A "NO NEWS" THURSDAY

Blood glucose 120. This particular Thursday had little news. Nothing new regarding the fate of my beloved Honda. I drove the red Allante' to Country Corner for newspapers and remained home all day. The day was dismal. One cardinal was the limit of all bird activity. Did speak with my sister Jan and told her all about what happened Tuesday night. I thought I might hear from the police. The two day count of blog visits total 131. Word travels.Watched some Yankee baseball.. not much else.Discovered some health records from 2019,2020 & 2021.To Tony's Dry Cleaners in the AM. Plan on visiting the Legion tomorrow afternoon. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY HONDA IDENTIFIED IN WORCESTER BY BLOG PLATE

The West Brookfield police received a call that my car was in a chase in Worcester! The chase was not successful.My red Allante' had its top put up and served as my car for the day. I went about my business i.e. newspapers, $20 worth of gas and a visit to the NB Senior Center for lunch. Word is out as some of my friends knew of the theft. It seems word travels fast and I have had 75

visits on yesterday's blog. The Red Sox caught my interest of afternoon television beating Atlanta 12-9. I am ready for baseball and warmer weather.Had some fun with my grandchildren in WB. Gave each child a Disney gift card. Glad to see March 31 here tomorrow!MAybe my Hondawill be recovered!? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY 2008 BLACK HONDA ACCORD EX STOLEN FROM MY GARAGE!

My car was stolen from my garage during the night! The garage door was open and car unlocked. The keys were left on the dash. I discovered it missing as I was going to get the morning papers. I reported it missing to the West Brookfield Police who came immediately. Sgt Letendre responded immediaitely filling out a report. Westbrook Insurance was also notified and my insurance: Arbella Mutual who contacted me stating a claim form to be sent.I notified Josh, who too responded immediately. He drove me to Hannaford for food.I bought 4 Disney gift cards for the grandkids. My day was spent watching music videos. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE FRIGID MONDAY IN LATE MARCH

Blood glucose 78 weight 160 lbs It was like a January day with low temperatures of 12 degrees and very windy.I went about my routine and got $25 worth of gasoline and 2 newspapers. I came back to the Poodle and didn't leave home all day.I had several tasks in mine namely reviewing family photo albums for pictures of Ben.Had more B&M beans for lunch. I discovered how to get a disc from the player then watched John F. Kennedy YEARS of LIGHTENING, day of drums. I review this historic document several times a year as it keeps me abreast of the man's life. I bleed JFK! Then I watched "EAGLES FAREWELL Live From Melbourne." While enjoying the music I reviewed some "Random blog entries I wrote in 2007. My time went by nicely.Tonight I knew the final Jeopardy question: Who was Satchel Paige? I spoke with Mr. Paige under Fenway Park Stadium!! Cold weather thru Wednesday! Looking forward to Thursday Friday with temperatures in the 60s. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WINTER IS BACK!

Blood glucose 77 It was spitting snow this afternoon with temps in the thirties. For late March this is a bad deal. Son Ben in Carolina admits to mowing his lawn for the first time. The only thing worse was the trouncing St. Peters got from North Carolina.So now we look forward to the Final Four. All of the best teams are back. I increased my food intake with some B&M maple baked beans and some ham.Will weigh myself in the AM. Am going try to resurrect the feature article I wrote on Joe Last for the Ware River News. The article is poignant to Mr. Lasts years in Nazi prison camp! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD THEN RAINY SATURDAY

It was a cold then rainy Saturday. After doing laundry in Warren I settled on making my bed. Things were quiet until Josh was preparing brush. He advised he got two burning permits.. one for the Poodle and one for Birch Hill. I sat in a rocking chair as he labored. He found several old bottles and an ALTA CREST FARMS BROOKFIELD, MASS half pint embossed.May be from the thirties or forties.A true collectible! Reviewed family photo albums one more time.Interesting on the topics of baseball and politics.Caught the end of Villanova/Houston.Villanova won and is going to the Final Four.Weatherwise will see temperatures s low as 20 degrees Monday morning. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WORLD'S OLDEST BLOGGER DIES AT 109

"A lady 109 has died. Dagny Carlsson who "started blogging at 99 after taking a computer class." She is quoted as saying "I am proof of the truth in the proverb your'e never too old to learn.. I get fulfillment when I write." She worked at a corset factory in Stockholm. She later worked at the Swedish Social Insurance Agency. "Ms. Carlsson continued to live independently until last year." Such inspiration! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HELLO NEW FRIENDS; GOODBYE OLD ONE!

My blood glucose reads 70 and I'm concerned! I must address this issue Monday. Son Josh suggested I "go to the Legion" and I did in my Cadillac! This fraternity of veterans is just what I need. Met a new friend, Charlie Holden, from Hardwick, who is a retired antique dealer.. kindred spirits. Jeff Nickerson returned from Baltimore and was busy getting caught up on maters. I ate a Ruben sandwich which was good. As far as "Johnson" goes...goodbye. His refusal to drive me to Weston for extra money combined with philosophical differences on the demonstrators on the town common with F... Biden signs leads me to end our friendship.It's over! Watched St. Peters prevail in a wonderful victory. Never knew St. Peters was a Jesuit institution. Me too! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE SWEET SIXTEEN

Although Seton Hall has been sent packing I have an interest in the survivors.I look for upsets across the boards.More later.Didn't go far in this clouzy weather.Spoke briefly with Josh. Nothing else to report! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HUMANITY FROM SPACE

This PBS dvd came out in 2015. It is approximately two hours long and "is an epic journey of discovery. Using the latest mind-boggling data and CGI it traces humankind's story from the hunter-gatherer to dominant global species." If I have watched this show 25 times I have watched it more. I highly recommend curious minds. IBSN:978-62789-423-4 This dvd was part of the noon topic at the NB Senior Center.Have your library get a copy! Today was quiet and cold again. Haven't watched any news to speak of.Spoke with Josh but didn't see him. College friend Bill Gross called from Vancouver, WA. I told him about Humanity.Am sending Bill a copy of my military memoirs.Weather isn't very nice for days to come! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD SPRING TUESDAY WITH PAY!

My direct-deposit Social Security came in as expected.I always go to the outside teller to obtain big bills to pay Josh rent. It was the warmest part of the morning. Went to Hannaford for $37 worth of food. No mail. Reviewed more of Tagore philosophy. Interesting. I remained in and watched the hearings on Judge Jackson. I favor her appointment. Baseball didn't interest me. Saw Chase coming home with his "Q" baseball cap as I was leaving. Josh had practice with Evie at 6. Colder than cold.Foul weather is on its way. NB Senior Center tomorrow.Pollen on the rise; Apple blossoms in max at DC. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD SPRING MONDAY

Today's weather was less than I had hoped for.Windy, cold and not like the two gems we had last week.Didn't take the Allante' out. As I left for the post office my favorite chair with arms had been left outside my door by Josh.I mailed my military memoir to Dr. Bimal Dey. Seems the mails are slow when I look for certain mail from St. Albans, VT. Did watch some of the hearings on Judge Jackson.Also, a little baseball from Florida.The birds enjoyed the sewet and seeds.A quiet Meonday indeed! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PROFANE FLAGS/ BANNERS GRACED THE WEST BROOKFIELD COMMON

Anti-Biden protesters graced the Route 9 common with flags bearing 'F-words'. While some think it's OK I submit it is not! Youngsters and other folks deserve a better message. Police Take Notice! I had hoped "Johnson" would drive me to Weston to the Spellman Philatelic Museum. I even doubled my weekly stipend of $20 offer

and willing to pay for admission. No soap so we wasted fuel riding around Spencer and Paxton.I yielded to eating at Subway. Not good! March Madness had some good games. Duke & Coach K won as did Villanova. Sweet Sixteen coming up. Chase proudly showed me his spiffy new shoes. "Sweet!" ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SATURDAY OF RECOVERY

Thw whole world changed with a loss by Seton Hall. This Saturday was rainy and somewhat lazy. I did laundry in Warren then watched Baylor go down to defeat. I like games that go into overtime. I favored Creighton who lost.After basketball I went food shopping in NB and spent $31.00. Enjoyed the other half of the chicken pot pie. Didn't see any family today. Hopefully tomorrow will be brighter though there may be thunder tonight? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A TERRIBLE ENDING FOR SETON HALL MEN'S BASKETBALL

With the score 50 - 28 it is safe to say Seton Hall has met its demise! TCU has overpowered the Hall. It is humbling to see such a pending defeat. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BUSY FRIDAY IN BOSTON

For me, returning to Mass General was a treat! I saw "Lin" the lady who drew my blood for the first time in 2 years. I then visited with my hematologist who was all smiles. Hadn't seen him in more than 8 months. Dr. Dey has two doctorates and enjoys reminiscing over the years we have known each other. Today he was in a "philosopher's mood and brought up the name Rabindranath Tagor a polymath who won the Nobel Prize in 1913.I have looked up Tagore and is worth you looking up this genius who was friends with Einstein! Check him out! Returning home I sat in the sun for 30 minures or so then checked with Chase before traveling to the American Legion Post 244 where I visited with Jeff Nickerson who treated me to a Chicken Pot Pie. Not bad.I don't know if I will stay up for the Seton Hall game which starts around 11:00 pm? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAINY THURSDAY

Today was the opposite of yesterday."Johnson" called stating he was getting repairs to his truck on Saturday and didn't know his schedule.I watched both Opening Day with the Sox and Minnesota all decked out in green.The warmth of Florida sunshine was alluring. We are going to have a bright day tomorrow as I head for Boston and Mass General.Josh and I will leave at 8:30.I look forward to my visit with Dr. Dey my hematologist.Havent seen him in months. Had my "ears lowered" by Josh the Barber. Chase, Liz and Evie were playing the board game.Tonight I knew the final question on Jeopardy: Silent Spring by Rachael Carson! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL HUMP DAY INDEED

Blood glucose 105 Weight 162lbs This Wednesday was even better than yesterday. The sky was clear all day to welcome the near full moon on the 18th. My St. Patrick's Day party at the NB Senior Center gave us corned beef and cabbage and all kinds of goodies. Kathie Crevier headed up the kitchen staff in high style.We sang Irish songs and saw prizes won.When I returned I decided this would be a good day to take the Cadillac out again.I had George P. look at the valve which was not in need of replacement. Did see Jeff Nickerson at the EZ hardware store and received my Legion Membership Card.I did return the 3 hole punch and a copy of my military memoir.Then I decided to visy Deny Long in New Braintree. Had a nice visit with Deny and Mary.Lastly I enjoyed another March bonfire on Birch Hill... and yes, I sat out in the sun for 45 minutes! This Wednesday was that good! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SPRINGLIKE INDEED

This Tuesday was perfect for the late season.The temperature climbed nicely. It looked like it was going to hit 60 and it did!My morning was for shopping and filling 8 pill cady. After lunch I thought I would take the red Allante' out for a spin.I knew I needed a Mass Inspection so I drove with top down to Parsons in EB. My vehicle passed inspection for the $35 fee. I was thrilled and got gas at Country Corner.Had trouble getting the gas latch to open. Drove over to Birch Hill and Chase had the "magic touch." I drove back and got $20. Josh invited me back for a bondfire.He burned old cabinets as we listened to Apple Country Radio.It was a relaxing time.I could hear the birds though no birds came to my feeders today! Tomorrow I go to NB Senior Center. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NICE MARCH MONDAY

This Monday in March was productive. I mailed to Son Ben a POTVIN vanity plate for his collection. Should arrive on Friday or Saturday. I printed five more Army memoirs. Gave one to Josh for Heidi to read. Am giving one to Jeff Nickerson and will return his 3 hole punch... and one for the NB Senior Center director Donna. Started up the Allante' with no problem. May get a sticker at Parsons before Friday as I travel to Boston to see Dr. Dey on Friday.Got some brilliant uncirculated 2022 Lincoln cents at Dollar General. Want one? Will replenish my pills in the AM. Down to my last needle for insulin!Ordered them a week ago. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE HALL WILL BE DANCING!

Seton Hall men's basketball will be dancing against TCU. SAINT LOUIS didn't make the cut. This Sunday was bright and cold.Worked on my military memoirs this morning after a good night's rest.Thought I would hear from "Johnson" but didn't.Got a nice surprise from Josh: he washed the red Allante' and lowered the top.Must get an Inspection Sticker and fix the left rear tire valve which snapped. Also put out some cherry sewet. Enjoyed some spare ribs at Ronnies. Moderating temperatures in the next few days. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VILLANOVA WINS OVER CREIGHTON

The game was worth watching and I did much of it.Collin Gillespe is truly a winner! This Saturday felt like winter. We had rain, sleet and snow. The grown was covered. I did laundry this day then delivered the POTVIN plate to Josh.Evie and Chase were playing tiny football in the beautiful new kitchen. Josh was putting the finishing touches to the brass as the wind-driven snow plastered my car. He gave me my copy of my military memoir which I spent making 5 copies of abour 20 copies. I intend to make 3 holes for binders and will give one to Jeff Nickerson and others. Don't forget to SPRING AHEAD! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

The big news in the Brookfields is HOWARD'S Drive In has been sold! The CLAM BOX will be taking over in the ensuing weeks to folow. My duplicate POTVIN plates arrived today. I will give one to each son."Johnson" will not be around tomorrow so I will do laundry in Warren and visit Josh.With Seton Fall out of the running tonight I delighted in seeing Creighton sink Providence by more than 25 points. Next will be Villanova and UCONN.It's still interesting. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

UCONN PREVAILS OVER SETON HALL

It seems tonight's game is the opposite of last night against Georgetown. The Hall is 10 points behind.. 32 - 22. Nobody has the luck as the basketball just doesn't go in. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FUEL ASSISTANCE WORCESTER COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL,INC

I have applied and receive winter's fuel assistance program.The office is located on the second floor of the old Denholm building 484 Main Streeet, Worcester, MA 01608 508-754-1176. This is in concert with my landlord Josh Potvin. As of December the remaining benefits are $616.67.In view of rising energy costs It would behove interested parties to apply. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL PREVAILS OVER GEORGETOWN 57-53

The Pirates did it when they had to! An important victory. Now UCONN.OMG. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TODAY'S GAS PRICE $4.319 PER GALLON

I usually top off my tank at Country Corner for $20.00 once a week. Today I bought 6.826 gallons for $29.48. The media says we'll be using less and paying more! How high is anybodys guess. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A WINDY TUESDAY IN MARCH

This morning's gale had me thinking "Is this the ides of March?"I went about my business of shopping in North Brookfield. Seems everything is more expensive and the price of gas leads the way. Country Corner leap-frogged into the four dollar bracket. And I think it will keep soaring higher and higher.Will it reach five dollars? Think so.Called the RMV to check on my replacement plates of POTVIN. The message states there's a 10 week backlog on vanity plates. Seems I have waited ten weeks! Maybe soon? I want to get the Allante' set for Spring weather. Prepared five binders of random blog copy

entries and will request to get permission to hand them our at the Senior Center tomorrow. Gave Josh a life to pick up Heidi's JEEP in Sturbridge. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WORCESTER JR. COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT RECEIVED

It has been nearly 60 years since I graduated from Worc.Jr.The transcript arrived today and evokes many memories. I was far from being a scholar placing 157 out of 298 classmates. My B's came in English Composition, Literature, French, Graphics.I ran for class treasurer and lost by 10 votes! None of the Engineers voted!I was able to transfer some classes to St. Louis University. It took me an extra semester to graduate.Now I want to obtain the St. Louis U. transcript.Needless to say I am not a scholar! Upon receiving my degree and getting a job, not once has there ever been reference to my grades!!A BS degree sufficed. Had to follow Josh to Sturbridge & leave Heidi's Jeep for brakes. Will bring him over tomorrow. Made an appointment with the VA in Worcester for Thursday for my back condition.Most of the snow is gone. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JEFF NICKERSON TO THE RESCUE -AGAIN!

Blood glucose 75 Weight 164.5lbs The day began rainy as I did my laundry.By afternoon the skies cleared and the temperature got to 55. I am tempted to get the red Allante' ready for Spring days. For the second day Jeff Nickerson labored assiduosly trying to get my YouTube working. I have been without it for a week or more. Then, like a miracle, the service worked. I don't know all of the terms used but I do know I am back in business. Tonight I watched Rev. Norman Vincent Peale then Johnny Cash. Thanks Jeff! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN IMPORTANT SETON HALL VICTORY

This Saturday was complete with the Pirates prevailing over Creighton in the last minutes of the game. Early on I wasn't too sure a victory was going to happen.Jeff Nickerson was here trying to resolve my You Tube problems.Jeff also brought over a binder and a three hole punch to help me organize my printed blogs. "Johnson" took 2 bags of my trash to Josh's where we saw my son briefly.We headed towards Hadley for a truck wash on "OZONE".Poor Richard had trouble getting payment accepted.Finally a man dressed in a Bruins shirt came to the rescue. Now "OZONE" is spiffy clean!. Earlier in the day I mailed a folder to Donna at Nichols College. My back rash continues. Never heard from the VA dermatologist. Will call Monday. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VISIT TO AMERICAN LEGION POST 244

This Friday was different.It was bright and cold. Josh was returning from a business trip so I decided to stop in the Legion Post to pay my dues.I had hoped to see Richard Kemp however he was absent. I had nice visits with Tom Long.Father of seven Tom, tells of his annual visits to Ireland. I also visited with Jeff Nickerson. I plan on visiting the Post on Fridays.My credentials are good and I hope to share some of my memoirs with the members.Sent a package to Donna at the registrars office at Nichols College. Should be getting my Worcester Junior College transcript soon. Heidi showed me her kitchen that is near completion. Fancy marble counter tops now grace the spectacular room as it nears completion.A+++. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WORCESTER JUNIOR COLLEGE TRANSCRIPT

For the first time in nearly 60 years I'll be getting a copy of my Jr. College transcript! I knew that Nichols College was handling transcript requests as Central New England College went belly up. In contacting Nichols I spent 42 minutes applying! Donna in the Registrar's Office walked me through the apprication.The fee is $10.25. Today was windy and cold. A dusting of snow began the day. I received two Excise Tax bills.The Allante' was twice that of the Honda. The total was a little over $200. Check is in the mail..finished business. Cleaners and food in the AM. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY HISTORIAN FATHER JOSEPH E. POTVIN

My father, Joseph Emil Potvin, was a humble man with many talents.He had two careers.. one as a shoemaker (bedlaster) and as a carpenter who built houses with his brother A.L. Potvin.But down deep "Papa Joe" was a historian. Throughout his life he would tell of events in his life like the Hurricane of '38. He saved old newspapers such as the crash of the Hindenburg.Dad saved old coins and kept them in a Band Aid tin in his top drawer of his bureau. He also had souvenirs of Nazi Germany brought home by Uncle Albert.Of particular interest was a Nazi dagger which today is in the pocket knife collection of Josh.He never owned a new car yet every car he owned was like new.Dad guided me in the ways of carpentry as I restored two old houses.He played the harmonica and liked a good time.Dad's life was full of 18s. He was born on July 18.. married on April 18..lived at 18 South Main and died on September 18! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL DEFEATS GEORGETOWN BY 5

It was a very close game from start to finish but Seton Hall defeated Georgetown! Chase Potvin had a good game at Quaboag. They too won by 10.Congrats to the Cougars! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE OLD MAN WHO ATE BURNED HOT DOGS FOR BREAKFAST

George L. Wakefield's father served in the Civil War! He and his wife Olive were next door neighbors to my grandparents, Paul & Sara Potvin. Mr. Wakefield sported a handlebar moustache and Mrs. Wakefield wore long dark dresses and black nylons.They were antique dealers. None of my family understood antiquity being from Wine Village and Little Canada.Rich people would visit the Wakefields every Sunday according to my parents. They would come in their new Cadillacs mother said many times.As a boy of 5 I would wander onto their yard...andno one ever stopped me. Old man Wakefield was a character of sorts. Never having children the Wakefields must have been intrigued by this friendly little boy. They were old Yankees and burned wood in their Crawford cookstove.The Wakefields had a "one-lunger sawmill with a "put-put" sound. One day poor Mrs. Wakefield had a tragedy while helping George cut wood:

She cut off her thumb on the saw blade. Mr. Wakefield owned a 1929 Dodge pick-up.As I grew older I would tag along to the Ruggles Farm in Brookfield. The Ruggles were antique dealers and amused by my presence. "Got a new son, George?"Each Sunday I would deliver his Sunday Telegram and noticed one interesting thing:Yep, Mr. Wakefield ate burned hot dogs every Sunday. I enjoy burned hot dogs, myself! Old Wakefield passed on in 1955 and was an unforgettable character in my life! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MOTHER, GRAM RITA POTVIN

In reviewing my hundreds of blog entries I came across one that touched my heart! " I am living long enough to see my children live to old age" said Gram. As a boy growing up my mother "ruled the roost."I was punished for bad behavior and loved unconditionally.My mother prepared my bath water every night and used to put my pajamas on the hot radiator... then I'd powder down with some Old Spice Talcum. Mother's cooking was basic and delicious. She would cook a smoked shoulder in boiling water with onions and potatos and turnip. Mustard and horseradish were part of the meal. Dad was a workingman.. a carpenter so Gram Rita knew she had to prepare meals with gusto. Mother prided herself in beng a homemaker.She took charge of the household.Father would turn over his entire pay for her to pay expenses. The mortgage payment with Ware Co-Operative was $33.33 a month!They bought our house in 1945 for $4,500 and had a mortgage burning in 1959. I never went without. and I wasn't spoiled. At age 10 I started earning money at the Brookfield Orchards and having a Sunday paper route. My mother taught me thrift. I had a Christmas Club for .50 a week. I was also taught how to run a Polular Home Club. Gram would drive me aroung to collect weekly payments.I also would wash and wax the kitchen floor on my hands and knees and mow the lawn, take in the clothes with sister Jan. Mother was one sharp cookie. She braided rugs, crocheted and had a ZEST for living. Mother was always there for her children,grandchildren and was a GIVER! Gram lived to be 91.. went to Australia and Rome and maintained 'smoking is a no-no!' ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A GOOD TUESDAY ALL AROUND

Weight 162lbs Today was my first day with repaired hearing aids.It seems without a mask I maneuvered nicely all day. I got some advice from Bill at the Senior Center.."See a dermatologist for your back condition." I called the VA and will take care of things. Our round table discussion at the Center was good. Old Chet always has us standing on their toes. I brought up the topic of homeless folks on the streets of Worcester.I chose to stop and question two individuals yesterday.. a man age 67 and a lady 49. It was 15 degrees and I gave each person five dollars for breakfast.The lady said "I just got hit by a car!" In talking with other people "drugs and alcohol" come up regularly. I don't buy this!!!!!!!!!!!! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN