THE "NOT OK" WORLD OF DONALD J. TRUMP

I watched the Not OK world of Donald Trump for one hour and a half. Trump lives in a world where everything he did while in office as THE way of doinf things. The massive Florida crowd had one major fault..ALMOST EVERYBODY WASN'T WEARING MASKS! Trump lives in a world of make believe.He slams President Biden constantly. excuse me I feel sick! Today was another cloudy day. Did some food shopping to the tune of $56. Tool the Allante' out for a spin and picked up Josh. He's eager to put the top down. It's more complicated than the white car. Al checking with the Registry tomorrow to see if the vanity plate freeze has been lifted. Podiatry wise I soaked my toes twice in hot water. Am enjoying the Big East contests down to the wire. We must defeat UCONN Wednesday night and St. John's Saturday night! Go Pirates!! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DISAPPOINTING SATURDAY

Blood glucose 77 As nice as yesterday was today wasn't!Dick Johnson was game for another trip to Foxwoods only to drop some sixty dollars. I say nothing as I am not a gambler. Traveling in the rain required caution. The remaining snow was less as we neared the south coast of CT.I did laundry upon returning then got interested in collegiate basketball. Seton Hall wasn't scheduled to play. Their last two contests will be UConn on March 3rd and St.Johns on March 6th.As Josh commented yesterday The Hall gave us some good contests in the season. As far as soaking my feat in warm water I did this morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL FEBRUARY MOON OVER BIRCH HILL

It was a treat to observe the full moon rising above the campfire. It didn't last long before the cloud cover took over. My day began early with a 8:20 apointment in Worcester at the VA. It was a good meeting with a suggestion of "soak your feet in warm water to improve circulation." I did when I got home. Josh drove on to Boston to Mass General to pick up Heidi's smart phone. We were back in WB before noon. I laid low until 5:00 for a promised campfire. It was still daylight. Friends came by for a nice social gathering of the Potvin's friends. I enjoy listening to younger parents. I reminisce of my days of moe than 50 years ago with student loan's etc. I left at 6:15 as I was getting cold. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLDER SUNNY THURSDAY

Not much to write about today. I got the New York Times and remained home a

ll day. The sun was bright, the snow melted and the wind was biting.I enjoyed watching Pawn Stars, YouTube and The Seekers. Judith Durham is an amazing performer for the better part of 60 years. I confirmed my Friday morning appointment with Josh and that's it. He'll pick me up at 7:15 for an 8:20 appointment with the podiatrist. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SPRING IS IN THE AIR

Blood glucose 84 Weight 167lbs Yesterday on my way back from Hannaford NB I witnessed a lady sitting in a garden chair basking in the sunshine! It gave me an idea: Sit in the sunshine! I did, later in the afternoon on a chair in my breezeway. It was a big melt. The snow cover is disappearing one inch at a time.Josh recruited me to drive Chase to football practice at mid-afternoon.All of this occurred before the Seton Hall basketball debacle. It is sad to see the Pirates go down the drain.As they once said of the Boston Red Sox "Wait til next year." ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TERRIBLE DEFEAT BY BUTLER!

Seton Hall men's basketball has never looked so bad! Nothing.. I repeat the Pirates have never looked so bad. The Bulldog has prevailed. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER QUIET DAY

The day began with a full tank of gasoline at $2.499. I said to Amantha "it'll be $3.00 by the Fourth of July!" Next I called sister Jan and greeted her for her 81st birthday. She related the death of Judy Foley Thomasian. Some may recall Judy with her baton. My Social Security came in a day earlier. Will do my banking tomorrow.Paid my auto insurance bill for the Allante': $329.31. I got a $20 check from ATT! After watching some television I decided to cruise around WB and NB. A boring afternoon until I watched Professional Bowling. I like the craft of big balls.The moderate temperatures tells is Spring is on the way. The snow will disappear in the weeks ahead.i RAN THE Allaante' for a while upon return. That's all folks! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET SNOWY MONDAY

Much of my day was spent learning more about my 1991 Cadillac Allante'.The unit sold for $57,260 new.Only 1928 models were manufactured. I watched YouTube features about the car. Also, I received my excise bill on the 2008 Honda. Only $64.90! The snow began in mid afternoon. It seems the flurry was light and may have changed to rain? We need a melt-down and appears to bw headed our way by the weekend.Been having trouble accessing my mail. Maybe Josh can help? Ken Jennings is off JEOPARDY! The executive producer is pitching in. Sister Jan turns 81 tomorrow. Amazing. Will call her with greetings. Saw where friend Dick Fuller turned 80 today. Uncle Albert was born on today's date in 1918.The poor guy only live to age 64. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNSHINE SUNDAY IN FEBRUARY

This Sunday saw brilliant sunshine all day. The ponds reflected safety and fisherman enjoying their craft. I traveled to NB for food after calling Richard Johnson who agreed to come. We traveled to the Quabbin then to New Braintree to see Deny Long. Dennis came to the door without a hat or coat and our visit was brief."Johnson" wanted me to buy his lunch at SubWay and I renegged as I don't particularly like their food!Dick gave me a book by Tucker Carlson which seems to favor Donald Trump! I enjoyed watching collegiate basketball and NASCAR from Daytona before seeking out The Potvins who were visiting Ronnie & Chrissies. I enjoyed my visit as I haven't visited the Marchessaults in months. I was attracted to Heidi's spiffy new Jeep Wrangler. Hey, why not?! Josh promised a 'Campfire by weekend!'Ben called from Belmont,NC saying his family was going to have Eggs & sausuages for supper!Earlier I started the Allante' to warm it up. My Sunday was pitch perfect! Snow is in the forecast. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN UNEXPECTED DEFEAT OF SETON HALL 81-75 BY GEORGETOWN

Blood glucose 84 The Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball team fell short in their game against Georgetown.It seemed the Hall never got ahead and stayed ahead in the final analysis. Mumuo was hot at times but not that hot. Butler nwxt Wednesday at 7:00pm on CBSS.It was a "no-Johnson" Saturday. Dick had other plans. Maybe tomorrow? I did laundry and laundry of my Honda. I powersprayed it for $3.50 in Warren. It seems we've had our share of snowstorms in February! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN ALLANTE' FRIDAY

It seems all of the problems of my Allante' disappeared with the presence of Josh.This morning's snow of 3 inches didn't intefere with correcting a dead battery. He presented a dimunitive electronic ghizmo and connected it to the battery terminals behind the passenger seat and voila..my car responded nicely. Next, CARFAX Vehicle History Report was secured giving me a comprehensive six page report. This report is awesome recounting the history of repairs, service and inspection. It seems the Allante spent its life on Cape Cod since 35,160 miles from 7/26/1999! CARFAX is comprehensive and my Allante' passes the grade with flying colors and it shows! Later in the day I spent a couple of hours with thw Grandkids.The weather keeps on trying mens souls! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD THURSDAY - DEAD ALLANTE' BATTERY AND ALL

Life is full of surprises. Today I found my battery dead in the Allante'! It seems something was drawing to make it dead. Now comes the easy part: WHERE IN HELL IS THE BATTERY? I looked for an hour under the hood. Nothing. I called the dealer who gave me some insight: 'It is behind the passenger's seat!" Next I looked on YouTube for directions and found the battery's location. DA. My battery charger has one terminal missing. I called Josh who admits he has cables so that part of the problem is solved. That's the easy part. Next It's complicated. To be continued! It was a day of connecting with friends. Saw Ray Thibeault at Hannaford. Hadn't seen Ray for over a year.Next I called John B. O'Sullivan in Springfield. Next I spoke with Dave Cameron.. then Nancy D.The day went by.I enjoyed some Progresso Creamy Roasted Chicken Wild Rice for supper.Grabbed the can by mistake! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET WEDNESDAY SETON HALL VS DEPAUL

Another Pirate victory keeps the flame burning. I decided not to stay up and watch the game.It's clear Sandro let the team with 25 points. Next game will be on Saturday versus Georgetown at 5:30. Stay tuned! My Wednesday was a quiet one.Didn't go far.Must go food shopping today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TUESDAY OF FRIENDS

I began this day by sending a thank you letter to Mattie Bryar in Eden, NSW, Australia. I thanked Mattie for Rod's book and CD. Then I got a call from Worcester and Joe Tortorelli of Worcester Sound.Joe is big in antique clocks and other items of antiquity. He has band organs and other goodies. Next I got a phonecall from Steve Magnante. Steve is a sophisticated mind and a student of mine. He invited me to travel around the County in his Volvo. Also I wanted Steve to see my red Allante. Steve gave it high grades.Next I received my insurance bill from Arbella Insurance in the amount of $329.31. Will decide how I will pay it in the ensuing seeks ahead.Also got a notice from the VA for a Podiatry appointment on Friday Feb 26th at 8:20 AM. Must tell Josh.Despite the inclement weather my Tuesday was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PRESIDENTS DAY 2021

My morning was spent doing chores and going to NB for food shopping. The usual hard salami was gotten along with other stuff. It was misty and the whole day was not nice. The week will get worse before it gets better. Fortunately I located some JFK and his final days on television which was excellent.Although I have seen this before it was good in seeing it again. Some things never grow old.I found four cassettes to be played on my player in the Allante: The Beatles, Fats Domino, The Kingston Trio and Elvis. This will be fun to play as they evoke nostalgia.I just have to be patient as the worst of winter is at hand.... one day at a time. I also reminisced on all presidents since I was born.Some were better than others. Who do you like the best? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL 57-51 OVER MARQUETTE

This Sunday saw the Pirates of Seton Hall prevail over Marquette University. I watched the gave over to Josh's home while Chase Robert slept with pillows over his head! Evie was eager to show me her latest Legos creation a house. I am thrilled with her industry. Then she took out her laptop computer and fashioned new creations as we watched the Pirate game. Josh built a fire in the fireplace making it comfortable and somewhat relaxing. In the morning I did laundry at the Warren Laundromat as I read the New York Times.Tonight I watched 60 Minutes and BILL GATES. Anderson Copper interviewed Bill.Then the dimunitive gymnist dazzled us with a heartfelt story. Weatherwise today and much of the week will be dismal. Tomorrow I go to Hannaford for some grub.Today was good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BETTER SATURDAY IN FEBRUARY

Once again the early morning temperature was nine degrees. The sunshine didn't last long as the next weather system was headed our way. I called Dick Johnson at the appointed hour and he agreed to try it one more time at the Foxwood Casino. In the meantime noted celebrity Steve Magnante phoned. HAdn't spoken with Steve for months.Steve agreed to see me in the next week."Johnson" arrived later and drove to Foxwood. The bottom line was He won about $160. The machines had been moved around which upset Dick. Upon arriving back in West Brookfield I watched a Big East contest between Creighton and Villinova. Creighton was hot the entire game and defeated Nova!Tomorrow Seton HAll Plays Marquette at 3:00 PM.The weather forecast isn't very promising. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SOMEWHAT BORING FEBRUARY FRIDAY

Blood glucose 86..This Friday was another cold day.After reading the newspaper I traveled to Spencer to pick up my clean laundry. From there I decided to tavel to North Brookfield for a $7.00 car wash. My black Honda looked like a salt lick for cows. Hannaford purchases were few. Bic razors, Irish Spring soap, water , bananas and some delicious Gourmet Raisin Oatmeal cookies! I returned to the Poodle and watched the Trump Impeachment defense. This wasn't as exciting as the other two days. Frankly I'll be glad when it's over. Looks like he'll get out of it?! After a nap I decided to travel to New Braintree. Nothing doing anywhere! No faamily today. Wanted to see Heidi's new Jeep Wrangler. HAve you seen the Honeynut Cheerio's Happy Heart designs? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FAMILY THURSDAY

Much of this Thursday was spent watching the Impeachment trial of Donald J. Trump. Although the evidence is compelling it may not be enough for a verdict of "guilty!" Maybe tomorrow will reveal the final verdict? I tried twice to reach Chase for a ride in his Wrangler however he wasn't at home. I drove over to Birch Hill and enjoyed the company of my grandchildren. Second grader Evie was work8ing with her computer. She has a cordless mouse and continues to dazzle me. We kidded around with her writing Bob Potvin Blogger. Amazing to say the least. Then Josh asked me to ride with the family to Sturbridge to Walmart and a sports store where Evie got a new pair of sneakers. It was a lighthearted trip. We got back at 6:00. There's a lot of snow on the ground... ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY COLD WEDNESDAY IN FEBRUARY

Blood glucose 86. My driveway was completely shoveled by Josh when I got up at sunrise. The temperature was 9 above. After my routine morning chores I drove to get the Times. Amantha sported a beautiful red winter jacket bearing "Country Corner" embroidery. It was there I decided not to go far as I fear slipping on ice and snow.Instead I listened to Rod Bryar's CD'Moods of the Blues."Then I watched Understanding the Secrets of Human Perception The Great Courses. The Impeachment 2 Trial of Donald J. Trump really caught my interest for hours. The Democratic testimony was absolutely compelling. "Trump is a sick puppy" I thought. More testimony tomorrow. Both Josh & Chase called me. In both cases plans didn't materialize. Chase wanted to go driving. I was reluctant to take him out for I didn't feel it was adviseable with snow. Josh had plans for a 5 o'clock party for Lily only to have plans cancelled for other committments.I hunkered down continuing to watch the Hearing.I'm getting used to watching "selected" cable programming. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SNOWY TUESDAY

This Tuesday lent itself to some diverson. After shopping for food the snow began and I chose not to watch any of the impeachment hearings. Instead I took Rod Bryar's autobiography and enjoyed hours of reminiscing all about my Australian mate's life. THE OUTER EDGE OF FAME recounts Rod's sophisticated life both in OZ and Europe.The 225 page book is profusely illustrated in every respect of his family from sister Carole to his parents. I visited Rod's family while on my R&R to Australia in October of 1967.I flew from Sydney to Melbourne and spent a few days of witnessing how Rod lived. We saw the Puffing Billy and other attractions. The book does carry two pictures of me both as a soldier and as a civilian.I re-connected with Rod when my boys and I visited Australia in 1990 then in 1997 Rod and Mattie came to West Brookfield!Today I did not watch TV. I highly recommend reading about Rod's life.Today's read was just what the doctor ordered given we got about 3 inches of snow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

READY, SET, SNOW

 RIGHT! MORE SNOW!

I received several surprises in today's mail! An EIP2 payment from Uncle Sam Uncle Sam for $600 was deposited on December 31, 2020. Hooray! Next I received a book from Australia. My Late friend Rod Bryar wrote THE OUTER EDGE OF FAME a while back. Next was my National Grid bill for $134.79 due on February 25, 2021. These Monday surprises were welcome! Josh had shoveled the driveway as I got up. Thanks Son! It was Lily Potvin's 15th birthday. Now we await another snowstorm or two. We're off and running!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SNOWSTORM SUPER BOWL

Blood glucose 116  -weight 165lbs.It was a lazy Sunday. I got up later. .read the Sunday Times then went to Warren to do laundry. It was quiet until the snow began at 11:00 am. By the time I got back the snow was moderate and continued until late in the day. I enjoyed watching two collegiate basketball games. The first was Indiana and Iowa. IU won in overtime. The second game was between Georgetown and Villanova. I thought Georgetown was going to defeat Villanova but in the final minutes Nova prevailed. Then the Super Bowl hype prevailed. I did watch the first half and found the ads "wild." The one that touched my heart was the TOYOTA ad that featured the girl who suffered a double amputee. I didn't watch the second half. Tom Brady terrific. My guess is Tampa Bay prevailed??

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SATURDAY SURPISES

 My Saturday began with a trip to Hannaford, NB, for an Amazon gift card for Lily Potvin who turns 15 on Monday. On returning home to the Poodle I called Dick Johnson to see what his plans were. Surprisingly Dick suggested a return trip to Foxwood Casino! It was a sunny Saturday so the trip wasn't bad. Poor Richard ended giving his winnings back to the casino! We returned on some back roads. Before that I tuned in Seton Hall - versus UConn. It was a pleasant victory for the Pirates. When I got home I was shocked to see all of my bonus channels were stripped! No longer do I have  any bonus channels. I do have basic entries to include .. NBC,CBS,ABC. I don't know how I'll adapt to this.  I save $50 a month but have lost "Junk Channels." Wheel and Jeopardy! are still available. We shall see!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLOUDY FRIDAY

 Blood glucose 105 I began my Friday by cancelling my Podiatry appointment for Monday. Josh had a conflict so I rescheduled it for February 26th. Seems it is impossible to get an appointment right away?! I also cancelled my blood draw for Monday. Traveled to Spencer for my dry cleaning. It started to snow for a while. Didn't go to Hannaford NB. Will go tomorrow morning. I enjoyed watching ten pin bowling before calling Chase who was in deep slumber. As it was Josh called asking if I wanted a haircut. I usually get clipped about once a month. He surprised me with a clean-shaven persona! We then drove around Lake Wickabaug studying properties. I enjoyed Progresso Split Pea Soup for supper. Seton Hall plays UConn tomorrow at noon! Go Pirates!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FEBRUARY CAMPFIRE

A late in the day phone call from Little Evie invited me to a campfire started by Dad. Earlier in the day I watched the Senate hearings on Marty Walsh for his appointment to Secretary of Labor. I found the responses by the Mayor interesting. I feel he'll prove to be a good Secretary. The day was quiet. I watched YouTube and John Denver and ABBA until the phone call came. It seemed the skies cleared at 5:00 PM when I arrived. Evelyn was dressed in a beautiful blue snowsuit as she was lost in her father's smartphone.  Josh and I spoke about the need of me rescheduling my Monday VA appointments in Worcester. We talked about Lily's Monday birthday who will turn 15.I remained for an hour when Jay and Brian arrived. It was a good Thursday in February!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SURPRISE SETON HALL CONTEST

 Blood glucose 112 The day was long and full of surprises.  Didn't realize The Hall's game versus Providence was going to be televised. Thought I had pulled the plug Sunday night? At any rate this was a cloudy Wednesday. I traveled to Hannaford early getting back before lunch. My afternoon was spent watching Modern Marvels. I enjoyed a feature on STEAM,  then The PANAMA CANAL then ELECTRICITY. Time went by with calls from South Georgia and Nancy D.  Didn't hear from Josh. The Providence-Seton Hall game is at Half Time with Providence leading by three. Will finish this blog after the game!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

GROUND HOG DAY

Blood glucose 122. Ten inches of snow was recorded on my driveway according to my son, Josh. He brought his orange snow blower to do the trick after Ronnie M did the initial plowing. I was able to drive to Country Corner for my newspapers and then get my mail after three days. That was it for me. My day was spent watching the news. Snow amounts varied around New England. Further I watched YouTube features on Cadillac Allante's. I am finding reviewing the specials refresh my experiences after not owning such a car for years. Then I went out in the garage to review the many aspects of my car. I filled the windshield reservoir of antifreeze and noticed how the digital clock had reset itself to February 2! Gotta relearn how to take the top down. Later in the afternoon I watched Judith Durham and The Seekers for entertainment. This Tuesday was very good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE THUNDERING NOISE OF FIJOL'S PLOW MADE THE DAY

 The noise of Fijol's plow made the entire day. It had snowed before day beak and is still snowing now at 8:26 pm. My day was spent inside except for a trip to the bank at 1:00. Amanda delivered my newspapers at 10:00. I took care of my bookkeeping and watched Humanity From Space after lunch. I then watched Doctors With X-Ray Vision before the 4:00 pm news and weather with Pete Bouchard. Enjoyed seeing Scituate Harbor and the lighthouse. It was reminiscent when I lived there in 1972-1975. Tonight it was PBS, Lester Holt and the Game shows. Will have to wait to see the total amount of snow obtained!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN