GOOD BYE 2020

Blood glucose 124 This Thursday was quiet for the mostpart. I gave Amanda a bag of roasted Georgia pecans.Then I worked on separating pecan shells from the residual pecans. I have most separated and readdy to be baked tomorrow. Then at 11:00 AM I will listen to New Year's Day music from Austria. Last year I forgot to listen as I was at the Sturbridge Antique Show. Don't think there's a show tomorrow.? I watched Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction and Steve Magnante. What impressed me was the sale of a 1978 Rolls Royce convertible that sold for $20,000! Such a deal! EArlier I took a ride to New Braintree and observed Kip's Christmas Tree Farm. Quite an enterprise. Earlier in the day I spoke with Dr. Haniti about gastro-intestinal matters. I also booked an appoitment with Dr. Bimal Dey, hematologist, for Jan. 22 at 10:30 am at Mass General.Will have Josh drive me in. Tonight will be quiet. I have no plans to celebrate and ring in the New Year.2020 has been long and diverse.The highlight of 2020 are the campfires enjoyed on Birch Hill! May 2021 be bright and optimistic and one of good health! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS XAVIER 85-68

Blood glucose 119 - I received $600 from Uncle Sam today! I also received a package of Georgia pecans from Col. J. Maurice Barfield. The package was mailed on December 14 and cost $15.00 for Priority Mail. Terrible service from Uncle Sam. I spent a portion of my day selecting whole halves of pecans and roasted them with butter and Lawry's seasoning.I enjoyed seeing Seton Hall romp over Xavier. It was a great upset for the Pirates and will be a confidence builder for the next game against Butler on January 2. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WICKED COLD TUESDAY IN LATE DECEMBER

My blood glucose was a low 73 so I consumed more candy and other sugar items to raise it. The good news of the day came from a phonecall from Dr. Sanjay. My lab results were stable.I have another lab scheduled on February 2, 2021.I traveled to Hannaford after completing my pill cady. Still no pecans from South Georgia! I laid low until calling Josh at 4:15. He surprised me saying he had a fire going.I drove over and remained in my Honda. Then we traveled to Ware and ate at Teresa's. We enjoyed pizza.I even had a diet Coke.First soda in months.Chase drove the Toyota to Ware. The full moon set the stage. My Tuesday was excellent! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD MONDAY

It has been a good Monday!I had blood drawn at the Worcester VA without any problem.I received a Gulf gift card from Ben & Allison but no pecans from Georgia! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNNY SUNDAY iIN DECEMBER

 After a very cold beginning and frost this Sunday unfolded nicely. I enjoyed CBS Sunday Morning recounting the happenings of the year. Next I drove to Hannaford for a small amount of food. I used the $10 gift cards.

The afternoon was used doing laundry in Warren. I lost phone signals from Josh then when I returned things were okay. I enjoyed watching Pittsburg Steeler football then Big East basketball between Providence and DePaul. It was a double overtime contest with Providence winning. Other than that the day was quiet...

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE ANSWER IS....

 Blood glucose 117  Weight 165lbs  I just finished reading Alex Trebek book "The Answer Is" and find it most revealing of a man who lived to be age 80. Each chapter is brief and to the point covering Trebek's entire life. I highly recommend the read!

Today was a bright Saturday. Old Johnson came by and we went out seeking the flood waters from the water falls in Ware to the Quabbin Reservoir. The Quabbin isn't anywhere near capacity while the smaller rivers are bourgeoning. We traveled to Amherst then to South Hadley. Our debate became heated on how Trump is leading the country! This Nation is in a very precarious mode and runs the risk of shutting down. I don't like it!

Josh came by later in the day and we went to the NB car wash. Black ice was forming on Route 67 so we came back over Bennett's Hill and Wigwam Road.

Jane Pauley in the AM!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DREARY CHRISTMAS DAY

Blood glucose 114 This Friday saw all of the snow gone upon getting up. The flood waters are revealed in Coy's Brook and others.Chase called me min-morning inviting me  to his home. He wanted to drive my Honda so we journeyed around town then onto New Braintree. His driving skills are excellent. Ben called as we were riding .EArlier I called my sister and left a message.

It was a quiet Christmas Day for me. I read more of Alex Trebek's book "THE ANSWER IS." Trebek was truly a man of the world and his sophistication showed. I am enjoying the insights revealed. LAter in the afternoon I logged onto YouTube and enjoyed watching sermons of Norman Vincent Peale! His messages never get stale as far as I'm concerned.

Tomorrow looks like a better day.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CHRISTMAS EVE ON BIRCH HILL

Blood glucose 109

 Christmas Eve on Birch Hill was a wonderful time. The grandkids were happy as Chef Josh prepared a five course meal. Lobster, Prime rib, and a variety of entres' made the meal special. Gifts were exchanged after we ate. Little Evie dressed in her Santa outfit!

I was benefactor of the generosity of all. Maddie presented me with a hand-crafted Christmas card.

I received a new book "THE ANSWER IS" by the Late Alex Trebek. I also received no less than seven pair of socks, sheepskin slippers and an exercise machine for my feet.

We watched The Sound of Music for relaxation. The kids sang along with Julie Andrews.

We new are faced with some horrible weather.. wind, rain, etc.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNSHINE WEDNESDAY

 BLOOD GLUCOSE 78 It was a good Wednesday leading up to Christmas Eve. My Smart Phone went dead and now it is recharged. This phone is like not having ether! Went about getting my dry cleaning then to Hannaford NB. Did buy some pickled beets to add to my veggie routine. Chopped up some carrots too.

Josh gave me a haircut after we enjoyed a campfire at mid-afternoon. Tomorrow we celebrate Christmas at 11:30 AM.

Seton Hall defeated Georgetown at The Rock. The team looked much better and lead all the way. The next challenge comes on December 30 when they play Xavier. 

Heavy rain in the forecast plus gale-force winds.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY TUESDAY OF SUPRISES

 My Tuesday was full of surprises! I had the newspapers delivered by Amanda and the day began with Ray Conniff Christmas music. Then around ten I got a surprise phone call from Parsons Auto saying my Honda was repaired! How nice. The charges were moderate at $486.17. The $75 tow charges will be reimbursed by my insurance company. I gave the bill to Bill Mansfield of Westbrook Ins. Then at noon Son Josh drove me to East Brookfield to pick up the car.

The next surprise of the day came with my Social Security check came in a day early. This allowed me to do banking in East Brookfield at NBSB. More Christmas music was enjoyed in the afternoon. My trip to Birch Hill came at 4:15. No campfire but pleasant visit by Chase, Evie and Maddie and Josh. we sat in the car enjoying Casey Casem and other radio features. It was fun.

More music to end my Tuesday.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NO WHEELS MONDAY

Blood glucose 78.. My day was spent checking on my cable bill. It seems $159.81 is too much for what I'm getting. I called and threatened them with leaving Charter but decided I'd wait. I don't like the paltry choices. I worked on some veggies i.e. beets, cauliflower and others. Kemp-Nut called at 8:02 AM offering me to get the newspapers but never showed! My entire day turned around with an invitation from Josh to travel to Wilbraham. He had to pick up the grandkid's skiis.It was a dreary ride. Game shows rounded up my Monday. I must do banking and go to the cleaners on Wednesday.Tomorrow looks better with clearing skies! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TWO OVERTIME LOSSES

Blood glucose 87. This Sunday was spent alone in the Poodle. Sir Paul McCartney was featured on CBS Sunday Morning with Jane Pauley. Josh stopped by with the Sunday Times and took my dirty laundry. The afternoon saw UConn fall to Creighton in overtime. I found the games interesting as well as disappointing.Then Seton Hall fell to Providence College in another OT losss.The Pirates just didn't have what it took to be victorious. It was light snow all afternoon.. enough to have the plows go by. I shall contact Parsons Automotive in the morning to see what their repair schedule is for my Honda. Just now I enjoyed watching THE SOUND OF MUSIC A PERENNIAL FAVORITE. That's all for now. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUB-ZERO BEGINNING

Blood glucose 110.The morning began with a two below zero reading! Without a car I relied on Josh for everything.LAte morning saw us travel to Parson's in EB to pick up my dry-cleaning then to Hannaford NB for food. I got a variety of veggies along with other staples. I cashed in to have money for Christmas gifts.It seems the Self-checkout is all encompasing and convenient. We got my mail at Box 11 and enjoyed a variety of mail to include a generous gift from sister Jan. I remained home until mid-afternoon when Josh called saying he had a campfire going.I remained for 90 minutes. It was reasonably mild. Next I came home for some Christmas music. I watched Johnny Cash and Lawrence Welk. My Saturday without a car worked out well. Thanks Josh! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MAJOR HONDA REPAIRS

I was pulling into a parking space on Route 9 at Tony's Cleaners when my right front end froze. The ball-joint and wheel assembly let go! I had to call Parson's to be picked up by their Der-Jan tow truck to be removed to East Brookfield! I had no warning.With 262,000 miles on the car things like this are understandable. Josh came to pick me up and I have been home all day. No idea as to the repair bill will be? Must go food shopping and will rely on Josh's help tomorrow. I found watching the JFK Documentary for the umteenth time and Christmas shows of Johnny Cash and Lawrence Welk on YouTube good. Also, watched Jimmy Sturr's Christmas Show on RFD-TV. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WINTER'S WONDERLAND

Blood glocose 114. The storm was about fluffy snow falling during the night. We received about 9 inches.I slept in an extra hour getting up at 8:00AM. I had forgotten to take my Melotnin on going to bed and had a fitfull night's sleep.My driveway was plowed by Ronnie Marchessault so I was able to drive to Country Corner for my newspapers. The entire day was quiet.I replenished my medication cady so I am good for one month. Josh called about noon.I remained home until 4:15 when I drove to Birch Hill. No campfire as Chase was going to shovel out an elderly lady on the Lake. Later he came by to shovel my driveway. Lester Holt and PBS Newshour made up my day.It has been cold all day! I have opted not to watch Seton Hall versus Marquette as my sleep is more important! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOWSTORM'S A COMING

Blood glucose 103. The blood sugar reading was more like it.I have been going without insulin for more than two weeks. Now it's back to normal. I received a call from my general practitioner Brenda Sanjay,MD first thing regarding my lab report. There's a problem with my kidneys and she requests I contact my hematoligist, Dr. Day and others.More to follow. I read part of Whittier's SNOW-BOUND in anticipation of the Nor'easter coming. It seems to be a gigantic storm in the making. I spent part of the morning eating some diced carrots, scallions, celery and other goodies. Later in the afternoon I watched YouTube covering good food for diabetics. While I have Type2 I heeded the suggestions of 1. Beets, 2. Cauliflower 3. Carrots. 4 Celery 5 Cukecumbers 6. Broccoli 7. Egglpant 8. Leafy greens and others. I must eat more veggies! My work is cut out and I accept the challenge! ! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MUCH BETTER TUESDAY!

My trip to the Worcester VA on Lincoln Street was a total success! The blood draw was a sinch including a urine sample. Then I called on the pharmacist "Kelly" who gave me everything I asked for. This facility was like a morgue! We returned to the Brookfields before noon at which time I ate a full breakfast. The big news of the day is the speculation on the forthcoming Nor'easter. It seems we are going to get a ton of the white stuff! Some say "more than a foot." I settled down for a nap in my old chair.Later I drove to Hannaford NB. My focus on food was more veggies.The store manager was giving out gift cards. I got $10! Josh had a fire going at 4:30 PM. I stayed for an hour. It was agreed I get an EXERCISE BICYCLE. Must increase my daily exercise routine.Know anybody that has an exercise bike for sale? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLOUZY MONDAY

This Monday was interesting! After doing laundry in Warren I settled down to a day of television and education. I received the requested video from Bill Kurtis in Chicago: The New Explorers..Doctors With Xray Vision. This video recounts the evolvement of MRIs, Cat Scans and other special studies since 1971. I had seen this years ago and wanted to refresh my x-ray knowledge. I watched it twice finding it "good stuff." Then I watched the Electoral College in action. I watched Michigan. It is quite clear Biden & Harris are going to be our new leaders come January 20th. Trump is crazy claiming victory! No campfire today. Josh was busy. Tomorrow I will be driven to Lincoln Street, Worcester, for a blood draw. Haven't had blood drawn since last February. Still no needles for insulin injections. My blood glucose numbers are high. The hype of a Nor'easter has begun for Wednesday night. That's all folks! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MILD SUNNY SUNDAY

The day began with my spotting OZONE license plate coming out of MAple Street, WB. It was Johnson returning my blue North Face jacket. I didn't expect seeing Dick until next Saturday.He said it was foggy coming down from Leominster. Then on CBS Sunday Morning Jose' Feliciano was featured singing Feliz Navidad. It is my favorite Christmas song. The sun broke through providing for a "snow melt." Things were quiet until Josh came by exchanging chairs in my office.I wass glad to get the old one back! We traveled to Ware to Lowes then to the car wash when I received a call from Rita Power... my college friend's wife advising of Paul's death on December 1.Paul and I go back to our days at St. Louis University.Paul was 76.Watched the BeeGees ONE NIGHT ONLY on PBS... then I tuned into YouTube and Lawrence Welk. Before that SonBen called on Google Duo where we chatted for ten minutes. This Sunday was good after a good night's sleep! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNEEZING ALL DAY AND ALL WEEK

The day began by driving to Dollar General for Christmas cards for Ben & Josh and my five grandchildren. Hallmark cards at Hannaford' were $7 each. At DG I got 7 for the same price! I mailed cards to Ben, Allison and Savannah with the hopes they will arrive seasonably. Charline Whitman's card took all week from Anderson, S.C. Speaking of mail still no insulin needles! I will get some on Tuesday when I go to the VA in Worcester for a blood draw. Enough! Called Dick Johnson who was game for a motor trip to nowhere. We headed West to Amherst and Northampton then down the Ct River to Holyoke back to Belchertown. Dick bought some cheap gasoline for $1.99. Left my blue jacket in his truck.I have beeen sporting a head cold all week with sneezing and a runny nose. Hopefully I'll rest better tonight. Needless to say today's weather wasn't pleasant Defiant Donald Trump didn't wear a mask at the West Point football game betweek Army and Navy!Bye-bye Donald! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS ST. JOHN'S 77-68

It was a satisfying Friday for me in the Brookfields. After getting my dry cleaning and food shopping I called Josh for some mechanical help. My front plastic bumper had pulled away and the windshield washer pump was not working. He fixed the bumper without any problem and analyzed the pump situation. He suggested a YouTube movie which I watched three times.Josh is a mechanical whiz.He feelswe can obtain the pump part and install it himself.I agreed.He advised me Seton Hall was playing St. John's on FS1. After enjoying a white birch campfire I came home and watched the second half.Mamukelashvili, Sandro was on his game and scored 31 pointsbringing the Pirates onto victory.The Hall won 77-68. I think their defeats were meaningful and now are on a winning spree! GO PIRATES! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VARIETY THURSDAY IN DECEMBER

This wasn't an easy day! I looked for things to keep me busy and found frustrations common. The needles for insulin didn't show up in the mail. I checked twice to no avail. My YouTube watching included General Robert E. Lee Biography and then I played a historic 1973 Television Special of Elvis..Aloha From Hawaii via Satellite!Elvis sings 24 songs to a live crowd.I have watched this video many times and each time is just as good as before. No camp fire today.Jeopardy! only.Have a problem with my left front fender made of plastic.Coming apart. Will have Josh look at it. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY VALLEY FORGE CAMPFIRE ABBREVIATED

The big news in West Brookfield was the massive fire at GEORGE'S PIZZA formerly P&S Pizza. I was oblivious to the event until son Josh told me at fire time! I don't now why I didn't hear the firetrucks go by the Poodle now did I hear blaring sirens? My day was very quiet. The insulin needles didn't come in the mail! I have been without insulin for a week. Clearly the Post Office and the mails are late in happening! All day was about YouTube and biographies. First Jackie Kennedy Onassis then Norman Vincent Peale and later LBJ. There wasn't any word from Josh until 4:20. "I have a fire going" so I said I'd be over." Je had a wheel-chair waiting for me and wheeled me through the snows of December. The fire was big but with a hitch. He was burning massive amounts of papers held over the years on wet white birch logs.The fire needed needed a feeding every few minutes. After about an hour Maddie came out looking for a ride to practice. That was that! Then the Game Shows were prempted by the Patriots. Not good! More alternative watching!! It was a day of surprises! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TUESDAY OF SORT

 

ThisTuesday was a mixed bag. I forgot to shave before leaving the house and read the the NY Times and USA Today then headed for Hannaford NB. Saw my sister Jan. Then returned to the post office. Once more the ice was trechereos. Amy Paquette gave me a hand as it was dangerous.No prescription neeslwa for my insulin injwcriona! I called the VA and was told they were mailed on December 2. In the meanti8ne I am out! Had some New England Corn Chowder for lunch. Delicious. Then logged onto YouTube for some Biography. Watch Benjamin Franklin, Aandrew Jackson and George Washington. I learned much about these founding fathers lives! After supper Josh called saying "Seton HAll was on television. I enjoyed watching The Hall onto victory! The Pirates looked great.! This Tuesday was ecxellent. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TRECHEROUS MONDAY MORNING

 The ice at the laundromat in Warren and at the WB Post office was dangerous! I went about my business carefully then stayed home all day! Falling isn't in my plan. I stayed home all day until time for Josh. No fire as he was with Chase in Worcester.

I latched onto three Biographies on YouTube: Henry Ford, Andrew Carnegie and Thomas Edison. These three men are, perhaps, the leading men who gave us what we have today: Automobiles, Electricity and Libraries. All three were brilliant. 

Got my National Grid bill.. a surprise..$173.29! $5.77 a day. I'll pay it and forget it. My  electric heat on the porch and bathroom is wh. I have  been leaving it on high! Not good.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WALMART SUNDAY

The brilliant sunshine of this Sunday didn't melt much snow. While the roads were dry the day was wintry. My son called about two P.M. asking me if I wanted to go Ware-Walmart. It was a good idea. I hadn't been to Walmart in a while. 

First on my list was getting a new set of white sheets. I also wanted new facecloths and some new T shirts were in order. Next I wanted to get nutritional drinks so we got 3 six-packs of Insure Plus.

The fun part of my experience was toolong around in an electronic buggy. It mobilized me so I could maneuver my travels instead of walking with a cane. It worked! I also got a Johnny Cash T-Shirt image and one of the Beatles. My Walmart experience was FUN!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOWED IN SUNDAY

 We lost power last night for one half hour at 8:15. The storm was over and we received 6 inches of very heavy snow. Earlier Josh called saying he would use his snow blower in the morning. That he did.   By 7:30 AM my driveway was cleared. Nice. Now I can get the Sunday Times,

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE CALM BEFORE THE SNOWSTORM

I love snowstorms! Since 1956 while in the eight I threw myself into the excitement of Noreasters. With the apparent forthcoming of tomorrow's storm I have dug out my memoirs and Mother's 25 years of notes. I will do an in-depth research of "the way it was versus what will happen..

Today was mild. Once again I did little. The fun of a campfire was the highlight of the day. Josh had a good one going by the time of my 4:15 arrival.. I remained at Birch Hill two hours. The grandkids were not around. Jay Ostrout came by at 5:00 and added some laughter. Ben arrived later  with Adam .Brian W.az came in as I was leaving. I enjoyed the warmth and left at 6:15 when the 6:15 signal blared.

This Friday, too,  was good. Now we speculate on just  how much snow we'll get. I say ten inches!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP

 Blood glucose 118

I try to get into a routine each night.  After watching Wheel and Jeopardy! i go into a relaxing mode of no noise or television for 30 minutes then do my insulin shot and take my medication. Most nights  I get up once or twice  for the toilet. Last night I went to bed about 9:20 not looking at the clock. I have a good mattress and pillow. Last night If slept like a baby. The Easy Listening music allowed me to relax  and sleep I did! My sleep was perfect. I awoke at dawn and asked Google what timer fit was. 7:07!

This Thursday was quiet. Didn't go anywhere except for a brief visit to Josh's. No fire. Just a visit.

ROBERT  LOUIS POTVIN

HUMP DAY

Blood glucose 134 (Licorice)

The day was good. It was cold and cloudy with not much to do. I found myself reviewing much of my writings. "Adventure Man - Bob Potvin " tells of my auctions. Didn't watch much television.

I arrived at campfire headquarters early. Josh was still working. My bad. He did get a fire going after many attempts. I was seated in the stone area dressed like an Eskimo! I left early as he had to take the girls to practice.

Tonight I watched Seton Hall fall to URI. A disappointment to say the least. Oh, well.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RUBY TUESDAY, AGAIN

This December Tuesday was uneventful. After shopping at Hannaford NB I set out to get an Inspection Sticker. Then the rains came and I delayed things until after lunch. My latest food was New England Clam Chowder. delicious. For desert I enjoyed some Australian Black Licorice. This stuff is that good.

Got my Honda inspected at Deans West Brookfield. $35.00. It's good for a year. Also received my Arbella Mutual Insurance bill of $431.25. $406.75 if paid in full. I feel I have good coverage. I have Towing  and Labor and $100,000 Limits for Damage to Someone's Else's Property. My agent is Westbrook Ins. Agency.

I tended to filling my pill cady. Got a slew of drugs in the mail.

Josh invited me to his ranch for a 4:00PM camp fire. Once more I was under-dressed. The winds were whipping and the fire was struggling to keep me warm. I remained only one hour as I was cold. JB gave me a fur hat which helped. Another bowl of clam chowder helped.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN