NOREASTER ON ITS WAY!

 It was 2 below zero at dawn. This Sunday saw me drive to Hannaford NB twice as I got home realizing I forgot my cane in the carriage! DA. Spoke with KempNut. Haven't chatted with him for months. I have taken measures to reduce some of my monthly charges. I shaved off $50 on my cable bill now that Seton Hall is a lost cause. Tomorrow I'll contact the VA to see what the balance is.  Drove the red Allante' to New Braintree then to Warren and power sprayed it only to see it freeze. Josh drove my "pet" around the Brookfields. The BIG news is the forthcoming storm. Seems the speculation is rampant. My guess is 16 inches. Welcome February!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER ZERO MORNING

 It was another zero morning in the Brookfields. The skies were clear. My Allante' task was getting the wiper blades replaced at NAPA for a total cost of $21.00. I also got my Honda tire pressure corrected. I called Dick Johnson who suggested going to Twin River Casino. We got as far as Douglas on Route 16 where a major accident had occurred. After waiting in traffic for 30 minutes Dick decided to travel to Foxwoods! It paid off as Mr. Johnson hit for $262.00. He was happy and gave me a crisp twenty dollar bill from the proceeds. I haven't been to Foxwoods for maybe 2 years. Got back to watch the second half of the Seton Hall-Villanova basketball game. The Pirates never had a chance! Too bad the Pirates continue to lose. This Saturday was good for the soul!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BRUTAL FRIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

 There wasn't any temperature at daybreak; it was zero! The swirling snow made life difficult. I did go to Spencer for my dry cleaning then to North Brookfield for food at Hannaford. I got some of the things I was craving like sweet gherkins and potato chips. Of course I got some Australian black licorice which I love. The day went by with filling my pill caddy. Then I went onto YouTube and watched some specials on vintage Allante' refreshers. No Josh or Chase today. Just too cold. Villanova and Seton Hall tomorrow at 3:00 PM. Seems  the party is over! I'll check with Dick Johnson in the morning.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BOB POTVIN'S FIVE RULES OF SUCCESS

 1. THE EARLY BIRD CATCHES THE WORM

2. ASK

3. DON'T QUIT

4. BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT  THE RIGHT TIME

5. LET LADY LUCK SHINE ON YOU

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COVID-19 VACCINATION - PHASE 2 AT QUABAUG NURSING HOME

 Blood glucose 105 This particular Thursday was a good example of "everything going my way!" The day began with obtaining registration plates for the spiffy red Cadillac Allante'. The total cost was $511.25. I had Chase attach the plates and silver frames and gave him a chance to ride the old buggy back from Warren. Early in the afternoon I reported to the Quabaug Nursing Home for phase two. This time I knew the ropes, got a chair to sit in and received my shot when the employees came back from lunch. The Quabaug employees made my visit very pleasant! Thanks!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ALMOST FORGOT THE PIRATES GAME!

 blood glucose 109  I went about this Wednesday working around the the snow. Josh cleared my driveway before I got up. We got  about 3-4 inches of fluffy snow.  I picked up Chase where he had shoveled for a friend. We returned to Birch Hill to pick up the Wrangler. I gave him the option of driving where he wanted. We went all around West Brookfield and Warren. The Seton Hall Pirates blew the game to Creighton. A disgrace!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REGISTERING THE RED CADILLAC ALLANTE'

In having a two car garage is truly a bonus in winter weather. My Allante' slept well last night and I admired the spiffy car throughout the day. Instead of waiting for Spring to register the automobile Josh & I decided to do it now. Mansfield's Westbrook Insurance is handling the details. Bill is a good neighbor and friend. I will deliver $528.75 on Thursday to cover the cost of title, license plates and sales tax. My license plate for now is 2MW295. Eventually I will have a preferred vanity tag. I did buy two chrome plate frames at NAPA.. $21.00. Plate frames define the vehicle. My grandson called after one and we went riding in his Jeep Wrangler down the Podunk Pike to Sturbridge. I like Chase to get a variety of driving experiences. Driving in the snow will be a new experience for sure.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RED CADILLAC ALLANTE IS MINE!

 Blood glucose 85 -  Today I bough a 1991 red Cadillac Allante'. It is a car model I knew as I owned one in 2013. This car is a convertible and will be used in April to October. The mileage is 77,224. It comes from New Bedford and was found in Brookfield at the former Holbrook Brothers Auto Body. The vehicle ranks high in originality and probably has three owners. Chase rode in it wore a big smile as did mother Heidi. Later in the day Chase drove his Wrangler Jeep to New Braintree and North Brookfield. It was a funday Monday ahead of the looming storm!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                     

A A QUABBIN SUNDAY WITH CHASE AND HIS JEEP

Despite the nine degree reading this Sunday was bright. Laundry in Warren was followed by a call from Chase. I picked him up at 11:00 am and odd we went. I try to mix things up in our travels. Taking him to the Quabbin reservoir allowed me to tell the history about the towns were inundated. The aquamarine waters were spectacular. We drove up to the tower and other places. The waters still are not going over the spillway. We went further to Belchertown for a bottle of water. Both Chase and I were dry. Next we headed back to Brookfield where a shiny red Cadillac Allante' is for sale! More on this tomorrow. I watched the Brady football victory. A good game indeed. Son called tonight. My Sunday was above average

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WICKED COLD SATURDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

 Blood glucose 76 The cold air settled in as the day broke. I wore my black buffalo jacket, got the New York Times and returned to the Poodle. It was a quiet Saturday as Johnson wasn't around and Josh took the family skiing to Wachusett Mountain in Princeton. I settled in to watching college basketball. Villanova was true to form. Later in the afternoon I watched Rev Al Sharpton. As stated I like his style. Then I was enjoying a peanut butter banana and peanut butter when I spilled my strawberry nutritional drink all over my wool trousers and the kitchen table. Nice going Bob! NBC News and the game shows rounded off my day. It was quiet; it was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD TRIP TO BOSON

 We left for Boston at 7:45 AM. Josh is a professional driver. Josh dropped me off at Yawkey then he traveled to Waltham to his Principal Office. I saw my doctor Bimal Dey MD who greeted me with smile. I hadn't seen Dr. Dey in maybe ten months. He  complimented me on how I looked. We talked about things and reviewed my lab report. I called his attention to the kidney concern so he ordered another blood study. Sanjay, too, is concerned. He'll call me back once he gets the results On the way home I said to Josh I want a large French fry and a diet coke. Scandalous prices at McDonalds.6:00!We were home about Noon. Dick Johnson called thereafter saying he couldn't make it tomorrow. The snow had melted by the time we got back.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TO BOSTON & MASS GENERAL TOMORROW

Blood glucose 96 I got all my errands done this morning before the snows. I drove to NB and shopped at Hannaford. Never have I seen their parking lot white with sodium. Got back to WB when the snow began. It was a fluffy powdery type and lasted to mid afternoon. About an inch total. My driveway can be dangerous for me so I remained inside all afternoon. Called Josh confirming my ride to Boston with an 7:45 pick-up. It has been ten months since I saw  my hematologist, Dr. Bimal Dey. I will have a blood draw first, then see the doctor. Things should go as planned.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

INAUGURATON DAY 2021

Blood glucose 90  Weight 165lbs. I began the day in anticipation of Trump's 21 gun salute to himself. Then I watched as he exaggerated his many accomplishments of his four years. The guy never gives up! In waiting for the ceremony I roasted some South Georgie peanuts and filled my pill cady. Two new prescriptions came in today. Next I enjoyed seeing all of the celebrities arrive at the Capitol. Former presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama and their wives added a dimension to the swearing in. Lady GaGa and Jenifer Lopez gave color as the Noon hour approached. Swearing-in ceremonies were good. I like Vice-President Harris. I thought President Biden's Inaugural Address was genuine. I forgot to watch the Inaugural Parade so I tuned it in on YouTube. The shiny new Cadillac limousines were beautiful. The Inaugural license plate reads "46".  President Joe Biden is humble and has his work cut out.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                                               

                                                        GOD BLESS AMERICA!

THE ROUGH-RIDING JEEP WRANGLER

 Blood glucose 87 Another surprise call from Chase. "Let's get my Jeep washed!" And that we did at the Warren car wash. It was the first time for Chase to operate the high-pressure spray. I gave him two car towels to wipe the vehicle down. Then we headed for North Brookfield.. We circled around NBHS but didn't stay as there were many vehicles parked. We then headed towards Horse Pond and across to Long View Recording Studio. The back roads are rough requiring me to hold on to the bar above the dash. Onward we got on Route 67 and headed for Barre where the old Ford Bronco was. It started spitting snow so we headed back to home.  Josh was busy and said "no camp fire today!" I watched the late news from Washington, DC. Tomorrow should be of great interest. Can't imagine what the headlines will be?  Seton Hall game too late for me tonight!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE M.L.KING HOLIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

On October 12, 1964, the Rev. Martin Luther King came to Saint Louis University! Dr. King spoke at a convocation in the Walsh Gym. I was in the crowd and came within three feet of MLK when we were leaving! This event may be found on YouTube!

Things were quiet until Chase called at noon. He was ready for another trip in his Jeep. I agreed and we traveled to New Braintree, Hardwick, Petersham, Barre and beyond. As we were leaving Barre Chase exclaimed" There's a Ford Bronco" He got excited, turned around and took a picture with his camera. "I've got to tell my dad!" It may have been a 1966 model? Later in the day when I went over to Birch Hill for a camp fire I noticed the Wrangler was muddy. No sooner than getting seated Chase said "I went back to the Bronco with my dad!" I couldn't believe it! Now the three of us are students of  vintage Ford Broncos! I printed out a Wikipedia accounting of the vehicle which is highly collectible.

The campfire was windy, smoky and cold. I wasn't dressed for the occasion. Tomorrow I'll bundle up. Now we must go to Warren to wash the mud off of the Wrangler.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                                                   

                                                   My Cadillac Allante' which I miss!

A FOOTBALL SUNDAY

 Blood glucose 84. The cold weather arrived with strong winds from the West! I was slow to awaken and I watched CBS Sunday with Jane Pauley for a while before doing my laundry in Warren. I am concerned with the state of affairs in Washington and around the country. As I related to son Ben "Fear knocked at the door faith answered no body was there!" I worked my way to Hannaford after a brief nap. Called Chase before going and was invited to watch some football when I returned. Kansas City and Cleveland were playing in KCMO. I favored KC. Chase and Josh favored Cleveland who ended up losing. I came home and watched Tom Brady lose. I am not much of a football fan. Tonight I watched 60 Minutes. More about National Security. The latest news films are most revealing. Yes, it was THAT BAD! See you later, Donald!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOT DOG ANNIE'S IN JANUARY

Blood glucose 90 weight 168lbs. The dismal beginning in this Saturday had some bright spots. I saw Josh at Country Corner when I got my New York Times when he told me the Seton Hall basketball game was postponed. I was disappointed to say the least. Next I called Dick Johnson at ten and he felt we should take in the local scenes of North Brookfield and we did. As we traveled around the roads I suggested Hot Dog Annie's for lunch! It was the highlight of our travels. There were ten cars parked in the lot. We each had a hot dog and a bottle of  their famous Root Beer. returning home I watched Big East games and saw Creighton lose to DePaul. Other games were watched. After watching NBC & Jose for news I found watching Lawrence Welk on YouTube. Jo-An Castle ( Age 81) and her ragtime piano was a treat! No Chase today. Didn't answer my call. Brighter skies are promised for Sunday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

                                                                             

                                                                         "JOHNSON"

DRIVERS' ED WITH CHASE

 Blood glucose 94.The highlight of my Friday came with a call from Chase after lunch inviting me to travel with him. He would be driving! I drove over to Birch Hill and stepped on the cement block to get inside of the Wrangler. Plates were installed last night and off we went. I try to be the "instructor" suggesting use of the directional lights. Learning how to drive takes time and good judgment. Chase is conscientious though may be a little anxious.  We traveled to New Braintree, North Brookfield and Warren. I kept my eye on the speedometer and suggested  when to "slow down." I opted for a variety of roads to travel. After an hour we returned to his home only to go back on the highway. It was a great beginning and I rewarded Chase with a fill-up of gas...$19! The price of gas has skyrocketed and is $2.39 a gallon. Maybe we'll go out tomorrow to learn about driving in the rain!? 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CHASE GETS PLATES FOR JEEP WRANGLER

     It was a cloudy day with a dusting of snow. Much of the news is about security for next weeks Inauguration in Washington. Thousands of troops are already in DC. It is not a pleasant picture plus all state capitols  are building up a defense. Here in the Brookfields things remain quiet. I traveled to Hannaford NB for food. My latest thing is chowders. Got more licorice. Forgot Honeynut Cheerios. Chatted with Chase in the PM. He was waiting for dad to get the plates for his vehicle.They came in late P.M. while Chase was napping! He reported the last two numbers on the plate is 67. I'll see him in the afternoon tomorrow. Dry cleaning in Spencer in the AM. Spoke with Doe Run, Georgia thanking him for the peanuts. Will bake some tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

IMPEACHED..AGAIN!

 Trump is an actor! He released a tape tonight. His message was "I was just kidding!"  I watched the House hearings all afternoon. The messages of the congressmen was divided. Some displayed anger. The reality is the President is guilty. Now he must face a trail by the Senate.

Got a call from the VA pharmacist regarding my insulin dosages.. 8 in the am 18 at night. Also, the pens I have in my refrigerator are limited and should be thrown out after a period of time.

My boy Chase drove my Honda around town . He is out of gas in his Jeep! After driving we sat in my car and was joined by Evie. I shared my stamp book with the kids. Also, I got some peanuts from South Georgia. Col. J. Maurice Barfield sent 6 lbs. I'll share them with my family as it is difficult to eat with dentures!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

IMPEACHMENT?

My blood sugar was low this morning. I increased eating more sugar-related foods and it got better. We'll see tomorrow. I called the pharmacist at the VA but no calls were returned! Historic moments prevail on the political front. Will Pence act? Will the House vote to impeach Trump? Stay tuned. Trump is full of BS. A cloudy day. Things happened when I rose around in Chase's Jeep in the fields. Then he requested we drive around in my Honda! We went to New Braintree Center. Learning to drive requires many options. He's coming along fine. Tonight Ken Jennings was on Jeopardy! He'll be on this week then Katie Couric? Stay tuned!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FUNDAY MONDAY

 After a cold start of ten degrees this Monday was spent following all of the news. It's apparent Trump is in deep doo-doo. I won't speculate what the outcome will be. I do know he's in trouble! My morning was spent ordering medications and arranging for a meeting with my podiatrist. I have a February 8 date in Worcester. Got a call in the afternoon from a computer geek from Texas. Will call tomorrow at 10:00 am. At 4:00 I called Chase to see if he wanted to drive over the fields and driveway. He was game. Then dad got a nice bonfire going which we enjoyed for about an hour. Despite the cloudy day my Monday was a funday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DIFFERENT SUNDAY IN JANUARY

Blood glucose 110  Weight 170lbs

My Sunday began a little later. I lingered in bed until 7:20 doing exercises while in bed. Getting started each day is painful and the routine of  gets me going. Today I stripped my bed and got all of the dirty laundry ready for Warren. I enjoyed looking at the New York Post and reading about Seton Hall's victory and the pictures of the siege in Washington last Wednesday.  It seems more incredible happenings will occur on Inauguration Day. I attended two inaugurations of Bill Clinton! After laundry details I went to Hannaford for some food. I treated myself with oatmeal-raisin cookies and Doritos and yes, more Australian licorice. Back home "Josh-the-Janitor" came and dis a splendid job of cleaning and arranging my pad. Thanks Josh. I watch Xavier defeat Providence in a buzzer beater. Tonight I again watched Rev. Sharpton. I like his message as I wrote yesterday! Also, I'm working on a blog about Connie Mack!

                                                   Mack signs baseball  July 10, 1934

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS DEPAUL 76-68!

 This January Saturday was full of surprises. Dick Johnson arrived two hours early and invited me to travel to Rhode Island and the Twin Rivers Casino! We haven't traveled to any casino in ages. We both agreed our limitations would be $100. Not a bad idea. Traveling was a losing battle. "Johnson" missed the Route 16 turn in Webster and we ended getting lost even with a GPS! Any way we arrived in one piece and I gambled a 5 dollar bill and lost. Dick won $16 and quite while he was ahead! Not a bad idea. We got back in time for the Seton Hall.. DePaul game from Chicago. The Hall flexed their muscles surging ahead then almost blew the lead. They managed to stay ahead and defeat DePaul 76-68! Next I watched Rev. Al Sharpton. I like the Rev! Tomorrow I do laundry.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TOMMY LASORDA -93-RIP

 It was in August of 1982 my family traveled to Atlanta, GA for our auctioneers convention. On a Sunday morning we were walking in the hotel lobby when Tommy Lasorda cam upon us. I said "How would you like to make two boys happy by posing for a picture?" He obliged and some of you saw the picture Ben posted on Facebook?  Today was bright sunshine, windy and cold. After getting my clothes at Tony's in Spencer I drove to Sturbridge and used the $25 Shell gift card Ben gave me for Christmas. Next I drove to C & R Car Wash and got the Honda washed... a superior wash job. In late afternoon I called Chase to see if he wanted to Drive his Jeep Wrangler in the fields. Chase said "yes." The fields are bumpy and I hold on for dear life. Josh had a good camp fire going and Heidi came out and joined in the conversation. We bundled up and chatted for near an hour. This January Friday was excellent!

COVID-19 VACCINATION QUABAUG NURSING HOME

 I had been invited to get a vaccination at the Quabaug Nursing Home a couple of weeks ago. I arrived about 12:45 for a 1:00 appointment. I was amazed to see such a crowd ahead of me. It seemed "half of the town was there!"  I requested a chair and sat filling out  a consent form. The nurses were friendly and helpful. I was given preferential treatment and before I knew it I was wheeled in to meet a CVS employee who reviewed my application and proceeded to inject my left shoulder with the Pfizer-Biontech vaccine. It was painless! Then I had to wait for about 15 minutes before I was released.  I must return on January 28th for a second vaccine.

Later in the afternoon I traveled to Hannaford NB for some food. I stocked up on nutritional drink and Australian black licorice! The day was perfect through and through.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRUMP INSITES RIOT IN DC

 

I WATCHED THE WHOLE THING! From the hour and one half diatribe by Trump and the suggestions to call on the Capitol, the whole thing is rotten. I shall wait to see tomorrow's banner headlines in the morning newspapers before saying anything more. Chase gave POPS another ride in his Jeep Wrangler.I am thrilled with the enthusiasm shown by my grandson. Soon he'll be driving on the road once the plates come in. Tonight I received a vroom call from Eden, Australia! Mattie Bryar, Rod's widow and I chatted for ten minutes. It has been 4 years since Rod's passing. Tomorrow I go to the Quabaug Nursing Home for an anti-pandemic shot at 1:00pm.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REMEMBERING GEORGE H.W. BUSH

Blood glucose 106

The Potvin klan traveled to Kennebunkport, Maine, for the weekend where Josh bought me a Bush President t-shirt. I wore the t-shirt today and reminisced about my relationship with "Bushwacker" 41. I was credentialed by the White House to travel with Mr. Bush early in 1992. I had a close connection with the President who came to New Hampshire to speak at Yokun's. I took pictures and even spoke with the man! It was a hallmark in my freelance experiences. Bush was a likeable guy. Later I wrote Mr. Bush after he lost to Bill Clinton. We wrote back and forth! It was a highlight. I had read GHWB liked to get mail (as I do.) He answered my letters! Today I reviewed his presidency on You Tube. Later today I was at the Birch Hill campfire. I was underdressed. Eventually the fire was blazing as Chase and Evie played football pass. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD MONDAY IN JANUARY

BLOOD GLUCOSE 111 The new year started off with several inches of snow.By the end of the day 99% of it was gone. My morning was spent roasting more South Georgia pecans. It seems I have more than I realized. My mail saw the receipt of a $75 towing check. This is good as it gives me some spending money. The highlight of the day came in riding around the fields of Birch Hill with Chase in his Jeep Wrangler. I hold on tight as Chase learns to shift. It will take some time to finesse shifting through the gears. He also drove up and down the massive driveway learning how to maneuver the clutch, gas pedal and brake.Eventually Chase and dad will go over to the North Brookfield High School parking lot.This is good.I enjoy riding shotgun and coaching my grandson. Later I visited with Josh & Chase ans had some Shepards Pie and an O'Doul's.My Monday was very good!

A QUIET SNOWY SUNDAY

The snow began at dusk when Josh and Chase and I were heading back from Walmart-Ware. Chase drove my Honda both ways. Earlier I was given a ride in the new Jeeep Wrangler. This 2004 is Chase's prize possession. We went around the field in a bumby fashion.Earlier in the day I did laundry in Warren then traveled to Hannaford NB where I spent $50.I then watched the Patriots for a while. I swear I have watched more football this season than ever before! Ben called on Google duo where we enjoyed seeing each other in person. Tonight I watched and enjoyed Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. The next few days should prove to be very interesting in the State of Georgia. Trump doesn't give up! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL 68 BUTLER 60

Blood glucose 85 It was a day of Johnson and Seton Hall Pirates! My friend Johnson drove over the road less traveled.. through back roads to the Barre Falls Dam onto to his home in Leominster.I haven't traveled over these roads on years! Barre, Hubbardston, Westminster, onto Fitchburgh and Leominster. We had a tour of Dick's Edwardian chalet and where he does business. I haven't been to Dick's home in years. And yes, he made his bed!LOL. The Seton HAll Pirates prevailed over the Butler team. For a while it was close but the Pirates prevailed in the final analysis. My Saturday was good!

A QUIET NEW YEAR'S DAY

With Josh & family away for the weekend my day was quiet. New Year's Day from Vienna gave me two hours of classical music. I savored every minute of it. Riccardo Muni conducted the great variety of Straus and featured Radzeky March at the end. I watched some of Mecum Auto Auction. Didn't leave the house all day! Tonight I enjoyed a 40 minute phone call from Oregon.   Attorney Bill Gross of St. Louis University fame chatted as we do every now and then. Snow and rain ae in the forecast. Doesn't look good! Happy 2021 everybody across the land! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN