EVEN COLDER TO BEGIN THIS TUESDAY!

It was 14 degrees above zero as I began this Tuesday. After reading the newspapers I was determined to address the Allante' issues. My registration expired today so I called Westbrook Insurance. Mattie took care of me with a new registration and a 22 sticker for the 'POTVIN' plate which was in my office. After paying the $100 fee I decided to affix the two plates.It took me a while and was successful.The new plates are spiffy! With a silver frame I'm in business.. only thing is the top is down! Went to Hannaford for some Fish Oil and Melatonin.Later in the day I visited Josh, Evie, Maddie and Chase. Must remind Josh of a burned-out bulb in my garage. This Tuesday was good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CHILLY NOVEMBER MONDAY

There was lots of mail in Box 11 today. I received a box of 100 needles for my daily insulin injections. Received my car insurance bill of $815 for 2 cars. If I pay it in full I can save $49.00. My application of fuel assistance was approved. Tomorrow I go to Westbrook Ins and notify them of my POTVIN vanity plate transfer. Must attach the new plates and remove the old ones. Have 2 VA doctor appointments next Monday and Wednesday..optometry and Dr. Sanjay. Reviewed one box of family photographs..three more to go. My Monday was inside. No Josh today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE SETON HALL PIRATES ARE VICTORS

The Seton Hall Pirates prevailed in the second half to defeat Betheune-Cookman 84-70.Tomorrow will bw the weekly posting of the AP standings. The Pirates are 21 and may gain or lose points? The day was cloudy. Josh cleared out the garage.Visited Ronnie & Chrissie's where all family was enjoying the Patriot's victory. I prefer baseball which I enjoyed watching Ken Burns "BASEBALL."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WICKED COLD SATURDAY

We awoke to a ground of white. Two inches of snow had fallen over night and the trees glistened with the white stuff."Johnson" arrived in a bright orange jacket..something new. We headed West towards Amherst and Northampton.The Quabbin is beautiful with snow.Some shady spots made for dangerous driving. As we headed towards Amherst "no snow!" Sudenly the ground was bare.It was the same in Northampton.. bare ground! We came home by way of South Hadley and Granby where snow on the ground increased. We ate at Subway in West Brookfield.Poor service! I did food shopping at Hannaford for the basics. Seems lots of sales exist. Then I settled in to watching collegiate basketball with St. Johns winning in overtime over a New Jersey team. Next I watched Ken Burns Baseball with great interst. Many contemporary players and teams were featured i.e. Ted Williams, Mickey MAntle and others.My Saturday was good despite the wind and cold temperatures! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FIRST SNOW OF THE SEASON

It was a gloomy Friday with a mist in the air. Then about 4:00 pm it started to spit snowflakes. By eight tonight the ground was covered with the season's first snowfall. Fijol's plow rumbled over the highway.By dawn tomorrow it will be a "world unknown." The air is cold and it seems these conditions may last for several days.The new snow will change the mood. All television programming changes with the Patriots.I ended up watching YouTube from the Lawrence Welk Thanksgiving Special of 1981 to ABBA's return.I watched The Eagles sing "Lyin Eyes."RAn out of insulin needles. Hopefully a supply will arrive soon. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A LAKESIDE THANKSGIVING OF 13

My Thanksgiving was full of love and a feast. We congregated at the home of Bev & Mert where family congregated talking about the good old days. My four grandaughters and grandson made the gathering special. The two youngest girls, Savvy and Evie frolicked both inside and out.Cousins has a special meaning. The traditional meal was multi-coursed. Ben and Josh and wives kept the conversation meaningful. I sat at one head-table taking it all in. I watched some of Macy's parade and collegiate basketball both before and after. Ben travels back to Carolina tomorrow.His visit had meaning and purpose. You can give my Thanksgiving five stars! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DAY WITH BEN AND JOSH

My shower stall has a new plate glass door.Josh spent several hours assembling it while Ben and I reviewed the Potvin photo album collection.I have documented through photos of trips all over America, Australia and Canada. Baseball was the highlight of the collection. Later Ben and I enjoyed a McDonald's in Spencer then traveled to the Trappist home. The tower is formidable. As mentioned my 'POTVIN' vanity plate arrived in the mail. It took me more than 7 months to persevere. My persistence paid off.I got two plates which Josh has agreed to attach to my Allante' The Seton Hall basketball game was a good victory over California 62-59. Earlier UCONN won in double overtime.Spoke with sister Jan and college roomate Bill Gross..Got a post card from little Evie from New York City.Tomorrow is Thanksgiving at Bev's house. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

'POTVIN' VANITY ARRIVES

A VISIT FROM SON BEN AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS

The day began with a visit from my older son Ben, wife and daughter. Their wish was a trip to the Quabbin and McDonalds for an ice cream.We went to Belchertown for the treat then back to the Quabbin. Pictures were taken and the vistas were appreciated. Savvy is now 7 and affectionate. Later in the day we helped Chase celebrate his 17th birthday at home on Birch Hill. Lily and Maddie made birthday cakes and the crowd was friendly.Tomorrow Ben will visit me with family photo albums.Seton Hall plays California at 6:00 PM. Terribly cold today, windy and clear skies. It was 20 degrees when I got up at 7:00 am. Welcome home Ben & family! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL - A GOOD COMEBACK BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

The Hall demonstrated their comeback ability and almost defeated Ohio State! As the late Jim Nolen once said "It's only a game." Maybe the team will learn from this defeat and go forward? I got my booster shot at Hannaford this morning. No waiting; good show. Haven't heard from Ben. Wicked cold weather is on its way. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET SUNDAY

It was a quiet Sunday for me. After doing laundry in Warren I "laid low" as Josh and family were out of town. Sunday basketball was good. Purdue upset Villinova 80 to 74. I favored Purdue. The second victory came with West Virginia over Clemson 66 to 59. Son Ben will be arriving from Belmont, NC with wife Allison and daughter Savannah after two years.I will be seeing him on Tuesday and a trip to the Quabbin is in order. The much anticipated game between Seton Hall and Ohio State will be on FS1 at 6:00 PM. Go Pirates! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A 19 DEGREE BEGINNING TO THIS SATURDAY

Blood glucose 109.. It was a frosty beginning to this day. Johnson was late in arriving and he had our destination in mind as we departed West Brookfield. 'Lets go to the McDonalds in Athol' and we did. We traveled cross county and stopped at the Orange Airport... a place where my father used to take me to drag races in 1957. We returned by way of Athol center. Nothing has changed.. nothing. We traveled over 110 miles and then some. I had hoped to wtch some collegiate basketball contests. Purdue was one I enjoyed and St. John's another. I'm getting psyched up for Monday's contest with Seton Hall against Ohio State 6:00 PM FS1. The day clouded over before sunset.Dirty laundry tomorrow! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WINTRY COLD

The warmth of yesterday was replaced with

temperatures in the thirties and a cold wind.I went about my business and stayed in for the mostpart. Josh came by for a lift in late afternoon. He had to pick up Chase's Jeep at the garage.It had been in for repairs all week. Tonight the kids and dad went to a U Mass hockey game in Amherst. I watched UMass win a basketball in an OT contest.Tonight all of the game shows were on as usual.Should be some good contests on TV over the weekend.Hope tp see Johnson tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL MOON TO BOOT!

Blood glucose 95 Weight 165 lbs. Today was a beautiful November day. I took the Allante out for a 25 mile spin.Tonight the full moon rose about 5:00 pm as I sat around a campfire on Birch Hill. Tonight there will be an eclipse but I won't be up for the event. Tonight I have been watching Xavier and Ohio State play.Xavier upsets Ohio State 71-65!. Seton Hall plays Ohio State Monday at 6:00.Should be interesting. Go Pirates! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A THANKSGIVING MEAL IN NB

The North Brookfield Senior Center had a wonderful meal of turkey and all of the fixings.Ladies worked hard to feed a capacity crowd and it was great for $3.00.A variety of pies topped off the meal. The glow of Seton Hall's victory over Michigan was another high. Josh tool the Allante' as Chase's Jeep is in the garage.It'll be tied up for a couple of days. We enjoyed a fire in his fireplace later in the day. Tonight the game shows were pre-empted by Patriot stuff. Watched a variety of college basketball games

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN INCREDIBLE SETON HALL VICTORY!

When I went to bed the Hall was down by ten; when I arose I learned the H

all won by two!Revenge is sweet! Go Pirates. Ohio State is next on the 22nd. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BUSY MONDAYINDEED!!

The New York Post had a brief note on yesterday's Seton Hall game versus YALE: 'Pirates pummel Yale." Michigan tomorrow night at 9:00 on FS1. My trip to the VA clinic in Worcester was interesting. I was fitted with new hearing aids. It is amazing what these little "microphones in the ears" really do to amplify sound. It will take some getting used to. Made an appointment for optometry test on December 6 at 10:30. Same place on Plantation Street.Had my snow tires mountet at George's Tire Place for $38.00. Then went to Hannaford for some grub and a birthday card for Chase. He turns 17 on November 23..Received membrship card from Spellman Stamp Museum. May drive myself some Thursday or Friday to Weston. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SETON HALL BASKETBALL SUNDAY

This November Sunday was focused on the basketball game in Newark,NJ, between YALE and the Hall. Thursday's victory over Farleigh Dickenson set the stage of optimism.Today's game was a wonderful statement of just how talented the team really is. The Hall romped over Yale. I don't think we expected the results. The final score was SHU 80 and Yale 44!. Yale was held to 22 points each half. Now we are geared up for a Michigan showdown on Tuesday at 9:00 pm on FS1. After that it will be Ohio State on November 22 at 6:00 pm.Fasten your seatbelts for some exciting contests. I travel to Worcester in the morning for fitting of hearing aids.Tonight I watched Ken Burns story on Jackie Robinson. This is a very complex story requiring me to do some research. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MISTAKE ON GAME DAY

Blood glucose 111. After a good nights rest this Saturday was "hot & cold."Johnson came at the appointed hour and agreed we "head for Connecticut." We took route 19 from Warren and headed towards Wales and other towns along the route. We ended up in Southbridge and ate at another McDonalds. Not good. I had trouble locating the Seton Hall - Yale score. Come to find out the game is at 12:00 tomorrow! DA. Did watch St. Johns-St. Peters game where the Red Storm won by 21 points. The weather changed radically around four.A front came by and we had a thunder

storm and downpour. A tornado warning came over the Weather Channel. Now at 8:34 the moon is out and the sky has cleared. Try again tomorrow, Bob.Dirty laundry then the Yale -Seton Hall game at noon. Go Pirates! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN ECLECTIC RAINY FRIDAY

This Friday was an "inside" Friday. After getting my dry cleaning I returned to the Poodle.Didn't leave the house not even for getting the mail. Then about 3:30 the sun came out. I was fooled as by 4 it was cloudy again.I traveled to Birch Hill and was invited to go to the Tavern. Hadn't been there in two years. Josh & I enjoyed the stay. I had a bowl of clam chowder. The place began to happen in the hour we were there. A cheese pizza was gotten for the girls who chose not to come. Upon return I watched Jimmy Sturr Polka music then some Big East basketball. Butler was playing as was Xavier. The Big East season is on. Seton Hall cames on at noon against Yale in Newark at the Prudential.I haven't decided what to do as the Spellman Museum of Stamps in Weston is a possibility.We shall see. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VETERANS DAY 2021

Blood glucose 105 The last of frosty days came this morning.It relained clear all morning and I was able to sit out in the sun one more day. By nightfall the clouds were coming in.I did shopping for food at Hannaford NB. Seems inflation has caught on to the shelves. My flag trousers were a hit in the market. Four or five people had comments. Being it was Veterans Day it was appropriate.This was the big news in the New York Times and seems everything is headed for the roof!Visited Josh & family at supper time. Had pieces of steak.My lolipops from Halloween are a big hit with Chase, Maddie and Evie. Now we are faced with rain, wind and gloom.Enjoy Friday! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SETON HALL VICTORY TO BEGIN THE SEASON

The Pirates of Seton Hall University have started off the new basketball season in fine style! 93-49 over Fairleigh Dickenson.The Pirates never looked better. Now they can rest and take on Yale in 4 days.Talent abounds. Both sons Ben and Josh are Seton Hall men as we start a new Big East season.This Wednesday was another good day of sunshine. I sat out after returning from the veterans day meal in NB. The crowd was good to the point of running out of pot roast! OMG. Had a nice campfire with Josh.Tomorrow is Veterans Day and word has it The Publick House is giving a free meal to veterans! I may just go! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL NOVEMBER TUESDAY

This Tuesday was filled with assignments. My task was to refill my pill cady and order refills of four that were out. It took over an hour to accomplish the task.I then checked with the VA to see what amount was owed.I had a "free" ride for 6 months. Today I paid $53. The day was so beautiful I decided to bask in the sunshine and did for more than an hour.Josh came by in late afternoon to mow the lawn for the last time. He encouraged me to take the Allante' to Birch Hill for the last time of the season.I did and enjoyed some bits of steak and chicken for supper.It was dark by the time I returned home.I enjoyed seeing the moon and planets.Got my renewal from Spellman Museum of stamps. Home to travel to Weston in the near future with Johnson. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FRENCH-CANADIAN HERITAGE

Blood glucose 95 Weight 164 lbs I am pleased with my weight! Today, Monday in Standard Time saw a warmer awakening. There was frost but it was warmer. After checking to see if the school was having a Veterans Day program.. the answer is "Not this year." I decided to begin reading an important book on my French-Canadian heritage. A poignant paragraph summarizes how I feel: "It won't do to present a romanticized history of French-Canadian exploits. What we need is the truth...and the truth is that we are a small unappreciated people, endowed with tremendous energy;we are only human beings like everyone else... But we are not less than that." "Dumb frog" don't get it with me!The book is "The French-Canadian Heritage in New England" by Gerard Brault. Get it, read it, and understand the truth! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A QUIET NOVEMBER SUNDAY

This frosty Sunday was quiet. Adjusting to Standard Time meant lazing around then off to laundry in Warren.I watched the Patriots win again. The spirit has improved with the winning ways of the Pats. Visited Heidi and the grandkids at Ronnies.Chase was busy drawing an eacle for class.Josh had ran a 1/2 marathon and wasn't seen except for early in the day. Tonight I watched a special on GBH about the Japanese interrment in WWII. I think of George Yammamato and my experience at Fenway 30 years ago.My itchy back has returned with the season! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A PERFECT SATURDAY

The last day of Daylight Savings Time been cold - 18 degrees and plenty of frost.In anticipation of traveling to the Spellman Philatelic Museum in Weston I renewed my membership for $25. Dick Johnson has agreed to make the trip in the near future.This museum is one of the finest in the country. Johnson and I did another trip to nowwhere. We ate in Belchertown at McDonalds and had terrible service.Maybe we'll return to Athol?LOL. I have an idea for my sport coats..have them altered and give them to Chase if he wants one or all. My Honda low-pressure tire indicator remains on. I tried twice to put air in to no avail.An interesting aside to the Late Colin Powel! He liked ABBA's music and Dancing Queen. Interesting. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EARLY NOVEMBER CAMPFIRE

Yet another frosty, clear morning in the Brookfields. It seemed to be the coldest with a heavy coating of frost. The usual Friday menu with Tony's Cleaners then to NB for some food. There were two highlights worth mentioning: the Colin Powell funeral and the Atlanta Braves celebration. General Powell's funeral was in the DC Cathedral. What impressed me was the high quality of speakers. Mrs. Powell and son gave touching tributes.Madeline Albright and others spoke too. Presidents Biden, Obama, & Bush, were in attendance with wives. Then onto Atlanta for the World Champion Braves parade and get together in Truist Park. I am glad Atlanta won! Tonight was a November campfire on Birch Hill.I was dressed warmly and still I was cold. Oh well. Chase was decked out in a suit and was doing some reporting at the Quaboag football game! Johnson tomorrow. Maybe a trip to Weston? My Friday was excellent. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD MORNING TO BEGIN WITH 20 DEGREES

BLOOD GLUCOSE 119 A heavy frost covered the ground to begin with.Things were quiet until Chase Potvin was featured as leading scorer with the Quaboag team. His team had a game scheduled for 3:00 and I attended. Josh suggested I sit in the bleachers for a better view and that I did.I got a ride on the scooter by Principal Duff and felt I was in the game. Chase scored 2 goals in the first half and the final score was 4-0 Quaboag. Maddie also had a game. I enjoyed a turkey pot pie for supper.Weather will moderate after another cold night. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE WORLD CHAMPION ATLANTA BRAVES

Game 6 was all about the Braves.The team hit 3 homeruns and were in charge throughout the 9 innings played. I watched a repeat of the contest this afternoon. Houston just didn't have it.Got a haircut tonight from Josh. The big weather news is the cold. It was about 30 degrees with frost this morning. Tonight will be colder and tomorrow too before a warming trend. Won a knitted lap blanket and carrier at the NB Senior Center! We had a decent crowd of 12. Once a week. Next week will be Veteran's Day.. free meal for veterans. Thank you! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ATLANTA LEADS HOUSTON 5-0 IN THE FIFTH

It is encouraging to see the Braves lead the Astros half way through the game. Will report in the morning! Night-all! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JERRY REMY

Today's New York Times has an in-depth obituary entitled "Jerry Remy, an All-Star and a Voice for the Red Sox. I have made copies of this for sons Ben & Josh.Remy was perhaps the biggest name in broadcasting since Curt Gowdy whom I enjoyed. The rest of my Monday came in one word: LOBSTER! I wanted to eward Josh for doing a fine job cleaning my house so I bought three lobsters at Hannaford for $61.00. I alerted Josh of my "gift" and he volunteered to boil them for supper. I delivered them at 4:30 where he had boiling water eady on his outdoor grill. The whole family was sitting around the table and I delighted in having some in drawn butter. The kids were enjoying their Trick-Treat candy. My Monday was fulfilling! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN