MY BASEBALL SATURDAY

It was a coating of snow as I greeted this cold Saturday. I decided to get my mail and the New York Times. My Arbella bill for 2 cars is $988.50. The Allante' is covered and sleeping until Spring arrives. With a plethora of college football games on tv I decided it would be Ken Burn's Baseball for the day. I like watching his historical approach to the game. Watching this program reinforces my historic knowledge of MLB. Son Josh came by about with "clean" laundry which it put away. I will travel to Hannaford NB for necessary supplies after watching Joel Osteen at 10:00 AM.  My visits of my blog "No Turkey Thanksgiving" dazzle me at 234! Cold weather ahead.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BLACK FRIDAY

 My Black Friday was blue! Nothing to do. I mused over going to the Legion again this week and Josh & I decided it wasn't in the cards. The main attraction of this day was watching Ken's Burns documentary on Baseball. I liked this approach as it covered very early history of the game. Naturally I have a keen love of East Brookfield's Connie Mack. Seton Hall's men's basketball game will be tomorrow noon against Monmouth at the Prudential Center which I plan on watching. Yesterday's blog visits shows more than 150 without any explanation?  I noticed two cars driving by with Christmas trees on their roof! I guess we now adjust to forthcoming Holiday of Christmas from on. Ho, Ho, Ho!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NO TURKEY THANKSGIVING

 My Thanksgiving was different. It all started with a visit by Josh and the family dog Miley. Afterwards I filled 8 days worth pills in my Cady. I weighed in at 158 lbs. a steady reading. Son Ben called wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving. The highlight of my Turkey Day came in the discovery of a Johnny Cash statue measuring 8 feet tall at the U.S. Capitol. Most readers know I am a devout Cash fan having experiences such as leaving a U.S. flag at his home in Hendersonville. Josh gave me an enormous  Johnny Cash Song Book and a T Shirt and Bumper Sticker " Cash for President!"  Cash was 61 when he died. I recall seeing his obituary on the front page of the N Y Times. The history of Johnny Cash is legendary and my favorite Cash song is "Ring of Fire!"... and tomorrow will be Black Friday. I have no needs for sure. Maybe the sun will return after a rainy Thanksgiving Day?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COMPLETE WEDNESDAY

This Wednesday was the coldest of the Fall season registering 22 degrees and a very heavy frost. This didn't stop me by doing my banking then off to Hannaford NB where I spent $81.00 for groceries. I delighted in buying some attractive strawberries for my treat at lunch. College basketball games were watched then traveling to the Legion. Josh agreed to meet me there were we enjoyed the company of Jeff Nickerson. Jeff always makes our visit special with his card tricks and the Dusty Springfield comments. Tomorrow will be a different Thanksgiving Day for me. I plan on watching the Macy Thanksgiving Parade. Josh agreed to visit me and son Ben stated he'll call me. Cold weather continues and maybe, just maybe a little snow! It was in 1981 we had an amazing snow storm in North Brookfield. Nothing like that in the cards! Happy Thanksgiving to all my loyal readers!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

TRANSITIONAL TUESDAY

My Tuesday saw me listening to Dusty Springfield. It was in Sydney, Australia while on my R&R From Vietnam I took an Australian Lasse, Diana Brooks to see Dusty sing. I listen to her songs on You Tube to keep my memories alive all these years. In College basketball it was Colorado defeating UCONN. Josh came by to pick up my "dirty" laundry and trash. He advised no special plans for Thanksgiving. I will muse on this as tomorrow will be extremely busy for me with banking then to Hannaford NB for groceries. Josh suggested for me to go to the Legion which I plan on going. The weather has changed with readings now 34 degrees. My Tuesday was fun and fulfilling!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY MONDAY OF ACOMPLISHMENTS

 My mind was made up to "take care of business!" Did get the mail and experienced another dead battery on the Honda as I was ready to leave. Tried calling Josh and my smart phone didn't work! A lady came by and diagnosed corrosion on the terminals then I jiggled the post and it worked. My "dirty" laundry was lined up for Josh along with a bag of trash. After getting things done I settled on watching UCONN lose to Memphis 99-97 in overtime. Did enjoy some popcorn and Fanta for supper. Looking back my Monday was good.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY OF WINDS AND A WIN

 This Sunday was cold and very windy. Josh came by to correct my flag and talk about Seton Hall's game against Florida Atlantic. Earlier I had enjoyed watching the Bee Gees on a video. It was refreshing as I had not watched this for more than a year. As far as the Seton Hall Men's basketball it was a a victory in the final analysis 63-61 a WIN! Tomorrow I'll prepare a bag of "dirty" laundry and hunker down to the cold.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CHASE ROBERT POTVIN - 20

It was a special day for my grandson Chase Robert! He called me and came over to alert me of a Netflix special on the Boston Red Sox. I watched it for more than 2 hours before driving to Birch Hill for a birthday celebration. It seems half of the town was there to greet Chase.. even Miley. Josh & Heidi were in charge I kind of laid back observing family friends and relatives. Josh gave me a pair of Christmas flannels which I'll wear with pride. The weather seems to be in transitional with Sunday, maybe, colder? I plan on watching Joel Osteen at 10:00 and the Patriots later on. Happy Birthday Chase Robert!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VANDERBELTED THE HALL 76-60

 The anticipation of Seton Hall Men's basketball to come away with another victory just wasn't in the cards. Josh called me at the Legion alerting me of the game on ESPN+. The Pirates never displayed the talent of last night's over-time victory. Tomorrow we'll celebrate the 2oth birthday of Chase Robert. I have a card and cash offering. No word however I think the celebration will commence at 3:00pm? The weather has been cloudy and rainy .So much for my Friday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

OUR SETON HALL MEN'S VICTORY IN OVERTIME

It was a victory for the Pirates of Seton Hall  Men's Basketball in Overtime 69-66.Josh came by and sat thru watching much of the game . Both of us didn't think the Pirates would win... and they did in Overtime! This was a rainy day in the Brookfields. I recorded .80 of an inch of rain in my rain collector. My purchases at Hannaford NB totaled over $100. This afternoon saw me watching another video of Barbara Streisand  maybe 30 years ago? Tomorrow will commemorate an important day in the US history.. the day John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas.11-22-1963. Everyone remembers exactly where they were. I was at St. Louis University between classes and some guy came running down the street "Some nut just killed the President!" Tomorrow will see me go to the Legion at about 4:00 PM. No hot dogs tomorrow. A cheeseburger and a diet Ginger Ale. My Thursday was full of happiness!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BARBRA STREISAND

My Wednesday began with a dead battery in the Honda! I tried all ways to remedy it and called Josh for help. Josh came with a battery charger and got me on my way. The problem I do not know he is quoted "Murphy's Law." I filled pills for 7 days in my Pill Cady and began looking for a blog idea. I have had a Barbra Streisand collection for more than 10 years and today was the day to shine. Barbra Streisand is amazing with songs. My favorite is "Happy Days Are Here Again." This happens to be her signature song! She has many hits  like "You Don't Bring Me Flowers Any More."  Ms. Streisand is a singer, actress, Song Writer, Producer, and Director! Like her songs? Play then as I do. "Hello Dolly."

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TUESDAY DISCOVERIES

 In going through my top drawer of my bureau was full of  discoveries. I was looking for photos and there were plenty. More importantly was a letter dated from the White House May 17, 2018 from President Donald J. Trump! Another communication was from Trump & his wife Malania for Christmas greetings. Then there was  a communication from George W. Bush thanking me for sympathies of his late father, George H.W. Bush. My biggest finding is a letter from David McCullough dated October 4, 2019 thanking me for a copy of "One Lucky Soldier" I sent him. Last was an envelope from JEOPARDY! with the Address of 10202 West Washington Boulevard, Culver City, California 90232-3195. All of the above reveals mails are answered. So what's your next discovery?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HISTORIC MONDAY

 I reinforce my understanding of understanding history by reviewing all of  my past. Every now and then I take the time to review my 10 family albums of where we traveled from covering the New Hampshire Primary to visiting Plains, Georgia and talking to Jimmy Carter's cousin! Pictures of where we've been tells me activities with sons Ben and Josh are a great way to share the past with them. Also, tonight I reviewed another video of The Roosevelts. Franklin D. Roosevelt was one COUAGEOUS man. Nothing kept FDR back, polio and all. He was elected to 4 Terms as president in a time when two terms was the max. Wife Eleanor, too, was a courageous First Lady. Check this series out, The Roosevelts" is your homework for this "Historic Monday"!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY OF MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS

My Sunday saw me travel to Hannaford NB for groceries and a card for Chase Robert  who will turn 20 on Saturday.. I did receive payment for a Tuesday Senior Discount of 5% which was omitted on Tuesday. Son Josh came to the Poodle for a spectacular cleaning along with putting the Cadillac Allante' to bed for the Winter. It now has a cover on it. The Patriot's  loss is sealing their fate. Tonight I watched more of the Roosevelts. This showing was about FDR'S first two terms. It is amazing what Ken Burns did in researching this historic presentation. Clouding up.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A ROOSEVELT SATURDAY

I keep playing videos to beat the November darkness! During daylight Josh came by and mowed my lawn for the last time of the season. He also took the Honda to Country Corner for air in my deflating tires. I must take the car to George's Tire Place in Warren for correcting the problem. Tonight I decided to watch The Roosevelts. Teddy Roosevelt was my kind of a President. Didn't know he was a victim of an attempted assassination later in life.! The videos are now entering FDR'S life in detail which I will watch tomorrow. Will go to Hannaford NB tomorrow for some moth balls. Josh was successful in getting the Allante's top connected. Thanks. Will watch Joel Osteen in the AM. Fine weather continues.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A FRIDAY AFTERNOON WITH ELVIS

The DVD reads " Aloha From Hawaii, via Satellite" and for more than an hour I watched this historic 1973 Television Special. The memory of Elvis doesn't grow old with me. I liked Elvis because he served his Country in the Army. His songs on this program numbered 19  and my favorite is "My Way." This Friday was bright and tonight's full moon was observed as I drove home from the Legion. Josh couldn't make it but he did stop by picking up my "dirty" laundry and a bag of trash. We spoke with Chase Robert at Bentley University. Chase has many things on his plate of life.  Early in the day I did my banking. The fine weather continues.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A THURSDAY AFTERNOON WITH OLIVIA

 It was a relaxing Thursday afternoon watching "Olivia Newton-John and The Sydney Symphony Orchestra. I have watched this video many times and to tell the truth Olivia lives.  She sang  27 songs and my favorites are "Hopelessly Devoted To You" and "Xanadu." In other matters son Josh replaced two bulbs in the Poodle's garage. I will leave then bulbs on each night. My weight today was a steady 161lbs. Tomorrow will be busy going to the bank for balances along with heading off for the Legion around 4:00 PM. It will be another cold night in West Brookfield.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY ESTATE AUCTIONS STORY

 I have a small job for someone to transcribe my writing of my estate auctions. It's time for the public to read what it was all about from the beginning in Scituate to some interesting accounting of a Teddy Bear  selling for $4.200 to  an accounting of the Wendemuth auction attracting bidders from 10 states and Andy May singing "Quabbin Moon." My story tells how sons Ben & Josh worked in the many ways of assisting Dad in the estate auction business. Interested? Stop by for the challenge!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VERY COLD WEDNESDAY

 This Wednesday was different. Did fill pills for 8 days. I discovered Seton Hall Men's Basketball was going to be on at 8:00PM against Hofstra but couldn't find any channel covering it! Disappointed.. I found watching the JFK special Years of Lightening Day of Drums. rewarding. This video never gets old for me. Spoke with Littleton Coin Company and  the lady admitted to having snow already! Northern New Hampshire is colder than around the Brookfields.  . Tonight will see temperatures in the 20s. Brr.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY

I am a trailblazer in my family as neither parent went to college! My journey was in bits and pieces having first graduated from Worcester Junior College in 1962. I was looking for a university that offered Meteorology and Saint Louis University was my choice. Back then air travel wasn't big so I chose to take a Greyhound from Worcester. The trip took 33 hours to Saint Louis. I was a transfer student residing in Clemens Hall. I first met Father Robert E. Bosken SJ who had an interest in old coins. He was my confessor and friend. Adjusting to college life in the big city of Saint Louis was difficult and I wanted to return to the Brookfields! My grades were "Average Attainment" and it took me time to learn about the City. I undertook jobs as mail clerk and worked in a package store on Olive Street. I began to learn about St. Louis taking bus rides about town. This historic city offered me much. In a postcard sent to mother dated 1-10 99 I wrote "The City, University and all the surrounds never looked better. St. Louis is sophisticated , historical, booming and attractive. a big change from 1962!" My sons Ben and Josh returned to St. Louis for 3 games in the 1987 World Series. We enjoyed the City, the Gate Way Arch and all surrounds.  I pride myself in enduring my 5 semesters at SLU with a "Bachelor of Science .Conferred Feb 7, 1965."  Meet Me In St. Louis! And yes.. I worked at the World Series in 1964. Everything about the city, the University, the Mississippi River which I drove an Amphicar across! Talk about courage. Yes, I'm a Billiken and proud of it!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

INFLUENCE "THE PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSUASION"

 It has been years since I read this book. For any one who wants to think as I think get the book! Author Dr. Robert Cialdini does the trick. It's no ifs, ands or buts.. once  you read you'll see what I mean! Any age etc. Smile!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VETERANS DAY BREAKFAST - WEST BROOKFIELD

 Today is special for me! I was awakened at 7:00 AM in response in a message I left saying I would like being placed on the list to attend the breakfast. When I arrived the Senior Center was abuzzed with Veterans and their families and friends. It was amazing to see the response. My meal was brief: Orange juice, 2 pieces of bacon and 2 glasses of orange juice. I was joined by Denise McCarthy and friend. She has a daughter who is a COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR! We reminisced about North Brookfield. I gave out some "Bob Potvin Blog" cards to friends hoping I'll get some help from the Registry in retrieving  my BLOG license plate on a Honda that was stolen from my garage. It is rewarding to see all veterans and their family and friends joining out in celebration. Friends Jeff Nickerson and Carol Slater came by to wish me well. The skies are clearing on a Monday I'll never forget. Thank you veterans and friends!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY OF FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL

This Sunday began with  putting away all my "clean" laundry then reading the Sunday New York Times.  I like skimming the headlines to keep up with world happens. I was all geared up for watching the New England Patriots and Chicago Bears. The Pats won 19-3 for a change! College basketball is my renewed interest. Tomorrow I'll attend the Veterans Day Breakfast at the WB Senior Center, Son Josh sends his regrets. I will see many  Veterans from all walks of life. Happy Veterans Day!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SATURDAY OF BASKETBALL & FOOTBALL

I latched onto the Seton Hall-Fordham at Halftime and was disappointed to see The Hall fall to a buzzer-beater by Fordham 57-56. The rest of the afternoon saw me watch Indiana University versus Michigan. Indiana has many memories for me as I did go to IU for my training at the Certified Auctioneer's Institute. I phoned Robert H. Glass, Sr.to get into the program which evolved into the largest U.S. coin auction in my life. For 6 weeks I drove to Wilimantic, CT cataloging an incredible inventory of US. coins and mailed the inventory to ALL coin dealers in New England. The response was overwhelming and I earned a commission of $10,000! It pays to ask!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

GOLD IN YOUR ATTIC

A North Brookfield man whom you all know found an oil painting in his attic. After inspection and due diligence I took the painting to the Worcester Art Museum for inspection. The inspection affirmed my hunch. I was right. The painting was sold at auction by me for more than $5,000! What do you have in your attic that may be worth $5,000 or more?  Time to clean out and maybe you have "Gold In Your Attic?"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WINDY FRIDAY..VETERANS DAY at WBES

My Friday has been long as well as fulfilling. My purchases at Hannaford NB totaled $79.57. Josh picked me up to go to the Elementary School where we were seated in the front row. Saw Steve Reardon and wife Bonnie before the program started. Steve is a weather-watcher for a Boston TV channel and I do show interest in his reports. The school's program entitled "2024 Veterans Day Ceremony" was heartfelt with grades from 1-6 learning what "public speaking" is all about. After a reprieve  it was for me to go to the Legion where I enjoyed two Hot Dogs, a Ginger Ale and the company of Carol Slater, Jeff Nickerson and once again, son Josh. This group is never short of banter, jokes and politics. I came home in darkness and watched my usual programs of CBS News, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. more to blog about

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION AFTERMATH

 It's interesting to see how each Parties are squirming today. I have been watching the many aspects of a new administration preparing for cabinet members. I will wait to list their names. I did write a letter to President-Elect Trump for an autographed photograph! When I was in Washington I learned the President gets 10,000 letters a day. But I also learned all letters are read. It may take some time for my request to be honored and I am confident my request will be honored. Spoke with sister Jan for 15 minutes and Bill Gross briefly. Bill is suffering with food poisoning. Tomorrow Josh and I will attend the Veterans Day Ceremony at the West Brookfield Elementary School at 1:15 PM. Before that it will a trip to Hannaford NB for food. Later in the day I'll go to the Legion. My Friday looks to be full.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A DAY OF RECOVERY

 This Wednesday was one of  recovering from all the news of President-Elect Trump's victory. I didn't stay up late nor did I get up early to see the results. I am satisfied with the results so now we can move forward with hope things will get brighter. The Stock Market set a record high. On the old coin front I received a "Collector's List of U.S. Coins." from Littleton Coin Company which will give me an idea on the prices of all coins minted in the U.S. I am still interested in dealing in U.S. coins! My one and only Merit Badge in Boy Scouts was that of Coin Collecting. What have you? Josh & I will be attending Veterans day ceremony at the WBES on Friday afternoon.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE POWER OF BEING AN INCUMBENT FOR OFFICE

In the year 2000 I had made up my mind to run for congress! I was living in Wyoming when I had the chance to pick Dick Cheney and his mind. He states when I was running there wasn't any incumbent running. I came back to the Brookfield's and began the process by getting signatures. I needed 2,000 which were from each town in the district. I ran as an Independent. Once I received the signatures I had to file then with the secretary of state. The support of North Brookfield and West Brookfield was  great. North Brookfield gave me 544 votes.. West Brookfield 444. In total I received 5,157 or 2% of total votes cast. Looking back my campaign was with a Chevrolet Truck with signs "Vote Potvin for Congress." I didn't go around pleading my case.  Running for any office you must appeal to the electorate with a message. I encourage any citizen contemplating running for office.. run when when a vacancy occurs. You will not be victorious in running against the incumbent. I have watched tonight election returns and in every case the Incumbent prevails! Do your homework, ask questions, get to know your territory and build a team.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

JOHNSON IS HOME!

 After a three month stay in the hospital "Johnson" is home. Dick posted his sentiments and I picked up on it and called him at his home in Leominster. It was a meaningful conversation to say the least. He sounded relieved to be home and has a soulmate, William Tin, will give him comfort. I am sending "Johnson" a crisp Hundred Dollar bill to ease his pain! I also enclosed a copy of my blog dating back 2007 telling how we renewed meeting him. "A faithful friend is a sturdy shelter!" Who could be so lucky to have Richard B. Johnson as a friend. We go way back to 1957 and it is wonderful to know my Abominable Firebug lives!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOW TO BEAT THE DARK DAYS AHEAD

 Beating the dark days ahead is easy! I have found just today, with the heavy frost this morning finding a purpose is easy. Don't be influenced by all of the political ads. Today I watched Joel Osteen who had a great  quote: "Peace is Power!" I mused over this suggestion all day .After watching the Patriot's defeat 20-17 in Overtime I began to think how can I beat the blues? Easy!  First I dug out an amazing book entitled : "ATLAS OF THE HUMAN BODY". This book covers the many systems that we are all familiar with. For over an hour I found medical illustrations of the many systems we all have. Next I watched Bill O'Riley's  review of the worst and best presidents. Abraham Lincoln came in as #1 and old LBJ was one of the worst! Then it was onto the CW channel featuring President Bill Clinton's life. I enjoyed watching this program as I attended the Inauguration in DC for 5 days. The secret of beating the blues is to KEEP BUSY and don't be bothered by all of the hype being thrown at us if we allow it to pollute our minds! Have an hobbies?  Coins, Stamps, Clocks, Watches , Autographs whatever.. Tomorrow the Seton Hall Pirates kick off their first basketball game in the Big East. My Monday will be busy as I have a list of food for Hannaford NB. Do some soul searching as it will reveal your talents!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY SATURDAY OF ONE PRESIDENT: HERBERT HOOVER

This is a transitional for me.. adjusting to the November darkness and circumvention all the hype of the forthcoming election. I took the challenge by  learning more about: Herbert Hoover. Hoover had an interesting life as the first president born west of the Mississippi. He was "global" having traveled to Australia and European countries. Hoover defeated the first Catholic to run for office in 1928 Albert E. Smith. The stock market crash in 1929 made it easy for Franklin D. Roosevelt to defeat Hoover in 1932. Josh came by unexpectedly  giving me a report on Evie's game in Boston. The November darkness prevails as does the very cold night. Don't forget to "Fall Behind!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

LA DODGERS CELEBRATION PARADE

 The highlight of my November 1 Friday was watching the LA Dodger's celebration parade .From LA it was something else. Josh came by with "clean" laundry and agreed to visit me at the Legion and he did. While at the Legion I enjoyed two hotdogs and a Ginger Ale on ice. Jeff Nickerson and Carol Slater visited making our visit meaningful. Carol gave me an A for the way I parked my Allante'! This may be the last time I take it out? The weather cooled off and we can say "Good Night" to Daylight Savings Time! We all must adjust to tiny days of daylight! Gold was at $2770.50.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN