PHILATELY OR STAMP COLLECTING

Stamp collecting has been a "love" of mine since 1954! My grandmother Poulin gave me some commemoratives of U.S. postage. From that one act came a hobby that has lasted a lifetime. "Stackow" and I were kindred spirits in collecting. We learned our history and geography and began sending for First Day of Issues. I was friends with postal workers George Murphy and Lenny Lemieux in North Brookfield. As I grew my hobby grew.In college I sent for my stamp album and began dealing in stamps. It was exciting for me. Today I dug out my stamp album and reviewed the many facets of the hobby. It is an interest that has never grownd.Today the world has changed. GOOD NEWS " Millions to Receive Checks Next Week, I.R.S. Says. On April 7 payments will receive the $1,400 check by direct deposit." I am keeping my fingers crossed.Today was a cloudy day. Dismal best describes it. I took two bags of trash to Josh for rubbish disposal and visited with him and Chase.Chase is getting his "mop" cut off.He hasn't had a haircut in months! Opening Day at Fenway tomorrow. I plan on watching the game. Many memories about my years of being a baseball fan. Did do my two bicycle exercises. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNSHINE TUESDAY

Blood glucose 90. It was the best day in the past three.Morning temperatures hovered around 19-2o degrees with a frost. I traveled to Hannaford for food and I bought some grilling steak.. the first I had in at least six months. I pan-fried a small portion for lunch along with some pickled beets. After lunch I sat in my favorite chair in the sunshine for over a half hour. This was the first time in the past three days. Howard's Drive-In is gearing up for an April 2 opening. I plan on getting something for lunch. Took the Allante' out and drove over to Birch Hill. Josh and Chase were leaving as I approached their driveway. "Soccer practice" was their message so I drove around town then back. Some idiot challenged me on Route 9. I got home and listened to The Seekers on my smart phone.Got to watch a little of the Elite Eight.Gonzaga is my favorite.BAck to HAnnaford tomorrow for some Melotonin and ice cream.aND OH YES.. I peddled two 15 minute segments on my exercise bike. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MONDAY OF GALES IN THE BROOKFIELDS

Blood glucose 105. The Worcester Airport reported wind gusts of 56 mph! I drove down to Country Corner for the newspaper and decided I would hunker down at the Poodle all day.In turn I watched documentaries all day. First, I watch Years of Lightening Days of Drums. This is a wonderful tribute to JFK. I recommend any who are interested in Kennedy's life to watch it as a review. Next I watched Humanity from Space. This PBS special covers a perspective on how we got here from the beginning.Watch it! Next I watched LBJ PArt 3. This is found on You Tube and reviews the Vietnam War years and the demise of Johnson. All three captured my Monday... a retrospective view of important topics.By nightfall the winds have subsided and we may have a freeze tonight so the sap can run in the morning. My Monday was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAINY SUNDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

After a late start I did my laundry and returned to the Poodle. At first it was misting then rains began by noon. I checked my Taylor rain gauge before dark and we had half an inch to far. This is good as it will make the grass turn green.. slowly. I tuned in to March Madness. The competition is building up and I like it. Creighton lost. UCLA is surging ahead of Alabama at half-time. Games continue Tuesday night so stay tuned. Didn't hear from folks on Birch Hill today! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A LATE MARCH CAMPFIRE

My exercise on the bike continues...was both morning and night. Dick Johnson arrived at 11:00 and gave me a tour of Southern Worcester County. It seems some destinations were either closed or not appealing.We ended up skipping lunch.Next I enjoyed another sitting in the sun then went to Josh's. He made a new purchase - a small used riding mower. It seems Evie took control of it driving all over the yard.We traveled to Hannaford for food.I waited in the parking lot and had two folks comment on my "Red Rocket" as Josh calls the Allante'.When we returned a campfire was built. As it turns out a social gathering was held. Heidi joined us along with Brian, Ben and others. I was waiting for the moon to rise but left before it rose. My interest in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen was nominal. Syracuse isn't on untill late tonight. Pass.It was a fun Saturday in late March! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WINDY FRIDAY IN LATE MARCH

Exercise bike as planned - two 15 minute sessions. The day remained cloudy until mid afternoon. I waited until after two to sit out in the sunshine for about an hour.Despite the wind, the rays were warm.Relaxing in sunshine is just what the doctor ordered.I journeyed over to Birch Hill and had an enjoyable time with family. Chase was "up" for his football game tonight at seven.He wears number 10. I don't know how detrimental the wind will be? Watched Steve Magnante & Barrett-Jackson Car Auction. Seems every car or truck sold for $100,000. I think my Allante' is worth every penny I paid for it.The gibbous moon was rising in the Eastern sky when I returned home. No money in the mail or on-line. Johnson Saturday I guess. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LATE SUNSHINE;GREAT ENDING

It took all morning and two hours into the afternoon for the sun to break through. I didn't bask in the sunshine until after two. The morning saw me exercise for 15 minutes on the bike then tonight another 15 minutes before Wheel. I traveled to Birch Hill for four and picked up Chase at Quabaug from his football practice in my red Allante'. Josh invited me to hang around when I returned.I remained until the 6:15 siren blew. The three girls were playing and enjoying the seventy degree weather. Questionable weather for tomorrow. I'll travel to Spencer for my dry cleaning.Maybe, just maybe , I'll get some money? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

STILL NO MONEY!

I don't know when the $1,400 check will come in any more than the $329.31 duplicate Arbella payment will arrive? Today was different as the dim sunshine turned into a cloudy day.I did sit out in the dim sunshine. Now I'll take a break.. four days in a row. Part of the day was spent detailing the Allante'. I applied Armoural to the four tires and used a q-tip to clean around the dash. I also wiped over the engine. The car is standing tall! Steve Magnante is live on tv with the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction which I watched for hours. I wonder if they will ever have another Cadillac Allante" for auction? I recall seeing one in 2013. The cars are scarce!No Birch Hill gang today. HAnnaford tomorrow along with paying VA prescription bill. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LONDON FOG IN THE BROOKFIELDS

A sure sign of Spring comes with morning fog! My morning ride on my bike saw fifteen minutes watching the commuter traffic buzz by.At night my second "ride" witnessed a different flow.No money on both counts but my Social Security came a day early.. The fog lifted and the delight of the day saw me enjoying another day of sunshine. I must of sat in my chair for a good hour.At some point my "tan" will be noticed.Took advantage of the day to damp-towel the Allante'. The car looks good. Late in the afternoon Josh asked me to pick up Chase at Quabaug.He had football practice then father and son had soccer practice. Tomorrow may be more cloudy? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD MONDAY IN LATE MARCH

Once again the lawns were frosty with temperatures in the low twenties.I began my day riding my exercise bike for 15 minutes and tonight for the same. My aches and pains persist. I did a quick trip to Hannaford NB. Still no money in the mail! By noon the temperature was above fifty and by one I sat out in the sunshine. It seems it'll be like this for a few more days. Saw Heidi in the afternoon. She invited me back at supper time. I bought two license plate frames for her new Jeep Wrangler! Had my light bulb replaced at NAPA. Little Evie likes my Allante'..I gave her instructions on the many aspects of the Allante's dash. I enjoyed a steak supper with the family. No Jeopardy! And the answer is?! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FULL SUNDAY IN MARCH

The white exercise bike sees me on it twice daily.. morning and evening for 15 minute workouts. I did laundry after my morning chores.Next I was poised to enjoy the sunshine. The day started off cold (19 degrees) but warmed up nicely. I waited until after one and sat for a good half hour. I feel I am getting some color and will continue all week.Didn't hear from Josh and drove over to Birch Hill but nobody was around.Came home and sat in the breezeway chair listening to music on my smartphone. Ben called earlier than usual. He mentioned getting his $1,400 check. I haven't gotten mine nor have I received the $329.31 duplicate payment from Arbella! Will check with Westbrook Insurance tomorrow. Must go to Hannaford tomorrow for my nutritional drink forgotten on Friday. Did watch Syracuse v. West Virginia. 'Cuse won! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY ECLECTIC SATURDAY IN LATE MARCH

My day began and ended with peddling on my exercise bike for 16 minutes.After buying the New York Times I journeyed over to NB & Hannaford. Forgot to buy my nutritional drink!Must return tomorrow.Called Johnson saying I'd be late as Chase had a football game versus Oxford at 11:00. The Cougars lost 14-00. Chase wore #10 uniform. Once Johnson arrived we drove to Jeff and Amy's Maple Syrup operation.The brilliant sunshine of the morning saw a friendly visit.The shack was built in 2010. Dick took my trash bags to Josh's before leaving. I then sat in my easy chair in the sunshine and napped until Chase called inviting me to go for a ride in his Jeep Wrangler.We rode around the Brookfields.I took the Allante' to Birch Hill. Josh was busy mowing a soccer field.I returned home and watched some NCAA Mens' basketball. Nothing in particular attracted me. Looks like it'll be fair weather for days. I'll take it! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SPRING IS HERE!

Spring is here and tomorrow will usher it in in grand style. We have been faced with a cold week. Today was no different with early temperatures in the teens.My daily routine of 15 minutes on my exercise bike both in the AM and at night sees me uncomfortable. Hopefully, in time, things will get better. I had a nice phone conversation with the VA pharmacist. My daily readings of blood glucose were satisfactory! I take insulin only at night before retiring.March Madness provided two overtime contests which I thoroughly enjoyed.Josh called advising me of Chase's football game at Quaboag tomorrow at 11:00. The bright sunshine should provide more moderate temperatures. Jeff and Amy have invited me & Johnson to stop by at their Sugar House.Will advise Johnson in the AM. HAd some New England Clam Chowder for lunch. I'm ready for Spring.. are you? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NO MONEY THURSDAY

No checks in the mail! Hopefully my ship will come in tomorrow! The intrigue of the town's cutting down huge trees on main street reveals the talent of Jimmy Rust. Before they are through the posture of Main Street will be changed for 100 years. I wish Jim well. I did two trips on my white exercise bike .. 15 minutes each trip. I ache and I'm sore but I know it's necessary. My day was spent watching "specialty" You Tube including Huey Lewis and Don Henley and Billy Joel. The Joel-Henley program lasted over one hour and is very insightful to two talented song writers and musicians. Son Ben should watch the program! I cooked some sausuages for a meal.The cloudy day turned into rain and will snow ny midnight. We have one more lousy day then four sun ny ones in a row.THINK SPRING! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DECENT AFTERNOON

Wednesday began with a 15 minute ride on my exercise bike. I did a second 15 minute lap late in the afternoon. My trip to Hannaford was routine specializing in 2 jars of pickled sliced beets! I watched Storage Wars after getting my oil changed at Ken's in EB.$28.00. The day becamefair yet the temperature only reached 45 degrees. I headed the Allante' out in my driveway enjoying the traffic going by. I decided after supper to drive around town. Didn't hear from Josh so I drove up Birch Hill finding nobody home... then on my way back Lily and Heidi were walking. I didn't recognize the two at first. Kemp-Nut called and chatted with yours truly for ten minutes or so. He received his $1400 check today. I have not received anything yet! ..Arbella reimbursement..or the $1,400! Snow and rain are in the forecast accourding to Pete Bouchard. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CALMER TUESDAY

For two days in a row I have begun with a 15 minute exercise on my new bicycle.It gets me going. This Tuesday saw me doing "janitorial" work in the bathroom and kitchen.I then reverted to watching Storage Wars and researching my Allante' on E-Bay. There are no less than 20 Cadillacs for sale. Some are low mileage. Condition varies. White and red are the more popular colors.I like learning all I can because the car is sophisticated. Back to cold weather I must be patient as the top is down..... I will get the oil changed in the Honda at Ken's in East Brookfield.Went over to "Josh the Barber" for my monthly clipping. I look like old Dick Vitale. We went to Ware to Walmart and I craved McDonald's french fries.Seems I get the bottom of the barrel... small pieces. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BRUTALLY, COLD, WINDY MARCH MONDAY

Winter returned this Monday!It was as cold as it has been all winter (single digits.) I went about my business of doing 15 minutes on the exercise bicycle. I enjoyed watching the flow of traffic.Later I drove to NB for some ice cream! I got a pint of coffee and sampled it later in the day. The highlight came with a phone call from the Cape.I had inquired about previous ownership of the Allante' and the caller chatted with me for almost 10 minutes. The gentleman said he owner the Cady "for about 10 years." This gives the pedigree a favorable grade. With the cold weather it looks like my "toy" will set for some time. The waxing moon is on the western sky and interesting.No checks yet! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY GALES WITH HAIL

The four day reprieve of seasonably warm weather and sunshine has been replaced with wicked cold, gales, and even a hail storm! The adjustment to Daylight Savings saw me doing laundry later in the morning. I did a 15 minute workout on the bike and felt it in every joint in my old body. I did not leave the Poodle all day. My red convertible will have to wait a while before going back on the road.My latest thing is getting a replacement college ring.I sold the beauty several years ago and bought a $20 gold piece thinking I was going to make a killing. Instead I lost 5%.I will contact the St. Louis U Bookstore in the morning to get some directon of my replacement options. I worked in the SLU Bookstore and enjoyed it... in 1964 & 1965. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DAVENPORT MAPLE FARM Shelburne Falls, MA

Dick Johnson suggested we travel to the Berkshires to the Davenport Maple Farm & Rastaurant. It was a perfectly clear Saturday. I agreed. We had traveled to this quaint sugar house in years past. Situated on a mountainside farm the steam was visible as we got closer."We've been boiling the sap for three days." The ambience set the tone. I suggested trying the restauraant. Both of us ordered Combo #2.. One waffle, one french toast, hash browns and sausage - $14.50. It was disappointing. The tiny restaurant seemed to make us wait.For $14.50 Coming home to WB I was greeted to a white exercise bicycle in my office.Josh secured this as I had asked for one. After 15 minutes I called it quits until tomorrow. wow! A laate-in-the day campfire on Birch Hill was next. Man, was it cold.I took the Allante' with top down and froze! Came home to watch the Georgetown-Greighton championship game. What a horrow show Clearly Georgetown will be champs.Set your clocks ahead tonight! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

GEORGETOWN DEFEATS SETON HALL 66-58

For much of the game Seton Hall and Georgetown were evenly matched.. then in the last two minutes the Hoyas prevailed and won 66-58. It was a good game. This Friday, again, was brilliant sunshine.I went about my business of food shopping and dry cleaning then I sat out in the sunshine for an hour or so.I'm afraid the 60 degree temperatures are over for now. It was good while it lasted. I saw Josh briefly then came home to watch the game.Say Good Night, Dick! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS ST. JOHN'S IN OVERTIME 77-69

After losing four games in a row the Pirates prevailed over the "Johnnies" in a Big East Tournament contest in Overtime. It seems the Pirates had a handle on the entire game. Tomorrow night they will play Georgetown University.Today's weather was splendid. I drove the red Allante' down to Country Corner and bought $20 worth of gasoline.Head pumper Amanda was befuddled not knowing where to put the nozzel. It's a tricky situation. She laughed when I showed her the button. The fog of the morning gave was to partly cloudy then fair skies by noon.At one I moved my chair and caught some rays for a good hour.Three days in a row makes me feel good. The temperature may have reached seventy? I drove over to Birch Hill at half-time but returned home to watch the second half.Go Pirates! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MORE WONDERFUL SUNSHINE IN MARCH

The day began cold. It wasn't until afternoon that the sun came around warming things up. My easy chair did the trick relaxing for more than an hour. This makes two straight days. I feel like I am getting some color. Tomorrow will be day three then the party will be over for the time being.I watched the Big East tourniment with Georgetown defeating Xavier. Then I drove the Allante' over to the Potvins. No bonfire as Chase was to be picked up. Evie and MAddi were in T-shirts and shorts. They were frollicing around.My visit was brief. I watched more basketballthen onto the evening news.Tomorrow I take the Cady to Country Corner for gasoline.It will be fun as gas fill is a secret. Seton HAll plays St. John at three on FS1. Should be interesting. Spoke briefly with "Johnson" who was busy. The day was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

STAY IN THE SUNSHINE!

Today's high temperature was about 51 degrees.It felt good after the cold weather of the past few days.Dave Cameron stopped by for my intro of the Allante'. I gave him a packet of my writings and a promise to give him a ride. Dave was enthused with my purchase.I sat out in the sunshine relaxing in my chair which lasted for an hour or more. College roommate and friend Bill Gross of Wancouver, Washington, phoned, and we spoke for close to one half hour!After my nap I dampened two towels and gave my Caddy a good wipedown.I'll finetune my effort tomorrow.Must replace a burned out directional lightbulb. Drove over to Birch Hill and rode with Josh to pick up Chase from football practice at Quaboag.I was invited to return tomorrow for a campfire. We have one more day of Spring-like weather.. maybe two. Of course winter will return next week. I have begun working on my tan! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD MARCH MONDAY

The day began cold.. about 11 degrees when I got up.The sunshine was welcome. I remained indoors after getting the newspaper.One program I enjoyed was the manufacture of the TESLA.Called Josh for some assistance in getting my e-mail squared away. He was in Waltham and showed up after four. Earlier I backed the Allante' out of the garage, turned it around and basked in the March sun for an hour or so. Tomorrow I plan on washing it here. Tried to call Bill Gross in Oregon but couldn't leave a message as his mail box was full. Had an encouraging call from the VA pharmacist. She's from Vietnam and we had a nice conversation. All of my medications were reviewed and my blood sugar readings are improving. I plan on sitting on my chair in the garage tomorrow along with food shopping. Squared away with my o/s car insurance bill with Westbrook Ins. This monday was full and this monday was good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE ALLANTE' CONVERTIBLE IS DOWN!

Blood glucose 94 Weight 167 It was 10 degrees at 7:30 AM. Winter seemed to linger until the brilliant sunshine rose in a cloudless sky. I went about doing laundry. After making my bed Josh called inviting me to go to Hannaford. I accepted the offer. When we returned to the Poodle I asked him if he wanted to put the convertible top down. He accepted my offer. I didn't know what to expect. I gave him the instruction card and went into the house. I returned and VOILA! He was successful in lowering it. I asked how did he do it? "I READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!" We laughed and weathered the wind chill as we sped along. It pleased me to no end! Chase had a chance of driving my CADY to my delight.I have decided to leave the top down all season. By Thursday it'll be sixty. I attempted in lowering my cable service... to no avail.Tonight I enjoyed watching STORAGE WARS.So much "junk tv." ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY INDOORS SATURDAY

After buying the New York Times I retreated to a full day inside the Poodle. My friend "Johnson" remained in Leominster so we spoke for 16 minutes.The remaining part of the day was watching collegiate NCAA men's basketball.I enjoy watching the Big East teams. Also I was pleased to see where the massive bill was approved by the Senate. It appears it will go to the President for signature early next week.I should qualify for a $1,400 check! Tonight I logged onto the Seton Hall - St. John's game being played in New York City. It is half-time so I'll report once the game is over.Sad but true!So much talent gone with the wind! FINAL - ST. JOHN'S 81 SETON HALL 71. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE COLD CONTINUES

As bright as this day was.. the winds and cold was at hand. After doing the usual Friday chores I settled down to watching collegiate basketball. My alma mater, Saint Louis University was playing U-MASS and prevailed the entire game. The Billikens won by 15 points. I don't have any allegiance to the Billikens. They may go places in the play off? Saw Josh and picked up Chase after football practice at Quaboag. The boy had a busy day. Started the Allante' and warmed it up. Needs a power spray as it just sits in the garage collecting dust. Tonight I enjoyed watching The Kingston Trio and the Smothers Brothers on PBS! I sawg Tom Dooley when I was a freshman at NBHS! Will call Johnson in the morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER WICKED COLD THURSDAY

Blood glucose 117. Josh came to me rescue early on to correct my computer problems. It set the tone for the day. After getting the New York Times I settled in to what seemed to be house arest. I watched a variety of programs including Steve Magnante and Barrett Jackson car auction.I then glissaded over to some collegiate contests. I didn't have any desire to go out as it was cloudy and cold. Then around four the skies cleared.. a beautiful day indeed. I drove the Honda to the ATM for some cash then returned to the Poodle. The big news is my insulin readings have been low. I have been in touch with VA dietitians who are calling me on Monday. They are regulating things.. not to worry. Friday will be routine between dry cleaning and foor shopping. It looks like it will remain cold throough the weekend! Next week we should see a warming trend. "Good things happen on Friday!" ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BACK IN BUSINESS

Blood glucose 67 After a couple of days of being off line I'm back in business.The high winds of Tuesday where gusts may have hit 70 mph!No trees down that I know of. March has truly come in like a lion. Much of the snow has melted.Seton fall leaves me sad. We had high hopes only to fall. With one game remaining it's over! I do enjoy watching the better teams compete. More later! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MARCH 1ST 2021

Blood glucose 69 The new month began in a fog. It remained that way until mid-afternoon.I went about my Monday trying to find our if the RMV is making vNITY PLtes again. No answer! I tried to pay the VA for my monthly prescriptions: no such luck.I studied the Allante' trying to see if the convertible top could be put down. No luck. Things weren't going too good.. then the winds shifted and the skies cleared. I warmed up my Cadillac then decided to drive it about town listening to WARE radio. Earlier I wiped down the moisture. I am getting used to the many nuances the 30 year old roadster offers. Tonight I found U-MASS... Saint Louis U Basketball in the A-10 Conference. The billikenssurged way ahead of the Minutemen.Tonight it is cold and very windy. Tomorrow will see some wild wind-chill figures. March is truly coming in like a lion! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN