Monday, October 31, 2011
In the ER!
Woke with pain. Saw 3 houses and drove home with pain. Brother told me to go to er. They r great here at antioch deer valley hospital. I've had X-rays and blood work. Ultra sound.now ct scan. Just drank the stuff. Thought of how many times I've seen choke it down. May have surgery tonight. Cough is terrible. Pain is constant. White count normal.
Sending love to all. Please pray for me.
Love
Tim
Sending love to all. Please pray for me.
Love
Tim
Sunday, October 30, 2011
So this is what Sundays are for, work!
Dear Family and Friends,
This has been some day, phone calls from some special people, set up about 8 orders, cleaned up the office a bit, sorted through stacks of paper and threw most away.
At noon I inspected a tiny little home in Brentwood, very pleasant people, very old tired home and the sales prices is amazing, $85,000. That is right, lowest sale of a little house in Brentwood I could find.
Eventually I made it back home after a bit of shopping at Raley's. I settled in and have written three reports having just completed one for a beautiful home in San Ramon. Just about a perfect property.
Now its time to hit the hay since I have to be in Alamo at 8 in the morning, considering Monday traffic that could be a bit of a problem. The coughing seems to always be with me and by now the head hurts pretty bad.
I had an interesting call today, friend Sylvia was ready to go to the airport but found out through her son that Quantus was on strike, no flights going to Australia. She scrambled and using her trove of American Airlines miles made a new flight plan and is now on her way there after all. What a shock to plan for a trip for months and then without any warning it is cancelled. But Quantus never called to tell her, thats pretty low of them.
So the birds are about to get seen in Alice Springs or wherever she is on her way to.
Take care my friends,
Love to all
Tim
This has been some day, phone calls from some special people, set up about 8 orders, cleaned up the office a bit, sorted through stacks of paper and threw most away.
At noon I inspected a tiny little home in Brentwood, very pleasant people, very old tired home and the sales prices is amazing, $85,000. That is right, lowest sale of a little house in Brentwood I could find.
Eventually I made it back home after a bit of shopping at Raley's. I settled in and have written three reports having just completed one for a beautiful home in San Ramon. Just about a perfect property.
Now its time to hit the hay since I have to be in Alamo at 8 in the morning, considering Monday traffic that could be a bit of a problem. The coughing seems to always be with me and by now the head hurts pretty bad.
I had an interesting call today, friend Sylvia was ready to go to the airport but found out through her son that Quantus was on strike, no flights going to Australia. She scrambled and using her trove of American Airlines miles made a new flight plan and is now on her way there after all. What a shock to plan for a trip for months and then without any warning it is cancelled. But Quantus never called to tell her, thats pretty low of them.
So the birds are about to get seen in Alice Springs or wherever she is on her way to.
Take care my friends,
Love to all
Tim
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Good evening
Well it really is a good evening
I've managed to get mostly caught with Hawaii 5 0, watched some NCIS episodes and eaten some of the non sugar ice cream I brought home. My supply of steel cut oats is replenished as is my whole wheat flour.
And this morning Keanna and her team were smashed by the #1 team, the average girl was a head taller than the average girl on Keanna's team, shoulders, shoving, pushing were the method, was not very much fun to watch but we win some, the last two, and we lose some, today. keanna had fun and Kallie brought a little lunch box of toys and enjoyed herself too.
This evening friend Sylvia is on her way to Australia, a very long 10 hour flight, if you've done a long one you know what its like, if you've not done one then let me tell you it seems like you will never arrive, There are only so many things one can do in an airplane seat after 10 hours you've done them all a couple times. Flying to Australia is pretty cool, a couple movies, several full meals, they put you to bed with blinders and earplugs and wake you with some exercise videos and hot towels, the seats seem to recline a bit more than shorter flights but still you are in the little tube called an airplane for ever it seems. Israel was that way, Australia was that way and Europe was that way but all very worthwhile trips with tons of memories to treasure.
Well now its time to crash, I finally got through to my friend Eilene today, someone I met at a BBQ several months ago. It was great to talk to her again.
Marilyn reports that she sat in Baltimore for 5 hours waiting to get a ride on the last leg of the trip home. The jet she was to take sucked a bird through a jet so was disabled. That mishap made the rest of the day terrible for connecting flights. She finally got home at 11 pm her time.
Love to all
Tim
I've managed to get mostly caught with Hawaii 5 0, watched some NCIS episodes and eaten some of the non sugar ice cream I brought home. My supply of steel cut oats is replenished as is my whole wheat flour.
And this morning Keanna and her team were smashed by the #1 team, the average girl was a head taller than the average girl on Keanna's team, shoulders, shoving, pushing were the method, was not very much fun to watch but we win some, the last two, and we lose some, today. keanna had fun and Kallie brought a little lunch box of toys and enjoyed herself too.
This evening friend Sylvia is on her way to Australia, a very long 10 hour flight, if you've done a long one you know what its like, if you've not done one then let me tell you it seems like you will never arrive, There are only so many things one can do in an airplane seat after 10 hours you've done them all a couple times. Flying to Australia is pretty cool, a couple movies, several full meals, they put you to bed with blinders and earplugs and wake you with some exercise videos and hot towels, the seats seem to recline a bit more than shorter flights but still you are in the little tube called an airplane for ever it seems. Israel was that way, Australia was that way and Europe was that way but all very worthwhile trips with tons of memories to treasure.
Well now its time to crash, I finally got through to my friend Eilene today, someone I met at a BBQ several months ago. It was great to talk to her again.
Marilyn reports that she sat in Baltimore for 5 hours waiting to get a ride on the last leg of the trip home. The jet she was to take sucked a bird through a jet so was disabled. That mishap made the rest of the day terrible for connecting flights. She finally got home at 11 pm her time.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, October 28, 2011
Marilyn safely home in snowy Rhode Island
This morning 4 am came early. Getting up at that hour was unpleasant. However my friend Marilyn needed a lift and I was the driver.
Our traffic was minimal and we arrived with plenty of time to spare at the airport. She flew directly to Baltimore where she had a nasty time, waiting a couple hours before the short hop home to Providence. I understand that she is home and glad to be with her family.
Marilyn helped a lot during the rush time when the orders were so numerous, the pressure so great. She set up orders and kept tract of pulling files when they were paid for. Her help will be missed.
Today I was fairly wasted after arriving back home from the airport. A Starbucks mocha helped along with a wheat bagel at a place near the airport.
This morning I wrote an appraisal and did research, then turned to getting out of the office to see a home in San Ramon for a paying client. You just would not believe this home. Every thing was perfect in every room, furniture all matched, floors gleamed, kitchen was the biggest slab of granite I have ever seen, appliances were shining stainless steel. The grounds were newly landscaped, the lawns were new and the home looked directly across the street to a huge park that took up an entire city block. Value will be somewhere over a million and the size was impressive, $,200 Sq.Ft..
After leaving this beautiful home I drove the backroads fearing what the freeway would be like and arrived at Chuck E Pizza ahead of the girls. We munched on salads and pizza, the girls played their games with the tokens and we all have a great time. It was good to see Nikki again and sit and talk.
Now I'm home and dead tired as you might imagine. I'll get up when I wake up in the morning, go for my walk and relax, enjoy the healing time of the Sabbath.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Our traffic was minimal and we arrived with plenty of time to spare at the airport. She flew directly to Baltimore where she had a nasty time, waiting a couple hours before the short hop home to Providence. I understand that she is home and glad to be with her family.
Marilyn helped a lot during the rush time when the orders were so numerous, the pressure so great. She set up orders and kept tract of pulling files when they were paid for. Her help will be missed.
Today I was fairly wasted after arriving back home from the airport. A Starbucks mocha helped along with a wheat bagel at a place near the airport.
This morning I wrote an appraisal and did research, then turned to getting out of the office to see a home in San Ramon for a paying client. You just would not believe this home. Every thing was perfect in every room, furniture all matched, floors gleamed, kitchen was the biggest slab of granite I have ever seen, appliances were shining stainless steel. The grounds were newly landscaped, the lawns were new and the home looked directly across the street to a huge park that took up an entire city block. Value will be somewhere over a million and the size was impressive, $,200 Sq.Ft..
After leaving this beautiful home I drove the backroads fearing what the freeway would be like and arrived at Chuck E Pizza ahead of the girls. We munched on salads and pizza, the girls played their games with the tokens and we all have a great time. It was good to see Nikki again and sit and talk.
Now I'm home and dead tired as you might imagine. I'll get up when I wake up in the morning, go for my walk and relax, enjoy the healing time of the Sabbath.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Marilyn hits the skies
Dear Family and Friends,
Marilyn announced today that she has a flight out of Oakland at 6:50 in the morning so we are leaving the house at 4:30 in the morning, needless to say I'm going to bed now!
This morning was one of those nice moments when I get to see a home that is so nice, so well thought out and in such great condition it is just a pleasure. The home is located on the top of a hill in Hayward and has a view that is 180 degrees, there is the salt water pebbletec pool and grounds on three levels that abound in little flowers, plants and shrubs with gravel walking trails and stone retaining walls. The interior of the home is opulent with granite floors, high wood lined ceilings, the latest in kitchen appliances. The home is really something and finding adequate comps is proving to be a challenge. I think I have enough to make a strong case for a value now.
The other appointment was one that has been on hold for weeks, suddenly it came off hold today and I ended up going there. A very nice asian lady whose parents live with she and her family. The parents were out doing yard work and have many living things, all yielding crops. It was a very friendly home and amazingly has a value of near to $900,000 even thought it looks rather average and ordinary. In Tracy $250,000, in Stockton $175,000. Location really makes the big difference. Something to consider when you are buying your next home.
Well I'm sleepy and 4 am comes very early.
Love to all
In the last two days checks have come in, one was direct deposited into the account this morning and another came in the mail so the crisis has passed for now.
Tim
Marilyn announced today that she has a flight out of Oakland at 6:50 in the morning so we are leaving the house at 4:30 in the morning, needless to say I'm going to bed now!
This morning was one of those nice moments when I get to see a home that is so nice, so well thought out and in such great condition it is just a pleasure. The home is located on the top of a hill in Hayward and has a view that is 180 degrees, there is the salt water pebbletec pool and grounds on three levels that abound in little flowers, plants and shrubs with gravel walking trails and stone retaining walls. The interior of the home is opulent with granite floors, high wood lined ceilings, the latest in kitchen appliances. The home is really something and finding adequate comps is proving to be a challenge. I think I have enough to make a strong case for a value now.
The other appointment was one that has been on hold for weeks, suddenly it came off hold today and I ended up going there. A very nice asian lady whose parents live with she and her family. The parents were out doing yard work and have many living things, all yielding crops. It was a very friendly home and amazingly has a value of near to $900,000 even thought it looks rather average and ordinary. In Tracy $250,000, in Stockton $175,000. Location really makes the big difference. Something to consider when you are buying your next home.
Well I'm sleepy and 4 am comes very early.
Love to all
In the last two days checks have come in, one was direct deposited into the account this morning and another came in the mail so the crisis has passed for now.
Tim
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Very tired
Good evening
Well its almost midnight but I've got three reports out today plus a lot of conditions as well. Its been a long day. It started with a trip to Antioch where I did an inspection, great house, used to be a model. Then I rushed back to begin working in the office. The joy of the day was when Keanna came visit. Marilyn picked her up at school and then she did her homework, munched on popcorn and did some pretty nice coloring work.
I had decided early on that I would go to spin class and I did, had a terrible bout of coughing there that was hard to cope with but managed to keep going for the 35 minutes. What a workout, all ones clothes get soaked with the workout. Kim was on a high energy trip today so we all worked very hard. Now there was this one lady who warned me she was going to take my bike and ended up on a bike nearby, very nice scenery and she did not miss a beat, very strong.
So after the workout I came home, showered and Marilyn had some new potatoes and a vege on the table. Tasted so good. Then it was back to work again and this evening I've finished one that was due. It always feels good to ship things out.
I just checked my bank and all three accounts are upside down. With the Blue Cross mess, they took back nearly $1,200 from my savings account, I literally have no money. Tomorrow I'll go to the bank, write a check on the personal account using the overdraft provision and get the other accounts into shape. For a one time charge of $31 I can get the other accounts in the black and just hope, pray that money shows up in the mail. I tell you Blue Cross has joined my least favorite list along with AppraiserLoft. Between the two of them they have cost me over $5,000 and you know how tight things are. I honestly wonder sometimes how long I can hold it all together and even what that means. I'm working every minute I'm awake, under a lot of stress, my body is coping very poorly, lungs hurt all the time, breathing is better in the morning than in the evening and the blood sugar is still not where it should be but its better. Funny how a new battery in the meter can make a difference.
so I could use your prayers as I face some rough sledding once again. I've very thankful for work and I try to do as well as I can with each order, to get them done in a manner that is honest and careful. I try to take good care of the people in their homes, listen to them, explain what I'm doing.
Oh well, its time for bed and so far I can sleep pretty well.
Sending love and appreciation to all,
tim
Well its almost midnight but I've got three reports out today plus a lot of conditions as well. Its been a long day. It started with a trip to Antioch where I did an inspection, great house, used to be a model. Then I rushed back to begin working in the office. The joy of the day was when Keanna came visit. Marilyn picked her up at school and then she did her homework, munched on popcorn and did some pretty nice coloring work.
I had decided early on that I would go to spin class and I did, had a terrible bout of coughing there that was hard to cope with but managed to keep going for the 35 minutes. What a workout, all ones clothes get soaked with the workout. Kim was on a high energy trip today so we all worked very hard. Now there was this one lady who warned me she was going to take my bike and ended up on a bike nearby, very nice scenery and she did not miss a beat, very strong.
So after the workout I came home, showered and Marilyn had some new potatoes and a vege on the table. Tasted so good. Then it was back to work again and this evening I've finished one that was due. It always feels good to ship things out.
I just checked my bank and all three accounts are upside down. With the Blue Cross mess, they took back nearly $1,200 from my savings account, I literally have no money. Tomorrow I'll go to the bank, write a check on the personal account using the overdraft provision and get the other accounts into shape. For a one time charge of $31 I can get the other accounts in the black and just hope, pray that money shows up in the mail. I tell you Blue Cross has joined my least favorite list along with AppraiserLoft. Between the two of them they have cost me over $5,000 and you know how tight things are. I honestly wonder sometimes how long I can hold it all together and even what that means. I'm working every minute I'm awake, under a lot of stress, my body is coping very poorly, lungs hurt all the time, breathing is better in the morning than in the evening and the blood sugar is still not where it should be but its better. Funny how a new battery in the meter can make a difference.
so I could use your prayers as I face some rough sledding once again. I've very thankful for work and I try to do as well as I can with each order, to get them done in a manner that is honest and careful. I try to take good care of the people in their homes, listen to them, explain what I'm doing.
Oh well, its time for bed and so far I can sleep pretty well.
Sending love and appreciation to all,
tim
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
And the hits keep on coming
Dear Family and Friends,
Imagine my surprise today when the bank called to tell me Blue Cross had cancelled their check to me for $1,182, it came last week. I had placed it in savings and had begun to draw on it so my life at the bank is a mess now. It is hard to believe that they cancel a check after 10 days or so without any explanation.
My news at Kaiser was better this morning. Due to a really awful blood pressure reading on my first visit to the doctor they set up an appointment for me to come back for a new blood pressure reading. This time I planned to arrive early, relax and see what I could do to get it down, of course traffic and the rush of life conspired to have me arriving a few minutes late. But they were running even more late so I sat, slumped actually and closed my eyes and just saw the beach in Hawaii. Finally I was called in and the lady was really nice. She took the reading twice, on each arm, 116 over 62. Not bad and then as we talked and she updated my records on her computer she asked about shots and I ended up with three shots for flu, tetanus and even pneumonia. I walked out feeling better.
This morning I discovered that my One Touch had a dead battery so I could not get a good blood sugar reading. A battery later I had an afternoon reading of 148 which I thought was more accurate than the 207 this morning after my 3 mile walk.
Frankly I've felt terrible today, the coughing is getting to me, head aches are constant and Dr. Gee says that there might be a slightly thickening in my lung near the liver. I'm to go back for more xrays and start on pepsid and prilosec to see if those help. My afternoon phone meeting with the doctor went well and I'm now getting all my files sent in from the different doctors I've had over the last few years.
Well since I have an 8 am call in the morning in Antioch I think its time to wrap this up. The house is noisy again, Marilyn arrived this afternoon fresh from the casino's, family and friends.
Good night to all,
I do appreciate having you as readers and friends, how I wish I could spend some time with you catching up on life.
Love
tim
Imagine my surprise today when the bank called to tell me Blue Cross had cancelled their check to me for $1,182, it came last week. I had placed it in savings and had begun to draw on it so my life at the bank is a mess now. It is hard to believe that they cancel a check after 10 days or so without any explanation.
My news at Kaiser was better this morning. Due to a really awful blood pressure reading on my first visit to the doctor they set up an appointment for me to come back for a new blood pressure reading. This time I planned to arrive early, relax and see what I could do to get it down, of course traffic and the rush of life conspired to have me arriving a few minutes late. But they were running even more late so I sat, slumped actually and closed my eyes and just saw the beach in Hawaii. Finally I was called in and the lady was really nice. She took the reading twice, on each arm, 116 over 62. Not bad and then as we talked and she updated my records on her computer she asked about shots and I ended up with three shots for flu, tetanus and even pneumonia. I walked out feeling better.
This morning I discovered that my One Touch had a dead battery so I could not get a good blood sugar reading. A battery later I had an afternoon reading of 148 which I thought was more accurate than the 207 this morning after my 3 mile walk.
Frankly I've felt terrible today, the coughing is getting to me, head aches are constant and Dr. Gee says that there might be a slightly thickening in my lung near the liver. I'm to go back for more xrays and start on pepsid and prilosec to see if those help. My afternoon phone meeting with the doctor went well and I'm now getting all my files sent in from the different doctors I've had over the last few years.
Well since I have an 8 am call in the morning in Antioch I think its time to wrap this up. The house is noisy again, Marilyn arrived this afternoon fresh from the casino's, family and friends.
Good night to all,
I do appreciate having you as readers and friends, how I wish I could spend some time with you catching up on life.
Love
tim
Monday, October 24, 2011
Making better decisions
Lately I've mostly felt like I was moving through a fog, the constant coughing, the high blood sugar, the constant pain in the trigger finger, just a lot of stuff conspiring to make life less than a total blast.
So this morning I woke and not hearing from Ken last night wavered over whether I would walk or not. Well the good angel prevailed and I walked, took the phone in case something happened to me but the walk went great and it lifted me all day. Upon coming home I made steel cut oats, 15 minutes in the microwave oven at 1/2 power. I added a banana and a bit of soy milk. It was a great breakfast.
Then I spent the morning in the office fixing things and researching for the afternoon. I finally got away at 1:15 and drove to Dublin where I saw a property which I cannot even recall at the moment. Then I discovered that I had left the lockbox at home so I drove back home and while I was here had a bowl of brown rice, rice that I had cooked this morning. It was incredibly good. Then back on the road to drive to Pleasant Hill. I saw a house that was a trip in time, back to Ozzie and Harriet. Everything was original, pretty interesting.
By the time I finished it was getting late but I decided to take a chance and drive to El Cerrito to shoot three photos to help an appraisal I did recently. Of course darkness was upon me as I shot the last photo. As I was driving around Jason called to check up and it was great to talk to him.
Now I'm home and fighting a huge war inside. I've determined to see if I can give my body a chance to have better blood sugar so I'm not eating this evening, its hard since I normally snack all the time but somethings have to change. So I'll go to bed hungry for a change. It will be an interesting experiment to see if not eating after 6 pm helps the blood sugar. I sure hope so.
So now I'm heading to bed even though it is just 9:25.
Sending love to all,
Tim
So this morning I woke and not hearing from Ken last night wavered over whether I would walk or not. Well the good angel prevailed and I walked, took the phone in case something happened to me but the walk went great and it lifted me all day. Upon coming home I made steel cut oats, 15 minutes in the microwave oven at 1/2 power. I added a banana and a bit of soy milk. It was a great breakfast.
Then I spent the morning in the office fixing things and researching for the afternoon. I finally got away at 1:15 and drove to Dublin where I saw a property which I cannot even recall at the moment. Then I discovered that I had left the lockbox at home so I drove back home and while I was here had a bowl of brown rice, rice that I had cooked this morning. It was incredibly good. Then back on the road to drive to Pleasant Hill. I saw a house that was a trip in time, back to Ozzie and Harriet. Everything was original, pretty interesting.
By the time I finished it was getting late but I decided to take a chance and drive to El Cerrito to shoot three photos to help an appraisal I did recently. Of course darkness was upon me as I shot the last photo. As I was driving around Jason called to check up and it was great to talk to him.
Now I'm home and fighting a huge war inside. I've determined to see if I can give my body a chance to have better blood sugar so I'm not eating this evening, its hard since I normally snack all the time but somethings have to change. So I'll go to bed hungry for a change. It will be an interesting experiment to see if not eating after 6 pm helps the blood sugar. I sure hope so.
So now I'm heading to bed even though it is just 9:25.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Just not feeling too good
Good evening
This morning started off with a 3 mile hike around the lake. Ken was in fine form and led a torrid pace, at least it seemed like it to me. The morning was cool and fairly dark when we started.
I came home and had a bowl of cereal, an orange and made some interesting coffee, it has chocolate flavor and the first times I tried it I ended up pouring it out but once I learned that for me one tablespoon of coffee in a half a pot of coffee, two big mugs is just right and with some splenda and a bit of cream its a great other choice instead of the mocha which has sugar, something I don't need.
In the whole day I've only written two reports, my mind feels slow and its very hard to stay focused. My Kaiser doctor send me a note mentioning that the chest xray had some minor abnormalities which of course has my attention. Oh that someone could find out why I cough and help solve it. Most of today was clear of coughing but as the afternoon rolled around I started to have that rattle in my breathing that sounds like it should get cleared out but never quite does no matter how long I cough and how hard. Once I start coughing then my blood pressure shoots up, my body gets hot, sometimes I sweat and my heart starts to hurt. It hurt most of the time all last week, something I'm not used to.
So there are health issues to deal with. I'm still waiting to hear back for a time when I'll have the surgery on my trigger finger. I would have thought I would have heard by now.
So now we all face a new week, with the world in such disaray it is easy to slip into a bit of discouragement. For a few minutes last night I just stopped and relaxed as one of the Christian channels had lovely music playing along with continual scenes with water as the theme. Massive waterfalls, little streams, flowers, birds, just a very nice break in a rushed life.
Wishing you all a good week,
love
tim
This morning started off with a 3 mile hike around the lake. Ken was in fine form and led a torrid pace, at least it seemed like it to me. The morning was cool and fairly dark when we started.
I came home and had a bowl of cereal, an orange and made some interesting coffee, it has chocolate flavor and the first times I tried it I ended up pouring it out but once I learned that for me one tablespoon of coffee in a half a pot of coffee, two big mugs is just right and with some splenda and a bit of cream its a great other choice instead of the mocha which has sugar, something I don't need.
In the whole day I've only written two reports, my mind feels slow and its very hard to stay focused. My Kaiser doctor send me a note mentioning that the chest xray had some minor abnormalities which of course has my attention. Oh that someone could find out why I cough and help solve it. Most of today was clear of coughing but as the afternoon rolled around I started to have that rattle in my breathing that sounds like it should get cleared out but never quite does no matter how long I cough and how hard. Once I start coughing then my blood pressure shoots up, my body gets hot, sometimes I sweat and my heart starts to hurt. It hurt most of the time all last week, something I'm not used to.
So there are health issues to deal with. I'm still waiting to hear back for a time when I'll have the surgery on my trigger finger. I would have thought I would have heard by now.
So now we all face a new week, with the world in such disaray it is easy to slip into a bit of discouragement. For a few minutes last night I just stopped and relaxed as one of the Christian channels had lovely music playing along with continual scenes with water as the theme. Massive waterfalls, little streams, flowers, birds, just a very nice break in a rushed life.
Wishing you all a good week,
love
tim
Saturday, October 22, 2011
A Mellow day
At 9 this morning Keanna was on the field playing her heart out. Eventually her team went on to win against a team that usually wins. They played hard, passed the ball well and just kept up the pressure. Its a blast to watch.
Once home I made whole wheat pancakes and fried eggs. After breakfast I just rested, tweaked the motorhome with a new screen in the door and caught some shows on the christian dish.
In the process of unwinding it just felt good to relegate the pressures and relentless hours it takes to make a living these days as an appraiser. A nice touch today was the arrival of a check from a faithful client, no not AppraiseLoft who stiffed me for nearly $4,000. This was QVS and Wendy cuts the checks on the 20th every time. Todays check was just the right amount to pay 2 months of house payments so that is just what I did, went on line and paid 2 months of house payments. It felt very good to do so.
Now I'm enjoying some past episodes of the Mentalist, a show I enjoy very much.
So love to all.,
Tim
Once home I made whole wheat pancakes and fried eggs. After breakfast I just rested, tweaked the motorhome with a new screen in the door and caught some shows on the christian dish.
In the process of unwinding it just felt good to relegate the pressures and relentless hours it takes to make a living these days as an appraiser. A nice touch today was the arrival of a check from a faithful client, no not AppraiseLoft who stiffed me for nearly $4,000. This was QVS and Wendy cuts the checks on the 20th every time. Todays check was just the right amount to pay 2 months of house payments so that is just what I did, went on line and paid 2 months of house payments. It felt very good to do so.
Now I'm enjoying some past episodes of the Mentalist, a show I enjoy very much.
So love to all.,
Tim
Friday, October 21, 2011
Good Week
Dear Family and Friends,
So now its 11 and past time to be asleep. Keanna has one of her last Soccer games at 9 in the morning and after last week when she scored a goal she is charged up to play. They put her in for short periods of time as she tires after her sprints across the field. Pretty cute to watch, well actually ones heart in in his throat watching her go. You just don't want her hurt or to hurt anyone else. But this is life in the real world and I'm very pleased to get to be a part of it all.
Today was enjoyable, first stop was here in Discovery Bay, a delightful couple who have a small home here as a second home had driven 4 hours yesterday to sort of close down the home for the winter, pull the boat out and put it in the garage. They were just enjoyable to talk with, just celebrated 50 years together and loved life, you could tell.
Then it was on to Livermore where I got to see one of those places where flowers and plants are growing everywhere, looks like a park or a floral garden, just great. Then it was on to Hayward where the unit to be inspected was three stories high, sandwiched between other units and 208 units in all on a few city blocks. Talk about density but the unit was nice and was a steal at just $300,000. Once I was done there I headed for San Ramon where I found a duet unit in very updated condition, cute little family but of course my comps were not duet units since nothing in public record gave me a clue. So that one will require a return trip to get it right.
Then home to relax and unwind. My elderly brother Jerry called, this is the one that has gone out and cut and brought home over 5 cords of wood and now has it all split up and stored away for the winter, this elderly brother who is younger in real years than I am. His diabetes is under control, his weight keeps falling and he is doing great. I'm so proud of Jerry and Donna for how they live their lives, embrace the whole family, are active in AA and are just good examples of decent living.
So now its time to head to bed once again but tonight the sheets have to be changed, its time, really time!!
Love to all
Tim
So now its 11 and past time to be asleep. Keanna has one of her last Soccer games at 9 in the morning and after last week when she scored a goal she is charged up to play. They put her in for short periods of time as she tires after her sprints across the field. Pretty cute to watch, well actually ones heart in in his throat watching her go. You just don't want her hurt or to hurt anyone else. But this is life in the real world and I'm very pleased to get to be a part of it all.
Today was enjoyable, first stop was here in Discovery Bay, a delightful couple who have a small home here as a second home had driven 4 hours yesterday to sort of close down the home for the winter, pull the boat out and put it in the garage. They were just enjoyable to talk with, just celebrated 50 years together and loved life, you could tell.
Then it was on to Livermore where I got to see one of those places where flowers and plants are growing everywhere, looks like a park or a floral garden, just great. Then it was on to Hayward where the unit to be inspected was three stories high, sandwiched between other units and 208 units in all on a few city blocks. Talk about density but the unit was nice and was a steal at just $300,000. Once I was done there I headed for San Ramon where I found a duet unit in very updated condition, cute little family but of course my comps were not duet units since nothing in public record gave me a clue. So that one will require a return trip to get it right.
Then home to relax and unwind. My elderly brother Jerry called, this is the one that has gone out and cut and brought home over 5 cords of wood and now has it all split up and stored away for the winter, this elderly brother who is younger in real years than I am. His diabetes is under control, his weight keeps falling and he is doing great. I'm so proud of Jerry and Donna for how they live their lives, embrace the whole family, are active in AA and are just good examples of decent living.
So now its time to head to bed once again but tonight the sheets have to be changed, its time, really time!!
Love to all
Tim
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Alone again
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm writing this having just completed an appraisal on a nice place in Hayward. I've spent the evening trying to complete the report in spite of a pretty bad headache, yes caused by constant coughing all day, nothing seems to help, sometimes food triggers it, other times something as simple as a temperature change or wind in my face. All I know is I can't live with it much longer. I'm glad that its being looked into at Kaiser and as soon as I get the past reports on things that have been tested for from Jim then Dr. Gee can look it all over and make some decisions.
Marilyn left yesterday for her sister's in Oroville and hearing nothing I assume that she made it OK. Its sort of strange being in the house alone again, not complaining at all but it is a change. Steve dropped by this afternoon to bring me a new wheel, he found them on the Internet and it was timely since mine is about to fail completely.
Today 5 orders came in and they are all set up and we are going after them tomorrow with a long day in the field. Steve is seeing some and I'm seeing some too. I start right here in Discovery Bay at 9 in the morning and then move to Livermore, Fremont, Pleasant Hill perhaps.
I often pause for a minute to remember a time when Nan sat at the other desk here in the office. She would have bids going on things for sale on the web sites, be writing up appraisal, teaching appraisers what to do and what not to do, chatting on the phone with Sharon or Dana and planning our next trip or cruise. She kept things alive here and as we had more money she expanded where we could go and what we could do. With a near perfect memory she was formidable when it came to making decisions, remembering what needed to be paid next and birthdays and dates. I miss the life we had together. It was a very good life, solid and enjoyable. She did not nag, she did not remind, she did not sulk, she just lived and enjoyed every day. I want to find someone like that, not a replica, no I'd like some things different but there were many positive things about Nan that I'm sure other people have as well. I'm starting to gear up to find that someone.
Well for now I'm going to locate my bed and fall into it.
Love to all,
Tim
I'm writing this having just completed an appraisal on a nice place in Hayward. I've spent the evening trying to complete the report in spite of a pretty bad headache, yes caused by constant coughing all day, nothing seems to help, sometimes food triggers it, other times something as simple as a temperature change or wind in my face. All I know is I can't live with it much longer. I'm glad that its being looked into at Kaiser and as soon as I get the past reports on things that have been tested for from Jim then Dr. Gee can look it all over and make some decisions.
Marilyn left yesterday for her sister's in Oroville and hearing nothing I assume that she made it OK. Its sort of strange being in the house alone again, not complaining at all but it is a change. Steve dropped by this afternoon to bring me a new wheel, he found them on the Internet and it was timely since mine is about to fail completely.
Today 5 orders came in and they are all set up and we are going after them tomorrow with a long day in the field. Steve is seeing some and I'm seeing some too. I start right here in Discovery Bay at 9 in the morning and then move to Livermore, Fremont, Pleasant Hill perhaps.
I often pause for a minute to remember a time when Nan sat at the other desk here in the office. She would have bids going on things for sale on the web sites, be writing up appraisal, teaching appraisers what to do and what not to do, chatting on the phone with Sharon or Dana and planning our next trip or cruise. She kept things alive here and as we had more money she expanded where we could go and what we could do. With a near perfect memory she was formidable when it came to making decisions, remembering what needed to be paid next and birthdays and dates. I miss the life we had together. It was a very good life, solid and enjoyable. She did not nag, she did not remind, she did not sulk, she just lived and enjoyed every day. I want to find someone like that, not a replica, no I'd like some things different but there were many positive things about Nan that I'm sure other people have as well. I'm starting to gear up to find that someone.
Well for now I'm going to locate my bed and fall into it.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Spin
After weeks away I decided to add Spin class to my schedule today. With Keanna, Nikki and Kallie off to see Disney on Ice, Kallies first time I was free to just drive to the club and enjoy the class. Kim was in rare form, looked great as usual and led us on a torrid pace through the minutes of spin. We were up, we were down, we were climbing, we were sweating, wow what a workout. But as the time passed I felt better and better and lived through it.
Afterwards I celebrated by going to Safeway and buying all kinds of good things to eat, not sweet, just good things. Then it was home and this evening I've taken time off to catch up on some DVR back programs of NCIS Los Angeles. With the DRV and commercials gone its fast to watch programs, well why do I get to select programs? Well the program director is visiting her sister today and through the weekend so I get to make all my own decisions. Its fun.
Now I decide to head to bed. I'm using the laptop to write this and its on its new battery. I had held off on getting a new battery as I thought they would cost at least a hundred bucks, Through Amazon I was able to purchase a new battery for just $14.50 and it works great. Amazing how cheap some stuff has become.
Well good night to all,
Sending love
Tim
Afterwards I celebrated by going to Safeway and buying all kinds of good things to eat, not sweet, just good things. Then it was home and this evening I've taken time off to catch up on some DVR back programs of NCIS Los Angeles. With the DRV and commercials gone its fast to watch programs, well why do I get to select programs? Well the program director is visiting her sister today and through the weekend so I get to make all my own decisions. Its fun.
Now I decide to head to bed. I'm using the laptop to write this and its on its new battery. I had held off on getting a new battery as I thought they would cost at least a hundred bucks, Through Amazon I was able to purchase a new battery for just $14.50 and it works great. Amazing how cheap some stuff has become.
Well good night to all,
Sending love
Tim
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The joys of everyday living...
Dear Family and Friends,
Oh often do we stop, really pause and consider how good life is in this country? While government intrudes more and more into our every private space we still are pretty free to travel, visit, work, play without having to answer to anyone.
Today we roamed to Antioch where we saw a nearly new home that the people are being forced to sell since they are being moved to Pittsburg, a huge move but their other choice was Houston which they could not get excited about. They had pets all over, a bunny rabbit, several dogs of different sizes, gates and doors all over to control the pets movements. They even had a dog door which only opens when the right collar is nearby to signal it.
After we left for the next destination we hit the Taco Bell since my blood sugar was dropping and Marilyn of course had eaten NO breakfast. We arrived in Hayward and inspected a really clean place and then drove to Livermore to do a simply driveby review. Problem was, some non thinking person had taken a normal house and ended up with 4,200 Sq.Ft. of house with surrounding homes of 1,600 to 2,000 sf. So the appraiser traveled 2 to 3 miles for comps from wonderful high end custom developments. The comps he used have nothing to do with the subject property at all. So i selected a bunch of my own that were nearer by and so we ended up shooting about 15 comparables, the last two with almost no light so we will see how well they turn out. It was a lot of work to make $155.
Tomorrow morning at 8:30 I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to have my trigger finger looked at. While I am not looking forward to the pain involved I know I need to deal with it and I'm thrilled that my new Kaiser card came today. The whole Kaiser acceptance thing is a miracle as I could no longer afford the Blue Cross policy. The most painful thing about switching is losing Dr. Jim Edwards. He has been a miracle worker for our family for so long. I will miss him and our visits.
Well I'm sleepy and its time to head to bed. Up at 5.
Love to all,
Tim
Oh often do we stop, really pause and consider how good life is in this country? While government intrudes more and more into our every private space we still are pretty free to travel, visit, work, play without having to answer to anyone.
Today we roamed to Antioch where we saw a nearly new home that the people are being forced to sell since they are being moved to Pittsburg, a huge move but their other choice was Houston which they could not get excited about. They had pets all over, a bunny rabbit, several dogs of different sizes, gates and doors all over to control the pets movements. They even had a dog door which only opens when the right collar is nearby to signal it.
After we left for the next destination we hit the Taco Bell since my blood sugar was dropping and Marilyn of course had eaten NO breakfast. We arrived in Hayward and inspected a really clean place and then drove to Livermore to do a simply driveby review. Problem was, some non thinking person had taken a normal house and ended up with 4,200 Sq.Ft. of house with surrounding homes of 1,600 to 2,000 sf. So the appraiser traveled 2 to 3 miles for comps from wonderful high end custom developments. The comps he used have nothing to do with the subject property at all. So i selected a bunch of my own that were nearer by and so we ended up shooting about 15 comparables, the last two with almost no light so we will see how well they turn out. It was a lot of work to make $155.
Tomorrow morning at 8:30 I have an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon to have my trigger finger looked at. While I am not looking forward to the pain involved I know I need to deal with it and I'm thrilled that my new Kaiser card came today. The whole Kaiser acceptance thing is a miracle as I could no longer afford the Blue Cross policy. The most painful thing about switching is losing Dr. Jim Edwards. He has been a miracle worker for our family for so long. I will miss him and our visits.
Well I'm sleepy and its time to head to bed. Up at 5.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, October 17, 2011
This thing we call living
Do is it really worth it? This slugging forward day by day waiting for the next shoe to drop, now its my health and the weight has to come off or my life will be much shorter. But getting to the point where the steps are taken to move in a new direction is proving challenging. I've fallen into bad habits of just having something in my mouth all the time, hardly ever really feel hungry and while I know little meals are good for diabetes so is being your target weight.
Today was sort of hard to work through. For some reason I was very sleepy, the day was hot and when I finally got to the house to inspect it I found a mess, you know how moving is, those last steps where everything is just laying out, well thats how I found the house, not at its best and the carpets were so filthy, who knows if they can be cleaned ever. The house is a nice one with 3005 Sq.Ft., a pool, stamped concrete patio, nice kitchen but everywhere there was trash and more trash and things that need to be moved out. By the time I finished the house I was just plain hot, not so much fun.
Then it was to Walnut Creek to do a field review where the comps were all over and then I headed back but stopped in Clayton, found a subway and had dinner. It was perfect, early enough in the evening and tasted great. We then came home the back roads, roads that are full of memories for me as I think of how many times Nan and made the trip through the windy Marsh Creek road, of how it nearly took her life when she had an accident in our first Ford van, so when ever I drive there I think of her.
Well for now I think I'll just think of rest. Morning comes very early and I've off to see a couple places tomorrow. Thankful for work as always.
Love to you and yours
tim
Today was sort of hard to work through. For some reason I was very sleepy, the day was hot and when I finally got to the house to inspect it I found a mess, you know how moving is, those last steps where everything is just laying out, well thats how I found the house, not at its best and the carpets were so filthy, who knows if they can be cleaned ever. The house is a nice one with 3005 Sq.Ft., a pool, stamped concrete patio, nice kitchen but everywhere there was trash and more trash and things that need to be moved out. By the time I finished the house I was just plain hot, not so much fun.
Then it was to Walnut Creek to do a field review where the comps were all over and then I headed back but stopped in Clayton, found a subway and had dinner. It was perfect, early enough in the evening and tasted great. We then came home the back roads, roads that are full of memories for me as I think of how many times Nan and made the trip through the windy Marsh Creek road, of how it nearly took her life when she had an accident in our first Ford van, so when ever I drive there I think of her.
Well for now I think I'll just think of rest. Morning comes very early and I've off to see a couple places tomorrow. Thankful for work as always.
Love to you and yours
tim
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Mia turns 1 and celebrates with a wonderful party!
Dear Family and Friends,
What a great day! Any time one can catch a free ride, be in the middle of dozens of small children racing around, observe Mia as she smiled, crawled, played and enjoyed her day, well its a great day.
Jo and Jason had prepared for this day very well. Streamers were over the living room and dining room, festive cupcakes, tasty cake balls with frosting, good drink, pretzels, apple slices, wow they had it covered.
Many children brought their parents and part of the time the games were outside with Jason leading out and part of the fun was inside. Will Timothy's room ever be the same? Doubtful! Every child went home with goody bags and will happy memories of this special day.
Nikki drove the van which of course has room for everyone, I rode in the back with Keanna and she played with the Iphone and watched a DVD while I used the laptop to write an appraisal which has just gone out to the lender. Nikki's van has a plug in for 115 volts so the laptop just plugged in and went to work. Kallie was a great kid, no complaining, just did her own thing with toys and books while we drove. Marilyn and Nikki solved all of the worlds problems up front.
Mia got lots of nice toys to enjoy and some beautiful clothes, she liked her puzzles, her action toys that make noise and helped with the unwrapping. I've included the latest photo where I'm surrounded by the worlds best kiddos! Well It think so.
Now a new week looms but today was certainly a wonderful break and in keeping with that saying, change is vacation, well today was a splendid vacation! We all need em and I've been missing them lately. Thank you Lord for such a precious family to enjoy. For such dedicated parents and for your Blessing on us all.
Love
tim
What a great day! Any time one can catch a free ride, be in the middle of dozens of small children racing around, observe Mia as she smiled, crawled, played and enjoyed her day, well its a great day.
Jo and Jason had prepared for this day very well. Streamers were over the living room and dining room, festive cupcakes, tasty cake balls with frosting, good drink, pretzels, apple slices, wow they had it covered.
Many children brought their parents and part of the time the games were outside with Jason leading out and part of the fun was inside. Will Timothy's room ever be the same? Doubtful! Every child went home with goody bags and will happy memories of this special day.
Nikki drove the van which of course has room for everyone, I rode in the back with Keanna and she played with the Iphone and watched a DVD while I used the laptop to write an appraisal which has just gone out to the lender. Nikki's van has a plug in for 115 volts so the laptop just plugged in and went to work. Kallie was a great kid, no complaining, just did her own thing with toys and books while we drove. Marilyn and Nikki solved all of the worlds problems up front.
Mia got lots of nice toys to enjoy and some beautiful clothes, she liked her puzzles, her action toys that make noise and helped with the unwrapping. I've included the latest photo where I'm surrounded by the worlds best kiddos! Well It think so.
Now a new week looms but today was certainly a wonderful break and in keeping with that saying, change is vacation, well today was a splendid vacation! We all need em and I've been missing them lately. Thank you Lord for such a precious family to enjoy. For such dedicated parents and for your Blessing on us all.
Love
tim
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Keanna scores a goal!
In the last minutes of the game Keanna took advantage of being near the goal and kicked the ball between the goalies's feet scoring her first goal! She was so excited and pleased and so were her parents, pappa and Marilyn who could hardly believe what had just happened on the field. Her goal for several weeks has been to kick a goal but so far her efforts were for nothing as the goalie caught the ball each time, this time she was not to be denied. It was a great moment!
This morning we took Kallie to Sabbath School where for most of the time she was the only child, Diane was the teacher and I played the piano. Keanna had not been for a few weeks due to scheduling conflicts, Pismo beach last weekend, various birthday parties and soccer games etc. I was glad to see her back in her little chair soaking in the stories about the people of the bible.
I've rested this afternoon in the big recliner and my body seemed to accept the fact that it could relax and recharge its batteries.
Tomorrow is a big day, we are off to MBA to see Mia turn 1 year old. Hard to believe that a whole year has passed already. She is a very exciting child, strong, healthy, happy and loves to smile and enjoy life. So it will be fun to venture out and see the family together again. You can bet there will be photos with Pappa and the 4 little kiddos.
Keanna has consented to drive the van which will give me a work platform to write appraisal reports. I'm down to about 2 to write up now so this should work out well. No I won't have internet connections, have not learned how to use my phone with a cable to run the internet yet, another thing to learn.
This evening when I tried to access the local MLS I'm not getting in. I'll bet they are upgrading the system, not what I wanted to experience as I have a file almost ready to go out but it needs MLS printouts first. Well maybe not this time.
Take care, enjoy this wonderful time of year, right now the cool breezes are blowing off the lake and through the house. Very very nice.
Love to all,
Tim
ps I took a little fall last night, was pulling my leg out of my sweats and got hung up, fell sideways onto some steps in the bathroom, I have a sore ankle and sore arm but otherwise I came through fine.
This morning we took Kallie to Sabbath School where for most of the time she was the only child, Diane was the teacher and I played the piano. Keanna had not been for a few weeks due to scheduling conflicts, Pismo beach last weekend, various birthday parties and soccer games etc. I was glad to see her back in her little chair soaking in the stories about the people of the bible.
I've rested this afternoon in the big recliner and my body seemed to accept the fact that it could relax and recharge its batteries.
Tomorrow is a big day, we are off to MBA to see Mia turn 1 year old. Hard to believe that a whole year has passed already. She is a very exciting child, strong, healthy, happy and loves to smile and enjoy life. So it will be fun to venture out and see the family together again. You can bet there will be photos with Pappa and the 4 little kiddos.
Keanna has consented to drive the van which will give me a work platform to write appraisal reports. I'm down to about 2 to write up now so this should work out well. No I won't have internet connections, have not learned how to use my phone with a cable to run the internet yet, another thing to learn.
This evening when I tried to access the local MLS I'm not getting in. I'll bet they are upgrading the system, not what I wanted to experience as I have a file almost ready to go out but it needs MLS printouts first. Well maybe not this time.
Take care, enjoy this wonderful time of year, right now the cool breezes are blowing off the lake and through the house. Very very nice.
Love to all,
Tim
ps I took a little fall last night, was pulling my leg out of my sweats and got hung up, fell sideways onto some steps in the bathroom, I have a sore ankle and sore arm but otherwise I came through fine.
Kallie to attend Sabbath School with her Pappa
I've got the go ahead, Kallie can come to SS in the morning and she is ready and so am I.
Today I've pretty much stayed put to write reports and get things fixed. Its been a very long day but at this point somewhat rewarding. The learning curve is very real so I know more this Friday night than I did last week.
On sunday we are traveling to MBA to see jason and jo. Mia is turning 1 year old and that is so exciting. We are all going down in the van and that way I can work each way using the little laptop. It should be a great help and will help pass the time. Nikki and Steve are great drivers and who ever drives its nice to leave the road to them and relax in the back.
This has been a week of contrasts, all my plans on how to spend the check from AppraiserLoft vanished when they went broke. Life is like that, you just never know what is next but you can be sure it will be interesting.
Like last night, we ate a burger at Fuddruckers and of course this afternoon I discovered I had left my card at the font desk. I called, they found it so we went back tonight and this time I had a baked potato and salad. REally a fun place to eat and pretty decent food.
So for now I'm signing off, sending postive thoughts to all
Love
tim
Today I've pretty much stayed put to write reports and get things fixed. Its been a very long day but at this point somewhat rewarding. The learning curve is very real so I know more this Friday night than I did last week.
On sunday we are traveling to MBA to see jason and jo. Mia is turning 1 year old and that is so exciting. We are all going down in the van and that way I can work each way using the little laptop. It should be a great help and will help pass the time. Nikki and Steve are great drivers and who ever drives its nice to leave the road to them and relax in the back.
This has been a week of contrasts, all my plans on how to spend the check from AppraiserLoft vanished when they went broke. Life is like that, you just never know what is next but you can be sure it will be interesting.
Like last night, we ate a burger at Fuddruckers and of course this afternoon I discovered I had left my card at the font desk. I called, they found it so we went back tonight and this time I had a baked potato and salad. REally a fun place to eat and pretty decent food.
So for now I'm signing off, sending postive thoughts to all
Love
tim
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Another one for the books
Dear Friends and Family,
So here I am again after a very long day. Up at 5, inspected 2 with STeve in Antioch this morning, then home to quickly ship out a report and then on to Livermore, San Ramon, Danville and then back to San Ramon. Tonight we tried Fuddruckers and the garden burger was really good. Now I'm unwinding before I do a bit more on fixing things and then to bed.
I am so thankful for the ability to keep going during these busy times. When I've been this busy before I had a staff of people to help, this time its Steve, marilyn and myself. So I keep thinking one of these days the cash will roll in, but then I remember AppraiserLoft, thats cash that will probably not roll in anytime soon and a lot of it.
This afternoon I met the most interesting people, its hard to keep moving when the people have such a great story to tell, this afternoon I got to talk motorhomes with a couple who are leaving for Vegas for 3 months in their 35 foot coach. He had the most amazing totally restored older Chevy pickup in the garage, perfect in every way.
At the next home the older Indian couple had their 10 month old grandson and it was obvious that they were thrilled to have him visit. Such fun.
Then in Danville it was a home where the lady just moved in and has her own 8 year old girl, he has an 8 year old girl as well so everyone was just getting to know each other.
I'm still very deep in things that are overdue. Tomorrow I intend to stay here and write write write, schedule and attempt to catch up.
Last evening marilyn made a spaghetti dinner with whole grain pasta, had found vege meatballs and we moved to the deck to eat. The lake was beautiful, the weather was perfect and it was a nice meal. Oh that I could do more living and less cranking but of course without the cranking when its possible there would be nothing else left.
Hope your night is good, God is answering prayers, the ones I've been asking you to pray!
Love to all
Tim
So here I am again after a very long day. Up at 5, inspected 2 with STeve in Antioch this morning, then home to quickly ship out a report and then on to Livermore, San Ramon, Danville and then back to San Ramon. Tonight we tried Fuddruckers and the garden burger was really good. Now I'm unwinding before I do a bit more on fixing things and then to bed.
I am so thankful for the ability to keep going during these busy times. When I've been this busy before I had a staff of people to help, this time its Steve, marilyn and myself. So I keep thinking one of these days the cash will roll in, but then I remember AppraiserLoft, thats cash that will probably not roll in anytime soon and a lot of it.
This afternoon I met the most interesting people, its hard to keep moving when the people have such a great story to tell, this afternoon I got to talk motorhomes with a couple who are leaving for Vegas for 3 months in their 35 foot coach. He had the most amazing totally restored older Chevy pickup in the garage, perfect in every way.
At the next home the older Indian couple had their 10 month old grandson and it was obvious that they were thrilled to have him visit. Such fun.
Then in Danville it was a home where the lady just moved in and has her own 8 year old girl, he has an 8 year old girl as well so everyone was just getting to know each other.
I'm still very deep in things that are overdue. Tomorrow I intend to stay here and write write write, schedule and attempt to catch up.
Last evening marilyn made a spaghetti dinner with whole grain pasta, had found vege meatballs and we moved to the deck to eat. The lake was beautiful, the weather was perfect and it was a nice meal. Oh that I could do more living and less cranking but of course without the cranking when its possible there would be nothing else left.
Hope your night is good, God is answering prayers, the ones I've been asking you to pray!
Love to all
Tim
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A huge day
Dear Family and Friends,
This will be short and to the point. Rolled out at 5 and aside from eating I've been cranking. In addition I've made my first contact with Kaiser, took a look at my blood work and shuddered. My A1C was the highest I've ever been by far. Time to start acting like I have a disease and do better.
I started the day off with writing a relocation report, that took half the day, then taking care of other stuff that kept popping up took some time, then I waded into a simple review for Freddie Mac, well I thought it would be simple, not so. I ended up cutting the value, not sure what the appraiser was thinking but you can't use year old comps in a super declining market like it was in early 2008 and hope to be right about value. The house was so tiny it looked like a doll house. So I just put that one into the lenders hands a few minutes ago.
Steve has been very valuable today, he helped a great deal with a couple files that are now in the lender's hands. That was a huge help and lightened my load.
In the morning he and I are seeing two properties in Antioch, then we come back and I reload for the rest of the day, seeing three more in the afternoon and he begins to write the ones we saw up.
So now its bed time, 5 am comes very early and there are still many files to write up.
Sending love to all and I do appreciate your prayers for me and those who have special situations.
Love
tim
This will be short and to the point. Rolled out at 5 and aside from eating I've been cranking. In addition I've made my first contact with Kaiser, took a look at my blood work and shuddered. My A1C was the highest I've ever been by far. Time to start acting like I have a disease and do better.
I started the day off with writing a relocation report, that took half the day, then taking care of other stuff that kept popping up took some time, then I waded into a simple review for Freddie Mac, well I thought it would be simple, not so. I ended up cutting the value, not sure what the appraiser was thinking but you can't use year old comps in a super declining market like it was in early 2008 and hope to be right about value. The house was so tiny it looked like a doll house. So I just put that one into the lenders hands a few minutes ago.
Steve has been very valuable today, he helped a great deal with a couple files that are now in the lender's hands. That was a huge help and lightened my load.
In the morning he and I are seeing two properties in Antioch, then we come back and I reload for the rest of the day, seeing three more in the afternoon and he begins to write the ones we saw up.
So now its bed time, 5 am comes very early and there are still many files to write up.
Sending love to all and I do appreciate your prayers for me and those who have special situations.
Love
tim
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
We all must walk through the fire at times
Dear Family and Friends,
If it could happen it did today.
** up at 5 am to work and there was the notice on line, AppraiserLoft had closed its doors, my biggest client over the past 2 years and with outstanding debts to me of $3875, gone out of business. The promise of management companies, accept lower fees but we will always be there to pay you on time was not kept. Once again government has failed. This was governments idea to force all of us into working with management companies. It was a very hard hit.
** called Kaiser member services only to discover that the company I've paid a lot of money has not gotten me into the Kaiser system yet, somehow I have a number and was able to see a doctor yesterday but I'm not in the system, another big hit. I'm assured that it will be taken care of, I certainly hope so. At the same time different departments of Kaiser have been placing calls for different things about my care, somehow they know I exist but not officially yet.
** I just spoke with the owner of the company that offers to help write appraisals, we have been talking for a couple days and I was ready to get started with their helping with the writing. His bad news was that they had decided not to support my software, only the big three. He was very sorry but did not hold out much hope that they would change their mind. That was a terrible hit as I'm totally buried in work right now, I mean buried with most of the files being overdue now.
** To keep connected to MLS I had to cough up over $700 this afternoon, other wise I would be out of business.
Some days really go better than others and now I'm just sort of waiting for the next event to happen.
I'm writing early tonight to simply ask if you could remember my situation in prayer. When I step back there are many blessings in place, lots of work, health seems OK, I have a place to live for now, the $3875 was earmarked for house payment!
The first thing I did this morning was to file a complaint with the OREA, our state agency that regulates the management companies and I included a list of the outstanding appraisal fees owed. Who know, the word on the street is they owe appraisers 3 million dollars at the moment.
I've appreciated getting to talk to friends and family today, its been a lift.
Love to all,
Tim
If it could happen it did today.
** up at 5 am to work and there was the notice on line, AppraiserLoft had closed its doors, my biggest client over the past 2 years and with outstanding debts to me of $3875, gone out of business. The promise of management companies, accept lower fees but we will always be there to pay you on time was not kept. Once again government has failed. This was governments idea to force all of us into working with management companies. It was a very hard hit.
** called Kaiser member services only to discover that the company I've paid a lot of money has not gotten me into the Kaiser system yet, somehow I have a number and was able to see a doctor yesterday but I'm not in the system, another big hit. I'm assured that it will be taken care of, I certainly hope so. At the same time different departments of Kaiser have been placing calls for different things about my care, somehow they know I exist but not officially yet.
** I just spoke with the owner of the company that offers to help write appraisals, we have been talking for a couple days and I was ready to get started with their helping with the writing. His bad news was that they had decided not to support my software, only the big three. He was very sorry but did not hold out much hope that they would change their mind. That was a terrible hit as I'm totally buried in work right now, I mean buried with most of the files being overdue now.
** To keep connected to MLS I had to cough up over $700 this afternoon, other wise I would be out of business.
Some days really go better than others and now I'm just sort of waiting for the next event to happen.
I'm writing early tonight to simply ask if you could remember my situation in prayer. When I step back there are many blessings in place, lots of work, health seems OK, I have a place to live for now, the $3875 was earmarked for house payment!
The first thing I did this morning was to file a complaint with the OREA, our state agency that regulates the management companies and I included a list of the outstanding appraisal fees owed. Who know, the word on the street is they owe appraisers 3 million dollars at the moment.
I've appreciated getting to talk to friends and family today, its been a lift.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, October 10, 2011
My first visit to Kaiser.......
Dear Ones,
It was a very dark day, rain on and off, low clouds partially obscuring the huge new wind machines as we passed over Vasco Road on our way to Fremont. So we spend the day with the heater on but still made progress. We did hit one snag. The first stop failed to find the owner home. The husband had forgotten to remind his wife of my coming so she was gone. I'll go back tomorrow, hard times to have to go back but human nature means mistakes sometimes, no reason to go off.
Once we did what we could for that appraisal, shot the comps and measured the outside of the home, then we headed for Richmond where we did two driveby reviews for the government. These loans are three years old and the question is, did they do right in the first place? Use the right comparables etc. They are never easy to write and take a long of time, after all an appraiser's work, his judgement is in question. I've been there so I know how serious it is. Not much room for error.
We were enough ahead of schedule that we had lunch at UNO's. I had this incredible 12 grain crust deep dish little pizza. It was just so good, rugged, just like I like my food and along with some soup the lunch was perfect.
Then we made our way to Kaiser where we found the right desk and started the process. Because I do not yet have my card I had to pay $100 to see the doctor. He turned out to be very helpful and later I went down and had lab work. They are so organized, friendly and helpful. I think in time I'll have all my needs met using the system. I'm still not able to sign in since the system does not recognize me yet even though I have a number. That number got me in to see Dr. Gee, the lab etc. Anyway I'm very gratified to be a part of Kaiser now and while this month is expensive as they charge a double fee to start from now on I save $300 a month and have access to many things not available otherwise. Good bye Blue Cross, you have been a very good friend but my needs have changed and your charges are out of my reach now.
The Antioch facility is all new and there are plenty of facilities to offer just about everything one could need.
Well tomorrow is another day and I plan to start at 5 so I'd better hit the hay for now. Great news is Steve and Nikki are home safely with the girls, the motorhome did not break down and they all had a great time.
Love to all,
Tim
It was a very dark day, rain on and off, low clouds partially obscuring the huge new wind machines as we passed over Vasco Road on our way to Fremont. So we spend the day with the heater on but still made progress. We did hit one snag. The first stop failed to find the owner home. The husband had forgotten to remind his wife of my coming so she was gone. I'll go back tomorrow, hard times to have to go back but human nature means mistakes sometimes, no reason to go off.
Once we did what we could for that appraisal, shot the comps and measured the outside of the home, then we headed for Richmond where we did two driveby reviews for the government. These loans are three years old and the question is, did they do right in the first place? Use the right comparables etc. They are never easy to write and take a long of time, after all an appraiser's work, his judgement is in question. I've been there so I know how serious it is. Not much room for error.
We were enough ahead of schedule that we had lunch at UNO's. I had this incredible 12 grain crust deep dish little pizza. It was just so good, rugged, just like I like my food and along with some soup the lunch was perfect.
Then we made our way to Kaiser where we found the right desk and started the process. Because I do not yet have my card I had to pay $100 to see the doctor. He turned out to be very helpful and later I went down and had lab work. They are so organized, friendly and helpful. I think in time I'll have all my needs met using the system. I'm still not able to sign in since the system does not recognize me yet even though I have a number. That number got me in to see Dr. Gee, the lab etc. Anyway I'm very gratified to be a part of Kaiser now and while this month is expensive as they charge a double fee to start from now on I save $300 a month and have access to many things not available otherwise. Good bye Blue Cross, you have been a very good friend but my needs have changed and your charges are out of my reach now.
The Antioch facility is all new and there are plenty of facilities to offer just about everything one could need.
Well tomorrow is another day and I plan to start at 5 so I'd better hit the hay for now. Great news is Steve and Nikki are home safely with the girls, the motorhome did not break down and they all had a great time.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, October 9, 2011
A pleasant day
Dear Family and Friends,
Nearly time to hit the sheets once again. Today has been an enjoyable fall day but I've been stuck at this computer all day other than to take a break to shoot comps photos and grab dinner at La Villa in Bethel Island.
I've been cranking out work and took a short break this afternoon to go next door and take the shade device that Ray and Lois had set up over their back deck. The wind blew it up into the tree and hung it on a branch. So after I fought it for awhile I finally got it down, took it apart to save it for them when they return from San Jose. Felt good to move the arms and tackle something different.
This week promises to be a busy one coming up. I'm aware that many people will be on holiday tomorrow but I'm seeing a place in Fremont in the morning and then doing some review work before ending up at Kaiser in the afternoon. I'm really looking forward to getting started with this new process.
Well it is time to rest and get up very early in the morning.
One thing about working at the desk all day is the music on KDFC which streams through the computer. Its a great classical station and is so well run, the music is perfect and they talk very little. It helps pass the time and I learn about music all the time. Great stuff. If you don't have music in your lives I'd urge you to consider obtaining access to some soon. Let music sooth you, give you peace.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Nearly time to hit the sheets once again. Today has been an enjoyable fall day but I've been stuck at this computer all day other than to take a break to shoot comps photos and grab dinner at La Villa in Bethel Island.
I've been cranking out work and took a short break this afternoon to go next door and take the shade device that Ray and Lois had set up over their back deck. The wind blew it up into the tree and hung it on a branch. So after I fought it for awhile I finally got it down, took it apart to save it for them when they return from San Jose. Felt good to move the arms and tackle something different.
This week promises to be a busy one coming up. I'm aware that many people will be on holiday tomorrow but I'm seeing a place in Fremont in the morning and then doing some review work before ending up at Kaiser in the afternoon. I'm really looking forward to getting started with this new process.
Well it is time to rest and get up very early in the morning.
One thing about working at the desk all day is the music on KDFC which streams through the computer. Its a great classical station and is so well run, the music is perfect and they talk very little. It helps pass the time and I learn about music all the time. Great stuff. If you don't have music in your lives I'd urge you to consider obtaining access to some soon. Let music sooth you, give you peace.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Interesting day
Dear Family and Friends,
Tonight my kids are at the beach. Jason, Jo and kiddos are at home by the beach while Steve and Nikki with kiddos are camping in the motorhome on Pismo Beach, right next to the waves. Nikki has sent a couple little videos today with Keanna riding an ATV on the sand and another of Kallie looking out the window of the coach. They sound like they are having a great time and I'm so glad they are there enjoying themselves.
The weather was perfect today, just a great day for venturing out. This evening we went to the movies, something I've not done in many months. We saw something with George Clooney, Edes of something. It was a political movie and shows back room workings on a campaign. It was well made and very depressing. Not any fun or games and sort of left you shaking your head as you left the theatre. Of course the popcorn was great!
Afterwards we dropped in at Mels which is next door and my omelet was delivered to the table packed with onions right after I ask that no onions be anywhere near my plate. The second time turned out much better and the food was great.
Now its bed time, tomorrow is a production day and I'm exploring a new service, for a mere $15 a group of writers promises to write up reports based on the information gleaned during the inspection and ship them back overnight. If this really works out it could mean I can get a lot more done in a shorter time than I can now. The first three reports are free and they claim to write it using my style. We will see but it is sponsored by one of the largest appraiser organizations in the country, the same one that provides my million dollar E&O policy and got me into Kaiser.
I hope your Sabbath was relaxing as mine was. I heard from Dolly and she reports that she and her hubby are moving to Napa, away from Oregon. I'm thrilled to have them return, it will be nice to be able to see them more often.
Asking that you continue to pray for special needs and I thank you for doing so.
Love
tim
Tonight my kids are at the beach. Jason, Jo and kiddos are at home by the beach while Steve and Nikki with kiddos are camping in the motorhome on Pismo Beach, right next to the waves. Nikki has sent a couple little videos today with Keanna riding an ATV on the sand and another of Kallie looking out the window of the coach. They sound like they are having a great time and I'm so glad they are there enjoying themselves.
The weather was perfect today, just a great day for venturing out. This evening we went to the movies, something I've not done in many months. We saw something with George Clooney, Edes of something. It was a political movie and shows back room workings on a campaign. It was well made and very depressing. Not any fun or games and sort of left you shaking your head as you left the theatre. Of course the popcorn was great!
Afterwards we dropped in at Mels which is next door and my omelet was delivered to the table packed with onions right after I ask that no onions be anywhere near my plate. The second time turned out much better and the food was great.
Now its bed time, tomorrow is a production day and I'm exploring a new service, for a mere $15 a group of writers promises to write up reports based on the information gleaned during the inspection and ship them back overnight. If this really works out it could mean I can get a lot more done in a shorter time than I can now. The first three reports are free and they claim to write it using my style. We will see but it is sponsored by one of the largest appraiser organizations in the country, the same one that provides my million dollar E&O policy and got me into Kaiser.
I hope your Sabbath was relaxing as mine was. I heard from Dolly and she reports that she and her hubby are moving to Napa, away from Oregon. I'm thrilled to have them return, it will be nice to be able to see them more often.
Asking that you continue to pray for special needs and I thank you for doing so.
Love
tim
Friday, October 7, 2011
Over
Dear Readers
I've not been this tired since last night! My day started at 5 am and by 9 when we left for the field an appraisal was shipped out. A tech at my software company was good enough to take control of my computer today and was able to solve the glitch in about 30 seconds.
It was a great day, the weather was perfect, first saw a stunning home in Danville with a 300 year old oak in the backyard, think of that, about as old as I feel tonight.
Then we drove to San Ramon to see a nice place, then shot comps for a prior appraisal, then went on to see a property in Livermore, met up with Nikki briefly and then finally headed back to the homeland to sign a document at the bank which rejected the request from Blue Cross for payment, nearly $1200. Then to CostCo and Red Robin for dinner, now home and ready for bed.
What a whirlwind week this has been. Its been long days, short nights and lots to do. So thankful for work, yet stress is really hard to cope with, trying to keep so many people happy at the same time.
Sending love to all
Tim
I've not been this tired since last night! My day started at 5 am and by 9 when we left for the field an appraisal was shipped out. A tech at my software company was good enough to take control of my computer today and was able to solve the glitch in about 30 seconds.
It was a great day, the weather was perfect, first saw a stunning home in Danville with a 300 year old oak in the backyard, think of that, about as old as I feel tonight.
Then we drove to San Ramon to see a nice place, then shot comps for a prior appraisal, then went on to see a property in Livermore, met up with Nikki briefly and then finally headed back to the homeland to sign a document at the bank which rejected the request from Blue Cross for payment, nearly $1200. Then to CostCo and Red Robin for dinner, now home and ready for bed.
What a whirlwind week this has been. Its been long days, short nights and lots to do. So thankful for work, yet stress is really hard to cope with, trying to keep so many people happy at the same time.
Sending love to all
Tim
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Short
Dear Family and Friends
Quick greetings.
Been working in for most of the day, this afternoon while there was thunder in the distance the power failed for a few seconds, it was enough to ruin something in my computer program. I lost an entire appraisal I had just completed, the auto save did not work. So I had to reenter that one from scratch. Then something failed so loading the photos is now a very slow process, not sure how to fix the problem. I reloaded the entire software upgrade but it did not fix the problem. Pretty stressful day.
Just shipped out a condo and now I'm taking on a huge custom home in Antioch. I'm having challenging keeping up without the stress of failed equipment. Really challenges my faith and peace.
Well got to head into the next one, have to be in Danville at 10 in the morning, then shoot comps for the relo, then drive to Fremont and shoot more comps, then Livermore for a full report and then finally home for some quiet time with the christian TV, soft music and relaxing through the Sabbath. What an exciting, challenging, frightful week. So many voices crying out for services, now NOW NOW they all say.
So life goes on with barely a moment to even think about normal living stuff. I managed to get an appointment for Kaiser for next monday to begin the process of solving the cough. I could have gone today but I found that a bit too soon considering the workload I'm facing.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Quick greetings.
Been working in for most of the day, this afternoon while there was thunder in the distance the power failed for a few seconds, it was enough to ruin something in my computer program. I lost an entire appraisal I had just completed, the auto save did not work. So I had to reenter that one from scratch. Then something failed so loading the photos is now a very slow process, not sure how to fix the problem. I reloaded the entire software upgrade but it did not fix the problem. Pretty stressful day.
Just shipped out a condo and now I'm taking on a huge custom home in Antioch. I'm having challenging keeping up without the stress of failed equipment. Really challenges my faith and peace.
Well got to head into the next one, have to be in Danville at 10 in the morning, then shoot comps for the relo, then drive to Fremont and shoot more comps, then Livermore for a full report and then finally home for some quiet time with the christian TV, soft music and relaxing through the Sabbath. What an exciting, challenging, frightful week. So many voices crying out for services, now NOW NOW they all say.
So life goes on with barely a moment to even think about normal living stuff. I managed to get an appointment for Kaiser for next monday to begin the process of solving the cough. I could have gone today but I found that a bit too soon considering the workload I'm facing.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
An even longer day!
This morning started early.
5 am the alarm sounded and by 5:30 I was driving out. Turns out I needed all the time I had allowed and some more. I was supposed to arrive in Orinda at this 6,200 sf home at 7 but actually did not make it until 7:30. Then a blessed thing happened. Turns out the owner had an appraisal done a few months ago and had a copy as a pdf. He forwarded it to my office so I did not have to do all the measuring that would have been required. Even with that help I was nearly late to the Castro Valley 10 am appointment.
The owner was a gentle pleasant woman who owns a cleaners in Piedmont, in the Oakland Hills. Its a high end town and she says some of the clients are very challenging, yet she is glad she has work, 4th child is just off to UC and that costs lots of money. We had a nice visit and I enjoyed seeing her home where 4 children got launched. She was Korean and had heard of Dr. Ahn in Tracy.
My next appointment was at 1 in Fremont but I splurged and had lunch at Olive Garden, it was only $12 but so tasty and perfect. While I was measuring the very nice home in Fremont hills it started to pour, I raced to the car for a coat and finished in the rain. That lady was from Peru and the home was filled with special things from that area.
My final appointment was a little home located in the business district right on Fremont Blvd. He is a doctor and they use the house for limited doctor visits but live there full time. What a fun guy, loves his huge Koi pond, his fishing boat, his kids, his landscaping, loves life. What fun.
So now I'm home. Been getting the motorhome sort of ready as STeve is taking the girls on a camping trip and is going to give the motorhome a try. I'm thrilled that they are getting away.
Well I'm still facing some work tonight so I'd better sign off.
Love to all
pray for those with special needs!!
Tim
5 am the alarm sounded and by 5:30 I was driving out. Turns out I needed all the time I had allowed and some more. I was supposed to arrive in Orinda at this 6,200 sf home at 7 but actually did not make it until 7:30. Then a blessed thing happened. Turns out the owner had an appraisal done a few months ago and had a copy as a pdf. He forwarded it to my office so I did not have to do all the measuring that would have been required. Even with that help I was nearly late to the Castro Valley 10 am appointment.
The owner was a gentle pleasant woman who owns a cleaners in Piedmont, in the Oakland Hills. Its a high end town and she says some of the clients are very challenging, yet she is glad she has work, 4th child is just off to UC and that costs lots of money. We had a nice visit and I enjoyed seeing her home where 4 children got launched. She was Korean and had heard of Dr. Ahn in Tracy.
My next appointment was at 1 in Fremont but I splurged and had lunch at Olive Garden, it was only $12 but so tasty and perfect. While I was measuring the very nice home in Fremont hills it started to pour, I raced to the car for a coat and finished in the rain. That lady was from Peru and the home was filled with special things from that area.
My final appointment was a little home located in the business district right on Fremont Blvd. He is a doctor and they use the house for limited doctor visits but live there full time. What a fun guy, loves his huge Koi pond, his fishing boat, his kids, his landscaping, loves life. What fun.
So now I'm home. Been getting the motorhome sort of ready as STeve is taking the girls on a camping trip and is going to give the motorhome a try. I'm thrilled that they are getting away.
Well I'm still facing some work tonight so I'd better sign off.
Love to all
pray for those with special needs!!
Tim
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Short night
Dear Family and Friends
This will be a short night. I leave the house in the morning at 5:30 to see a 6200sf home in Orinda which is over an hour away if the traffic works.
Then Steve and I have a good day of seeing things together.
Right now I'm bone tired. Today I heard from friends Bob and Carrol. Carrol is once again on chemo but so far is tolerating it well. What a bright spot those two are, caring for each other and living life just right.
Love to all, lets keep praying for those with special challenges.
Tim
This will be a short night. I leave the house in the morning at 5:30 to see a 6200sf home in Orinda which is over an hour away if the traffic works.
Then Steve and I have a good day of seeing things together.
Right now I'm bone tired. Today I heard from friends Bob and Carrol. Carrol is once again on chemo but so far is tolerating it well. What a bright spot those two are, caring for each other and living life just right.
Love to all, lets keep praying for those with special challenges.
Tim
Monday, October 3, 2011
The glacial pace of progress
Dear Family and Friends,
Today another step in progress happened. This afternoon the email I had been waiting for finally arrived. It was from Kaiser and I am now a part of that great organization! And tomorrow I have the pleasure of telling Blue Cross that I no longer can afford their expensive coverage. They have been great and helped so much with Nan's care never backing away from being there for her but at $1,182 I simply cannot afford to stay the course. I feel Kaiser will be a better fit for me at this point in my life plus I save hundreds of dollars.
I have a two year plan to become more financially secure and each step like this is significant. Something else nice happened today, the pink slip for the Odyssey arrived in the mail. After all these years of trying to locate funds for the payment it is now paid off and safely in Nikki's hands, right where Nan would have liked, being used by the kids.
I spoke to Jason this evening and he is feeling better but is nursing some pretty awful blisters due to the 13 miles he ran on Sunday. When Ken and I walked this morning the thought of going round the lake for 3 more trips was not something I could even consider. I'm proud of Jason for training for this and then making it happen.
Today I've sat in this lovely office chair for about 12 hours writing reports and fixing this and that. Its been very productive, I'm thankful for that. Now that it is raining its time to get out and see some more houses, that will be tomorrow afternoon! Fun fun.
Please continue to pray for people facing special challenges right now. Life can really throw us some nasty curves.
Love to all
Tim
Today another step in progress happened. This afternoon the email I had been waiting for finally arrived. It was from Kaiser and I am now a part of that great organization! And tomorrow I have the pleasure of telling Blue Cross that I no longer can afford their expensive coverage. They have been great and helped so much with Nan's care never backing away from being there for her but at $1,182 I simply cannot afford to stay the course. I feel Kaiser will be a better fit for me at this point in my life plus I save hundreds of dollars.
I have a two year plan to become more financially secure and each step like this is significant. Something else nice happened today, the pink slip for the Odyssey arrived in the mail. After all these years of trying to locate funds for the payment it is now paid off and safely in Nikki's hands, right where Nan would have liked, being used by the kids.
I spoke to Jason this evening and he is feeling better but is nursing some pretty awful blisters due to the 13 miles he ran on Sunday. When Ken and I walked this morning the thought of going round the lake for 3 more trips was not something I could even consider. I'm proud of Jason for training for this and then making it happen.
Today I've sat in this lovely office chair for about 12 hours writing reports and fixing this and that. Its been very productive, I'm thankful for that. Now that it is raining its time to get out and see some more houses, that will be tomorrow afternoon! Fun fun.
Please continue to pray for people facing special challenges right now. Life can really throw us some nasty curves.
Love to all
Tim
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Jason does a 1/2 marathon
Dear Family and Friends,
Greets from appraisal central. Today has been a day of writing and emailing things out, not as many as are needed but I've done what I could.
Ken and I walked this morning and I felt it but there is Jason who faced a 1/2 marathon in San Jose today and did the full 13 miles. He is reporting this evening that his legs are in severe pain and he has blisters on blisters on his feet. What an accomplishment! I am so proud of him for working up to this and then doing it. So when Ken called to see if I wanted to walk in the morning how could I say no. So at 6:30 in the semi darkness we'll be walking.
Our weather has turned decidedly cooler and today we spent part of the morning with blankets over our knees as I worked and Marilyn played games on the laptop, paid bills and took in a baseball game. It is actually cold this evening, sort of nice for a change after a very warm week. Of course I love it for a dollar reason as well. With no AC running the electrical bill plummets, great news.
Well a new week is upon us and once again we face the challenges it will bring. Some of the stuff we will face is unfair, some uncalled for, some challenging, some delightful and mostly just boring stuff of life. For fun today I pulled the motorhome out from its storage place beside the house, it will soon receive its new windows at a cost of $3,300 due to a rock shower that struck the coach on its way to Yellowstone, insurance will care for it.
Good night one and all,
love
tim
Greets from appraisal central. Today has been a day of writing and emailing things out, not as many as are needed but I've done what I could.
Ken and I walked this morning and I felt it but there is Jason who faced a 1/2 marathon in San Jose today and did the full 13 miles. He is reporting this evening that his legs are in severe pain and he has blisters on blisters on his feet. What an accomplishment! I am so proud of him for working up to this and then doing it. So when Ken called to see if I wanted to walk in the morning how could I say no. So at 6:30 in the semi darkness we'll be walking.
Our weather has turned decidedly cooler and today we spent part of the morning with blankets over our knees as I worked and Marilyn played games on the laptop, paid bills and took in a baseball game. It is actually cold this evening, sort of nice for a change after a very warm week. Of course I love it for a dollar reason as well. With no AC running the electrical bill plummets, great news.
Well a new week is upon us and once again we face the challenges it will bring. Some of the stuff we will face is unfair, some uncalled for, some challenging, some delightful and mostly just boring stuff of life. For fun today I pulled the motorhome out from its storage place beside the house, it will soon receive its new windows at a cost of $3,300 due to a rock shower that struck the coach on its way to Yellowstone, insurance will care for it.
Good night one and all,
love
tim
Saturday, October 1, 2011
A Day with Family
We are just back from a full day with Timothy, Mia and Jason and Jo. We left this morning around 8 and arrived in time to witness the ceremony. Jo has started a club for children 4 and 5 years old called Eager Beavers. Today several little children were inducted into the group and received their sashes and neck gear. They all looked so cute. Jo is to be commended for her work in getting the group going and everything went off smoothly today. Good going Jo.
Mia is growing rapidly, crawls at the speed of light, stands and enjoys smiling, eating, being held and taking naps. Timothy is a bright boy who talks about big concepts, loves to joke, play and seems to enjoy his Pappa. He cornered Marilyn today and she read stories to him for hours. Jason made a lunch pizza that was so good, the homemade crust was excellent.
I took long naps this afternoon as my body tried to catch up from the past week with its long work days and high stress levels. Jason and Jo have this wonderful recliners that just shouts come take a nap, so I did.
Now its bed time and tomorrow morning there is a hike around the lake with Ken and a long day of creating appraisals. Its vital that I complete several. I did receive word today that my faithful client QVS who always pays on the 20th is set to pay me on the 20th of October. They will be paying me twice the amount I've been getting from them over the last few months. That will come in handy indeed.
Well from here I'm wishing you a very nice evening or morning depending on when you feast your eyes on these lines!!
Love
tim
Mia is growing rapidly, crawls at the speed of light, stands and enjoys smiling, eating, being held and taking naps. Timothy is a bright boy who talks about big concepts, loves to joke, play and seems to enjoy his Pappa. He cornered Marilyn today and she read stories to him for hours. Jason made a lunch pizza that was so good, the homemade crust was excellent.
I took long naps this afternoon as my body tried to catch up from the past week with its long work days and high stress levels. Jason and Jo have this wonderful recliners that just shouts come take a nap, so I did.
Now its bed time and tomorrow morning there is a hike around the lake with Ken and a long day of creating appraisals. Its vital that I complete several. I did receive word today that my faithful client QVS who always pays on the 20th is set to pay me on the 20th of October. They will be paying me twice the amount I've been getting from them over the last few months. That will come in handy indeed.
Well from here I'm wishing you a very nice evening or morning depending on when you feast your eyes on these lines!!
Love
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