NEW YEAR'S EVE

I have a cold so my "midnight plans are changed!" Today was complete talking with sister Jan. She advises nephew Steve Boyd is on the mend. He has lost 15 lbs.In filling my day I watched Joel Osteen and was inspired by his message. Am getting a daily calendar for 2024 which will be interesting. Watched the Patriots lose another game.Went to Ron & Chrissie to wish then a Happy New Year  when Josh came by and gave me a small book entitled "Saint Louis University - A concise history" by Father Faherty, SJ. then son Ben called for a minute stating he'd call tomorrow night. So I'll close out 2023 wishing all my readers a Happy and Healthy New Year - 2024!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY QUIET SATURDAY

Today was quiet for me. I chose not to return to the Legion but instead found interesting quips on Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter and Hillary Clinton.All of these were not on the regular showings on YOUTUBE.Reagan's was interesting for it played back his final 8 years as President. Carter was the guest speaker at Liberty University and once again his message was interesting. Hillary was a sponsor at George Washington University citing recipients of a particular honor. At the end of my day I witnessed the Wyoming Cowboys defeat Toledo at the last second on a field goal.  I'm getting psyched for tomorrow and Monday's celebration! 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

A BUSY FRIDAY

After going through my routines it was a "Payday Friday!" Did all of the transfers getting ready to pay Josh rent. Got the mail and a rebate from Arbella of $59.25. Next it was to Hannaford NB  for a revised purchase of food. Nothing special costing me $52.80. Josh called while in the store.He agreed to see me at the Poodle upon my return. Saw Josh and gave my rent. Watched Nikki Haley on CSPAN.Got a  full tank of gas costing me $37.00.Learned "Dakota's" name as the person who gives me my daily newspapers. Next stop was the American Legion Post. Smallest crowd I've ever seen.Watched "Wood Songs" on RFDTV before taking in Jimmy Sturr Polka then the Game Shows. Now I'm ready to call it a day!

    ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY THURSDAY LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION

Weight 166 lbs. It is a challenge to look for inspiration on a dismal, foggy day. I found it by watching the JFK special "Years of Lightening Day of Drums. Every now and then by watching this video I get re-charge into the legacy of one President who inspired the world in his vision. If you have never watched this special I challenge my viewers to watch it. Also, I reviewed the booklet "What can I eat?" As a diabetic I must be cognizant on all the foods and drink. My New Year's Resolution it to be acutely aware of everything I eat and drink!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

KENNEDY CENTER HONORS

 It was a late night for me but I had made up my mind to watch this special program. The program began with Honoree Dionne Warrwick.."That's what friends are for" and many other song titles that have made Dionne famous. Actor and comedian Billy Crystal followed then rapper Queen Latifah, Soprano Rene'e Fleming and my favorite singer and songwriter Barry Gibb was portrayed with songs made popular  by brothers Robin and Maurice.."How Can You Mend A Broken Heart?" This was a special program for me!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FOGGY DECEMBER TUESDAY

 The day was foggy and warm. I spent the morning organizing my Christmas gifts Went to Hannaford NB after getting the mail. Received Christmas cards from Son Ben, Bill Gross and Charline Whitman. Received a printout of my lab results with certain recommendations. Must go to Worcester for another blood draw. Am now making my New Year's Resolutions to include certain suggestions from The Diabetes Guide To Healthy Food Choices.Plan on subscribing to Diabetes Forecast. Did enjoy popcorn and a swig of orange for supper. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY CHRISTMAS REPEAT

It was a foggy morning as I began my Christmas Day. Filling pills in my cady was the first chore before going to Ronnie & Chrissies for a meal. I saw all of my family from last night as  a prime rib meal was served. After eating we retreated to the family room for an exchange of presents. Lily went home to get Miley who was star of the retreat. We watched football then as I returned to the Poodle it was watching Ken Burns marathon on "Baseball." I love the historical aspect of the show. Tonight it was the Game shows - Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy.For a "Special Monday Christmas."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY BIRCH HILL CHRISTMAS 2023

 This Sunday began with the return of clean clothes from Josh.I unpacked most of the clothes before traveling to Birch Hill. The highlight of this day was dog Miley.Everybody was attracted to the dog and one by one Chase, Lily,, Maddie and Evie appeared. We watched The Sound of Music and another movie about A Chocolate Factory. Chef Josh prepared a ham meal with all of the fixings. After the meal gifts were exchanged. Josh gave me a group of humorous items along with Patriotic garb.My day couldn't have been better and a surprise call from Son Ben from Belmont, NC made my day. Tomorrow I go to Ron & Chrissies for a Christmas meal. Despite the rain this Christmas was special. Thanks Family!

   ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON

 It is wonderful to have a college friend for 60 years! Bill Gross is one surviving classmate whom I chatted with me tonight.Bill is my mainstay who guided me through my trials and tribulations over the years. Bill was the one who suggested I be an antique dealer! Tomorrow I travel to Birch Hill to be with Josh, Heidi, Chase, Lily, Madeline and Evie. Every one will be given my appreciation gift, Josh & Heidi included. The Seton Hall defeat by Xavier isn't worth commenting about!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD DECEMBER FRIDAY

 After my usual routine of getting the USA TODAY and New York Times I settled down to watching more YOUTUBE. In particular today was viewing noted LBJ author, Robert Caro.It was more insightful revelations about the man LBJ. It seems I just can't get enough Johnson! Maybe because I got to shook LBJ'S hand and ask him for his pocket handkerchief? That was in 1964. Tonight it was Friday the the American Legion. Josh came by for one beer. Earlier he took away my dirty laundry and newspapers. My itch continues. Tomorrow it will be to Hannaford NB then Seton Hall-Xavier at 2:00 pm.My Friday was good.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD STOLCISE FIRE

 My Thursday was spent watching more YouTube presentations of Presidents namely George Washington and Calvin Coolidge. A call came from Birch Hill and Josh saying "Dress warmly." I donned my long-johns and black Buffalo coat, scarf and gloves.The fire was glowing but the NW wind made it uncomfortable for me. Didn't stay long. Had an O'Doul's and potato chips and called it quits and came back to my warm Poodle. I itch all over my body. A cold night with low temperatures  nearing 20 degrees.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL PIRATES

 The Seton Hall Pirates took care of visiting UCONN 75-60!I was unable to watch the game from the Prudential Center in Newark.Instead I logged onto the SHU Men's Web Site and used my imagine as if I was there. I kept score on my blue note pad and see where the Pirates moved ahead early in the game. The teams were tied at 27 and the Pirates moved ahead consistently.  My memories of sons Ben & Josh at Seton Hall for an education proved to be a good investment! My men,today, have excellent jobs in the insurance industry. Tonight's victory was special and I salute my "SouDudes!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AN EVENING AT QUABOAG

 My whole day was predicated on attending a basketball game where Madeline #2 played for the Cougars. Josh, Chase, & Evie sat by my side.It was a close game all the way and Uxbridge prevailed in the final 2 minutes. The weather cleared and the day was cloudy/clear. 

   ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

MY COMPLETE MONDAY

 This was an interesting Monday. As I left my garage I was noticing the deluge of water streaming down the road. Big trucks splashed as I have never seen before. On my trip to Hannaford NB the roads were flooded as I have never seen before. Somehow my Honda negotiated the flooded roads. Got the mail with pills replenished and I ordered more. Josh came by to take the trash doing some "housekeeping" in the kitchen.He encouraged me to have some popcorn which I did along with a can of Pepsi. He fixed my outdoor thermometer.The winds blew 90 mph at Blue Hill.My day is now complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL-AWAY-AGAIN

My December Sunday was full of surprises. I was watching the Patriots game when Josh called inviting me over to Birch Hill. Chase was home and Evie was home holding Miley. It was the first time I had fun pretending I was barking like a dog.Miley responded in curiosity. Coming home the Seton Hall-Missouri was televised. The Hall led all the way with a 93-87 victory. It was their best effort of the season. Now it's UCONN on Wednesday.  I caught part of THE SOUND OF MUSIC and thought Heidi would enjoy it. My supper was a bottle of EnsurePlus.  Despite the rain my Sunday was rewarding.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

 This December Saturday was special. The small but intimate crowd assembled at the Veteran's monuments. Under brilliant sunshine wreaths were placed according to military designation. I was first placing a wreath at the Army's. The American Legion color guard, in uniform, heard s brief  speech from Jeff Nickerson. My family was in attendance..Josh, Heidi, Chase, Evie and Miley. Most of the veterans in attendance were Vietnam vets, me included. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LEE HARVEY OSWALD - FRONTLINE

 For more than an hour I watched on YouTube a comprehensive history of Lee Harvey Oswald's life. The bottom line is the fingerprints on the rifle in question were those of Oswald's. If you want to recapture the life of this deranged human I submit watching it. In other news of the day is Josh was having a campfire and not a visit to the Legion as I did. Tomorrow's weather looks promising for Wreathes Across America at the monuments downtown. See you there?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD WINDY THURSDAY

The wintry weather prompted me to stay in except for getting the newspapers and mail. My Spectrum bill was $200.79  which I paid. I sent a small donation to the American Antiquarian Society. I have been without YouTube all day until just now. In return my surfing the channels brought me to the Catholic Channel where I logged onto Pope Francis! His presentation was in many languages. It was good. My popcorn diet with Diet Pepsi is over. My supper meal was Progresso Green Split Pea soup. Josh is working on his "Puppy Pen!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD, WINDY WEDNESDAY

 My Wednesday was quiet. It was too cold to do anything outside. I enjoyed watching Regan's Funeral on YouTube.Insights are valuable. Josh called inviting me to ride with him to Lowe's in Ware. He continues making a framed "pen" outside for Miley.  I did have Jolly Time popcorn and a can of Diet Pepsi for an early supper. The Marine Officer on Jeopardy inspired me to think "What if" I had become a Marine Officer! Instead I served One Year, Nine Months and Two days as a Draftee! Come to Wreaths Across America Saturday at the McGovern-Silverberg  Monument down town at Noon!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SETON HALL-THE-WAY

 It was a relaxing Tuesday evening.Didn't know the Hall's game was on FS-1 until I tuned in. The Pirates looked good despite a late game scare. Final game was SHU 70 Monmouth 61. I weighed myself this morning and didn't like what I saw! 169 lbs. Must resolve to put things in check. Spent this Tuesday "cleaning house." Went through many things I haven't seen in years i.e a "I Love New York" recounting my NYC years  from Y2K to dealing with Bigandi in silver coins. My efforts were revealing! Josh brought back "clean laundry" which I'll deal with tomorrow.  "Onward and upward!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY COMPLETE MONDAY

This Monday I touched all of the bases! My visit to the VA in Worcester was a success. From getting weighed to getting two shots to a blood draw and urine review,  I was prepared to see Dr. Sanjay. My visit was pleasant with son Josh in attendance. My visit was thorough. and appreciated. Next it was food shopping at Hannaford NB. I always make a list which gives me direction. Chase Robert called from Bentley. He has exams all week and is looking forward to coming home next Monday. I watched YouTube presidents,,. John Adams and JFK.  The cold weather has arrived. Paid a VA bill of $68 for drugs. My evening was relaxing witching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. All days are an example of this one!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAINY DISMAL SUNDAY

The weather has turned "sour." It is warmer.. almost 60 degrees and the winds are going to increase especially along the coast.My rain station registers .79 inches of precipitation.  Tomorrow I visit my Primary Care Dr. Sanjay. Will ask her about my popcorn diet? My Sunday was spent learning more about Saint Louis University and further watching on YouTube the Presidents namely Abraham Lincoln and LBJ. Am sending a Proof Set and a $50 dollar bill to Savannah in Belmont, NC.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A HUGE SATURDAY

 This Saturday had many facets. An afternoon of YouTube presentations of many Presidents from Monroe to Calvin Coolidge to Ronald Raegan. I discovered a "History of Saint Louis University" by Father William B. Faherty,SJ. Josh is ordering one for my Christmas present.The Seton Hall - Rutgers  came on at 8:40 PM. I waited patiently by reviewing my blog entries of 2003 and 2004. My conclusion is these entries serve me well for local history. Seton Hall is trailing Rutgers at the half. 33-25 Final: Rutgers 70 Seton Hall 63!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

MY FRIDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

 This Friday was complete with packing up my laundry for Josh.Then I did a complete filling of my Cady with pills and ordering three for refills. Once more I watched Presidents on YouTube. Nixon comes to mind as does John Quincy Adams and others. I did a visit to the Legion and saw Jeff Nickerson for 30 seconds! A disappointment came when I wanted to Watch Jimmy Sturr. Instead some cowboy program came on instead. The Sunday's weather is the talk of all weathermen! Stay tuned.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

'NO PAYMENT DUE'

For the fourth month in a row I received a 'no payment due!'All I can say is for readers contact "Verde Energy USA Mass" 800-388-3662. You may be surprised to find out "why?." Received notice of my next appointment with Dr. Sanjay at the Worcester VA on Monday at 11:00 am.Josh as agreed to take me in. Received my first Christmas card from St. Louis University. I may make a small donation? Today's YOUTUBE experience was all about Presidents..Jimmy Carter, Woodrow Wilson and others.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A CALL FROM STEVE MAGNANTE

 Steve Magnante called today from Auburn. Steve continues to convalesce  and is talking about returning home in January. His spirit is good. We talked about Steve's future and he is optimistic. I look forward to seeing Steve at my home in his return. The YouTube connection failed me for a while but I regained it watching more Presidents. I also did a study of popcorn and am amazed to learn of hit's long journey over the centuries. Cold weather is back for a couple of days.My Wednesday was good indeed!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD TUESDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

 It has been a cold Tuesday with temperatures at 30 degrees as I write. My shopping at Hannaford NB saw me spend $69.93 including Christmas cards for the grand kids.Josh came in sporting a Key West hooded pull over. He came to pick up three bags of trash. We had a good visit. On YouTube I continued watching JFK and other Presidents. Seton Hall men's basketball against Baylor comes on at 9:00 pm.I will go about closing up shop until then. This Tuesday was good despite the ugly weather!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SNORING PUPPY

My highlight came in a phone conversation with Josh when he said "Listen to our new puppy snoring!" Amazing. This Monday saw me do my banking. I got 5 "Grants" for Chase, Lily, Matte, Evie and Savannah.Now I will get Christmas cards. Gifts for Josh & Heidi and Ben and Allison will follow. Watching Ronald Reagan "Farwell Goodbye" speech was inspiring.Also, reviewed Abraham Zapruder 16 second film on the Kennedy Assassination reinforces "History of the act!" Rain came back this Monday with colder weather mid-week. This Monday was above average!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAIN-DRENCHED CELEBRATION

This Sunday saw all events soaked with rain! Both the Patriots defeat 6-0 and the White Christmas  celebration in West Brookfield was a wash with rain.The town common had many white tents hoping to keep folks dry. The Patriots were truly soaked. I kept dry inside the Poodle. My history lesson today was reviewing the lives of Presidents Jimmy Carter and Harry Truman. The big review was that of James Monroe. Banking tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FONDEST MEMORIES WHILE ATTENDING ST. LOUIS UNIVERSITY

1.William B. Faherty, SJ History Professor. 2. Robert E. Bosken,SJ Religious Professor 3. Paul G. Steinbicker Political Science Professor.4. Attending the 1964 World Series and being a runner for Paul  Vathis AP Photographer 5. attending the 1987 World Series with sons Ben & Josh. 6. President Lyndon B. Johnson's visit.7.The Gateway Arch. 8. Working in the college mail room 9. Working in the College Bookstore. 10. Working in a package store & Lou Marcus. The vast exposure to a major city both on Campus and off proved me to be the good enough to earn a BS Degree!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY QUIET FRIDAY

The big news was receiving my Arbella car insurance bill for $1,000.75 for two cars. I can save $59.25 by paying in full. Today I watched YouTube on President Andrew Jackson. He was described a the "Imperial President." The Legion was good. The rain came in as I was leaving. No Jeff Nickerson today.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY COMPLETE THURSDAY

 This Thursday proved to be full of assignments. My first challenge was to unpack my clean laundry. Next I replenished my pills in the cady and ordered one prescription with the VA. I cleaned the bathroom sink with Babbo. I watched two assignments on YouTube: George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.From then on I decided to take notes! I will have a scrapbook of my studies.These presentations are erudite and worth my effort. Chase Robert called from Bentley University. Tonight I enjoyed my Jolly Time Popcorn and orange juice. My Thursday was complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A COLD PAYDAY WEDNESDAY

 It was a cold Wednesday in the Brookfields. It was a slow start to my day as I'm having trouble with my bed covers. Hopefully I will have made a bed that will will be "tight." I continue to enjoy listening to Christmas music. I like 'We Wish You a Merry Christmas' by Ray Conniff. Did my banking early and paid Josh when I picked up my clean laundry. Got a haircut and two glazed donuts. Had my Jolly Time popcorn and orange juice for supper. Watched YouTube on "The Presidents." Seton Hall was ahead by ten. Brr.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

RIP ROSALYNN CARTER

The Memorial Service of Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter was historic. Seeing former President Jimmy Carter laying on a stretcher seemed pathetic.Daughter Amy Carter's speech was emotional. Seeing all former First Lady's set the tone. President Joe Byden and wife and former president Bill Clinton and wife Hillary further had meaning to the service. Judy Woodruff gave a memorial speech. I remembered my visit to Plains, Georgia, with my late friend Maurice Barfield added to my appreciation of the day.I will watch the funeral tomorrow.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CYBER MONDAY

 Spent a portion of my Monday trying to locate an Express mail stamp featuring the Gateway Arch.I will find one or even a sheet for big money. Spent the rest of my Monday watching YouTube features of Calvin Coolidge and FDR. Roosevelt was an incredible President. Josh alerted me to my enjoying Christmas music. I like "Feliz Navidad" by Jose Facisano  and "We Need A Little Christmas" by Johnny Mathis.Prepared my dirty laundry for a Tuesday pick-up.Food shopping tomorrow at Hannaford NB. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN