AN APRIL SATURDAY OF GETTING THINGS DONE

I deleted the Mothers Day greeting as I was a week early!When I walked out to the Allante' two flat lawn tractor tires were on the front seat. Thet were earmarked for George's Tire Place.George wasn't certain they could be repaired.After doing laundry I stopped ba

ck and was encouraged they were repaired: $50. One new tube was installed. This meant my lawn could be mowed. Stopped at Howard's to say hi to Chase was working in the back room.Got a cheeseberger and fries.Howard's was booming all day. I like the atmosphere created with music playing from the 50's and sixties. Sox are playing in Baltimore as I write and are leading 1-0. Top down on the car; tomorrow looks like a perfect Sunday. I did sit out in the brilliant sunshine as Josh mowed. Birds have a full supply of seed and suet.

A FEBRUARY-LIKE THURSDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

I am sick of the wintry weather as we near May! The gales of this day saw temperatures in the 40s. It finally cleared towards late afternoon. No further word from Arbella!Maybe Friday will bring an offer? Watched the Red Sox lose to Toronto. The Sox just didn't have it although they did last night. I rewarded Chase, Lily and Madeline with a cash offering for their wonderful report cards.Had Ramen Noodles for supper along with greed grapes from Chile. "Good things happen on Friday!" ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ARBELLA - TIME'S UP!

The 30 days if up tomorrow - April 28th. I waited patiently all day to hear from an Arbella claim person.Nothing, so tomorrow I'll be more agressive in bringing this claim to solution. I am very lucky to have had my red Cadillac Allante' for use all the time. Nothing was ever mentioned about getting a rental. I watched the Cardinals defeat the Mets and witnessed a brawl between the two teams. Today was downright cold and windy. The temperature right now is about 48 degrees. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ARBELLA INSURANCE CONTACTED ME

It seems as we approach April 28 things are going to happen on my theft claim.Diane Danca, Claim Service Specialist,interviewed me on a recorded line and forwarded the interview to the claim people who will review my claim and offer me payment. I have no idea what to expect! I have reviewed what a 2008 Honda Accord EX might be worth.A 2009 with 172,232 miles ia bwing offered for $8647. My Honda had 206,170 miles on it when I bought it from Josh.In other matters Howard's Drive-In opened today. It was a misty Tuesday and I decided not go. Waiting for a bright, dry day. Our fragile miracle will help turn the grass green.NB Senior Center tomorrow noon. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MONDAY OF ANTICIPATIONS

My Monday began thinking about many things.I had hoped to hear something about my stolen Honda: Nothing!I thought about the Celtics game in Brooklyn. They are leading at half-time. Next comes the opening of Howard's Drive-in: Tomorrow.I plan on having lunch and I'll wait in making a decision. I spent the afternoon assembling my blogs and One Lucky Soldier for the ladies on Wednesday. My back is itching up again as is my scalp.Other than that things are fine. LOL. I enjoyed listening to Piano Man by Billy Joel. Didn't know the Jeopardy! answer of The Mayflower ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUNDAY OF DIFFERENT INTERESTS

Son Ben attended a Billy Joel Concert in Charlotte last night. Ben reports Billy was on top of his performance. Joel, now in his seventies,performed in front of a 45,000 audience! This was special as Ben won 2 tickets two years ago and had to wait because of the pandemic.My favorite Joel Concert came in 1990 at Yankee Stadium in the Storm Front performance. The NASCAR race was at Taladaga with Ross Chastain being the winner.The Boston Red Sox lost to Tampa BAy - twice.. last night in 10 innings and today5-2. Now they head to Toronto.The Yankees won today 10-2.Had burned hot dogs for lunch. Yum. Visited with the grandkids at Ronnie & Chrissies.Tonight I enjoyed watching MAyor of New York City, Eric Adams.The Mayor has an infectious spirit! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SATURDAY NIGHT CAMPFIRE

This Saturday began clear and cool. The Allante' got a first-class cleaning by Josh. I did laundry as usual. Later in the day I drove over to Birch Hill and requested the top be put up. Josh was in the middle of his expanse mowing for the first time."Come back in an hour and I'll buy you a beer." Little did I know he was planning a campfire! Earlier I sat out in the sunshine for about an hour as cloudiness settled in. It got cool. Chase mentioned the Red Sox game with Tampa Bay came on at 6:10 p.m.. The fire took the sting out of the cool. Evie was having fun with a tennis racket and ball.I arrived home at the beginning of the game. Saturday was good. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AND THE BEAT GOES ON "NO NEWS" FRIDAY

It was a bright Friday in April.I have depended on Hannaford Pharmacy for a box of Lancets for taking my blood sample.I ran out and the VA will take a week to send the refill. I changed my diet and pan-fried two hot dogs for a change. I took advantage of the bright sunshine and sat in my pink chair for an hour. Saw Bill Mansfield and Stephen Pichota who put out Selectman signs. I endorse Steve! Was hoping to get the Allante' washed but didn't. Went to the Legion with Josh.It seems to be ritual now. Jeff Nickerson suprised me in playing Bobby Rydell's "Forget Him" a song I play each morning as I get going. My Friday was above average! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" THURSDAY

This Thursday was quiet. I forgot my cane in my Hannaford carriage necessitating another trip to NB! DA. Two baseball games saw Boston and New York lose to Toronto and Detroit. Seems nothing is defined in this early season. Josh-the-barber gave me a close clip good for two months. Chase and dad visited two colleges in Boston.. Boston College and Northeastern University. I think it is good for the two to be shopping at this early date.Chase is also interested in visiting Georgetown in DC and others. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" WEDNESDAY

My day was retrospective.I reviewed the many interests I have.First I listened to the four Long Distance Dedications read on the air by the late Casey Kasem.Son Ben had 2 and I had 2. These are priceless. Next I took out my stamp album and reviewed those stamps. This reinforces my knowledge of history and geography. Next I reviewed a book of autographs.I'm intrigued by Hitler's signature. Others also are big like Ben Franklin's. I listened to music by Alan Jackson and reviewed my textbook on Effective Business Speech. This one course got me an "A" in college.I have always loved public speaking! Tonight I enjoyed watching the Jerry Remy tribute. The Sox and Celtics are now playing and it doesn't look good for either team! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" TUESDAY

I drove into Worcester to Plantation Streetto see the Podiatry doctor. I am on a 90 day diary and boy did he hurt me! My left great toe needed work. Coming back I drove down the highway and was it windy! It remained windy all afternoon with temperatures no more than 40 degrees. I mailed the "One Lucky Soldier" story to VP Dick Cheney with the hopes of getting a response. I goofed when I got home as I drove over the left tire of the riding mower. Didn't realize it until Josh pointed out my fault. NB Senior Center tomorrow noon. The Sox are tie 1-1 with Toronto. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" MONDAY

Marathon Monday began as a bright cold day.Got some cash from the ATM and bought $20 worth of gasoline.Then got the mail and stayed in all day.Took care of my pill cady then watched the Red Sox lose to Minnesota..just the opposite of yesterday's victory.I was in and out of watching the thousands of Marathon runners. Confirmed my appointment with the podiatrist tomorrow at 10:30.Received a nice call from college roommate Bill Gross in Vancouver,Washington.Bill is the grandfather of twin girls born yesterday! We always compare lives and is my closest friend for almost 60 years.Bill is a lawyer.Game shows topped off this Monday.Nothing on the Honda. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EASTER SUNDAY WITH SNOWFLAKES

Screwry weather indeed. Two times in the afternoon we had snow flakes.I enjoyed my Easter Sunday with family. Ronnie went overboard with a delicious ham meal. It was lighthearted conversation.The Boston Celtics captured everybody's attention as did the Red Sox. Little Evie knows the Celtic players by name so now Pops will join in. See you Wednesday night. Go Celtics. Received a new floor lamp and a recliner with three day "trial period." Marathon Monday coming up. May have missed a podiatry appointment on Friday? ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" SATURDAY

It gets to be "old hat" as I write daily about the whereabouts of my Honda.As I went about my business I did laundry in Warren as usual. As I was leaving town Josh appeared and signaled me to pull over. My top remained down. I feared rain. The top went up and he headed for Holden. I returned to the Poodle and made my bed, etc. The afternoon was another of baseball. First the Mets and Diamondbacks played until the "Yellow Sox" appeared at four in their spiffy yellow outfits. I think the yellow suits brought the Sox luck as they defeated Minnesota 4-0.One comment was "it was the best game of the year." The rain began at 5.00 PM. and is still raining as I write at 8:27 pm. Tomorrow is Easter Sunday. My plans are to go to Ron & Chris for dinner.Hopefully the weather will clear. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" FRIDAY.

Seems the days flow into weeks with no news. It is anybody's guess where the Honda might be? Despite no news, this day was beautiful. I am enthralled with the beauty of yellow forsithias. Some are in the shape of bushes while others are random.Fenway Park was loaded with celebrities. I watched all. Mo Vaughn and his son threw out the first pitch. Minnesota came on strong from the beginning.I opted to sit out in the sun on my chair for over an hour.Josh invited me over to Birch Hill and we decided to go to the American Legion for a drink and some salted pretzels.Jeff joined us and it as we talked about family and friends.No Bobby Rydell this week. Laundry in Warren tomorrow. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NOTHING NEW THURSDAY"

No baseball meant a quiet day. I mailed the documents to St. Louis University. It will be interesting how things turn out. After lunch I sat out in the April sunshine then drove over to Chase's baseball game.More sunshine. The Quaboag Cougars were shelled by Shepard Hill. More sunshine. Upon returning home I was suprised to see rain come in! Hopefully Opening Day at Fenway will be sunny. With my adage "Good things happen on Friday" gives me hope I will hear something regarding the theft of my Honda. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DISCOVERY ABOUT USED CARS AND TRUCK PRICES

I have begun looking at used vehicles prices. Much to my surprise cars with high mileage are incredible. A 09 Honda with 172,232 miles is priced at $8791. A 1999 S-10 is $7599. I like the challenge as my Allante' serves me well in the meantime. My Wednesday was good.I sat with Bill at the Senior Center... then watched the Red Sox almost blow a big lead to Detroit. Josh came by to put the top back up as the weather will change. I prepared a package for the St. Louis U magazine. By definition of a "sale" is to create a customer! No news on any possible recovery. Should check with the WB police. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" TUESDAY

It was a rainy Tuesday to begin with.I tried to call the St. Albans Messenger to follow up on my military memoirs. No lucK. As the day brightened baseball became my afternoon. The Worcester WooSox and the Boston Red Sox both won.93 year old Bob Cousy with mike in hand exhorted the teams "play ball!" At 4:15 Josh invited me to bring the red Allante' over. He volunteered to take the top down. I have been driving the car with "top up" for several weeks.It felt like "old times" with the top down. I mention birds as they visit my suet block and seed block.I notice Stephen Piechota is a write-in candidate for Selectman.I endorse Stephen! No further news on the Honda! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A MONDAY OF "NEWS!"

I spoke with the Claim Service Specialist regarding my pending claim. The response was "you must wait 30 days before any money can be paid." That is not to say if a recovery happens sooner money can be paid.The Specialist acknowledged the docoments sent. I was encouraged to check with the police. Be it as it may, this Monday was spectacular with blue skies.Did my food shopping at Hannaford nefore leaving for Southbridge.Bought some "cheap" gasoline at $3.75/ gallon. I was early for my dermatology appointment so I sat on a park bench for 30 minutes basking in the bright sunshine.Central Mass Dermatology was on time. My back was inspected and a list of what to do with the eczema was given.Mild soap (Dove) was recommended.Must change some habits. A nurse by the name of Barkosky (sp) walked me back to the Allante'. Sox lost to Detroit. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

"NO NEWS SUNDAY"

A day off allows me to collect my thoughts. I am now thinking of a replacement vehicle.The 2008 Honda Accord EX was my "baby." Tires were good.. all systems were functioning and I have receipts of all major work done since ownership. Before me was son Josh. I have sent an e-mail to Russel Rheault at Lundgren Honda in Auburn. I am not afraid of high mileage cars. THE HISTORY OF OWNERSHIP is key and as I see it I'm in the driver's seat. Will check my mail tomorrow. This Sunday was another cold, cloudy day.Saw the family at Ronnie & Chrissies. Chase got all bruised up in his soccer game with Auburn which ended in a tie. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER "NO NEWS" SATURDAY

The day was made up of laundry, baseball, car auctions and a re-run of Jeopardy! The weather was a mixed bag seeing thunder, pea-sized hail for 15 seconds and sunshine.Josh had a big fire of brush on the side lawn.I goofed in not taking my omeprazole at midnight and had digestion problems all day.I did have 2 meals of Progresso New England Clam Chowder. The disappointing Red Sox had another loss. loss. One more and they will tie last year's three loss beginning. Barrett-Jackson Auction has some pretty fancy prices.Another day in paradise!Lol! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NO NEWS" FRIDAY

With the weekend here I think Monday will be a good time for my agent, Westbrook Insurance, inquire about my claim! What gives? The best part of this Friday is the sun came out! I was excited when the Red Sox went ahead of the Yankees and disappointed when the Sox lost in extra innings 6-5.My birds were fed sewet and seed and the trash man removed all 3 bags. Thanks! I was sitting at the Legion talking with Jeff Nickerson when the jukebox began playing "Forget Him" by the late Bobby Rydell. Jeff treated me to hearing the song twice through the magic of his Smart Phone! Thanks Jeff. Laundry in Warren tomorrow morning! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NO NEWS" THURSDAY

Nothing new on the Honda. The obituary with meaning in the New York Times reads: "BOBBY RYDELL, A TEENAGE IDOL WITH ENDURING APPEAL, IS DEAD AT 79" Bobby was a favorite of mine... my age with his hit 'Forget Him.' Watched Barrett-Jackson Auction and Steve Magnante. A Cadillac Allante' was sold for $10,000. Later in the day my belt buckle broke necessitating me borrowing a belt or two from Josh.He gave me a favorite flag belt. Also, a lady at the Senior Center gave me a U.S. flag tie clip. Nice.I hope for some "Good News" tomorrow on my insurance claim as "Good things happen on Friday! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NO NEWS" WEDNESDAY

It seems the days go into weeks. The change in the weather also affects my mood.I did go to the NB Senior Center and enjoyed the company of my table: Nancy D and Mary T who is an amazing 91 years young. The meatloaf was not good yet the chocolate cake was THAT good. No baseball today. I have started looking for new programs. 'TALES OF WELLS FARGO' was a favorite of mine in 1959. Agent Jim Hardy (Dale Robertson) played a good role. Also KUDLOW carries all the financial news. Howard's Drive-In posted an update and have not posted an opening date yet . They have received a LLC but have not yet given an opening date.My suspicion it will be soon. Chase & Lily will be working . Josh and family returned from Florida today. Three more days of rain, etc. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NO NEWS" TUESDAY

BLOOD GLUCOSE 70 weight 160lbs It was another day of "no news" regarding the theft and or recovery of my Honda. I remained home after getting the newspapers and mail.My light bill was $194.36 down from $234.25.Baseball once again caught my interest. The Red Sox won 10-6. The Sox were down 6-1 and went on a hitting barrage to win. I also watched the Yankees and Detroit play. Next we'll have Opening Day in New York on Thursday. GO SOX! I cleaned all of the food in the freezer only to put it all back! Late in the day I sat out in my breezeway. It was too nice to let the day go by! Foul weather is on the way again. NB Senior Center tomorrow noon. Word has it our new director will be leaving! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NO NEWS" MONDAY

Things are quiet on the homefront. I was able to secure a police report from the West Brookfield PD and filed it with my Notary Bill Mansfield who will notariaze the document and mail it to Arbella. I called the claim adjuster and left a message but didn't hear back. Did go to Hannaford for food. I have a dillema when it comes to food. My breakfast is always BIG. Then I struggle in having the next two meals that make sense. As I am a diabetic I must watch what I eat and when.I have increased my consumption of veggies but must increase my consumption of red meat.Brobably will go back to Hannaford's tomorrow and get creative. Suggestions??Going to see a dermatologist in Southbridge next Monday.As far as Benjamin Franklin goes I once owned a letter written by old Ben! I bought it from Marion Varney and sold it to a NH dealer. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A "NO NEWS" SUNDAY

And the beat goes on. No news as to the whereabouts of my beloved Honda. I spent part of the day reviewing receipts of Honda repairs over the years. I have proof of "religiously" changing my oil regularly at Ken's in East Brookfield along with receipts for all repairs.Tomorrow I get a copy of the WB police report, have my claim form notarized at Westbrook Ins.agency and call the Arbella adjuster.I say "What are my options?" Spent time watching the Red Sox win. Just watched the first quarter of the Momen's Final Four. South Carolina Gamecocks are strong. Little Evie is interested in the game! Terrible weather! ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NO NEWS SATURDAY

Blood glucose 95 Received a claim form from Arbella Ins. Must secure a WB police report and have claim form notarized. I feel good about things because the Honda was serving me well. I always maintained it..changed the oil regularly, spent money keeping it safe and sound.We shall see how things turn out. I am confident in dealing with the adjuster.This Sunday was bright. Did all of my chores then watched the Red Sox lose again. Enjoyed Kansas defeating Villanova.The Jayhawks never gave in! Not interested in the second game tonight. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NO NEWS FRIDAY

Blood glucose 87 Nothing happened this Friday regarding the theft of my Honda.My red Allante' served me well in doing my daily chores.It was another dark cloudy day. No birds whatsoever. The Red Sox defeat of 9-3 by Tampa Bay filled my afternoon until going to the Legion for about an hour. I saw Charlie Holden - antique dealer. I had a salted pretzel and ginger ale. Some members were sympathetic with my loss. I like the atmosphere of the Legion.Saw Jeff from a distance.Laundry tomorrow in Warren. ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN