Thank you Lord for a safe week, one in which there was enough to eat, a bed to sleep in, children to talk to, kiddos to enjoy, funds to cover the bills.
Tomorrow I get to take Keanna and Kallie to SS, can't wait.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, August 31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Great night
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I think Romney did a great job tonight, setting out a dream for the future with less government and more jobs created by private business. I might even consider hiring again if the power moves to new hands in Washington. Over the years we've written hundreds of checks to those working with us but right now its just Steve and me working for a lot of reasons.
My day was partially spent in the field seeing a little house in San Pablo and then checking out a new home that is now completed in Antioch, then back to the office to keep working until a few minutes ago.
I'm tired tonight and just look forward to resting for awhile. I think about you often, wondering how your life is doing, are you reaching your goals, your hopes, do you get the feedback you need to know where you stand in this old world?
Life is an ongoing challenge with ups and downs, for me its always a battle to be better, lighter, move more, be more organized, to be able to help people.
Good night all
Tim
Well I think Romney did a great job tonight, setting out a dream for the future with less government and more jobs created by private business. I might even consider hiring again if the power moves to new hands in Washington. Over the years we've written hundreds of checks to those working with us but right now its just Steve and me working for a lot of reasons.
My day was partially spent in the field seeing a little house in San Pablo and then checking out a new home that is now completed in Antioch, then back to the office to keep working until a few minutes ago.
I'm tired tonight and just look forward to resting for awhile. I think about you often, wondering how your life is doing, are you reaching your goals, your hopes, do you get the feedback you need to know where you stand in this old world?
Life is an ongoing challenge with ups and downs, for me its always a battle to be better, lighter, move more, be more organized, to be able to help people.
Good night all
Tim
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Paul Ryan gives an impressive presentation
Well this day has sort of slipped by, I wrote on appraisals this morning until 11:40 when I picked up Keanna from school, seems the teachers need more time the rest of the week to meet with parents so school days end at 11:40 the rest of the week, I'm not impressed with any excuse to not teach!
Keanna did not want to go to McDonalds so we came home and I made pasta for her. Then she made popcorn, drank a bottle of water and we purchased a game that she can play through the computer, she enjoyed that all afternoon. First though she waded into some pretty tough homework and standing beside me at my desk she finished it on her own. Her math methods are now beyond me and I just watch, I have only a rough idea of what she is doing. She is writing stories, one a day which I think is incredibly good for this age and she came through the door tonight after her parent teacher conference to announce that she scored 100% in math for the state test. She is a keeper.
Kallie was here for a couple hours so we drove down to Strawhat and got little pizzas. She enjoyed putting quarters into a machine where she got rubber balls, I think she ended up with 6 of them!
Well now once again it is time to crash, today has been a warm one and it seemed even warmer. I moved the sender for my new weather station to a place in the sun and it kept reporting over 100 degrees this afternoon. That is wrong, it was not 104 degrees at all. Got to keep trying to find the right place for it.
Right now its time to send you love,
Tim
Keanna did not want to go to McDonalds so we came home and I made pasta for her. Then she made popcorn, drank a bottle of water and we purchased a game that she can play through the computer, she enjoyed that all afternoon. First though she waded into some pretty tough homework and standing beside me at my desk she finished it on her own. Her math methods are now beyond me and I just watch, I have only a rough idea of what she is doing. She is writing stories, one a day which I think is incredibly good for this age and she came through the door tonight after her parent teacher conference to announce that she scored 100% in math for the state test. She is a keeper.
Kallie was here for a couple hours so we drove down to Strawhat and got little pizzas. She enjoyed putting quarters into a machine where she got rubber balls, I think she ended up with 6 of them!
Well now once again it is time to crash, today has been a warm one and it seemed even warmer. I moved the sender for my new weather station to a place in the sun and it kept reporting over 100 degrees this afternoon. That is wrong, it was not 104 degrees at all. Got to keep trying to find the right place for it.
Right now its time to send you love,
Tim
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Still moving forward
At the age of 64 things look a little different than when I was 30. Back then getting old seemed far away and impossible, now when I roll out of bed I come up easy and wait a second while my head clears and I can safely stand up, bending over to get something on the floor while not impossible sure takes planning. Even a brief excursion into the yard to work means sore muscles later and periods of heavy breathing!
Same with work, I now take my time measuring a house, why rush and get it wrong, just take your time and it begins to take shape on paper as you measure. This afternoon we drove to Stockton, went through a security gate and found the home we were to see. It was very nice and there was a shade tree so Marilyn would not bake while waiting in the car. The house was great but a bit complicated so it took a bit longer, so what, better to get it right than try to remember later one what was there.
After we finished the house I was feeling the blood sugar free fall so we went to Spaghetti Factory and had a great dinner, adult portion, whole wheat pasta, broccoli on the side, of course everything was swimming in butter! Anyway it was a great meal and we enjoyed it.
After we got home we heard little voices, it was Kallie who came into the office and grabbed me in a hug, with a huge smile on her lovely face and sparkling eyes the room came alive. Keanna was in the living room in the children's play area and was already fast at work in her kitchen. What a nice punch to an ordinary day.
Well good night to all and a special prayer request for a special friend, and another prayer request for Carol and Roger as they cope with the loss of Carol's father, and another special request that God guide over Carrol as she enters a new chemo therapy. God bless them all.
Love
Tim
Same with work, I now take my time measuring a house, why rush and get it wrong, just take your time and it begins to take shape on paper as you measure. This afternoon we drove to Stockton, went through a security gate and found the home we were to see. It was very nice and there was a shade tree so Marilyn would not bake while waiting in the car. The house was great but a bit complicated so it took a bit longer, so what, better to get it right than try to remember later one what was there.
After we finished the house I was feeling the blood sugar free fall so we went to Spaghetti Factory and had a great dinner, adult portion, whole wheat pasta, broccoli on the side, of course everything was swimming in butter! Anyway it was a great meal and we enjoyed it.
After we got home we heard little voices, it was Kallie who came into the office and grabbed me in a hug, with a huge smile on her lovely face and sparkling eyes the room came alive. Keanna was in the living room in the children's play area and was already fast at work in her kitchen. What a nice punch to an ordinary day.
Well good night to all and a special prayer request for a special friend, and another prayer request for Carol and Roger as they cope with the loss of Carol's father, and another special request that God guide over Carrol as she enters a new chemo therapy. God bless them all.
Love
Tim
Monday, August 27, 2012
Life is at best interesting, at worst miserable
Good evening
Just back from a CostCo break, needed water, peaches, strawberries and soy milk, love that place and their prices.
This morning I did the right thing. I was given an order for a property in San Francisco, turns out it was over 7,000 sf and when I ran the comps this morning I found they ranged from 5 to 17 million dollars. I froze. No way am I wading into such a mess. By the way they started by offering $275 as a fee, then moved it up to $325, well I think they will end up paying $1,500 for the appraisal but when I saw what the stakes were I called and backed out, no way was I walking into a land mine like this one, my E&O insurance only goes up to a million, not 17 million!!
So I inspected a nice place in Piedmont, a uppity section of Oakland and then moved on to Livermore where I inspected a home that had been foreclosed by the bank, the people gave up fighting and then the back backed off the foreclosure, what a mess, lenders are not very impressive these days, instead of being good citizens they are hurting people every chance they get, I see it over and over again, when banks could help instead they inflict pain and suffering, people who try to talk to banks never get the same person when they call, banks call every day like robots just causing pain and suffering.
We are getting a nice break in the weather these days, in the high 80s instead of over 100. It makes a huge difference in comfort and ability to do appraisals.
Well I'm heading for bed now so I can climb out early and enjoy the cool morning air, mornings are so special here by the lake and I treasure my setting, thankful for my blessings.
Well I'm signing off now, here is a photo I received today from Jo. Timothy has just gotten his first belt in a martial arts class. What a neat little guy!
Just back from a CostCo break, needed water, peaches, strawberries and soy milk, love that place and their prices.
This morning I did the right thing. I was given an order for a property in San Francisco, turns out it was over 7,000 sf and when I ran the comps this morning I found they ranged from 5 to 17 million dollars. I froze. No way am I wading into such a mess. By the way they started by offering $275 as a fee, then moved it up to $325, well I think they will end up paying $1,500 for the appraisal but when I saw what the stakes were I called and backed out, no way was I walking into a land mine like this one, my E&O insurance only goes up to a million, not 17 million!!
So I inspected a nice place in Piedmont, a uppity section of Oakland and then moved on to Livermore where I inspected a home that had been foreclosed by the bank, the people gave up fighting and then the back backed off the foreclosure, what a mess, lenders are not very impressive these days, instead of being good citizens they are hurting people every chance they get, I see it over and over again, when banks could help instead they inflict pain and suffering, people who try to talk to banks never get the same person when they call, banks call every day like robots just causing pain and suffering.
We are getting a nice break in the weather these days, in the high 80s instead of over 100. It makes a huge difference in comfort and ability to do appraisals.
Well I'm heading for bed now so I can climb out early and enjoy the cool morning air, mornings are so special here by the lake and I treasure my setting, thankful for my blessings.
Well I'm signing off now, here is a photo I received today from Jo. Timothy has just gotten his first belt in a martial arts class. What a neat little guy!
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Finally a super productive day
I first woke at 6, changed the alarm to 7 and went back to sleep. Once I woke that time the morning was dawning and it was cool and beautiful outside. I just got up, put on the tennis shoes and stepped onto the Nordic Track Treadmill and started walking. All went well, my heart behaved and the program was perfect until about 4 minutes from the end it just quit. I'm not sure what happened but it just stopped, the lights were still on but the tred was not milling at all. So I think a service call might be in order. Anyway the day was started with a bang. I came down and made my mocha with the new coffee machine, how I love the taste of a little cream, a single slug of coffee and some mocha, it is great!
I immediately set to work and before long had produced my first appraisal, one from the Montclair district of Oakland, then I broke for breakfast, Marilyn was up and moving about. So I fired up the range, put some olive oil in a pan, put some fresh mushrooms in to brown, then broke two eggs into a little mixing bowl and added in some soy milk, then I poured the eggs into the pan and added a bit of soy sauce. I covered it with a glass lid so I could see what was going on. Soon the edges began to brown and I spilled it out onto my plate along with some sour dough toast with avocado, poured a tiny glass of OJ and moved to the back deck to sit at the little bistro table and enjoy the morning. It really was perfect, ducks and geese moved about, wind stirred in the trees, wow it was good to be alive.
For some reason and I can't begin to understand why I felt alive again, ready to accomplish things, it was nice. And accomplish things is just what I did, tonight there are several reports completed and filed with the lenders. The day was a success.
Am I caught up? Well not quite but I'm much closer than I was even last Friday. Oh there was that break in the middle of the afternoon, to go make a deposit at the bank, you know the bank that is located adjacent to the Starbucks! Well I deserved a break and I was able to stretch out the drink for hours.
This morning Carol sent a very sad email. Her incredible dad, a 97 year old gentleman in every sense of the word passed away. I know she and Roger will miss someone who has been a pillar in their life, a really great guy who loved to live. Our prayers go to Carol and Roger this evening.
Well this is now time to close down the shop for tonight. I'm sending the best to everyone who might stop by to read these words. Take time to love those nearby, while you can, while they are still young, while they are still with you, while they are needing you so much, take time to love.
Tim
I immediately set to work and before long had produced my first appraisal, one from the Montclair district of Oakland, then I broke for breakfast, Marilyn was up and moving about. So I fired up the range, put some olive oil in a pan, put some fresh mushrooms in to brown, then broke two eggs into a little mixing bowl and added in some soy milk, then I poured the eggs into the pan and added a bit of soy sauce. I covered it with a glass lid so I could see what was going on. Soon the edges began to brown and I spilled it out onto my plate along with some sour dough toast with avocado, poured a tiny glass of OJ and moved to the back deck to sit at the little bistro table and enjoy the morning. It really was perfect, ducks and geese moved about, wind stirred in the trees, wow it was good to be alive.
For some reason and I can't begin to understand why I felt alive again, ready to accomplish things, it was nice. And accomplish things is just what I did, tonight there are several reports completed and filed with the lenders. The day was a success.
Am I caught up? Well not quite but I'm much closer than I was even last Friday. Oh there was that break in the middle of the afternoon, to go make a deposit at the bank, you know the bank that is located adjacent to the Starbucks! Well I deserved a break and I was able to stretch out the drink for hours.
This morning Carol sent a very sad email. Her incredible dad, a 97 year old gentleman in every sense of the word passed away. I know she and Roger will miss someone who has been a pillar in their life, a really great guy who loved to live. Our prayers go to Carol and Roger this evening.
Well this is now time to close down the shop for tonight. I'm sending the best to everyone who might stop by to read these words. Take time to love those nearby, while you can, while they are still young, while they are still with you, while they are needing you so much, take time to love.
Tim
Saturday, August 25, 2012
A great Sabbath
So Pooka will not let me just come down and sip a mocha, no she has to bug me until I finally take her to the park, of course it was good for me too.
I got the call that Kallie could go to SS so I picked her up and we were #2 to arrive. Jackie was already there, a very cute kid who just like Kallie does not always listen. Kim is so patient and is a great teacher, what a nice morning we all had.
We came back home and picked up Marilyn and went to a local place called Byron Inn for lunch. Then we returned Kallie to her home. All in all it was great.
This evening we hit Olive Garden for a never ending pasta bowl, whole wheat pasta and 5 cheese marinara sauce. It was great.
Tomorrow is another important day for getting lots of work done. I hope your weekend is progressing nicely.
Love to all
Tim
I got the call that Kallie could go to SS so I picked her up and we were #2 to arrive. Jackie was already there, a very cute kid who just like Kallie does not always listen. Kim is so patient and is a great teacher, what a nice morning we all had.
We came back home and picked up Marilyn and went to a local place called Byron Inn for lunch. Then we returned Kallie to her home. All in all it was great.
This evening we hit Olive Garden for a never ending pasta bowl, whole wheat pasta and 5 cheese marinara sauce. It was great.
Tomorrow is another important day for getting lots of work done. I hope your weekend is progressing nicely.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, August 24, 2012
Kiddos save the day
Well the motorhome is off for another adventure, without me! Maria arrived this morning and with her friend learned once again how to live with the motorhome. They removed many items from the coach which I have stored in the garage and living room. We went driving so they would be reminded of how to drive and manage the coach on the road.
Since the repairs it is driving really nice, it rides smoother, brakes better and drives easily now staying centered on the road. But I worked first on completing a report and then on getting the final touches done to the coach so it could be as good as possible. Got to say I was pretty proud of it as they drove away.
And I am a bit richer as they paid me in full for the rental at twice the normal rate since it is Burning man, a rather risky place to take a coach.
I worked writing a report during the afternoon and then left to do a local appraisal at 4:20. Then it was time to pick up Kallie at her school. She was so excited to see me, it felt real nice. We drove home where she talked to Marilyn and played, then we went to the park to a picnic sponsored by her school where we got pizza, drinks, chips and she played. Keanna came to visit about 7 and they played until about 9 when Nikki was through with her meeting with the Nutcracker Suite people, Keanna would like to be in the play this Christmas time so it takes involvement by a parent.
Now its time to crash, I've felt better today, tried to push water and when I checked my blood sugar this afternoon at 4:30 it was 86, which for me is a great number!
So sending love to all,
This thing we call life has its challenges, huge times of stress and strain but moments with the kiddos changes everything. They love to make noise, to play, to tease, to joke, for example this afternoon Kallie asked if she could pick tomatoes. She went out and found some ripe ones that were hiding. She brought them in and washed them, then washed them again, so cute to watch her in action, what a precious human being with so much potential. What a blessing each and every one of the little people are.
Tim
Since the repairs it is driving really nice, it rides smoother, brakes better and drives easily now staying centered on the road. But I worked first on completing a report and then on getting the final touches done to the coach so it could be as good as possible. Got to say I was pretty proud of it as they drove away.
And I am a bit richer as they paid me in full for the rental at twice the normal rate since it is Burning man, a rather risky place to take a coach.
I worked writing a report during the afternoon and then left to do a local appraisal at 4:20. Then it was time to pick up Kallie at her school. She was so excited to see me, it felt real nice. We drove home where she talked to Marilyn and played, then we went to the park to a picnic sponsored by her school where we got pizza, drinks, chips and she played. Keanna came to visit about 7 and they played until about 9 when Nikki was through with her meeting with the Nutcracker Suite people, Keanna would like to be in the play this Christmas time so it takes involvement by a parent.
Now its time to crash, I've felt better today, tried to push water and when I checked my blood sugar this afternoon at 4:30 it was 86, which for me is a great number!
So sending love to all,
This thing we call life has its challenges, huge times of stress and strain but moments with the kiddos changes everything. They love to make noise, to play, to tease, to joke, for example this afternoon Kallie asked if she could pick tomatoes. She went out and found some ripe ones that were hiding. She brought them in and washed them, then washed them again, so cute to watch her in action, what a precious human being with so much potential. What a blessing each and every one of the little people are.
Tim
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Another day
Dear Family and Friends,
Well here it is again, time to head to bed.
Mostly I just cranked out work today and I've had some success. Did a tough one in Berkeley worth over a million, finally got conditions out on a few others and wrote a couple others and got them shipped out.
This evening I went out to wash the motorhome since it is being rented in the morning. As I unrolled the hose a wasp stung my knee, that felt really great, I just could not believe it. Got the dirt off the motorhome and will vacuum in the morning and wash down the surfaces. The renters are the same ones that took it last year to Burning Man and did such a great job of keeping it clean, its the only reason I'm renting it this year since I no longer have to rent it out. Oh well I hope they have a great trip.
I'm gradually getting caught up with the writeups, if I could only move faster but frankly I don't feel all that well these days and tonight a huge coughing bout hit me after several days with almost no coughing. It was so intense that I ended up sweating with the effort.
Life sure has little fun in it right now, sort of feel beaten down, so tired and so bored, I'd like a break but I don't dare take one with the work load. The way I feel is this, I don't know how long the work will continue at this pace so I tend to do everything I can while its here in hopes I can get ahead a bit. Getting ahead has certainly been true lately as I've been able to pay off my friends who so graciously let me owe them money.
So for now I'm signing off, good night to all, love you and appreciate you very much.
Tim
Well here it is again, time to head to bed.
Mostly I just cranked out work today and I've had some success. Did a tough one in Berkeley worth over a million, finally got conditions out on a few others and wrote a couple others and got them shipped out.
This evening I went out to wash the motorhome since it is being rented in the morning. As I unrolled the hose a wasp stung my knee, that felt really great, I just could not believe it. Got the dirt off the motorhome and will vacuum in the morning and wash down the surfaces. The renters are the same ones that took it last year to Burning Man and did such a great job of keeping it clean, its the only reason I'm renting it this year since I no longer have to rent it out. Oh well I hope they have a great trip.
I'm gradually getting caught up with the writeups, if I could only move faster but frankly I don't feel all that well these days and tonight a huge coughing bout hit me after several days with almost no coughing. It was so intense that I ended up sweating with the effort.
Life sure has little fun in it right now, sort of feel beaten down, so tired and so bored, I'd like a break but I don't dare take one with the work load. The way I feel is this, I don't know how long the work will continue at this pace so I tend to do everything I can while its here in hopes I can get ahead a bit. Getting ahead has certainly been true lately as I've been able to pay off my friends who so graciously let me owe them money.
So for now I'm signing off, good night to all, love you and appreciate you very much.
Tim
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Not a great day
Good evening,
It started out good, Pooka and I did our park walk in the chilly morning air, it was great. Then back to a nice warm cup of mocha made in my new machine, how I love new stuff, new weather station, new cup holders in the car, new springs in the motorhome and new coffee maker! Fun
Once I walked into the office things began to spin out of control. I got hit with a couple requests for revisions that were pretty far out, not sure what their agenda was but it was crazy and it hit be wrong, I was angry, frustrated with not being able to get caught up, fielding lots of emails asking when clients can expect appraisals and conditions that take hours to deal with for stuff that is not important, it did not make me calm or happy.
The best part of the day was picking up miss Keanna from school. She suggested we go shopping to Safeway and we did. That was great, then Road Runner RV called to say the coach was ready to be picked up. Marilyn drove me in and I expected the bill to be about $300 for fixing the AC and doing an oil change but that was not to be. They had found things to fix that drove the bill to nearly $1,200, without my consent. I was shocked, angry and disappointed that they would do such a thing. They always do such good work but I would have not decided to do the work all at once and without any warning. I'm still very upset and will never have them do anything again without a clear price in advance in writing. I know I could go after them but I won't. They are friends but this time they did me wrong and I'm very disappointed. Until more money comes in I'll be running very close to empty money wise. So that just made the day worse.
Once I got home I found out that the revisions I had done did not satisfy the person and I had to do more. More stress.
Finally now I'm back to writing an appraisal I had hoped to finish by noon today, I just can't believe how far behind I am. I need a miracle!
Keanna is doing so well in her school and enjoying reading, loves match and is in love with learning, what a blessing that is.
So thats it from here, a bummer day all around.
Sending love to all,
Tim
It started out good, Pooka and I did our park walk in the chilly morning air, it was great. Then back to a nice warm cup of mocha made in my new machine, how I love new stuff, new weather station, new cup holders in the car, new springs in the motorhome and new coffee maker! Fun
Once I walked into the office things began to spin out of control. I got hit with a couple requests for revisions that were pretty far out, not sure what their agenda was but it was crazy and it hit be wrong, I was angry, frustrated with not being able to get caught up, fielding lots of emails asking when clients can expect appraisals and conditions that take hours to deal with for stuff that is not important, it did not make me calm or happy.
The best part of the day was picking up miss Keanna from school. She suggested we go shopping to Safeway and we did. That was great, then Road Runner RV called to say the coach was ready to be picked up. Marilyn drove me in and I expected the bill to be about $300 for fixing the AC and doing an oil change but that was not to be. They had found things to fix that drove the bill to nearly $1,200, without my consent. I was shocked, angry and disappointed that they would do such a thing. They always do such good work but I would have not decided to do the work all at once and without any warning. I'm still very upset and will never have them do anything again without a clear price in advance in writing. I know I could go after them but I won't. They are friends but this time they did me wrong and I'm very disappointed. Until more money comes in I'll be running very close to empty money wise. So that just made the day worse.
Once I got home I found out that the revisions I had done did not satisfy the person and I had to do more. More stress.
Finally now I'm back to writing an appraisal I had hoped to finish by noon today, I just can't believe how far behind I am. I need a miracle!
Keanna is doing so well in her school and enjoying reading, loves match and is in love with learning, what a blessing that is.
So thats it from here, a bummer day all around.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Working toward the goal
Dear Friends and Family,
Marilyn tells me that there are 24 orders on the board, many have been seen and many need appointments to be seen. Wow that is a heavy load to carry as every one means something to the owners, buyers, sellers.
This morning I rolled out at 5:30, showered and came down to work. I started working on one but before long it was time to take the motorhome to Road Runner RV for an oil change and AC service. Once we dropped it off and I chatted with the friendly lady at the front desk we left to drive to Bethel Island. Once there we measured a large home with waterfront setting, shot the comps and then drove to meet a very nice agent named Oak, a woman agent who claims to know me for years. The house was nice and we finished up in time for lunch at the In and Out. Then it was home to work on appraisals. At 4:45 we left for Oakland where I was to see a condo. Again a very nice lady and a super clean condo. That took awhile and then it was time to head home. I was so tired and sleepy that Marilyn did a lot of the driving. We stopped at Chili's in Concord for dinner and are now home.
Tomorrow I'm in and plan to write up appraisals, as many as I can get done to try to catch up once again. Clients just keep sending more orders, everyone is desperate to get their appraisal work completed.
I heard from Carol Peden tonight, it was so great to hear a report on how they are doing and they are taking some important steps in downsizing their life to a more bearable level. I'm proud of them for taking the needed steps and I know they will appreciate being prayed for. Roger's health is not perfect but he is holding on and dealing with being older now.
This afternoon Ray put the final touches on the pipes for the spa and it pumps perfectly now. So we are at the beginning of rebuilding it and this time it will work in a powerful way. Great work Ray.
Love to all
Tim
Marilyn tells me that there are 24 orders on the board, many have been seen and many need appointments to be seen. Wow that is a heavy load to carry as every one means something to the owners, buyers, sellers.
This morning I rolled out at 5:30, showered and came down to work. I started working on one but before long it was time to take the motorhome to Road Runner RV for an oil change and AC service. Once we dropped it off and I chatted with the friendly lady at the front desk we left to drive to Bethel Island. Once there we measured a large home with waterfront setting, shot the comps and then drove to meet a very nice agent named Oak, a woman agent who claims to know me for years. The house was nice and we finished up in time for lunch at the In and Out. Then it was home to work on appraisals. At 4:45 we left for Oakland where I was to see a condo. Again a very nice lady and a super clean condo. That took awhile and then it was time to head home. I was so tired and sleepy that Marilyn did a lot of the driving. We stopped at Chili's in Concord for dinner and are now home.
Tomorrow I'm in and plan to write up appraisals, as many as I can get done to try to catch up once again. Clients just keep sending more orders, everyone is desperate to get their appraisal work completed.
I heard from Carol Peden tonight, it was so great to hear a report on how they are doing and they are taking some important steps in downsizing their life to a more bearable level. I'm proud of them for taking the needed steps and I know they will appreciate being prayed for. Roger's health is not perfect but he is holding on and dealing with being older now.
This afternoon Ray put the final touches on the pipes for the spa and it pumps perfectly now. So we are at the beginning of rebuilding it and this time it will work in a powerful way. Great work Ray.
Love to all
Tim
Monday, August 20, 2012
Many miles but arrived home safely
Dear Family and Friends,
Rolled out at 6 this morning while the house was quiet, everyone else was still resting as they should be, after all they are retired!
I worked in the cool beautiful morning until it was time to say good bye to Barb and Gerry, they were loaded up and ready to head home. We had a quick bite at McDonalds and then I left for Vallejo and arrived to the minute on time, the home was once a very fine home, it was like stuck in time, the wallpaper in one room was raised fuzzy, in the bath was foil wallpaper, the carpets clashed with the wall paper, one room even had grass cloth wallpaper. Now it sat empty, its owner had died and the reverse mortgage that funded his or her last years had ended and I was there to help determine its current value.
Then with that one behind me I turned to Rohnert Park arriving early enough that I could grab a burrito at Taco Bell. This one held a renter who had been there a long time, she had two kiddos looking forward to going back to school tomorrow. Once that one was completed I then set the GPS for Napa. This was was a bit more problematic. Set in the country east of Silverado Trail it was a tiny little place with gravel driveway, converted garage and a very nice occupant who just lost her mom a month ago. The main problem with the property is, the well no longer produces water, there is not water supply from the city so they have to have water trucked in, talk about a serious hit on value.
Once I was through with that one and shooting 8 comparables just to be sure then I made my way through miles of traffic, mostly stopped it seemed and finally made it home about 7 pm. The load of the work to complete is weighing on me and tomorrow morning I have to slip out and see two more before settling in to write things up. I'm also taking the motorhome to have the AC recharged tomorrow so things are piling up.
So I'm thankful to be home safely, no mishaps and I sure give speed bumps more attention now. Lesson learned!
It was wonderful to see Barb and Gerry, they always bring such cheer and when they leave the cars are clean, the garage floor swept, the sinks shining and our appetities are satified. Wow what a treat.
Love to all,
Tim
Rolled out at 6 this morning while the house was quiet, everyone else was still resting as they should be, after all they are retired!
I worked in the cool beautiful morning until it was time to say good bye to Barb and Gerry, they were loaded up and ready to head home. We had a quick bite at McDonalds and then I left for Vallejo and arrived to the minute on time, the home was once a very fine home, it was like stuck in time, the wallpaper in one room was raised fuzzy, in the bath was foil wallpaper, the carpets clashed with the wall paper, one room even had grass cloth wallpaper. Now it sat empty, its owner had died and the reverse mortgage that funded his or her last years had ended and I was there to help determine its current value.
Then with that one behind me I turned to Rohnert Park arriving early enough that I could grab a burrito at Taco Bell. This one held a renter who had been there a long time, she had two kiddos looking forward to going back to school tomorrow. Once that one was completed I then set the GPS for Napa. This was was a bit more problematic. Set in the country east of Silverado Trail it was a tiny little place with gravel driveway, converted garage and a very nice occupant who just lost her mom a month ago. The main problem with the property is, the well no longer produces water, there is not water supply from the city so they have to have water trucked in, talk about a serious hit on value.
Once I was through with that one and shooting 8 comparables just to be sure then I made my way through miles of traffic, mostly stopped it seemed and finally made it home about 7 pm. The load of the work to complete is weighing on me and tomorrow morning I have to slip out and see two more before settling in to write things up. I'm also taking the motorhome to have the AC recharged tomorrow so things are piling up.
So I'm thankful to be home safely, no mishaps and I sure give speed bumps more attention now. Lesson learned!
It was wonderful to see Barb and Gerry, they always bring such cheer and when they leave the cars are clean, the garage floor swept, the sinks shining and our appetities are satified. Wow what a treat.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, August 19, 2012
A different kind of Sunday
As I woke up this morning I smiled knowing my home was filled with friends. I jumped up and came down to work for awhile. Gradually I heard the sounds of others as they came down one by one. It was a perfect morning, cool and beautiful over the lake. Gerry and I went out to wash the cars and tonight my garage has swept floors and two clean cars parked in their places.
Once we had completed washing the cars Barbie instructed us in how to make some very unusual and delicious waffles using cashews, water, oatmeal and 10 minutes in the waffle iron. We all had several and did different kinds of things to them, I used peanut butter, Barbie used fruit and syrup, Gerry used some special Canadian brown syrup and butter. Barbie had prepared a melon and a fresh pineapple, talk about delicious. Once we got over stuffing our faces we staggered away from the table. Ray came over and together we boys too stock of the spa, gradually a plan developed that involved our driving Gerry's van to Lowes and purchasing some redwood boards, some concrete piers, some 4 x 4s and screws to put it all together. Of course by this time of day it was hot so we stopped for a drink at In and Out and finally made it back home around 2:30 or so. Using the big wheelbarrow we unloaded the building supplies and rested for a bit.
Later we ventured out again and Ray began to hit the decaying base of the SPA. It fell apart easily so I joined in a tore more away and we finally got all the old base off the spa, this is a base that was constructed of boards that Shawn had after a fencing job. Jim and Ron Miller built the base and it has stood the test of time ever since, must be 35 years or so. It has finally come to the end of its useful life and we are now creating a new base after all these years. Pretty amazing and many of the boards are still good, Redwood has amazing properties!
So I did almost no appraisal work today, just spent time with friends, Gerry Ray and I had fun with the sledge hammer demolishing the deck so Ray can do the plumbing tomorrow and we will finally see the spa work properly. Then once we know it works we'll start rebuilding the base and then make decisions about replacing the deck or removing portions of it and creating yard once again.
Right now its time to hit the hay. Tomorrow I'll pay the price for not getting a bunch of appraisals written today but for now I'm content and happy with the day.
Love to all,
Tim
ps Thanks to Steve for his help in writing reports, could not get by without him.
Once we had completed washing the cars Barbie instructed us in how to make some very unusual and delicious waffles using cashews, water, oatmeal and 10 minutes in the waffle iron. We all had several and did different kinds of things to them, I used peanut butter, Barbie used fruit and syrup, Gerry used some special Canadian brown syrup and butter. Barbie had prepared a melon and a fresh pineapple, talk about delicious. Once we got over stuffing our faces we staggered away from the table. Ray came over and together we boys too stock of the spa, gradually a plan developed that involved our driving Gerry's van to Lowes and purchasing some redwood boards, some concrete piers, some 4 x 4s and screws to put it all together. Of course by this time of day it was hot so we stopped for a drink at In and Out and finally made it back home around 2:30 or so. Using the big wheelbarrow we unloaded the building supplies and rested for a bit.
Later we ventured out again and Ray began to hit the decaying base of the SPA. It fell apart easily so I joined in a tore more away and we finally got all the old base off the spa, this is a base that was constructed of boards that Shawn had after a fencing job. Jim and Ron Miller built the base and it has stood the test of time ever since, must be 35 years or so. It has finally come to the end of its useful life and we are now creating a new base after all these years. Pretty amazing and many of the boards are still good, Redwood has amazing properties!
So I did almost no appraisal work today, just spent time with friends, Gerry Ray and I had fun with the sledge hammer demolishing the deck so Ray can do the plumbing tomorrow and we will finally see the spa work properly. Then once we know it works we'll start rebuilding the base and then make decisions about replacing the deck or removing portions of it and creating yard once again.
Right now its time to hit the hay. Tomorrow I'll pay the price for not getting a bunch of appraisals written today but for now I'm content and happy with the day.
Love to all,
Tim
ps Thanks to Steve for his help in writing reports, could not get by without him.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Lammerdings are in the house
Good evening
Pooka and I started the day at 7 by a trip to the park, she gets so excited when she knows we are going to to the park, acts like a little puppy, fun to watch.
I then picked up a few things, had breakfast, washed the sink, I wanted to get ahead of Barb as she always has to clean the kitchen sink.
I drove to church in Tracy but arrived fairly late. After church I took a call from the Firestone Auto Repair facility in Rockridge, a section of Oakland. They let me know the bug was repaired and did not leak oil. Oh and by the way the charges would be $790. Different than the $650 I was quoted but I've come to expect that.
So I brought Taco Bell home to Marilyn and we left for Oakland. Once we got there we quickly paid the bill and drove back home. The bug purred with its new oil change and in spite of the heat drove perfectly.
Barb and Gerry had arrived from Sacramento and were in the house. I had left the front door open for them. We sat around and chatted for awhile then headed out to meet Janice for dinner at UNOs. What a great time we had. Janice enjoyed meeting Barb and Gerry and finally got to meet Marilyn. I think we all enjoyed our time together.
Now we are back and just shared a bowl of popcorn, Barbie brought so much good food! In the morning we are going to have a special kind of waffles that Barbie knows how to make. They have nothing but good things inside, lots of healthy stuff. I can't wait.
So its been a very good day and a total break from doing appraisals. How thankful I am that the oil leak was discovered where it was, otherwise I would have been driving up the steep hill of Berkeley when all the oil ran out and the engine burned up. So even in harsh accidents there are blessings, lots of them.
Perhaps you will think this crazy but I've learned to think in an unusual way when I get held up in traffic or something bad like the broken oil pan happens, Could that even have kept me from a disaster somewhere else? I firmly believe that even though I am a very poor disciple of Jesus He watches over me every day and has a hand in my every day life.
I am experiencing one of those special times tonight, my dear friends Barb and Gerry are in the house, they are true lifelong friends and it is an honor to have them here to visit.
So sending love to all and gratitude to our Lord and Saviour.
Tim
Pooka and I started the day at 7 by a trip to the park, she gets so excited when she knows we are going to to the park, acts like a little puppy, fun to watch.
I then picked up a few things, had breakfast, washed the sink, I wanted to get ahead of Barb as she always has to clean the kitchen sink.
I drove to church in Tracy but arrived fairly late. After church I took a call from the Firestone Auto Repair facility in Rockridge, a section of Oakland. They let me know the bug was repaired and did not leak oil. Oh and by the way the charges would be $790. Different than the $650 I was quoted but I've come to expect that.
So I brought Taco Bell home to Marilyn and we left for Oakland. Once we got there we quickly paid the bill and drove back home. The bug purred with its new oil change and in spite of the heat drove perfectly.
Barb and Gerry had arrived from Sacramento and were in the house. I had left the front door open for them. We sat around and chatted for awhile then headed out to meet Janice for dinner at UNOs. What a great time we had. Janice enjoyed meeting Barb and Gerry and finally got to meet Marilyn. I think we all enjoyed our time together.
Now we are back and just shared a bowl of popcorn, Barbie brought so much good food! In the morning we are going to have a special kind of waffles that Barbie knows how to make. They have nothing but good things inside, lots of healthy stuff. I can't wait.
So its been a very good day and a total break from doing appraisals. How thankful I am that the oil leak was discovered where it was, otherwise I would have been driving up the steep hill of Berkeley when all the oil ran out and the engine burned up. So even in harsh accidents there are blessings, lots of them.
Perhaps you will think this crazy but I've learned to think in an unusual way when I get held up in traffic or something bad like the broken oil pan happens, Could that even have kept me from a disaster somewhere else? I firmly believe that even though I am a very poor disciple of Jesus He watches over me every day and has a hand in my every day life.
I am experiencing one of those special times tonight, my dear friends Barb and Gerry are in the house, they are true lifelong friends and it is an honor to have them here to visit.
So sending love to all and gratitude to our Lord and Saviour.
Tim
Friday, August 17, 2012
Liquid! No Kidding
It was just a normal lunch at Burger King, vegeburger, side salad and drink. The food tasted good, it was fun to watch the various diners around me.
When I went back to my bug a guy with no english said, liquid and pointed under my car, as I backed up my heart sank as I saw a pool of black oil about 2 x 3 feet where my car had been parked, at first it was denial, no that was there when I pulled in but then I noticed a line of oil as I backed up, oops.
Quickly I asked the GPS to find an auto repair place and it did, very near by so I limped around the block and into the yard beside a Firestone auto repair. Once inside I asked the guy behind the desk if someone could look at my car, he gingerly came out and looked but knew nothing, wrote it up and in a few minutes a mechanic started to find the oil leak. Next thing I know he has the tires off the car, what was he doing I asked the clerk, a safety check he responded, what! I want the oil leak fixed, I don't need or want a safety check, so he walks out and the tires are put back on the car, I still don't know what is wrong, then the mechanic finally tells me, the aluminum pan is cracked letting all the oil drain out, it must be replaced!
Great, I have a Dr. waiting at the top of the hill behind Berkeley for me to inspect his home and then I have a family waiting in Livermore for me to do their home. What to do? First an estimate, seems to take forever but it comes to $600 something, not sure, don't care, just do it. Can't fix it today!
Dr. drives down from his home near Tildon park at the top of the world behind Berkeley and picks me up. I call Marilyn and give her his address. She leaves Discovery Bay in the Civic using the old GPS and starts driving toward Berkeley. I find a beautiful old home with unbelievable beautiful setting looking out on the park, a buck walks nearby as I measure. The house is awful to measure, tight landscaping everywhere but I finally finish and Marilyn drives up.
We debate and decide to go ahead and take the time to shoot the comps that are all over and are as high as 1.8 million. Once we are finished we call Livermore and they say, come on over, we are chillin. So we work out way through traffic, pick up gas at CostCo and arrive in Livermore with enough light to do the job.
Now we are home, a long day turned out even longer. Oh by the way my last appointment was in Tracy but when I discovered the house was over 8,000 sf I turned the order down, now I'm home and see that the company just upped the fee to $750 but I think I will still turn it down, no comps for 20 miles.
Hope your Sabbath, your weekend is special for you. Mine will be as Barb and Gerry are driving down tomorrow afternoon to spend the night, it will be great to see them.
Love to all
Tim
When I went back to my bug a guy with no english said, liquid and pointed under my car, as I backed up my heart sank as I saw a pool of black oil about 2 x 3 feet where my car had been parked, at first it was denial, no that was there when I pulled in but then I noticed a line of oil as I backed up, oops.
Quickly I asked the GPS to find an auto repair place and it did, very near by so I limped around the block and into the yard beside a Firestone auto repair. Once inside I asked the guy behind the desk if someone could look at my car, he gingerly came out and looked but knew nothing, wrote it up and in a few minutes a mechanic started to find the oil leak. Next thing I know he has the tires off the car, what was he doing I asked the clerk, a safety check he responded, what! I want the oil leak fixed, I don't need or want a safety check, so he walks out and the tires are put back on the car, I still don't know what is wrong, then the mechanic finally tells me, the aluminum pan is cracked letting all the oil drain out, it must be replaced!
Great, I have a Dr. waiting at the top of the hill behind Berkeley for me to inspect his home and then I have a family waiting in Livermore for me to do their home. What to do? First an estimate, seems to take forever but it comes to $600 something, not sure, don't care, just do it. Can't fix it today!
Dr. drives down from his home near Tildon park at the top of the world behind Berkeley and picks me up. I call Marilyn and give her his address. She leaves Discovery Bay in the Civic using the old GPS and starts driving toward Berkeley. I find a beautiful old home with unbelievable beautiful setting looking out on the park, a buck walks nearby as I measure. The house is awful to measure, tight landscaping everywhere but I finally finish and Marilyn drives up.
We debate and decide to go ahead and take the time to shoot the comps that are all over and are as high as 1.8 million. Once we are finished we call Livermore and they say, come on over, we are chillin. So we work out way through traffic, pick up gas at CostCo and arrive in Livermore with enough light to do the job.
Now we are home, a long day turned out even longer. Oh by the way my last appointment was in Tracy but when I discovered the house was over 8,000 sf I turned the order down, now I'm home and see that the company just upped the fee to $750 but I think I will still turn it down, no comps for 20 miles.
Hope your Sabbath, your weekend is special for you. Mine will be as Barb and Gerry are driving down tomorrow afternoon to spend the night, it will be great to see them.
Love to all
Tim
Thursday, August 16, 2012
To the yard
So now its 8:35 and I'm just in from taking a huge break. I just could not face any more files and pushing paper so I went outside, its was not that cool but it was different. I picked up the boards I've removed from the back deck and stacked them out of the way, put the spa cover on to hide its ugle water, we are not quit repaired yet, trimmed bushes in the front yard, they seem to sprout shoots overnight, well at least in a month, the got the edger going and trimmed the edges, made the lawn mower start, it needed fuel! Now I'm totally sweaty, am scratched up a bit but am energized. One needs a break from pushing paper I guess.
Today has been just that, pushing paper and I've been pretty successful at it. Steve has helped also and has one written for me to review and ship, that is great news!
More orders are pouring in, just an unbelieveable amount of work to get done.
I'm thankful for work, I'm not sure how to find a balance for my life, have not been to the $55 a month club for 4 months, that is very sad. I think I've forgotten how to spin in spin class. Oh well its near bedtime and I enjoy sleeping very much.
I was thinking when I was working outside about how I used to get all worked up about having to do the lawn alone when nan was alive and I would come in all grumpy and one look at her made it all go away. She just had a way of dispelling gloom and planning fun. How I miss that and her.
So thats it for me tonight. Tomorrow is going to be in intense day. I'm seeing one is Discovery Bay, then in Oakland at 10, then in Oakland at 11:30, then in Berkeley at 1:30 to 2 and Livermore at 4 and Tracy at 6. By then I think I'll be ready for the looney bin or at least to head home.
Love to all
Tim
Today has been just that, pushing paper and I've been pretty successful at it. Steve has helped also and has one written for me to review and ship, that is great news!
More orders are pouring in, just an unbelieveable amount of work to get done.
I'm thankful for work, I'm not sure how to find a balance for my life, have not been to the $55 a month club for 4 months, that is very sad. I think I've forgotten how to spin in spin class. Oh well its near bedtime and I enjoy sleeping very much.
I was thinking when I was working outside about how I used to get all worked up about having to do the lawn alone when nan was alive and I would come in all grumpy and one look at her made it all go away. She just had a way of dispelling gloom and planning fun. How I miss that and her.
So thats it for me tonight. Tomorrow is going to be in intense day. I'm seeing one is Discovery Bay, then in Oakland at 10, then in Oakland at 11:30, then in Berkeley at 1:30 to 2 and Livermore at 4 and Tracy at 6. By then I think I'll be ready for the looney bin or at least to head home.
Love to all
Tim
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Traveling man
Well Life with Mustard today would have taken you to Moraga to a lovely home with a pool and worth over a million dollars, then on to Piedmont where the home is probably worth 1.5 million, that one was interesting to measure, a classic home with Craftsman design, then to Berkeley for a brief encounter with a home I've done before and then through traffic over the Bay Bridge, through downtown San Francisco and down to South San Francisco where I inspected my last home of the day, as I left the car I found cold temperatures and fog beginning to surge in.
Once the work day was over at about 7:30 I located a BJ's, a nice place that Nan and I often enjoyed when in southern california, I had a 20 minute wait but the food was great, service was perfect and by 9:45 I was once again on the road. Now I'm home at around 10:45, a trip home listening in rapt silence to a great book by James Burke, its long and its a great read.
So the next stop in this long day is BED.
Good night my friends and family,
Looking forward to Lammerdings coming on Sabbath afternoon this week, will be nice.
Love to all
tim
Once the work day was over at about 7:30 I located a BJ's, a nice place that Nan and I often enjoyed when in southern california, I had a 20 minute wait but the food was great, service was perfect and by 9:45 I was once again on the road. Now I'm home at around 10:45, a trip home listening in rapt silence to a great book by James Burke, its long and its a great read.
So the next stop in this long day is BED.
Good night my friends and family,
Looking forward to Lammerdings coming on Sabbath afternoon this week, will be nice.
Love to all
tim
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Just back from the field at 9 pm
So I started the day with a walk to the park, lots of action there and plenty of dogs for Pooka to be worried about.
Then it was back to shower and work up stuff, at 3:40 I left for Livermore with Marilyn in tow. She sat in the car under a shade tree while I inspected a pretty amazing home, then it was on to Fuddruckers for a garden burger. From there we drove to Fairfield to get an inspection of a tiny condo completed. From there we drove home just arriving now.
The coughing is really awful, seems much worse after I eat.
Tomorrow will be another long day ending at south San Francisco at 6 pm. I guess its very nice to have work and lots of it. I'm loving my weather station so much, its a great addition to my desk and it tells me what is happening outside, next I'll have to get a security system that lets me see outside.
So good night friend and family member, I love you all
Tim
Then it was back to shower and work up stuff, at 3:40 I left for Livermore with Marilyn in tow. She sat in the car under a shade tree while I inspected a pretty amazing home, then it was on to Fuddruckers for a garden burger. From there we drove to Fairfield to get an inspection of a tiny condo completed. From there we drove home just arriving now.
The coughing is really awful, seems much worse after I eat.
Tomorrow will be another long day ending at south San Francisco at 6 pm. I guess its very nice to have work and lots of it. I'm loving my weather station so much, its a great addition to my desk and it tells me what is happening outside, next I'll have to get a security system that lets me see outside.
So good night friend and family member, I love you all
Tim
Monday, August 13, 2012
A very busy and productive day
6 am rise and shine
6:30 begin research for day
8:00 drive motorhome to Antioch for new front spring installation and alignment
8:45 leave Antioch for home to switch cars and drop Marilyn off, much too hot to have her sit in the car.
10: back in Antioch to inspect a home, temperature already hot
11: arrive early for next Antioch appointment, huge house very warm now
12:45 drive to subdivision, discover they are not there until 1
12:50 have lunch at In and Out, cheese sandwich
1:15 Kiper new homes, measure home in very hot weather
2:30 Drive home to do quick work, stop and shoot bathroom photo I missed the other day along the way
3:30 Drive back to Antioch to collect motorhome, Marilyn drives me in Civic, have chance meeting at Starbucks with Steve and girls, great fun to see them
4:00 pick up motorhome, enjoy driving a totally different coach, tracks straight, steering wheen is now straight, ride is smooth and stable, bumps no longer radiate through the steering wheel.
5:30 Leave for Tracy to see ranchette on Durham Ferry Road
6:14 Arrive and discover weather is still hot, property very nice
Owners tell me about home built by two indian brothers just down the street, I've included a photo. Amazing.
This little home has 8 car garages on both sides, a pool in the center of the home and 17 bedrooms.
Pretty amazing home worth several million dollars. I'm pretty glad I don't have to appraise it ever!
So its been a pretty busy day with lots accomplished, yes it is hot and its hard to get ones self in gear to face the heat and measure two story homes which are surrounded by dust, junk, overgrowth but its all in a days work, plus the checks that appear in the mailbox sure help.
This morning I heard from Jason. He was in the law library at his school in the downtown district of SF preparing for his first class. Of course he has conflicting thoughts, one does when he ventures out into something so foreign and new. I think we need to all pray for our kids, no matter how old they are, they face challenges we may have never even had to consider but God loves them so much.
So saying I'm sending love to all,
Tim
6:30 begin research for day
8:00 drive motorhome to Antioch for new front spring installation and alignment
8:45 leave Antioch for home to switch cars and drop Marilyn off, much too hot to have her sit in the car.
10: back in Antioch to inspect a home, temperature already hot
11: arrive early for next Antioch appointment, huge house very warm now
12:45 drive to subdivision, discover they are not there until 1
12:50 have lunch at In and Out, cheese sandwich
1:15 Kiper new homes, measure home in very hot weather
2:30 Drive home to do quick work, stop and shoot bathroom photo I missed the other day along the way
3:30 Drive back to Antioch to collect motorhome, Marilyn drives me in Civic, have chance meeting at Starbucks with Steve and girls, great fun to see them
4:00 pick up motorhome, enjoy driving a totally different coach, tracks straight, steering wheen is now straight, ride is smooth and stable, bumps no longer radiate through the steering wheel.
5:30 Leave for Tracy to see ranchette on Durham Ferry Road
6:14 Arrive and discover weather is still hot, property very nice
Owners tell me about home built by two indian brothers just down the street, I've included a photo. Amazing.
This little home has 8 car garages on both sides, a pool in the center of the home and 17 bedrooms.
Pretty amazing home worth several million dollars. I'm pretty glad I don't have to appraise it ever!
So its been a pretty busy day with lots accomplished, yes it is hot and its hard to get ones self in gear to face the heat and measure two story homes which are surrounded by dust, junk, overgrowth but its all in a days work, plus the checks that appear in the mailbox sure help.
This morning I heard from Jason. He was in the law library at his school in the downtown district of SF preparing for his first class. Of course he has conflicting thoughts, one does when he ventures out into something so foreign and new. I think we need to all pray for our kids, no matter how old they are, they face challenges we may have never even had to consider but God loves them so much.
So saying I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Mellow Sabbath
Well here it is almost bed time once again. Its been very hot outside but then I avoided being outside much.
We started the day watching Keanna playing soccer. What progress, she is playing a good team and they are moving the ball well, she was very involved in mixing it up with other girls for the ball and she got some good kicks in. It was great sitting in the morning sun with Steve, Kallie, Nikki and Marilyn as well as friends sitting next to us.
After breakfast Nikki and the girls left for a busy day of birthday party, visiting relatives and if I know Nikki a bit of shopping. Steve went with us to Nation's for breakfast, food was great. Then we dropped Steve off back home where he and Kevin assembled Kallie's bed, the one we drove down to get in Scots Valley for $100, Steve and Nikki found it on line for $1,000 new, it really does work to shop on line for things.
We have been pretty lazy today with naps and long shows on christian dish with Bill Gather and the Boon Brothers, outstanding music. We tried to discover if the wide screen projection TV we watch is HD or not, after searching on the web we are pretty sure it is not HD after all. But the picture is excellent and thats all that matters to me.
We just came from the Boardwalk, a local eating place located adjacent to the water by the marina. My Gardenburger was excellent.
Tomorrow will be intense. On the agenda is: setting appointments for many properties, writing up several reports, doing a follow up inspection of a local property. Then on Monday the work really starts in ernest.
I am so grateful to God for his continued blessings with plenty of paying work, reliable cars, office equipment that does the job over and over again, a cool office in spite of intense heat outside, there is just a lot that is good about life and oh how I love to see my 4 little kiddos in action. Everyone is totally unique, everyone is precious.
So for now good night to all and thank you Lord for the Sabbath, a day to stop working and enjoy family, nature and friends.
Love
tim
We started the day watching Keanna playing soccer. What progress, she is playing a good team and they are moving the ball well, she was very involved in mixing it up with other girls for the ball and she got some good kicks in. It was great sitting in the morning sun with Steve, Kallie, Nikki and Marilyn as well as friends sitting next to us.
After breakfast Nikki and the girls left for a busy day of birthday party, visiting relatives and if I know Nikki a bit of shopping. Steve went with us to Nation's for breakfast, food was great. Then we dropped Steve off back home where he and Kevin assembled Kallie's bed, the one we drove down to get in Scots Valley for $100, Steve and Nikki found it on line for $1,000 new, it really does work to shop on line for things.
We have been pretty lazy today with naps and long shows on christian dish with Bill Gather and the Boon Brothers, outstanding music. We tried to discover if the wide screen projection TV we watch is HD or not, after searching on the web we are pretty sure it is not HD after all. But the picture is excellent and thats all that matters to me.
We just came from the Boardwalk, a local eating place located adjacent to the water by the marina. My Gardenburger was excellent.
Tomorrow will be intense. On the agenda is: setting appointments for many properties, writing up several reports, doing a follow up inspection of a local property. Then on Monday the work really starts in ernest.
I am so grateful to God for his continued blessings with plenty of paying work, reliable cars, office equipment that does the job over and over again, a cool office in spite of intense heat outside, there is just a lot that is good about life and oh how I love to see my 4 little kiddos in action. Everyone is totally unique, everyone is precious.
So for now good night to all and thank you Lord for the Sabbath, a day to stop working and enjoy family, nature and friends.
Love
tim
Friday, August 10, 2012
For a birthday this one sure has been challenging
Dear Family and Friends,
I rolled out at my normal 6 this morning, hit the shower, one of the high points of the day! and then came down to work, I was just through with the research for the South SF home which I was set to see at 10 when the phone let me know that appointment was off for a bit, until Monday. So I continued doing conditions and research until 10 when it was time to leave. I dropped a check off to Steve's front porch and drove to Livermore where I had to purchase some very expensive diesel fuel. Since the car had its new timing belt the mileage has dropped. Today confirmed that I had dropped to 36 from 43, a big hit. Not sure what they changed but its not good.
I arrived at about 12:10 for the Redwood City appraisal and was confronted with a very steeply upsloping site, a driveway so steep that they warn you not to use it unless you have a 4 wheel drive so it was a walk up a very poorly maintained set of rough stairs, I was puffing when I reached the top. Then the house was very chopped up and hard to measure but it was cute and had a killer view of the bay and the airport. The agent who met me was wonderful, she is from Argentina, a lovely professional and we clicked perfectly. She had some comps for me and I shot lots of photos for the report. Then the fun began, for as I walked down I realized that my blood sugar had plummeted, I could barely stand up. I was sweating and shaky, got to the car and quickly ate a oat and nut bar and drank some water. Then I started to drive the comps, they were all over the place on narrow one lane roads, it took well over an hour to get the photos shot and I was shaky and poorly equipped to do what I had to do. Finally I was through and set my sights on Benicia where the next property was located. So that meant working my way through traffic using 280, then 380 and finally 101 up to and through the city, across the bay bridge, up Highway 80, across the bridge at Benicia and finally arrived at the house. Let me tell you the traffic was special in places.
Since the Benicia one was a driveby I worked it as quickly as I could and then drove to Martinez where I had field review to do.
Once that was over I headed home where I picked up the van, marilyn and we drove to Nikki and STeves, we dropped off the bed parts and all rode to UNOs together for my birthday dinner. It was great and my gift was a weather station. I've wanted one for years and I'm thrilled. Plus Nikki got me one of those special cards that just says everything so well and its signed by the girls in their own hand.
All day today I've been receiving messages on the iphone from facebook with people wishing me a happy birthday, its been great, just seeing their faces and hearing from them. Good stuff!
Now I'm heading for bed, Keanna plays Soccer tomorrow morning at 9:30 so that is my next official stop.
So here I am 64 and still kicking, got to admit this has been a tough day, lots of coughing and not feeling all that great but now its bedtime, I'm ready and thankful for friends, family.
Today as I was driving through SF and across the Bay Bridge Jason called and we chatted as I was very near his school, of course he was not there today but still it felt strange to know he comes there every day now.
Love to all
Tim
ps Marilyn got me a very special gift, a case of my favorite coffee, something Green Mountain and its so good!
I rolled out at my normal 6 this morning, hit the shower, one of the high points of the day! and then came down to work, I was just through with the research for the South SF home which I was set to see at 10 when the phone let me know that appointment was off for a bit, until Monday. So I continued doing conditions and research until 10 when it was time to leave. I dropped a check off to Steve's front porch and drove to Livermore where I had to purchase some very expensive diesel fuel. Since the car had its new timing belt the mileage has dropped. Today confirmed that I had dropped to 36 from 43, a big hit. Not sure what they changed but its not good.
I arrived at about 12:10 for the Redwood City appraisal and was confronted with a very steeply upsloping site, a driveway so steep that they warn you not to use it unless you have a 4 wheel drive so it was a walk up a very poorly maintained set of rough stairs, I was puffing when I reached the top. Then the house was very chopped up and hard to measure but it was cute and had a killer view of the bay and the airport. The agent who met me was wonderful, she is from Argentina, a lovely professional and we clicked perfectly. She had some comps for me and I shot lots of photos for the report. Then the fun began, for as I walked down I realized that my blood sugar had plummeted, I could barely stand up. I was sweating and shaky, got to the car and quickly ate a oat and nut bar and drank some water. Then I started to drive the comps, they were all over the place on narrow one lane roads, it took well over an hour to get the photos shot and I was shaky and poorly equipped to do what I had to do. Finally I was through and set my sights on Benicia where the next property was located. So that meant working my way through traffic using 280, then 380 and finally 101 up to and through the city, across the bay bridge, up Highway 80, across the bridge at Benicia and finally arrived at the house. Let me tell you the traffic was special in places.
Since the Benicia one was a driveby I worked it as quickly as I could and then drove to Martinez where I had field review to do.
Once that was over I headed home where I picked up the van, marilyn and we drove to Nikki and STeves, we dropped off the bed parts and all rode to UNOs together for my birthday dinner. It was great and my gift was a weather station. I've wanted one for years and I'm thrilled. Plus Nikki got me one of those special cards that just says everything so well and its signed by the girls in their own hand.
All day today I've been receiving messages on the iphone from facebook with people wishing me a happy birthday, its been great, just seeing their faces and hearing from them. Good stuff!
Now I'm heading for bed, Keanna plays Soccer tomorrow morning at 9:30 so that is my next official stop.
So here I am 64 and still kicking, got to admit this has been a tough day, lots of coughing and not feeling all that great but now its bedtime, I'm ready and thankful for friends, family.
Today as I was driving through SF and across the Bay Bridge Jason called and we chatted as I was very near his school, of course he was not there today but still it felt strange to know he comes there every day now.
Love to all
Tim
ps Marilyn got me a very special gift, a case of my favorite coffee, something Green Mountain and its so good!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Cranking out the work, Jason gets started
Good evening
This has been some day. Pooka and I walked this morning and enjoyed the park, she did her normal smelling and I did my breathing deep the morning air.
Then it was a day of writing, doing conditions for people and trying to stay on task for the day. It actually went pretty well. Now I'm kicking back before heading to bed. i guess its been warm today but I've hardly been out.
During the day I heard from Jo that Jason was being inducted into the law school at 5 today. He is well on his way and has his books, he is getting used to the idea of law school. He reports that the law school he is in has a real social conscience.
Today I also learned how to send reports directly out of the appraisal program, always exciting to learn something which means i can still learn at my age. Only took a few steps to figure out. Now I know.
Tomorrow I go to South SF for a 10 am appointment then on to Redwood City. In the afternoon it will be Benicia for a driveby, then tomorrow evening Nikki says we are doing dinner for my birthday. So the day should be fun and exciting.and very tiring.
Good night to all,
Tim
This has been some day. Pooka and I walked this morning and enjoyed the park, she did her normal smelling and I did my breathing deep the morning air.
Then it was a day of writing, doing conditions for people and trying to stay on task for the day. It actually went pretty well. Now I'm kicking back before heading to bed. i guess its been warm today but I've hardly been out.
During the day I heard from Jo that Jason was being inducted into the law school at 5 today. He is well on his way and has his books, he is getting used to the idea of law school. He reports that the law school he is in has a real social conscience.
Today I also learned how to send reports directly out of the appraisal program, always exciting to learn something which means i can still learn at my age. Only took a few steps to figure out. Now I know.
Tomorrow I go to South SF for a 10 am appointment then on to Redwood City. In the afternoon it will be Benicia for a driveby, then tomorrow evening Nikki says we are doing dinner for my birthday. So the day should be fun and exciting.and very tiring.
Good night to all,
Tim
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Whirlwind day!
It all started at the normal 6 am alarm, up and stager to the alarm clock, turn it off, turn water on hot in the shower, pat the doggies head, check cell phone for messages that came in during the night.
Shower over, down to the desk, do research for the day, do some little helping things for friends who needed to know things about values, write a bit on appraisal and then leave for Pittsburg. Make bank deposit on the way. Arrive on time, OK house, nice new sod, asian owners with little english.
Then to Brentwood and use Supra Key, this little device that looks like a cell phone, you just turn it on, put in a code and point at a lockbox hanging on the front door, the box with the key inside gets the message and opens. Then you have access. Measured a two story home, shot the comps and then headed home.
Picked up Marilyn, address and other needed items and we hit the road for Scots Valley where a nice little bed with a slide and ladder waiting to be picked up. Kallie needs a new bed. The one thing I did not pickup when I left was my iphone. And with that mistake I was out of touch with all my clients and friends, family for the whole afternoon.
We found the address where the bed was without any problem. The owner had waited to take the bed apart until I could see how it went together. So we took the next 45 minutes disassembling the bed. It is cute and well made. Finally we had it all loaded up in the car and headed home.
We stopped by Jason's and ended up having dinner with the family. Jo is in the air flying home from teachers meetings in Nashville. She arrived this evening at around 10 and will be very welcome home by her whole family. Jason spent his second day at school in SF today and is quickly learning the ropes, the needs, the challenges of what he is in for. Their family is going through so much right now, so many changes.
I'm sure Kallie is going to love her new bed when we can get it rebuilt. It is very clever and leave it to Nikki and Steve to find it for a very low price through the internet instead of paying the full price for it new. Good for them!
So now I'm really tired and worn out but very thankful for life, for a safe trip, for lots of work to do and for friends and family.
Love
Tim
please pray for those with special needs this evening, God knows!
Shower over, down to the desk, do research for the day, do some little helping things for friends who needed to know things about values, write a bit on appraisal and then leave for Pittsburg. Make bank deposit on the way. Arrive on time, OK house, nice new sod, asian owners with little english.
Then to Brentwood and use Supra Key, this little device that looks like a cell phone, you just turn it on, put in a code and point at a lockbox hanging on the front door, the box with the key inside gets the message and opens. Then you have access. Measured a two story home, shot the comps and then headed home.
Picked up Marilyn, address and other needed items and we hit the road for Scots Valley where a nice little bed with a slide and ladder waiting to be picked up. Kallie needs a new bed. The one thing I did not pickup when I left was my iphone. And with that mistake I was out of touch with all my clients and friends, family for the whole afternoon.
We found the address where the bed was without any problem. The owner had waited to take the bed apart until I could see how it went together. So we took the next 45 minutes disassembling the bed. It is cute and well made. Finally we had it all loaded up in the car and headed home.
We stopped by Jason's and ended up having dinner with the family. Jo is in the air flying home from teachers meetings in Nashville. She arrived this evening at around 10 and will be very welcome home by her whole family. Jason spent his second day at school in SF today and is quickly learning the ropes, the needs, the challenges of what he is in for. Their family is going through so much right now, so many changes.
I'm sure Kallie is going to love her new bed when we can get it rebuilt. It is very clever and leave it to Nikki and Steve to find it for a very low price through the internet instead of paying the full price for it new. Good for them!
So now I'm really tired and worn out but very thankful for life, for a safe trip, for lots of work to do and for friends and family.
Love
Tim
please pray for those with special needs this evening, God knows!
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Working 6 to 10
Good evening
Well this has been a stay at home day. I've been creating reports all day with breaks for Ray, Steve, Nikki, Jason and many business calls.
Ray did his brakes for his SUV in the garage which was much cooler than working in the sun, Steve came by and dropped off files, then was able to help Ray break lose a couple stubborn bolts, so sort of saved the day. He often does that.
Jason attended his first day of classes in SF today and is learning how and when and where to do his thing there. I'll probably catch up with him tomorrow evening after Marilyn and I drop down to Scots Valley to pick up a bunk bed for Kallie, she is out growing her bed. I've got the van and Nikki has the Civic right now.
In the morning I'll jam another report out and then head out for the day to see two properties which are relatively near by. Then we will drive down to get the bed.
Marilyn made a great salad for dinner tonight, so good and a nice break from work.
So for now I'm wishing each of you a pleasant night.
Love to all
Tim
Well this has been a stay at home day. I've been creating reports all day with breaks for Ray, Steve, Nikki, Jason and many business calls.
Ray did his brakes for his SUV in the garage which was much cooler than working in the sun, Steve came by and dropped off files, then was able to help Ray break lose a couple stubborn bolts, so sort of saved the day. He often does that.
Jason attended his first day of classes in SF today and is learning how and when and where to do his thing there. I'll probably catch up with him tomorrow evening after Marilyn and I drop down to Scots Valley to pick up a bunk bed for Kallie, she is out growing her bed. I've got the van and Nikki has the Civic right now.
In the morning I'll jam another report out and then head out for the day to see two properties which are relatively near by. Then we will drive down to get the bed.
Marilyn made a great salad for dinner tonight, so good and a nice break from work.
So for now I'm wishing each of you a pleasant night.
Love to all
Tim
Monday, August 6, 2012
An Excellent Day
Good evening family and friends,
We are just back from Rio Vista, Vacaville, Vallejo and Hercules. We didn't get out of town until about 2:30. Tried to get into a local subdivision that has a security gate and today the guard was acting pretty strange, we finally got through the gate but it took 30 precious minutes.
We needed to shoot comp photos and we finally were able to get in and shoot but it was a struggle.
I worked in this morning after doing a short walk to the park, the coffee I'm making these morning with the new coffee machine is really good. I put into each cup the following: teaspoon of mocha, teaspoon of honey, sprinkle of fiber and some creamer. Then using the little single of a Green Mountain Blend I use my Kureig. I end up with a blend of tastes that is so good, one has to careful not to just drink it straight down.
This evening we stopped by Trader Joe's for some guilt less mac and cheese and ended up with $60 worth in groceries, some are things we can't get elsewhere and others are just for the fun of it. I picked up a sack of almonds, been meaning to eat more since Ron and I talked on the campout. I love almonds. We got bananas, strawberries, peaches, bread, vege cheese, stuff like that.
Now its bed time, I'm so thankful for a safe and productive day. The Lord is kind to me and I'm also thankful that Ray and Lois are home safely after a weekend trip to Sacramento to see family.
So good night friend and family,
Love
tim
We are just back from Rio Vista, Vacaville, Vallejo and Hercules. We didn't get out of town until about 2:30. Tried to get into a local subdivision that has a security gate and today the guard was acting pretty strange, we finally got through the gate but it took 30 precious minutes.
We needed to shoot comp photos and we finally were able to get in and shoot but it was a struggle.
I worked in this morning after doing a short walk to the park, the coffee I'm making these morning with the new coffee machine is really good. I put into each cup the following: teaspoon of mocha, teaspoon of honey, sprinkle of fiber and some creamer. Then using the little single of a Green Mountain Blend I use my Kureig. I end up with a blend of tastes that is so good, one has to careful not to just drink it straight down.
This evening we stopped by Trader Joe's for some guilt less mac and cheese and ended up with $60 worth in groceries, some are things we can't get elsewhere and others are just for the fun of it. I picked up a sack of almonds, been meaning to eat more since Ron and I talked on the campout. I love almonds. We got bananas, strawberries, peaches, bread, vege cheese, stuff like that.
Now its bed time, I'm so thankful for a safe and productive day. The Lord is kind to me and I'm also thankful that Ray and Lois are home safely after a weekend trip to Sacramento to see family.
So good night friend and family,
Love
tim
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Finally the spa's flaws are exposed
After a long day of pushing paper, writing reports and eating way too often I took a break tonight and went on a rampage pulling up decking around the spa I finally was able to reach the problem, there are two places where the spa drains into the return line which extends to the pump. Just after the two lines meet in a t and the line heads back to the pump it takes an unfortunate downward bend and then goes directly under the spa, as it does you can see it squeezed totally flat. There is no way the normal flow of water can get through that flattened section. It will be easy to cut the line before it goes under the spa and then attach a new line which will extend directly to the pump.
Other problems have become obvious though. The base that has held the spa in place for the last 35 years is totally rotted away. There needs to be a base to hold the spa in place so it won't wiggle when its full of water and people step down into it. I'll have to come up with a new base, probably use treated wood and build a new base, jack the spa up slightly so the pieces of wood can be put in place and replace what has served so well. Jim and Ron Miller constructed this base years ago when they were boys and its served perfectly since then. Most of the stringers that hold up the decking are rotten away, so we will have to make a decision whether to replace all the deck or go back to a lawn area instead of such a huge deck, interesting ideas are floating around and I'm open to all of them.
I'm finally catching up work wise and its about time to let the companies know that I can handle more work. Tomorrow I'll be in Vacaville and Vallejo to see properties that were once reverse mortgages and are now being sold. The goofy loan company gave me an access phone number for one property. When I reached the people today I discovered that they moved to Washington 3 years ago, signed the property over to Bank of American, no one told me, very strange things I encounter in my work.
Well now its time to fade into slumber, its been a slow day today and I'm not feeling very energetic. I so enjoyed yesteray with all the kidos and sort of wish I had taken Nikki up on her offer, her company is sponsoring a day at the A's today and my kids are there with the little ones having a good time. I should have gone really.
Well we have a new week coming so rested and ready we'll face it.
Love to all
Tim
Other problems have become obvious though. The base that has held the spa in place for the last 35 years is totally rotted away. There needs to be a base to hold the spa in place so it won't wiggle when its full of water and people step down into it. I'll have to come up with a new base, probably use treated wood and build a new base, jack the spa up slightly so the pieces of wood can be put in place and replace what has served so well. Jim and Ron Miller constructed this base years ago when they were boys and its served perfectly since then. Most of the stringers that hold up the decking are rotten away, so we will have to make a decision whether to replace all the deck or go back to a lawn area instead of such a huge deck, interesting ideas are floating around and I'm open to all of them.
I'm finally catching up work wise and its about time to let the companies know that I can handle more work. Tomorrow I'll be in Vacaville and Vallejo to see properties that were once reverse mortgages and are now being sold. The goofy loan company gave me an access phone number for one property. When I reached the people today I discovered that they moved to Washington 3 years ago, signed the property over to Bank of American, no one told me, very strange things I encounter in my work.
Well now its time to fade into slumber, its been a slow day today and I'm not feeling very energetic. I so enjoyed yesteray with all the kidos and sort of wish I had taken Nikki up on her offer, her company is sponsoring a day at the A's today and my kids are there with the little ones having a good time. I should have gone really.
Well we have a new week coming so rested and ready we'll face it.
Love to all
Tim
Saturday, August 4, 2012
One Great Sabbath
This morning we drove to Hollister to worship with the church there and enjoy hearing Art give his personal testimony. It was a great experience and Art did a great job of conveying his message of God's grace.
Once the service was over we said our good byes and went to the car to drive home, Jason texted to say he had just dropped off Jo at the Oakland airport and we heading to On the Border in Dublin. So we redirected our path home, met them in Dublin and had a super lunch together.
When we got home Nikki and the girls joined us and we all had a great afternoon. We took the kiddos out in the paddle boat which for Mia was a first, we had fun in the cool weather and it was great to just have time to watch the kiddos in action. They play so well together and the game I bought a few week ago turned out to be great fun for Clayton, Timothy, Keanna and Jason.
What fun to just kick back and have the bunch here. Later in the afternoon we cut up a watermelon, beaches, strawberries, cheese. We actually used the living room for conversation and the Kallie taught Mia how to feed the bottle to a baby who makes noise like sipping the milk, sleeping and crying. It was cute when Mia worked and worked getting the bottle into the baby's mouth. She was so proud.
Mid evening they all headed home and the house grew quiet.
It was a great day, one I will treasure for some time.
Love to all and thanks Art for your great presentation. It was also fun to see Pam there, she was happy and it was very nice to see her.
So with a grateful heart I head to bed.
Tim
Once the service was over we said our good byes and went to the car to drive home, Jason texted to say he had just dropped off Jo at the Oakland airport and we heading to On the Border in Dublin. So we redirected our path home, met them in Dublin and had a super lunch together.
When we got home Nikki and the girls joined us and we all had a great afternoon. We took the kiddos out in the paddle boat which for Mia was a first, we had fun in the cool weather and it was great to just have time to watch the kiddos in action. They play so well together and the game I bought a few week ago turned out to be great fun for Clayton, Timothy, Keanna and Jason.
What fun to just kick back and have the bunch here. Later in the afternoon we cut up a watermelon, beaches, strawberries, cheese. We actually used the living room for conversation and the Kallie taught Mia how to feed the bottle to a baby who makes noise like sipping the milk, sleeping and crying. It was cute when Mia worked and worked getting the bottle into the baby's mouth. She was so proud.
Mid evening they all headed home and the house grew quiet.
It was a great day, one I will treasure for some time.
Love to all and thanks Art for your great presentation. It was also fun to see Pam there, she was happy and it was very nice to see her.
So with a grateful heart I head to bed.
Tim
Friday, August 3, 2012
It is Friday night here by the lake
The crickets are singing in the distance, the lake is totally still with nary a ripple, the leaves are still and music is wafting over the water from somewhere, right now its blues and soon the huge frog will begin to thump the bass in this natural lakeside symphony.
The day is over, the dark is deepening and only a few stray lights cast their dim glow across the lake. Marilyn is reading a book on her fire so is quiet. We are just back from Applebees where the service was adequate, the food was good and our server was helpful.
I started early this morning, having finally finished work and gone to bed at 11:30 the 5 am alarm seems harsh, it was still dark and after stumbling through the shower and using the new Kuerig for my morning jolt I set to work. By 7:30 I was inspecting a home right here on the lake. What I found was a very sharp black man who had just moved here from San Francisco and was still adjusted to quiet nights and the beauty of the lake. He was a delight.
The next stop was in Brentwood where two wonderful Pugs came out to greet me, I could hardly work as I just wanted to pet and talk to the dogs. They were wonderful and she is involved with the Pug rescue so any time I want one I just need to call her. But right now I'm contented with Pooka. After tearing myself away from the beautiful home and the Pugs I then drove to a 3 acre property right in the middle of a Pulte Subdivision. They had built beautiful fences, installed drains in appreciation of the farmer selling them land to develop. My client had constructed two identical buildings on the site but one was a shop inside, a beautiful shop and the other was a home for his 94 year old dad. They were so enjoyable to talk to. I got the grand tour of the property. Turns out the older man keeps bees and sells honey. I came home with a free jar, I can't wait to try it on my cereal in the morning. Its mostly lavendar honey, should be great.
Once I was through with this property I had lunch at BJ's, part of a potato and a side salad, perfect lunch. After that I drove to another local property where Lisa lives, Lisa is a lady I've worked with and known for years. Now she is newly married for the last year to a Hayward policeman and is settling a new life. She is a lovely lady and not only was her house perfect she is quite a lady. One can tell she really loves her friends and she talked about the people she has lost over the last year. Quite a list, lots of pain.
Then it was home until we went to eat. Of course what I leave out is the constant barrage of phone calls seeking status on appraisals, people trying to sell my timeshare, people wanting money for causes, people needing free advice and the occasional call from a friend.
Tomorrow morning we are leaving early for Hollister where Art Diaz is preaching, sharing the story of his experience with the proton therapy at Loma Linda. i know Ron is driving down from here as well but I'm coming right back home so i can be ready to see Jason and the kiddos when they come to visit. I'm looking forward to all four kiddos being here at once. What a joy that will be.
So I have much to be thankful for, life is very challenging and way out of balance but at least I'm thinking about changing it, not sure how yet but its being considered.
Love to all, may your Sabbath be special for you.
Tim
The day is over, the dark is deepening and only a few stray lights cast their dim glow across the lake. Marilyn is reading a book on her fire so is quiet. We are just back from Applebees where the service was adequate, the food was good and our server was helpful.
I started early this morning, having finally finished work and gone to bed at 11:30 the 5 am alarm seems harsh, it was still dark and after stumbling through the shower and using the new Kuerig for my morning jolt I set to work. By 7:30 I was inspecting a home right here on the lake. What I found was a very sharp black man who had just moved here from San Francisco and was still adjusted to quiet nights and the beauty of the lake. He was a delight.
The next stop was in Brentwood where two wonderful Pugs came out to greet me, I could hardly work as I just wanted to pet and talk to the dogs. They were wonderful and she is involved with the Pug rescue so any time I want one I just need to call her. But right now I'm contented with Pooka. After tearing myself away from the beautiful home and the Pugs I then drove to a 3 acre property right in the middle of a Pulte Subdivision. They had built beautiful fences, installed drains in appreciation of the farmer selling them land to develop. My client had constructed two identical buildings on the site but one was a shop inside, a beautiful shop and the other was a home for his 94 year old dad. They were so enjoyable to talk to. I got the grand tour of the property. Turns out the older man keeps bees and sells honey. I came home with a free jar, I can't wait to try it on my cereal in the morning. Its mostly lavendar honey, should be great.
Once I was through with this property I had lunch at BJ's, part of a potato and a side salad, perfect lunch. After that I drove to another local property where Lisa lives, Lisa is a lady I've worked with and known for years. Now she is newly married for the last year to a Hayward policeman and is settling a new life. She is a lovely lady and not only was her house perfect she is quite a lady. One can tell she really loves her friends and she talked about the people she has lost over the last year. Quite a list, lots of pain.
Then it was home until we went to eat. Of course what I leave out is the constant barrage of phone calls seeking status on appraisals, people trying to sell my timeshare, people wanting money for causes, people needing free advice and the occasional call from a friend.
Tomorrow morning we are leaving early for Hollister where Art Diaz is preaching, sharing the story of his experience with the proton therapy at Loma Linda. i know Ron is driving down from here as well but I'm coming right back home so i can be ready to see Jason and the kiddos when they come to visit. I'm looking forward to all four kiddos being here at once. What a joy that will be.
So I have much to be thankful for, life is very challenging and way out of balance but at least I'm thinking about changing it, not sure how yet but its being considered.
Love to all, may your Sabbath be special for you.
Tim
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Running full out
We started in the park this morning, Pooka loved her time in the cool morning air, I think she misses the cool days of summer near the ocean.
I came home, ate a hard boiled egg and went to work. Once again I had tough ones to work through and I'm finally quitting now at 10:50. Its been a long one, sure eventually I'll get some cash for all this work but for now its just trying to hold it together mentally and physically. The cough has been really bad today and my throat is raw tonight.
At 6:30 after I finished up a challenging one in Richmond we drove to Oakley and did a rush purchase appraisal, someone else has had it for 2 weeks but could not get to it so I was asked yesterday to have it done by Friday morning. I'll make it but at what price!
This evening we had to drive to Pittsburg to take one photo of a CO detector hung on a wall. For that trip I'll be paid $100, its just amazing how much junk slips into the loan process, what a waste of my time and their money.
Tomorrow my first appointment is here on the lake at 7:30, then I'll rush home to do some research and head out again to see three properties. By early afternoon I'll be finished with field work and return to enjoy the cool office and crank some more work out.
Marilyn is setting up orders, logging out orders and keeping the board up, all of this helps a lot.
Well good night to all,
Love
tim
I came home, ate a hard boiled egg and went to work. Once again I had tough ones to work through and I'm finally quitting now at 10:50. Its been a long one, sure eventually I'll get some cash for all this work but for now its just trying to hold it together mentally and physically. The cough has been really bad today and my throat is raw tonight.
At 6:30 after I finished up a challenging one in Richmond we drove to Oakley and did a rush purchase appraisal, someone else has had it for 2 weeks but could not get to it so I was asked yesterday to have it done by Friday morning. I'll make it but at what price!
This evening we had to drive to Pittsburg to take one photo of a CO detector hung on a wall. For that trip I'll be paid $100, its just amazing how much junk slips into the loan process, what a waste of my time and their money.
Tomorrow my first appointment is here on the lake at 7:30, then I'll rush home to do some research and head out again to see three properties. By early afternoon I'll be finished with field work and return to enjoy the cool office and crank some more work out.
Marilyn is setting up orders, logging out orders and keeping the board up, all of this helps a lot.
Well good night to all,
Love
tim
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Little people on board
So today Kallie came to play. What a great little kiddo. She was able to watch Rio the movie after Marilyn figured out how to play a DVD through the new gaming system we have. She made many drawings for me and loves to use the copier. At 1 we went to her school to see her new classroom but she was very uncertain about entering, Nikki came with Keanna and that helped, it was so hot and Kallie wanted to stay outside rather than go in and meet her new teachers. She finally ventured in.
Then I had both girls and I had Marilyn away on a venture shooting photos in Lafayette so we managed pretty well here, Keanna had lots of homework and did well with it. Then they started the movie and watched it again, its pretty cute from a minute I saw of it.
I've tried to stay in the chair and crank out appraisals today and actually have gotten some pretty tough ones out, still there is always more that needs to be done. I'm in again tomorrow and with Steve's help I'll get caught up.
So that is about it from here, working, enjoying the cool of a very good AC in my office and keeping the rest of the house at 78 which seems to do the trick.
Sending love to all family and friends,
Love
tim
Then I had both girls and I had Marilyn away on a venture shooting photos in Lafayette so we managed pretty well here, Keanna had lots of homework and did well with it. Then they started the movie and watched it again, its pretty cute from a minute I saw of it.
I've tried to stay in the chair and crank out appraisals today and actually have gotten some pretty tough ones out, still there is always more that needs to be done. I'm in again tomorrow and with Steve's help I'll get caught up.
So that is about it from here, working, enjoying the cool of a very good AC in my office and keeping the rest of the house at 78 which seems to do the trick.
Sending love to all family and friends,
Love
tim
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