MEANINGFUL MONDAY IN MARCH

 This Monday saw another Red Sox game in Baltimore playing the Orioles on Opening Day. Seems the Red Sox haven't found their winning ways losing 8-5. Devers continues to strike out setting MLB records. No game tomorrow. I plan on doing my banking tomorrow before going to Hannaford NB with a listing of food and necessities.  No word from Josh today. Did prepare a bag of trash and "Dirty" laundry. The fix of Gold continues to rise at $3,158.90. Don't forget to change your calendars to April!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNDAY OF DEFEATS

This Sunday saw me with High Hopes! First, the Boston Red Sox fell to the Texas Rangers 3-2. R. Devers is making history by the number of strikeouts so far this season. Maybe 13? Then it was onto to Auburn versus Michigan State. Auburn won and is going to the Final Four. Son Ben favors Auburn so I'll follow his lead.  Down in Belmont, NC Grand Daughter Savannah Hope Potvin won a gold medal in State competition in gymnastics. Am sending Savvy a note of recognition and a reward. Despite my Sunday of defeats, I have come out the winner! 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VIETNAM VETERANS SATURDAY

I received a call early on from my sister Jan alerting husband Ray cited this Saturday was in recognition of Vietnam Veterans. As my time in Vietnam was in Vung Tau brought memories to the fore. This Saturday saw me obtaining the second license plate frame at NAPA. Cost $15.40 each. Gasoline was purchase at Country Corner along with a copy of The New York Times. My mail was also fetched bringing me up to date Later in the ay Josh brought my clean laundry back and alerted me of the UCONN girl's game. Before that I watched on CSPAN the Tribute of the Late Allen Simpson from Wyoming. I have fond memories of Laramie where I lived for about 5 months. Tomorrow morning, I plan on watching Joel Osteen at 10:00 AM.  Weatherwise my rain collection measures .25 inches. All in all, My Vietnam Veterans Saturday was fine. The Red Sox are trailing the Rangers 4-2 in the 7th Inning. R. Devers has struck out 11 times so far, this early season.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WONDERFUL FRIDAY IN LATE MARCH 2025

 My philosophy is "Good things happen on Friday!" Today good things happened. I started the day by going to NAPA W.B. for a license plate frame. I got the last one and must return tomorrow morning for the other. These will be on Maddie's new Ford. Next came a trip to Hannaford NB. seems my purchases were light at $69.59. This Friday was baseball and basketball With Michigan State winning over Old Miss I now favor Michigan to go all the way! The Red Sox ae now playing the Texas Rangers and trail 4-1. Devers has struck out 6 times in 2 days. Seems something has got to give. Tonight, at the Legion, there was a very large crowd. Carol Slater and Jeff Nickerson visited then Betty Frew and husband joined in our conversation. Mike Frew is a retired history teacher at Quaboag High School in Warren. Son Josh called and came over to pick up my "Dirty" laundry and trash. He was also paid my monthly rent at the Poodle. Tomorrow morning, I must fetch my mail at Box 11, 01585. And yes, Howard's Drive-In WB is open. It's wonderful way to greet Spring.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

VERY INTERESTING THURSDAY

 It has been a very interesting day for me! Early on Jeff Nickerson dropped by as I have a project requiring Jeff's insight. We reviewed my options and feel we are both better off, Son Josh agreed to give me a haircut however the appointed hour was advanced 30 minutes, so I made a trip to New Braintree. This was my first time in 2025. I was looking to see if anybody had trapped the maple trees and sure enough one farmer ran a series of blue lines capturing the sap. Returning to Birch Hill Josh proudly showed me Maddie's new Ford. It's a beauty. I made a donation and promised to buy license plate frames which I hope to buy tomorrow at NAPA. Josh also proudly showed his new Sauna. Afterwards my time was spent watching the Red Sox defeat Texas Rangers 5-2. Abreau hit two home runs! Chase Robert called to make sure I was watching the Red Sox game.  Tomorrow, I plan on going to the Legion and yet I don't know my meal? The price of gold today was $3,083.60. Weatherwise it's cold 37 degrees.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PARSONS AUTO EAST BROOKFIELD, MA

 It all started when I was ready to go to Parsons when my battery was dead. My mind was made up to replace the troubled battery. When I was seated in the Waiting Room, I noticed a lady several years my senior reading a book. As we spoke, I learned I this lady to be Miss La Liberty from Spencer, MA. inspired me! From there it was all downhill. The Repairs to my Honda Accord EX-L included a new battery totaled $257.67. After that I did my banking then bought two newspapers and settled in. No NCAA basketball games today. Tomorrow we'll have games to watch. Spoke with Josh about Maddie's new car and registration. "She'll get her plates tomorrow. I intend to make a cash donation to her. Tomorrow, I'll weigh myself with the hopes things will remain steady. Gold was pegged at $3,056.10. Weatherwise it's snowing and yes, I need a haircut!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

PERFECT TUESDAY

 Everything about this Tuesday can be summarized in one word: Perfection! My Tuesday proved to just the way I wanted it. The Red Sox won big time. I gathered a bag of trash and began working on "dirty" laundry for Josh. When he came by, he advised a car has been bought for Madie. He showed me a picture of his camera of Madie standing next to the new/used silver car. The day ended with a magnificent sunset at 7:00 PM. Howard's Drive-In has posted a sign announcing their opening maybe in two or three days. In the morning I'll travel to Parson's Auto for a 9:00 AM appointment for my Honda to be serviced. Tonight, it is 37 degrees clear and a wonderful day to end my perfect Tuesday!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RAINY MONDAY IN LATE MARCH 2025

 Singer "Fats Domino" has a song "Blue Monday." Today was blue for me! My rain gauge recorded .97 inches of rain. We always need the rain for many reasons i.e. green grass, trees and gardens. April is just around the corner! On Wednesday I'll drive my 91 Honda to Parsons East Brookfield for an oil change, filter and anything else detected. Spoke with Josh today ad we spoke about 2 houses for sale across from ech other: Post & Boot and the Jankins Estate. In my opinion these two houses complement each other. Weatherwise it is 38 degrees and cloudy. Hopefully we'll see some sun tomorrow!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

NCAA BASKETBALL SUNDAY

 The biggest news of this Sunday was UCONN Men's basketball losing by 2 points! It means UCONN is out of the dance, The manager was tearful in a post-game interview. The Boston Red Sox, too lost. Now then go to Mexico for several games before traveling to Arlington, TX for the season's Opener. Then it will be returning to Friendly Fenway Park in early April.  Spoke with sons Ben & Josh who privy to the world around them. Josh was diving LilyP back to Endicott College. Today's weather was cold, windy and the promise of rain or snowflakes by early Monday morning. Right now, it is 38 degrees and windy.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE 1991 CADILLAC ALLANTE' IS REBORN!

 Today was the Saturday the red Allante' was uncovered. It has been months the car "slept" under cover and today was the day for the beginning of a new season. This red car has "Class." For me it is a renewal of my "Spirit." The car needs an Inspection to be done at Parson's East Brookfield. I plan on driving my Allante' every moment around the Brookfields and New Braintree! Earlier in the day I traveled to Hannaford NB spending $118.57.   March Madness continues with St. John's losing. Tonight, I have been watching Creighton and Auburn. Tomorrow morning, I plan on watching Joel Osteen at 10:00AM. Josh returned my supply of "clean" laundry. All has been put away. Thank you, JB!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

FRIDAY OF VICTORIES

This Friday was one of transitional. I waited patiently for Josh to come to pick up my "Dirty" laundry and trash. I continue to watch March Madness basketball games and then tonight it was watching the Red Sox prevail over Pittsburgh 2-1. I traveled to the Legion to wish Carol Slater a 'Happy Birthday.' Jeff Nickerson was involved in a game of billiards. The weather was clear and cold and windy. Tomorrow I'll travel to Hannaford NB with a complete list of food and other necessary goods. Gold was bid at $3,042.10.an ounce. All in all, my Friday was victorious in every way!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MARCH MADNESS 2025

 Being the first day of March Madness I find there's so much to absorb! The first game watched was Creighton prevailing over Louisville. All day long I roamed from game to game not knowing who will make it to the Final Four. I have vivid memories of being at Indiana University when 30,000 fans went wild celebrating their victory. Coach Bobby Knight was one proud puppy! Now we must be patient in tracking our favorite teams. St. John's and UCONN will be watched closely and anything can happen. This Thursday saw me obtaining my mail at 01585.Spoke with Bill Reese and Joe Shepard then late in the afternoon Josh & I conversed. He claims the first two victories may indicate the final games. The price of Gold continues to climb fixing at $3,049.40. Tomorrow, I plan on going to the Legion and haven't yet decided my meal. My weight dropped again at 148.2lbs.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SUNSHINE WEDNESDAY

 My Wednesday was full of accomplishments! I thought sitting out in the sunshine for an hour was important and it was. This was the third day of basking in the sun's rays but other achievements came with the Red Sox defeating the Detroit Tigers 6-4. As the day progressed, I made an appointment with Parson's Automotive for next Wednesday at 9:00 AM. for an oil change. Josh corrected me saying "You don't have any power steering!" We shall see. He also stated tomorrow will be "Dirty" laundry and trash pickup. I took time to arrange my collection of magazines to be disposed of. The price of gold continues to soar at $3,056. Tomorrow will see a change in the weather for a few days. Maybe some flakes by Friday?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

SPACEX MIRACLE

 Today had lots of miracles. I watched with great interest the re-entry of four astronauts from Space. It is amazing how four humans can endure months in Space! C-SPAN had complete coverage with in-depth explanations of every aspect. This Tuesday saw me filling my pill Cady which made me happy and proud. Earlier in the day The Red Sox and Yankees played to a tie. Other games ware watched but with little interest. Spoke with Josh briefly and will have "dirty" laundry ready for him tomorrow. The weather forecast for tomorrow will be the choice of the week. I plan on sitting out in the sunshine for maybe an hour The price of Gold keeps climbing.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

DISMAL MONDAY 3-17-2025

 Thank God all of the St. Paddys Celebration were held yesterday! Today required looking for sunshine in Florida. I watch the Boston Red Sox get shellacked by the Baltimore Orioles 12-3. R. Devers is coming to life and he's my favorite Sox. Josh called late in the day on his way to Hannaford NB for food for his family. The price of Gold surpassed $3,000 again and may be the precursor of things to come? Weatherwise tomorrow will be better and may even warrant sitting out in the sunshine? Despite this dismal Monday my day was "All Green!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RAIN & 62 DEGREE SUNDAY

 This March Sunday was focused on the St. Patrick's Day parade in Worcester. Spectrum covered the parade for one hour revealing all the Civic Minded folks from the Commonwealth. It was relaxing to witness how people interpret St. Patrick's Day holiday. Did watch the Red Sox win 5-4. The bigger news came in watching the NCAA Selectin Committee. Seems St. John's University will end up in the Final Four! Both Sons Ben and Josh enjoy the choices. Weatherwise saw clouds and winds.  I petitioned Josh to remove the cover on the Allante' and his response was "This week. Spring!" Happy St. Patrick's Day!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

AMAZING SATURDAY IN MARCH

 This Saturday was truly amazing for me! After getting the New York Times I ventured to Hannaford NB and filled my cart with everything I needed. The total came to $166.49. After getting it all away Chase Robert called saying he wanted to visit telling of his visit to Mexico. Chase brought me a Sombrero from Cancun. We watched some of the Red Sox baseball game where the Sox lost 3-2 to the pitching of Chris Sale. Chase advised Josh went to New York City maybe to watch the Big East Championship between St. John's and Creighton? I watched the whole game to see St. John's win. Tomorrow I'll watch Joel Osteen at 10:00 AM. In between of all my activity I sat out for an hour in the sunshine! I plan on watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boston. Do they call it "The Ides of March"?

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

A SUPRISE VISIT BY "JOHNSON!"

 It has been over 2 years since Richard B, Johnson came my way. Today, as I was getting dressed, I heard a knock on my kitchen door. It was my friend "Johnson." WE both were all smiles as he sat in my rocking chair. I heard firsthand of his dilemma being hospitalized. We reminisced of the years with his yellow Hummer traveling all over Massachusetts. It was good seeing Dick and seeing his vanity plate OZONE! My Friday was all about college basketball. Saint Louis U lost. I called Josh before going to the Legion inviting him, but he was tied up taking Maddie to a playoff. I enjoyed Mazzella Sticks and 2 ginger ales on ice. Carol Slater and Jeff Nickerson made my Legion visit memorable. Jeff talked about hanging wallpaper and Carol shared pictures on her iPhone of dog bites! Tomorrow I must go to Hannaford NB as I'm out of certain food. The Friday weather was alluring, and I missed sitting out in the sunshine. The price of Gold surpassed the $3,000 mark. 

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COMPLETE THURSDAY

This Thursday was complete from the get-go! My weight is down again but not that much. After buying the NY Times and the USA Today it was fill up the Honda for cash. The total came to $19.00. Josh had left the bag of clean laundry in the Breezeway. Before that it was getting all of my mail at the USPS. I paid the Spectrum bill of $252.42 and the VA bill for $39.00 for drugs. The afternoon was spent watching Saint Louis University win in basketball. I tried looking for Seton Hall Men's Basketball at 5:00 PM to no avail. The big news is the Price of Gold broke the $3,000 barrier. Tomorrow, I plan on going to the Legion but haven't decided my meal yet! Don't plan on watching the Eclipse in the wee hours of the morning. My day has been complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BUSY WEDNESDAY

The change in weather affects my mood! The highlight of the day came at 6:55PM when two fawn deer came scooting in the land between my neighbor Rene's land. Earlier in the afternoon Josh called requesting a ride to the Ford Dealer in East Brookfield. On the way back he picked up my "dirty" laundry and Trash. Seeton Hall Men's Basketball will be on at 9:00 PM against Villanova. Don't think I'll remain up as it's too late and lack luster. Tomorrow, I'll weigh myself and fetch my mail. Enough!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

MY FIRST 60 DEGREE DAY IN THE SUNSHINE

This Tuesday allowed me to bask in the sun for over one hour! I was in no hurry to absorb the sun's rays. Traffic buzzed by with cars, trucks and motorcycles. I felt totally relaxed and know this entree was just the beginning. Now we must adjust our thinking as colder weather will replace today's treat. poke with Josh who is truly a "Dedicated Dad." My trash and "Dirty" laundry must wait. Did speak with "Johnson" who I invited to come to the Poodle. Dick is always welcome here. Also, placed a call to Bill Gross. Tomorrow I'll get my mail. I want to organize all videos into a library style collection The price of Gold was bid at $2,916.60.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

TEMPTING MONDAY

 This March Monday was tempting for me to sit out in the brilliant sunshine! As the temperature approached 60 degrees my thoughts were to initiate a new phase of 2025 by beginning to spend 30 minutes in my chair in the garage. Also, I think it's time "unwrap" the Allante' for some fun. My afternoon was spent watching the Toronto Blue Jays defeat the Houston Astros. Later in the afternoon I spoke with Josh telling him my book of pictures and story about building 33 Birch Hill, WB, was his. The price of Gold was $2,908 today. Tomorrow is another day and if you see me basking in the sunshine: toot!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

INTERESTING SUNDAY

 The transition to Daylight Savings means a change in attitude! To me it means lounging in bed until I felt it was time to face the day. My Sunday was full, first by getting the Sunday New York Times for $6.00. Our Massachusetts Governor, Maura Healey, if featured in the Magazine Section. Interesting reading. The trip to Hannaford NB saw me buying $129.52 of food and supplies. The afternoon saw me watching Red Sox Spring Training with a victory. Tonight. I totally enjoyed watching Thomas Jefferson on PBS. It is the second time I've watched it and devour working on my "Sense of History." Spoke with sons Ben & Josh. Chase Robert heads for Mexico tomorrow!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

COLLEGE BASKETBALL SATURDAY

Seton Hall men's basketball seemingly needs a new manager! Today UCONN romped The Hall to overshadow the recent double overtime victory of UCONN. My entire afternoon was spent watching Big East games.  Next Wednesday the March Madness Tournament will see The Hall playing at 9:00 PM. Today wasn't as windy but enough to keep us inside. Tomorrow, I plan on watching Joel Osteen at 10:00 AM. Tonight, I will lose an hour of sleep adjusting to Daylight Savings Time! Did speak with Josh and family who were celebrating Evie's victory. Tomorrow, I plan on going to Hannaford NB as my food supply is down. Don't forget to "Spring Ahead!"

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

THE GALES OF MARCH 7, 2025

 The destructive winds of today are far-reaching. The peak gust at the Worcester Airport was 62mph according to Meteorologist Pete Bouchard. Destructive gales topped all news headlines. Chase Robert called requesting use of my printer. He took my bag of "dirty" sheets to Josh for washing. Tonight, Josh returned making my bed to perfection. Earlier I returned to the Legion where Carol Slater and Jeff Nickerson made the topics interesting. I enjoyed a Cheeseburger Deluxe and a glass of Ginger Ale on ice. Tonight, the gales continue. Gold was bid at $2,920.10 an ounce. This Friday saw destructive gales across New England!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

BIG THURSDAY

My Thursday began with weighing myself: 150.6 lbs. Not too bad. Next came Josh to pick up my "dirty" laundry and trash. The day went by fast in watching Spring Training baseball: Red Sox and Yankees. Neither team won. Later in the afternoon Josh returned with clean laundry and asked me to call Chase Robert which I did. Chase Robert came by all smiles as I hadn't seen him in a long time. He's headed to Mexico for a vacation with Bentley University friends next week. I presented him with a cash stipend and requested a small Mexican souvenir as a reminder of his trip. Tomorrow morning I'll strip my dirty sheets and call Josh. alerting him they are in a laundry bag. My Thursday is now complete!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

WEDNESDAY'S CHORES

 Today was demanding for me! I had made my mind to fill my pill Cady if I were to use it in the future. Next, I isolated those prescriptions to be filled which I'll do tomorrow. It takes a certain discipline to keep track of all needing refills. Earlier in the day my HDTV stopped working. I called Spectrum to no avail. Then, like a miracle, it corrected itself. No word from Josh today. My rain gauge is working again with a reading of .20 inches. Tomorrow, I will weigh myself with the hopes of a steady reading. Today's price of Gold was $2,907.90. Weather forecast is more rain!

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

RUBY TUESDAY

It seems this Tuesday had disappointments.  Maybe because the Seton Hall Pirates fell to Creighton by more than 20 points. This day has been full of anticipation with the President speaking as I write. My Tuesday saw the usual activities of getting the newspapers and later going back for my mail. The Boston Red Sox never looked better! I did fill a bag of "dirty' laundry" and a bag of trash for Josh to pick up. Josh is optimistic about "Spring being around the corner."  The price of gold today was pegged at $2,936.70. I respect Ash Wednesday.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

U.S. CURRENCIES

When Josh innocently said to me "You like money" the thought evokes many memories over the decades of my dealing in U.S. Currency! As previously mentioned, Coin Collecting was the only Merit Badge obtained in Boy Scouts. The first great break came while in Junior College when a friend of my father's handed me a black zippered bag of Gold Backs to sell. I did just that and paid for a semester's tuition at Worcester Junior College. When I served in Vietnam the first thing soldiers had to do is turn in all "Green Backs' for MPC Certificates. This didn't stop soldiers from getting money from home and selling them on the Black Market. Upon returning home I was intrigued with $,1000 bills. I obtained one and showed it to my fellow employees at Aetna. Next came a call from a Worcester bank teller stating "I have $4,000 in $1000 bills for you at face value!  This allowed me to sell them at a small profit. Currency dealers, Namely Heritage Auctions specialize in selling very valuable bills dating back to colonial times. I'm glad Josh made the innocent statement in saying "You like money!" Today saw me getting the Honda washed in North Brookfield for $12.00 then to Hannaford NB where my total purchase came to $109.34. Did watch the Red Sox play to a tie. Tomorrow, I plan on getting my mail. My Monday has been full and rewarding.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN

HOW TO BECOME A BLOGGER 2025

 On March 3, 2007, I began writing a daily blog-entry! Blogging is nothing more than 'Storytelling." There are tricks to writing a good blog. You must be inspired in identifying a topic. Look for ideas that capture YOUR imagination. Photographs of times past will refresh your memory. To be sure you are a historian. Also, look for newsworthy items that may catapult you into crafting each day's blog. Pick a certain time of the day when you are inspired making your blog meaningful. Look for topics you have knowledge on i.e. Coins, Stamps, Clocks, Watches and Autographs. When you are at ease everything comes into focus. Don't dwell as writing your blog will come naturally. I look to see how much traffic I've had friends such as Jeff Nickerson and Carol Slater mention my writing. Kudos to Son Ben for his high achievement with The Hartford! Tomorrow I'll do banking then go to Hannaford NB for food, etc.

ROBERT LOUIS POTVIN