A RAINY, WINDY MONDAY

Blood glucose 118  Weight 168lbs

As nice as Sunday was this day wasn't! I did my usual laundry then came home and laid low. I didn't leave the Poodle all day but instead watched Pawn Stars. As the day progressed the weather got worse. In mid-afternoon SonJosh came by and cleaned the garage. It had been a mess with leaves, etc. since the 30 televisions left last week. Now it is orderly

.No bonfire today.

My itchy back continues to bother me from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. I have no resolve except applying analgesic cream. I can't see it. It bothers me and the only thing I can do is scratch it. The itch left for the Summer and now has returned.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNSHINE SUNDAY

All day was a brilliant sunshine in a clear sky. I called Chase after ten and asked him if he wanted to drive. He obliged and we traveled all over West Brookfield for more than an hour. Chase demonstrates confidence in handling my Honda. We traveled many back roads and even on Route 9. I give him an A for his talent!

The Patriots got some of my attention in their victory over Phoenix. They won in the last few minutes 20-17.

I called Josh and learned he was working on his latest enterprise.. a soccer field on his property. It measures 180' by 90'. He defined it with markers and should be great for the Potvin kids and friends.  There wasn't any campfire today.

Ben called at 6:00 PM on Google Duo. We enjoyed this new experience. I saw Savvy and Allison and their Christmas tree and lights.

I watched the championship ten pin bowling then reverted to music after the NBC Nightly News. Judith Durham and the Seekers are a favorite of mine.

This one day was excellent!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE COLD BEAVER MOON ON BIRCH HILL

 BLOOD GLUCOSE 114

This particular November Saturday saw clouds and temperatures about 50 degrees. Dick Johnson came by and suggested we travel to Westborough to the Lyman School for Boys. This landmark reform school closed in 1971. Dick was a student there in the fifties. The real estate is titled to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It has been abandoned for the most part. We enjoyed the ride both on Route 9 and Route 20.

When I returned I called Chase to see what the plan was. He said "I can build you a fire, Pops!" He did and it was a good one. Josh and friends were busy assembling a soccer net. The fire grew and I was cold on one side and hot on the other. Heidi and Amy joined the group coupled by the three Potvin girls.. Lily, Maddie and Evie. The spirit was high as a near-full Beaver moon appeared in the Eastern skies. As the day turned into night the warmth of the campfire prevailed. I ended up staying an extra hour.

Tomorrow looks like a sunny day and I promised Chase he could drive the Honda to New Braintree. Josh invited me back for another relaxing day around the fire.

Tomorrow morning I will watch Jane Pauley and others.

When I left Birch Hill tonight I yelled "It just doesn't get any better" The day was full!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OUR BLACK FRIDAY CAMPFIRE

The appointed hour for today's fire was 3:00 PM. Josh had  already a good fire going when I arrived. It was cloudy and somewhat cold. As I sat near the fire my front was warm and my back was cold!

Chase, Evie and Madeline were busy throwing the football around. I had suggested that a flat screen television was in order for the Seton Hall - Louisville basketball game at 4:00.Josh got the television from the barn setting it up and we watched the game in style. The game was nip and tuck all the way. It was tied at the Half at which time I opted to come home to watch the second half.

The Hall fell back ten points then regained their form with a tie only to lose in the last seconds by one point. As the late Jim Nolen said more than once 'It's only a game!" So now the 2020 season is off and running.

Black Friday was uneventful Hopefully tomorrow the sun will shine!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET THANKSGIVING IN THE BROOKFIELDS

It was a quiet day in the Brookfields. I slept-in a bit and was slow to go about my business. The rainy weather prevailed much of the day. I was surprised by SonBen Google Duo call from Belmont, NC. My phone rang differently and I could see Ben and Savannah' image! How nice. After all these years of a Sunday phone call we have a new approach.. like Skype I guess.

 I was delivered a turkey dinner from Ronnie & Chrissie. It was good for a change. Then it was watching college basketball until 3:00PM when I was invited to Birch Hill.. "rain or shine." When I got there I was amused to see a colorful beach umbrella next to my chair. It was sprinkling and served us well. Chase and Evie were dismantling stones from the wall making a path. Evelyn had a small shovel.

As my visit ensued Evie came close and played a game with Pops. "Why did the dog cross the road? So he could get to the other side!" We had fun asking all kinds of foolish questions. We both laughed with approval.

Heidi joined us. It was a relaxing two hour visit. Then the sun came out for five minutes. Fickle weather. Then the moon appeared.

My Thanksgiving was relaxing and rewarding with family!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE BEST CAMPFIRE EVER!

 This Wednesday began with three tree surgeons and a frontend loader removing a the remains of a tree fallen this Summer. The Mass DOT men cut it up in pieces which Josh selected some for his own use. I commend the men for taking care of matters.

Hannaford Brothers is a driving force in the food industry. The North Brookfield store is beautiful! Hannaford has about 190 stores in the Northeast and our store is a showpiece!

The weather this day was much warmer yet dismal. I was invited to a campfire at 4:00 PM. I dressed warmly and didn't need it. I was given a new pair of long-johns. When I arrived Little Evie was assiduously doing math problems as we congregated around the fire. I was so impressed with her effort I gave her a five dollar bill! She's brilliant!

Today's bonfire was the 'best ever.' It was made up of dry ash wood and radiated the area as darkness settled in. Chase was lazing around on a bench. He drove again today and I promised  him a chance to drive the Honda. He agreed.

I relaxed in the glow of the fire and realized how thankful I was to be with family! Tomorrow I'll call Ben in Belmont and chat with Savannah.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

A NICE BUT COLD TUESDAY

It was laundry day in Warren this Tuesday morning. Most days are quiet and this day was no different. I spend $5.00 and get my money's worth. The hype of Thanksgiving Day seems to be quelled by the virus

Did mail a collection of CDs to Ben in Belmont, NC..

After lunch I moved my easy chair into the sunshine and relaxed for about 45 minutes. There was some activity at the felled tree. A yellow truck.. either National Grid or Mass Highway saw a man with a chain saw cut up part of the tree. The remainder hangs!

I called Josh to see the campfire plans. He said "Dress warmly." I did and was chilled until he finally got things going. Chase joined us and told about his first day driving on a Permit.

Looks like we won't be celebrating Thanksgiving as planned!

Food shopping once more at Hannaford and yes we get our Social Security pay tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DOUR MONDAY TURNED BRIGHT

This was a different Monday. I received a letter from the Registry of Motor Vehicles stating "the RMV has suspended all orders for vanity plates during the current State of Emergency until further notice." 

My morning was good cleaning and arranging. I put together a collection of CDs for Ben. Will mail them tomorrow.

Enjoyed watching The Carpenters "Gold." Haven't watched it for a while. I like Karen's soft touch and smile. Poor girl lived to be about 32.

The feature of my video watch was "HUMANITY FROM SPACE." This 60 minute "journey through 12,000 years is a wonderful program to view. It covers all of the bases of our past. Good to view for it gives great perspectives of innovations and inventions and addresses our future. Great watch!

Chase Robert stopped by and I gave him his birthday gifts. The family was going on a secret trio to Foxboro!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

OPPORTUNITY

They do me wrong who say I come no more

   When once I knock and fail to find you in.

For every day I stand outside your door

   And bid you wake and rise to fight and win.

Wail not for precious chances passed away

    Weep not for golden ages on the wane.

Each night I burn the records of the day.

   At sunrise every soul is born again.

Anon

 

A COLD, CLOUDY SUNDAY IN NOVEMBER

Other than buying the Sunday Times for $6.00 I remained at the Poodle all day. Mindful of the JFK Assassination 57 years ago today I spent a portion of the day reflecting on who JFK really was. I watched "Years of Lightening Day of Drum" for the umteenth time and appreciate the message the video reveals: JFK was "All of the Above." In all of the years of appreciating what JFK stood for I met ONE Rock Ribbed Conservative Republican who hated the man.

In other matters I watched the New England Patriots lose to Houston.  Then I listened to music from my CD collection. Am sending select artists to Ben in Belmont.

Spoke with Chase Robert Potvin about his 16th birthday tomorrow. Must speak with Josh as to the availability of seeing him. It's possible I will not be able to see him. 

No special plans for Monday. Will dust the office and other rooms. Hopefully the sun will come out!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOT DOG ANNIES..LEICESTER, MASS.

 Today, Johnson and I headed East. It seems we hadn't traveled in that direction in quite a while. The day  was a bit cooler with temperatures in the mid-fifties. We traveled to Leicester on Route 9 then 56 North. We reached the summit of the Worcester Airport then down towards Paxton. We  drove by Hot Dog Annies and agreed that would be where lunch would be. Before that we headed towards the WTAG WSRS towers. It is always interesting to hear Dick recount of his vast experiences in the area of tower building, etc.

We also drove towards the 4-H Camp Marshal which was closed. 

Hot Dog Annies has the best bottled root beer around. The hot dogs are grilled to perfection. I bought one dog and Dick two. The parking lot was full and the service was expedient.

Earlier in the day Josh came by to tackle the downed tree on the property boundary. A guy wire stopped him from cutting the tree. Instead he alerted National Grid of the precarious situation. No body showed up.

Tonight I watched the JFK Inaugural Address on You Tube. It was refreshing to watch the president so eloquently deliver such a historic speech. Tomorrow, November 22 I intend to further watch Kennedy features.

"ASK NOT WHAT YOUR COUNTRY CAN DO FOR YOU.. ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY." I did in being a National Park Ranger at the Cape Cod National Seashore!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SIXTY DEGREE FRIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 87  Weight 165lbs

The weather was more like it today. Moderating temperatures and partly cloudy skies were a heck of a lot better than the two previous days. I had to do another batch of laundry in the morning then off to Tony's Cleaners in Spencer. It seems my wardrobe is in top shape. I like organization!

Listened to WJMJ Radiothon parts of the morning then off to Hannaford NB. I stocked up with nutritional drinks Plus and got some Oatmeal Raisin cookies. My weight was down so I have more calorie-laden goodies.

Lily has a final game in field hockey at Quaboag this afternoon. All of the girls were playing in shirt sleeves and Miss Lily got to play 5 minutes without scoring. The team defeated North Brookfield 3-0!

I saw Ronnie and Chrissie at the game and was invited for Thanksgiving for a family meal.

Tonight the game shows were preempted by the Patriot program. I watched Polka King Jimmy Sturr

on RFD TV. 

November 22nd is coming up and each year I am mindful of the JFK assassination in 1963. I would expect seeing some documentaries over the weekend?

Tomorrow looks to be cooler. Will call Johnson in the morning.

TRUMP is sinking!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

A WARMER THURSDAY IN NOVEMBER

BLOOD GLUCOSE 83

The day was warmer yet still cold for November. The big news is the WJMJ-88.9 FM Radio Thon. I have been contemplating making a donation for some time and I did. I listened to the programming all morning and was amused to hear the Hartford Bishop, Leonard Blair donated $100 to match Glenn Colligan's $100 donation! This one radio station covers a vast variety and news to include ABC on the hour.

Did go to Lily's game and remained for the first half only. The Cougars were behind 1-0 when I left. Don't know the outcome.

The USA Today Special Edition on 2021 College Hoops Preview is on the newsstand. $4.95.  I thought Seton Hall University was going to make headlines and instead They are ranked 4th in projected standings. Villanova is ranked first. In other Hall news Myles Powell wasn't drafted! It's a shame as Powell was truly a rock star on the court. I don't know how the season will unfold? I still like the Pirates, regardless!

Give it up Trump!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY YOU-TUBE WEDNESDAY

 Blood glucose 83

It was the coldest morning of the season. The wind made it feel colder and I remained inside! I did tank up with gasoline and read the newspapers closely. The morning sun warmed my kitchen nicely.

In the afternoon I reverted to my front office and tuned into You-Tube. First I watched how Tesla automobiles are made. There are 160 robots used in the manufacturing process! Then I went onto watching rare coin features. First it was about US silver dollars then Lincoln cents. It seems hard currency is a thing of the past! I have a couple US silver dollars on my desk to remind me of 1980 when the world went wild in redemption. I paid up to $25 for one dollar!

Tonight I went over Birch Hill at 4:15pm. The sun was setting and it was a beautiful sight in a clear sky. The moon is waxing and will not be full until the 30th. Saw Josh's office in the basement.

Lily has two field hockey in the next two days and the weather looks good.

My Wednesday was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD CLOUDY TUESDAY

 It was a cold quiet Tuesday in the Brookfields. Can't say I did a lot other than tend to my pill cady. Did shopping for food at Hannaford.NB. Did buy some Christmas stamps.

Did reapply for a vanity plate POTVIN! Cost $70 and may take 60 days. I'm excited as is Josh.

I was saddened by the news of the passing of Diane Nichols, former head of the North Brookfield Senior Center. She died a month ago as related by Nancy D. I liked Diane's style

Did have a campfire for an hour on Birch Hill. Josh fired things up at 4:30.It got dark quickly and cold. Then he came over to the Poodle to help me with Facebook, etc. 

Tomorrow will be cold, again, and moderating as the week winds down.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GREAT MONDAY IN NOVEMBER

 Things turned out for me in my favor this Monday! Chase scored a couple of goals in his victory over David Prouty!

I had a chance in being a Good Samaritan upon doing my laundry. A bearded young man approached me as I was leaving telling of his plight. His vehicle was impounded by A State Cop and it ended up in Holyoke! Matthew is his name and he works at Old Sturbridge Village. I will write more when I know more.

Called John B. O'Sullivan in Springfield. Haven't heard from Johnny in months. "Broke a hip" was his response. Good to talk with him.

This country is being duped by Trump!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHNNY & BOBBY

SPACE X SUNDAY

Blood sugar 83

The highlight of this Sunday was the launch of the Space X rocket from the Kennedy Space Center. Four brave astronauts are headed for the International Space Station for six months! It is a renewal of the space program. The night launch was impressive  especially viewing it from my 75 inch Sony high definition set.

The Sunday was filled with Covid news and Presidential denial. I enjoyed watching other stuff on YouTube! Earlier in the day I shopped at Hannaford where I saw Heidi and three daughters - Lily, Maddie and Evie. Such a pleasure indeed!

The 32 junk television sets are gone! Josh loaded them on a trailer destined for a dumpster.

Weather is in flux. Winds after midnight then sunny perhaps on Monday.

Laundry day tomorrow!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SATURDAY IN NOVEMBER

 The weather fooled me today. I traveled to Ken's Citgo in East Brookfield for an oil change ($28.00) and returned for Johnson's arrival. It seemed warm. I grabbed a jacket knowing things could change. Temperatures were in the 40s.

Dick arrived around 11 and we headed West again. I figured it would be a routine trip to nowhere and it was. I said "Let's go to Amherst and Northampton and we did. We drove to Leeds and toured the VA facility. Traffic was moderate. The trip ended with the usual Subway feast back in West Brookfield.

I had a date for 3:00pm atop Birch Hill. When I arrived I realized how cold it really was. Didn't bring my flight-hooded military jacket with a hood so I froze on one side and baked on the other. Evie was in a good mood responding to my teaching her about US currency. We had fun. Then we picked up Chase from his gardening job.

Tonight I watched the game shows and it seems they are 're-runs?"

This Saturday was good especially in the confines of my Poodle!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BEST DAY OF THE WEEK!

 Blood Glucose 106

Today was the best day of the week for me! The gloomy, dismal weather taught me a lesson: KEEP BUSY! And that I did. knew the Poodle needed some cleaning and I began by tackling my back room. It took me an hour to rearrange stuff. I took the challenge to heart and came out the winner.

My next thing came in watching a video on the BEE-GEES.I like their music and filled another hour and a half with tunes I haven't heard in six months, perhaps. Only one Bee Gee survives: Barry Gibb. Robin and Maurice and Andy are gone.

The next task came in going through a pile of papers to be filed. Once again I allowed myself to take my time and I was thrilled with some findings. I found 30 pages of OntheCommon blog titles dating back to March 3, 2007 with my first blog entry entitled "The Country Auctioneer. "I have 30 pages of entries which serve me well for reminiscing and ideas. All are from the year 2007. The Telegram does not have any saved copies so this is a treasure!

There's a recap of all Potvins over the centuries to include " ROBERT L. POTVIN .  American politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Massachusetts" I will make copies for Ben and Josh as learning about our roots is fun!

The day and night went by nicely and proved to be my best day of the week!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BEETHOVEN THURSDAY

 BLOOD GLUCOSE 106

This was a day calling for some creativity. It was cloudy, spotty rainy and cooling down. Needless to say it wasn't nice. My trip to NB to Hannaford for food was brief. I scoured both newspapers (USA Today and the New York Times for interesting stories and found few to hold my interest.. SO..I reverted to You Tube and found much to hold my interest!

I watched for an hour C-Span's Brian Lamb interview a man who wrote  book about TRUMP. It was most interesting and revealing.  For an hour I watched with great interest! This Trump guy has lived a life of deceit! It's no wonder we are faced with the accusations regarding the present situation of alleged voter fraud! Nancy Pelosi calls it best as a circus! IT'S AWFUL FOR AMERICA TO PUT UP WITH THIS.

On a peaceful not I watched Riccardo Muti conduct the Chicago Symphony on Beethoven's 9th Symphony..The Chorale Symphony. Then I enjoyed watching Beethoven's Sixth Symphony ( The Pastoral) and then the Eighth Symphony. I have enjoyed these for a lifetime!

No campfire on Birch Hill as Lily had a game at Tantasqua where dad was.

Friday will be colder and more rain.I can take it! I also enjoyed reading old e-mails of mine dating back to 2008!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEDNESDAY

The weather deteriorated as the day progressed. I  worked assiduously all day trying to access my e-mail. Then I tried to log onto You-Tube and was successful employing the code "Pirates2021!" which Ben gave me last Sunday night. I had been without this for a couple of weeks and now it's back to normal. Next it was getting my Yahoo.com to work. Wouldn't you know it I did get it on the 100th try!

Josh built a fire at 5:00 and I decided not to go. Darkness presents possible problems for me walking in the dark with a cane. Maybe we can start earlier? I think a flashlight would be a good idea.

I am all set with printer ink for two years. Expensive yet necessary.

My Veterans Day was above average! Thanks!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VETERANS DAY 2020

 I ran out of printer ink 952 so I drove to Staples, Sturbridge  for a replacement. All they had was 952XL - a five pack for $191.99. The good news is I was granted a 25% discount of $48.00 for being a Veteran! It seems I haven't used my printer very much in the past year but needed it today to print a copy of "One Lucky Soldier"  my story of my time in uniform.1966-1968.I printed a copy for Amantha at Citgo. She gives me my newspapers each morning to start my day.

The mood has changed with warm temperatures and cloudy conditions. Looks like this pattern will prevail for the rest of the week then colder weather will push forward.

"Alibi Trump" continues to persist. No newspapers find evidence of collusion. When will he concede?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUMMER'S TUESDAY IN NOVEMBER

 Blood glucose 87  Weight 171lbs.

It was another Summer's day with little to do! We had another frost with temperatures at 30 degrees. I went about my business by getting a tank full of gas at $2.15 per gallon. Did a lot of reflecting as the day unfolded. Sat in the breezeway then in the warm sunshine.

I did a tour of North Brookfield on Donovan Road and others. What impresses me is the quality homes that came along 20 years ago.

Enjoyed a campfire on Birch Hill in the dark! It was a good fire built with dry wood. Little Evie played with a remote car. The grandkids had games.

Tomorrow is Veterans Day. I pride myself in having served in the U.S. Army and Vietnam from 1966-1968. I got to see the world and learned a bit about life. I was an x-ray technician.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER SUMMER'S DAY IN NOVEMBER

 Blood glucose 78

This brief November day was perfect! Laundry and shopping for food was routine. The big news was the two full page obituary of Alex Trebek in the New York Times. I have saved it as it is truly historic. Trebek was a special man in  the lives of millions upon millions of Americans and around the world. And yes, he was human. Jeopardy! will continue to run shows taped in the past few weeks until Christmas. 

I took advantage of the summer-like weather and sat in an easy chair in the garage in the sunshine. Josh called alerting me to games by Chase and Lily at Quabaug. Chase scores two goals in his soccer game early on. I don't have any details on Lily's contest.

There wasn't any campfire on Birch Hill tonight. I took advantage of watching PBS and Lester Holt instead. Trump is stubborn  and evidence seems to call all of his legal action as frivolous! Give it up Donald!

This Monday was a good Monday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ALEX TREBEK 1940-2020

Blood glucose 85

Alex Trebek has died at age 80. With more than 8,000 Jeopardy programs over 30 years Alex was truly a star in his own right!

I have corresponded with Alex over the years and felt a certain bonding of our friendship. The media has begun covering his life's story and tomorrow's Times and USA Today will have banner headlines I am sure. I have an autographed photo and a hand written postcard postmarked April 1, 2019 reading "Dear Bob, Thanks for all the kind words and the info. All the best. signed Alex T."

Today was another summerlike day in the Brookfields. The morning was chilly. I spent watching Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning.  I like Jane's style. The features are always good. 

Now it's all about President-Elect Joe Biden. I sense Joe Biden is a man of great courage given all of the tragedies experienced in his life. I wish "Mr. President" well.

Tomorrow looks like another delightful day in November. I'll take it! Laundry and Hannaford in the morning.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PEACE PAGODA LEVERETT, MA

 This particular Saturday with "Johnson" was filled with surprises. We headed for the Quabbin Reservoir to see "low water levels." Then we headed for Amherst. Things were happening on the streets of Amherst in celebration of President Biden's victory .College students were waving flags and jumping up and down in victory. The victory was picked up on the radio at noon.

Next we headed towards Leverett. "Johnson" knows the way around and we headed up a mountain road for the Peace Pagoda. This pagoda has a recent coat of white paint and is glistening in the sunshine .We have been here several times before but this time was special .It is something for children to see and I will suggest a visit by the Potvin grandchildren!

The warn November sunshine saw folks walking around in their shorts and shirtsleeves. It was like a spring day.

I collected a free meal at Subway WB in Biden's victory!. Johnson paid!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WARM NOVEMBER CAMPFIRE

 The day began with a graveside ceremony for the Late John Paolucci. John was everybody's friend as evidenced by one hundred or more gathering at the Catholic cemetery. A touching moment was little Vinny Paolucci in a sparkling white suit. RIP John.

This November day was bright and warm. It lifted everybody's spirit and will carry us through the weekend. How nice.

I had my snowtires mounted late in the day at George's Tire Place in Warren. It seems I panicked with last Friday's snow. Now It remains how, if any, snow will come in the ensuing months. It cost $39 for the mounting of the tires.

I caught up with Josh and kids on the way home and followed him to Birch Hill. He built a campfire which felt good as darkness ensued. Little Evie was working at her laptop as we sat around the fire. Darkness and coolness settled in as I returned home to the Poodle.

This November Friday was above average!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WARM THURSDAY

Blood glucose 85   Weight 173lbs

The day was good. After doing food shopping I became glued to the networks and election returns. At mid-afternoon Josh called alerting me of a soccer game at Quaboag. #12 Chase Potvin scored a couple of goals seeing his team onto victory. It was a bright afternoon but quickly got dark. Quaboag won 5-2!

I visited the family on Birch Hill and enjoyed some pizza. Josh and I spoke of the election returns. We disagree on many things. I am a liberal. Period.

George's Tires called asking me to come by tomorrow at 3:15 for the mounting of my snow tires. Should cost me $18.

My back itch continues.

    ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD NOVEMBER WEDNESDAY

 The skies were clear all day and the winds died down. Now we will have summer-like weather the rest of the week!

The disturbing election news is not to be taken lightly. 

My afternoon was spent watching music videos. The Eagles in Australia gave me entertainment of 30 hit songs. I like "Take It Easy" and "Peaceful Easy Feeling" the best. Then I watched Roy Orbison  and "Black & White Night" with Bruce Springsteen.. another winner!

No campfire today as Josh was at a soccer game at David Prouty.

Tomorrow I may have my snow tires mounted. My Honda needs a wash and food at Hannaford NB.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VERITAS by THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN NEW YORK TIMES

 ''WE HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED FOUR YEARS OF THE MOST DIVISIVE AND DISHONEST PRESIDENCY IN AMERICAN HISTORY,WHICH ATTACKED THE TWIN PILLARS OF OUR DEMOCRACY - TRUTH AND TRUST"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FLU SHOT

 At the behest of my esteemed friend, J. Maurice Barfield I took his advice and got a flu shot. I went to Hannaford Pharmacy last week and obliged. The pharmacist said it would be a week before more vaccines arrived. Today I received a call saying it was in.

I filled out paperwork and provided my Medicare card and waited. I observed Hannaford cashiers bleeping customers purchases. Amazing!! The volumes of food purchased amazed me. And I waited. Then my turn came! My left arm is where I got shot.

I then went shopping for cereal and cheese. I bought a plastic box of blueberries and dropped the whole darn box in aisle 5. Not good. The store was slow to pick up my mess. I did buy a tuna fish salad finger roll which I ate for lunch along with a glass of prune juice.

Several people commented on my flagadillic trousers. One lady said I was "patriotic!" Others commented in a positive manner.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ELECTION DAY 2020

It's a bright windy day here in the Brookfields on Election Day. As I voted by absentee ballot several weeks ago all I have to do is to wait until 8:00pm for results.

I recall Election Day in 1960! I was 18 and interested in the process. I worked with Red Lee and Red said 'Take the limousine owned by J.F.Lyons and go pick up the nuns, Bobby!" I did and found the nuns to be ebullient. It was an experience I shall never forget.

Other election days come to mind such as 1968 when Nixon won. George Wallace also ran. It was the beginning of  a new era in American politics. Nixon claimed "he had a secret way of ending the Vietnam War. Yea.. right!

All elections are full of surprises. Maybe today's will be a surprise? Wait and see!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD MONDAY INDEED!

 The big accomplishment of this Monday was figuring out how to log onto my blog site. I close the day knowing I have optimism in my attempts tomorrow.

The change in time makes for adjustments. I feel I have a good handle from 4:00PM onward. I catch the 4 o'clock weather with Pete Bouchard and other news then I switch  to FOX, CNBC and others. With the Election tomorrow I like different points of views. My next big move is to PBS at 6:00. I like Judy Woodruff until Lester Holt comes on at 6:30. This is my favorite news summary.

The two game shows of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy take up an hour in shows requiring me to think. Lastly I take 30 minutes of solitude. No interruptions before I begin my duties of taking medications and a shower. I try to retire at 9:00PM. Easy Listening music plays in the background.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TWO FOR TWO

 I am gaining on it. I found the way to log onto my site. Now I must practice it.

Just went over to George's Tire Place and was told "Come back on Friday!" The place is booming because of the snows of Saturday.

To Quabaug for Chase's soccer game.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MONDAY SURPRISE

 Blood glucose 108

Congratulations, Bob! You did it! Somehow I found the key to the blog lock!

My sleep was less than perfect. I suppose the new time change upset my apple cart.

It was extremely windy early in the day. Gales were over 40 mph. I did laundry but didn't travel to Ware for the Patrick Nolan Mass. I will send Janet a sympathy card.

The hype of the Election is building up and windows ae being boarded up in cities. Whoever wins loses and whoever loses wins. Is Trump running scared? I don't like the attitudes prevailing.

Chase has a soccer game in an hour or so. Pretty windy for soccer.

Getting ready to have my snow tires mounted! Who knows when it will snow again?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY BEHIND

 My Sunday has been interesting! After staying in bed an extra hour I adjusted to the new time by doing routine stuff. After Jane Pawley I decided to go to Hannaford NB. I needed a new light bulb for my desk lamp. The electronic self-checkout at Hannaford is amazing.

I have been experimenting with my BLOG. Somehow I found "New Blog." I wish I knew what I did?

We're getting down to the wire in the 2020 Presidential Election. Johnson and I made a bet. The winner will pay for the loser's meal next Saturday. The implications of the outcome are scary.

Stay tuned!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN