Sort of tired

Finally home after a good day in the field.  I rolled out at 6 this morning, did research, breakfast and finished one report and wrote another before leaving for an 11 am appointment in Walnut Creek, then it was Burger King for vegeburger, then it was Union City to do another one, then on to Castro Valley to do another one, then to Antioch for a driveby and then to Oakley for the last one of the day.  Now I'm home finally and very tired.  I think I'll go up to bed soon, get an early start on sleep and rest.

The car is so smooth now after its new timing belt.  It was a joy and the AC worked hard but the car was cool.  I finished up a great book, very exciting and have started another book.  I met very nice people today, the first was a teacher enjoying the last days of summer, the second was a young pretty lady whose parents are buying her first home, she was a charmer, then on to Castro Valley where the husband met me at the door with a big chocolate lab, then the final one was a ranchette whose owner asked that I come in low, amazing, no one every wants me to come in low.

At this point I'm still behind in getting some work out the door and people are growing increasing angry about it.  It does not make me feel good to let people down.

It was hot today and every time I was measuring it sort of overwhelmed me, the coughing is back so the headache is back as well, that part of my life is no fun at all.

Wishing all of you a good evening,

Love


tim

The Bug is back.

Up at 5, could not take it so back to bed till 6, that felt better.  Off to the park with the doggie, could not make her wait yet another day.

Shower and breakfast

Start writing up reports, making appointments and trying very hard to help people out with delayed report.  I've spent most of the day on a big on in Piedmont, nice place, views and value well over a million dollar.  Not quite through now but have to go to bed.

The shop called this morning to say the bug was ready, well sort of.  It was running fine but the gas gauge was not reading right and the outside air temp was not reading right either.

So at 12;30 we drove in to pick up the car and part with over $1200, ouch.  From the moment I started the car I could tell a great difference.  They said the belt was ready to fail and I could tell by the smoothness that the car was much better.  This afternoon I had to go to Livermore for a report and the car had more power, idled much quieter and really was nice, the fix engine light never came on once.  Nice!

So that is the day, the girls came at 7 for an hour while Nikki went to kallie's school to learn about this school year.  They did their normal things and had fun.  While they were leaving Dana called to check in, that was great to hear her.

Love to all

Tim

Discovery!

Dear Family and Friends,
Today Ray made the discovery that he and I have been pursuing for weeks, months.  He had me removing boards in the deck so we could see under the spa.  Today he looked under the other side of the spa and came up smiling, I mean really happy smiling, he said come look.

When I knelt down to take a peek it was very obvious why we could not get any water to pump no matter what pump we used.  At some point in the past the spa has shifted slightly downward and the supply line was pinched totally flat, it only allowed a very small amount of water to slip by, not enough to feed the pump or make the heater work.  Finally at long last we can do a repair, cutting out the squished piece of pipe and get the spa back on track.  It was a huge discovery and I'm so thankful, interestingly enough I had asked God this morning to help us solve the spa mystery.  And today it gets solved.

I've been working hard today and have several reports out the door as a result.  There are many more that need to get out and tomorrow morning at 5 I'll be back at it again.

This afternoon I inspected a ranchette here in Byron that is so nice, clean and well designed, has the best pool house I've ever seen.  Then it was on to Tracy to see a very clean and updated home.  Clear water pond with perfect landscaping everywhere.  What a house and the lady of the house rides bike, she has a bike like no bike I've ever seen.  It is a work of art, she keeps it on a special stand in the house and I can see why.  I can only guess its cost but I'm thinking several thousand at least.  Wow.

Well here comes the week, are you ready?  I think I am.  Tomorrow we'll find out if they have been able to make the bug run again, so far they have not been able to get it started since they did the timing belt, not a good thing but I think they will keep at it until it works again.

Love to all,

Tim

Jo texted me this photo this afternoon as Mia is playing with Barney.  What a cutie!

A Family Day

Up early, picked up Kallie at 9, then Marilyn and I ventured into Sabbath School.  Diane was subbing since Kim is away and the piano sat silent so I sat down and plodded my way through the cute little songs as Diane led. There were three little angels today and the program went well.  Kallie was helpful and involved and I think enjoyed herself.

Once Sabbath School was over we stopped for a snack at McDonalds, dropped by home to make sure we had everything and headed down to San Jose to have lunch with Jason, Jo and family.  Kallie loves seeing her cousins and the kids all did a good job with lunch.  The food was great and it was a nice time together.

Once we were out we followed them to their new digs.  A cute condo with security gate, pool and large rooms.  It is so different from the home they left behind with its huge yards, the ocean nearby and cool summer weather.  But this is a step Jason and Jo want to take, for Jason to attend Law School in San Francisco and Jo to reenter the world of teaching. 

We came bearing gifts today, school uniforms for Timothy.  He was able to try everything on and amazingly everything fit.  Nikki had been the one doing the purchasing and everything worked out well.  Now we know what to get for him to round out his uniforms for the year.

While we were there Jason and I attempted to get his Magic Jack working, a phone service that costs less than $2 a month.  It was refusing to load in his computer so he went to the web site, found a chat room person who was able to help him, we ended up loading it using Clayton's laptop instead of Jason and Jo's nice apple computer.  After a few minutes Jason was able to select his area code and area and a number was assigned to him so as of this afternoon their home phone is working and all for no charge until a year from now, pretty amazing.  I personally use two of them in the office and they work perfectly.  For him it is quite a savings.

We finally left and headed home planning to pick up a snack for Kallie but once on the way she fell fast asleep and did not wake until we were in her driveway.  She was happy to see her daddy and Keanna who had a big day at the swim meet.

Steve gave me a basket of tomatoes he has grown, they are just unbelievably delicious, I came home and found ways to eat 4 of them for dinner.  Just now I've been outside pulling deck boards up on my deck so we can see what is taking place under the spa, the deck support boards are all dry rotted, not a fun discovery.

Well going to sign off now, bed soon and a very long day of work tomorrow.  Thank you Lord for a day spent with family and friends, it was good.

Love

Tim

Glorious Friday!

These two came to visit today and how can one be unhappy when you have this kind of happiness around.

Have a meaningful weekend and I hope your weekend contains a Sabbath Rest. God really knew what He was doing when He gave us the Sabbath.

Love

tim

Is it Friday yet?

All day today its felt like Friday so much so that I've even entered into conversations with clients implying it was Friday.  Perhaps its been wishful thinking on my part.

Up at 6 this morning we headed to the park, while everyone slept it seems we walked and enjoyed the chilly air.  Once back Pooka had breakfast and eventually so did I.  Breakfast included a huge slice of watermelon and it was very good.

This morning we we got into the bug to go to town to pick up the Subaru the bug's fan refused to start.  So once in town I stopped by the European Auto place and they found a blown fuse, not only that they noticed that the fuse adjacent was blown also.  For the first time I can remember the back window defroster came on, my my, I learn slowly.

We picked up the Subaru and its seems to be working well, The power steering pump seems to be doing its job well now so Marilyn drove it home and I did an inspection of a beautiful home, then picked up Keanna.  I was only home for a short while before having to leave for the road once again.  I went to Richmond and found a nearly perfect little house that had just been remodeled.  Then it was back to Pittsburg to do a recertification of value, the home was now completed and I shot a set of photos to prove that.  Then it was on to Antioch to do the same for another home that was just completed.

Then it was time to shoot comps for the house I saw this morning, then shoot comps for the ranch I saw a couple days ago and finally it was time to be home.  Upon arriving I decided it would be nice to have dinner out.

We went to Boardwalk and had great food, Lois joined us as Ray is out of town.

Now we are back home and I'm ready to crash.  6 am comes early.

Thankful for work and for a long day to work tomorrow.  My goal is to write 6 reports tomorrow.  Lofty goal but why not aim high.

Love to all,

Tim

Trying to catch up

Good evening
Well here is is past 10 once again.  In a few minutes I will allow this day to enter the history books.

Pooka Bear and I did the park thing this morning, she loves it but this morning it was so cold I nearly froze before getting back.

I tried my best to get things written today but I made very little progress, only about 3 went out today, not enought to get caught up.  So many demands for finished products, both calls and emails.

This evening I drove over to Alameda, about an hours drive to see a simple condo.  It was nice and the people were pleasant.  The little condo backs a waterway and has been updated.  Very nice.  Once I was through I headed home but traffic slowed in the tunnel, eventually I came up on the flashing lights of a SUV that was broken down.  My heart went out to them being stuck there in the tunnel.  Its awful when your car lets you down flat.  I've experienced it many times over the years and never really enjoyed it.

Once again I'm thanking the good Lord for a safe trip.  Its such a pleasure to watch the miles stack up on a tank of diesel.  I'm well into the 400s and I still have a quarter tank left.  Now that is nice.

Tomorrow we hope to get the Subaru back from the repair place, was supposed to be done today but that did not take place.  I need to get it out so I can put the bug back in for its repairs.  And then there is the motorhome, need to get it over to the alignment shop to have its new springs installed and an alignment.

Well today Marilyn started entering orders in the computer and setting up files.  What a huge blessing that was and is.  Anything that lets me stay focussed on the appraisals is important and helpful.

Sending love to all,

Life is very interesting and I keep feeling frustration over the one big hitch in my well oiled appraisal business, getting the reports written up, perhaps its time to take another look at the company that does just that.  I tried once appraisal and what they did on that one was not worth the bother.  perhaps I need to give them another chance.

Tim

An Excellent Day

Dear Family and Friends,

Home again and I've thanked our Good Lord for the safe day. 

Rolled out at 6 this morning and into the shower, my sunburned shoulders are still painful and its been over a week, I guess the skin on top of my shoulders and arms that never gets sun but did when i wore a muscle shirt was really damaged.  I can feel it when I hit the hot water in the shower.

Didn't make the walk to the park with Pooka Bear this morning and she was not happy.  Instead I went right to work doing research for the 4 properties I inspected today.  Once the research was completed I worked on writing an appraisal.  I finished one and wrote another before I had to leave for Pittsburg.

in Pittsburg I found the most boring house I've seen in a long time, it was a box on a box, no landscaping, no furniture inside, just a little shrine with two red lights glowing softly and a bed in the master bedroom, who knows!

The next home was in Piedmont, an upscale section of Oakland on the upslope, near where the Oakland fire burned so many homes a few years ago.  What a house, every angle know to mankind was demonstrated in its floor plan, the landscaping was outstanding, everything had been updated, a great property and a very gracious lady.  From the front of the home all of Oakland spread out below and the bay was clearly visible too.  We are talking at least 1.2 million!

Once I finished running around in the hills on the narrow roads that lead to these nice homes I set my sights for a different kind of home, a duet in Richmond.  Now a duet means that though attached in the middle each side is owned by a different owner.  That is versus a duplex which has both sides owned by the same owner.  This one is selling way below market and was sort of rough, the sellers stuff is still in nearly every room, looks cluttered and was hard to take photos of.

The final one of the day was a great home built on the top of the ridge above Richmond.  It has 6 bedrooms, a view and a very normal high achiever family, musicians, computer programmers, a little old grandmother living in the unit with a huge German Shepherd that I was afraid would knock her down.  Since they were all home that visit took a little longer.  Finally after shooting the comparables I turned for home.  I just had one stop to make, to take the street scene for a condo in Walnut Creek that I had missed when I was there on the 19th.  With that accomplished I headed home.

Marilyn had been out to pizza with Lois and Ray and had a couple pieces that called out to me.  So I cut up fresh tomato pieces from tomatoes that were picked yesterday on my back deck.  The pizza warmed up in the microwave with fresh tomato was excellent.

Now its bed time, today I've been turning down orders, oh that I could find a writer!

Sending love to all,

Tim

had a personal best for the year this afternoon, I felt pretty slow and I knew something was wrong.  Blood sugar was 79.  Now that is more like it.

Keanna lightens up our life

This morning found me at the park with the dog Pooka.  She enjoyed smelling and chasing around.  Once home I showered and went to work, breakfast was a boiled egg.  I had an inspection to do on a 10 acre organic with a nice nearly new home.  Then I headed home to begin working.  Keanna was here and deep into a book.  She managed to read the entire book today.  At lunch time we went to McDonalds for a happy meal and then came back home.  Keanna kept reading.

We had a good day and I managed to get some work completed but I had to turn down many orders today, I'm not ready to take on new work when I can't get caught up.

Once again Marilyn made a great meal tonight, nice to get to eat tasty veggies.  Really great.

Well I'm ready to sleep.  I can't seem to crank out all the work I need to but something has to happen.  Tomorrow afternoon I'm going to be back out again. Seeing three including a huge one in Piedmont.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Good evening

Well I'm wrapping it up now and heading to bed.  I've written 5 reports today and pretty much stayed put in this chair.  I did walk to the park with Pooka this morning.

This afternoon Marilyn decided to make dinner.  It was great.  I had purchased green beens from the local farm and she steamed those, made new potatoes, had some gravy and fake chicken strips that were excellent, corn on the cob that LeAnn had given me from the cornfest, it was an excellent meal.  Just before the meal I was feeling pretty faint and checked my blood sugar.  It was 107, best number in a long time.

Here we go with a new week, we certainly have no shortage of work to do and Steve just informed me that he is out about 12 hours tomorrow seeing properties.  Long day but there is a pay day too which is the nice part.

So thankful for life, friends, a great family and our Lord, our best friend, the best example of how love works the world has ever seen.

Love to all of you

Tim

The Girls go to Sabbath School

Dear Family and Friends,

Its bedtime now.  I started early this morning, took the dog to the park for a walk in the cool morning air.  It was a lovely morning.  Then back for a quick shower and off to collect the girls.  They were both dressed in little dresses and were smiling, ready for the trip.  We had a nice 25 minutes in which Keanna read her book and Kallie kept up a running commentary on the cows, horses, birds and what was on my phone.

At SS we found that each girl was the total attendance for their division.  Later a little boy, Nathaniel joined Kallie at SS.  The story of the day was when the men who surrounded Jesus were attempting to fish but were coming up empty, Jesus yelled to them from the shore, try fishing on the other side of your boat and they found many fish, too many for their small boat.  So today found the two little tykes sitting in a tiny boat with little fishing poles with magnets on the end of the line catching fish, it was so cute.  Then Kim and the kiddos sat by the little fake fire munching their gold fish crackers.

After SS we met Nikki at the Mall and drove over to Olive Garden.  We had the nicest lunch and our waiter was incredible.  Just unbelievable good and took perfect care of us.

Then we went our own ways and I drove home taking a detour to see the water safety event being held at the marina.  An old friend from the teen years now works for the state and was there in a booth helping people learn how to do better on the water to be safe.

Now we've just come from the Red Robin where the food was so good.  I picked up a coffee maker that makes one cup at a time.  I've thought about having one for a very long time and now I do.  Marilyn quickly assembled it and I'm sipping a cup of decaff right now, pretty good and took about a minute to make.  It can make tea, hot chocolate, all kinds of hot drinks and does it totally automatically.  Pretty fancy.

Tomorrow is a vital day in appraisal production.  I'm going to start as early as I can and hope to get 5 or 6 reports written and shipped out during the day.

I have rejoiced in the Sabbath hours today, I'm relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to work.

Sending love to all,

Tim

FRIDAY

Dear Family and Friends,

Another marathon day!  Up at 6, no walk to the park today, just shower and start research.  At 9:30 I finally completed the research and left for the first appointment.  Having no bug as it was still in the shop I limped over with the Subaru and its broken power steering, did the local appraisal, then came back, picked up Marilyn, drove to town, paid $510 for bug, then drove to repair place to drop off Subaru.  They called later to say that the power steering pump they had installed was defective, was pouring fluid out near the bottom so it will be next Wednesday before a new one can come in.  I paid $510 to have the bug fixed so i could get it smogged.  That means to get the fix engine light to stay out.  Within 5 miles the light had come back one, why did I spend that money?  We will see what the next step is.  New glow plugs for $120!
After dropping off Marilyn at McDonalds where Lois was having her breakfast I turned toward Rio Vista, site of the next appraisal.  I arrived a few minutes later but I had warned them.  The home was perfect and pushing the envelope on price, typical for new sales happening now.  Once I was completed with the Rio Vista one then it was over blood alley to Fairfield, lunch at Burger King then to Walnut Creek.

At Walnut Creek I found a lovely home on a huge lot out in the country.  Once I was inside and we were chatting I discovered that she lost her husband with a heart attack 5 years ago.  Our discussion turned to one that only people who have lost spouses can have.  We really clicked and I enjoyed seeing the house and sharing thoughts with this brave lady.

After leaving Walnut Creek I thought I might be able to fit in a quick driveby in Oakland but once I checked traffic and the time I had I gave it up and drove to Livermore to see a duplex property.  measuring that one was a hot experience as it was nearly 100 degrees. 

After Livermore I entered 580 eastbound for Tracy. Traffic moved slowly over the Altamont and I arrived about 6 or so in Tracy.  What I found was simply wonderful.  The young couple had purchased the home a couple years ago and had transformed it into a perfect property.  It really was amazing, it was so nice.

Then I dropped by Black Bear Diner for an omelet, now I'm home and I'm ready to relax.  The sunburn I picked up last weekend has turned to blisters and peeling now across my shoulders, not so much fun, the coughing has been pretty awful for the last few days and by the afternoon  my head aches pretty badly.  All in all not so much fun.  I have many reports to write up on Sunday and Monday, just unbelievable amounts of work to do.  Lord give me strength!

Tomorrow I've been given the green light to take the girls to SS in Tracy.  I can't wait, it will be fun after so many weeks doing other things.

I pray that you will enjoy your weekend whether you spend it at Socal Camp Meeting, with family or vacationing.  Take time to tell the special person in your life what you think about them.

Love

tim

What a day

I prayed for work and now I pray for mercy.  Several more orders have arrived today and there is no longer room on the board, it is totally full of orders.  Marilyn has been hard at work putting the files in order and then starting to apply payments that I've received over the last few months to files so they can be moved to storage in the garage and out of the active area near my desk.  She claims she loves to do filing, she is very good at it.

I started this morning at 6 and then walked the doggie in the nearby park.  I then set out to do research for the day and at noon I left for the field, first to Pleasanton, a perfect place, then a field review in martinez, then to Albany to see a old but very cute house with a unit in the basement, then to Richmond to squeeze in a sale of a little house, then back to Emeryville to see a delightful older condo, then to a gas station as the Subaru only gets about 23 mpg, then to a condo in Walnut creek, then it was dark and I turned for home but the newly repaired power steering pump started to make noises, so i check and it was very low on fluid, so a quick stop at an auto parts store and I added fluid, didn't help, still grumbling big time.  So back it goes in the morning when I pick up the VW from its $600 glow plug repair, all so it will smog.

You just would not believe how very tired I am tonight.  Its been a mad race all day, I took a banana with me, some protein bars and water, thats been all I've had until I hit Burger King on the way home.

One could not go on this way for ever but today I've accomplished a lot.

Love to all,

Tim

Good Long Day

So up at 5 and on the road to SF by 10 for a 11 appointment, broken car on bay bridge made that 1:30 and then finding parking took another 15 minutes.  What I found was what you hear about on the news.  It was a 3 unit property near downtown SF.  When we finally got into unit 1 we found people living and sleeping in every room imaginable.  Must have been 15 people living in that one unit and I'm guessing not to many legal citizens!  What a shock and we could not get into one room.  I met the owner there, a great asian lady and she was very patient but attempted to get it through the head of the person renting #1 that she needs to have access to all rooms, she ended up threatening him with firing if he did not get the keys, he even said the city of SF says we do not have to turn keys over to the owner, very tense

As soon as she can she will renovate all three units and then rent to execs at nearby Yahoo headquarters for $3,000 for each unit.  But she will have some challenging times getting the current bunch out.

The trip over the bay bridge is always exciting, wondering when the next big one will hit and knock down the bridge!  I made it back to Brentwood in time to pick up the new coil springs for the motorhome, many hundred dollars later!  Then I picked up Keanna at the club, she is going to summer camp this week and loving it.  Then we picked up food for marilyn and we picked up food for ourselves at Taco Bell, then she asked if we could do the library.  When they told her she could check out 100 books her eyes bulged.  She checked out about 8 and I grabbed an exciting book to listen to while I drive.  Then it was a trip to home and a few minutes later I left for Livermore to see a huge house, then on to lathrop where I saw a little house that backs to the tracks of a very active railroad, I mean the tracks are 10 feet from the house, not too fun.

Now I'm very tired and heading to bed.  Thankful for life, safety.  Today was a little different as I drove the Subaru to the city, my car is getting a new glow plug harness and relay so it will pass smog.  That is only costing about $650, yikes, everything is costing a lot these days.

Sending love to all

Tim

Marilyn arrived.......

Dear Family and Friends,

This was a busy and safe day culminating in my picking up Marilyn in Sacramento.  I got up at 5 this morning, worked here and then hit the road at 9.  I arrived in Hayward to find a state owned home that was in terrible condition.  The state obtained most of the homes in the neighborhood when they had planned a freeway near Hayward State University.  Long ago they decided not to build the freeway but owned the homes.  This one is sliding down the hillside slowly and every piece of concrete was cracked, uneven, dangerous, the home had sloping floors, the front porch was falling off, what a mess.

The next place was a perfect home in San Ramon, the opposite of the first one, the guy was super into details and everything was just right.

Then it was off to Richmond to reinspect a property as they now want a FHA loan, then onto Vallejo where the home was completely updated and near perfect but overpriced.  I met the agent and the owner, a great guy who knows his business.

Then it was find Highway 80 and head to Sac.  Traffic was light and the trip was without event.  On the way home we hit up Olive Garden for dinner and now its great to be home.  Marilyn has seen the stacks of files but seems unfazed by it all, she loves a challenge.

Well for now its bed time and I'm once again thankful for a safe day and a productive one.  The orders continue to pile in and I'm asking for your prayers that I will be able to manage these blessings.

Love

tim

I'm told I missed last night

Good evening
Today has been a typical day in my life with a mixture of personal and work related activities.

6 am, alarm sounds, I roll out, stagger to an upright position, reach for my glasses, world stop spinning around, race downstairs to take first blood sugar reading.  Not bad reading! Sigh of relief.

Then to the office to check emails.  Walk out to the motorhome which I moved to the front driveway last night and head out to the public scales to find out how much the front weighs.  It weighs 5,740 sf on the front wheels and 12,620 for the entire coach.  No wonder it takes awhile to stop, lots of weight there.
Return home, get in bug and drive to Tracy to the DMV to get a license for Jason's Subaru Forester.  Find many people waiting to see one of the fine high quality clerks.  2 and 1/2 hours later my number is called.  By then I was best friends with a group of guys who were also watching their lives pass as they waited to be called.  But had noticed that #12 was the window to get called to, she took almost no time before calling the next number and sure enough I landed #12.  She was young, focused and very on top of her game.  Within a minute I was walking out with the tags.

Now the Subaru can be returned to its master with a quiet muffler, quiet power steering pump, smog certificate and now a license!  I feel good about making this happen.  Jason and Jo will need this car as Jason will have to drive to the BART or CalTrain station to board for his trip to school every day in SF.  This evening I've been giving it a wash including straying the tires with stuff that makes them shine.  I actually drove it to the afternoon appointment to make sure everything was good and it was.

This afternoon I could not stay awake. I had promised an appraisal out this morning but after taking so long at DMV it was this evening before I finally was able to email it out.  I had an appointment to see a rental property in nearby Oakley this evening at 6 and found the home to be in better condition than most owner occupied homes.  It was perfect in every way.

So now I'm setting up orders and making appointments for the rest of the week.  Tomorrow I drive to Hayward to see a property, then to another appointment I hope and then to Vallejo before going on to Sacramento where I'll collect Marilyn.  We'll head home and she will settle in.  Oh she has a big bunch of files to deal with, I can't wait to see her fly into them as only she can do.

Well that is it for now, springs are ordered for the motorhome, ones that will lift the front end by about 2 inches and help the ride a lot once they are installed.  They will be in on Wednesday and I'll pick them up and transport them to the alignment people later in the week.

Today I was able to pay a friend who I've owed money to for a long time.  It felt so good to be able to take care of this obligation after all this time.  The Lord is blessing in so many ways and for the last few days I've been much better about keeping the blood sugar under control.  I have many things to learn, so many.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Beautiful sunset

Dear Family and Friends,

So bed time has arrived once again.  I've been mowing lawns, my little one, Ray's next door, his lawn mower is buried too deep in his garage! and Ken and LeAnn's.  They are deep into Cornfest which is a two day event in Brentwood, they practically run the whole deal so the least I could do this evening was knock down some grass for them.

This morning I attended about three services, one at Sac Central Church, one at Loma Linda and imagine my surprise when one of the people offering prayer at their communion service was Gerry Friesen, the senior pastor at Central SDA which is where Nan and I came to minister directly from the seminary so long ago.  He still looks pretty much the same but the hair is grey now but his voice is still the same.  I also heard some of Dwight Nelson at Pioneer Memorial Church in Benton Harbor Michigan where we attended graduate school.  What a joy the satellite dish is when it works and today with little wind it worked perfectly.

I had a late lunch at Olive Garden which was perfect, soup and salad.  I've been monitoring my blood sugar carefully today after it started at about 200 this morning, of course it should have been about 100 after resting!  Then later I checked it and it had dropped all the way down to 177, big deal.  Mid afternoon I checked it and it was an amazing 100.  That was a cause for rejoicing, lowest I've recorded in months.  Now if I can avoid eating tonight it will be much better in the morning.

Tomorrow I'll work and then pick up Kallie and we'll go see Keanna at her swim meet at a local college in Pittsburg.  Nikki is working keeping time, its part of the deal to help and since Keanna is nearly through with the swim meet program for the year I wanted to see her in action.

I've felt very good and relaxed today, I felt the Sabbath sort of take over and it helped put lots of scattered pieces together in my thinking and life.  It was a good day.  Now to make my bed, the sheets are freshly washed, seems the washer and dryer are no Seventh-day Adventists, they worked a lot today.  Funny thing has happened.  Ever since I worked on the dryer more than a year ago to get rid of a screeching sound when I use it there is a lump lump lump sound.  Dana used it so much while she was here that the lump sound is no more.  Now it just is quiet and normal!  I also got my PG&E bill today, in the last few weeks I went from $145 a month to $415, something about a bit more energy usage!

Good night

Love

tim

At long last...........Friday

Good evening
Once again the cycle of life reaches Friday and this time Friday the 13th.

I rolled out at 6 and hit the road running.  Finished up a report for Oakland and then drove to Brentwood to return the funky bright orange Dodge rental.  They dropped me off at Oakley Muffler where Jason's car was ready for pickup.  They did such a great job, its quiet now and no screech from the power steering unit, its pump had failed.  I drove two blocks to the smog guy, a really neat find and we chatted and then he did the smog check, it passed!  Then I crept home using back roads as it is not licensed at this point.
Once home I drove to Hayward to do a 442 for a condo three story home, then drove to Pittsburg to see a new home being built, then on to Antioch to see a new home nearing completion, then home to work. I've turned out several things that were due and now I'm folding up the office, time to relax and see what is on the Christian Satellite Dish, hope it works, never know as the wind blows it out of alignment.

Have not heard about tomorrow morning and Sabbath School.  I'll check soon and I hope we can come to enjoy time with our Lord.

I'm thankful that Dana and family got home safely.  We live in this amazing time, where regular people can jump on a plane and cross the country for very little money, we really had a great time and my frig is almost back to normal again.  Its been quiet but I needed that to get back to work.  My board is once again full of orders for which I'm very thankful.

This weekend is Corn Fest, a super event in our little Brentwood where thousands of people come to visit.  This year with the cooler weekend the attendance should be excellent.  I wish them well.  Ken and LeAnn practically run it by themselves so I'll not see them anytime soon.

Love to each and everyone of you.

Tim

Timothy turns 5

Just back from Milpitas where friends of Jason and Jo's gave Timothy a wonderful birthday party.  He enjoyed himself and lot and Mia got into the action too.

I've spent the day writing reports and setting up new orders.  Its getting real busy now with lots of new orders pouring in.  I'm thankful but afraid at the same time.

Dana and family did get home about midnight last night and were grocery shopping when I reached them this afternoon.  Safe trip all around.

Good night

love


tim

Texas bound

Good evening

Well its been a busy day.  Rolled out at 7 as I was up pretty late last night socializing.  Drove to Oakland to do two properties, shot the comps and then drove back home for a 2 pm arrival.  Dana and Ronnie had the Pilot loaded, we traded cars with Steve as we needed the 7th seat since Keanna was with us for the day.  We were stopped for road construction on the way but got them there with plenty of time to spare.  I've heard nothing so I'm guessing they are arriving in Houston about now.  How I hated to see them leave, they are genuine wonderful people and its been an excellent visit.  Sure its been hard to get work done and that caused me some stress but now I'm alone and ready to crank out work now and tomorrow.

Long time Friend Marilyn is flying out tomorrow but will go to her friend Diane's house in Sac first and then sometime next week I'll pick her up.

After Keanna and I dropped the family off we headed back quickly.  Traffic was pretty good and after a quick stop for Taco Bell we arrived at her home at 4:50.  she and her mom were at a swim meet tonight until 10 pm.  I expected to have to leave for Livermore for an appointment but after calling found out they are waffling on which loan company they are going with so that was put off.  Upon learning that I headed for Lathrop to do a house with a lockbox.  Wow was it hot, about 105 and even different inside.  So I tested the AC while I was there and was so tempted to fall into the beautiful pool in the back yard.  So tempted!  Checking the attic was a very special experience!

On the way home my car swerved into the parking lot of Spaghetti Factory and I ended up with broccoli and whole wheat pasta, great meal.

Now I'm home and set to create the SF condo appraisal, partly tonight and partly when I get up in the morning.

I am thankful for family, yes it is challenging to have many more people in the house and yes it gets noisy but it is also a reminder of the blessings people create.  Dana is even tempered, a good cook, a good food shopper, a fun and pleasant lady always.  She likes to create good times for all and has a heart that is huge and loving.  Ronnie is so mello and calm, he is a great stable guy and is eternally patient with the boys to tend to be loud and very active.  He is a great husband.  Anthony is a great big brother to Caleb, is really a cute kid and is very good at swimming, smiling, game playing and knocking his brother around, Caleb is the little guy and is loud, active, tender hearted and will be a great human being.  All in all we all survived 3 weeks in this house, everything still works, the frig is stuffed with lots of things and the lake is returning to calm after weeks of constant swimming and playing.

On my work front I have many new orders to set up, schedule and get seen.  The challenge is always there to get things back on time, thats the way to get paid and get more work.

Tomorrow Timothy turns 5, so hard to believe.  Hope we get to celebrate his birthday somehow.

Love

tim

Another very busy day.

Dear Friends and Family,

Just a word as I head to bed.  Have had a wonderful day with the family and my family.  The kids have played in the lake many hours, Anthony thinks about 6 hours and he is burned all over.  Keanna, Caleb and Anthony played with the paddle boat, the knee board and just jumping from the dock into the water.  This afternoon Steve and Nikki came and along with Kallie we had a excellent time.  Ray and Lois came over and we ordered pizza, so we ate, enjoyed the warm sunset on the back deck, enjoyed the AC inside and Dana's good cooking. 

We are going to miss the family very much as they fly home tomorrow afternoon leaving about 5 pm.  I'm off to Oakland in the morning to see a couple properties and then back to drive them to the airport.  Later in the day I'll see a property in Livermore and then on to Lathrop. Of course its going to be a very hot day, 102 or so tomorrow.

Well that is it for now.

Good night dear friends and family

Love


tim

The City, BART and the shopping power of 3 little people

Dear Family and Friends,

Well I made it through the day, we left this morning at about noon and found the entire parking garage and overflow parking places totally full.  We had to park in a nearby mall parking lot and take a taxi back to the BART station.  The trip in was uneventful and soon we were at the Powell Street exit.  We found a Burger King for lunch and then considered riding the cable car but discovered they are very expensive so we walked the 5 blocks and entered China town.  We then proceeded up the hill, down the hill, across the street and back up the hill, down the hill and eventually back to BART.  This time it was 5 pm and every seat was taken.  I stood the entire way back and there were many people doing the same. 

We finally got back, took at taxi to our cars and went to On the Border for dinner.  It was NOT great, I don't think anyone but Dana enjoyed their meal, chalk one up for learning.

Once we got home the kids may a straight line to the water and have been swimming and popping fireworks obtained from the China town merchants every since.  I have the deck torches lit, first time in a long time and Dana is watching the Batchlorette, Ronnie is searching for food, I made Keanna some pasta and soon I'll take Keanna home.  Its been a full day for sure.

Tomorrow morning the motorhome goes in for its alignment and then I come back to work some more in the office.  The family will pack as they fly home on Wednesday afternoon.

So that is the report from our house.

Love to all

Tim

ps  Jason reports that he has made the move and is now trying to figure out where everything is.  He says moving is not fun!  Amen

Power fails, Ron BBQs, kids play

Dear Family and Friends,
What a rush this day has been, as I write my deck clock is blinking reminding me that we lost power for over 2 hours this afternoon during the heat of the day.  We had been to Tracy for lunch and to replace a game controller that failed with a new one for the PlayStation 3 we just got.  Of course the fact that there is gaming station means there is a battle over the big screen TV, one that pits adults against little people.  Interesting.

The boys have played in the lake for hours and enjoy running and jumping off the dock into the lake as far out as they can extend.  They use the paddle boat and have such a good time.

Meanwhile I've been working in my office getting some appraisals out the door, not as many as needed but at least some.  Tomorrow I'm going to the city with the family plus Keanna.  We are going to ride BART in and back to Pleasanton, find China town and explore the big city.  This is something Dana has wanted to do.

I'm looking forward to bed soon as I'm tired and nerves are sort of frayed.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Its getting hot here

Its about 10 pm and still warm outside.  This has a been a day of recovery for the family as they were tired from yesterday.  The boys have been in the lake many times but tend to get bored after having such a good time last week at Steve and Nikki's house.

We had a late lunch at Home Town Buffet in Tracy where everyone can find what they want to eat.  It was good, just now someone is shooting fireworks off over the lake, there has been a lot of fireworks this year and of course they are not legal at all.

Tomorrow will be a work day for me and I'm not sure what the family will come up with, perhaps a day in SF but tomorrow evening we are eating here, Ronnie is using the BBQ to create magic, both he and Steve are really good at it. 

Wishing all of you a cool place to be when it is so hot.  The weather channel had a picture of the entire US and California looked like the coolest place on the map, of the entire country.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Survived San Francisco

Dear Family and Friends,
Once again that special time has arrived, Friday night and relief from a busy week.  The house is all mine this evening as the family is at the Alameda County Fair, at least I think they are.  I know they went to see Spider Man this afternoon at the movies in Brentwood.

My day took a different course.  I woke at 5 but decided I could use another hour of rest so woke again at 6 and this time got up.  I worked until 8 when Dana followed me in the bright orange rental dodge she is driving.  We took Jason's older Subaru Forester to the muffler shop I trust.  They have never let me down in my many visits there.  Today was no exception.  They called a couple later to report they could solve the muffler noise for $100 and the power steering had a bad pump, it will take three days to get the pump in and then they will install it along with a new AC belt.  Sounds like that will solve its current problems and we can get it smogged and on the road legally.  They will need it once Jason starts commuting to the train or BART for his ride to the city every day.

At 10 I inspected a very nice duplex in Antioch, totally updated a year ago and has granite, stainless steel, tile floors and fresh paint, very nice and that one paid me cash at the appointment!  Then I came home and worked until 2:30 when I needed to leave for SF to see the $1,460,000 condo purchase.  Well traffic was pretty good until a motorhome failed in the fast lane of the freeway crossing San Francisco and that snarled traffic a bit.

The unit was incredible, well it should be, just over 1600 sf and has a view every direction of the bay, the city, the tower.  Once the inspection was over I then worked the traffic to get 7 photos shot, that took another hour and then I turned toward home.  It was slow until about Treasure Island where three tow trucks were trying to get a little truck off the bridge, once we were past that we flew along and it was good all the way home, I stopped for dinner and had a cheese sandwich and salad plate, very good.

Upon arrive at home I backed the motorhome into the driveway, hooked up the hoses and dumped the tanks from the trip, then reparked it and came in to take a load off.  I discovered I wore my old shoes today instead of my regular ones, they are totally worn out and I never even knew until I got home.  Once I got home I discovered some new orders waiting which was nice.

Sending to love to all of you,

Tim

Back to work

Well its that time again.  Bed time!

I've just made a surprising discovery.  I've agreed to see the purchase of a condo in SF tomorrow at 4 pm.  The other appraiser accepted the order and then dumped it last minute.  Now I know why, the purchase is for $1,460,000 and that is for a condo on Noe street. Wow!  So I just called up the management companies web site and asked nicely for a fee increase for a $350 to $500, still low for the job but fair in this market.  wow, just what I want to be, in the city at 4 pm on a Friday, exciting to be sure.

Today Ron went with me to an appointment in Tracy, nice little house and tonight the report is completed and emailed in.

Steve not only had the kids last night but kept them all day and is keeping them again tonight.  That guy loves trouble!  The kids are loving it, a summer to remember.

This evening Dana went over and helped Nikki prepare a excellent meal, to feed the hoard of kiddos and us hungry adults too.  Great stuff.

Now its bed time, I'm wasted, so ready to sleep, up early to write on, take Jason's car to the muffler shop, see a local property at 10, then back to the office and then to the city for the 4 pm.  The things we do for money.

Am enjoying time with Dana and Ronnie, the kids and all the family this week, good stuff.

Love

Tim

A Big 4th

So this morning I roll out at 6, shower and by 7 I'm on the road to MBA with no one on the road the trip is the fastest one I've ever made.  As I near my destination I find fog rolling in, cool refreshing air everywhere.

Once I arrived Ronnie helped me roll the huge tire out of the beetle and onto the ground.  Then using leverage we lifted the tire onto the studs and tightened it up.  I used the hammer and the crescent wrench to tighten the nuts and that part of the day was done.

later in the day we loaded up, Jason left to go celebrate their 8th anniversary in Yountville where a huge picnic was held at the Veterans facility.  They enjoyed fireworks and are now each driving back to their destinations, Jason to MBA and Jo to PUC.  She just texted some very cute photos of the day to my iphone.  I don't know how to get them out or I'd share them here.

We loaded up the motorhome, rolled in the slide, Keanna did the honors, then we loaded the beetle on the tow dolly and we started out.  With a stop in Morgan Hill at the Taco Bell and McDonalds we managed to get home safely and with three little people on board the motorhome it was NOT boring at all.

This evening we've been to Nikki and Steves for a BBQ feast and just now I was sitting on the back deck watching fireworks from different directions.

So it was a very good day, love to all

Tim

So tired

Good evening,
A mixed day, bad news from Kaiser, A1C was 9.1, I had hoped for better, seems the insulin does not make much of a difference.

Got up this morning and was in a beautiful driveway at 8:45 in Pleasanton.  What a house, infinity pool, huge yard, panoramic views, guest unit, perfect home.  Wow.  about 1.3 million probably.  Found out they also have a home in Tahoe and in Maui where they were heading today.  Hard not to dream of having a piece of this kind of action.

Came home to work in the office and in the process of working I sat out to run the credit card.  I hit a wall,  Quick Books Pro 2009 decided that it would not process cards, it was out of date, I needed to update.  So I clicked on the option to update.  $183 did the trick but that took over an hour and then it took another hour to download only to hit a wall where I had to call to get a code, I called and the phone line was no longer valid, yet there was the number on the screen, it took nearly an hour to get the code and then a lot longer before the program was up and running. Finally at 5:30 I was able to run the card and captured the money.  It wasted my entire afternoon.  I was able to fill out a response card to their system, Intuit is awful, I've never enjoyed working with their support system.  ERRRR

Went to dinner with Nikki and Kallie at the pizza place, that was fun, Kallie is a gem.

Tomorrow morning I wake and drive, going to get fetch the motorhome back, I've got the tire in the back of the bug, it smells like a rubber factory, strong smell of tire shop in my car, almost overwhelming!  Will be glad to get the tire back on the coach like it needs to be.  Next week I'll get the coach aligned!!

I hope your 4th is a joy for you and your family.  We are so fortunate to have this country, our freedom or at least what is left of it, that the government has not taken from us.  I love America, I love California for that matter, I dislike our local government here, seems we can never vote out the losers that got us into the financial mess we are in.  I can see why people leave, I get it but I like it here in spite of the crazy drivers, the masses of people everywhere, I still like it.

So blessings on each of you tonight,

love


Tim

Back to work

Sort of a diverse day today.  Started with finding a new tire for the motorhome and paying a debt that I have owed for so long.  It felt very good to finally put it to rest. And the person I owed it to has been so kind and patient, pretty amazing so one down tonight that has hung over me for years.

I dropped the huge tire off at the tire store, then went to Kaiser to get a blood draw for the A1C, it will not be good I'm pretty sure of that.  The kind little lady slipped the butterfly into my arm and I did not feel it, amazing.  Then I went to Burger King for a vegeburger.  Yvonne tipped me on those quite a long time ago and I've had dozens of them.  I get a side salad instead of fries, its good sized and a drink, lunch for less than $6.00 and its a pretty decent lunch, one I can feel good about.

Then back to the tire store but they were not ready yet so I waited.  These days I don't wait so well, hard to control the irritation that they did not honor the time limit they had promised.  The new tire was $410 dollars, a total waste if I had gotten the coach into the alignment shop earlier but I didn't and now I'll have a new tire.  But be sure I do have an appointment, next Tuesday the coach is going in, I've got the appointment secured already.

Steve has been cranking out the reports and he does a super job on them.  He is also going to help with an area that has dry rot on my house, he can do just about anything.  I think both Nikki and Steve were missing Keanna, first time she has been away like this and I miss her too.

So this afternoon I finally made it home after picking up some tomatoes and some fresh strawberries from my little fruit stand nearby, they had black berries too so I got a box of both.  What a treat they are.

In the morning I'm off to see a home in Pleasanton at 9, then I'll come back and keep writing things up.  I'm much more caught up now thanks to Steve's excellent help.

Hope the family is having a great time at Jason's, wish I was there but this way I can get some work done and they are having a great time. Today to the Aqarium which should have been a great day for all.

Well I'm turning now, got loads of wash done today and I'm all set for awhile. 

Sending love to each and every one of you dear readers,

Tim

Back home again

Well as you know last night was actually this morning when I got home from Ben Lomond and the incredible wedding.

This morning I was up at 7:30 and out at the motorhome, I needed to retrieve the tow dolly which was parked away from the motorhome, having no other trailer hitch I tied a rope to the toy dolly and with the motorhome I gradually pulled it to a place where I could connect it using the trailer hitch.  Then I parked it on the street so Dana and Ronnie could load what they wanted.

Then I came in, enjoyed the breakfast Dana provided and after researching left for a property in Hercules.  What a cute updated home, it was just a nice visit and inspection.  Then I drove back home leaving the low overcast and cool weather behind.

Once home I loaded the bug onto the tow dolly, we finished up putting things in and then drove out, first there was a tank of fuel, this time $100 purchased a little more than last night, A couple gallons more!  Then to Brentwood to get a device to attach the safety chain from the tow dolly, somehow the other one had disappeared.  Then we started out only to discover some pretty strong wind.

We arrive about 6 I guess and Jason had dinner ready  I stuck around for awhile setting the motorhome up level and in the process discovered steel belt showing on the right fron tie, the same one that has ruined tires before.  So using a brick and a crescent wrench I had along I took the huge tire off the motorhome and brought it home so I can purchase a new one tomorrow and take it back on Wednesday.

So the family will enjoy time at Jason's, beach, Boardwalk, Aquarium and on Wednesday morning I'll drive back and drive the motorhome home, with a new tire.  You can bet I'll be getting it into precision alignment immediately.

Well I'm tired and getting pretty used to making the trip to Santa Cruz area.  God is good and watched over us today for which we are all thankful.

Love to all

tim

Home

Dear Family and Friends,
I've had the most incredible weekend.  On Friday I drove down in the afternoon and arrived at 4:11 for a 4 pm rehearsal, what a beautiful place amoung the ancient redwoods but there were workmen all over the place putting finishing touches on everything.  The barn that had been transplanted from the east coast was far from done but by dark it was all in shape.

I spend the night in a condo that Barb and Gerry had rented.  I had my own room, the window opened at my head and cool air gave me a great nights rest.  I woke early but decided to pray and just think, I woke again at 8 and got up, took a little walk and came back.  Later in the morning we walked to a little cafe and had a delicious breakfast.  After that I went back to the condo and tweaked on the sermon for the wedding for a couple more hours.  I would print, read, change but finally I was relieved to call it finished.

When doing a wedding a lot hangs on the shoulders of the preacher as he is the one who keeps all the people working property through the service.

The support crew had 120 chairs in place on the cobble stone area which also had a cobble stone retaining wall that curved around where the wedding party stood.  Behind us were 200 foot high redwood trees creating shade with sunlight sneaking through here and there.  We started late as it was difficult to find parking for all the cars.  We were at the end of a one lane road that wound through the hills and valleys for nearly a mile after leaving the main narrow road.  So about 6 we started and the friends and family were really onboard to enjoy the service.  Jeni and Tim had written a lengthy story of how they fell in love each from their own perspective.  I read those accounts and it brought everyone up to speed and into the love story that was unfolding.

By the feedback afterwards I think the service was appreciated, I felt reasonable good about it and I know Tim and Jeni were jazzed by how it went.  Jeni is a beautiful girl anyway and of course in her simple but stunning wedding dress she looked wonderful.  Tim is a very good looking guy as well with dark complexion, a full head of black hair and a handsome face.  They both love to mountain bike, to hike, to chop wood and to do athletic things so they are both very much on the same page as they face life together.

The food was incredible throughout, after the service there were tables loaded with tasty snacks, an area created for drinks, and the staff moved the 120 chairs to a newly created sod level area where tables waited.  After awhile dinner was served and it was great with selections for everyones tastes.  Then there were toasts and speeches, Dennis, father of the bride was just wonderful in his comments. 

Then the group moved back up the hill to the barn where a video and slide show of their lives from being born to now was shown. Dennis created it and did a super job.  A DJ played music and I discovered that Jeni can really dance, in fact she and Tim made it look easy as they were so graceful and light on their feet.  Eventually they cut the several cakes and fed each other, there was more dancing and finally I had them find the marriage license.  We signed and then I headed toward home.

Upon arriving I discovery that Ronnie and Dana were still up, I startled Dana when I came through my office door.  Ronnie had been bumped from one flight and then was held on the plane for over an hour waiting for a thunder storm to pass before he even left Houston.  Dana did not know of the holdup so waited with two hungry boys at the airport for hours until he arrived.  Then they found Mimi's and the boys ate everything on the table.

Tomorrow afternoon we'll caravan to Jason's with the motorhome, towing the bug, I'll set up the motorhome, get it level and then using the bug drive back home so i can work.  They will stay there for a couple days enjoying the Boardwalk and the Monterey Bay Aquarium and probably come back on Wednesday the 4th.

At this point the writer of this blog fell asleep since it is 1:22 in the morning.

Love to all,

Tim