RUN FOR THE ROSES

April is leaving the scene as if it were March! Fierce winds reaching 50 mph ruled the day along with heavy clouds.I miss those days several weeks ago when it was sunny and calm. Today began with a phonecall from Dr. Brinda Sanjay. She gave me a good assessment seeing things as "stable." Jeff Nickerson gave me some insights in his new car a Chrysler Crossfire. This short-lived jem reminds me of the Allante's brief stay. A feature item on the NYT saports page reads "The Confounding Case of Jacob deGrom. This was the pitcher the Red Sox defeated 1-0 the other night. He allowed 3 hits and lost. Sports buffs might enjoy eading his story. The Kentucky Derby begins on tv tomorrow at 2:30. Of the 20 horses running, Essential Quality is 2-1 odds. Watch Medina Spirit 15-1 with Bob Baffert trainer. Bob has the shocking head of white hair.A new month.... ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY VERY QUIET THURSDAY

The major part of this Thursday was food shopping at Hannaford. I stocked up and spent $52.00 on stuff I'll need. Called sister Jan and learned NB will be getting a gas station st the Big Red Auction Barn complex. The weather was rainy and you can hear my grass grow! I laid low watching A series of YouTube offering including Scotty Kilmer. I like his style and the many topics he offers on practical automobile maintenance. Josh called at 4. The exciting news is the Boston Red Sox.They swept the NY Mets and are now in Texas. Go Sox! My general doctor, Brinda Sanjay will call tomorrow at 9:00 am. I made a list to review ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLOUDY WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday was different.It was warm and cloudy. Thunderstorms came over night. Lightening is interesting. Watched my share of JFK documentaries. Then I decided to go outside in the Allante' and toured the Brookfields. Stopped at Lee's Coins and Ken's Citgo. Will have my oil changed next week. It's important to check all levels. I now have had the Cadillac three months. Went to North Brookfield up to the Bates Observatory. It is now a "half structure." Drove over to St. Joseph Cemetary. Noticed all of the head stones have crosses where other cemetaries don't. Interesting. Saw Josh briefly.Red Sox are playing good baseball.RAin is in the forecast for the next couple of days. My lawn has 1,000 dandilions! I like the color yellow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY PAYDAY TUESDAY

Blood glucose 113 There was a listing of 2020 population counts in today's Times.It was interesting to see each state's population. Massachusetts has 7,029,217 residents. The smallest state is Wyoming with 576,851 and Vermont 643,077! I havae lived in these two states! This day began cloudy and remained cloudy until afternoon. My Social Security was deposited early and I took care of banking early. Ido on-line banking with NBSB. YouTube's mechanic Scotty Kilmer is highly recommended for car buffs. Scotty has 4 million visits and is a celebrity.His wisdom is worth the time spent. He is championing Toyota and Honda and tells of vehicles with 300,000+ miles and going strong. As the sun came out about 2:30 - 3:00 I enjoyed sitting out in the sun.It has been a while since sitting out. The sun's rays are strong.Went over to Josh's and paid the rent then came back and had supper at Howard's Drive In. Had a hamburger and onion rings. The rings were sweet. I don't know what my next choie will be? Scallops? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER WINDY DAY

Blood glucose 106 - This Monday began with temperatures in the thirties.I did my food shopping early and retreated to the confines of the Poodle. There was lots of activity in front of my abode. Four bucket trucks and nine tree surgeons were trimming trees on my property. Some men were in the air 40 feet in the air!. Watching these "high wire" workers was entertaining. I can't imagine the wages earned? There's so much action on Route 9 including traffic police. Called Josh at 4. He was busy getting Chase from baseball practice.I drove over in the Allante' but didn't stay long. The wind was blowing gale force. I began researching anemometers. Tonight it was routine with Lester Holt news and game shows. By sunset the winds have died down. We may have a frost by morning? Don't forget the Full Moon after eleven! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAINY SUNDAY

It was a different kind of Sunday.It was rainy and cool. The morning routine saw me doing laundry in Warren then coming back to make the bed, etc. Got a call from Josh saying the dinner at the Marchessaults was to be 2:00 not 1:00. Josh and Chase had a soccer game in Worcester.I enjoyed my visit as the Red Soc game was on tv next to the gentle fire burining in the fireplace. Heidi and the girls were recounting more details about their recent trip and other information. I left as the game ended. Exercise on the bike was twice.. morning and evening. Clearing is coming as darkness ensues. Full moon is tomorrow. Food shopping in NB at Hannaford tomorrow. A good Sunday indeed! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SEVENTY DEGREE SATURDAY

'JOHNSON' came and agreed to flip a quarter. He won the toss and we headed for Twin River in Rhode Island.The rest is confidential. Got back to listen to the demise of the Red Sox.Not a goodtrip all around.God additional information on my quest of the fabled POTVIN vanity plate. Spoke with Officer Tessier of the WB Police. He looked up the plate on his computer finding it to be INACTIVE. I am sending a letter to Senator Anne Gobi asking for help.Just maybe I will get help. Josh, Heidi and family arrived home from their week's vacation.Saw everyone.Good to be home! Invited for a pork dinner at Ron & Chrissie tomorrow. Rain is in the forecast! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MILDER, LESS WIND, SATURDAY

There's lots of action right in front of the Poodle! Clearing is happening for a new sidewalk from Ridge Road to the beginning of Foster Hill Road. If anything, this will improve real estate values. If public safety comes first, a sidewalk will make foot traffic safer. I don't have any specifics other than Josh mentioned it a while back. Stayed up later to see the Boston Red Sox onto victory over Seatle last night. Today's game starts at 1:10. Today promises to be the best day this week. After a forecast of rain tomorrow next week will make the flowers grow. My lawn will need mowing soon. The Spring displays of flowering shrubs and other blossoming trees are beautiful.. Just got off the phone with Johnson suggesting we travel towards Oxford and the Pink Pig....then onto TR (Twin Rivers, RI.My wish to go to Northamption will wait! Enjoy your day! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WICKED COLD & WINDY THURSDAY

When I got up the temperature was 22 degrees, spitting snow and gale force winds and no place to go. After getting the NYT I retreated to the Poodle. I found much pleasure in watching YOU TUBE.I discovered new topics like "5 trucks to buy for under $1500. The host Scotty is an authority and persuasive. I will watch his presentation again. I once bought a Cheyenne Chevrolet truck while living in Cheyenne, Wyo.Hisgh mileage trucks are good. Vehicles with over 300,000 are common and the history of ownership is the secret.I also watched my old friend NVP for a couple of hours. Dr. Peale is as persuasive as they come. The two basketball boards were blown over at Josh's. Tomorrow will be another cold day. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THUNDER & LIGHTENING WEDNESDAY

BLOOD GLUCOSE 97 -A line of thunder storms and lightening defined this Wednesday.I had just came back from making my afternoon rounds when the power went out.It was out from 4:45 to 5:20. I feared being out all night!My task for this day was to review all of my family pnotos. My top dresser bureau is weighted down with calendars of the grandchildren, wedding photos of my parents - 4-18-1936 along with a myriad collection of friends and relatives.It is overwhelming. A favorite photo is one of my white 1987 Cadillac Allante bearing the POTVIN vanity plate taken from the rear.I don't know what I will do with this massive collection?.. maybe getting some photo albums and organizing them by topic? Wm Wednesday meals were more Chuck Eye steak, Aunt Nellie's pickled beets and noodles for supper. Toronto is playing with the Red Sox after a rain delay. GO SOX! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DIFFERENT KIND OF TUESDAY

It is great having YouTube and a very fast Internet.I have been watching and listening to a variety of programs from Lawrence Welk to the Seekers.I did my pill cady and ordered two prescription refills before lunch then I enjoyed more Chuck Eye steak and pickled beets. It was partly cloudy all day and quite windy. I did not sit out.Brought a trash bag full to Birch Hill and saw Ronnie "feeding the birds and fish. Later I reviewed all of my New Leader writings from the eighties.It was fun reviewing articles.Enjoyed some noodles & broth for supper. I didn't dwell on doings in Minnesota and watch very little of it.Anderson Cooper is the guest host on Jeopardy! for two weeks. The Red Sox are playing the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway. They lead 4-0 in the fifth inning. GO SOX! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SMALL POX CAVE NORTH BROOKFIELD, MA

I first discovered Smallpox cave in 1956! I had heard of its legend from my dad, Joe Potvin. It was in a December snowstorm when my cousin "Kizzle" and I made the discovery. One Israel Allen, a soldier of the Revolutionary War was sequestered in the woods of North Brookfield. Allen chisled "I HAD SMALLPOX APRIL 19, 1788" Further markings state " have a message..."READ THESE LINES AND"...broken message. Dick Johnson and i have returnedto Smallpox over the years and we even chisled our own initials near Allen's carving I marked the granite "RP" and Johnson "J". You can find Small Pox cave deep in the North Brookfield Town Forest or by tresspass on a road(path) off Cider Mill road where Larry H lives. I have a copy of my New Leader article "Uncovering the mystery of Smallpox cave..April 30, 1987. It is incumbent to take youth into the woods and rediscover it.Take a piece of chalk to show the inscription and take a pictures asI did. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY "NO NAP" PATRIOT'S DAY

It has been a full day.It's nice to be back to normal. Without You Tube and a PC saw me looking to the alternative. I drove the Allante' around town. It wasn't sunny enough to sit on my easy chair. Pan-fried some Chuck eye steak for supper aalong with pickles beets.I enjoyed a lunch of noodles. The week's weather isn't exactly pleasing. The upper-midwest is getting hammered with more snow.I like watching The Weather Channel and Pete Bouchard andyes, looking out the window! Speaking of windows I am looking for a person to wash all of my windows.Give me a call 508-867-3360 anytime. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JEFF NICKERSON MY MAIN MAN!

When prepared meets opportunity I, like the Hot Sox, have a friend in West Brookfield... a technical mind and former Marine, Jeff Nickerson! Jeff came to bat with my You Tube problems and hit a Grand Slam home run! Jeff grabs the bull by the horns no matter the challence. He is conscientious, knowledgeable, expedient and Johnny on the Spot! In no time at all my You Tube connection was working again!Thanks a million Jeff!You.too, da man! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MONDAY'S "HOT SOX" AT FRIENDLY FENWAY PARK

The Boston Red Sox recovered from Sunday's double shellacking by the Chicago White Sox. The Red Sox began the game with a home run atop The Green Monster and kept rolling throughout this Patriot's Day contest.It seems the Red Sox couldn't do no wrong.Their victory of 11-4 was an explosion that seemingly never ended. Seventeen hits complimented their Monday victory. 4,500 loyal fans was tiny yet meningful. The Sox now have regained composure for tomorrow's game against Toronto Blue Jays. GO SOX! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SPECTRUM'S DAVE PARENTEAU TO THE RESCUE

This Spectrum technician scores high grades with me. "Dave" is a pioneer man who knows the score. The bottom line is my heating element melted the cable feed and was replaced. Voila! It's nice to deal with a veteran. Thanks Dave! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SNOWBALL FRIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

I got up during the night to see my lawn was white! Upon getting up I witnessed large flakes the size of potato chips falling. Being I had my snow tires removed yesterday I was concerned about traction in my driveway. It was a slushy wet snow that proved not to be a problem.I traveled to Spencer to Tony's Dry Cleaners for my weekly exchange of "dirty for clean!" The snow storm lasted until mid-afternoon and the accumulation was about five or six inches.Went over to Birch Hill to see the Potvin klan heading for Spring vacation.The grandkids were excited and even more so when I presented them with some "traveling money." Bill Gross phoned and we chatted about his latest prize -- a pregnant family member. Earlier I enjoyed a meal of steak and pickled beets. Then when Chase enjoyed some chicken noodles I asked for

2 packs and enjoyed a cup for supper. Called Jeff Nickerson with my YouTube problems.Should come by in the morning. I peddled twice on my bike this day. Havent miss a day since getting the bike! Will call "Johnson" in in the morning. Red Sox game postponed. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY RAINY THURSDAY

As the weather changes the mood changes.I began my Thursday by getting the New York Times and traveling to NB to Hannaford. My quest was another piece of steak for pan frying.Steak is very expensive and is very good. I sliced it into small pieces and delight at the results. I enjoy pickles beets and olives for two meals. I further checked with the Registry after receiving my application and check in the mail.I'm a little confused and will check with further on "why" the POTVIN plate isn't available.The next think was the exciting Red Sox game in Minnisota. There was a bad call by the home plate ump that saw Alex Cora get heaved out of the game! BAD. The sox rallied to tie the game in the eighth only to lose it in the ninth. Hope the Sox return to Fenway and Chicago White Sox will keep their momentum going. At mid-afternoon I had my snow tires removed to the tune of $38 at George's Tire place.Now we are faced with snow tomorrow! How nice. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE BOSTON RED SOX KEEP WINNING

After losing the first three games of the season the Sox are on a roll! They have defeated the Twins three straight after sweeping the Baltimore Orioles and are poised to sweep the Twins tomorrow. It is enlightening to see both good pitching and good hitting. Go Sox! We had a day of sunshine and I sat out in my pink chair for nearly an hour.I picked up Chase after football practice but the reality was the Red Sox games. I have found my "steak" diet good. Plan on returning to Hannaford tomorrow for more steak. I cut small pieces and fry them in a pan. The extended forecase is calling for SNOW on Friday.MAybe the weatherman is wrong? Enjoy your APRIL 15th! LOL. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOWFLAKES ON THE PLAYING FIELD

Coming off a six game winning streak and a day off the Boston Red Sox proved they are serious! Today they won again 4-2 against the Twins.I enjoyed watching the game. Tomorrow they play 2 seven inning games.GO SOX! I am on a steak routine. Two meals today saw me enjoy pan fried steak. I cut it up into small peaces along with Aunt Nellies pickled sliced beets.Chase was picked up from football practice. Seems his schedule is tight.It is good for him and me.Didn't sit out as it was a partly cloudy day... although mild. Pete Bouchard is talking snow by Friday! I can hardly wait. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MONDAY OF DISAPPOINTMENTS & SUPRISE

This Monday had disappointments. I received a call at Noon from the Registry of Motor Vehicles stating my request for the POTVIN vanity plate was denied as it was already taken. Next, an hour later the Boston Red Sox game in Minneapolis was postponed five minites before gametime.It was quite obvious the tumultous scene in the City was the reason why. Hopefully at least one game will be played tomorrow! I paid my Charter cable bill of $122.78 and was ready to pay my VA monthly bill for prescription drugs when the lady said "You have a zero balance!" All payments have been waived until 9/20/2021. How nice. I planned to attending Chase's football game at 3:00 only to find the playing field vacant.Later Josh called stating it was at 4:30. I chose not to go. Today's weather was cold remaining in the 40s. There's different forecasts.. some calling for SNOW while others calling for partly cloudy temps. Pete Bouchard mentioned "snowflakes." I think last week's spectacular weather won't be equalled for a while. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE RED HOT RED SOX

There was a knock on my locked kitchen door this morning as I was shaving. It was son Josh ready to detail my dirty kitchen and bathroom. I like his style as when finished my quarters were "standing tall!" I went about doing laundry in Warren.The mood of the day has changed with cold tempeataures and cloudy conditions. It was my finding of the Red Sox - Baltimore game from Camden Yards that captured my imagination. Today's game was "hits and homers."Boston came from last place to first place in the American League. J.D. Martinez blasted three home runs. The Sox posted `17 hits and off to Minneapolis for tomorrow's matinee against the Twins.Do they have the momentum.. I hope so. The Sox have four day games and I'll be watching each day with interest. GO SOX! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHNSON LOSES SHIRT AT TWIN RIVER CASINO

It Came as a suprise we would travel to Twin River. Dick said "You can spend your $10 with the hopes of winning." He lost his shirt and I my ten dollars. The day was spent at Hannaford before Johnson and afterwards Josh & I traveled back to Hannaford in Chase's Jeep. In coming home WB Fire trucks were blocking traffic "with a telephone pole on fire." We were detoured to Wine Road to Foster Hill to to Route 9.No details. U MAss hockey for the Title was watched with U MAss ahead 3-0 of St. Cloud State. It was a beautiful Saturday despite circumstances. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY QUIET FRIDAY

Not doing too well as I lost my first draft! The essence of my blog is I got french fries at Howard's to the tune of $5.85 and I no longer crave them.LOL.Sat out in sunshine for 15 minutes.It was too hot and no breeses blowing. Picked up Chase at Quaboag after football practice.Josh had a bonfire going when we returned. Friends stopped by and Maddie, Evie and Chase played basketball and soccer. Ben brought some barbecue ribs which were a treat. I left when the fire siren blew about 6:10. The highlight this Friday is after disappearing some four weeks ago my Fossil watch was found in the front pocket of my wool pants.Will phone "Johnson" in the morning. Nothing in particular planned?! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE BEST DAY OF THE SPRING SEASON SO FAR!

Today unfolded into being the best day this Spring so far.Spring flowers are in bloom. The daffodils are bright yellow and if you want to see thousands of them just go to New Braintree to witness what JUNE GLIDDEN did twenty years ago in memory of her parents Fred and Rita Figal. Also, the forsithias are in bloom. I submitted my application for "POTVIN" vanity plate. HOWARD'S Drive In did a land-office business... a large crowd indeed. I plan on going there tomorrow for lunch.French fries and other goodies. I have been eating the Easter ham all week.Took the Allante' all around New Braintree and NB. Visited sister Jan and Ray. Earlier I sat out in the April sunshine for an hour. It was hot!Worked on a "Resume' preparation" guide for Amanda. Saw Josh & Chase briefly later in the day. It was a very good day! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY RETROSPECTIVE WEDNESDAY

This April day proved to be cooler than expected.We started cool but the partly cloudy skies prevailed.I didn't sit out as the skies were more clouds than sun. I reviewed collector books. As stated the vanity plates are being fashioned. I am excited about getting my POTVIN plate again. Josh called and I picked up Chase again then sat by a campfire. The sun was hidden and I left before the siren warning. Evie was playing catch with dad and Maddie.Had another meal of ham , veggies and pickled beets.. my favorite! To Westbrook Ins. tomorrow for vanity paperwork. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MASS. VANITY PLATES APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED

I have been waiting since November to apply for my vanity plate bearing my name: POTVIN! Spoke with RMV today stating I must submit A Vanity Plate Application, an RTA and a $70 check. Will see my agent, Westbrook in the morning. I had the POTVIN plate then redeemed it for BLOG. Now I will have a vanity plate on the Allante"! Exciting! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

$1,400 NOW IN MY ACCOUNT!

The day was brightened by receiving my stimulus check of $1,400.My Tuesday was good. I returned to Hannaford for some Aleve and other goodies.Got my National Grid bill of $108.28. My morning and evening bike exercise kept me in stride. I wiped down the Allante' with a damp towel. The car looks good.Today's sunshine was excellent. The wind was more like a breeze and I sat out for an hour again.Later I took a spin around town and ended up on Birch Hill Road. Josh asked me if I would pick up Chase at football practice.I agreed. While parked in the lot at school a lady stopped commenting how attractive the Allante' was. Had more ham and pickled beets for lunch.Supper was abbreviated with olives, gherkin pickles and Georgia pecans.. roasted. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY WINDY EASTER MONDAY

Despite the brilliant sunshine on this Monday the wind must have reached gale force at times. My bike exercises started and ended the day and a trip to NB saw me shop for food and get the Honda washed for $10. BAck at home I filled my pill cady which took nearly an hour. I enjoyed a ham and veggie lunch and repeated it for supper. I sat out in the sunshine later in the afternoon for nearly an hour.Nobody was home when I delivered a book "The City of Washington" for Lily. I swear the wind was gusting over 40 mph.A quiet evening with the regular game shows. I have no plans to watching the Final NCAA game. I favor Gonzaga! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY PERFECT EASTER SUNDAY

nother cold start gave way to sunshine and mild winds.I did my pedaling as scheduled to start the day and end it. LAundry was done with few around. I prepared my Sunday at the Marchessaults with gifts of Peanuts, pecans and a bottle of wine. The meal of ham,veggies and other goodies was really exceptional. Ronnie had a small fire in the fireplace burning apple wood. The conversation was about Gonzaga's miracle basket. I later watched a rerun twice. What will Monday night's game be? After my visit I enjoyed sitting out in the sunshine for an hour! Took the Allante' and bought $20.00 worth of gas. Tomorrow I go to NB. Will get the dirty Honda washed.I always prepare a list for food. The weather all week looks promising. Happy Easter! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

STIMULUS CHECK NOTICED RECEIVED

$1,400 TO BE DELIVERED ON APRIL 7TH IN MY DIRECT DEPOSIT ACCOUNT! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNNY HOLY SATURDAY

Things worked out to perfecion on this Saturday! The nineteen degrees at dawn was bested by brilliant sunshine. The temperature never went above 47 all day. The clear skies allowed us to enjoy this Saturday to perfection. The 15 minute morning and evening bicycle exercise put things in perspective. Dick Johnson arrived after eleven and agreed to "head west" towards Northampton and Amherst. The Quabbin was beautiful. I enjoyed the Victorian mansions in West Northampton.We ate at Subway in West Brookfield on return. I enjoyed one hour ensconsed in my easy chair in the garage then I fired up the Allante' and headed for Birch Hill. It is Heidi's birthday which was a great socializing of friends. Kids were everywhere. It was lighthearted.Josh drove the Allante' to get Chinese for supper. I drove home before it got to be too dark.Tomorrow I have been invited to Ronnie and Chrissies for a Easter meal. Life is good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD, CLOUDY, GOOD FRIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

After a good night's rest I began my Friday with a 15 minute "ride" on my exercise bike. I went about my business of getting the newspaper and traveling to Spencer to Tony's Dry Cleaners. I returned to watch more 'Easter' services with Rev Shuller and Rev Peale. The next big event was OPENING DAY from Fenway Park.The crowd of 4,500 made things look tiny. The Baltimore Orioles prevailed and held the Red Sox to two hits. Maybe we can blame the cold weather? LOL. Later I caught op with Josh and had an extended visit at the Birch Hill Estate.Josh is in the middle of remodeling the kitchen. Saw Chase with his hair cut. I opted to fry a piece of steak and pickled beets instead of Howard's. I will save my visit to warmer weather.The drift from Howards comes into my home!I ended the day with another 15 minute ride on the bike.Heidi's birthday is tomorrow. I'm giving Heidi a cash gift. Have been invited to Ronnie & Chrissie's for Easter Sunday meal. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

APRIL FOOL

BLOOD GLUCOSE 125 It took all day for the sun to come out. It was a cold, windy Thursday. The Red Sox game was postponed so I watched the Yankees lose to Toronto in 10 innings. I like the Yankees and Aaron Judge in particular.Judge struck out twice.It wasn't one of his better games. After the game I referred to Rev. Norman Vincent Peale. His sermons are priceless then I watched Rev. Robert Shuller. The sermons and messages are appropriate for Holy Thursday.Didn't go anywhere today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN