor girl was nervous praticing with older soccer players. I miss the Rock Clock at six. The season has changed. Tonight will be the coldest nigjt of the season. Frost is forecast west of here!Tomorrow looks good for Trump/Biden demonstrations around the Common. I plan of making an appearance! More Biden flags appearing around town.It will be interesting how the two men come down the stretch! Both men are in Wisconsin tonight! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY UNLUCKY THURSDAY

Blood glucose 100 This day was one of mixed blessings. My VA nurse Denise called a day earlier. She went over all of the questions and advised I was going to be released! I have had a good relationship with Denise and now I must rely on connecting with Dr. Brinda Sanjay. After noon I decided I would sit out and bask in the September sunshine. I have a patriotic chair with a cloth seat. I noti ced a slight tear and thought nothing of it. I sat down and all of my 160+lbs went through! . For a moment I couldn't move! I was able to hoist myself up and out! LOL. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SMOKEY HAZY WEDNESDAY

Another cold start for this day. The early morning reading was once more between 39 and 40 degrees. Once again I wore my Australian sweater! The main task of the morning was to fill my pill cady. I had to order several refills and completed the job in style. Next came the job of finding Scrubbing Bubbles to clean my bathtub. Not available in three attempts! Finally I got KABOOM as as substitute as an alternate and it seems to have done the job in fine order. The afternoon was seen watching the Storage Wars. Interesting. Son Josh was on assignment so there wasn't any campfire. I drove down to Snow Road to witness a newly paved road. New drains are in and improves the overall appearance immensely. The hazy smokey day took away clear skies! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ACOLD TUESDAY

Last night was the coldest of the Summer season. The low temperature on the thermometer read between 39 and 40! I dug out my Australian Kalaroo sweater and kept it on for the day. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MEANINGFUL MONDAY

My Monday was good! Everything went according to hoyle from doing laundry to shopping for food at Hannaford. I saw several friends at the market..Mike and Gayle Audette and Tim Nason.Everyone was wearing masks! It's still a little confusing with the relocation of all foodstuffs! The afternoon was television as usual. Nothing in particular except for Joe Biden's exceptional speech slamming Trump! His speech was fron Deleware while Trump was in California. The tragedies of the fires is truly sad for humanity. It was Josh's as usual at 5:00. My son was out for a run as I drove up Wickaboag Valley Road.I didn't recognize Evie and Maddie peddling their bikes ahead of dad. When I arrived Josh said 'You are underdressed!' It was very cool and I had on Bermudas and a short-sleeve shirt. Josh gave me a jacket to wear as we enjoyed a warm campfire. Evie enjoyed building her own tiny fire with twigs. Both Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune are running with new formats. The stage sets are spiffy and people are social distancing. Trebek looked different yet good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET SUNDAY

Blood glucose 121 This Sunday was quiet. After a fitfull night's rest I focused on relaxation! I did watch Jane Pauley with nothing in particular to meet my fancy. I did some research on Jeep Wranglers and learned these specialty vehicles have the highest retention of prices. I drove to Guzik Motors in Ware but they were Closed. I gave a 14 page research on the Wranglers to Chase. The afternoon was spent watching MLB.At 2:30 I drove to Josh's and spent time watching the Patriots onto victory; I am not a football fan. Period. Josh downloaded an app on SKY VIEW Fr so I can zone in on stars and planets! Ben called early from his oceanfront accomodation in South Carolina.They snuck away for the weekend.. some 200 miles away.We agreed to SKYPE next weekend. Should be fun. I did watch some of 60 Milutes especially with Bob Woodard and Trump. Yawn. I found Cruzin New England with Paul Mennett more interesting! So now it's Monday Laundry and food shopping again. Routine! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NICE SEPTEMBER SATURDAY

The morning began cool with temperatures in the low 40s at dawn.I closed the windows and put on a wool-type shirt. My New York Times wasn't available so I bought a copy of the Boston Globe instead. Few days when my favorite morning read isn't available! My day proved to be full, first with another surprise visit from R.B. Johnson! We did a Worcester County run by visiting the Brookfield Orchard. It was amazing to see several hundred parked cars enjoying the many aspects of the Orchard. Entertainment was the rule. We didn't stop. Then we sought a visit to Treasure Valley. Old Johnson knows every back road in the State! On our way to Treasure Valley we went to the 4-H Camp. On our way back we ate at Subway in North Brookfield and revisited Bell Hill and Bates Observatory. There's evidence of a potential solar field. Work is being done on the truncated remains of the brick edifice. At 5:00PM I visited SonJosh. Litle Evie played fire bug again as Josh built a good fire. The East win was chilly. Josh told of a celestial display in last night's sky and explained of a new app that detects star formations and even planets! More to follow in this regard. Must alert Ben of my desire to do a video call.Send me an e-mail of your choice of video.. Saw Jeff Nickerson and Richard Kemp at Jeff's home in NB.Jeff is installing a new paver driveway! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NICE FRIDAY IN SEPTEMBER

This Friday saw an early visitor from Vietnam Veteran Dave Cameron. I was sitting in the breezeway when I heard a horn toot. It was Dave! We got caught up on all town affairs and enjoyed visiting.Dave stayed for an hour. After traveling to Spencer I stopped at KLEMS to buy two rain gauges.I replaced my damaged one and got one for Josh plus two bags of HOREHOUND hard candy. The afternoon was spent watching 9-11 documentaries. It seems 19 years later the tragedy is fresh in my mind.I was living in Boston at the time. Son Ben and I were talking on the phone when the attack took place. Some fellow soldiers traveled to New York City to volunteer in the clean-up. The thing that impressed me was their reporting on the smell! I enjoyed my daily visit at Josh's at 5:00 PM. He built a nice fire and popped some popcorn.Both hit the spot! I don't understand why this blog format has changed? It is confusing. Must get help from my son! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NEW KIND OF BLOGGING

Blood glucose 79 weight 163 lbs When I left the Poodle the roads were dry. When I got to the center of town there was evidence of much rain and attendant puddles!We had spotty dounpours all day. The beauty of late summer sunshine was forgotten! I did a vicarious visit to Cape Cod National Seashore on You Tube! The dismal weather beconed me to get creative and for one hour I experienced sand dunes and sunshine.My visit was reminiscent of a lifetime down the Cape. I pretended I was a Ranger again. It worked. The highlight of my Thursday came with learning how to send and receive a video call. The VA set things up and I was successful in receiving an image on my computer from Sherry in Leominster! Then I called Josh and was successful in seeing Josh and Evie in his office! It had been years since I would SKYPE my late friend Rod Bryar. Now I'll employ my latest technique of videography! Wish me luck! My emain is boppot2002@yahoo.com. Send me an invitation! Friday is tomorrow and the weather doesn't look promising. But hey, good things happen on Friday regardless of the weather! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DIFFERENT KIND OF WEDNESDAY

My day began with a phone call at 8:00 AM from a VA social worker. It was an annual phone interview that lasted about 20 minutes. Seems everything today is done by phone!

The spell of fine Summer weather ended with a muggy, cloudy day. My AC went back on as I am not a fan of uncomfortable days and nights!

I did pay my Spectrum cable bill and the monthly VA drug bill of $69.00. These two bills are monthly. I did discover my supply of Melatonin expires tomorrow. Must get a supply from Hannaford or Dollar General. This one sleep aid works for me.

Spoke with Nancy D in the afternoon. A good friend and a good source of gossip! LOL.

I retired my U.S. flag belt after years of service. Thanks Dave Cameron!

Josh had me pick up Chase from work. The kid is a hard worker to say the least.

No 5:00 PM camp fire tonight. Tomorrow night as usual.

 The weather forecast seems to be clouzy for the next few days according to Pete Bouchard.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WARM TUESDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 78

This Tuesday began cloudy and foggy. By noon things had burned off and the sun came out. The afternoon became hot and I found relief by riding in my air-conditioned Honda! Earlier in the day I received my National Grid bill with a statement "No payment due!"

Once every summer I get such a bill! My supply services come from VERDE ENERGY USA MASS, Norwalk, CT. A nice surprise for September.

The highlight of this Tuesday came with the company picnic sponsored by Josh at his Birch Hill estate. Josh entertained a dozen PRINCIPAL employees with a chicken barbecue. The employees came from all over New England and his hospitality was superb! After the party I enjoyed Evie who was playing fire bug. Josh gave me a piece of barbecued chicken and a buttery baked potato. Delicious. I lingered until the 6:15pm siren blew then I came home to my air conditioned pad.

Tuesday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BASEBALL MONDAY

After doing my laundry in Warren I settled back to the Poodle. Traffic was light and I really had nothing special to do so I sought baseball! The Phillies were playing the Mets at Citi Field in the Queens and it caught my interest.
The Phillies surged ahead with a 6-0 lead and the Mets came back with a 3 run inning then to tie it at six. The game went into extra innings and Philadelphia won 9-8.

It was over to Josh's at 5:00 pm. He had been working all day in preparation  for tomorrow's company picnic. To say the least it is a show place and I told him how proud I was of his efforts.

A new American flag replaced a tattered one. I will dispose of the old one tomorrow at the Legion's flag disposal box.

We then picked up Chase and brought him to soccer practice at Quaboag. Chase too is an ambitious teenager having worked all day. Josh advised him of Driver's Education coming up. Chase turns 16 on November 23!

The Labor Day Monday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET SUNDAY

The morning air was cool. Didn't employ the air conditioner during the night.

I enjoyed Jane Pauley and CBS Sunday Morning. There was a feature on Vin Scully who is now age 92! Vin was a sports announcer for the LA Dodgers for years. He is now selling off all of his memoirs from decades past. He prided himself in obtaining a Babe Ruth autograph from the Bambino!

Son Josh came by and played janitor and groundskeeper. He washed my kitchen floor and mowed my lawn in Chase's absence. Chase was working over to Howard's preparing potatoes for French fries!

Did food shopping at Hannaford, NB. Spent $35.00.

Had a nice phone call from a friend who works at the JFK Library. Mike Hancock and I spoke for 30 minutes about our interests in coins, stamps and political collectibles.

SonBen called later on. Everything is fine down in Belmont, NC.

Monday details of laundry coming up. My Sunday was quiet but good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY EXCITING SATURDAY IN WEST BROOKFIELD

My Saturday was exciting as I participated in the Biden for President demonstration on the WB Common. I parked in front of the Shackley Bandstand and watched the Biden enthusiasts wave their flags and banners. I noticed a photographer document the action and I signaled him to my car.

We became friends immediately as I made my anti-Trump sentiments known. As a Vietnam Veteran I cited all of the news in today's New York Times about The Atlantic's scathing story slamming Trump. The article reads "The president privately raged privately about the Atlantic article."

Today's enthusiasm with the Biden supporters and the smaller crowd of Trump supporters tell me people are leaning more and more towards Biden.

Trump is a loser!

SonJosh is preparing for his Principal get-together on Tuesday. I reported of my good fortune on the Common and it got him going. We banter quips back and forth and laugh most of the time.

In other activity I exhausted my MOBIL gist card from SonBen. Thanks.

The Kentucky Derby was truly authentic. AUTHENTIC pulled it off and Bob Beffert won again. I like Bob's style.

Chase will mow Pops grass tomorrow!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

EACH DAY HIS NOSE GROWS!
Fake indeed!

CRYSTAL BLUE FRIDAY

The beautiful blue skies ruled this Friday! Other than traveling to Spencer for my dry cleaning I remained home watching television. Of interest was Chasing Classic Cars.

Wayne Carini with his mop of white hair and attendant white moustache  featured the restoration of several classics. A Lamborghini and others come to mind. Classic car restorations  require bucks, time and mechanical talents. Frank Cooke's Rolls Royce comes to mind back in 1962. Working on one car comes to mind.

I visited Josh at the given hour of 5:00 pm. Chase had soccer practice. I've put my request in for my lawn to be mowed for the Labor Day Weekend.

As far as Trump goes as a Vietnam Veteran I take exception to his ranting and raving about the ATLANTIC Magazine article. Trump is the hoax not
the magazine and journalist. Trump will not get my vote!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LIAR

THURSDAY BEFORE LABOR DAY

Blood glucose 118

A quiet day in the Brookfields. Between reading newspapers, watching television and the Coin Dealer... and basking in the sunshine I made it to 5:00 PM then to Josh's.

My ambitious son painted the picnic tables barn red in preparation of his cookout next Tuesday. He abbreviated my visit as he had a 6:00 PM conference call.

TOM SEAVER RIP. Tom Seaver was legendary as a MLB pitcher. I look forward to reading his obituary in tomorrow's NY Times.

Trump in Latrobe , PA rambled on for an hour demeaning Biden. Trump is definitely in a NOT-OK frame of mind! He slams everybody who doesn't agree with him. Not my style of public servant!

Tomorrow is Friday when good things happen!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE RED HOT REAL ESTATE MARKET

Blood glucose 81

Things are hopping in the residential real estate market. It seems folks are moving from cities. The move makes suburban real estate in demand and the activity is mind boggling! It is not uncommon for average homes to fetch more than $300,000 here in the Brookfields!

Today was clouzy and rainy. It didn't stop me from taking care of business! I filled my pill caddy and ordered some insulin and other drugs.

Have you seen the ADAMS BLOCK  in NB? A beautiful blue facelift of siding has transformed this complex. Check it out!

Josh came by with my trash-pick up. Chase had dental a appointment so we didn't meet at our usual 5:00 time.

Tonight I received a call from St. Louis University Alumni Assoc. I explained how I sent a check and a copy of my Antique Dealer book and never heard from them. Alexa is taking care of follow-up details.

This hump day was a good hump day! LOL

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PRIMARY ELECTION DAY 2020

Blood glucose 85

Today was Election Day and I voted early! Funny thing is I am a registered Republican! Couldn't vote against Ed Markey!

I began the day by buying two potted chrysanthemums at Kemp's Cider Mill on Route 9 WB. Paid $18 for the pair. They are yellow and beautiful.

Did my food shopping early at Hannafords NB. Nothing special other than delicious sliced watermelon. Food prices ae scandalous!

I sat out in the noon sun again but not as long... then I spent the afternoon watching tv. I watched the folks bid up on storage lockers. Some were interesting. I napped too much.

Tonight Josh & kids were invited to Ronnie & Chrissies for supper.

Yes, it's September 1, 2020.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN