A MONDAY OF FOOD

This Monday began with mailing obituaries of Jerry Lee Lewis to son Ben. Media accounting called Lewis a 'titan' and all accountings attest to his place in music Rock n Roll history! I began my Monday by sifting through loose paperwork. Then I began eating... first by finishing off some of Friendly's coffee ice cream.  I then heated up some B & M Baked Beans topping it off with Lay's Potato Chips. I will weigh myself in the morning. I also ate 3 Tootsie Roll POPS anticipating Trick of Treats calls: NONE!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE LAST IN FINE WEATHER FOR A WHILE

The temperature this morning was 23 degrees.  A heavy frost covered our lawn and all around us. I'm glad I have a garage! I decided to go food shopping early. Before that I called sister Jan. Josh-the-trash man took away 2 bags and a stack of newspapers. I appreciate his effort! Went to Ronnie & Chrissies and enjoyed lasagna. Little Evie had a huge bag of Trick or Treat candy. I don't expect any "treaters" tomorrow night. Tonight, I watched "Food That Made America" with interest. The topic was about Heinz and Campbell. Very interesting! Looks like a rainy week ?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HUMANITY FROM SPACE

 This October Saturday was spectacular! Little Evie was lead scorer for her soccer game.  I enjoyed the brilliant sunshine then went to Birch Hill to sit with Josh for an O'Doul's, & cheese & crackers. and listened to 98.1 Brookfield radio. Tonight, I watched Humanity from Space for 2 hours.  It has been over a year since I last watched it.   "A journey through 12,000 years, Humanity from Space shows how seemingly small flashes of innovation have changed the course of innovation; that touch all of us today in ways unimaginable to our ancestors, I highly recommend this epic journey of discovery!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

     

                                                       

A SURPRISE VISIT BY JOSH AT THE LEGION

 My Friday was quiet. I delivered a pile of soiled laundry to Tony's and came back to a waiting therapist in my driveway. This was the second visit this week and the many exercises were good. I called the Quabaug Nursing Home and spoke with my friend Bill Skrobul who has been there for over three weeks. Bill was happy to get my call! Called Josh who advised Evie has a soccer game tomorrow at 1:30 at the WBES.I plan on attending. I traveled to the American Legion for my Friday visit. Low & behold son Josh came in all smiles! We enjoyed the music of Jerry Lee Louis who died today. Jeff Nickerson joined our conversation! My Friday was very good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL THURSDAY

This Thursday was beautiful! Northwest winds brought in blue skies and cleared everything up nicely. It is amazing how our moods are affected by the weather. Received a call from Que N. Nguyen regarding my numbers on the blood draw. My insulin galargine has been reduced to 10 units at bedtime.  Overall, my numbers are good. Will get a printout shortly from Dr. Sangay. Made another trip to Hannaford NB for nutritional drink. Also got a big bunch of green grapes which I have been eating all day! Did laundry. Chase Potvin made the New Leader news on his soccer prowess.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BEETHOVEN'S SIXTH SYMPHONY

I was a junior in college at St. Louis University when I latched onto Beethoven's 6th. Today, I played it as I got up from bed! This one symphony inspires me all those years. My day was full having two nurses stop by before noon. I began the day by filling my pill caddy which took much of the day. I negotiated the caddy by doing things "my way." It worked and by day's end I had completed my task. Didn't hear from Que' regarding my blood reading.  Did food shopping to the tune of $60.00 exactly! My handwritten note reads " Bo tablets?" Not a clue! 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FULL TUESDAY

 This Tuesday was full. From an appointment with Dr. Sanjay at 10:30 to a meeting with Que I got a flu shot and had blood drawn. the results will be in tomorrow. It was also pay day for Social Security! I paid my rent to Josh midafternoon. The sun came out for a brief moment but not for long. I filled part of my pill cady and will continue my task in the morning. The squirrels were annoying, and I even broke a window with a yard stick. It was a good Tuesday and I'm tired tonight!!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EARLY TRIP TO WORCESTER

 Tomorrow Josh & I make an early trip to the VA in Worcester. We see Doctor Brinda Sanjay and Que the dietician thus an early blog! Today was another bummer of a day. I watched more "ELIZABETH. Seems I just can't get enough of this historic documentary.  Had a visit by Robin the nurse. Prepared documents to show the doctor! ETB= early to bed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DISMAL SUNDAY IN LATE OCTOBER

 This Sunday was one for the birds! Nothing seemed to fit except for the Phillies  who are on their way to the World Series! I did find much pleasure in watching "ELIZABETH" for over two hours. It seems her long life of tragedy and triumph is worth watching. Did visit Ronnie & Chrissies for a brief time. Son Ben called from Belmont, NC. Let's hope the Astros can wrap things up against the Yankees although it is in a rain delay. Nurse is due tomorrow noon.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TWO MAJOR EVENTS OF THIS SATURDAY

There were two major events of this Saturday. One, after seven weeks Josh gave me a haircut and the Yankees lost to the Houston Astros! I decided to allow Josh to do his thing. It happened in the new kitchen atop Birch Hill. I gave him "liberty" to do as he pleased. He was all smiles shaping his creation. The bottom line was he created a goatee. I didn't resist. The second major event was the Houston Astros trouncing the New York Yankees!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PAPER MONEY

There's a discipline in numismatics that doesn't come up very often: PAPER CURRENCY. I had some experiences way back in Junior College! A friend of my dads entrusted me with a zippered pouch of large bills. These bills were U.S. Gold Backs, notes payable in gold! I earned a commission big enough to pay my tuition! Years later I handled a large note that brought me a commission of substance. Over the years I handled Fractional Currency. Today was a good Friday, A VA nurse came to review my exercises. Later I traveled to Hannaford for NB for food then to Spencer for dry cleaning. I watched Barrett-Jackson & Steve Magnante. Tonight I went to the American Legion Post. Saw Jeff Nickerson who returned from a vacation in California. My day was full.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EARLY NIGHT

 Tonight will be an early night for me. I have an 9:00 am appointment in the morning with a nurse.  My day was quiet. Didn't go anywhere. Did watch Barrett- Jackson and Steve Magnante. Enjoyed seeing a 1951 Chevrolet Bel Air fetch $25.000! My 1950 Chevrolet reminded of it. I feel my 1991 Cadillac Allante' has value! No Josh. Lily drove alone today!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LILY IS NOW A LICENSED OPERATOR!

Congrats to Lily Potvin. she's now a licensed operator! Next thing is she'll want to get a car! It was cold and frosty. This Wednesday was full. Got lots of mail...VA medications. Gabapentin bills. I did laundry in the afternoon then received a call from a nurse from the VA who came up from Webster. Watched baseball in the afternoon and a little in the evening. Ate a Lean Cuisine for supper. Josh promised mowing my lawn and mowing my beard!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE YANKEES DEFEAT CLEVELAND!

I watched the entire game between the Yanks and Cleveland. The Yankees prevailed the entire game. Now New York is on a flight to Houston for tomorrow's first game of the World Series! In other news I returned to the NB Senior Center for lunch. I haven't been there in 4 weeks. My beard received mixed reviews. So what! Two people came by for orthopedic exercises and pill filling. Josh is coming by for my Honda. Lily goes out for her driving test tomorrow. Good luck, Lil, Love, Pops.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEIGHT GAIN

 The good news is I gained 3 pounds to come in at 155lbs! This encourages me as I bottomed out 1t 152lbs. I ate two meals of Bush's beans and pickled beets and chips. I must keep up the good work. It was dismal/rainy all afternoon and I decided to enjoy the music of the Late Olivia Newton-John. Olivia has so many hits and I enjoy Xanadu the best! Lily P goes out for her Driver's License on Wednesday. Josh & Lily drove my Honda this afternoon! I wish her well. Yankee/Guardian game postponed because of rain!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

I'VE DECIDED TO SHAVE MY BEARD!

 I haven't shaven since 9/11 and it is my persuasion to remove my beard! It is long enough to have Josh use his clippers. I tried it and now I will be "clean shaven!" I don't know if yesterday's blog entry went on Facebook? Today has been more baseball. I am enjoying the Playoffs. The Houston victory in 19 innings  was spectacular. Tonight, the Yankees are leading 3-2. The World Series is just around the corner. I'm cheering for Houston!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY LONG DAY

 I slept until nine and it is nine now! I did some of the new exercises that are difficult. Friend Steve Magnante came by with a Lucite paperweight of 1964 US proof coins. A nice gift indeed. We chatted for quite a while. Steve is a celebrity appearing on Barret-Jackson Auto auctions. Josh called inviting me to a campfire with Jayson and Ben. I came home to tune in to in the Seattle--Astro base which is now in the 15th inning with a 0-0 tie! Ready for sleep!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REMEMBERING MY FRIEND JACK SWEDIS

 I had a very near friend... Jack Swedis. From the Army days at Fort Dix came a bonding never to be forgotten! Jack was a Union Electrician living in Worcester, then Spencer on R. Jones Road. He was my right hand in everything I encountered from helping me restore houses to building my dream house on Birch Hill Road. But his wit was revealed in all we did. Jack was there in helping me drive my car to Quincy and New York in delivering silver coins. Jack was truly a "faithful friend!"

This Friday was busy... first by delivering my laundry to Tony's in Spencer then to Hannaford, NB. I modified my food with orange juice and potato chips. The exercise program is difficult. Chase called me for a chat.  I went to the American Legion and Jeff Nickerson was on vacation. It was quiet. Did the weather clear at sunset?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CAR REPAIRS $617.29

 My Honda cost me $617.29 in repairs for a new battery $171.11 and alternator assembly $446.18. This expense is okay as I have gone through extensive repairs and replacement since getting the car in late May, 2022. My day began with the knock on the door at 9:00 AM. My sleep had been long and good. It was a nurse to fill my pill cady. She was out in 30 minutes. The dismal weather had changed the mood. I got pills from the VA and ordered more later in the afternoon. Josh drove me to pick up the Honda in the pm. I cheered the Houston Astros onto victory then had a therapist guide me to new exercises I must do for a week. Steve Magnante called advising he'll see me in a day or two. Dry cleaner and food tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BUSY DAY

     It was a busy taking phone calls. The first call came from Nancy D.  telling me friend Bill S was in Quabaug Nursing Home. After speaking with Donna at the NB Senior Center I was able to connect with Bill at Quabaug.  Then Steve Magnante called saying he had something for me and would call tomorrow. My Honda was tied up and will be ready tomorrow according to Josh who will pick me up in the morning.The VA nurse called me advising she will be here tomorrow morning. Spoke with sister Jan tonight. Contemplating doing something with my beard!!!

ROBERT  LOUIS POTVIN 

A BEAUTIFUL OCTOBER TUESDAY

My day began by bringing my 2009 Honda to the Texaco garage for repairs. It will be laid up until tomorrow. Josh drove me back. My supply of needles arrived from the VA. I had the Cadillac Allante' so I had wheels.  The occupational nurse stopped by and we reviewed different exercises. I felt, overall, my progress was good. The sunshine lured me into sitting in the afternoon sun for nearly two hours! I then drove by the Texaco garage and the Honda wasn't seen. Probably will be ready tomorrow. Tonight I watched the Houston Astros defeat the Seatle Mariners with  a "walk-off" homer in the ninth inning! My Tuesday was excellent!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HONDA ELECTRICAL TROUBLE

My 2009 Honda gave me some trouble with battery. Josh removed the battery and took it to NAPA -West Brookfield. The battery tested "old." I bought a new one for $171.   We had no idea of its age. Now we must resolve the problem as the battery signal remains "on". Maybe it's the alternator? I spent $60.45 at Hannaford. The day was dismal except for a peeping of sun late in the day. Two VNA nurses called and will come tomorrow afternoon. Will not be able to go to NB Senior Center tomorrow. Note Bill or Donna.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FIRST FROST IN THE BROOKFIELDS

First frost in the Brookfields after a clear night. We have had four clear nights setting the tone for another clear day. The day gave way to clouds by day's end. It seems the weather pattern has changed for Monday. It was a 'baseball' Sunday. My cheering for St. Louis saw the Cardinals end their quest end with a loss to the Phillies 2-0. Now I must decide who my favorite will be. I like the Yankees or Houston. Had a Lean Cuisine meal for supper. Food shopping tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SATURDAY OF BASEBALL PLAYOFFS

This Saturday was good for upsets! Seattle upset the Toronto Blue Jays and Cleveland won over Tampa Bay!  The afternoon was exciting to say the least. Earlier in the day a VN nurse came by to fill my pill cady and take my vital signs. My blood pressure reading was about 123 and my blood glucose was about 94. I took a stroll around New Braintree. It just isn't the same with Deny Long gone. It was cold this morning with a reading about 40 degrees. The foliage is nearing peak.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE DEMISE OF THE ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

 This Friday began as a clear day. I reviewed some of my writings and moved into watching the Playoff game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies. The game was played at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Naturally it was home to me as I attended St. Louis University from 1962 to 1965. I attended three World Series. 1964, 1968 and 1987. This game today seemed to be all Cardinals. The Cards went into the 9th leading 2-0   then all hell broke lose. The Philadelphia Phillies scored 6 runs in the ninth and went onto winning 6-2! Did go to the American Legion for onion rings and a ginger ale. The day ended up with a shower.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A BEAUTIFUL FALL THURSDAY

 Blood glucose 108. After waiting a week for things to clear up, this Thursday was spectacular. Not a cloud in the sky all day. Hopefully it will last a few days. I enjoyed watching Wayne Dyer and Olivia Newton-John before getting a call from Josh who invited me for a "beard trimming" then to a game at Quabaug. Chase had a soccer game against Oxford. It was 2-0 Quabaug at half time when I left. I enjoyed listening to Roger Williams "Autumn Leaves" and other tunes. Tomorrow it will be a return to Tony's Cleaners. My day was good!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JUDGE'S 62ND HOMERUN BALL - $2MILLION

 My Wednesday was full. The New York Post was the only morning newspaper to carry the news of Judge's 62nd homerun! I traveled to Hannaford for food then returned to greet the therapist. It was a pleasant meeting who offered some ideas for my backache. She offered some ideas including a heating pad. After lunch I traveled to Warren to do some laundry. Haven't been there in weeks. Saw Mary Hicks who had nice things to say. Reviewed some Wayne Dyer on YouTube. "We  become what we think about!"

Josh lost his Infiniti keys!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

YOUR ERRONEOUS ZONES by Wayne Dyer

Nationalgrid bill "No Payment Due." 

In my thirties I read this book that changed my life! Today I began reviewing the audio tape on YouTube. I suggest you tune into Wayne Dyer's message to help yourself to determine your "Erroneous Zones." While at the Quabaug Nursing Home I suggested to several nurses to read this book. 

The VNA nurse came by to fill my pill cady; tomorrow an Occupational Therapist will come by at 11:30.

Watched Aaron Judge try for #62 home runs. Judge has only 2 games left.

My trip to the Worcester VA was futile! I goofed on arriving 2 hours late! 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

   

ANOTHER COLD CLOUDY MONDAY

This Monday had little appeal at first. I paid bills including a bill with the VA for $37 pills. I ordered 100 needles for my insulin. Later in the afternoon I found a very interesting YouTube video about the life of  the late Queen Elizabeth lasting one hour. I was planning on my trip to Worcester VA. Josh will pick me up after 9AM. The VNA nurse called saying she will come after 2:00 to complete my pill cady. Weatherwise looks poor much of the week!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD, OCTOBER SUNDAY

I watched the Yankees and Aaron Judge play but to no avail. It seems Judge may not hit number 62? Did visit Ronnie & Chrissies. This was Howard's Drive-In last day. Seems the days are getting darker! Kudos to Chase & Liz for winning the dance ceremony! Watched Hitler. The guy was crazy! Hope Monday will be clearer!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A NEW USED INFINITI FOR JOSH

 Son Josh bought a spiffy used black Infiniti today. It is the S37 model. Today was cloudy with bills, bills, bills. VA bills totaled $37.Mass Registration renewal for the Cadillac $80. Spellman Museum of Stamps $50.00. Went to Chase's soccer game where Oxford defeated the Cougars 1-0! Watched the Yankees win but Judge didn't get # 62. Only two more games for the season. Getting ready for the Playoffs and World Series. My white beard is growing in nicely!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN