Where does one go to call in sick? This has been a rough day! I woke up feeling rough and then the day went downhill.
While it was cool I took Pooka to the park and we both enjoyed that. Once home I decided it was cool enough to work out front. I mainly felt like sleeping in my chair. The weed eater needed new line installed so that took awhile, the double filament heads are great but loading the two sets of line is a pain. Finally I was ready to run the machine and got the edges trimmed. Then I sat in the lawn chair and came in to nap for awhile. My chest hurts, my arm painful and Marilyn says it is swollen. So I tried to work but got very little accomplished for the entire day.
I am researched for tomorrow and have to be in Petaluma by 10 in the morning, then on to Alameda at 2, then to Dublin and Brentwood before arriving home and crashing.
I had several encouraging phone calls today from friends and family, what a lift people are. It sort of comes down to this, either I find a way to dump weight or prepare to have a short life. I'm battling depression over the weight and over how badly I feel. I will see Kaiser this week to start to deal with things. And of course it is time to enroll once again in Kaiser for the next year and there are 14 plans which I do not understand at all, just looks like the premium will be higher, so much for the touted reduction in health care costs under Obamacare, mine is hundreds of dollars higher since it was enacted, hundreds of dollars.
I hope your weekend was good and that you are refreshed and ready to hit the ground running for the new week.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Nice day
Dear Family and Friends,
This was a beautiful late summer day and tonight is a full moon, no nice.
Kallie entertained me all the way to Sabbath School this morning with her stories, songs and music from my iphone. After Sabbath School we hurried to buy apples and chocolate milk and then drove straight to Soccer where Keanna's team won easily. It so fun to see her scrambling around on the field scrapping, kicking and doing her thing in her own way with her own style.
Afterwards we went to Taco Bell as time was short to get over to Keanna's rehearsal for the Nutcracker. Since my tomatoes needing picking I brought Kallie home with me and she picked 15 tomatoes off my three vines, then she watered them with our hose on the back deck, finally she set to work to wash the tomatoes which always is quite a process for her. She are washed and ready to eat.
Then we put the new paddle boat in the water and enjoyed a cruise around the lake, Kallie actually found a way to sit on the side of the seat and paddle, she also is learning to steer. I think we both picked up a bit of sun from our time out on the water.
She and tackled a task, first she found a board that one write on and then erase. She wrote down things we needed to do, like the lawn and the new TV for the bedroom, then she ventured out into writing letters to show me she knew how. She knows her letters and is starting to be able to write them. It was a fun exercise.
I turned the AC on in the bedroom and later when it was cool we carried the new 32 inch LG flat screen up the stairs. First I had to figure out how to remove the old one and since Tom Miller was so kind years ago to install the TV I had purchased for Nan many years ago I did not have any experience installing or removing the TV it held. So I climbed up on the step ladder and just looked at it, in a couple minutes I understood how simple the process would be so unplugged the TV, unhooked the cables and wires and lifted it off the wall, placed it face down on the soft bed, the removed the two mounting brackets that bold to the back of the TV, moved around the bed and mounded them on the back of the new TV and Kallie was handing me things I needed and learning what a screw driver, bolts etc was.
Then I lifted the new TV and simply placed it on the rack on the wall, clicked in the keepers, plugged it in and it works perfectly. Then she and sat back and watched animal planet, a program about camels.
Eventually her mom called and I took her home but it was a magic day getting to spend some quality time with Kallie.
And with that I'm going to bed, late once again.
Love to all,
Tim
This was a beautiful late summer day and tonight is a full moon, no nice.
Kallie entertained me all the way to Sabbath School this morning with her stories, songs and music from my iphone. After Sabbath School we hurried to buy apples and chocolate milk and then drove straight to Soccer where Keanna's team won easily. It so fun to see her scrambling around on the field scrapping, kicking and doing her thing in her own way with her own style.
Afterwards we went to Taco Bell as time was short to get over to Keanna's rehearsal for the Nutcracker. Since my tomatoes needing picking I brought Kallie home with me and she picked 15 tomatoes off my three vines, then she watered them with our hose on the back deck, finally she set to work to wash the tomatoes which always is quite a process for her. She are washed and ready to eat.
Then we put the new paddle boat in the water and enjoyed a cruise around the lake, Kallie actually found a way to sit on the side of the seat and paddle, she also is learning to steer. I think we both picked up a bit of sun from our time out on the water.
She and tackled a task, first she found a board that one write on and then erase. She wrote down things we needed to do, like the lawn and the new TV for the bedroom, then she ventured out into writing letters to show me she knew how. She knows her letters and is starting to be able to write them. It was a fun exercise.
I turned the AC on in the bedroom and later when it was cool we carried the new 32 inch LG flat screen up the stairs. First I had to figure out how to remove the old one and since Tom Miller was so kind years ago to install the TV I had purchased for Nan many years ago I did not have any experience installing or removing the TV it held. So I climbed up on the step ladder and just looked at it, in a couple minutes I understood how simple the process would be so unplugged the TV, unhooked the cables and wires and lifted it off the wall, placed it face down on the soft bed, the removed the two mounting brackets that bold to the back of the TV, moved around the bed and mounded them on the back of the new TV and Kallie was handing me things I needed and learning what a screw driver, bolts etc was.
Then I lifted the new TV and simply placed it on the rack on the wall, clicked in the keepers, plugged it in and it works perfectly. Then she and sat back and watched animal planet, a program about camels.
Eventually her mom called and I took her home but it was a magic day getting to spend some quality time with Kallie.
And with that I'm going to bed, late once again.
Love to all,
Tim
Friday, September 28, 2012
Its finally over
So glad to be home, very tired, sleepy, worn out, long day with more trafic than I want to remember.
First Fremont, then Hayward, the Redwood City, then Campbell and then a few minutes visiting Mia and Timothy as I headed home, then IHOP to fill a void and finally home just now.
My hope is that you will each have a meaningful weekend with time to fellowship, love, listen and recharge the inner batteries.
Love
Tim
First Fremont, then Hayward, the Redwood City, then Campbell and then a few minutes visiting Mia and Timothy as I headed home, then IHOP to fill a void and finally home just now.
My hope is that you will each have a meaningful weekend with time to fellowship, love, listen and recharge the inner batteries.
Love
Tim
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Visiting the city by the bay
Dear Family and Friends
So I'm finally home and very glad to be out of the car. Marilyn was kind enough to load up the ipod with 6 new books and the one I'm listening to is very interesting, that always helps the miles go by.
This morning it was a 6 am call and down to the desk to work. Eventually I was able to ship out one that has been a challenge, such a great new house with a view of three bridges, Alcatraz, the city, the bay, wow. Then I faced one that has been with me for a very long time and just before I left for San Francisco I was able to ship it in, felt good to get it off the board.
I left a little later than I should have and arrived about 30 minutes late for the South San Francisco property. Typical for the area it has a lower level that is rented but the bedrooms have no closets and it is questionable to me whether the living area is legal, I think not.
The upper level is nice and updated, the setting is decent and the comparables are all located very near so it should work out OK. Once I was finally finished shooting the comps I asked the GPS for the nearest Olive Garden, imagine my surprise when it said there was one only 3 miles away. Well that 3 miles was through very busy traffic, confusing intersections and I was glad to finally up up in front of the boarded up Olive Garden, I was disappointed until I noticed that in spite of the framework around the building it was open for business. I had a great dinner at the bar, good service and left very happy.
Then there was the matter of finding my way home through stop and go traffic all through the elevated highway leading through the city to the bay bridge, once on the bridge traffic started to move and the rest of the trip went well. I had a chance to talk to Pam, my brother Jerry and Nikki so the trip was quick and easy.
So having said all of this I'm going to bed now.
Love to all,
Tim
So I'm finally home and very glad to be out of the car. Marilyn was kind enough to load up the ipod with 6 new books and the one I'm listening to is very interesting, that always helps the miles go by.
This morning it was a 6 am call and down to the desk to work. Eventually I was able to ship out one that has been a challenge, such a great new house with a view of three bridges, Alcatraz, the city, the bay, wow. Then I faced one that has been with me for a very long time and just before I left for San Francisco I was able to ship it in, felt good to get it off the board.
I left a little later than I should have and arrived about 30 minutes late for the South San Francisco property. Typical for the area it has a lower level that is rented but the bedrooms have no closets and it is questionable to me whether the living area is legal, I think not.
The upper level is nice and updated, the setting is decent and the comparables are all located very near so it should work out OK. Once I was finally finished shooting the comps I asked the GPS for the nearest Olive Garden, imagine my surprise when it said there was one only 3 miles away. Well that 3 miles was through very busy traffic, confusing intersections and I was glad to finally up up in front of the boarded up Olive Garden, I was disappointed until I noticed that in spite of the framework around the building it was open for business. I had a great dinner at the bar, good service and left very happy.
Then there was the matter of finding my way home through stop and go traffic all through the elevated highway leading through the city to the bay bridge, once on the bridge traffic started to move and the rest of the trip went well. I had a chance to talk to Pam, my brother Jerry and Nikki so the trip was quick and easy.
So having said all of this I'm going to bed now.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
A Big Wednesday
Good evening
So I'm finally home after a multi tasking trip this afternoon. Since Keanna was here and bored without any homework I took her to Dollar Tree in Brentwood. Marilyn drove there also so she could get Keanna back to meet her mom. We had fun waking through the junk they sell there, fun for all. Then I stopped under a tree and made appointments for Redwood City, Alameda, Berkeley, then headed out to do a driveby review in Antioch, I also stopped at Home Depot and picked up some new parts for one of the sprinkler controllers in the front yard, yard is soggy all the time so its leaking somewhere.
Then it was on to UNO's for a nice quiet dinner at the bar, soup and little pizza. The last stop was at Staples to see a multi unit which prints, copies, faxes and scans. All of my office equipment is over 10 years old old and the fax won't document feed, the scanner won't document feed, the copier won't document feed and the two printers next to my desk are very old and often jam. Sometimes one must invest in newer equipment. Now one can get a color printer and all these other things for under $400 when the color printer I have cost $1,500 plus back then. I own two of them and they are both very tired after all these years and thousands of appraisals later.
Its always fun to be around Keanna, It seems she grows up from one week to the next, today at McDonalds she carried the tray, thats a first and did it with one hand! I stand in awe.
Well I'm growing tired and its nearly time for bed now.
So thankfully I bid you adieu.
Love
tim
here is keanna at the dollar tree!
So I'm finally home after a multi tasking trip this afternoon. Since Keanna was here and bored without any homework I took her to Dollar Tree in Brentwood. Marilyn drove there also so she could get Keanna back to meet her mom. We had fun waking through the junk they sell there, fun for all. Then I stopped under a tree and made appointments for Redwood City, Alameda, Berkeley, then headed out to do a driveby review in Antioch, I also stopped at Home Depot and picked up some new parts for one of the sprinkler controllers in the front yard, yard is soggy all the time so its leaking somewhere.
Then it was on to UNO's for a nice quiet dinner at the bar, soup and little pizza. The last stop was at Staples to see a multi unit which prints, copies, faxes and scans. All of my office equipment is over 10 years old old and the fax won't document feed, the scanner won't document feed, the copier won't document feed and the two printers next to my desk are very old and often jam. Sometimes one must invest in newer equipment. Now one can get a color printer and all these other things for under $400 when the color printer I have cost $1,500 plus back then. I own two of them and they are both very tired after all these years and thousands of appraisals later.
Its always fun to be around Keanna, It seems she grows up from one week to the next, today at McDonalds she carried the tray, thats a first and did it with one hand! I stand in awe.
Well I'm growing tired and its nearly time for bed now.
So thankfully I bid you adieu.
Love
tim
here is keanna at the dollar tree!
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Another day several dollars!!
Dear Family and Friends,
Once again its that time of night when a sense of fatigue sets in and the zest for creating appraisal masterpieces dims.
I've pretty much stuck to this chair all day today creating reports and fixing things that come up. I declined two orders that would have paid a lot of money but for good reasons. The first was a condo, an expensive one in SF, once I reached the owner she was not comfortable with my having to come so far and once I knew she was not pleased then I used that as an excuse to withdraw. The next came a few hours later when a contact for a property in Hillsborough called back. It was the sale of a 4,000 sf home and was in contract for over 3 million dollars. No longer am I willing to just blindly tackle anything so I passed on that one as well. Let someone else take the huge risks involved with this kind of property.
I'm still going to SF on Thursday afternoon but the home is normal and worth under a million dollars.
Steve has been so helpful not only with writing appraisals but also with picking up the dryer. As I mentioned last night I was able to install it making the gas line connections. Today we've run about 6 loads through it and it has performed perfectly, clothes are fluffy and dry and it has a gentle chime to let one know the clothes are dry, no more loud buzzers!
I found out today that I'm also going to be able to obtain the matching washer, yes I'll have to pay to have it fixed but I'm so grateful as it will nice to have the Maytag matching set with nice features.
Today has been pleasant and not too hot, the AC never came on so money was saved.
So thankful for life and its blessings. Nice to have Marilyn back from her wild adventures in Sacramento, I think she comes home to rest up before heading back for more. She set up orders and so we are caught up office wise, now I just need to get things written that are hanging over me.
So sending love to all,
here is a cute photo of Mia who is ready for her adventure at child care. Jo sent the photo this evening.
Tim
Once again its that time of night when a sense of fatigue sets in and the zest for creating appraisal masterpieces dims.
I've pretty much stuck to this chair all day today creating reports and fixing things that come up. I declined two orders that would have paid a lot of money but for good reasons. The first was a condo, an expensive one in SF, once I reached the owner she was not comfortable with my having to come so far and once I knew she was not pleased then I used that as an excuse to withdraw. The next came a few hours later when a contact for a property in Hillsborough called back. It was the sale of a 4,000 sf home and was in contract for over 3 million dollars. No longer am I willing to just blindly tackle anything so I passed on that one as well. Let someone else take the huge risks involved with this kind of property.
I'm still going to SF on Thursday afternoon but the home is normal and worth under a million dollars.
Steve has been so helpful not only with writing appraisals but also with picking up the dryer. As I mentioned last night I was able to install it making the gas line connections. Today we've run about 6 loads through it and it has performed perfectly, clothes are fluffy and dry and it has a gentle chime to let one know the clothes are dry, no more loud buzzers!
I found out today that I'm also going to be able to obtain the matching washer, yes I'll have to pay to have it fixed but I'm so grateful as it will nice to have the Maytag matching set with nice features.
Today has been pleasant and not too hot, the AC never came on so money was saved.
So thankful for life and its blessings. Nice to have Marilyn back from her wild adventures in Sacramento, I think she comes home to rest up before heading back for more. She set up orders and so we are caught up office wise, now I just need to get things written that are hanging over me.
So sending love to all,
here is a cute photo of Mia who is ready for her adventure at child care. Jo sent the photo this evening.
Tim
Monday, September 24, 2012
One Busy Day
Dear Family and Friends,
As I write the dryer is making its maiden run at drying a towel and its so quiet, subtle. I had to purchase a new shut off valve and this one fits.
This morning I wrote as much as I could and then left for an on time arrival in Brentwood, then to a second home in Brentwood, then to Milpitas to do a nice townhome, then to Taco Bell for a very quick lunch, so much so that the first time through I arrived at the window but had not stopped to order.
Then it was to Dublin to see two homes that are being constructed, sure they are 2100 sf and 2600 sf for a little under $800,000 but they do have a view after all. It was warm but the office had me set up with floor plans, Then it was out the door and on the way to Berkeley to do a reinspection. Very nice house tucked up in the park at the top of the world. Once I was through I headed to El Cerrito to shoot comps and then I headed home.
On the way I stopped at Kaiser to purchase fish oil. Finally at just before 8 I arrived home and started work on the dryer. It only took a little while to have it hooked up and working, well I hope it works, we will see with a full load tomorrow.
Well that is it from here. Marilyn just got back from visiting in Sacramento and reports the casino's were not kind to her, poor dear.
Love to all,
Life is good, got 43 MPG in the bug this time but discovered a missing fuel cap, not good.
Tim
As I write the dryer is making its maiden run at drying a towel and its so quiet, subtle. I had to purchase a new shut off valve and this one fits.
This morning I wrote as much as I could and then left for an on time arrival in Brentwood, then to a second home in Brentwood, then to Milpitas to do a nice townhome, then to Taco Bell for a very quick lunch, so much so that the first time through I arrived at the window but had not stopped to order.
Then it was to Dublin to see two homes that are being constructed, sure they are 2100 sf and 2600 sf for a little under $800,000 but they do have a view after all. It was warm but the office had me set up with floor plans, Then it was out the door and on the way to Berkeley to do a reinspection. Very nice house tucked up in the park at the top of the world. Once I was through I headed to El Cerrito to shoot comps and then I headed home.
On the way I stopped at Kaiser to purchase fish oil. Finally at just before 8 I arrived home and started work on the dryer. It only took a little while to have it hooked up and working, well I hope it works, we will see with a full load tomorrow.
Well that is it from here. Marilyn just got back from visiting in Sacramento and reports the casino's were not kind to her, poor dear.
Love to all,
Life is good, got 43 MPG in the bug this time but discovered a missing fuel cap, not good.
Tim
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Sunday evening
Good evening,
Since I got caught up in a movie on Net Flicks last night I ended up going to bed very late or early depending on how one looks at it. So today I let myself sleep in, drifted out of bed and had a rather casual day.
The day was beautiful, the lake shimmered with little wind and it never really got hot, house only went up to 81 and with Marilyn gone there was no reason to run AC. I have a tiny unit in my office which keeps the computers and the operators happy!
I decided to do a bit of clean up, so out came the vacuum and the office floor lost some dog hair from Pooka, the window lost some cobwebs, the AC got its filter cleaned. Then I settled in to write a tough one, the Oakland big one and I'm glad to say tonight, its submitted.
My next task was to prepare for tomorrow, it will be a day!
9 am in Brentwood, then to do a followup visit if I can find the owners, then off to Milpitas for one and then to Berkeley for a follow up, then on to El Cerrito to shoot comps for one that turned out to be double it original size, then to Dublin to see two at a tract office. It should keep me busy and I look forward to it.
This afternoon Steve came by with his truck and helped me pick up a beautiful dryer that a local friend shared after she purchased a new set, washer and dryer. It is much newer than mine and I'm thrilled. Late today I decided to install it by myself. I have a dolly and was able to disconnect the old one, I use gas dryers here so the line had to be disconnected. With that done I wrestled the old dryer out the door, down the steps and into the garage. Then I brought the newer one in but it would not fit through the door, turns out it is larger, deeper so I had to regroup and grab it from the back. It just fit through the door but when I attempted to hook up the gas line I discovered it was a larger size fitting and line so I'll have to purchase a new valve tomorrow with with the right sized fitting. It bummed me out, I like to finish projects when I start them, not good!
So I cleaned up and ask Ray for advice on what I needed to get. He does this stuff all the time and knew what to look for. So tonight I have the gas off, no water heater, no furnace, I'll get by fine as the water heater will hold hot water for a couple days.
Now its almost bed time and I'm so ready.
I hope your weekend has been good for you, how I long for you to have happiness and meaning in life.
Love to all,
Tim
Since I got caught up in a movie on Net Flicks last night I ended up going to bed very late or early depending on how one looks at it. So today I let myself sleep in, drifted out of bed and had a rather casual day.
The day was beautiful, the lake shimmered with little wind and it never really got hot, house only went up to 81 and with Marilyn gone there was no reason to run AC. I have a tiny unit in my office which keeps the computers and the operators happy!
I decided to do a bit of clean up, so out came the vacuum and the office floor lost some dog hair from Pooka, the window lost some cobwebs, the AC got its filter cleaned. Then I settled in to write a tough one, the Oakland big one and I'm glad to say tonight, its submitted.
My next task was to prepare for tomorrow, it will be a day!
9 am in Brentwood, then to do a followup visit if I can find the owners, then off to Milpitas for one and then to Berkeley for a follow up, then on to El Cerrito to shoot comps for one that turned out to be double it original size, then to Dublin to see two at a tract office. It should keep me busy and I look forward to it.
This afternoon Steve came by with his truck and helped me pick up a beautiful dryer that a local friend shared after she purchased a new set, washer and dryer. It is much newer than mine and I'm thrilled. Late today I decided to install it by myself. I have a dolly and was able to disconnect the old one, I use gas dryers here so the line had to be disconnected. With that done I wrestled the old dryer out the door, down the steps and into the garage. Then I brought the newer one in but it would not fit through the door, turns out it is larger, deeper so I had to regroup and grab it from the back. It just fit through the door but when I attempted to hook up the gas line I discovered it was a larger size fitting and line so I'll have to purchase a new valve tomorrow with with the right sized fitting. It bummed me out, I like to finish projects when I start them, not good!
So I cleaned up and ask Ray for advice on what I needed to get. He does this stuff all the time and knew what to look for. So tonight I have the gas off, no water heater, no furnace, I'll get by fine as the water heater will hold hot water for a couple days.
Now its almost bed time and I'm so ready.
I hope your weekend has been good for you, how I long for you to have happiness and meaning in life.
Love to all,
Tim
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Happy Wedding
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm just back from Elk Grove where I conducted a wedding service for long time Friend Glen and is lovely bridge. The evening was enchanted, the service took place right at sunset and while I had the sun directed in my eyes I could still see the printed words and everything went very smoothly. The catered food was great and the evening could not have been more enjoyable. Once the service was over my relaxing and enjoying time started. As I mentioned I get very nervous about doing weddings now since its been so long since I did them on a regular basis. Just never want to make mistakes and draw attention away from the bride and groom and the words expressed.
It certainly takes me back to a time when I was a pastor and with Nan at my side we happily conducted weddings. But the book of life has many chapters, they open and we enjoy, then they close sometimes by choice and sometimes by events beyond our control.
This morning I had to opportunity of picking up Kallie who was ready and anxious to get going. We joined 5 other little ones in Sabbath School and had a pretty wild time, teacher Kim wondered if it was a new or full moon.
Then we drove to Red Robin in the Streets of Brentwood Mall where we met Keanna and Nikki, Keanna's team won their soccer match today and we were all ready to eat. The food was excellent and our waitress tried so hard to make things right.
I came home to nap in the recliner and then dressed and drove to Elk Grove for the service.
This has been a rewarding day for which I am thankful.
Love to all,
Tim
I'm just back from Elk Grove where I conducted a wedding service for long time Friend Glen and is lovely bridge. The evening was enchanted, the service took place right at sunset and while I had the sun directed in my eyes I could still see the printed words and everything went very smoothly. The catered food was great and the evening could not have been more enjoyable. Once the service was over my relaxing and enjoying time started. As I mentioned I get very nervous about doing weddings now since its been so long since I did them on a regular basis. Just never want to make mistakes and draw attention away from the bride and groom and the words expressed.
It certainly takes me back to a time when I was a pastor and with Nan at my side we happily conducted weddings. But the book of life has many chapters, they open and we enjoy, then they close sometimes by choice and sometimes by events beyond our control.
This morning I had to opportunity of picking up Kallie who was ready and anxious to get going. We joined 5 other little ones in Sabbath School and had a pretty wild time, teacher Kim wondered if it was a new or full moon.
Then we drove to Red Robin in the Streets of Brentwood Mall where we met Keanna and Nikki, Keanna's team won their soccer match today and we were all ready to eat. The food was excellent and our waitress tried so hard to make things right.
I came home to nap in the recliner and then dressed and drove to Elk Grove for the service.
This has been a rewarding day for which I am thankful.
Love to all,
Tim
Friday, September 21, 2012
A change of pace
Good evening,
After a less than stellar day of accomplishment I left work early, drove to town for a haircut from Amber who has got to be the nicest hair stylist around. Nan used to go there from time to time and Amber told me today that she has been working in Brentwood for years. She knows just what I like my hair to look like and trims the beard, the sideburns and what hair I have left on my head. She charges very little so I have plenty of room to tip her. Its always a treat to have her work her magic.
Once I left her shop I headed to Starbucks for a tall mocha with low fat and no sugar, then it was to the car wash just around the corner. For $11 they make my old bug shine again. Then it was off to Elk Grove to a wedding rehearsal for my long time friend Glen. The wedding will be tomorrow afternoon and the setting is perfect, a huge 1 acre backyard with black bottom pool, huge lawn with plenty of room for chairs and the formal seating for the meal afterwards. Our work today was just to walk through tomorrows service. Glen has managed to find a wonderful lady and they seem very happy together.
So tonight its relax time, Marilyn is with friends in Sacramento and I'm just taking it easy here at home. Tomorrow morning I'll pick up Kallie for Sabbath School and then relax in the afternoon before heading back to Elk Grove for the service.
All of this is a drastic change from the rapid paced week that I've just experienced. God has granted me plenty of work and its been a made race to keep up. I've not felt very good most of the time so that has caused me to drag a bit.
I'm hoping that each of you can find a chance for peace and friendship this weekend. You deserve it, you need it to rebuild your inner being.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
After a less than stellar day of accomplishment I left work early, drove to town for a haircut from Amber who has got to be the nicest hair stylist around. Nan used to go there from time to time and Amber told me today that she has been working in Brentwood for years. She knows just what I like my hair to look like and trims the beard, the sideburns and what hair I have left on my head. She charges very little so I have plenty of room to tip her. Its always a treat to have her work her magic.
Once I left her shop I headed to Starbucks for a tall mocha with low fat and no sugar, then it was to the car wash just around the corner. For $11 they make my old bug shine again. Then it was off to Elk Grove to a wedding rehearsal for my long time friend Glen. The wedding will be tomorrow afternoon and the setting is perfect, a huge 1 acre backyard with black bottom pool, huge lawn with plenty of room for chairs and the formal seating for the meal afterwards. Our work today was just to walk through tomorrows service. Glen has managed to find a wonderful lady and they seem very happy together.
So tonight its relax time, Marilyn is with friends in Sacramento and I'm just taking it easy here at home. Tomorrow morning I'll pick up Kallie for Sabbath School and then relax in the afternoon before heading back to Elk Grove for the service.
All of this is a drastic change from the rapid paced week that I've just experienced. God has granted me plenty of work and its been a made race to keep up. I've not felt very good most of the time so that has caused me to drag a bit.
I'm hoping that each of you can find a chance for peace and friendship this weekend. You deserve it, you need it to rebuild your inner being.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Jason turns 35
I'm just in from San Jose and an evening celebration of Jason's birthday. Jo did a great job of making a meal, a cake and had Clayton wrap over 30 presents for Jason, what fun to watch him open all of them. Great job Clayton and Jo.
The kiddos were in great form.
We drove all over the place today inspecting but as the day passed I grew more and more unwell. I've coughed so much today and have felt really lousy, felt better this evening at Jason and Jo's than the rest of the day.
Sending love to all,
Here is a photo to enjoy
Love
tim
The kiddos were in great form.
We drove all over the place today inspecting but as the day passed I grew more and more unwell. I've coughed so much today and have felt really lousy, felt better this evening at Jason and Jo's than the rest of the day.
Sending love to all,
Here is a photo to enjoy
Love
tim
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Something new
I'm writing to you tonight on a new monitor, I've moved from a 19" that Steve has graciously loaned me once mine died some months ago to a new Samsung, made in Mexico with a cable made in China that seems huge. I can remember when my main TV for the house was not 27" and here I have one on my desk. At least these middle aged eyes can see what is being written very clearly, oh so clearly, well will this make what I say more profound? Probably not.
I stumbled out of bed this morning literally at 6 am into total darkness knowing full well I needed to take the dog for a walk but everything inside me rebelled, most of the voices were saying go back to bed, you need rest!
I stayed up and came down to work instead of walking, Pooka was so disappointed. When we came down we had some excitement, last night we left the kitty door open so the poor little cats would not freeze outside. Marilyn is so sure they are going to cry by her door that she won't let them stay in at night, poor little dears! Well our friends the racoons found the open door but once they were in there was no food available for them, what a mess they made in trying to get at the food, water everywhere and little foot prints. So tonight the doors are shut tight.
I had a driveby appraisal to do over in Rio Vista so after finishing up a report we hit the road for Rio Vista and made it back to Brentwood with time to spare to finally get the beetle its smog certificate. I've only been driving with no tags since June! In just a few minutes time my favorite smog guy cleared it and only charged me $28. I was thrilled with progress.
Then it was time to drive to the school and pick up Keanna. She was a very happy girl, she had been informed that she has been granted entry into the GATE program and so are her close friends. I know she is bright and I'm thinking that others are discovering that as well. She has a new confidence about her, she can swim like a fish, she can do gymnastics that are unbelieveable to behold, she reads grade levels above her grade, she is learning to act for the Nutcracker this winter, just really enjoyable to see her explode into her world. Got to hand it to her parents, they do a whole lot of running around to help this all happen. I'm proud of them.
Well I'm enjoying the new monitor, certainly makes it easier to write and I hope to do my work, the screen is so large that I can keep several programs open at the same time, wow! That will help.
Well for now its bedtime once again,
Sending love to all,
Tim
I stumbled out of bed this morning literally at 6 am into total darkness knowing full well I needed to take the dog for a walk but everything inside me rebelled, most of the voices were saying go back to bed, you need rest!
I stayed up and came down to work instead of walking, Pooka was so disappointed. When we came down we had some excitement, last night we left the kitty door open so the poor little cats would not freeze outside. Marilyn is so sure they are going to cry by her door that she won't let them stay in at night, poor little dears! Well our friends the racoons found the open door but once they were in there was no food available for them, what a mess they made in trying to get at the food, water everywhere and little foot prints. So tonight the doors are shut tight.
I had a driveby appraisal to do over in Rio Vista so after finishing up a report we hit the road for Rio Vista and made it back to Brentwood with time to spare to finally get the beetle its smog certificate. I've only been driving with no tags since June! In just a few minutes time my favorite smog guy cleared it and only charged me $28. I was thrilled with progress.
Then it was time to drive to the school and pick up Keanna. She was a very happy girl, she had been informed that she has been granted entry into the GATE program and so are her close friends. I know she is bright and I'm thinking that others are discovering that as well. She has a new confidence about her, she can swim like a fish, she can do gymnastics that are unbelieveable to behold, she reads grade levels above her grade, she is learning to act for the Nutcracker this winter, just really enjoyable to see her explode into her world. Got to hand it to her parents, they do a whole lot of running around to help this all happen. I'm proud of them.
Well I'm enjoying the new monitor, certainly makes it easier to write and I hope to do my work, the screen is so large that I can keep several programs open at the same time, wow! That will help.
Well for now its bedtime once again,
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
And so goes life
Good evening
Welcome from lake side Discovery Bay, its been a beautiful evening with cool breezes wafting over the lake as quiet settles in for the night.
Today has been a busy work day with an appointment at 10:30 this morning in the senior citizen community in Brentwood called Summerset. The home was really nice and the buyer was her own agent. She was great to talk to and walked with me as I did the inspection. The seller had two West Highland doggies, they were so gentle and loving.
Once I finished up in Brentwood it was back to the office to work. I've done lots of conditions and written two reports, well actually almost three today, got to see the girls briefly this afternoon as Steve came by to visit for a minute and to let the dogs swim. Keanna was busy with her homework but Kallie picked the tomatoes and then came in and washed them carefully in the sink, so cute, she then placed them on the table with a spoon so I could eat them. Don't you just love little kiddos, nothing like it in the whole world.
So now I'm very tired and most ready to hit the hay.
So I send love to all,
Tim
Welcome from lake side Discovery Bay, its been a beautiful evening with cool breezes wafting over the lake as quiet settles in for the night.
Today has been a busy work day with an appointment at 10:30 this morning in the senior citizen community in Brentwood called Summerset. The home was really nice and the buyer was her own agent. She was great to talk to and walked with me as I did the inspection. The seller had two West Highland doggies, they were so gentle and loving.
Once I finished up in Brentwood it was back to the office to work. I've done lots of conditions and written two reports, well actually almost three today, got to see the girls briefly this afternoon as Steve came by to visit for a minute and to let the dogs swim. Keanna was busy with her homework but Kallie picked the tomatoes and then came in and washed them carefully in the sink, so cute, she then placed them on the table with a spoon so I could eat them. Don't you just love little kiddos, nothing like it in the whole world.
So now I'm very tired and most ready to hit the hay.
So I send love to all,
Tim
Monday, September 17, 2012
Dizzy
So mid afternoon I started getting dizzy, not sure why.
This was a busy day, started at 6, almost had a report completed by 7:40 when I had to leave for Concord, great house, owner just got back from riding 60 to 80 miles a day on a bike up in Oregon, had a super time doing it.
Then to Richmond to see an ordinary home with a spectacular agent, worked with her for years, an amazing woman who really knows how to get things done.
Then to another place in Richmond where we had a key, then managed to jam an extra one in in nearby Hercules, then to Oakland to see a boarding house, 4200 sf of it in the Oakland hills, then to Pleasanton for lunch, Red Robin, salad and vegeburger, then to Livermore to reinspect after repairs were made, then home but increasingly dizzy, its still with me tonight and I've done little work tonight, just sat and relaxed.
Now to bed for an early rise and have to deal with lots of conditions, see one at 10:30 in Brentwood and then work the rest of the day, hope to feel better, not so good tonight.
How rich life is knowing some many wonderful people, my great friends in Tracy, my super neighbors here in Discovery Bay, my precious family, people really make the world worth living.
I enjoy a life lived under the umbrella, the sacrifice of Jesus which covers my less than perfect life. My biggest desire is to learn to love like Jesus loves, a real solid genuine principled love that means something.
And now love to all,
Tim
This was a busy day, started at 6, almost had a report completed by 7:40 when I had to leave for Concord, great house, owner just got back from riding 60 to 80 miles a day on a bike up in Oregon, had a super time doing it.
Then to Richmond to see an ordinary home with a spectacular agent, worked with her for years, an amazing woman who really knows how to get things done.
Then to another place in Richmond where we had a key, then managed to jam an extra one in in nearby Hercules, then to Oakland to see a boarding house, 4200 sf of it in the Oakland hills, then to Pleasanton for lunch, Red Robin, salad and vegeburger, then to Livermore to reinspect after repairs were made, then home but increasingly dizzy, its still with me tonight and I've done little work tonight, just sat and relaxed.
Now to bed for an early rise and have to deal with lots of conditions, see one at 10:30 in Brentwood and then work the rest of the day, hope to feel better, not so good tonight.
How rich life is knowing some many wonderful people, my great friends in Tracy, my super neighbors here in Discovery Bay, my precious family, people really make the world worth living.
I enjoy a life lived under the umbrella, the sacrifice of Jesus which covers my less than perfect life. My biggest desire is to learn to love like Jesus loves, a real solid genuine principled love that means something.
And now love to all,
Tim
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Short and sweet
I love you all, thats the sweet part.
Been a busy day, wrote local appraisal, traveled to CostCo via IHOP where the lunch was really good, 2 egg omelet that was excellent.
At CostCo which I happen to enjoy very much, I drooled over an 80 inch TV set, everyone needs one of those. I spent time looking at printers but ended up buying a 27" monitor for my desk. When I get a chance I'll set it up and then really enjoy it, tired of not being able to see very well. Steve rescued me some time back by loaning me this 19" Dell which is terrific, now I'll be able to return it to him.
The sunset was so perfect tonight, sky was bright orange for awhile with sun setting over the island palm trees, very nice and enjoyable.
Well the week starts with a bang tomorrow. have to be in Concord for an 8:30 appointment, then its solid appointments for the rest of the day. Won't have time to be sleepy or even eat much, really tight but that is good as it will help a lot of people get closer to their loans.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Been a busy day, wrote local appraisal, traveled to CostCo via IHOP where the lunch was really good, 2 egg omelet that was excellent.
At CostCo which I happen to enjoy very much, I drooled over an 80 inch TV set, everyone needs one of those. I spent time looking at printers but ended up buying a 27" monitor for my desk. When I get a chance I'll set it up and then really enjoy it, tired of not being able to see very well. Steve rescued me some time back by loaning me this 19" Dell which is terrific, now I'll be able to return it to him.
The sunset was so perfect tonight, sky was bright orange for awhile with sun setting over the island palm trees, very nice and enjoyable.
Well the week starts with a bang tomorrow. have to be in Concord for an 8:30 appointment, then its solid appointments for the rest of the day. Won't have time to be sleepy or even eat much, really tight but that is good as it will help a lot of people get closer to their loans.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Great day
Kallie and I drove to SS where we joined 4 other little children for a happy time. Since Diane is roughing it in Hawaii I did the piano playing. We all had a very good time celebrating the story of Jesus and the disciples as they learned to trust him through fishing. Kim does a great job.
On the way home Jason texted me suggesting we grab lunch somewhere. So we diverted our path and met the family at On the Border in Dublin. Great food and so fan to watch the kiddos in action.
We then drove home by way of Brentwood where I dropped kallie off so she could join her mother and Keanna as they went to the swimming facility in Brentwood.
Steve was kind and let us use his pickup and Jason helped me as we picked up the paddle boat I purchased last week and brought it home. Its a nice boat but sort of heavy. The girls came by so kiddos got to play together and we all talked a bit.
Jason and family left about 6 for home and we just took it easy as the day cooled down outside.
Tomorrow morning I will attack my work stack and see just how much I can get done. God has blessed me with lots of work and today a good sized check arrived, always a welcome event.
So I'm sending love to all, so thankful for a very special family, I appreciate them more all the time, they are super quality people every one of them, for my great friends and for life itself.
Love to all
Tim
On the way home Jason texted me suggesting we grab lunch somewhere. So we diverted our path and met the family at On the Border in Dublin. Great food and so fan to watch the kiddos in action.
We then drove home by way of Brentwood where I dropped kallie off so she could join her mother and Keanna as they went to the swimming facility in Brentwood.
Steve was kind and let us use his pickup and Jason helped me as we picked up the paddle boat I purchased last week and brought it home. Its a nice boat but sort of heavy. The girls came by so kiddos got to play together and we all talked a bit.
Jason and family left about 6 for home and we just took it easy as the day cooled down outside.
Tomorrow morning I will attack my work stack and see just how much I can get done. God has blessed me with lots of work and today a good sized check arrived, always a welcome event.
So I'm sending love to all, so thankful for a very special family, I appreciate them more all the time, they are super quality people every one of them, for my great friends and for life itself.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, September 14, 2012
The cycle of life
Once again Friday has come and gone, for me it marks the winding down of a stressful but successful week. I've drive thousands of miles, see millions of dollars worth of properties, chatted on the phone dozens of times and met many people. But now the cycle of life, this week's worth is past.
Tomorrow morning I'll take Kallie to Sabbath School and then have her for awhile while Keanna does soccer and practice for the Nutcracker. We'll drive to Tracy, enjoy our time with the bible stories, turn in our offering, pray and do snacks. It is so totally different from what the rushed weekly schedule is, its wonderful. I'll enjoy seeing friends as they worship and relax and fellowship, I'll walk through the halls of a church that I helped build and I'll smile just a bit.
This evening I spend an hour with a property that is unusually special. Located on 40 acres the 3700 sf home is situated high on a hill at the back park of the parcel, below the valley spreads out and in the distance Vasco Road carries a steady flow of traffic heading home from work. Next to the road are three solar panels, they lock onto the sun and carefully follow its path all through the day. They turned at $6,000 energy bill into a $700 bill for the last year.
The home is grand yet friendly, an infinity pool looks over the valley, a golf driving range is to one side and a putting green in on another side, over 200 palm trees line the 1/2 mile driveway as it leads to the home. Thousands of plants, cactus and other dot the landscape. It was a very special property. Now the fun part is finding comparables, nearly impossible so far as I've checked the data sources. So while the fee is high the work will mean I earn my money for sure.
So for now I sign off, love to all
Tim
Tomorrow morning I'll take Kallie to Sabbath School and then have her for awhile while Keanna does soccer and practice for the Nutcracker. We'll drive to Tracy, enjoy our time with the bible stories, turn in our offering, pray and do snacks. It is so totally different from what the rushed weekly schedule is, its wonderful. I'll enjoy seeing friends as they worship and relax and fellowship, I'll walk through the halls of a church that I helped build and I'll smile just a bit.
This evening I spend an hour with a property that is unusually special. Located on 40 acres the 3700 sf home is situated high on a hill at the back park of the parcel, below the valley spreads out and in the distance Vasco Road carries a steady flow of traffic heading home from work. Next to the road are three solar panels, they lock onto the sun and carefully follow its path all through the day. They turned at $6,000 energy bill into a $700 bill for the last year.
The home is grand yet friendly, an infinity pool looks over the valley, a golf driving range is to one side and a putting green in on another side, over 200 palm trees line the 1/2 mile driveway as it leads to the home. Thousands of plants, cactus and other dot the landscape. It was a very special property. Now the fun part is finding comparables, nearly impossible so far as I've checked the data sources. So while the fee is high the work will mean I earn my money for sure.
So for now I sign off, love to all
Tim
Thursday, September 13, 2012
210 miles
So this morning I jumped up and we went to the park, then it was back to work hard taking care of business. Mid morning I went up to shower and then we left for the day, being low of diesel we stopped at safeway where Marilyn thought she had a .10 discount, wrong, so the diesel cost $4.42. We had gotten 40 miles per gallon on the tank.
We drove to Dublin to a new subdivision by K&B, the homes were just OK but the prices were incredible. 2300 sf of average quality 2 story home with a view is selling for $758,000. Wow, in this case location makes all the difference. It is close to freeway access, to the Bishop Ranch business center and good schools. They don't seem to have any trouble selling these homes for the price, just amazing.
We then headed for Napa where we ended inspecting two homes, both small, both old but shooting the comps took awhile. We found a Starbucks and since it was dinner time I had a multi grain bagel with butter and shared it with Marilyn. The non fat, sugar free frap was great and lasted for a long time, one sip at a time.
Our last stop was in Piedmont, we had to drive there to shoot photos of the CO detectors. Crazy since the homeowner had already emailed the photos to the lender. Once we were through with that stop we headed home and had logged 210 miles since filling this morning.
Its been a good day, a safe day.
sending love to all,
Tim
Saw this little motorhome which was for sale near Vallejo on our travels today. They want $9800 and its very clean, the nice thing about these little ones is the 15 to 18 mpg and they are easy to park and manage. V6, automatic. Makes me wonder if I really need my huge one anymore.
We drove to Dublin to a new subdivision by K&B, the homes were just OK but the prices were incredible. 2300 sf of average quality 2 story home with a view is selling for $758,000. Wow, in this case location makes all the difference. It is close to freeway access, to the Bishop Ranch business center and good schools. They don't seem to have any trouble selling these homes for the price, just amazing.
We then headed for Napa where we ended inspecting two homes, both small, both old but shooting the comps took awhile. We found a Starbucks and since it was dinner time I had a multi grain bagel with butter and shared it with Marilyn. The non fat, sugar free frap was great and lasted for a long time, one sip at a time.
Our last stop was in Piedmont, we had to drive there to shoot photos of the CO detectors. Crazy since the homeowner had already emailed the photos to the lender. Once we were through with that stop we headed home and had logged 210 miles since filling this morning.
Its been a good day, a safe day.
sending love to all,
Saw this little motorhome which was for sale near Vallejo on our travels today. They want $9800 and its very clean, the nice thing about these little ones is the 15 to 18 mpg and they are easy to park and manage. V6, automatic. Makes me wonder if I really need my huge one anymore.
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Quick trip to Sacramento
Just another work day in paradise, well not exactly.
High points were picking up Keanna, having her create and then bake her own version of cupcakes, very interesting. She bugged Marilyn into helping her find the incredients, then baked the mix in the microwave oven, put frosting on the top, stuck pretzels in to look as candles and delivered it to me in my office. What fun and to hear her work up her homework, great stuff.
This afternoon my brother Jerry and wife Donna drove down from Weed to Sacramento where they are spending a short night in a motel before leaving for Kentucky at 4 in the morning. Once there they will rent a car and drive to the hospital where Jerry's daughter Sharon is being treated, her current condition is not good at all. Our prayers go with them all.
We drove up this evening and had a very nice dinner with them, enjoyed every minute of our time together and we've just arrived back home now after the trip.
I hope your week is progressing nicely for you and family,
Love to all
Tim
This afternoon my brother Jerry and wife Donna drove down from Weed to Sacramento where they are spending a short night in a motel before leaving for Kentucky at 4 in the morning. Once there they will rent a car and drive to the hospital where Jerry's daughter Sharon is being treated, her current condition is not good at all. Our prayers go with them all.
We drove up this evening and had a very nice dinner with them, enjoyed every minute of our time together and we've just arrived back home now after the trip.
I hope your week is progressing nicely for you and family,
Love to all
Tim
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Sort of a wasted day
Some days go better than others, up early this morning, do you know its dark at 6 am now and getting up in the dark is NO fun.
Pooka and I went to the park much to her delight. Once back I hit the mocha and coffee combo and set to work. First I waded into the conditions that had been piling up, once they were all gone it was time to consider new work. The a lawyer called from Walnut Creek, could we talk about an appraisal I did in 2003? Well yes so he sends me the appraisal and its a short form on a home that is almost completed and worth 1.5 million dollars at the time. He called back later and I'm still not sure of what the point is. I do know that there is a divorce, that the home was completed, that the pool was completed and now they are unhappy with each other. Great! We only keep files for 5 years and that is 9 years ago so I have no records other than the appraisal. Well that sort of made my day.
Marilyn was busy setting up orders and once she was completed I set up the appointments. In the process I discovered that one which was being offered for $275 was 3700 sf and located on 41 acres in Livermore. So I asked for more money and now I'm getting $500 to do this impossible appraisal. Fun and games.
This evening I drove in to see Kallie swim. She is doing so great and loves the water, her teachers and the chance to take lessons. What a cute kid!
Been coughing really bad today, have no idea what set it off, never do but its not fun.
Tomorrow will be a better day, I hope and pray.
Love to all,
was so glad to hear from Art and Sylvia today for different reasons. One just to check in and one with car trouble, never any fun.
This evening is sad as my brother's daughter is very ill, she lives in Kentucky and is suffering from failing kidneys and liver. They plan to travel back as soon as possible. Please pray for Sharon as she struggles for her life.
Tim
Pooka and I went to the park much to her delight. Once back I hit the mocha and coffee combo and set to work. First I waded into the conditions that had been piling up, once they were all gone it was time to consider new work. The a lawyer called from Walnut Creek, could we talk about an appraisal I did in 2003? Well yes so he sends me the appraisal and its a short form on a home that is almost completed and worth 1.5 million dollars at the time. He called back later and I'm still not sure of what the point is. I do know that there is a divorce, that the home was completed, that the pool was completed and now they are unhappy with each other. Great! We only keep files for 5 years and that is 9 years ago so I have no records other than the appraisal. Well that sort of made my day.
Marilyn was busy setting up orders and once she was completed I set up the appointments. In the process I discovered that one which was being offered for $275 was 3700 sf and located on 41 acres in Livermore. So I asked for more money and now I'm getting $500 to do this impossible appraisal. Fun and games.
This evening I drove in to see Kallie swim. She is doing so great and loves the water, her teachers and the chance to take lessons. What a cute kid!
Been coughing really bad today, have no idea what set it off, never do but its not fun.
Tomorrow will be a better day, I hope and pray.
Love to all,
was so glad to hear from Art and Sylvia today for different reasons. One just to check in and one with car trouble, never any fun.
This evening is sad as my brother's daughter is very ill, she lives in Kentucky and is suffering from failing kidneys and liver. They plan to travel back as soon as possible. Please pray for Sharon as she struggles for her life.
Tim
Monday, September 10, 2012
Working hard
Dear Family and Friends.
Its been a challenge to stay working when at times I so much want to do something, anything else. I'm looking forward to the spa working soon, I hope Ray has the magic to make it happen.
This morning I showered in the dark, the days are already getting shorter and at 6 its dark here. Once the hot shower water hit me I started to wake up. Once that was over it was sort of a mad race to get research done, to complete a report that was nearly finished and then to get to a 8:30 appointment in Brentwood.
The home is owned by a former appraiser and his wife. He tired of the trash we have to put up with as appraisers so started buying homes and fixing them up for resale. He has done well with it and working with his beautiful wife they have moved 20 times in the last couple years as they fix and sell, fix and sell. This one they plan to keep, that is unless someone begs them for the finished product. Once I was completed with that one I headed back home, didn't even stop at Starbucks and just made it to the next appointment, the sale of a deep water home in Discovery Bay. It was at that home that I made my exciting new purchase. A second paddle boat for a very low price. I drove right to the bank, got the cash and its paid for, now I just need to find a way to get it home. So next year at campout I can bring two paddle boats for everyone to enjoy, fun fun. I was also thinking I have these precious little kiddos that are growing up, what could be more fun than to have two paddle boats to play with. I think I'll add a little trolling motor to this one so I can take little lake trips without having to paddle the whole way, let a battery help me along.
Marilyn went with me for the afternoon where I inspected a nice little house in Hayward, nice until they decided to add a second story that is not in public records! Surprise! Then we drove to Oakland Piedmont district for a driveby appraisal, then to Fremont to see a new third story condo that is 1,453sf and selling for $622,000. Wow its nice but really, that much??
We stopped at Red Robin on the way home and I had a great gardenburger with side salad, it was perfect and we did not fall for the french fries. Right now I'm choosing not to snack this evening rather I'm going to go to bed without food on board, just to see if I sleep better and start to dump some of this horrible weight.
Thats it from here, love to all,
Tim
Its been a challenge to stay working when at times I so much want to do something, anything else. I'm looking forward to the spa working soon, I hope Ray has the magic to make it happen.
This morning I showered in the dark, the days are already getting shorter and at 6 its dark here. Once the hot shower water hit me I started to wake up. Once that was over it was sort of a mad race to get research done, to complete a report that was nearly finished and then to get to a 8:30 appointment in Brentwood.
The home is owned by a former appraiser and his wife. He tired of the trash we have to put up with as appraisers so started buying homes and fixing them up for resale. He has done well with it and working with his beautiful wife they have moved 20 times in the last couple years as they fix and sell, fix and sell. This one they plan to keep, that is unless someone begs them for the finished product. Once I was completed with that one I headed back home, didn't even stop at Starbucks and just made it to the next appointment, the sale of a deep water home in Discovery Bay. It was at that home that I made my exciting new purchase. A second paddle boat for a very low price. I drove right to the bank, got the cash and its paid for, now I just need to find a way to get it home. So next year at campout I can bring two paddle boats for everyone to enjoy, fun fun. I was also thinking I have these precious little kiddos that are growing up, what could be more fun than to have two paddle boats to play with. I think I'll add a little trolling motor to this one so I can take little lake trips without having to paddle the whole way, let a battery help me along.
Marilyn went with me for the afternoon where I inspected a nice little house in Hayward, nice until they decided to add a second story that is not in public records! Surprise! Then we drove to Oakland Piedmont district for a driveby appraisal, then to Fremont to see a new third story condo that is 1,453sf and selling for $622,000. Wow its nice but really, that much??
We stopped at Red Robin on the way home and I had a great gardenburger with side salad, it was perfect and we did not fall for the french fries. Right now I'm choosing not to snack this evening rather I'm going to go to bed without food on board, just to see if I sleep better and start to dump some of this horrible weight.
Thats it from here, love to all,
Tim
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Getting the work finished
Good evening friends and family,
All to soon you will all be headed back to work or your retirement work. The much enjoyed weekend is over.
I climbed out of bed, considered the tread mill or a walk to the park, did neither, just came down, made a cup and started working. I'm nearly completed with #4 which is a pretty good day of work.
I've been able to stay on target during the day and have enjoyed good food, I made a lunch stir fry and Marilyn made dinner. Very good.
I've put on the steel cut oats for morning and I'm thankful for the day.
Just read something very interesting about our president, working on the purchase of a $35 million dollar home in Hawaii near where his presidential library will be, plans are for the move in January, the article notes that people in Chicago are not happy about his not coming back there but the family have no interest in the bad weather preferring Hawaii.
Well that's all my news,
Love to all
Tim
All to soon you will all be headed back to work or your retirement work. The much enjoyed weekend is over.
I climbed out of bed, considered the tread mill or a walk to the park, did neither, just came down, made a cup and started working. I'm nearly completed with #4 which is a pretty good day of work.
I've been able to stay on target during the day and have enjoyed good food, I made a lunch stir fry and Marilyn made dinner. Very good.
I've put on the steel cut oats for morning and I'm thankful for the day.
Just read something very interesting about our president, working on the purchase of a $35 million dollar home in Hawaii near where his presidential library will be, plans are for the move in January, the article notes that people in Chicago are not happy about his not coming back there but the family have no interest in the bad weather preferring Hawaii.
Well that's all my news,
Love to all
Tim
Saturday, September 8, 2012
Mello Sabbath
Up at 6:45, relaxing morning and then to Kallies for pickup for SS. We drove to SS which is about a 25 minute drive. What Kallie tells me is always interesting. Today's highpoint was that her daddy had purchased life jackets for the two bunnies, had let them swim in their backyard pool and Kallie got to swim with them, I believe this was just a story but I'm not sure yet.
In Sabbath School Kallie sort of goes her own way but was very involved in most of the activities, loved fishing with the little fishing poles, enjoyed the snacks, doing the activities and getting the mail at the end of Sabbath School and the stickers.
After Sabbath School we drove to Burger King for lunch and it was good, she played, had the entire play area to herself today and made her chicken pieces disappear rapidly. Eventually we made it back and I dropped her off. Keanna had soccer today and her team won the game, 5 to 4. This afternoon she had her first rehearsal for the winter time Nutcracker and she is a dragon.
This evening we went back to Nikki and Steve's for dinner, so much good food, delicious and fun to just be with kiddos and friends.
Tomorrow is a huge work day for me so its off to bed for me.
Love to all,
Tim
In Sabbath School Kallie sort of goes her own way but was very involved in most of the activities, loved fishing with the little fishing poles, enjoyed the snacks, doing the activities and getting the mail at the end of Sabbath School and the stickers.
After Sabbath School we drove to Burger King for lunch and it was good, she played, had the entire play area to herself today and made her chicken pieces disappear rapidly. Eventually we made it back and I dropped her off. Keanna had soccer today and her team won the game, 5 to 4. This afternoon she had her first rehearsal for the winter time Nutcracker and she is a dragon.
This evening we went back to Nikki and Steve's for dinner, so much good food, delicious and fun to just be with kiddos and friends.
Tomorrow is a huge work day for me so its off to bed for me.
Love to all,
Tim
Friday, September 7, 2012
Friday night
Dear Family and Friends,
Well I'm finally home sitting in my office chair before the 19" screen. The fan is turning slowly and the night air is drifting through as the cool of the evening takes over from the heat of the day. In spite of the challenges of the week there are so many many things, people to be thankful for.
I've just driven here from Mimi's Cafe in Antioch where I met my friend for a relaxing dinner. My pasta dish was perfect as were the deep fried zucchini pieces. Even the water with lemon was perfect. She is such a great conversationalist having been in the teaching profession for all her adult life. Tonight I learned new things about her young years, like the fact that she was at Altamont way back when and lived in Berkeley during the interesting years.
This morning was a park morning with the dog, then back to try to make sense out of a very confusing array of assignments, I cancelled one order when data was not available that I needed, I responded to many other emails from clients and tried to complete an appraisal for a property in Brentwood, one that I inspected last evening. All to soon the clock said it was time to leave for Fairfield so we loaded up and headed out. We encountered every slow obstacle one could dream of on the way, slow traffic, bridges blocked, police action but we finally found the home in Green Valley, what a find. The home had a garage that was filled with boxes and I smelled appraiser. Sure enough the owner and his son were both in the house at their desks writing appraisals, both are commercial appraisers and both had the same complaints as I do, much lower fees than in the past. The owner was very helpful and pointed out positive features about their home. The setting was amazing. Looking out across the rear yard one looks directly into the golf course and then at the other end of the course is a set of mountains and hills. A truly beautiful setting. The home while older was in great condition with updating and solid as a rock.
I had decided that while I was in Fairfield I would look up Camping World to check out getting a cover for the motorhome to keep it clean and to protect from the weather. Once we found the location we found that Camping World was no more, empty building and all. Bummer.
At this point I'm not sure if I get the girls for SS tomorrow or not, hope so but it may be a soccer game for Keanna. I'll find out soon.
Sending love to all and special thanks to those angels who watch over the little black beetle as it makes its way hundreds of miles.
Tim
Well I'm finally home sitting in my office chair before the 19" screen. The fan is turning slowly and the night air is drifting through as the cool of the evening takes over from the heat of the day. In spite of the challenges of the week there are so many many things, people to be thankful for.
I've just driven here from Mimi's Cafe in Antioch where I met my friend for a relaxing dinner. My pasta dish was perfect as were the deep fried zucchini pieces. Even the water with lemon was perfect. She is such a great conversationalist having been in the teaching profession for all her adult life. Tonight I learned new things about her young years, like the fact that she was at Altamont way back when and lived in Berkeley during the interesting years.
This morning was a park morning with the dog, then back to try to make sense out of a very confusing array of assignments, I cancelled one order when data was not available that I needed, I responded to many other emails from clients and tried to complete an appraisal for a property in Brentwood, one that I inspected last evening. All to soon the clock said it was time to leave for Fairfield so we loaded up and headed out. We encountered every slow obstacle one could dream of on the way, slow traffic, bridges blocked, police action but we finally found the home in Green Valley, what a find. The home had a garage that was filled with boxes and I smelled appraiser. Sure enough the owner and his son were both in the house at their desks writing appraisals, both are commercial appraisers and both had the same complaints as I do, much lower fees than in the past. The owner was very helpful and pointed out positive features about their home. The setting was amazing. Looking out across the rear yard one looks directly into the golf course and then at the other end of the course is a set of mountains and hills. A truly beautiful setting. The home while older was in great condition with updating and solid as a rock.
I had decided that while I was in Fairfield I would look up Camping World to check out getting a cover for the motorhome to keep it clean and to protect from the weather. Once we found the location we found that Camping World was no more, empty building and all. Bummer.
At this point I'm not sure if I get the girls for SS tomorrow or not, hope so but it may be a soccer game for Keanna. I'll find out soon.
Sending love to all and special thanks to those angels who watch over the little black beetle as it makes its way hundreds of miles.
Tim
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Trying to do good work
Dear Family and Friends,
At the moment I'm just ticked off, worked for hours on a report today, wasn't easy and now I've just got home and the revisions are in, some nitwit wants to know why I called the home unoccupied when there is some furniture in it? They have never heard of staging, in part of Oakland every decent home that is listed is staged with some pieces of furniture so the home won't look empty, it will show better but this "appraiser" gets stumped over the fact that the home is staged, it just kills me, the wasted time I have to spend responding to the ill advised revision requests from these people who have no experience, no common sense and yet they can hold us up, crazy.
I tend to get upset easily lately, sort have my fill with useless human being, now I know Jesus would not see it like this, oh help me Love people like Jesus does.
I've just come from Concord Costco, now its bad when the high point of the day is a visit to Costco but I've got peaches, raspberries, bananas, peanut butter and green beans. I lingered over a new printer but its not HP and I'm not ready to commit to Brother at this point.
Tomorrow I head to Fairfield and Napa, then back home for dinner with a friend I've not seen all week. I can't wait!
Hope your day had more excitement than mine. The girls came with Steve this afternoon but I had to jet away to see a property in Brentwood so could not do more than give them a squeeze.
Well love to all,
Tim
At the moment I'm just ticked off, worked for hours on a report today, wasn't easy and now I've just got home and the revisions are in, some nitwit wants to know why I called the home unoccupied when there is some furniture in it? They have never heard of staging, in part of Oakland every decent home that is listed is staged with some pieces of furniture so the home won't look empty, it will show better but this "appraiser" gets stumped over the fact that the home is staged, it just kills me, the wasted time I have to spend responding to the ill advised revision requests from these people who have no experience, no common sense and yet they can hold us up, crazy.
I tend to get upset easily lately, sort have my fill with useless human being, now I know Jesus would not see it like this, oh help me Love people like Jesus does.
I've just come from Concord Costco, now its bad when the high point of the day is a visit to Costco but I've got peaches, raspberries, bananas, peanut butter and green beans. I lingered over a new printer but its not HP and I'm not ready to commit to Brother at this point.
Tomorrow I head to Fairfield and Napa, then back home for dinner with a friend I've not seen all week. I can't wait!
Hope your day had more excitement than mine. The girls came with Steve this afternoon but I had to jet away to see a property in Brentwood so could not do more than give them a squeeze.
Well love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Routine - pushing paper yet thankful
Dear Family and Friends,
9:07, key events of today!
* motorhome returns from Burning Man and its sparkling clean inside and out!
The guys brought it back this evening and its clean even on the top. They had a super time and drove about 800 miles. Everything worked perfectly and they are very pleased. I just went to the fuel station and filled it and will subtract that small amount from their deposit which I'll send out in the next couple days.
* Keanna was ready for pickup at 1:15 today after school but had lots of homework which she did faithfully before doing anything else. She is getting into tougher stuff now and enjoyed using her pocket dictionary her dad bought her. She is so much fan to have around, she smiles a lot, has all kinds of ideas, loves to munch popcorn and do her homework standing next to where I work.
* Had dinner with a friend tonight and the food and the friend were great
* Did some challenging appraisal work including an inspection of perhaps the nicest Brentwood located home I've ever seen. It was incredible and it looks like the owners had invested nearly $100,000 for the back yard area, no grass, just tile and stamped concrete, a huge gazebo with 8 burner cooktop, two refrigerators, ice machine, lots of granite. A huge pool dominated the back yard and above it was the spa spilling down into the pool. It was all very nicely done. Just fun to see a house so complete and professionally updated. Unfortunately a divorce caused it to be sold, that was the very sad part.
* orders keep piling in, the board is full again so I have to gear up for the challenges presented.
Love to all,
Tim
9:07, key events of today!
* motorhome returns from Burning Man and its sparkling clean inside and out!
The guys brought it back this evening and its clean even on the top. They had a super time and drove about 800 miles. Everything worked perfectly and they are very pleased. I just went to the fuel station and filled it and will subtract that small amount from their deposit which I'll send out in the next couple days.
* Keanna was ready for pickup at 1:15 today after school but had lots of homework which she did faithfully before doing anything else. She is getting into tougher stuff now and enjoyed using her pocket dictionary her dad bought her. She is so much fan to have around, she smiles a lot, has all kinds of ideas, loves to munch popcorn and do her homework standing next to where I work.
* Had dinner with a friend tonight and the food and the friend were great
* Did some challenging appraisal work including an inspection of perhaps the nicest Brentwood located home I've ever seen. It was incredible and it looks like the owners had invested nearly $100,000 for the back yard area, no grass, just tile and stamped concrete, a huge gazebo with 8 burner cooktop, two refrigerators, ice machine, lots of granite. A huge pool dominated the back yard and above it was the spa spilling down into the pool. It was all very nicely done. Just fun to see a house so complete and professionally updated. Unfortunately a divorce caused it to be sold, that was the very sad part.
* orders keep piling in, the board is full again so I have to gear up for the challenges presented.
Love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Glad to be home
Good evening
This will be short as I 'm tired and heading to bed soon.
This morning I worked for hours doing research for the day. First I drove to Oakland and saw a home that was a mixture of features and issues.
It was built on a steep upsloping site, amazingly steep and the foundation must have cost a fortune. The home had been constructed by its owners as a personal residence and there was hardwood, upgraded features everywhere but oh the house was steep, a couple rooms and then stairs leading to the next level and then more stairs. Amazing really. The view was expansive and included both Oakland and San Francisco, bridges, airports, the bay, wow.
The agent was a interesting lady, one who works hard and is very wise. I enjoyed getting to know her. Once that one was over then it was back to Castro Valley for a 4 plex. The owner had it all set up so that inspection went very quickly. How ones heart softens to see little families live in such a small space, little kitchen with little eating area, 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms and living room with wall heater, thats it. All were in good condition and kept nicely. Owner is wise, keeps rents reasonable, remembers a time when he was renting and the owner kept boosting the rent, he determined not to do that when he owned properties.
After driving all over finding the comps for the 4 plex it was back to the Oakland hills, house was staged and was nicely updated, good paint, hardwood floors, great neighborhood. Then it was on to Richmond, yes Richmond, the worst part at 5:30 pm. Not the wisest thing to do but it went well, again a small Hispanic family, eager to chat, nicely kept. After shooting comps without being shot I started to drive back to Oakland to do yet another one but then the fog was rolling in and it was getting dark, besides I was very tired so I turned on my James Lee Burke book and drive home arriving about 8:30.
I arrived home to two decent checks that will cover the house payment tomorrow. Yea.
So I'm sending you a nice good night message.
Love
Tim
This will be short as I 'm tired and heading to bed soon.
This morning I worked for hours doing research for the day. First I drove to Oakland and saw a home that was a mixture of features and issues.
It was built on a steep upsloping site, amazingly steep and the foundation must have cost a fortune. The home had been constructed by its owners as a personal residence and there was hardwood, upgraded features everywhere but oh the house was steep, a couple rooms and then stairs leading to the next level and then more stairs. Amazing really. The view was expansive and included both Oakland and San Francisco, bridges, airports, the bay, wow.
The agent was a interesting lady, one who works hard and is very wise. I enjoyed getting to know her. Once that one was over then it was back to Castro Valley for a 4 plex. The owner had it all set up so that inspection went very quickly. How ones heart softens to see little families live in such a small space, little kitchen with little eating area, 1 bathroom, 2 bedrooms and living room with wall heater, thats it. All were in good condition and kept nicely. Owner is wise, keeps rents reasonable, remembers a time when he was renting and the owner kept boosting the rent, he determined not to do that when he owned properties.
After driving all over finding the comps for the 4 plex it was back to the Oakland hills, house was staged and was nicely updated, good paint, hardwood floors, great neighborhood. Then it was on to Richmond, yes Richmond, the worst part at 5:30 pm. Not the wisest thing to do but it went well, again a small Hispanic family, eager to chat, nicely kept. After shooting comps without being shot I started to drive back to Oakland to do yet another one but then the fog was rolling in and it was getting dark, besides I was very tired so I turned on my James Lee Burke book and drive home arriving about 8:30.
I arrived home to two decent checks that will cover the house payment tomorrow. Yea.
So I'm sending you a nice good night message.
Love
Tim
Monday, September 3, 2012
The Holiday is over....
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm going to start with a big event that is pictured here.........
Jo just text ed to say that Mia is in her new bed tonight and of course we all hope she actually stays in the bed all night. Isn't she just too cute? Notice she is surrounded by little animals who will keep her safe, they along with the angels watch over our little ones every night.
Today I woke to a cool morning so ventured out to the deck to move piles of rotted wood that we've removed from the deck beside the spa. It looked terrible and I can only stand a mess for so long, I really dislike clutter when it become all one can see. So I moved lots of decaying boards along with some redwood that has really stood the test of time, over 30 years old and still going strong. Those boards I'll keep and try to make use of them. It is a bit frustrating to have the spa clean, pumping strong and totally ready for use except for a tiny little thing, the heater will not work. Ray has it hooked up but the output from the primary transformer is only about 13 volts and needs to be 24 before the heater will open the gas line, ignite the gas and start heating the spa. Oh I can't wait, I was tempted to climb in today but its only 70 degrees and I'm not sure my heart can take that for long.
Once I finished moving wood I set my sights on yet another project, installing a new ceiling fan in my master bedroom suite. The new fan is more up to date and most importantly has a remote so I can change the speed of the fan while in bed.
The challenge was this, the bed sits high, it is a sleep by number bed we purchased for Nan after surgery #4 when she could no longer cope with the wood frame around our water bed. She wanted it and we of course got it for her. She loved it every day the rest of her life. But the fan is directly over the bed, how does one get high enough to work on taking the old one down and yet not fall over, I ended up standing up in my bare feet but could only stand the pain for a few minutes, then would have to rest. The old one fought me but eventually gave up and came down, a couple hours later I started installing the new one. The instructions were clear to a point but getting the controller for the remote to fit when the cap went on proved impossible. Finally after rewiring it I got the cap in place but when we switched the wall switch nothing happened, that is when I noticed that the clock was no longer lit, I had blow the circuit breaker!
So rewiring was in order, the challenge was the people who built the home only allowed about 3 inches of very stiff wife, it was very tough to wire nut the connecting wire and then get the wire nut pushed back into the junction box and out of the way without coming loose. Once I unwired the three wires I discovered I had used the red wire and not the black one. So I capped off the red wire and pushed it out of the way, made a connection with the black and white wires, extended them a bit with a short piece of wire so we could work and then jammed the controller through the ceiling mount and finally after many tries got the cover pushed up and into place. This time when we switched the wall switch to on and used the remote the light came on, then the fan came on. Yea!
There is one tiny little problem, we discovered that when we have the fan on in the master it also turns on the ceiling fan in the family room below, well all I have to do is change the little switches on the controller and the remote, but you guessed it, that means taking the cap off and switching a switch to select a new code. I'm not really anxious to climb back on the bed and working between the blades of the fan loosen the cover and change the code, then fight it back on again without dislodging the wires! Another day for that chore.
I now have a beautiful fan that I can work while I'm in bed and of course that was the goal. The old fan had failed and the three lights with glass bezels were swinging just on the wires, no mechanical connection held them in place anymore, probably not that safe.
After sweating my way through these projects and a walk to the park I was ready to sit in a hot tub. Since the one outside is 70 I chose the alternative jetted tub in my bathroom. It felt great and I'm not as sore as I was before I went in. I found XM music through my IPHONE so had some quiet music while I soaked.
How I would like to share this with someone. Not complaining but my heart really yearns for a fellow traveler, a lover, a friend, hopefully a musician, someone to go to the symphony with, to have quiet dinners, to enjoy the lake and cool mornings at the Bistro Table.
Well for now I wish each of you a productive week, one where your goals become realities. One in which you enjoy the love of a friend, a spouse, your children and your God.
Love
Tim
I'm going to start with a big event that is pictured here.........
Jo just text ed to say that Mia is in her new bed tonight and of course we all hope she actually stays in the bed all night. Isn't she just too cute? Notice she is surrounded by little animals who will keep her safe, they along with the angels watch over our little ones every night.
Today I woke to a cool morning so ventured out to the deck to move piles of rotted wood that we've removed from the deck beside the spa. It looked terrible and I can only stand a mess for so long, I really dislike clutter when it become all one can see. So I moved lots of decaying boards along with some redwood that has really stood the test of time, over 30 years old and still going strong. Those boards I'll keep and try to make use of them. It is a bit frustrating to have the spa clean, pumping strong and totally ready for use except for a tiny little thing, the heater will not work. Ray has it hooked up but the output from the primary transformer is only about 13 volts and needs to be 24 before the heater will open the gas line, ignite the gas and start heating the spa. Oh I can't wait, I was tempted to climb in today but its only 70 degrees and I'm not sure my heart can take that for long.
Once I finished moving wood I set my sights on yet another project, installing a new ceiling fan in my master bedroom suite. The new fan is more up to date and most importantly has a remote so I can change the speed of the fan while in bed.
The challenge was this, the bed sits high, it is a sleep by number bed we purchased for Nan after surgery #4 when she could no longer cope with the wood frame around our water bed. She wanted it and we of course got it for her. She loved it every day the rest of her life. But the fan is directly over the bed, how does one get high enough to work on taking the old one down and yet not fall over, I ended up standing up in my bare feet but could only stand the pain for a few minutes, then would have to rest. The old one fought me but eventually gave up and came down, a couple hours later I started installing the new one. The instructions were clear to a point but getting the controller for the remote to fit when the cap went on proved impossible. Finally after rewiring it I got the cap in place but when we switched the wall switch nothing happened, that is when I noticed that the clock was no longer lit, I had blow the circuit breaker!
So rewiring was in order, the challenge was the people who built the home only allowed about 3 inches of very stiff wife, it was very tough to wire nut the connecting wire and then get the wire nut pushed back into the junction box and out of the way without coming loose. Once I unwired the three wires I discovered I had used the red wire and not the black one. So I capped off the red wire and pushed it out of the way, made a connection with the black and white wires, extended them a bit with a short piece of wire so we could work and then jammed the controller through the ceiling mount and finally after many tries got the cover pushed up and into place. This time when we switched the wall switch to on and used the remote the light came on, then the fan came on. Yea!
There is one tiny little problem, we discovered that when we have the fan on in the master it also turns on the ceiling fan in the family room below, well all I have to do is change the little switches on the controller and the remote, but you guessed it, that means taking the cap off and switching a switch to select a new code. I'm not really anxious to climb back on the bed and working between the blades of the fan loosen the cover and change the code, then fight it back on again without dislodging the wires! Another day for that chore.
I now have a beautiful fan that I can work while I'm in bed and of course that was the goal. The old fan had failed and the three lights with glass bezels were swinging just on the wires, no mechanical connection held them in place anymore, probably not that safe.
After sweating my way through these projects and a walk to the park I was ready to sit in a hot tub. Since the one outside is 70 I chose the alternative jetted tub in my bathroom. It felt great and I'm not as sore as I was before I went in. I found XM music through my IPHONE so had some quiet music while I soaked.
How I would like to share this with someone. Not complaining but my heart really yearns for a fellow traveler, a lover, a friend, hopefully a musician, someone to go to the symphony with, to have quiet dinners, to enjoy the lake and cool mornings at the Bistro Table.
Well for now I wish each of you a productive week, one where your goals become realities. One in which you enjoy the love of a friend, a spouse, your children and your God.
Love
Tim
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Laid Back Sunday
Good evening,
Woke up to another perfect morning, slipped on shorts and sandals, found the cleaning bucket, sponge and ran some warm water in the kitchen.
With the air almost chilly I headed out to the dirty spa, having established its solid base last evening now I was on a mission to get it clean, standing water in the bottom was brown and ugly. So bending this ancient body I set to work dumping out the water bucket by bucket full. Once the water was out I used the sponge to clear the entire inner surface of the spa and then once empty I started the hose and filled it up. A little while later when it was full of clear water I started the pump. For the first time in years it powered water through the jets and worked perfectly. Other than the 68 degree temperature I would have climbed in right then.
Later Ray came over to start the heater but discovered low voltage at a crucial space in the heater so we'll have to wait until he can solve that last problem before the spa will heat. I am so anxious to sit in the spa and enjoy its relaxing swirling waters, can't come soon enough for me.
Once the spa was filled and working, pumping then I let it run for awhile and the filter pulled out any bad stuff from the water, it ran clear and strong. Then it was time for breakfast, Marilyn had filled pulled herself from slumber. I had a nice bowl of cereal and a whole wheat toast with Stripples and Scallops, tasted great. Then we finished by eating some peeled peaches which were perfect.
I set to work on appraisal writing, Marilyn set up new orders and prepared a deposit, yes money did come in.
This evening Ran and Lois and Marilyn and myself drove to Golden Corral in Tracy where we ate too much of course, does anyone ever go there and walk out just full, not stuffed!
Oh this morning after I finished working on the spa I took the paddle boat out and I've included a couple photos I shot with my iphone while in the middle of the lake. It was a pleasant boat ride.
Woke up to another perfect morning, slipped on shorts and sandals, found the cleaning bucket, sponge and ran some warm water in the kitchen.
With the air almost chilly I headed out to the dirty spa, having established its solid base last evening now I was on a mission to get it clean, standing water in the bottom was brown and ugly. So bending this ancient body I set to work dumping out the water bucket by bucket full. Once the water was out I used the sponge to clear the entire inner surface of the spa and then once empty I started the hose and filled it up. A little while later when it was full of clear water I started the pump. For the first time in years it powered water through the jets and worked perfectly. Other than the 68 degree temperature I would have climbed in right then.
Later Ray came over to start the heater but discovered low voltage at a crucial space in the heater so we'll have to wait until he can solve that last problem before the spa will heat. I am so anxious to sit in the spa and enjoy its relaxing swirling waters, can't come soon enough for me.
Once the spa was filled and working, pumping then I let it run for awhile and the filter pulled out any bad stuff from the water, it ran clear and strong. Then it was time for breakfast, Marilyn had filled pulled herself from slumber. I had a nice bowl of cereal and a whole wheat toast with Stripples and Scallops, tasted great. Then we finished by eating some peeled peaches which were perfect.
I set to work on appraisal writing, Marilyn set up new orders and prepared a deposit, yes money did come in.
This evening Ran and Lois and Marilyn and myself drove to Golden Corral in Tracy where we ate too much of course, does anyone ever go there and walk out just full, not stuffed!
Oh this morning after I finished working on the spa I took the paddle boat out and I've included a couple photos I shot with my iphone while in the middle of the lake. It was a pleasant boat ride.
Willow Lake view from the middle of the lake
My home as seen from the lake.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Sabbath School, a real blessing
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm just in from watching a chilling 48 hours program, there is a lot of pretty awful stuff that happens in this world while there is also a lot of God inspired things that happen every day.
This morning I picked up Keanna and Kallie as they were finishing their breakfast. We drove to Tracy, a 25 minute trip, and once again I smiled a lot as I listened to the girls, interact. They are great girls, very talented, fast learners, quick to fight and quick to love each other. Kallie was pointing out all the horse and cows as we drove, sometimes there were so far away they could hardly be seen.
Once we got to Sabbath School Keanna was very reluctant to go in since she knew she would be moving to a different section of Sabbath School and would lose out on Sylvia as her very own teacher. Well the next time I saw her she was sitting at the table with Wes and Rod and all seemed well. The leaders had handled the transition perfectly and she enjoyed herself very much. Thanks good SS people. A special thanks to Sylvia who has been such a wonderful teacher over the years and will once again be there probably when Kallie graduates out of her current division.
Kallie and I found the room packed with kiddos today and it was great. Diane taught and even though she is not usually the teacher she does a super job. I love to see Kallie singing the Christian songs, learning the lessons and knowing about Jesus as she grows up.
This afternoon I've puttered around on the back deck and as of now the spa has its base back so in the morning I can clean it, taking the messy water out and then fill it will clean water and start enjoying it. Ray has worked such long hours on it and now its about to work properly again. That will be so nice.
Lois came over and chatted with Marilyn for a long time this afternoon, the weather was perfect and a gentle breeze made everything very nice.
I am so grateful for the love of friends, for all the blessings of life and for my family. What a talented and interesting loving group of people. What an honor to be the pappa of such a group.
Love
tim
I'm just in from watching a chilling 48 hours program, there is a lot of pretty awful stuff that happens in this world while there is also a lot of God inspired things that happen every day.
This morning I picked up Keanna and Kallie as they were finishing their breakfast. We drove to Tracy, a 25 minute trip, and once again I smiled a lot as I listened to the girls, interact. They are great girls, very talented, fast learners, quick to fight and quick to love each other. Kallie was pointing out all the horse and cows as we drove, sometimes there were so far away they could hardly be seen.
Once we got to Sabbath School Keanna was very reluctant to go in since she knew she would be moving to a different section of Sabbath School and would lose out on Sylvia as her very own teacher. Well the next time I saw her she was sitting at the table with Wes and Rod and all seemed well. The leaders had handled the transition perfectly and she enjoyed herself very much. Thanks good SS people. A special thanks to Sylvia who has been such a wonderful teacher over the years and will once again be there probably when Kallie graduates out of her current division.
Kallie and I found the room packed with kiddos today and it was great. Diane taught and even though she is not usually the teacher she does a super job. I love to see Kallie singing the Christian songs, learning the lessons and knowing about Jesus as she grows up.
This afternoon I've puttered around on the back deck and as of now the spa has its base back so in the morning I can clean it, taking the messy water out and then fill it will clean water and start enjoying it. Ray has worked such long hours on it and now its about to work properly again. That will be so nice.
Lois came over and chatted with Marilyn for a long time this afternoon, the weather was perfect and a gentle breeze made everything very nice.
I am so grateful for the love of friends, for all the blessings of life and for my family. What a talented and interesting loving group of people. What an honor to be the pappa of such a group.
Love
tim
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