JIMMY CARTER RIP

 Plains, Georgia, has a lasting memory for me! I have a post card dated "Plains, GA 31780 to sons Ben & Josh. It reads "Hi Boys - Seeing the sights of Jimmy Carter's hometown of Plains, GA! Dated 5-27-87. I also have a colored post card of  President Jimmy Carter and his first cousin State Senator Hugh Carter along with Hugh Carter's autograph along with a photograph stating "Welcome to Plains home of the 39th President!" These memories and indelibly etched in my memory. I did send an Inaugural Invitation secured from North Brookfield's Francis "Red" Lee for Carter's autograph which was returned signed. Now, tomorrow and all week Breaking News will be amazing. Jimmy Carter was a man of courage. Who could be so lucky to live to be 100, President of the United States, and leave a legacy second to none?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRUMP "FUNNY-MONEY"

To the point.. handing out Trump's funny money at the Legion was an overwhelming success. I must have given out 100 samples or more. Everyone seemed to be intrigued with the concept and I still have more to give out. My meal was baked haddock. Did see Carol Slater and Jeff Nickerson My Hannaford NB purchases totaled $87.33. My sister's check

wasn't acknowledged so I must go to, the bank to cash it. Spoke with Josh who seemed to be under the weather. My advice.. "get some rest." 2024 is coming to an end!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ANOTHER RELAXING DAY!

 My Thursday was routine considering it is the Day after Christmas. Two newspapers to the tune of $7.00 got me back on schedule. The day was moderating as I watched Pope Francis on EWTN then onto Alan Jackson video. My favorite Jackson song is "Mercury!" I began organizing all of my Christmas gifts which give definition  to my advancing years! Tomorrow I plan on returning to the Legion and renewing my friendships with Carol Slater  and Jeff Nickerson. I'll end the year with favorite meal. Any guesses? No word from Josh today. Maybe he will join me tomorrow? I must return to Hannaford NB to end the year. The price of Gold today was $2,642.70.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY RELAXING CHRISTMAS DAY

 This Christmas Day was relaxing for me. I thought there would be at least one newspaper. Not so. Instead it was buying $9.00 worth of gas for the Honda before going to Ron & Chrissies for some Pecan Pie! I was amazed to see how generous the gifts were handed out. All of my family was present except for Miley who was at home on Birch Hill.  The Celtics lost to Philadelphia. Tomorrow there will be two newspapers and getting on with this amazing Holiday Season. Thanks to all for making my Christmas Day relaxing!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS

 This inspirational Christmas message is 200 years old! Copyrighted in1823 it serves as a reminder Christmas history has meaning and purpose. Author Clement C. Moore captures our imagination for all this time. My Christmas Eve day began early with Josh shoveling my driveway before I got up .Next I did obtain a copy of the New York Times then headed up to Birch Hill for my family get-together. Everything about my visit was spectacular including my handing out cash gifts except for Miley. The meal was THE BEST. We watched The Sound of Music which is a tradition. Then later in the afternoon a surprise call from Son Ben  rounded up my day.  I have been invited to Ronnie & Chrissies for a Christmas meal. tomorrow. How lucky can "Pops" be?!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

 

A BRUTAL WEATHER-WISE AND OTHERWISE

 This morning's  temperature read 3 above zero with more bone-chilling  winds. I was so occupied with the weather I forgot to watch Joel Osteen! AS we get closer to Christmas Josh reminded me of my Tuesday Christmas Eve at Birch Hill at 11:00 AM.  All of my presents sit here on my desk waiting to be delivered. Seems nothing was in the cards for a victory.. Patriots and Seton Hall against the Georgetown Hoyas. For a moment I thought The Hall was going to win.. but  they didn't 61-60. I am delinquent in filling my pill Cady so tomorrow's duty is at hand. Right now the temperature reads 7 degrees above zero! More of the same I guess.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BONE-CHILLING SATURDAY

My Bone-Chilling Saturday saw me spend lots of money at Hannaford NB..$152.14! I stocked up on Prevagen for $39.99. The cold has been penetrating as I went about my business. Spoke with Chase Robert and Josh  and enjoyed watching Big East Colle Basketball. On inquiry I learned Seton Hall will be playing Georgetown tomorrow at 7:00 PM. No other details. I am so cold it'll be Long Johns and an early to bed  for me. Right now the temperature is only 17 degrees! Brr!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRIPLE MURDER AT SNOWBALL FARM NORTH BROOKFIELD JANUARY 19, 1900

It is important for me to keep the legacy of the Triple Murder alive. You may log onto my blog of Saturday of January 23, 2016 for an in-depth story of the murder of a man's wife and two kids. You may research this incredible event in the North Brookfield history and see what I mean. It is a story worth repeating in the 21st Century. Today we were greeted with some snow and it seemed to thwart Josh's bonfire and greeting. As promised I wore my Vietnam coat and didn't stay for long. It was the first Friday I missed attending the Legion.. forever? Tomorrow I'll travel to Hannaford NB with a big list of food and supplies. Winter is here so enjoy it!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY THURSDAY OF ANTICIPATION

Today was a day of anticipation. This day leads up to quite what's coming: A party on Birch Hill tomorrow at 3:30PM.The weather forecast of some snow. My note states "Dress warmly!" Today I reminded Josh of putting up Christmas lights atop the porch of the Poodle. Earlier I received a phone call from "Johnson" acknowledging the card and monetary gift. Dick sounded relieved to be back home in Leominster. My weight came in at 157lbs.Decent. Earlier in the day I took care of a bag of "clean" laundry. It is cold again with the current  reading at 29 degrees. Tomorrow I'll wear my Vietnam flight jacket and keep warm. See you then!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A RAINY ENDING WITH THE QUABAUG GIRLS VICTORY

This Wednesday was off to a slow start. After my routines of going to the bank, Josh called me inviting to attend the Quaboag Girls to see Maddie perform. It was a romp against Southbridge girls.  The Cougars scored over 50 points and Southbridge was held to single digits. An old friend, Angie Manzaro joined us at mid-court. Angi was a familiar face as she used to work at Country Corner bringing me my daily newspapers! Upon leaving we were greeted with raindrops and a 37 degree reading .I was chilled until I returned to the Poodle and put on my Long-Johns. Now I'm comfortable. Tomorrow I'll weigh myself.

 ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

CHASE ROBERT VISITS POPS!

 The highlight of my Tuesday came with a visit from Chase Robert. We chatted about many topics including "Iceland" and a review of his accomplishments at Bentley University. We also spoke of my running for Congress in 2,000. He took my "dirty" laundry for Josh to handle.  It was a rewarding time to review Chase's accomplishments and where will he go from here. Earlier, Josh spoke about his Friday at Birch Hill at 3:30PM to celebrate the change of time. My note reads "Dress Warmly!" Early in the day I addressed Christmas cards for Chase, Lily, Maddie & Evie. Tomorrow I'll do banking. Thanks for visiting, Chase!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY "CHANGE IN PLANS" MONDAY

There was a dusting of snow when I got up. My routine made me get through the morning with obtaining The New York Times and the USA Today. I was going to get my mail but decided to try this afternoon and I did! Nothing in particular I waited for a call from Josh at 4:13 PM and he called discussing what to do? After due deliberation it was decided to scrap my visit to NBSB and see Maddie. Chase Robert was in Ware getting a haircut then go to NBHS to watch Maddie perform. I don't have any results. The whole week isn't encouraging weatherwise. Right now it is 39 degrees and fog. Enough already!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SOUND OF MUSIC SUNDAY

 I came across The Sound of Music by accident. First, my Sunday began with obtaining The New York Times for $6.00 then off to Hannaford NB for food and other goodies. My total purchase came to $85.63.A highlight was a bag of Wonderful Pistachios which I enjoyed for lunch! I like diversifying my purchases. Did watch the Patriots fall. Enough already. Josh-The-Barber came equipped to give me my monthly clip. He also advised of a girl's basketball game at NBHS tomorrow. Will call him at 4:15 for the details. Josh advised my bed sheets need washing so I plan on employing Chase Robert for the detail at Warren Laundry! My Sunday was good and complete.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY COLLEGE BASKETBALL SATURDAY

 The morning low temperature was recorded by Josh as seven above. I had nine above. The anticipation of Seton Hall prevailing over Rutgers came in the last second with a loss of the Hall.. 66-63. The next game saw Tennessee prevailing over Illinois by three! Tonight UCONN defeats GONZAGA 77-71. My bottom line is there are going to be winners and losers! Tomorrow it'll be Joel Osteen at 10:00 AM .It is fun to watch college basketball on a very cold December day.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FRIDAY-THE-13TH

My Friday was "bone-chilling!" I went about my business of delivering my gift of candy to our dedicated employees of the Post Office 01585  along with obtaining my mail.  Of interest was a Christmas Card and gift from Sister Jan. My Spectrum bill of $246.44 which I paid. Fast-forward to the American Legion where I obtained a Cheeseburger Deluxe and Ginger Ale on ice. Brr. Once more I enjoyed the company of Jeff Nickerson and Carol Slater, Upon returning home I received a call from Josh who I thought was somewhere in NYC. We chatted briefly and we spoke about Wreaths Across America which will be tomorrow at Noon. Neither of us intend to attend. In college basketball, it will be Seton Hall versus Rutgers. Maybe on television? The penetrating cold will last all weekend. Right now it is 21 degrees above zero. Brr!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRIP ADVISOR

 This Thursday was complete is putting away all of my "clean" laundry. Josh had left the large bag in my breezeway. In looking for a blog title I came across an old mouse pad entitled "Tripadvisor!" I am familiar with this company as I used to contribute sites. You, too, can log onto this amazing site by just logging onto what you desire;. This site can give you 1. Hotels 2. Restaurants 3. Flights 4.Vacation Rentals. 5. Flights 6. Cruises 7. Rental Cars 8. Forums . For example you can log onto "West Brookfield Restaurants" and bingo "Salem Cross Inn!" Trip advisor is "The World's Largest Travel Site"  Tomorrow I'll mail all of my Christmas cards" and present a small gift  to the ladies who work so diligently in making the mail go through. Thanks! I plan on going to the Legion and I will not have two hot dogs! My weight came in at 159.4 pounds. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RAINY WEDNESDAY

 My Wednesday was preempted  by rains measuring 1.38 inches in my rain gauge. Son Josh came by to pick up my "dirty" laundry sporting a new hooded sweatshirt with SETON HALL UNIVERSITY on the front. It has meaning as this is Josh's alma mater. He volunteered taking me to upgrade my wardrobe! Next in my Wednesday came a call from Steve Magnante. It was good hearing from Steve as he sounded upbeat and has hopes of finding a new place to live. Steve doesn't have any plans on returning to BARRETT-JACKSON Auto Auctions. Weatherwise tomorrow will see a drop in temperatures with winds gusting to 40mph and more. I'll weigh myself and fill 8 days worth of pills. Despite my Rainy Wednesday my day was complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HANNAFORD OPINION

I frequent Hannaford NB about twice a week. It is a ritual for me to go about my shopping. Each visit sees me getting help in loading my purchases into my Honda. My purchases amounted to $82.37. Today I decided to give my opinion with the hopes of  winning $500 in groceries! I am loyal to Hannaford North Brookfield and my hat is in the ring! Wish me luck. This Tuesday saw me do banking. It was a bleak day. I follow the news to closely. Am getting ready to mail my Christmas cards. Rain and wind is on the way

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ROY ORBISON

 My last video in my collection features Roy Orbison in "Black & White Night." Copyrighted in 1999 Roy sings many familiar tunes to include "Only The Lonely," 'Oh, Pretty Women," "In Dreams" and 15 more. Bruce Springsteen accompanied Roy to make watching this even more interesting.  The weather changed to rain with .56 inches recorded. Did speak with Sister Jan for over ten minutes getting caught up in family affairs. We both admitted addressing Christmas Cards. My list continues to grow.  Connected with Josh. Don't know if I'll go to Hannaford NB tomorrow? The rainy weather is good and the snow is melting away

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TRANSITIONAL SUNDAY IN DECEMBER

 My Sunday was full of anticipations. It sems West Brookfield was ready to celebrate! Country Corner offered me free cookies as I obtained the Sunday New York Times. Joel Osteen's message was inspirational. Next came the Seton Hall - Oklahoma game which was disappointing from the beginning. The Hall just have it together with a loss of 85-72. The Prudential Center's seats were empty a the Hall's ship sunk! At mid-day it was my desire to see how the community was responding. The town was ready and in amazing the Salem Cross Inn's parking lot was as big with cars as I've seen. Maybe Chase Robert was working?  Son Ben called early in the afternoon as Savannah is completing in Charlton. Weather looks transitional with moderating temperatures and rain in the forecast. Watch the snow go!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR 12-7-1941

 It was on our way back from Australia did we stay in Hawaii to pay homage to the Pearl Harbor Memorial  and the Battle Ship Arizona. The year was 1991.Today the memory is crisp of that visit. My Saturday was caring car of business with getting gas for the Honda and obtaining the mail at the USPS. My national grid  bill was $156.67 . Tomorrow men's Seton Hall basketball game will be at Noon versus Oklahoma State at The Prudential Center. Don't know if it will be televised? At 5:00 PM tomorrow, the West Brookfield Christmas tree will be lit. Thanks to Jimmy Rust for stringing the lights.  I may be able to see the illuminated tree from the Poodle?  My Saturday is complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RAY CONNIFF "WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS"

 Since 1962 this Christmas Classic has been my favorite. Each Christmas season I tune into listening Conniff to set the tone.  This year is no different. "Try it you'll like it!" Arte Johnson. After getting my newspapers I headed for Hannaford NB for groceries and supplies totaling $96.91. I met two sisters Elizabeth and her younger sis who helped me unload groceries to my Honda. It was very cold all around.  Next, I received a call from my classmate, Bill Gross, from Vancouver, WA. We chatted for some 21 minutes getting caught up on out lives. It is wonderful having Bill in my court since 1962! The Legion was good obtaining their address for Christmas Cards. I intend sending cards to all who serve me throughout the year! Want one? Send me one! Box 11, 01585. Tomorrow morning I will get my mail and fill up my gasoline on the Honda. I discovered in chatting with Jeff Nickerson and Bill Mansfield coverage on the Allante' sitting in the garage covered up isn't necessary. Thanks guys!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SNOW-BOUND BY John Greenleaf Whittier 1807-1892

Today's snow of 6 inches in West Brookfield was inspirational by reviewing Whittier's "Snow-Bound."  Josh came by early and shoveled my driveway to be bested by Ronnie M. who later plowed it. My cherished of Whittier's "Snow-Bound" was donated to The American Antiquarian Society two years ago for safe-keeping. I filled 7 days of  pills in my Cady. A complete list of food and supplies has been completed for a visit to Hannaford NB tomorrow then off to the Legion for supper. A cold night and windy now at 29 degrees.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

ROCKEFELLER CHRISTMAS

 It's snowing in the West Brookfield as I've enjoyed watching the entertainment at Rockefeller Center. It's just minutes away from the lighting of the tree hailing from West Stockbridge MA!  The tree has been lit and was worth staying up for. The entertainment was exceptional! It truly has put me in the Holiday Spirit!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

GIVING TUESDAY

 It was another cold morning in the Brookfield's with a reading of 13 degrees above zero. There's all kind of hype in the snow we are going to get. Before I go any further I would like to  remember the 25th Anniversary of the 6 Worcester fire fighters who lost their lives. Spectrum Channel 1 covered the memorial ceremony live. Earlier I watched & listened to a 1990 video on Connie Mack Day, July 10, 1934. along with footage on a parade of that genre. Josh called around four sporting a head cold. I enjoyed a great night's rest last night and have hopes of repeating it now!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY ALAN JACKSON MONDAY

 The coldest day of the new season with readings at 14 degrees above zero. The week's weather will be as cold as today's with snow expected late Wednesday. I tried to get in the Christmas spirit and found the Music of Alan Jackson just what I was looking for,, not Christmas but the amazing music of Alan Jackson! His life is truly rewarding with the BIG hit "Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning?) There are so many songs we are all familiar with: "Don't Rock The Jukebox,"  'Mercury Blues," and many, many more. A curious fact is Jackson owns an Amphicar..with only 3.878 built. This is the type of amphibious vehicles I piloted across the Mississippi River in the Spring of l963 at Saint Louis! Despite the cold, my Alan Jackson Monday was rewarding.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DECEMBER SUNDAY IN THE BROOKFIELDS

My Sunday  had a cold beginning with with readings in the low 20s . Having changed my 2 calendars It was getting the Sunday New York Times then off to Hannaford NB where I stocked up in necessities. My cost was about $60.00. Next I returned to watched New England Patriots lose in a game I thought they were going to win! Seems the Pats are without luck of the Irish. Then it was more baseball with Ken Burns. Today's feature was with the Red Sox winning the World Series. Josh & Miley came by giving me relief for my back. Tomorrow I'll get updated balances from the bank.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN