NEW YEARS EVE DAY

The day was good. I gave Tom L. a small bottle of Johnny Walker Black Label and he gave me a brand new plaid shirt that was "too small for him." Dick Johnson called saying he wouldn't be able to come tomorrow so we agreed he come around noon. We traveled, once again, to Athol and had a hamburger at McDonalds. Earlier in the day the sun broke away but didn't last long.Foggy skies in North country. I called Josh as I hadn't heard from him.He was tied up doing electrical work on his house but invited me over. When I arrived I didn't expect to see the makings of another bondfire. I wasn't dressed for the occasion so he gave me a coat.His friends arrived and I got cold so I drove home and enjoyed some lobster left over from Christmas.I have no plans on staying up late to ring in 2022! Seton Hall - Villanova tomorrow at 2:00! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE INSPIRATION OF JFK'S SPEECHES

I found myself looking for some good speeches and listened to two delivered by President Kennedy.The first is his 'We choose to go to the moon" delivered in Houston.This particular speechis delivered with eloquence and vision. The second is JFK's Inaugural Speech. In both cases they are about 18 minutes long. It seems as the years go by we tend to forget. Looking for some inspiration watch these two! This Thursday was super quiet. The sun came out for one minute before it set otherwise the day was drab.No USA Today again. Not good. I've decided to go to Walmart for a new pair of trousers.My green pair is "running thin."Took out the frozen lobster left over from last Friday. Tony's Dry Cleaners tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A ROARING CAMPFIRE IN LATE DECEMBER

Josh surprised me inviting me to a campfire. Six of his friends came by as I listened. The conversation was about cars and trucks.Earlier I enjoyed the New Years party at the NB Senior Center. We had pizza and cookies. Tonight the disappointment came with Providence defeating Seton Hall.It was Providence all the way.The last minute effort by the Hall just wasn't enough. Final score: Providence 70 Seton Hall 65. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MORE BASEBALL & BASKETBALL

The sun came out at mid-morning as I drove to Southbridge to the Registry of Motor Vehicles. I ordered a couple of POTVIN plates for ten dollars each.Plan on giving one to Josh. I was watching the Red Sox & Yankees play in the 2004 ALCS Playoff when Evie called advising of Maddie'a basketball game against Mahar Regional of Orange. The Cougars prevailed and won!We remained for part of the varsity game. Again the Cougars were winning. The game was broadcast on WARE!Hopefully Seton Hall will play in Providence tomorrow night! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY NO-HIT MONDAY

Weight 163 lbs. I went about this Monday looking for things to do. Did go to Hannaford for suet for my birds. Nothing happening! Maybe tomorrow? Got a thank you card for sister Jan. Earlier I cashed her gift check. No hitters in baseball are few and far between. I remember Mel Parnel's on July 14, 1956. Then there was Earl Wilson on June 26, 1962. A second no-hitter on August 1, 1962 was thrown by Bill Monbouquette. In 1965 Dave Morehead three a no-hitter on September 16, 1965.Hideo Nomo pitched a no-hitter on April 4, 2001. Derek Lowe threw a no-hitter the next year on April 27. Clay Buchhotz was victorious on September1, 2007 And finally Jon Lester pitched the last one on MAy 19, 2008.This game was watched this afternoon. Although the Sox haven't been lucky since 2008 there's always "Next year!. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FOGGY CHRISTMAS DAY

The Christmas day weather wasn't nice. The temperature hovered around freezing and the rain was just that: freezing rain. I traveled to the Marchessaults for phase two of my Christmas celebration. Ron and Chris had presents and a great meal.Prime rib again along with ice cream cake.Earlier in the day Dick Johnson called with Christmas greetings.No NY Times! I enjoyed watching the game shows tonight. Laundry tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CHRISTMAS EVE

The surprise of the day was to wake up to a ground of 2 inches of snow! It didn't affect me as I had done all of my shopping yesterday.I went to Birch Hill at 11:30 and enjoyed watching Chef Josh prepare his "Surf and Turf." The mood was light as the grandkids ran around the house. Chase slept at the beginning then joined in the crowd. He tended a fire in the fireplace. After dinner Heidi suggested we watch The Sound of Music. It was fitting as we tuned in to familiar Julie Andrews' singing. At gift time my cup runneth over. I was given a 'Biddy Murphy cap woven in Ireland and a spiffy green glen plaid shirt-coat.The music played in the background. Pictures were taken and posted. "Johnson" had nice things to say about the posted group picture. I returned after 4 and watched a variety of Christmas programs. In particular was the CNBC special on Christmas in The White House.Lawrence Welk, Jimmy Sturr, and others gave me a relaxing evening. Ben called from NC. Feliz Navidad! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE DAY BEFORE THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 2021

The box of Georgia pecans was shipped first thing today to Ben & family in Belmont, NC. Expected delivery date Monday 12/27. Will give baking directons on Sunday. I purchased 3 Maine lobsters for tomorrow's surf & turf at the Potvins on Birch Hill. Had an interesting b-ball game at the North Brookfield High gym. Maddie played with the Quaboag jayvee team and romped North Brookfield. I sat overlooking the court in a chair.Tonight the Quaboaaag varsity played in Southbridge. Snow is in the forecast.Not much.Tony's Cleaners tomorrow. Did see Santa Claus riging a bicycle this afternoon on Route 9, WB!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WESDESDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

The day began with a mist, cleared by noon and a cold front arrived at dusk. My task of filling my pill cady was dont before lunch at the NB Senior Center.I had to order one prescription refilled. The center had a big crowd. It was prime rib or haddock. I chose the fish.Received a Walmart gift card from Ben and Ally.In turn I am sending a supply of Georgia pecans to Ben.Dirctions are to spread them out on a broiler pan, sprinkle Lawry's seasoning and dabs of butter. Don't burn.Enjoy! Getting ready for Christmas Eve at Josh's. Always fun to be with the grandkids. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

QUABOAG VARISTY BASKETBALL DEFEATS AUBURN

The highlight of this Tuesday was the Quaboag men's varsity basketball team prevailed over Auburn winning by 3 points! The whole day was good. Got my Social Security in the bank. Spent fifty bucks on food then watched Storage Wars then President Biden.The weather doesn't look promising for the Christmas Party at the North Brookfield Senior Center. The moon looks "sick" tonight and freezing rain is in the forecast. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL MONDAY IN DECEMBER

My Monday was busy. I drove to Sturbridge to CrackerBarrel to purchase a gift card for Ben & Allison.It is in the mail to Belmont,NC. Next I delivered baggies of roasted pecans.They were well-received. I gave out 9 bags. They were well received by all.Then I baked more Georgia pecans in butter & Lawry's seasoning. I still have one bag left which I plan on sending to Ben.Tonight I went to a Quabaug basketball game against Millbury. Another disappointing loss against Millbury. Another game tomorrow night. Stay tuned. This day was cold! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD WINDY SUNDAY

Blood glucose 95. The day began with the return of my chair by Josh. He repaired it and I comfort in it having arms.The laundry in Warren went according to Hoyle. The Warren fire department went around the village plasting their horns and sirens. Yes, Santa and his helpers were festive for the occasion. Got a haircut at 2:30 then Josh drove me around. We went to North Brookfield to review the new gas station. The big tanks are in the ground and final construction will happen in the next 10 days. I baked more Georgia pecans and plan on giving out more tomorrow and all week.Ben agreed to receiving a Cracker Barrel gift card. Will travel to Sturbridge in the AM. Chase basketball game tomorrow at 5:00. no snow! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD RAINY SATURDAY

The landlord was at it early stringing Christmas lights and hanging a wreath on my front door. The lights are on a timer from 8am to 9pm. looks great!Johnson came as scheduled and promised to buy me a Christmas sandwich in Webster at KFC.Once again the service was less than good. The weather began to rain and spit a little snow.Not a nice day. We traveled past the gas station construction site in NB.Almost finished!! I came back to the Poodle and watched St. Johns loose along with Providence defeating UCONN. Seton Hall has been red-lined. Maybe some snow? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WINDY FRIDAY

It was a clear windy Friday.I went about my charge of getting my clean laundry then to North Brookfield for food.The gas tanks are in position at the new gas station. I have the Christmas spirit with WSRS playing in my car and in my office.I did back the Allante out and ran it for 20 minutes. Josh brought a wreath with lights and two strands of Christmas lights. The big news will be the forthcoming snow storm.I have a book entitled "SNOW-BOUND a Winter Idyl" by John Greenleaf Whittier. 1872. I dig it out every year to get in the Christmas mood. It remains to be just how much snow we'll get? I am scheduled for an oil change in the morning at Ken's in EB. 8:30. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL THURSDAY

Blood glucose 89 Weight 163lbs My day was 12 hours long. I began by going to the Brookfield Orchards hoping to mail some apples to Mr. barfield. Louise Woodward advised "We don't mail apples any more." Next I went to Cracker Barrel in Sturbridge and bought a $50 gift card for Mr. Barfield.While in the area I found gasoline for $3.299 a gallon and bought $29.00. I then went to the bank for some "new currency" for gifts for the grandkids. "Sorry".... There was a time when I could count on new currency at Christmas.I came home and baked more Georgia pecans. I now have 13 bags to be given away. I plan on freezing the two remaining,I went to Josh's at 4:15 and ended up attending Maddie's JV basketball game. A terrible showing....and a full Thursday! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WEDNESDAY WITHOUT A CAR

I managed well with my Honda in the shop. For more than two hours I baked and bagged 10 Georgia pecans. I am half way through the task. Lawrys seasoned salt and butter gives the nuts a special flavor. After lunch I got a call from Parsons saying my Honda was ready.The windshield washer pump was replaced and the car passed inspection. How nice.Total costs $120.73. I then drove to North Brookfield to see the progress on the installation of the huge gas tanks.One is in position and the other awaits installation. Amazing.Received a Christmas card from Charline Whitman.Thanks.Rain showers now. 38 degrees with rain showers. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BUSY TUESDAY INDEED

I began baking my Georgia pecans and boy are they delicious! Hannaford sells one ounce in a pack for $6.99. I have "tons" to bake and package in zip-lock baggies. The big news in North Brookfield is the arrival of two 10,000? gas tanks. The tanks are huge. One is already in the ground the other should be by nightfall. My guess is the enterprise will be hopping by the first of the year. I wish the merchants well. Tonight's Quabaug basketball was a disappointment. Uxbridge zonked the Cougars by more than twenty points. Chase played his heart out and hit a three pointer or two. My Honda is at Parsons for tomorrow's repairs. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DECEMBER MONDAY OF GEORGIA PECANS

Today I received a 9lb box of hulled Georgia pecans. Each year I receive such a gift from pecan farmer and good friend Maurice Barfield. This year he separated bags for me to roast. The contents are pecan halves for the most part. I will price these out at Hannaford knowing they are expensive.I will roast small portions in butter and Lawries Seasoning and give each bag accordingly! Want some? My Honda needed a car wash badly. It took me three car washes to find one open. I ended up in Ware where the Enfield Wash cost me $11.00. Tomorrow I drop off my car to Parsons for repairs to the windshield washer and hand brake.The Sturbridge at C & R Tire wasn't open. Same with the one in North Brookfield. The great news of Seton Hall is their AP rating places the Hall at 16 up from 23.Wonderful! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SUNDAY NIGHT DELIGHT: SETON HALL 77 - RUTGERS 63

Another victory for Seton Hall places the team in a much better rating of 23 with the AP tomorrow. The next game is with Iona on December 18th at 3:00 pm. It has been a full day and a good day. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A LIGHTENING & THUNDER SATURDAY

The weather changed once more. A thunder storm appeared in mid-morning.The window in the back door shook as Johnson made his appearance. Dick suggested going to "my favorite McDonald's in Athol. It proved to be the right decision as service was superior and we were served our hamburges & fries and a drink as we sat down. The ride from the Brookfields was in the fog. Temperatures varied between and 50 degrees. When I returned Josh was replacing burned bulbes, etc. He invited me to Birch Hill where I visited for about an hour.I watched collegiate basketball but didn't find any games interesting. My alma mater, Saint Louis was on but now interesting.I'm getting psyched for tomorrow's game at the Prudential Center in Newark,NJ.There's lots of interest in the game between the Pirates and Rutgers.Go Pirates!Laundry tomorrow in Warren.Maybe a haircut in the afternoon? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DECEMBER CAMPFIRE

The remaining snow disappeared by noon on this Friday. All of my duties were completed by Noon. Josh came by for a lift to George's Tire Place in Warren. He left the van for changing of four tires. The agreement was for me to take him back after 4. When I arrived I saw the van in his garage. Chase gave him a ride to get the vehicle. A campfire was started as the two of us chatted and listened to Brookfield Apple Country radio.As darkness moved in the moon became visible. There were not any collegiate basketball games on tv today. Further no game shows or Jimmy Sturr were on tv this Friday.The Patriots command the airwaves! Now we get ready for the b-ball game with Rutgers on Sunday at 7:30. Should be good. A Johnson Saturday? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL THE WAY OVER TEXAS

This victory by Seton Hall over Texas is a game to remember! The Pirates knew when to win and they did.By defeating a 7th ranked team reveals a team with prowess. Next game will be with Rutgers on Sunday night at 7:30. We got 2 inches of snow overnight and saw half of it melt away today.Warmer weather in the forecast for the weekend. Goodd things happened by the SHU victory! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOW HYPE

The tail is wagging the dog! For two days the hype of "snow" reveals itself. As of 8:30 tonight there's a dusting on my lawn. Maybe by daybreak there may be a tad more.My trip to Worcester to the VA on Lincoln St.was excellent. I met with my general care physician Brinda Sanjay, MD. It had been a while since I last saw Dr. Sanjay and all findings were good. 'Come back in 6 months' was her message. I got a box of needle stick pins for taking my blood samples. Of note is the fact the Outpatient Clinic.. Primary Care-First Floor will be at 403 Belmont Street on the UMass Campus effective tomorrow. Drove to NB for lunch at the Senior Center. Spoke at length with Joe T. tonight. Joe is a clock enthusiast amongst other things.Josh was in Boston today. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

Blood glucose 105 Weight 164 lbs. I must admit all of the Christmas lights and music gives me the Christmas spirit. I like Ray Connifs "We Wish You A Merry Christmas".. Also I listened to Dusty Springfield. I was in Australia in 1967 and went to Checquer's Night Club to see Dusty perform. Went to Hannaford's twice today. First shopping for myself then back with Josh for his shopping.The high prices continue to be scandalous.Two rolls of paper towels..six bucks!Gave some egg nog to Josh & Heidi. Got a call from Doerun, Georgia from my auctioneer buddy Maurice Barfield asking me for my mailing address. Guess he's sending me some pecans! To Worcester in the morning to see Dr. Brinda Sanjay.I'm not concerned about any snow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MONDAY AT THE VA -OPTOMETRY

I took my time and drove to Plantation Street, Worcester. My appointment was for 10:30 and the eye doctor greeted me at 10:30. A series of exams revealed my vision hasn't changed in 2 years! "Come back in one year." I had a pair of glasses adjusted and was on my way. The trick of the day came when I picked up my remote control on my office floor. Each monring I throw it from my bedroom and hope it lands on a chair. Well today half landed on the floor. The batteries went flying and only half could be found of the control. Four hours later.. nothing. I looked high and low then I looked in the basket.The missing half ended up in the basket!!! No Josh today.Tomorrow I'll shop at Hannaford's and buy some egg now for Heidi. Monday was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A REGULAR SUNDAY WHITE CHRISTMAS WEST BROOKFIELD

I have never seen such a crowd in town when I returned from a trip to Worcester. The weather was sunny and moderate and the merchants had their special flags welcoming folks. It was a sight to behold. Didn't stay around for the tree lighting. Difficult to discern from my West windows. In the daytime I can see the town hall spire.Johnson and I did the trip to camps..Treasure Valley and Camp Marshall in Spencer. We then went to Worcester seeking out a Wendy's who boasts of terrific french fries. I send my fries back and got a refund!While in Wendy's I saw a 4 year old boy all dressed up. It touched my heart and I told his mother! Watched some collegiate basketball and am hoping Seton Hall's rating is better than this week's 25.Optometry in the morning at the VA on Plantation St. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SATURDAY FELT LIKE A SUNDAY!

We all have our days! When I arrived at the laundromat no parking was the rule. Customers for Mason's Grill take all the spots designated for laundry customers. Next, the machine dispensing TIDE soap jammed taking my 4 quarters.Fortunately the owner came in and made it right giving me 2 boxes of Tide and a rebate. The highlight of the day came with Seton Hall scoring 113 points (tying a record) to Nyack's 67.The Hall is now ready to face Texas on the 9th at 6:30 and will appear on FS1. Josh called from Florida. WB home tomorrow afternoon. I watched UConn and Providence College in other contests.Once the basketball games ended I found listening to Christmas music and Lawrence Welk relaxing. Feliz Navidad! Jose Feliciano is my favorite! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CLEAR COLD WINDY FRIDAY

Boood glucose 115 Weight 164lbs The Spencer New Leader was in my box this morning. I like it as there's no cost... mine for the asking. Spooke with Dick Johnson. He can't make it tomorrow.. maybe Sunday. I think I'll reverse my weekend and do laundry tomorrow.Seton Hall plays Nyjack at noon. I plan on watching the game on Fox Sports 2. Just got off the phone with Joe Tortorelli. H invited me on short notice to attend a parade tomorrow in Rhode Island.I passed.All my evening programs were pre-empted by Patriots and other stuff. I watched Kansas and St. Johns play. The Jayhawks lead at Half Time. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY HOUSE-ARREST THURSDAY

This day had little to offer other than introspection.Made the trip for the newspapers at Country Corner then stayed inside all day.Didn't go out for the mail.I relied on YouTube for some inspiration and found it with watching Rev. Norman Vincent Peale. 'YOU CAN IF YOU CAN' was his message.. that and the Crystal Cathedral.There wasn't any collegiate basketball on the tube.Game shows provide good intellectual stimulation..Amherst bus goes by at 6:45pm each night.I'll look to tomorrow as good things happen on Friday! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SETON HALL WEDNESDAY

Final score SHU 85 - Wagner 63. It was another second half runaway. The Pirates are now 6-1.Saturday at noon against Nyack at Walsh Gym. Today was a retrospective day with a further review of family photo albums. I also listened to 4 Long Distance Dedications with Casey Casem. Ben had 2 and I had 2. good stuff.Ate at the NB Senior Center.My day was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN