2013

I've just come from Nikki and Steve's where a party is in full force.  They are great about inviting their neighbors and friends over and tonight they are playing Mexican Train dominos, it was the biggest game I've ever seen with lines extending everywhere since 8 people were playing.  The food was great, the house was filled with the sounds of many children of various ages all having fun.  I can only imagine what it will be like to clean up in the morning!

I sat in a recliner and had a chance to reread the book so carefully prepared by Karen Cress at the time of Nan's passing.  How good it was to see the photos which reach from the time she was a baby until the end when she was very ill.  There are so many precious memories tucked between the covers of that book and its been awhile since I read mine.  Karen did such a great job of preparing the book and Nikki scanned hundreds of pictures to make it possible.  Once again thanks to both of them for the work they did.

Nan would have loved this Christmas so much for as the little ones are growing up and their personalities are developing its even more fun to be with them, to hear them, watch them and treasure these days.  Nan was into family in a huge way and Kallie and I sat in the chair and turned the pages as I told her what she was seeing, first baby pictures of Nan, then baby pictures of Nikki and finally baby pictures of Keanna and Timothy, Kallie and Mia were not born until after Nan's passing.

As I sat in the chair I was in text contact with friends like Marilyn in Rhode Island and Pam in Portland, Janice in Antioch and so on.  I am so thankful to have great friends, a super family and the blessings of life itself.

And so a new year has been thrust upon us, our president is determined to ruin our economy by raising taxes on people like myself, people who work to create small companies but are somehow now the enemy, the wealthy already pay 70% of all taxes in this country, what is our fair share?  80%, 90%?  And where are the spending cuts?  Oh that will come later, there is absolutely no sign that there will be any spending cuts, oh yes there will be at some point in the future because we are going down fast, borrowing 45% of every dollar the government spends.  That cannot continue but once again there appears to be no concern about what we are putting on the backs of our children, huge debts.  Just Obama care is set to hit us all with 1 trillion in new taxes starting tomorrow, taxes on medical equipment used for the care of sick people, a huge reduction in medical savings accounts where people could put money aside to cover their future medical expenses,  when will American wake up?  This will be a terrible year in many ways as government expands even more, its choking my business, I waste hours every day trying to comply with new government regulations as I write appraisals.  None of it is helping move America forward, none of it is creating jobs for desperate people, many of which are minorities who have even higher unemployment numbers that whites.

But I want to remind myself and each of you that God knows, He cares and He will see us through but our lives are going to get more complicated with less freedom in the coming months.  It is hard to see how God can work through this mess but I know He will.  Its been interesting to read about the chaplain of the senate and his prayers before sessions, he is Barry Black, a member of my church, the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Well wishing all of you a happy new year, working together with our friends and family we can make the best of a very bad situation.

Love to all,

Tim

Life has rich moments

Dear Family and Friends,
I've just come home from an evening at the Oakland Zoo with the family, the entire zoo was decorated with Christmas lights and it was beautiful.  The kiddos had a super time and we adults enjoyed it too.  Seeing little Mia wiggle her way up to the glass so she could see the ants in action, Kallie carrying her new animal from Build a Bear with her everywhere, Keanna being the social director and Timothy taking it all in with his beautiful eyes.  What special little bundles of joy they area.

Earlier we had met at the California Pizza Kitchen for an early dinner and everyone found something great to eat, what a nice place to visit.  We met in Pleasanton at the mall and were given great service.

I started the day at 6 am, rolled out at 5:59 and got to the alarm before it went off.  After a quick shower and a quick breakfast it was on the road to Blackhawk, a high end development nestled in the foothills at the base of Mt. Diablo.  The home I inspected was huge, 4,000 sf and on a point with about 200 degree views, inground pool, high end kitchen and huge family room with step behind wet bar and a fireplace which protruded into the room.  It was nice, rooms were large, ceilings were high and flooring was new.  As I walked outside taking photos the morning air was still freezing which tended to quicken my steps just a bit.

Once I was through inspecting then I turned to shooting comparable photos for this appraisal and another one that is very challenging that I'll work on tomorrow.

I've now had the fire burning non stop for about 3 days and the home is comfortable because of it.  Love the new wood, worth the price.  The heat is so much more enjoyable than just forced air furnace with its hot air and then cold spots.

We are fast approaching the end of this year, one that has contained suffering, heart break, times of joy, friendships and a family that is so easy to love.  Sure we don't all agree on lots of things, we are bright, opinionated, stubborn folk but more than that we love each other and want to see each other succeed, be happy, be healthy and prosper.  We all have our challenges and facing life as a family we can lighten each others load a bit from time to time.  I love that.

Sending love to all,'

My Heart is beating well...

This morning Pooka was ready for a walk and so was I.  It was cold outside so I found the gloves, the cap and we headed out.  I decided to wear the heart monitor just to be sure, what a delight it was to find that as I left the house the rate was in the low 60s and no matter how fast I walked at the park I could only get it up to 79, quite a difference from last time when with the heart flutter the rate was close to 140 once I go moving at the park.  Once I got back I carried in some loads of wood from the wood stack and built a roaring fire, walnut really likes to burn!

Mid morning I showered and drove to church where I enjoyed the sermon by Rod Western, an all around great guy, an important part of the Tracy SDA church.  Afterward I was anxious to get home so I went by Taco Bell, had a bean burrito and diet coke with no ice. 

Once home I changed to some sweats and a sweater and headed outside to keep trying out the new heart rhythm.  I pulled the 12 foot plastic boat to the back deck and out of the way, then I set up a bridge of boards and plywood over the missing deck section and using the old wheel barrow I moved several loads of firewood to the back deck, to its wood holder which is complete with a cover to ward off the rain.  Once I had the wood carrier about 3/4 full I turned to the task of getting all the water out of the floating paddle boats.  That task took some doing, I laid out a big towel, put my body flat on the dock and reached down with various tubs and containers from the kitchen and dipped out the water,  that took a while and the first and newest boat was too heavy for me to pull up on the dock even when I had it empty.  The second and original paddle boat was lighter and I pulled it up on the dock, tipped it over and it is ready for winter.  By this time I was very tired but pleased that I could tackle little tasks that needed attention.  I love the fresh air, had no coughing and it felt great to use the muscles once again.

I came in and built up the fire, made a nice pasta dinner.  My blood sugar when I came in was 91, that pleased me, mid morning it was 114 which is also a good number.

This evening I've sat and munched popcorn, watched episodes of Rizolli and Isles and enjoyed the fire so much.  Right now the temp is 71 based on the heat generated by the fire.

I'm happy to report that friend Pam has completed her journey to Washington State safely in spite of ice and snow and some rough conditions on the mountains.

I have an appointment at 8 in Blackhawk in the morning, what nit whit made that appointment?  Oh wait it was me.  The family living in the home are flying out mid day so they needed an early appointment.  It will get me going.

So love to all,  Please keep those facing special circumstances in your prayers.

Tim

Short and sweet

Dear Family and Friends,

After an exciting week filled with family and Christmas this is a quiet night.  My new walnut firewood burns perfectly and I've kept the house at 70 all day with just a few logs.  Now its burned down and out for the night.

Today was office day, trying to get caught up and almost making it happen.  There were conditions to cope with, value challenges to battle and new reports to write.  Just thankful to have work to do.

And so its time to head to bed and catch some much needed rest.  Tomorrow I'll take Kallie to Sabbath School and hope that other children will attend as well.

So wishing all of you a quiet night of blessings and calm.

Love

tim

Saying good bye

I've just come from Lodi where I bid farewell to Pam, a lifelong friend who is making a huge change, has sold her home and is driving to the Seattle area.  We had dinner and it was hard to see such a great friend for the last time for awhile.  Yet she is delighted to be moving into her future and I'm very happy for her.

The rest of the day has been catch up work on appraisals.  On one I could not make the sketch of the floor plan work out so I called, sought permission to come back and measure again and drove to Tracy.  I carefully went over the house, found a series of small errors and now the sketch works, I don't have to go back very often but when it happens there  comes a time to just cut the losses and drive back and solve the problem.

Sure seems different to have a quiet house, Pooka looks constantly for guests and just keeps looking.

This afternoon I had a 1/2 of cord of Walnut delivered and this time I paid to have it stacked as well.  Of course I payed a lot more for it than what wood sells for up where my brother lives but this is the bay area and wood is like gold here.

Well I have to finish the Tracy one before I go to bed so I guess I'll say goodbye now to you and go back to work.

Love to all,

Tim

Easing back into the working world

Dear Family and Friends,
I'm just back from a quick trip down to San Jose.  There were a couple things left behind when the kids drove home this morning, it happens when you have so many things connected to little people.  So after I completed a couple reports I loaded up the few things and drove down to Olive Garden where we met for dinner, I could not believe how well the kids ate their dinner and of course we adults did fine with our food as well.  A very pleasant evening for sure and they had just come from the shipping center where they picked up Jo's new mini IPAD.  They mentioned that they had already set up their Kurig and made hot drinks.

Son Steve is establishing a new office in an extra bedroom at their home, he is doing it right, new texture on the walls, new paint, crown molding and new internet hard wiring throughout the house.  I had given Steve a little bit of money toward a new printer and Nikki reported he was able to get his new printer today.  Gradually he is getting to the point where his office will be complete.  It is a huge step forward for him and the whole family.  The kids can play in the playroom while he works quietly in his private office, everyone wins.

Pooka, Jason and Jo's dog that now lives with me has spent the afternoon walking about looking for the kiddos, wondering why everyone left so suddenly.  Ken, our next door neighbor, is busy removing an old apple tree that fell in the  recent rain and wind storm and in the process the winch on his truck failed.  Some days don't work out so well.

I inspected a beautiful home this morning in Brentwood, perfect in every way, a joy to inspect and then came back home to work with a small detour to Starbucks, you would not believe the line of cars and trucks waiting buy their favorite coffee!  It took a few minutes to get to the window.

Now I'm heading to bed, what a very special last couple of days and the interesting people who make up our family made it so special.  Not a quiet one in the bunch, everyone has ideas, beliefs and opinions and everyone just wants to make things better for each other, pretty nice.

So good night from here, love to all of you.

Tonight I ask that you remember Mr. Spiers, a long time teacher at MBA.  On Christmas eve he had a serious stroke while vacationing at Lake Tahoe.  He was air lifted to Reno where he faces severe challenges, he needs our prayers tonight and so does his precious family.  His life hangs in the balance.

Tim

Christmas, a joyous time

So here I sit in a quiet house, a fire is burning in the stove, rain is falling outside and Jason and Jo are at a movie, grabbing a rare chance to be together for an evening without kiddos.

Now speaking of Kiddos, Mia, aged 2, did not want to give up and go to sleep without her parents, she was having none of it but Timothy faithfully reported to Pappa what was going down and finally about 2 hours after she was supposed to go to sleep she did, I think!  I've not heard a peep from the two of them for awhile now.

This morning we rose, loaded up the presents in the back of the van and drove the short distance to Steve and Nikki's.  There we ate a delicious breakfast and the kids dragged us to the tree which was bulging with Christmas cheer (presents).

We opened for over an hour and everyone was delighted with what they received.  There were a lot of much needed clothes exchanged, toys and Keanna opened her new laptop last.  She just called to thank me again for it and loves it.  She has already figured out many different ways that Windows 8 works and she is delighted.

It has been so much fun to see the kids play and share things, Timothy and Mia are pretty amazing and Timothy teaches Mia so much.  We eaten, napped, enjoyed roaring fires and just had a very pleasant casual day after coming home from Nikki and Steve's.  I now have new jeans and one is lined, never had that before and it sounds great for cold inspections!  There are new shoes, a new coded lock for the front door plus handle hardware, talk about a wonderful gift, I now have new sweaters and shirts, just right for the cold season and a cute little photo of Mia in its own frame.

And any time now the kids will return from the movies and we will all have a restful night, can I even begin to explain how joyous it is to have beloved family staying right here in the house!

I can only hope that your Christmas was very special to you in your own way.  This is a nice time of year when we tend to stay inside due to the weather, to talk and listen to one another, to watch TV shows with history and meaning, to listen to excellent music.  I've been going through my CDs that are in a huge Sony player that holds 300 CDs.  I'm not sure how many Christmas CDs I have but they have been playing for 2 days and I'm not done yet.  Of special joy are the CD's that Dr. Ahn created each Christmas, his choices were widely varied and the CDs make for excellent listening, they are in the mix and I love them.

Of course I can't move through Christmas without remembering how much Nan loved the entire season, she shopped, wrapped, baked, invited, hugged and make Christmas very special for the family but I have to say that Nikki and Steve really helped a lot this Christmas by having us all there last night and again this morning.  It just felt good to hear the conversations, the humor, the dogs barking, the children playing and the sounds of great food being enjoyed.

And having Jason and Jo at my home has been very special, Jo and Jason have been cooling, baking and creating magic.  The Kurig has been very busy producing good hot drinks and fires in the living room fireplace and family room wood stove have warmed the crisp air.  Outside the snow globe faithfully watches over the front yard pumping snow over the little snowmen inside.  What fun!

Jo's birthday

Dinner is served

 

Christmas Morning

 

Love to all

 

Tim

Peace and family time

As I write Nikki and Steve and the girls are settling in for the night, all the while tracking Santa's travels on Nikki's Kindle Fire.  Here at home Timothy and Mia are settling in for the night in their little bedroom, Jason and Jo are winding down after a very long day.

I started at 7 this morning and spent the morning doing a bit more shopping, then wrapping presents it seemed for hours, finding time to purchase more firewood and cleaning the floors again since Pooka seems to love to go out, walk in the mud and then come back in again.

I also started a loaf of bread in the machine that would finish after the kids arrived.  It was great when they arrived and brought in their things and Timothy and Mia began to plan and enjoy visiting Pappa.  We had fires burning in both ends of the house, everything was in place and I was ready.

Once Jason and Jo settled in then Jason set to work to create a cottage cheese loaf like Nan used to make.  It turned out great, perfect in every way.

We went to Steve and Nikkis for dinner and the meal was incredible.  The kids played and had fun holding the bunnies.  Finally we left for home.

Now Jason, Jo and I are about to watch a movie, the Kings Speech and then fall asleep.  Having the family together is wonderful and very special to me as family is what I live for.

So I'm sending Christmas eve greetings to each and every one of you, may you enjoy your time with loved ones, enjoy them while you have them!

Love

tim

Escape from the rain to IHOP

So I worked all day, writing reports and getting up for more hot drinks.  The rain poured outside most of the day and the wind gusted up to about 20 mph.  Not a great day to be outside.

Late this afternoon I made a gift run to Tracy and the rain was intense all the way, I saw where cars had run off the road and were stuck waiting for a tow truck, my umbrella saved the day getting me into CostCo and then WalMart, oh the one in Tracy is nice, huge and has a great selection.

Then I was cold, my feet were wet and I remembered the good senior omelet at IHOP so that's where I went.  They had few people there and even fewer staff but eventually the food arrived, it was great and perfect in serving size.  But all too soon it was back out into the rain again.

Once I got home I had to unload the car but eventually managed to find places for everything.

Tomorrow Jason and Jo with kiddos are coming to visit and spend Christmas even with us, then on Christmas morning we'll descend on Nikki and Steve's and kiddos for the "tree" and breakfast.  It will be great to relax with family.

Jo has a birthday right at Christmas too so that's a bummer for her but we'll all try to help her celebrate.  She must be at least 30 by now!

Sending love to all,

Tim

Winter in overdrive

Good evening
This morning was a chance to take the girls to SS in Tracy,  Kallie was the only child in her division and Kim led out in the great program for her.  Then we headed to Starbucks so she could have some hot chocolate and a follow up visit to Burger King as Keanna was hungry.  We all had an early lunch and Keanna mastered the new bright red drink machine creating several flavors of lemonade in the process.

We then drove back to drop them off and I came home for a brief nap in my office chair.  Eventually it was time to venture out to search for some of those last Christmas gifts but the rain really started to come down in torrents.  One of the those times when one has to slow down for safety, there was so much water all over the roads.  My trip out was successful and once I got home I hung 300 more Christmas lights across the front of the garage.  They twinkle and shine, they are beautiful and sort of out of the weather under the eves.

Then it was into the house to make a couple sandwiches and drive back into town to Amber who cuts my hair.  I was her last client in a very long day for her.

Once I came home I popped some popcorn in the microwave popper, you know no oil and it was good.  I've watched some TV and enjoyed a very clean house as Tanya has done her magic once again.

Tomorrow I'll try to write as many reports as I possibly can and I think it will be a very good day.

Sending love to all, stay dry, stay warm, its a brutal night.

Tim

Its Friday

So finally this challenging week is gone.  I'm thankful for its passing.

It was so cold this morning that I took time to build a fire, then worked hard until it was time to leave for Tracy where I inspected a huge one story home, owner is from Sweden and they had a pug, so cute and so full of energy, reminded me of Starr

I think my blood is less thin today and my body is responding better.  I do notice how cold I get outside right now with even a few minutes of cold chills me.

At the moment high winds are blowing, my weather station says its 17 mph right now and has been even higher and the temperature is around 50 so we must be going to have rain. The barometer is down.

It was interesting to chat with Jerry today a couple of times, a gift I had sent arrived and was a total surprise to them, large perfect pears and a few other things.  He told me that they have a blizzard going with Highway 5 closed on and off all night and all day.  He has nearly a foot of snow and drifts much deeper due to the wind.  He has to go out and clear away a little place with grass showing so his little doggies will do their business.  Keeps him busy keeping the little section of grass clear.

Well its past bed time, Olive Garden was perfect this evening and even though the waiting area was jammed I sat at the bar and ate within 10 minutes.  So nice to unwind at the end of a challenging week.

I have the girls in the morning for SS and its up and at em around 9 am.

This morning a friend of Steve's Jim Szymaszek, came to give me an estimate on a section of the wall of the house that has dry rot.  His estimate was right where I expected it to be, will be nice to get it fixed and ready for new paint.

Love to all,

Tim

Nice Winter day

Oh it was chilly this morning or at least my weather station given me by the kids told me it was cold, very cold for here.

I sipped a decaf and worked this morning completing a Sacramento report, then I did research for San Jose and headed down.  It was a lovely home in a special area near downtown San Jose, so perfect and the back yard was amazing.

At 6 I attended a Christmas program which features the childen including Timothy.  He stood in the front row and knew all the songs and the motions.  It was controlled chaos and so much fun. 

Afterwards I headed home only to encounter some traffic coming over the Sunol Grade, no fun and unexpected.  Could people be heading to the mountains already or just heading home from Silicon Valley shopping?

My very thin blood has caused some problems, limited bleeding from places you really don't want to bleed and an eye that is filled with the left over blood of a ruptured vessel.  It hurts and my vision is not the best out of that eye.

Gradually I'm feeling better and beginning to be more engaged in life again, by that I mean the excitement that comes with Christmas and taking on projects.  I've felt so swamped by work that I think of little else, not a very balanced way of living.  And yet I'm behind in my work and that haunts me as I want to be caught up and on top of it.

I do have things I'm very thankful for, proper heart rhythm, less coughing, restful sleeping and hot water once again.  Tomorrow morning a friend of Steve's is coming to give me an estimate for a repair that is long overdue on the house.  In the family room the wood stove is mounted in an area that hangs out from the side of the house about 4 feet deep.  Rain falls directly on plywood and over time has crept into the joints causing dry rot to effect much of that area.  It needs to be replaced with new wood including sealed joints.

I also need to get my paddle boats out of the water, well first I have to get the water out of the paddle boats, then pull them up on the dock and secure them for the winter. 

This weekend Tanya will come and clean the house, timely since Jason and Jo are coming on Monday to spend the night, we'll have fires burning in both ends of the house and a nice cheery evening.  I can't wait to host them and then we all gather at Steve and Nikki's on Christmas morning for breakfast and to open gifts.  What fun!

How thankful I am to be here for one more year with the family, every member a character, every member loved so much.

And love to you tonight,

Tim

Trudging through deep sand

At least thats how it felt today, I slept great last night and jumped up at 6, just before I went to sleep last night I gave the new hot water heater a workout and the water was hot and great.  One hurdle behind us now.

I worked this morning and was doing pretty well knowing I needed to leave in time for a 12:30 appointment in nearby Mountain House.  Mid morning Nikki texted me to let me know to pick up Keanna.  For some reason I thought the kiddos were already out of school and I had made appointments today not expecting to pick Keanna up.

I quickly scrambled to meet the new reality, I needed to be back here by 1:15 which meant going to Mt House early.  So I loaded up and drove to the house, knocked on the door and the doors went crazy but no one came to let me in.  I realized that I had seen the house before so was relieved that the inspection would only take a few minutes to update prior information.  But there was no one home, so I called the wife and she said he was there, knock harder.  I did and he was not there.

I called her again and she mentioned the address which was a totally different one than the address I was at, the address was wrong on the file.  Amazingly he was home when I went to the right place.  So I set to measuring as quickly as I could and it was large and had lots of unusual ins and outs.  Finally I finished and regained the car, I had 15 minutes so I drove quickly there and she had just come out.

So we spent some nice minutes together, she was reading and munching her popcorn.  Then I took her to a parent of a fellow student who lives nearby, Nikki had arranged that and I drove to Stockton to see a home.  It is located in Weston Ranch, an entire development built in the shadow of the levee and if it ever breaks a lot of real estate will be under water in a new way.  It was a pleasant visit, the lady was a great mom and the court was filled with kids doing skate board things, vintage america.

Then I headed home and met Lois at Subway for dinner.  The first round of the Falafel did not work out well, the little balls were rock hard but the second sandwich was great. 

Then I hit Safeway for a few things and was told I had a gas discount of over a dollar per gallon, that was good news.  Once home I took a second to hang up a few bright blue Christmas lights I had picked up at WalMart, plugged them in a felt Christmas all over.

now I've just finished the report that was due and its bed time once again.

I feel good tonight and thankful and the day did work out well after all.

Love to each and every one of you.  Yes the day seemed like walking through wet sand but tonight I'm on the dry beach and its better now.

Tim

EKG confirms heart beating fine

yes that is right, today's EKG which took some doing to arrange confirms the correct heart rhythm.  It was splendid news.

This morning was a beautiful bright morning after my feeble attempts at a bath, you see the hot water was still not working, oh yes the tank was in place but the 25 year old connections were in terrible shape and had to  be replaced and that required yet another day.  So I pulled hot water from the water fountain which happens to supply both heated and cooled water.  I took my little bowl of hot water upstairs and pretended I was in some primitive scene in a movie from another era.  It worked and has gotten me through the day but in a short time I intend to make sure the hot water is for real.

I drove to Mountain House which is a town created in the fields by dreamy developers before the crash.  My first appointment was at 8:30 which tends to be a chilly time of the day.  Even though it was a very small house by my usual standards it took some time to get down on paper correctly.  Then I quickly went through the interior and planned to see a second home but when I called to confirm they said they had NO appointment, of course later in the morning the lady called who did have an appointment in STockton wanting to know when I would arrive.  What a mess I've made of things lately.

Well I drove straight to Kaiser and signed up for the EKG but then there was a wait which I detest in the middle of a working day.  Finally I was called in and the person taking vitals told me my resting rate was 54, that was quite a surprise.  Then they stuck the little torture devices all over my body and I had multi EKGs, seems the leads were not acting right.

Finally I was able to move to the lab for blood work  and then I was free.  So I ventured to Starbucks and picked up a drink, headed home and found Shawn the water heater guy working and Ray supervising.  I went on in and set to work, Jessie had questions which I answered.  She prepared a sizeable deposit and had set up new orders and was ready to start writing a report.  Mid afternoon she had to leave to spend time with a friend and Shawn finished the water heater.  So I loaded up the dishwasher, did a load of laundry and have been writing since.

I was relieved to learn that the EKG was normal and my heart specialist wants me to stay on the heart medicine for awhile yet.  Sure makes it hard to accomplish anything as I feel so tired and lethargic.

There is plenty of work to write tomorrow and I'll see a couple in the field as well.  Seems I can never get caught up no matter what.

I'm thankful to have things back more normal again.  It really threw me for a loop to have the water heater out and the garage in a mess.  Now its all back to normal, Ray helped me put the new little boat which had been sitting in the front yard beside the house so I'm sort of back to normal again.

Now to get exercising again, that is what I need in the worst way and its up to me, no one else can do it for me.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Wintery and busy day

Good evening,
I'm promised that tomorrow I'll finally have hot water again.  Its been quite a process.  To be fair to Shawn the present and broken water heater is nearly 25 years old and all the connections were done differently back then.  So he is having to adapt to make the new water heater connect with the old existing connection.  He is almost there.  The one he took out really looks like it did its time, rusty, leaking and very tired but oh how faithful it has been.  Shawn and Mike, the original builders installed it to code at the time and its been flawless, its filled hundreds of jetted tubs so Nan could get relief from hurting tumors, its provided showers of any length to all of us who lived here and I can't remember once when it ran out of hot water.

I launched out of bed this morning, shocked by the alarm and into the cold day. With no hot shower to get me started I had to rely on some decaf.  I worked as late as I dared before leaving for a huge local home that has sold, Jessie left a message on the file that I had done one nearby so I looked it up, it was the same model so today went faster, I didn't have to measure it, just a reverse plan.  It was raining and miserable weather but I got my photos and then moved on leaving for Clayton.  I used the back road through the mountains and creekside and arrived nearly on time.

The first house was something else, it is filled with things they have collected, figurines, toys, fake flowers, just clutter to me but precious to them.  I enjoyed my time with them.  Then it was off to a second Clayton inspection which was also nice, very clean house with upgrades and Corian in the kitchen, I don't see Corian that often and this was beautifully done.

By this time it was nearly 3 pm and I was very hungry and a little unstable on my feet so I found the one fast food outlet in Clayton, sort of a snooty little town but cute.  They had a subway and the subway had soup, so perfect and a folafil (I know my spelling is terrible on this name) on wheat.  Next time something more to soften it up, just too dry but overall the meal was great.

Then I left for Livermore, now Livermore is right on the other side of a ridge of low mountains and one either goes up to Walnut Creek and down past Danville to Highway 580 and Livermore or back Marsh Creek road to Brentwood and use Vasco Road to reach Livermore.  There is a third and very exciting way, straight over the mountain but its a one lane road and not for someone in a hurry.

The last house in Livermore was very nice and had a pool, I shot it and then headed to CostCo to avoid traffic.  $73 dollars later and loaded with fruit, oranges, apples, soy milk and canned green beans I drove home.

Now its bed time once again and I'm so ready.

Love to all,

Tim

Production day

Good evening,

Today has been cold outside and busy inside.  I've taken no breaks other than to go inspect a house at 11.  I enjoyed that break and caught Starbucks on the way back for a lunch of a multi grain bagel.

I've written several reports, finished up others that Jessie had started, every report she is doing better and better, they are hundreds of things to know when writing a report and then there is the issue of knowing where to look for the needed answers so its not an easy learning process but Jessie has the ability to learn, the comfort with computers, numbers, concepts so is making good progress.

I hope to get the water heater installed in the morning, I need to do a load of dishes and a load of clothes, yes I know I could do it with cold water but I prefer not too.

I have a very full day of appraisal work tomorrow with stops in the Lake subdivision here in Discovery Bay, the hardest subdivision to get through the gate in all the areas I work.  Then I have two inspections in Clayton, a really enjoyable place to work, then its to Livermore and finally home.  At some point I need to get an EKG and blood work as well so the day should prove interesting.

Nikki reported that she and Keanna were celebrating at Red Robin this evening after Keanna's 4th performance of the Nutcracker.  I am so thrilled with what she has done and I know the whole family is too.  After hundreds of hours of rehearsal she has performed on stage and done a perfect job of it.  What a great event for her.  Nikki is deserving of a lot of praise too as she drove keanna to all those practices, waiting for her and was forced to go shopping in nearby stores, poor dear, we all know how she hates to shop!  NOT.

Kallie took in the performance with wide eyes and I could see the wheels turning, she will be there too in the future.  We all need to be able to do something well or in Keanna's case several different situations where she does things well.  From soccer where they kick and fight to ballet where they dance beautifully to the music and the story, to basketball or gymnastics, Keanna enjoys her life and its active.

So the weekend is coming to a close and its been a great one.  Love to all of you as you reflect on your weekend, times with those you love.  Of course we all catch ourselves thinking of the families who suffered such terrible loses in Conn.  And we hug our kids who are near us, thankful to have them and ever mindful we live in a very dangerous world, there are entire nations who are determined to end our way of life and our lives in the process.  Only God can guide us through until the Lord comes for us again.

I am determined to listen to people more, to watch for signs of unhappiness and make the time to hear them as I work, we all can do something.

Love to all

Tim

Nutcracker

What a great event!  This afternoon I drove to Antioch in driving rain, found a place to park and found Jason and Jo with family right there.  We went to the theatre and found Nikki outside to welcome us.  For the first hour the different dancers from the show were located all over the hall and the stage, they were available for pictures and to chat with, Timothy met one of the girls and filled out a little form she had.  We thought nothing of it.

The show started on time and from the very first moments it was great.  The dancing was first rate, the costumes professional and there were so many very cute moments.

Finally Nikki said we were there and Keanna danced onto the stage.  She was the back of a pair who had a dragon theme and they danced all over the stage all the while there was an older main dancing girl.  Keanna knew her steps perfectly and smiled and enjoyed being there.  It was a magic moment!  All too soon she was gone only to return in the credits and bows at the end of the show.  This was her second show of the day the first one was at noon and Nikki attended that one as well.

At the end of the performance they announced two winners and asked them to come forward.  The first name was Timothy Mustard, Jo brought Timothy down and up on the stage he went.  They gave him a huge Nutcracker doll and he held it while they called a second name who also came down.  Timothy was a brave little guy in front of the packed house.

Once Keanna could join us in the lobby we organized and drove to Olive Garden where we waited for a very long time before we were seated.  The foot was good and everyone had a super time.  First time we've all managed to be together in a long long time.  So we had Steve, Nikki, Kallie, Jo, Pam, Tim, Jason, Mia, Timothy, Keanna all seated around a rather long table.  What fun!

Now I'm tired, tomorrow at 11 the water heater is to be installed, the garage is in total disarray right now, just waiting for the new gallon to be installed.  This afternoon I showered in the motorhome and it was fine, nice to have a back up.

I am so thankful that we could call gather and celebrate Keanna's stage triumph.  She really was great.

Love

Tim

Friday at last

I was awake at 4, then at 5 and finally at 5:30 I sprang from bed and to the shower, oops, big problem, the shower water never got warm, that's right, after 25 years the hot water heater had finally given up the ghost, a quick trip down to the garage confirmed it, water all under the tank and in the chamber where the fire ignites.  It was toast.

Since I had a day of work to get to I dressed and headed into it.  I checked various places on the web, learned that the going rate is $1,000 to $1,200 and then started working the circle of friends, I got great input from people and Steve had someone he knew well, in fact the person that now has our 92 gallon reef tank.  He told me where to go purchase the water heater so between appointments I looked them up and paid a couple hundred less than I would have at Home Depot.  So over the weekend it will be fixed.  In the morning I'll shower in the motorhome since its shower works fine.

Each day this week I've felt more like living and today was slightly better, still very tired and unstable.  It was a nice day, the properties I inspected were wonderful and at 6 I picked up Kallie from her school.  We have fun and I showed her how to make hot chocolate with the Kurig machine, then we stopped by Starbucks and purchased her a children's mug with tight lid, so cute and they can decorate it the way they want it to be.  She was thrilled.

Now its bed time, tomorrow will be a big day as Keanna is having two performances of Nutcracker in a beautiful old theatre in downtown Antioch.  The 4 pm performance which the family is attending is nearly sold out and at 3 pm kiddos can meet the dancers ahead of time, it should be a great afternoon and I'm so very proud of Keanna for sticking with the long months of rehearsals, the hours of waiting to be a part of something important.  All in all there are 4 performances and then she will relax a bit.  I'm also proud of Nikki for being the super mom to help her be there and be ready, even volunteering to help the production.

It will be great to see the whole family and afterwards we are going to Olive Garden, Nikki discovered they are taking reservations now, can you believe it, for large groups and we will be a group of 10 we have reservations at 6:30.

I'm thankful to be feeling better tonight for life itself.  Problems happen, water heater fails, big deal, right now I can afford it and it did not dump water all over the garage floor, life could be worst.

So sending love to all,

Tim

PS Kallie had her Christmas concert today at the local church, her school does a super job with the kiddos.  I loved seeing Kallie sing the songs she has come to love so much.

I've included a photo of her here.

Made it through the day

I was so glad to turn into the driveway tonight, still suffering with a fever and just feeling pretty lousy it had been a long day.

Last night I was awake for hours, snuggled beneath blankets not wanting to move for fear of the cold slipping in and then the shuddering starts.  This morning I checked and I was at 101 temp.  Need to shake it but can't seem to get any response from the doctor.

I worked this morning finishing one up for a San Jose property, then left for Sacramento where I inspected a 100 year old home in downtown Sacramento.  It was near perfect but oh I was cold as I measured outside, I just felt like the next step would be the last.  Once I finished then I had to try to locate the comps.  After Sac I headed down Highway 80 to American Canyon where I inspected a property owned by a bank.  It was perfect, such a cute little place, should sell quickly.

I took the leisure of Starbucks where I collected my free mocha and headed home.  I just took it easy today, in hopes that I would not drive off the road or crash.  Finally I arrived home about 5:45.  Then Nikki and girls arrived which was great to see them and chat with Nikki.  She wrapped gifts as we talked.

Now I'm heading for bed.  I'm so tired, my eyes are sore from fever, sure would like to feel better again soon. 

Love to all,

Tim

Sick

What a shock, during the middle of the night I woke with incredible pain in my gut, the kind that drives you to lose it, I was shaking, cold and when I stepped out of the bed to venture through the frosty air I nearly shook to pieces.  Using the restroom helped take away the pain but I slept on the edge of shaking from cold the rest of the night.

Today I've stayed put in the chair and written several reports but I've felt terrible.  So cold and on the edge of shakes all day, feels like a fever going crazy.  I'm not going to bed with a couple reports undone, I'm wasted and need rest.

Tomorrow I go to Sacramento and then American Canyon but don't have to leave early so perhaps I can get some work done.  Jessie came and worked all day, she extended her stay to help some more before heading home a few minutes ago.  What a little trooper.

I've not felt this bad in a long time and I'm not sure what I'm fighting but its not good.

Sending love to all,

Please pray for me, I'm trying to get caught up but its a real challenge.

Tim

Very Tired

Dear Family and Friends,

Its been a productive day but I'm so tired now as I head for bed.  I know the fix is working as my resting heart rate this morning was 65 which is normal for me and its been in the 70s since the A-Fib.

I headed down to San Jose this morning and did an inspection, then it was on to Sunnyvale to see a duplex, then back to Hayward to shoot comps and finally home to start working on writing things up. 

This evening we celebrated Steve's birthday at the Texas Roadhouse.  I think we all had fun so it was really good Steve turned older, an excuse to enjoy good food, noise atmosphere and spend time with family.

So thankful for the many blessings I've recently received.

Love to all,

Tim

Success

Good evening,

Proof of where I spent my morning.  We left at 5:15 and with little traffic arrived just after 6 am.  At 7:15 I was taken to the area where I was prepared for the Cardioversion.  Two excellent nurses, one man and one woman got me ready,  A spot on my chest was shaved, an IV inserted in the back of my hand, I got to wear this stunning purpose gown and I even got new walking sox's.  Gradually the people involved appeared and anesthesiologist talked me through what was going to happen.  Several dozen questions were fielded and finally I signed away my life for the procedure.  I had already signed away $1,283 at the front desk.

When Dr. Hanna arrived we were ready and the process moved forward.  They gave me the same drug that killed Michael Jackson, GREAT! and had me breath deeply from an oxygen mask, one moment I was awake and the next I was waking up with smiling people all around, it had worked on the first shock.  They were prepared to do it up to three times if needed.

After about an hour of recovery I was allowed to dress and jump into a wheelchair where I was transported to the front door.  My friend was there with the car and we headed down 680 until we found a Waffle House where an excellent 2 egg omelet got me going.

Then we drove to Union city where I did a property, felt a little shaky so took it slow.  Then since it was my friend's birthday we ate at Olive Garden, the meal was perfect and the service was even nicer.  They sang, it was great.

Then we caught another house located in the Hayward hills and then fought traffic all the way home.

In a few minutes I'm heading to bed.  I am delighted and very thankful that the heart's normal rhythm has been restored and in about a week I can resume exercise again per the doctor.

I am so thankful to the many who have offered prayers in my behalf today, it went exactly as we had hoped.  Now we just hope it stays normal.

Love to all,

Tim

Quiet before the storm

Just now the girls have left with their parents.  I took Keanna to her indoor soccer game, Kallie and I were on the sidelines cheering her on.

Afterwards we went to dinner and that was sort of wild, they were full of energy and it was a challenge to keep them on track but we made it.

Then we came home, I built a fire as their request, Kallie said it was just like camping out with a campfire, funny girl.

Now its to bed and up at 4:30 for a 5 am departure and a 6 am arrival in Walnut Creek, then at 8 they will do the procedure and later at 10 or so they will let me leave.  Then my friend and I will leave to see a property in Union City, after which we will drive back home.  Frankly it is in God's hands and my prayer is that the rhythm will be restored.

Sending my love to all,

No matter what God is good.

Tim

A Day of Joy

Good evening,
Tonight words will be inadequate to convey the joys of this day.  First off we went to Sabbath School and Kallie sang Christmas songs most of the way.
Next we had a great Sabbath School with Kim and Diane leading out.  It was great fun and the kids were tough to corral but Kim was up to it.

Got to see Dr. George who wished me well for the Monday heart treatment.

Then we went to Starbucks where we ordered a tiny hot chocolate for Kallie, complete with lid and straw, no more spilling on Sabbath clothes.  Our drinks were perfect.

As I drove I talked to Nikki about letting me take Kallie with me to the Grace Cathedral Christmas program.  She said it was fine.  So my friend arrived about noon and we prepared to go to San Francisco. 

Upon arriving we discovered that special event parking was $30 which we forked over, then walked across the street to the stunningly beautiful Grace Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece.  Up the 30 steps we walked, Kallie counted them and picked up our tickets, soon the family  joined us and we walked up to our "cheap" seats along the sides of the seating areas.  It meant we were unable to see the entire choir and orchestra due to huge pillars but we could certainly hear the music.

The concert was by the mens choir, the boys choir and a full orchestra plus the incredible pipe organ.  The Grace is know for its 7 second reverberation and soon stunningly beautiful music filled the vast open spaces.  Some of the music was classic, others more recently written but all performed to the highest standards of perfection.  The boy soloist was nothing but pure sound.

When the music had died out we reluctantly picked up our things and walked out.  The 3 children had behaved in an amazing manner, silent as church mice they had drawn pictures, snacked and just soaked in the beautiful place and its music.  I am so proud of 2 year old Mia, 4 year old Kallie and 5 year old Timothy.  I doubt the two older ones will ever forget the experience!

We then retracted our cars from the expensive parking places and tried to locate a place to eat, that turned out to be very difficult as every body in Northern California was in the city, in their cars and stopped in front of us.  Eventually Jason signalled that he was through driving about in the city and was headed south on 101.  They located a New York Pizza place in San Bruno which turned out great pizzas, was pleasant to visit and gave us the space we needed to unwind.

After eating we headed home in our two cars.  My friend had prepared coloring paper, crayons that helped Kallie endure the long time of silence and I've included the picture they created.  I think its pretty good.  Inspired by the beautiful stained glass that was everywhere in the cathedral Kallie worked on the picture the entire concert.

Its been a very special day, one that adds the quality of life for all of us.

Thank you Jo for being the spark plug that made this happen!  Thanks Jason for being the driver.  Thanks to Steve and Nikki for sharing Kallie for the day.  Keanna attended a long practice session for the Nutcracker and then went to a Nutcracker Christmas party this evening.

Love to all,

Tim

Welcome back

Good evening, I'm told I missed a couple days, what is quite scary is that I was unaware that I missed days writing the blog.

Working backwards today I finished with a visit to the customer relations at Kaiser where I discovered my Monday procedure will end up costing me about $1700, ouch.
I'm still very relieved that it is taking place.  I had to have an additional EKG today and I'm told I still have A-Fib.

Prior to Kaiser I inspected a home in Pleasant Hill where they had to come up with a story to get the occupant who is 88 years old out of the house, they didn't want her to know I was there at all for some reason.

Prior to Pleasant Hill I inspected a updated duplex in Oakland, very nice updating work since they purchased it, filled with teenage renters, a couple behind every door it seemed!  Very interesting and I was shown through by a young man, college age who did a great job of explaining features and updating.

Before Oakland I was in Newark seeing a duplex.  When I pulled up I reached into my case and pulled out the Supra Key, an electronic device that lets me into homes.  I found it totally dead, battery had failed.  Well what to do?  I've learned that there is often a contractor lock box on listings as well as the Supra Box.  Sure enough there was a regular box so I called in and in a few minutes had the code and was able to complete the inspection.  Thank you Lord for excellent help on that one.

I started the day in Fremont and was to arrive at 8 but the traffic made sure that was not to be.  The inspection went fine and the renter was a classy guy, place is in good shape.

Prior to that I climbed out of my very warm and cozy covers at 6 am.  It was hard to get up since work kept me up until 11:15 last night.  I'm finding life to be very complicated right now with medical issues to address, work assignments coming in at a rapid pace and all over it seems.  Foster City area, San Jose, Sacramento, Clayton, keeps me busy to be sure.

I certainly in hopes that Mondays adventures at Walnut Creek Kaiser will be productive.  I'll have few options if it does not work and none of them are that good so we'll just hope and pray for a good outcome.  I'm so grateful that my friend can take me and George offered to take me but I would so hate to drag him out of bed so early in the morning.

I've not heard if I can take the girls to SS in the morning or not.  I hope so.  In the afternoon my friend and I are meeting Jason, Jo, Timothy and Mia at the Grace Cathedral for a Christmas program.  It should be great.  I'm enjoying Christmas music so much this year.

This afternoon as I was leaving the hospital I came to the corner on the 4th floor and the view of Mt Diablo was incredible.  I shot a photo and we'll see how it came through.

Love to all,

Tim

We Miss you Nan

Today was one of those times when you just have to put mind over emotions and plow forward.

Steve and I drove to Pleasanton to the AT&T center where we attended an 8 hour class called USPAP, a class that all appraisers have to attend every two years.  The instructor is a friend and knows her stuff to the point where it is very interesting.  We also learned much from other appraisers, some of which we can plug in directly to writing reports faster, now I like that.

Once we were out we fought traffic home, it was not easy at 5 pm.  Once home I checked the test results for A1C, a test the determines the blood sugar level average for the last few months.  It was terrible, 9.9 when a good reading would be around 6.  On top of every thing else I just felt the day slipping away, so depressing.

I'm trying to get a new report written, one for Blawkhawk that will result in a value of well over a million dollars but I'm tired and sleepy.  Unfortunately I have to be in Oakland at 9 am in the morning, not a great idea as getting there will be a real chore.  But once I'm done I'll race home and finish up some stuff, pick up Keanna, pick up Kallie and deliver them to different places at different times.  It will be a emotional lift to see the girls.

So for now this is the news.  Joyce and Sylvia had located some photos from the past and I opened the envelope today as ordered and was pleased to see lovely photos of the past, of Nikki with curls, of myself without beard and without weight, Nan much younger and our friends. 

Love to all,

Tim

Sort of a mess of a day

Up at 6 this morning, shower, dress, hot chocolate in the Kureg, so good!  Say good morning to the pets, they rub and talk to me.

Work for a bit and then prepare to leave for a 10 am appointment.  It was at a 55 and over community and the back yard dipped down to a level area and then up to the golf course fairway.  As I was walking down to take a rear photo I slipped and found myself going down,  this evening I'm discovering more and more stretched places and sore spots.  Nothing broken but a very muddy knee in my slacks.

After that appraisal I moved to a different part of town to take comparable photos for an appraisal we did last Friday.  Once that was completed I drove to Kaiser for EKG and blood workup.  Of course just as I arrived I was told no one was available until 1:30.  I was stunned and at first angry.  The whole day was planned tight with work to finish.  So I turned back and went to the lab and was able to have the blood drawn, then I found the cafe and some very good food.  By then it was time to go back and I had the EKG.  My cardiologist came in and went over his plans for next Monday.  He added a new medicine to be taken until Monday that calms the heart.

Then it was back out the door.  Since it was sunny today I stopped at Home Depot and purchased white duct tape.  When I got home I ventured up on the top of the motorhome which is always a bit scary, it s a long ways down.  Then I laid down on the top near the front and reached out and placed a strip of white tape over the place where I think the leak is taking place.  Then I carefully made my way down.

Finally it was time to work and I've done that until now, its bed time as morning will come early.

There are other things not so good that happened today but they are personal and I'll just soldier through.

Tomorrow morning at 5 am marks the 5 year anniversary of losing Nan.  I don't have any better idea today than I did then why in the great cosmic scheme of things Nan had to die.  She was the most wonderful wife a person could ever hope or prayer for.  To all of you who helped care for her so much over the years I once again thank you.  You helped her stay at home and be surrounded by the love of family and friends.


Love to all,

Tim

Kallie has a dance recital

This morning found incredible rain falling, I picked up Keanna and we headed over early to hold a place in line but when we got there after fighting our way through torrential rail they let us into the lobby.  The recital was just precious, lines of little girls doing their cute little routines to Christmas songs.  Kallie was at the end of the line and enjoyed doing her cute little routines.  Later when Santa came to read a story she was the nearest child to him.  I'll include a photo but she is just a bright light due to the way I had to take the photo.

Once we were through we went to UNOs for lunch and it was so fun.  Then we went our own ways and I shopped Walmart for a bit, can't say I enjoy being in Walmart much but I found what I needed, a device that allows you to plug three 12 volt plugs as the Civic has a single plug and I need more, GPS, XM radio, Phone charge, game charger, laptop charger etc.  You get the picture.  While I was there I checked on grillers and found them for $2.71, best price I've seen in awhile.

Once home I settled in and have been writing appraisals.  Steve had written one for me and I was able to get that one out plus one for a big house here in Discovery Bay. 

This evening I've been watching some back episodes of the original CSI, the one set in Las vegas and I'm ready to check out Vegas again, been years since I've been there.

So here are a few cute photos to enjoy.  Its been a super kiddo weekend, got to love that.

Love

Tim

Fun

You know life is good when 4 year old Kallie sings Christmas song after song from beginning to the end on tune as we drove along, what an incredible experience to just enjoy her experiences.

We went to SS this morning and Kim was so kind to run the program for just one person, Kallie.  Afterwards we sipped hot chocolate in the entry, then loaded up when Jason called to see if we wanted to meet for lunch.  I asked Kallie and she was very excited about meeting the cousins for lunch.  We drove straight down the downtown San Jose, to the Old Spaghetti Factory and had an incredibly good lunch, the kids had fun seeing each other and Kallie ordered a salad and actually ate it along with some spaghetti and then she enjoyed the ice cream.

We then drove home and Kallie again sang songs which helped keep me awake.  We met Nikki in Livermore at Targets and I passed Kallie back into her loving mothers care and I drove home to rest a bit.

This evening I've been doing the laundry which is now all done and also writing an appraisal which is not done, too many trips to the kitchen and then watching episodes of NCIS and Blue Bloods.

The day has been great and tomorrow promises to be great also.  Kallie has a dance recital at 10 am in Antioch but we have to be there at 9 to get a decent seat.  It will be nice to see her in action.  Then its back home to write as many reports as I can.  Still behind and its no fun.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Working toward a goal, Cardioversion Dec. 10

Good evening,
I have some nice music from XM playing through the Bose speakers, mellow and easy going, just back from dinner with a friend at Marie Calendars in Stockton.  What a feast, super salad bar and some really delicious potato cheese soup along with a tiny bit of corn bread, wow, good eating on a wintery night.

Today has been a day of mostly working and listening to amazing sounds of heavy rain and wind whipping away outside and enjoying a little fire inside.  Breakfast was steel cut oats and a banana, really a perfect breakfast, lunch was a combo of brown rice, green beans and a bit of mushroom soup heated for 3 minutes in the microwave oven.

This afternoon the rain moved on and the sun came out.  Jessie arrived in time to go on an appraisal inspection with me, turned out to be a great home which has gone from a trashed short sale to a beautiful upgraded home with a new kitchen, new paint, new crown molding and new landscaping.  Better than she see a house like that than the one I saw yesterday which did not even seem safe to inspect.

Great news today from Kaiser.  My very special cardiologist Dr. Hanna has set the date of December 10 for the Cardioversion to take place.  It will be done in Walnut Creek at 6 am.  Have to arrive and check in then at 8 am they will do the shocking process, I'll be set to leave at 10 and can't drive for a day afterwards.  I do so hope it works and the heart can find its proper rhythm again!

Well I think I have Kallie in the morning and perhaps even Keanna, we will see.

Love to all, another interesting week which has now moved behind us.  God is very good and oh how our country needs His help.

Love

tim

A lousy day

Start off with the fact that I ran out of my heart medicine that had been doubled but then no one changed the prescription so I would have enough, so yesterday morning I ran out, had ordered several days ago but they did not respond, well during the night my heart began to race and the same thing was happening this morning.  The walk to the park had my heart racing the whole time.

Then after some very quick research I hit the road running to Pittsburg.  The first house had to be section 8 renters and the carpets were so filthy, I don't think they can be cleaned.  The place was a huge disaster, just amazing how bad it can be, some bedrooms were locked and I could not get in at all.

Once I was through with that mess I decided to head to Kaiser to beg for a few heart pills.  The pharmacist said sure and then I waited, after 30 minutes I went up to the counter and I saw her face.  She had totally forgotten me so then she quickly filled the prescription and I was gracious though I felt like yelling.  Now I was one hour behind.  The next property was in Pleasanton and they were very nice.  It was as nice as the first place was awful.

Then I raced to a third place in Pleasanton which was perfect and then I had a minute to grab something from Burger King.  The last place was ordinary on the outside but was beautiful inside.  Everything was new and high quality, the guy could do just about anything he set his mind to.

Shooting the comps was mostly very dark but I've learned that if I turn the flash off and just hold the camera still I can get photos even when the darkness is coming on.

I was glad when I was through but was so sleepy that I pulled off in a neighborhood.  When I woke later I could not figure out where I was, finally I realized the road I had pulled off from and drove on home.

During the afternoon I had purchased a new low beam headlight for the Civic.  Once I got home I loosened the battery and unhooked the light, trying to fit the new one in I could not make it work so I drove to town to a auto parts store to buy a bulb that would fit, they told me I had pulled the high beam bulb, to go back home and do the low beam.  They were right and now I have headlamps again but my left hand is so bruised due to the thin blood and working against the battery in the car. Anyway it is done.

Now I'm heading to bed.  Last night I woke at 11 and came down, wrote an appraisal and then went back to bed at about 2 having finished a report.  Now I'm very sleepy.  Its been a rough day today but right now I'm feeling much better finally.

This evening an old friend Don Bennett called.  Don has been helpful as a very funny friend and has given lots of legal advice over the years.  I found out that he has a new heart, his old one had given up.  Tonight he calls me and we talk for an hour, he is doing well and is so funny and quick, what a hoot to hear from him again.  Friends are like diamonds, they glitter and shine, are always precious and last for ever.

Love to all,

Tim
ps, good news, the company Valuation Partners accepted the email I sent showing the outstanding fees and has agreed to cut a very large check on December 7.  It will pay the outstanding amount I owe for last years taxes.  I am so thankful.

And then the rain came

It came in inches and stood deep everywhere.  So nice to see the rain, feel the wind, get instantly soaked, what a joy.

I woke to the wind and rain and was so glad I was in working today, that is until 12:30 when I had to see a 4500 sf home here in DB.  At the last moment before leaving in the driving rain I checked the computer one more time and thank you Lord, I had seen it two years ago when it was 1.4 million.  Quickly I checked the files and sure enough we had the sketch all completed.  That meant I just had to take photos and inspect. Even that meant getting pretty soaked but it all went well and then it was time to collect Keanna from school.

She climbed in the car and said, my feet are wet, can you build a fire!  Well I was able to tell her I had already built one and it was roaring at home.  So we both put our shoes by the fire and enjoyed a cozy afternoon at 71 degrees due to just one piece of Oak burning away.

Once home she waded into her homework and just blew it away, she really knows her stuff and she proudly told me to day that she is in the Gate program in math.  Can this be my grand daughter?  Must have been from Nan's genes or Steve's genes and of course Nikki is an accountant too.  I'm just so proud of all the kiddos.  What wonderful gifts God gives us to enjoy.

When Jessie arrived I was glad she had made it over the slippery roads.  She set to work and was successful in finding some files that may help us collect some funds.  When Kallie rolled in she headed to the tomato plants and found 4 more red ones, amazing child.

Now I'm winding it up, got lots done today and very thankful for the blessings of life.

When I went to make the motorhome payment I was not sure about the funds in the bank so I checked.  Whoa, Property Sciences had dumped a lot of money into my account which will help in many ways.  It was a nice surprise.

Sending love to all,

Tim

A Fib progress

Good evening friends and family,

This has been a huge day and I can feel the fatigue in my eyes and my heart this evening.  I started at 6 this morning, at my first appointment at 8:45 in Blackhawk, the home was lovely with a large indoor pool and spa, beautiful view of the golf course, 4500 sf of splendor.  When I arrived the owner had already had to leave so his parents showed me through, just a little problem, they only spoke Japanese, no English at all.  We managed quite well and they had the most wonderful slippers for me to wear during the inspection, I could have walked out with them!

I had coffee in Blackhawk Plaza, a very busy Starbucks and interesting conversions all around!

Once I was through then I found a new tract office in Dublin and conducted an appraisal of a home that is almost completed. $741,000 for 2,500 sf. Wow the prices just blow me over.

Now it was time to drive over to Kaiser in Livermore.  Quick lab, you walk in and they stick you, 2 minutes you are out and today I felt NO pain as she slipped the needle in, wow.

From there I started a series of three Livermore appraisals and was able to just about keep up with my tight schedule.  I saw a fixer, a rental in perfect condition and the last was a home owned by a contractor, perfect in every way, nice family, cute kids.  Then it was Subway as I was fading fast with low blood sugar.  That was an interesting stop.

I had my usual vegetarian patty and white cheese, tomato slices and olives on wheat.  But they time the patty was already thawed out and they toasted the basics creating a delicious sandwich.  Then I noted that they had soup so I had some of that too.  When i sat down I noticed that the lady at the next table had a huge manual on Subway's.  We talked and she suggested I try the Falafel, she had them cook one up for me with cucumber sauce and it was great, I'll have it in a sandwich in the future.  She told me a bit about Subway and suggested that if I was pleased with my meal I should let them know on the web.  I'll do it as it was very good.  The last time I had Falafel was in Israel with George and Yvonne.  That has been a while for sure.  Brings back wonderful memories, long before we knew Nan was ill.

So I came home via Safeway for a few things and now I'm going to bed, up early and hope I recover, don't feel too great right now.

The test results are in and my blood was 3.1 on the 2 to 3 scale this week.  That is fine so I now have 4 weeks, I've written the cardiologist to see when the cardioversion can take place.  How nice it would be to have my heart working properly again.

Sending love to all,  and especially to Jason and Jo.  Jason took his first in a series of finals for law school this evening, he just texted to say he thought he did well, that is a relief.

Tim

Jessie does her thing

Good evening,

When one hires someone to help they never really know what they are going to end up with.  Well with Jessie I've ended up with a clean office, I mean boxes sorted, files filed, junk thrown out and I have two clean offices now as a result.  Wow the vacuum has not had that much work for a long time, now to get rid of some work stations and have some open space.  Its true the garage is bulging with all the transfers to its areas but better in the garage than in the office.  She sat out in the driveway today retrieving old file folders and turning them into reused ones, if I had sat that long I would never been able to stand again.  But with her phone blasting country music Jessie just works till the job is done.  Amazing.

Last night did not go so well, at 1 am I was wide awake and at 3 I gave up and got up, came down and wrote an appraisal which I shipped out at 5 am.  Then back to bed and I slept to 8:30.  Strange how one can be wide awake during the night, not something I enjoy at all.  Hope to sleep all night tonight.

I have an early call tomorrow.  I'm to be in Blackhawk at 8:30 to see a 4500 sf home, then to a new subdivision nearby and finally back to Livermore to see three in a row.  I call that planning or luck perhaps.

I did not get as many done as I needed to today but I've made some progress.  The weather is amazing, wish I could be out enjoying it, doing yard work or taking a boat ride.  Still I've very thankful for work.  Today a client sent an email asking that I supply a list of what they owe, imagine my surprise when I discovered the list totals almost $7,000.  Wow even if I get some of it I can pay my taxes.

Well its time to wrap it up for the day.  I've had some heart pain today, not the best feeling and the coughing is back pretty bad.  My inhaler ran out and I had to order a new one, took a couple days and I missed my morning and evening treatment.

Sending love to one and all,

Tim

Another excellent day

A friend shared a super devotional book with me that I'm enjoying each morning with breakfast.  Every day its a message from God, uplifting, positive and touching, its great.

This has been one of those days.  First I jumped out of bed and dressed for working.  Then I came down and wrote an appraisal as quickly as I could, they take 2 to 3 hours so there really is no quick to it.  Once I was through with the report and had it emailed to the client, then I headed outside to do some needed winterizing.  Using the new trailer hitch on the Civic I backed in and after many quick trips in and out of the car to get the car just right for the tow dolly I had it hooked up and I slowly pulled it out and parked it in the driveway,  Then it was back down the side RV parking pad to the Supra, my 21 foot ski boat.  After more jockeying back and forth I got it hooked up.  Now pulling a 3500 pound boat out out of its resting place for the last year took some effort on the park of the little Civic.  After rocking back and forth a bit the boat broke free and trailed up the RV strip.  Once I had it to a place where I could work around it easily I parked it, jacked it up high so the water would run out by gravity.

Pulling the very wet and soiled cover was not easy or pleasant.  Frankly it felt good to get my hands dirty.  Eventually the cover was out on the driveway where I washed it down, swept the leaves off.  In the process a seam gave way, that was disheartening but instead of giving up I came up with the idea of using little plastic ties every three inches to repair the failed seam.  It worked perfectly.  So I rolled up the cover, carried it back to the back of the boat, laid it there and unrolled it.

After taking the cover off the boat I used the shop vac to clean out all the leaves and dirt that was there, then I rigged a shop light to hang in the boat day and night, it gives off enough heat to keep the interior of the boat dry once the cover is in place.  To keep the cover from sagging I used the old satellite dish turned upside down, two water skies, a boogie board, two cookers on end and some redwood stakes.  Then I rolled the cover gently over the top of the framework I had made so there is so sagging places to catch the water, now the water and leaves can just wash right off the cover like its done for the past few years.  It needed to be done or the boat would be ruined by spring.

Once the boat was covered and the cover was tied in place I backed the boat into its special place only this time I had put 2 x 12 boards down as planks for the wheels to rest on.  Then it was back to hook up to the tow dolly and back it in, once in place against the boat then it was time to back in the motorhome.  Now everything is in place again but this time its ready for winter.  So my outdoor work was a success.

I'd not been back in the office long when Jessie arrived ready to attack the files.  She prepared a deposit, logged files out of the computer and started working on boxes.  She nearly has the lower office totally cleaned up, amazing all that she has done in such a short time.  At one point today the computer program she uses locked up but I was able to restart the server and suddenly it worked again just fine.

I've been writing reports again after a shower and when I move I'm reminded that last night working under the car and today working in all different kinds of ways has made some muscles angry but I'm delighted with the progress I've made today.

I also have to admit I enjoy walking through the hall and by the washer and dryer and see them gleaming and ready to work.

So tomorrow I'm working in again, can't land any appointments yet so I'll just work here, Jessie is anxious to get the junk out of the lower office and I'm catching the fever, that means dead printers, redundant office equipment etc gone.

So I'm sending you all my best vibes for your upcoming week.  Some of you face health issues, others relationship issues, some of you are trying to find lost love again and many of you are looking forward to Christmas music, lights and the many joys of the season.  May God guide us each day so we enhance the lives of those we encounter.  We have something special, the love of Jesus to share, a love that avoids passing judgment, that looks for the good and has an ear for those who need to just talk.

Love to all,

Tim

Interesting Sabbath

Well here I am and its about 9:30 in the evening, I'm celebrating another good day.

This morning I was permitted to take Kallie Sabbath School.  Kim was sleepy having just arrived home from Mexico late last night.  Since Diane was gone I played the piano.  Kallie likes to sit beside me on the bench and does SS from there.  There were 4 little girls and I think everyone enjoyed the experience.  Kim does a super job and is not flustered when the children go on their own way at times.

After SS we made hot chocolate in the church entry and then drove to the Dollar Store, later we hooked up with Nikki, Keanna and her friend Stacy who had spent the night.  The lunch was perfect, the food was good, the service was really good today.

Once the girls went their way I drove home the alternative way, that is the scenic route and then had a nap for a while. Later I walked down the street and picked up the motorhome, the renters were through with it.  Later I decided to try my hand at putting a trailer hitch on the Civic.  There was just one hard part, making a hole in the frame larger, then slipping a square washer through the hole and 10 inches to another hole, then putting a large carriage bolt through the hole and slipping it down 10 inches and then getting it to fit through the hole in the frame.  One side went easy but the other side was behind the muffler and that side proved to be tough, took hours and Ray came home, brought over a copper wire that did the trick and now the Civic has a trailer hitch installed.  Yea!  Purpose, to be able to shift my trailers around on pull them short distances, like the tow dolly, the boat or even Steve's little covered trailer, its just nice to have a tow hitch.  Currently the only one is on the motorhome and that takes some space to work.  Hard to back up a trailer with the motorhome.  Now Tom Miller can do it because he is a trucker but not me.

I've been running loads of wash tonight just to make sure the washer is really working well and it is doing a super job, cleans so well and the clothes come out of the spin cycle really dry, ready for the dryer.  The dryer works great too.  I know I'm mentioned all of this before but its such a huge step forward to have this newer equipment working so well.

Tomorrow I'll put the boat out and get it cleaned up a bit, perhaps even find a place that can work on it so come spring it can be ready to run and enjoy.  I'll also have to crank out some appraisals tomorrow, lots of them and get other scheduled.  Life without work would make Tim a dull boy, also one without funds.  I like having funds better.

Sending love to all,

Tim

The Day after.

You know, I don't like the day after much any special day, perhaps because I'd really enjoy having more special days and less days of long hours working.

This evening I had the chance to meet Jo and Jason with her mom and the kiddos. They had been at Half Moon Bay today, a lovely place to visit on a beautiful fall day.  We met and had dinner and though everyone was tired it was very nice to see each other.  The kiddos are growing up so fast, Mia is getting tall and so full of fun and energy.  Timothy is more quiet but very cute and charming.

After I wrote the blog last night I was so excited about having the washing machine work well that I started to do loads of laundry, just to make sure it was working right.  I ended up going to bed at 1:40 this morning after the last load had dried, well if a watched pot never boils a dryer sure takes a long time during the middle of the night to get done.  As far as I can tell the washer is working perfectly and it does a fine job of getting the clothes clean.  I think cleaner than the last washer.

By the way if you happen to know of anyone who needs a washer and dryer that works well, the dryer is gas fired well let me know as I'm happy to give mine to anyone who needs them, right now they are taking of valuable space in the garage so I'm ready to move them on down the line, I can't deliver though.  After the battle of moving the washers last night I really don't want to touch another one for awhile.

I was able to thank Cathie this morning, she is the one who gave them to me and I think she was pleased that she could help out in this way.  I am jazzed over the whole process.

I worked in for a bit this morning once I staggered out of bed, then I inspected a home in Brentwood and another in Antioch.  The one in Brentwood was one door from Heather and Jim's home, Heather was one of our valued appraisers for years and helped so much during the time that Nan was ill.  It was simply great to see her.  She is an amazing person and really is capable in whatever she ends up doing.

Well tomorrow is a new day and I'm taking Kallie to Sabbath School. We will have a good time as usual.

I'm so thankful for the chance to spend time with friends and family this week.

Love to all,

Tim