Good evening,
I have some nice music from XM playing through the Bose speakers, mellow and easy going, just back from dinner with a friend at Marie Calendars in Stockton. What a feast, super salad bar and some really delicious potato cheese soup along with a tiny bit of corn bread, wow, good eating on a wintery night.
Today has been a day of mostly working and listening to amazing sounds of heavy rain and wind whipping away outside and enjoying a little fire inside. Breakfast was steel cut oats and a banana, really a perfect breakfast, lunch was a combo of brown rice, green beans and a bit of mushroom soup heated for 3 minutes in the microwave oven.
This afternoon the rain moved on and the sun came out. Jessie arrived in time to go on an appraisal inspection with me, turned out to be a great home which has gone from a trashed short sale to a beautiful upgraded home with a new kitchen, new paint, new crown molding and new landscaping. Better than she see a house like that than the one I saw yesterday which did not even seem safe to inspect.
Great news today from Kaiser. My very special cardiologist Dr. Hanna has set the date of December 10 for the Cardioversion to take place. It will be done in Walnut Creek at 6 am. Have to arrive and check in then at 8 am they will do the shocking process, I'll be set to leave at 10 and can't drive for a day afterwards. I do so hope it works and the heart can find its proper rhythm again!
Well I think I have Kallie in the morning and perhaps even Keanna, we will see.
Love to all, another interesting week which has now moved behind us. God is very good and oh how our country needs His help.
Love
tim
Friday, November 30, 2012
Thursday, November 29, 2012
A lousy day
Start off with the fact that I ran out of my heart medicine that had been doubled but then no one changed the prescription so I would have enough, so yesterday morning I ran out, had ordered several days ago but they did not respond, well during the night my heart began to race and the same thing was happening this morning. The walk to the park had my heart racing the whole time.
Then after some very quick research I hit the road running to Pittsburg. The first house had to be section 8 renters and the carpets were so filthy, I don't think they can be cleaned. The place was a huge disaster, just amazing how bad it can be, some bedrooms were locked and I could not get in at all.
Once I was through with that mess I decided to head to Kaiser to beg for a few heart pills. The pharmacist said sure and then I waited, after 30 minutes I went up to the counter and I saw her face. She had totally forgotten me so then she quickly filled the prescription and I was gracious though I felt like yelling. Now I was one hour behind. The next property was in Pleasanton and they were very nice. It was as nice as the first place was awful.
Then I raced to a third place in Pleasanton which was perfect and then I had a minute to grab something from Burger King. The last place was ordinary on the outside but was beautiful inside. Everything was new and high quality, the guy could do just about anything he set his mind to.
Shooting the comps was mostly very dark but I've learned that if I turn the flash off and just hold the camera still I can get photos even when the darkness is coming on.
I was glad when I was through but was so sleepy that I pulled off in a neighborhood. When I woke later I could not figure out where I was, finally I realized the road I had pulled off from and drove on home.
During the afternoon I had purchased a new low beam headlight for the Civic. Once I got home I loosened the battery and unhooked the light, trying to fit the new one in I could not make it work so I drove to town to a auto parts store to buy a bulb that would fit, they told me I had pulled the high beam bulb, to go back home and do the low beam. They were right and now I have headlamps again but my left hand is so bruised due to the thin blood and working against the battery in the car. Anyway it is done.
Now I'm heading to bed. Last night I woke at 11 and came down, wrote an appraisal and then went back to bed at about 2 having finished a report. Now I'm very sleepy. Its been a rough day today but right now I'm feeling much better finally.
This evening an old friend Don Bennett called. Don has been helpful as a very funny friend and has given lots of legal advice over the years. I found out that he has a new heart, his old one had given up. Tonight he calls me and we talk for an hour, he is doing well and is so funny and quick, what a hoot to hear from him again. Friends are like diamonds, they glitter and shine, are always precious and last for ever.
Love to all,
Tim
ps, good news, the company Valuation Partners accepted the email I sent showing the outstanding fees and has agreed to cut a very large check on December 7. It will pay the outstanding amount I owe for last years taxes. I am so thankful.
Then after some very quick research I hit the road running to Pittsburg. The first house had to be section 8 renters and the carpets were so filthy, I don't think they can be cleaned. The place was a huge disaster, just amazing how bad it can be, some bedrooms were locked and I could not get in at all.
Once I was through with that mess I decided to head to Kaiser to beg for a few heart pills. The pharmacist said sure and then I waited, after 30 minutes I went up to the counter and I saw her face. She had totally forgotten me so then she quickly filled the prescription and I was gracious though I felt like yelling. Now I was one hour behind. The next property was in Pleasanton and they were very nice. It was as nice as the first place was awful.
Then I raced to a third place in Pleasanton which was perfect and then I had a minute to grab something from Burger King. The last place was ordinary on the outside but was beautiful inside. Everything was new and high quality, the guy could do just about anything he set his mind to.
Shooting the comps was mostly very dark but I've learned that if I turn the flash off and just hold the camera still I can get photos even when the darkness is coming on.
I was glad when I was through but was so sleepy that I pulled off in a neighborhood. When I woke later I could not figure out where I was, finally I realized the road I had pulled off from and drove on home.
During the afternoon I had purchased a new low beam headlight for the Civic. Once I got home I loosened the battery and unhooked the light, trying to fit the new one in I could not make it work so I drove to town to a auto parts store to buy a bulb that would fit, they told me I had pulled the high beam bulb, to go back home and do the low beam. They were right and now I have headlamps again but my left hand is so bruised due to the thin blood and working against the battery in the car. Anyway it is done.
Now I'm heading to bed. Last night I woke at 11 and came down, wrote an appraisal and then went back to bed at about 2 having finished a report. Now I'm very sleepy. Its been a rough day today but right now I'm feeling much better finally.
This evening an old friend Don Bennett called. Don has been helpful as a very funny friend and has given lots of legal advice over the years. I found out that he has a new heart, his old one had given up. Tonight he calls me and we talk for an hour, he is doing well and is so funny and quick, what a hoot to hear from him again. Friends are like diamonds, they glitter and shine, are always precious and last for ever.
Love to all,
Tim
ps, good news, the company Valuation Partners accepted the email I sent showing the outstanding fees and has agreed to cut a very large check on December 7. It will pay the outstanding amount I owe for last years taxes. I am so thankful.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
And then the rain came
It came in inches and stood deep everywhere. So nice to see the rain, feel the wind, get instantly soaked, what a joy.
I woke to the wind and rain and was so glad I was in working today, that is until 12:30 when I had to see a 4500 sf home here in DB. At the last moment before leaving in the driving rain I checked the computer one more time and thank you Lord, I had seen it two years ago when it was 1.4 million. Quickly I checked the files and sure enough we had the sketch all completed. That meant I just had to take photos and inspect. Even that meant getting pretty soaked but it all went well and then it was time to collect Keanna from school.
She climbed in the car and said, my feet are wet, can you build a fire! Well I was able to tell her I had already built one and it was roaring at home. So we both put our shoes by the fire and enjoyed a cozy afternoon at 71 degrees due to just one piece of Oak burning away.
Once home she waded into her homework and just blew it away, she really knows her stuff and she proudly told me to day that she is in the Gate program in math. Can this be my grand daughter? Must have been from Nan's genes or Steve's genes and of course Nikki is an accountant too. I'm just so proud of all the kiddos. What wonderful gifts God gives us to enjoy.
When Jessie arrived I was glad she had made it over the slippery roads. She set to work and was successful in finding some files that may help us collect some funds. When Kallie rolled in she headed to the tomato plants and found 4 more red ones, amazing child.
Now I'm winding it up, got lots done today and very thankful for the blessings of life.
When I went to make the motorhome payment I was not sure about the funds in the bank so I checked. Whoa, Property Sciences had dumped a lot of money into my account which will help in many ways. It was a nice surprise.
Sending love to all,
Tim
I woke to the wind and rain and was so glad I was in working today, that is until 12:30 when I had to see a 4500 sf home here in DB. At the last moment before leaving in the driving rain I checked the computer one more time and thank you Lord, I had seen it two years ago when it was 1.4 million. Quickly I checked the files and sure enough we had the sketch all completed. That meant I just had to take photos and inspect. Even that meant getting pretty soaked but it all went well and then it was time to collect Keanna from school.
She climbed in the car and said, my feet are wet, can you build a fire! Well I was able to tell her I had already built one and it was roaring at home. So we both put our shoes by the fire and enjoyed a cozy afternoon at 71 degrees due to just one piece of Oak burning away.
Once home she waded into her homework and just blew it away, she really knows her stuff and she proudly told me to day that she is in the Gate program in math. Can this be my grand daughter? Must have been from Nan's genes or Steve's genes and of course Nikki is an accountant too. I'm just so proud of all the kiddos. What wonderful gifts God gives us to enjoy.
When Jessie arrived I was glad she had made it over the slippery roads. She set to work and was successful in finding some files that may help us collect some funds. When Kallie rolled in she headed to the tomato plants and found 4 more red ones, amazing child.
Now I'm winding it up, got lots done today and very thankful for the blessings of life.
When I went to make the motorhome payment I was not sure about the funds in the bank so I checked. Whoa, Property Sciences had dumped a lot of money into my account which will help in many ways. It was a nice surprise.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
A Fib progress
Good evening friends and family,
This has been a huge day and I can feel the fatigue in my eyes and my heart this evening. I started at 6 this morning, at my first appointment at 8:45 in Blackhawk, the home was lovely with a large indoor pool and spa, beautiful view of the golf course, 4500 sf of splendor. When I arrived the owner had already had to leave so his parents showed me through, just a little problem, they only spoke Japanese, no English at all. We managed quite well and they had the most wonderful slippers for me to wear during the inspection, I could have walked out with them!
I had coffee in Blackhawk Plaza, a very busy Starbucks and interesting conversions all around!
Once I was through then I found a new tract office in Dublin and conducted an appraisal of a home that is almost completed. $741,000 for 2,500 sf. Wow the prices just blow me over.
Now it was time to drive over to Kaiser in Livermore. Quick lab, you walk in and they stick you, 2 minutes you are out and today I felt NO pain as she slipped the needle in, wow.
From there I started a series of three Livermore appraisals and was able to just about keep up with my tight schedule. I saw a fixer, a rental in perfect condition and the last was a home owned by a contractor, perfect in every way, nice family, cute kids. Then it was Subway as I was fading fast with low blood sugar. That was an interesting stop.
I had my usual vegetarian patty and white cheese, tomato slices and olives on wheat. But they time the patty was already thawed out and they toasted the basics creating a delicious sandwich. Then I noted that they had soup so I had some of that too. When i sat down I noticed that the lady at the next table had a huge manual on Subway's. We talked and she suggested I try the Falafel, she had them cook one up for me with cucumber sauce and it was great, I'll have it in a sandwich in the future. She told me a bit about Subway and suggested that if I was pleased with my meal I should let them know on the web. I'll do it as it was very good. The last time I had Falafel was in Israel with George and Yvonne. That has been a while for sure. Brings back wonderful memories, long before we knew Nan was ill.
So I came home via Safeway for a few things and now I'm going to bed, up early and hope I recover, don't feel too great right now.
The test results are in and my blood was 3.1 on the 2 to 3 scale this week. That is fine so I now have 4 weeks, I've written the cardiologist to see when the cardioversion can take place. How nice it would be to have my heart working properly again.
Sending love to all, and especially to Jason and Jo. Jason took his first in a series of finals for law school this evening, he just texted to say he thought he did well, that is a relief.
Tim
This has been a huge day and I can feel the fatigue in my eyes and my heart this evening. I started at 6 this morning, at my first appointment at 8:45 in Blackhawk, the home was lovely with a large indoor pool and spa, beautiful view of the golf course, 4500 sf of splendor. When I arrived the owner had already had to leave so his parents showed me through, just a little problem, they only spoke Japanese, no English at all. We managed quite well and they had the most wonderful slippers for me to wear during the inspection, I could have walked out with them!
I had coffee in Blackhawk Plaza, a very busy Starbucks and interesting conversions all around!
Once I was through then I found a new tract office in Dublin and conducted an appraisal of a home that is almost completed. $741,000 for 2,500 sf. Wow the prices just blow me over.
Now it was time to drive over to Kaiser in Livermore. Quick lab, you walk in and they stick you, 2 minutes you are out and today I felt NO pain as she slipped the needle in, wow.
From there I started a series of three Livermore appraisals and was able to just about keep up with my tight schedule. I saw a fixer, a rental in perfect condition and the last was a home owned by a contractor, perfect in every way, nice family, cute kids. Then it was Subway as I was fading fast with low blood sugar. That was an interesting stop.
I had my usual vegetarian patty and white cheese, tomato slices and olives on wheat. But they time the patty was already thawed out and they toasted the basics creating a delicious sandwich. Then I noted that they had soup so I had some of that too. When i sat down I noticed that the lady at the next table had a huge manual on Subway's. We talked and she suggested I try the Falafel, she had them cook one up for me with cucumber sauce and it was great, I'll have it in a sandwich in the future. She told me a bit about Subway and suggested that if I was pleased with my meal I should let them know on the web. I'll do it as it was very good. The last time I had Falafel was in Israel with George and Yvonne. That has been a while for sure. Brings back wonderful memories, long before we knew Nan was ill.
So I came home via Safeway for a few things and now I'm going to bed, up early and hope I recover, don't feel too great right now.
The test results are in and my blood was 3.1 on the 2 to 3 scale this week. That is fine so I now have 4 weeks, I've written the cardiologist to see when the cardioversion can take place. How nice it would be to have my heart working properly again.
Sending love to all, and especially to Jason and Jo. Jason took his first in a series of finals for law school this evening, he just texted to say he thought he did well, that is a relief.
Tim
Monday, November 26, 2012
Jessie does her thing
Good evening,
When one hires someone to help they never really know what they are going to end up with. Well with Jessie I've ended up with a clean office, I mean boxes sorted, files filed, junk thrown out and I have two clean offices now as a result. Wow the vacuum has not had that much work for a long time, now to get rid of some work stations and have some open space. Its true the garage is bulging with all the transfers to its areas but better in the garage than in the office. She sat out in the driveway today retrieving old file folders and turning them into reused ones, if I had sat that long I would never been able to stand again. But with her phone blasting country music Jessie just works till the job is done. Amazing.
Last night did not go so well, at 1 am I was wide awake and at 3 I gave up and got up, came down and wrote an appraisal which I shipped out at 5 am. Then back to bed and I slept to 8:30. Strange how one can be wide awake during the night, not something I enjoy at all. Hope to sleep all night tonight.
I have an early call tomorrow. I'm to be in Blackhawk at 8:30 to see a 4500 sf home, then to a new subdivision nearby and finally back to Livermore to see three in a row. I call that planning or luck perhaps.
I did not get as many done as I needed to today but I've made some progress. The weather is amazing, wish I could be out enjoying it, doing yard work or taking a boat ride. Still I've very thankful for work. Today a client sent an email asking that I supply a list of what they owe, imagine my surprise when I discovered the list totals almost $7,000. Wow even if I get some of it I can pay my taxes.
Well its time to wrap it up for the day. I've had some heart pain today, not the best feeling and the coughing is back pretty bad. My inhaler ran out and I had to order a new one, took a couple days and I missed my morning and evening treatment.
Sending love to one and all,
Tim
When one hires someone to help they never really know what they are going to end up with. Well with Jessie I've ended up with a clean office, I mean boxes sorted, files filed, junk thrown out and I have two clean offices now as a result. Wow the vacuum has not had that much work for a long time, now to get rid of some work stations and have some open space. Its true the garage is bulging with all the transfers to its areas but better in the garage than in the office. She sat out in the driveway today retrieving old file folders and turning them into reused ones, if I had sat that long I would never been able to stand again. But with her phone blasting country music Jessie just works till the job is done. Amazing.
Last night did not go so well, at 1 am I was wide awake and at 3 I gave up and got up, came down and wrote an appraisal which I shipped out at 5 am. Then back to bed and I slept to 8:30. Strange how one can be wide awake during the night, not something I enjoy at all. Hope to sleep all night tonight.
I have an early call tomorrow. I'm to be in Blackhawk at 8:30 to see a 4500 sf home, then to a new subdivision nearby and finally back to Livermore to see three in a row. I call that planning or luck perhaps.
I did not get as many done as I needed to today but I've made some progress. The weather is amazing, wish I could be out enjoying it, doing yard work or taking a boat ride. Still I've very thankful for work. Today a client sent an email asking that I supply a list of what they owe, imagine my surprise when I discovered the list totals almost $7,000. Wow even if I get some of it I can pay my taxes.
Well its time to wrap it up for the day. I've had some heart pain today, not the best feeling and the coughing is back pretty bad. My inhaler ran out and I had to order a new one, took a couple days and I missed my morning and evening treatment.
Sending love to one and all,
Tim
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Another excellent day
A friend shared a super devotional book with me that I'm enjoying each morning with breakfast. Every day its a message from God, uplifting, positive and touching, its great.
This has been one of those days. First I jumped out of bed and dressed for working. Then I came down and wrote an appraisal as quickly as I could, they take 2 to 3 hours so there really is no quick to it. Once I was through with the report and had it emailed to the client, then I headed outside to do some needed winterizing. Using the new trailer hitch on the Civic I backed in and after many quick trips in and out of the car to get the car just right for the tow dolly I had it hooked up and I slowly pulled it out and parked it in the driveway, Then it was back down the side RV parking pad to the Supra, my 21 foot ski boat. After more jockeying back and forth I got it hooked up. Now pulling a 3500 pound boat out out of its resting place for the last year took some effort on the park of the little Civic. After rocking back and forth a bit the boat broke free and trailed up the RV strip. Once I had it to a place where I could work around it easily I parked it, jacked it up high so the water would run out by gravity.
Pulling the very wet and soiled cover was not easy or pleasant. Frankly it felt good to get my hands dirty. Eventually the cover was out on the driveway where I washed it down, swept the leaves off. In the process a seam gave way, that was disheartening but instead of giving up I came up with the idea of using little plastic ties every three inches to repair the failed seam. It worked perfectly. So I rolled up the cover, carried it back to the back of the boat, laid it there and unrolled it.
After taking the cover off the boat I used the shop vac to clean out all the leaves and dirt that was there, then I rigged a shop light to hang in the boat day and night, it gives off enough heat to keep the interior of the boat dry once the cover is in place. To keep the cover from sagging I used the old satellite dish turned upside down, two water skies, a boogie board, two cookers on end and some redwood stakes. Then I rolled the cover gently over the top of the framework I had made so there is so sagging places to catch the water, now the water and leaves can just wash right off the cover like its done for the past few years. It needed to be done or the boat would be ruined by spring.
Once the boat was covered and the cover was tied in place I backed the boat into its special place only this time I had put 2 x 12 boards down as planks for the wheels to rest on. Then it was back to hook up to the tow dolly and back it in, once in place against the boat then it was time to back in the motorhome. Now everything is in place again but this time its ready for winter. So my outdoor work was a success.
I'd not been back in the office long when Jessie arrived ready to attack the files. She prepared a deposit, logged files out of the computer and started working on boxes. She nearly has the lower office totally cleaned up, amazing all that she has done in such a short time. At one point today the computer program she uses locked up but I was able to restart the server and suddenly it worked again just fine.
I've been writing reports again after a shower and when I move I'm reminded that last night working under the car and today working in all different kinds of ways has made some muscles angry but I'm delighted with the progress I've made today.
I also have to admit I enjoy walking through the hall and by the washer and dryer and see them gleaming and ready to work.
So tomorrow I'm working in again, can't land any appointments yet so I'll just work here, Jessie is anxious to get the junk out of the lower office and I'm catching the fever, that means dead printers, redundant office equipment etc gone.
So I'm sending you all my best vibes for your upcoming week. Some of you face health issues, others relationship issues, some of you are trying to find lost love again and many of you are looking forward to Christmas music, lights and the many joys of the season. May God guide us each day so we enhance the lives of those we encounter. We have something special, the love of Jesus to share, a love that avoids passing judgment, that looks for the good and has an ear for those who need to just talk.
Love to all,
Tim
This has been one of those days. First I jumped out of bed and dressed for working. Then I came down and wrote an appraisal as quickly as I could, they take 2 to 3 hours so there really is no quick to it. Once I was through with the report and had it emailed to the client, then I headed outside to do some needed winterizing. Using the new trailer hitch on the Civic I backed in and after many quick trips in and out of the car to get the car just right for the tow dolly I had it hooked up and I slowly pulled it out and parked it in the driveway, Then it was back down the side RV parking pad to the Supra, my 21 foot ski boat. After more jockeying back and forth I got it hooked up. Now pulling a 3500 pound boat out out of its resting place for the last year took some effort on the park of the little Civic. After rocking back and forth a bit the boat broke free and trailed up the RV strip. Once I had it to a place where I could work around it easily I parked it, jacked it up high so the water would run out by gravity.
Pulling the very wet and soiled cover was not easy or pleasant. Frankly it felt good to get my hands dirty. Eventually the cover was out on the driveway where I washed it down, swept the leaves off. In the process a seam gave way, that was disheartening but instead of giving up I came up with the idea of using little plastic ties every three inches to repair the failed seam. It worked perfectly. So I rolled up the cover, carried it back to the back of the boat, laid it there and unrolled it.
After taking the cover off the boat I used the shop vac to clean out all the leaves and dirt that was there, then I rigged a shop light to hang in the boat day and night, it gives off enough heat to keep the interior of the boat dry once the cover is in place. To keep the cover from sagging I used the old satellite dish turned upside down, two water skies, a boogie board, two cookers on end and some redwood stakes. Then I rolled the cover gently over the top of the framework I had made so there is so sagging places to catch the water, now the water and leaves can just wash right off the cover like its done for the past few years. It needed to be done or the boat would be ruined by spring.
Once the boat was covered and the cover was tied in place I backed the boat into its special place only this time I had put 2 x 12 boards down as planks for the wheels to rest on. Then it was back to hook up to the tow dolly and back it in, once in place against the boat then it was time to back in the motorhome. Now everything is in place again but this time its ready for winter. So my outdoor work was a success.
I'd not been back in the office long when Jessie arrived ready to attack the files. She prepared a deposit, logged files out of the computer and started working on boxes. She nearly has the lower office totally cleaned up, amazing all that she has done in such a short time. At one point today the computer program she uses locked up but I was able to restart the server and suddenly it worked again just fine.
I've been writing reports again after a shower and when I move I'm reminded that last night working under the car and today working in all different kinds of ways has made some muscles angry but I'm delighted with the progress I've made today.
I also have to admit I enjoy walking through the hall and by the washer and dryer and see them gleaming and ready to work.
So tomorrow I'm working in again, can't land any appointments yet so I'll just work here, Jessie is anxious to get the junk out of the lower office and I'm catching the fever, that means dead printers, redundant office equipment etc gone.
So I'm sending you all my best vibes for your upcoming week. Some of you face health issues, others relationship issues, some of you are trying to find lost love again and many of you are looking forward to Christmas music, lights and the many joys of the season. May God guide us each day so we enhance the lives of those we encounter. We have something special, the love of Jesus to share, a love that avoids passing judgment, that looks for the good and has an ear for those who need to just talk.
Love to all,
Tim
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Interesting Sabbath
Well here I am and its about 9:30 in the evening, I'm celebrating another good day.
This morning I was permitted to take Kallie Sabbath School. Kim was sleepy having just arrived home from Mexico late last night. Since Diane was gone I played the piano. Kallie likes to sit beside me on the bench and does SS from there. There were 4 little girls and I think everyone enjoyed the experience. Kim does a super job and is not flustered when the children go on their own way at times.
After SS we made hot chocolate in the church entry and then drove to the Dollar Store, later we hooked up with Nikki, Keanna and her friend Stacy who had spent the night. The lunch was perfect, the food was good, the service was really good today.
Once the girls went their way I drove home the alternative way, that is the scenic route and then had a nap for a while. Later I walked down the street and picked up the motorhome, the renters were through with it. Later I decided to try my hand at putting a trailer hitch on the Civic. There was just one hard part, making a hole in the frame larger, then slipping a square washer through the hole and 10 inches to another hole, then putting a large carriage bolt through the hole and slipping it down 10 inches and then getting it to fit through the hole in the frame. One side went easy but the other side was behind the muffler and that side proved to be tough, took hours and Ray came home, brought over a copper wire that did the trick and now the Civic has a trailer hitch installed. Yea! Purpose, to be able to shift my trailers around on pull them short distances, like the tow dolly, the boat or even Steve's little covered trailer, its just nice to have a tow hitch. Currently the only one is on the motorhome and that takes some space to work. Hard to back up a trailer with the motorhome. Now Tom Miller can do it because he is a trucker but not me.
I've been running loads of wash tonight just to make sure the washer is really working well and it is doing a super job, cleans so well and the clothes come out of the spin cycle really dry, ready for the dryer. The dryer works great too. I know I'm mentioned all of this before but its such a huge step forward to have this newer equipment working so well.
Tomorrow I'll put the boat out and get it cleaned up a bit, perhaps even find a place that can work on it so come spring it can be ready to run and enjoy. I'll also have to crank out some appraisals tomorrow, lots of them and get other scheduled. Life without work would make Tim a dull boy, also one without funds. I like having funds better.
Sending love to all,
Tim
This morning I was permitted to take Kallie Sabbath School. Kim was sleepy having just arrived home from Mexico late last night. Since Diane was gone I played the piano. Kallie likes to sit beside me on the bench and does SS from there. There were 4 little girls and I think everyone enjoyed the experience. Kim does a super job and is not flustered when the children go on their own way at times.
After SS we made hot chocolate in the church entry and then drove to the Dollar Store, later we hooked up with Nikki, Keanna and her friend Stacy who had spent the night. The lunch was perfect, the food was good, the service was really good today.
Once the girls went their way I drove home the alternative way, that is the scenic route and then had a nap for a while. Later I walked down the street and picked up the motorhome, the renters were through with it. Later I decided to try my hand at putting a trailer hitch on the Civic. There was just one hard part, making a hole in the frame larger, then slipping a square washer through the hole and 10 inches to another hole, then putting a large carriage bolt through the hole and slipping it down 10 inches and then getting it to fit through the hole in the frame. One side went easy but the other side was behind the muffler and that side proved to be tough, took hours and Ray came home, brought over a copper wire that did the trick and now the Civic has a trailer hitch installed. Yea! Purpose, to be able to shift my trailers around on pull them short distances, like the tow dolly, the boat or even Steve's little covered trailer, its just nice to have a tow hitch. Currently the only one is on the motorhome and that takes some space to work. Hard to back up a trailer with the motorhome. Now Tom Miller can do it because he is a trucker but not me.
I've been running loads of wash tonight just to make sure the washer is really working well and it is doing a super job, cleans so well and the clothes come out of the spin cycle really dry, ready for the dryer. The dryer works great too. I know I'm mentioned all of this before but its such a huge step forward to have this newer equipment working so well.
Tomorrow I'll put the boat out and get it cleaned up a bit, perhaps even find a place that can work on it so come spring it can be ready to run and enjoy. I'll also have to crank out some appraisals tomorrow, lots of them and get other scheduled. Life without work would make Tim a dull boy, also one without funds. I like having funds better.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, November 23, 2012
The Day after.
You know, I don't like the day after much any special day, perhaps because I'd really enjoy having more special days and less days of long hours working.
This evening I had the chance to meet Jo and Jason with her mom and the kiddos. They had been at Half Moon Bay today, a lovely place to visit on a beautiful fall day. We met and had dinner and though everyone was tired it was very nice to see each other. The kiddos are growing up so fast, Mia is getting tall and so full of fun and energy. Timothy is more quiet but very cute and charming.
After I wrote the blog last night I was so excited about having the washing machine work well that I started to do loads of laundry, just to make sure it was working right. I ended up going to bed at 1:40 this morning after the last load had dried, well if a watched pot never boils a dryer sure takes a long time during the middle of the night to get done. As far as I can tell the washer is working perfectly and it does a fine job of getting the clothes clean. I think cleaner than the last washer.
By the way if you happen to know of anyone who needs a washer and dryer that works well, the dryer is gas fired well let me know as I'm happy to give mine to anyone who needs them, right now they are taking of valuable space in the garage so I'm ready to move them on down the line, I can't deliver though. After the battle of moving the washers last night I really don't want to touch another one for awhile.
I was able to thank Cathie this morning, she is the one who gave them to me and I think she was pleased that she could help out in this way. I am jazzed over the whole process.
I worked in for a bit this morning once I staggered out of bed, then I inspected a home in Brentwood and another in Antioch. The one in Brentwood was one door from Heather and Jim's home, Heather was one of our valued appraisers for years and helped so much during the time that Nan was ill. It was simply great to see her. She is an amazing person and really is capable in whatever she ends up doing.
Well tomorrow is a new day and I'm taking Kallie to Sabbath School. We will have a good time as usual.
I'm so thankful for the chance to spend time with friends and family this week.
Love to all,
Tim
This evening I had the chance to meet Jo and Jason with her mom and the kiddos. They had been at Half Moon Bay today, a lovely place to visit on a beautiful fall day. We met and had dinner and though everyone was tired it was very nice to see each other. The kiddos are growing up so fast, Mia is getting tall and so full of fun and energy. Timothy is more quiet but very cute and charming.
After I wrote the blog last night I was so excited about having the washing machine work well that I started to do loads of laundry, just to make sure it was working right. I ended up going to bed at 1:40 this morning after the last load had dried, well if a watched pot never boils a dryer sure takes a long time during the middle of the night to get done. As far as I can tell the washer is working perfectly and it does a fine job of getting the clothes clean. I think cleaner than the last washer.
By the way if you happen to know of anyone who needs a washer and dryer that works well, the dryer is gas fired well let me know as I'm happy to give mine to anyone who needs them, right now they are taking of valuable space in the garage so I'm ready to move them on down the line, I can't deliver though. After the battle of moving the washers last night I really don't want to touch another one for awhile.
I was able to thank Cathie this morning, she is the one who gave them to me and I think she was pleased that she could help out in this way. I am jazzed over the whole process.
I worked in for a bit this morning once I staggered out of bed, then I inspected a home in Brentwood and another in Antioch. The one in Brentwood was one door from Heather and Jim's home, Heather was one of our valued appraisers for years and helped so much during the time that Nan was ill. It was simply great to see her. She is an amazing person and really is capable in whatever she ends up doing.
Well tomorrow is a new day and I'm taking Kallie to Sabbath School. We will have a good time as usual.
I'm so thankful for the chance to spend time with friends and family this week.
Love to all,
Tim
Thursday, November 22, 2012
A Feast
Dear Family and Friends,
How was your Thanksgiving? Mine has been good.
When I first got up I came down and went right to work, finished a tough one and then rewarded myself by the trip to the garage. The washer was in many pieces, screws of different sizes lay about and I had a few notes I had taken when we tore the washer apart. As I mentioned Ray found the parts and now I had them, I could not wait any longer.
I set up a little table for tools and then rolled the washer out into the sunshine, I installed the was motor on the front of the washer and finally figured out how it all went together. Then I installed the new circuit breaker, screwed the front of the washer on, then the door, plugged it in and there was nothing, I was bummed. I was running out of time because I had an important appointment to keep. At the moment Ray came over as he was leaving for Sacramento for Thanksgiving with Mike. I opened the back panel and we looked at the circuit board, then we looked together at the little drawing I had made when we pulled the dozens of wires off the circuit board and the closer we looked it seemed the white and black wires were switched. So I made the switch and tried again, it WORKED. And after a few minutes of working the door locked red light came on, then it drained properly and spun like it was supposed to.
Well I quickly showered and hit the road for Lodi to see a movie with a friend but the movie was half over, the Internet had given out the wrong starting time so we picked another movie quickly, there were about 12 to select from. We decided on Flight with Denzel Washington. We found the movie far different than what we expected yet it turned out to be very thought provoking. No matter how many times we tell the story of man there are always new nuisances to cover, new lessons to learn. Changing ones behavior as an adult is tough stuff and the movie was graphic and challenging.
Once the movie was over we had an incredible dinner which she prepared. It had everything one expects from Thanksgiving and it was delicious. I have enough left overs in my frig to last a week!
Once I got home I determined to move the old washer out of the laundry room and into the garage, have you moved a washer lately? Well they are not light and they don't like to move at all. Getting the old one out was a challenge and I discovered in the process that the floor had given way in one place and the leg was caught in the hole in the floor, the laundry room will need a new floor as soon as I can get to it. By using leverage and slow movements I was able to move the old washer gradually down the steps and to the garage. I had gone to my wood pile and found a couple pieces of plywood from the old water bed base, that formed the ramp up the steps.
I gradually inched the new washer off the furniture dolly it had been sitting on for several weeks and onto the floor, then onto the two wheeled dolly and slowly started moving up the ramp. It went surprisingly easy and before long I had the washer mostly through the door to the laundry room, then with slow and careful movements I got it into place, hooked up the drain and the hot and cold hoses, plugged it in a amazingly it works. I've included a photo of the washer and dryer as they now sit in the laundry area. I just can't tell you how thrilled I am to take this step forward. They use less energy, less water, have a much larger capacity and are much more gentle to the clothes, I'm stoked! And the washer even dings when it has finished. Now the red light comes on after the machine gets started so the front door cannot be opened. The front door can't be opened again until the water is spun out in the final spin cycle.
So that is the news from here. Tomorrow it is back to work but I would not trade places with my office helper Jessie, she is working all night for American Eagle tonight, I'll just bet she sleeps tomorrow.
Love to all, yes we do do a lot of reasons to be thankful. God bless you all.
Tim
How was your Thanksgiving? Mine has been good.
When I first got up I came down and went right to work, finished a tough one and then rewarded myself by the trip to the garage. The washer was in many pieces, screws of different sizes lay about and I had a few notes I had taken when we tore the washer apart. As I mentioned Ray found the parts and now I had them, I could not wait any longer.
I set up a little table for tools and then rolled the washer out into the sunshine, I installed the was motor on the front of the washer and finally figured out how it all went together. Then I installed the new circuit breaker, screwed the front of the washer on, then the door, plugged it in and there was nothing, I was bummed. I was running out of time because I had an important appointment to keep. At the moment Ray came over as he was leaving for Sacramento for Thanksgiving with Mike. I opened the back panel and we looked at the circuit board, then we looked together at the little drawing I had made when we pulled the dozens of wires off the circuit board and the closer we looked it seemed the white and black wires were switched. So I made the switch and tried again, it WORKED. And after a few minutes of working the door locked red light came on, then it drained properly and spun like it was supposed to.
Well I quickly showered and hit the road for Lodi to see a movie with a friend but the movie was half over, the Internet had given out the wrong starting time so we picked another movie quickly, there were about 12 to select from. We decided on Flight with Denzel Washington. We found the movie far different than what we expected yet it turned out to be very thought provoking. No matter how many times we tell the story of man there are always new nuisances to cover, new lessons to learn. Changing ones behavior as an adult is tough stuff and the movie was graphic and challenging.
Once the movie was over we had an incredible dinner which she prepared. It had everything one expects from Thanksgiving and it was delicious. I have enough left overs in my frig to last a week!
Once I got home I determined to move the old washer out of the laundry room and into the garage, have you moved a washer lately? Well they are not light and they don't like to move at all. Getting the old one out was a challenge and I discovered in the process that the floor had given way in one place and the leg was caught in the hole in the floor, the laundry room will need a new floor as soon as I can get to it. By using leverage and slow movements I was able to move the old washer gradually down the steps and to the garage. I had gone to my wood pile and found a couple pieces of plywood from the old water bed base, that formed the ramp up the steps.
I gradually inched the new washer off the furniture dolly it had been sitting on for several weeks and onto the floor, then onto the two wheeled dolly and slowly started moving up the ramp. It went surprisingly easy and before long I had the washer mostly through the door to the laundry room, then with slow and careful movements I got it into place, hooked up the drain and the hot and cold hoses, plugged it in a amazingly it works. I've included a photo of the washer and dryer as they now sit in the laundry area. I just can't tell you how thrilled I am to take this step forward. They use less energy, less water, have a much larger capacity and are much more gentle to the clothes, I'm stoked! And the washer even dings when it has finished. Now the red light comes on after the machine gets started so the front door cannot be opened. The front door can't be opened again until the water is spun out in the final spin cycle.
So that is the news from here. Tomorrow it is back to work but I would not trade places with my office helper Jessie, she is working all night for American Eagle tonight, I'll just bet she sleeps tomorrow.
Love to all, yes we do do a lot of reasons to be thankful. God bless you all.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Thanksgiving eve
Well here I am at the computer and I've just finished up a review of an appraisal done in Oakland but there is a stack to my left that needs attention. In the morning perhaps! I'm tired and my eyes are crossing and blurring.
This morning I woke to work at my desk for awhile and then drive in the rain to Livermore, the house was little and nice, backed to a golf course and the lady was a long time nurse. I enjoyed meeting her and we of course talked about her profession and her failed marriage years ago. Seems her husband did not want her to get an education, to learn more, to make more, he wanted control and stood in the way of every effort she made to improve herself. It got me to thinking,
There is a shift in many marriages where the shift of decision making shifts from the guy to the girl and wise guys let it happen and encourage it but power hungry ones feel threatened and balk. I can remember as Nan began to take more control of our lives and it felt strange but she was so wise and decisive that in time I learned to let her, she was good and I could trust her judgement. Not always but usually.
I went to the lab in Livemore and already got the news that I was 2.8, right in the right place so in one week I just might get a chance at the cardioversion and a new lease on life. Lets pray that it can happen and will work, it is not always the answer and the other answer, the one involving surgery for my heart does not sound very solid as an answer.
Jessie came this afternoon and has the files, boxes and most everything in order. She is pretty amazing and I'm very please with her work and her ability to learn quickly. Tomorrow night she works all night at her other job, at a clothing store somewhere.
This afternoon I cleaned up the motorhome and delivered it to a neighbor who lives down the street 3 blocks away. It is going to be a bedroom for extra guests who are coming in tomorrow. I'm glad to have it used.
My hope is that your Thanksgiving will be meaningful for you, that you will have time to listen to each other, to share what is really important, to let God know just how important He is in your lives.
God Bless you all
Tim
This morning I woke to work at my desk for awhile and then drive in the rain to Livermore, the house was little and nice, backed to a golf course and the lady was a long time nurse. I enjoyed meeting her and we of course talked about her profession and her failed marriage years ago. Seems her husband did not want her to get an education, to learn more, to make more, he wanted control and stood in the way of every effort she made to improve herself. It got me to thinking,
There is a shift in many marriages where the shift of decision making shifts from the guy to the girl and wise guys let it happen and encourage it but power hungry ones feel threatened and balk. I can remember as Nan began to take more control of our lives and it felt strange but she was so wise and decisive that in time I learned to let her, she was good and I could trust her judgement. Not always but usually.
I went to the lab in Livemore and already got the news that I was 2.8, right in the right place so in one week I just might get a chance at the cardioversion and a new lease on life. Lets pray that it can happen and will work, it is not always the answer and the other answer, the one involving surgery for my heart does not sound very solid as an answer.
Jessie came this afternoon and has the files, boxes and most everything in order. She is pretty amazing and I'm very please with her work and her ability to learn quickly. Tomorrow night she works all night at her other job, at a clothing store somewhere.
This afternoon I cleaned up the motorhome and delivered it to a neighbor who lives down the street 3 blocks away. It is going to be a bedroom for extra guests who are coming in tomorrow. I'm glad to have it used.
My hope is that your Thanksgiving will be meaningful for you, that you will have time to listen to each other, to share what is really important, to let God know just how important He is in your lives.
God Bless you all
Tim
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Excellent day
Well it started rather early this morning, let me ask you, if you have decided that you need to get up at a certain time do you often wake before the alarm goes off just because your mind is set to get up, I woke and it was dark, I wondered why I was awake and then the alarm went off, it was 5:30 and it seemed so early. Last night I had a dreadful time getting all the research completed for todays appointments, the Internet was slow and then stopped altogether, very frustrating, I paused to wonder what lesson God was trying to teach me, still not sure.
So I didn't get to go to bed until about 11:30 last night and the night was short.
So I left the house before 7 so I could try to get to Fremont by 8, GPS said it was possible but traffic said otherwise. Finally traffic opened up and I got there at 8:20 which gave me enough time to complete my work before 9 am.
Then I raced for a nearby little condo to do that one at 9, then I raced to yet another townhome for a 10 am appointment, then I found a Starbucks and relaxed a bit, had my multi grain bagel and skinny peppermint mocha decaf with a little whip. Its my drink these days. I can stretch it about 2 hours before it is cold and I'm done.
Once the three were over I headed for Dublin where I did a final inspection on a home that just had its carpet installed. It was filled with a cleaning crew, no one spoke english, got me to thinking about the way things are now. Are they working there because none of the 23 million people out of work are unwilling to work? I wonder what is the truth, I really don't know. Have we come to the place where we are unwilling to work at simple jobs anymore? If so thats sad because those jobs need to be done just the same as my job or yours.
After Dublin I drove home, picked up a tank of diesel for $3.90 a gallon, now that is better. I was home for a few minutes, enough to drive the motorhome out of storage, then put a little heater to dry out the carpet in a couple places. Neighbors are going to use it over Thanksgiving as an extra bedroom once again. I'll drive it down in the morning for their use. Makes a couple bucks and they enjoy using it.
Well its way past my bedtime tonight, I'm pleased with the day and I've just written a report this evening that was overdue.
So I'm wishing each of you a thankful time of year. In spite of the stuff that happens we are blessed, so blessed.
Love
tim
So I didn't get to go to bed until about 11:30 last night and the night was short.
So I left the house before 7 so I could try to get to Fremont by 8, GPS said it was possible but traffic said otherwise. Finally traffic opened up and I got there at 8:20 which gave me enough time to complete my work before 9 am.
Then I raced for a nearby little condo to do that one at 9, then I raced to yet another townhome for a 10 am appointment, then I found a Starbucks and relaxed a bit, had my multi grain bagel and skinny peppermint mocha decaf with a little whip. Its my drink these days. I can stretch it about 2 hours before it is cold and I'm done.
Once the three were over I headed for Dublin where I did a final inspection on a home that just had its carpet installed. It was filled with a cleaning crew, no one spoke english, got me to thinking about the way things are now. Are they working there because none of the 23 million people out of work are unwilling to work? I wonder what is the truth, I really don't know. Have we come to the place where we are unwilling to work at simple jobs anymore? If so thats sad because those jobs need to be done just the same as my job or yours.
After Dublin I drove home, picked up a tank of diesel for $3.90 a gallon, now that is better. I was home for a few minutes, enough to drive the motorhome out of storage, then put a little heater to dry out the carpet in a couple places. Neighbors are going to use it over Thanksgiving as an extra bedroom once again. I'll drive it down in the morning for their use. Makes a couple bucks and they enjoy using it.
Well its way past my bedtime tonight, I'm pleased with the day and I've just written a report this evening that was overdue.
So I'm wishing each of you a thankful time of year. In spite of the stuff that happens we are blessed, so blessed.
Love
tim
Monday, November 19, 2012
A big great day
This has been a great day, up until a few minutes again when the Internet slowed to a crawl. I'm not even sure I'll be able to send this message out. I was half way through doing research for tomorrow and things slowed to a crawl and then stopped totally.
I need to have the research by 6:30 in the morning when I have to leave so I can arrive in Fremont at someones house, he is insisting that is the only time I can see the property and he is the customer so he must be right, now if I can just get the research completed and through traffic to his house than I'm good.
Today was incredible. I left at 8:50 and finally made it out of the driveway by 9. I arrived in Dublin for a 10 am appointment. Dear little lady, terrified about value, pushed and prodded me to try to make me find a higher value, scary little lady really. Was glad to move on.
Then to Hayward and enjoyed that property, its owners and the chance to meet them, delightful black family, two brothers and a sister back to their old house for thanksgiving, happy, pleasant, helpful and just great solid people. By now I was ahead of my conservative schedule so saw the new place an hour early. That let me fit in yet another extra appraisal and they were so sweet, little 8 year old girl was so curious about what I was doing, property was perfect in every way, Korean family.
Then it was on to an empty property and it was a bit rough, someone did not take very good care of the place and its selling well below market as it should, its that rough. By the time I finished that one I was hungry and ready for food. So the GPS found a nearby Olive Garden and I had a super meal, so good and so relaxing.
Then it was back on the road and traffic for the next hour. Now I'm home and secure. Lots of money in the mail today, thank you Lord! Now if the Visa card for the business would just arrive things would be better.
So I'd better send this while I can, love to all
Tim
I need to have the research by 6:30 in the morning when I have to leave so I can arrive in Fremont at someones house, he is insisting that is the only time I can see the property and he is the customer so he must be right, now if I can just get the research completed and through traffic to his house than I'm good.
Today was incredible. I left at 8:50 and finally made it out of the driveway by 9. I arrived in Dublin for a 10 am appointment. Dear little lady, terrified about value, pushed and prodded me to try to make me find a higher value, scary little lady really. Was glad to move on.
Then to Hayward and enjoyed that property, its owners and the chance to meet them, delightful black family, two brothers and a sister back to their old house for thanksgiving, happy, pleasant, helpful and just great solid people. By now I was ahead of my conservative schedule so saw the new place an hour early. That let me fit in yet another extra appraisal and they were so sweet, little 8 year old girl was so curious about what I was doing, property was perfect in every way, Korean family.
Then it was on to an empty property and it was a bit rough, someone did not take very good care of the place and its selling well below market as it should, its that rough. By the time I finished that one I was hungry and ready for food. So the GPS found a nearby Olive Garden and I had a super meal, so good and so relaxing.
Then it was back on the road and traffic for the next hour. Now I'm home and secure. Lots of money in the mail today, thank you Lord! Now if the Visa card for the business would just arrive things would be better.
So I'd better send this while I can, love to all
Tim
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sunday is catch up day
After such a great day yesterday today seemed quiet. I was able to settle in and get some work done, not enought of course but quite a bit.
Jessie came to work for several hours and has transformed the desk Nan used to use. It is clean, everything is in place and she threw away all the pens that no longer worked. she also has the board ready for us to keep track of appraisal orders. Straight lines for a change and neat as can be.
Tomorrow morning I'm back in the field, seeing something in Dublin that is promised to be totally renewed, we'll see!
Then to Hayward to see two and finally Fremont to see something at 3:30. Since the dark comes on early I can't inspect as late as I like to so the day ends up being shorter.
For lunch today I munched on the wrap that we bought last night at Whole Foods, it was filled with interesting tastes, I could only eat half so I have half left yet.
So here we go with a new week, we are blessed with an extension of life and I'm hoping that we can make good sense out of the time, be a blessing to people, help those near and far. How awful it must be to live in parts of Israel right now, never knowing when the terrible rockets are going to land and explode. Having walked through most of the major cities of Israel I can not imagine the fear that the little ones are having to live through. Oh how I hope we stand with Israel through this.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Jessie came to work for several hours and has transformed the desk Nan used to use. It is clean, everything is in place and she threw away all the pens that no longer worked. she also has the board ready for us to keep track of appraisal orders. Straight lines for a change and neat as can be.
Tomorrow morning I'm back in the field, seeing something in Dublin that is promised to be totally renewed, we'll see!
Then to Hayward to see two and finally Fremont to see something at 3:30. Since the dark comes on early I can't inspect as late as I like to so the day ends up being shorter.
For lunch today I munched on the wrap that we bought last night at Whole Foods, it was filled with interesting tastes, I could only eat half so I have half left yet.
So here we go with a new week, we are blessed with an extension of life and I'm hoping that we can make good sense out of the time, be a blessing to people, help those near and far. How awful it must be to live in parts of Israel right now, never knowing when the terrible rockets are going to land and explode. Having walked through most of the major cities of Israel I can not imagine the fear that the little ones are having to live through. Oh how I hope we stand with Israel through this.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, November 17, 2012
The Rain is upon us
All night it rained and stormed, I know this from the few times I happened to be awake and heard it.
This morning I picked up Kallie and we braved the weather for Sabbath School. Good thing as Diane was teaching and needed someone to play the piano. Even thought I'm not in her league I enjoyed playing and she did a super job of teaching the kiddos. There were 4 little ones and what fun and a challenge they are.
Afterwards Kallie and I made hot chocolate in the church greeting area and then headed to Burger King where she caught an early lunch.
One Kallie was delivered I headed home and slipped into a nice nap, fire was crackling and it just felt right. But I had a mission. I had heard about a early vesper program in Yountville SDA where my friend was performing so once again I braved the rain and wind driving to the church. The program was very good, carefully chosen readings about Autumn, the colors of Autumn and special music from time to time. My friend did a masterful job of presenting her special number, wow, controlled, beautiful and on pitch. Really enjoyable.
Afterward I had a chance to talk to Dolly, my friend who taught me the appraisal business and eventually caught up with my friend. We both wanted to go to Whole Foods and Trader Joes. By this time the weather was really nasty and we both got wet as we entered and left the stores but what discoveries. I ended up with things I would not have known about otherwise but with her expert advice I now have healthy things in my own cupboards. It was simply great to shop with her.
The trip home was for the first part very wet and dangerous but I just took it easy and had a very safe and enjoyable trip home.
What a great day, Kallie time and vesper time as well. I'm happy tonight.
Sending love to all,
Tim
This morning I picked up Kallie and we braved the weather for Sabbath School. Good thing as Diane was teaching and needed someone to play the piano. Even thought I'm not in her league I enjoyed playing and she did a super job of teaching the kiddos. There were 4 little ones and what fun and a challenge they are.
Afterwards Kallie and I made hot chocolate in the church greeting area and then headed to Burger King where she caught an early lunch.
One Kallie was delivered I headed home and slipped into a nice nap, fire was crackling and it just felt right. But I had a mission. I had heard about a early vesper program in Yountville SDA where my friend was performing so once again I braved the rain and wind driving to the church. The program was very good, carefully chosen readings about Autumn, the colors of Autumn and special music from time to time. My friend did a masterful job of presenting her special number, wow, controlled, beautiful and on pitch. Really enjoyable.
Afterward I had a chance to talk to Dolly, my friend who taught me the appraisal business and eventually caught up with my friend. We both wanted to go to Whole Foods and Trader Joes. By this time the weather was really nasty and we both got wet as we entered and left the stores but what discoveries. I ended up with things I would not have known about otherwise but with her expert advice I now have healthy things in my own cupboards. It was simply great to shop with her.
The trip home was for the first part very wet and dangerous but I just took it easy and had a very safe and enjoyable trip home.
What a great day, Kallie time and vesper time as well. I'm happy tonight.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, November 16, 2012
Good evening
Well here we are again, another week in the books and a Sabbath to enjoy. We do have a very incredible Maker who loves with a love that we know little of.
Oh how we need the presence of the Lord in our country, we are moving rapidly away from biblical principles of working, building, trusting dreaming a dream, taking chances to get there. Every other civilization that has moved the way we are moving has eventually failed. It fills my heart with dread when I look into the eyes of our little ones, we are creating the world they will have to live in and it is less pretty every day, huge debt on their shoulders, higher and higher taxes, where does it all end.
Today for me has been pleasant, I rolled out, reset the alarm and rolled out an hour later, showered, cleaned the wound on my arm and then descended to a cool world, so I took time to build a fire and within minutes it was toasty and pleasant, I stood there and wished there was a way I could just work in front of the fire instead of around the corner.
I set to work on appraisals and soon found myself out shooting comparables photos, taking money to the bank and having a decaf no sugar peppermint mocha, great stuff.
Then it was back home to work more and put the finishing touches on a ranchette appraisal. Then it was time to start on a nasty Stockton Duplex for the bank, didn't quite finish that one before the end of day.
I set out to drive the VW to town since its the car with the child seats. But its battery was dead, seems I left the XM radio on and it had depleted the battery as the days passed. So I had to chance cars. I went to the dance studio where Keanna and Kallie have dance classes, that was a total chance for the day, Jerry called but had to give up as he could not hear me with all the little people moving about and chattering.
Once the girls were through with tap shoes and dance clothes we went to Jaliscos, our favorite little Mexican place for dinner. Dinner with the girls is always sort of an adventure but still very enjoyable.
Now I'm home, the battery charger is doing its magic to the bugs battery and I'm settled in for the night.
This week I've tried to much more in charge than in prior weeks and its has worked very well. Instead of letting homeowner insist on seeing me on a day that I had planned to be in the office I just simply state what days I can be in their area and its working well.
In the last 12 hours I've taken in many new orders and if I stay on track I will see 500 orders this year which is about 175 more than last year. That is a huge blessing, one I never forget even while stressing over how to get the work I have completed. Another real blessing is that Steve is now getting lots of orders as well keeping him busy.
Good night my dear friends and family,
Love to all
tim
Oh how we need the presence of the Lord in our country, we are moving rapidly away from biblical principles of working, building, trusting dreaming a dream, taking chances to get there. Every other civilization that has moved the way we are moving has eventually failed. It fills my heart with dread when I look into the eyes of our little ones, we are creating the world they will have to live in and it is less pretty every day, huge debt on their shoulders, higher and higher taxes, where does it all end.
Today for me has been pleasant, I rolled out, reset the alarm and rolled out an hour later, showered, cleaned the wound on my arm and then descended to a cool world, so I took time to build a fire and within minutes it was toasty and pleasant, I stood there and wished there was a way I could just work in front of the fire instead of around the corner.
I set to work on appraisals and soon found myself out shooting comparables photos, taking money to the bank and having a decaf no sugar peppermint mocha, great stuff.
Then it was back home to work more and put the finishing touches on a ranchette appraisal. Then it was time to start on a nasty Stockton Duplex for the bank, didn't quite finish that one before the end of day.
I set out to drive the VW to town since its the car with the child seats. But its battery was dead, seems I left the XM radio on and it had depleted the battery as the days passed. So I had to chance cars. I went to the dance studio where Keanna and Kallie have dance classes, that was a total chance for the day, Jerry called but had to give up as he could not hear me with all the little people moving about and chattering.
Once the girls were through with tap shoes and dance clothes we went to Jaliscos, our favorite little Mexican place for dinner. Dinner with the girls is always sort of an adventure but still very enjoyable.
Now I'm home, the battery charger is doing its magic to the bugs battery and I'm settled in for the night.
This week I've tried to much more in charge than in prior weeks and its has worked very well. Instead of letting homeowner insist on seeing me on a day that I had planned to be in the office I just simply state what days I can be in their area and its working well.
In the last 12 hours I've taken in many new orders and if I stay on track I will see 500 orders this year which is about 175 more than last year. That is a huge blessing, one I never forget even while stressing over how to get the work I have completed. Another real blessing is that Steve is now getting lots of orders as well keeping him busy.
Good night my dear friends and family,
Love to all
tim
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Worn out
I rolled out at 5:30 this morning and have not stopped since.
First home in Livermore was nice, big and was inspected at 9 am.
Then back to Dublin tract for reinspection and chat with Diana, great sales office leader.
Time to visit CostCo for paper, apples, cat food and dishwashing little capsules for the machine.
Then to Burger King for lunch, the to Ruby Hill to see a huge one, 4700 sf and came around the corner to find another appraiser measuring away as well. Seems they need two appraisals on this one since value is nearly 1.76 million dollars. Very nice, owner was gracious and pleasant, home was perfect and had nice touches.
Then to a second very nice home in Pleasanton but this one had a floor plan from a prior appraisal, that helped a great deal, perfect pool and landscaping, very nice.
Now its getting close to the end of the day, race to Castro Valley and arrive on time, sweet school teacher lady, nice little house, got the last photo before darkness.
Hungry and an hour from home at 5 pm, bad traffic time so I sought out a favorite Italian place, super food, great prices and always clean and nice. Rigatoni's, I would recommend it. I had a salad and pasta with Marinara, mushrooms, and plum sauce. Great food.
Now I'm home and was very glad to back into the garage.
God is good to us, He does not promise us a lot of things we would like to happen, like someone to love but He does watch over us and grants us His precious salvation.
Love to all,
Tim
First home in Livermore was nice, big and was inspected at 9 am.
Then back to Dublin tract for reinspection and chat with Diana, great sales office leader.
Time to visit CostCo for paper, apples, cat food and dishwashing little capsules for the machine.
Then to Burger King for lunch, the to Ruby Hill to see a huge one, 4700 sf and came around the corner to find another appraiser measuring away as well. Seems they need two appraisals on this one since value is nearly 1.76 million dollars. Very nice, owner was gracious and pleasant, home was perfect and had nice touches.
Then to a second very nice home in Pleasanton but this one had a floor plan from a prior appraisal, that helped a great deal, perfect pool and landscaping, very nice.
Now its getting close to the end of the day, race to Castro Valley and arrive on time, sweet school teacher lady, nice little house, got the last photo before darkness.
Hungry and an hour from home at 5 pm, bad traffic time so I sought out a favorite Italian place, super food, great prices and always clean and nice. Rigatoni's, I would recommend it. I had a salad and pasta with Marinara, mushrooms, and plum sauce. Great food.
Now I'm home and was very glad to back into the garage.
God is good to us, He does not promise us a lot of things we would like to happen, like someone to love but He does watch over us and grants us His precious salvation.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Can I help someone?
Dear Family and Friends,
Friend Art is in Aruba, friend Sylvia is flying to south America tomorrow, Tim will be flying to Livermore, Ruby Hill, Pleasanton and Castro Valley with a side trip to Dublin to my tract where homes are beginning to close and people are moving in. All very exciting, still it would be great to get out of town.
Today I've stuck very close to home, have cranked out about 4 reports today, not bad. In addition Jessie came and continues to work magic on the files, now has most of the check logged, appraisals paid and in boxes ready for the garage, the office is starting to take shape and its nice. She has the ability to focus on tasks at hand and just makes the files jump into place.
Keanna came to visit this afternoon and was totally thrilled with her report card, can you imagine, I used to try to hide mine so my folks would not have to see the carnage their son had accomplished. She took a huge test and out of the entire test missed 1. Her teacher's comments were extremely encouraging regarding Keanna's future. What a terrific student she has turned out to be. She met Jessie and I think Jessie approves, I think Keanna approves as well.
Tomorrow I'm back out but I'm trying to be more forceful in when I can do inspections. Instead of calling homeowners and basically saying when do you want me to come I now have appointments available that they can select from, on the days I want to be out, I'm tired of running to Oakland for one appointment, wasting half the day on driving when I could be writing. So the plan is working out well. My favorite is this, I call and they say well we work. Great, so have someone come over and let me in, hide a key, make a plan, I work as well and if they want an appraisal they have to make allowances. I'm just holding my ground and they then start to make arrangements.
For now I'm tired and its time to begin to do research for tomorrows appraisals. Never wait for the morning, something could be down, printer might not work, a host of problems can pop up. Do it the night before, my motto.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friend Art is in Aruba, friend Sylvia is flying to south America tomorrow, Tim will be flying to Livermore, Ruby Hill, Pleasanton and Castro Valley with a side trip to Dublin to my tract where homes are beginning to close and people are moving in. All very exciting, still it would be great to get out of town.
Today I've stuck very close to home, have cranked out about 4 reports today, not bad. In addition Jessie came and continues to work magic on the files, now has most of the check logged, appraisals paid and in boxes ready for the garage, the office is starting to take shape and its nice. She has the ability to focus on tasks at hand and just makes the files jump into place.
Keanna came to visit this afternoon and was totally thrilled with her report card, can you imagine, I used to try to hide mine so my folks would not have to see the carnage their son had accomplished. She took a huge test and out of the entire test missed 1. Her teacher's comments were extremely encouraging regarding Keanna's future. What a terrific student she has turned out to be. She met Jessie and I think Jessie approves, I think Keanna approves as well.
Tomorrow I'm back out but I'm trying to be more forceful in when I can do inspections. Instead of calling homeowners and basically saying when do you want me to come I now have appointments available that they can select from, on the days I want to be out, I'm tired of running to Oakland for one appointment, wasting half the day on driving when I could be writing. So the plan is working out well. My favorite is this, I call and they say well we work. Great, so have someone come over and let me in, hide a key, make a plan, I work as well and if they want an appraisal they have to make allowances. I'm just holding my ground and they then start to make arrangements.
For now I'm tired and its time to begin to do research for tomorrows appraisals. Never wait for the morning, something could be down, printer might not work, a host of problems can pop up. Do it the night before, my motto.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
The Lark Ascending
Right now the music is incredible, the Lark Ascending is playing through XM which I access through my computer, it is one of my favorite pieces of music, lush, beautiful, focused, how I love it, I think it is by Ralph Von Williams but its simply splendid.
While it fills the office with its sounds, I have the volume up right now, I'll share about the day.
Stop 1, Berkeley hills, panoramic views, totally solar home with many automatic systems, heat and cooling is drawn from deep in the earth where the temperature is always 60 degrees, the owner builder is an engineer and the place is a work of mechanical art. So fun, hard to tear myself away from this property.
Stop 2, Rockridge (oakland hills), nice district, attractive property, cute new puppy and lovely owner who has just done a great job of updating this classic.
Stop 3, Dublin K&B tract to see if a couple homes were completed, when they are I have to photograph them again to prove to the lender that they are completed, I'm paid $100 for the visit. Today 1 home was completed, the other lacked carpeting. The agent Diana has become a friend and is super helpful, easy to work with.
Stop 4, Brentwood ranchette on 5 acres, cute little house with many things fixed up, has tiny cabin for guests, new shop, level ground, nice!
Stop 5, Mountain House (near Tracy) where someone is applying for a hard money loan. This one was paid for on the spot, nice family with two great little kiddos.
Stop 6, Kaiser Lab in Tracy for blood draw, results are already back, 2.9 so I'm good for another week.
Stop 7, Olive Garden to load up on salad now that the test is over, eggplant (lunch portion, just right amount of food, get veges on the side instead of pasta, cheaper) delicious.
Stop 8, Home in hopes of loads of money in the mail, no evidence that the mail even came today, did not pick up the outgoing mail I had in the box, errr.
The Lark Ascending is nearly over, this is violin at its very best, simply sings and haunts!
Good night to all,
Love
Tim
While it fills the office with its sounds, I have the volume up right now, I'll share about the day.
Stop 1, Berkeley hills, panoramic views, totally solar home with many automatic systems, heat and cooling is drawn from deep in the earth where the temperature is always 60 degrees, the owner builder is an engineer and the place is a work of mechanical art. So fun, hard to tear myself away from this property.
Stop 2, Rockridge (oakland hills), nice district, attractive property, cute new puppy and lovely owner who has just done a great job of updating this classic.
Stop 3, Dublin K&B tract to see if a couple homes were completed, when they are I have to photograph them again to prove to the lender that they are completed, I'm paid $100 for the visit. Today 1 home was completed, the other lacked carpeting. The agent Diana has become a friend and is super helpful, easy to work with.
Stop 4, Brentwood ranchette on 5 acres, cute little house with many things fixed up, has tiny cabin for guests, new shop, level ground, nice!
Stop 5, Mountain House (near Tracy) where someone is applying for a hard money loan. This one was paid for on the spot, nice family with two great little kiddos.
Stop 6, Kaiser Lab in Tracy for blood draw, results are already back, 2.9 so I'm good for another week.
Stop 7, Olive Garden to load up on salad now that the test is over, eggplant (lunch portion, just right amount of food, get veges on the side instead of pasta, cheaper) delicious.
Stop 8, Home in hopes of loads of money in the mail, no evidence that the mail even came today, did not pick up the outgoing mail I had in the box, errr.
The Lark Ascending is nearly over, this is violin at its very best, simply sings and haunts!
Good night to all,
Love
Tim
Monday, November 12, 2012
A Real Junker
Good evening
This morning I had to inspect a two house property in Stockton, got to say its been awhile since I've seen one this rough, the back house was hardly livable, it was a poor constructed garage and then turned into an even poorer constructed living area. In the process of inspecting it I tripped in a dark doorway over the floor different of about 4 inches and slammed by elbow and arm into the edge of the doorway. I felt pain but since I had a long sleeve shirt on I didn't realize I had been injured until late this afternoon when I noted that the sleeve was stiff on the wood shirt. Once I took off the shirt I realized that it had not stopped bleeding all day. So once I finish writing I need to go and figure out how to stop thinned blood from seeping.
This afternoon Jessie came to work, wow she really knows how to settle in and work so tonight files are in their right boxes, logged out of the computer and great progress is taking place.
Tomorrow I have a big day out seeing properties but I go out with the past reports written up, I'm sort of caught up which is so nice.
I had to add a blanket last night as its getting colder and I turned on the furnace. There is really no reason to freeze in my own house, besides PG&E needs the money.
Had a nice talk with Jerry, my brother, tonight. He told me this story, today he drove to Oregon to purchase new tires for his Chevy truck, he paid for them and when he got home he noticed the address for Jerry Mustard on the receipt was for someone who lives in Alaska named Jerry Mustard. So he called this Jerry in Alaska and sure enough that is really his name. He says he grew up in Oregon somewhere, I forgot the place and they had an interesting chat. What a strange occurrence.
Well once I stop typing I'm going to try to figure out how to solve this little bleeding injury.
Love to all,
Tim
This afternoon Jessie came to work, wow she really knows how to settle in and work so tonight files are in their right boxes, logged out of the computer and great progress is taking place.
Tomorrow I have a big day out seeing properties but I go out with the past reports written up, I'm sort of caught up which is so nice.
I had to add a blanket last night as its getting colder and I turned on the furnace. There is really no reason to freeze in my own house, besides PG&E needs the money.
Had a nice talk with Jerry, my brother, tonight. He told me this story, today he drove to Oregon to purchase new tires for his Chevy truck, he paid for them and when he got home he noticed the address for Jerry Mustard on the receipt was for someone who lives in Alaska named Jerry Mustard. So he called this Jerry in Alaska and sure enough that is really his name. He says he grew up in Oregon somewhere, I forgot the place and they had an interesting chat. What a strange occurrence.
Well once I stop typing I'm going to try to figure out how to solve this little bleeding injury.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, November 11, 2012
What an incredible day!
Good evening,
I've just emailed out an appraisal that has been hanging over me for several days, finally I just had a block of time to work it up and now its completed. Beautiful property that sits on top of its own 20 acre little mountain and has view from every direction, larger living area, very modern and comfortable, great pool, trex decks, a big barn and did I mention views of every direction.
This morning it was up early to a very cold, can I say close to freezing bedroom, perhaps its time to start closing some windows at night or get another blanket. Sure sleep well except when I wake up with parts of my body that are cold through the thin blanket.
I quickly showered in very hot water and dressed, I came down to a Kurig that was ready with hot water, my steel cut oats were also ready.
I commuted to the office, about 10 steps but on the way put in laundry, it was time, all the white sox's were gone, down to a pair with holes, not good. Then I set to work to set up orders and prepare for the day. At 9 I had an appointment to call a friend and we chatted for over an hour, it was great and so enjoyable to learn new things!! Then it was past time to do a local appraisal so off I went. Once again by asking a sad story emerged. This middle aged couple are selling and moving to Brentwood so they can care for her dad and her mom, mom is mostly blind and living on the water would be dangerous, dad is suffering from a disease that he got from developing weapons working for the lab over the years. He has a good chance of pulling through but at this point needs the help of his children. Once again cancer strikes, so often, it seems nearly every family I talk to has been touched in one manner or another. Their home was in perfect condition and sold quickly for a reasonable price. How nice that my commute to the job took 5 minutes instead of an hour like usual. Thank you Lord for an easy one for a change!
Once I finished that inspection I drove back home to meet friends. They had come at my invitation and we had lunch and discussed the office and how to get it more organized. The outcome was that a young lady just out of college but without work yet in her chosen profession is going to be helping move the office to a more organized state. She will work part time and eventually learn to be a writer as well. It is a good feeling to know there will be some help so I can concentrate on getting my park of the work done on time. It seems like the Lord had a hand in providing help. Like all young people certain things are second nature, like her thumbs when texting, amazing and she readjusted the mouse on the back up computer to be less sensitive when I thought I would have to purchase a new one. Off to a good start. Now I need to get some trash out of the way so she can do her work.
I so enjoyed the Harvest Festival in Tracy on Sabbath night. To see friends and to be able to talk for a few minutes is really great, makes one feel like he is part of something important again. Tracy has such good people, solid and dependable. I've included a photo that Dr. George took of the girls as they were dealing with their Smores around the campfire. So cute!
So tomorrow morning I jump up and write as fast as I can on one of two that are left to get caught up with, then I hit the new stuff running and running hard. Friend Ray was able to locate the needed circuit board for the new washer on the Internet for just $50 so in a couple days we will see if working on it was worth it or not. Over the years I've fixed dozens of washers and dryers keeping them working for years at a time so I'm not afraid to try, right now the nice Maytag washer is in pieces, one hopes we can remember where everything went, I think we can. The dryer that was given me at the same time as the washer is flawless, dried rapidly and has a huge capacity, what a marvel it it is, I'm just so thankful to have it and I love the little chime that tells me the clothes are dry, so classy!
I'm praying for a good week for all of us. Life is precious, good and a great gift. We need to enjoy it and help others along the way.
Love to all,
Tim
Don't you just love them, I know I sure do. Wish Mia and Timothy could have been there too.
I've just emailed out an appraisal that has been hanging over me for several days, finally I just had a block of time to work it up and now its completed. Beautiful property that sits on top of its own 20 acre little mountain and has view from every direction, larger living area, very modern and comfortable, great pool, trex decks, a big barn and did I mention views of every direction.
This morning it was up early to a very cold, can I say close to freezing bedroom, perhaps its time to start closing some windows at night or get another blanket. Sure sleep well except when I wake up with parts of my body that are cold through the thin blanket.
I quickly showered in very hot water and dressed, I came down to a Kurig that was ready with hot water, my steel cut oats were also ready.
I commuted to the office, about 10 steps but on the way put in laundry, it was time, all the white sox's were gone, down to a pair with holes, not good. Then I set to work to set up orders and prepare for the day. At 9 I had an appointment to call a friend and we chatted for over an hour, it was great and so enjoyable to learn new things!! Then it was past time to do a local appraisal so off I went. Once again by asking a sad story emerged. This middle aged couple are selling and moving to Brentwood so they can care for her dad and her mom, mom is mostly blind and living on the water would be dangerous, dad is suffering from a disease that he got from developing weapons working for the lab over the years. He has a good chance of pulling through but at this point needs the help of his children. Once again cancer strikes, so often, it seems nearly every family I talk to has been touched in one manner or another. Their home was in perfect condition and sold quickly for a reasonable price. How nice that my commute to the job took 5 minutes instead of an hour like usual. Thank you Lord for an easy one for a change!
Once I finished that inspection I drove back home to meet friends. They had come at my invitation and we had lunch and discussed the office and how to get it more organized. The outcome was that a young lady just out of college but without work yet in her chosen profession is going to be helping move the office to a more organized state. She will work part time and eventually learn to be a writer as well. It is a good feeling to know there will be some help so I can concentrate on getting my park of the work done on time. It seems like the Lord had a hand in providing help. Like all young people certain things are second nature, like her thumbs when texting, amazing and she readjusted the mouse on the back up computer to be less sensitive when I thought I would have to purchase a new one. Off to a good start. Now I need to get some trash out of the way so she can do her work.
I so enjoyed the Harvest Festival in Tracy on Sabbath night. To see friends and to be able to talk for a few minutes is really great, makes one feel like he is part of something important again. Tracy has such good people, solid and dependable. I've included a photo that Dr. George took of the girls as they were dealing with their Smores around the campfire. So cute!
So tomorrow morning I jump up and write as fast as I can on one of two that are left to get caught up with, then I hit the new stuff running and running hard. Friend Ray was able to locate the needed circuit board for the new washer on the Internet for just $50 so in a couple days we will see if working on it was worth it or not. Over the years I've fixed dozens of washers and dryers keeping them working for years at a time so I'm not afraid to try, right now the nice Maytag washer is in pieces, one hopes we can remember where everything went, I think we can. The dryer that was given me at the same time as the washer is flawless, dried rapidly and has a huge capacity, what a marvel it it is, I'm just so thankful to have it and I love the little chime that tells me the clothes are dry, so classy!
I'm praying for a good week for all of us. Life is precious, good and a great gift. We need to enjoy it and help others along the way.
Love to all,
Tim
Don't you just love them, I know I sure do. Wish Mia and Timothy could have been there too.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
A Super Sabbath
Dear Family and Friends,
Gradually the world is coming back into focus for me and this Sabbath has been a great help. What a wonderful God we have watching over us, guiding us to peace and prosperity.
This morning was cold here, at least cold for California. Once I rolled out at 6:30 I discovered there was no time to build a fire or even eat much breakfast. I picked up Keanna at 7:40 and we drove to the Soccer field. Her coaches, all three of them, were there to help them prepare for the championship game.
Once the game started all thought of controlling my resting heart rate to 120 were forgotten. For an hour I was on the edge of my seat, heart in my throat as the teams battled it out. Eventually the other side scored 1 more goal and of course 1 goal should not have happened against us but the ref we had today was very careful about every move, the rest of the coaches for the past games were not so there were things called today that our players had never heard of before. Anyway Keanna is happy because she got a huge trophy and they only lost 2 games all year and both to this team they faced today.
Afterwards we went to Nations for breakfast, it was OK but having the family together was great. Then Kallie wanted to come home with me so she did. She played quietly while I napped and then we found some children's decent movies on Netflix and she enjoyed that as well. During the day she caught and caged a tiny spider, found the one red tomato to be found on my plants and played her little heart out, she brought me a blanket, pillows stuffed animals so I would be able to nap, cute.
Then I suggested we go to the park, we did and we both had a great time. Nikki picked us up and we drove to Tracy to Strings for dinner and then the Harvest Festival at the school. It was a carefully planned event with lots of free games for the kiddos to enjoy. Keanna had brought Summer her friend who lives across the lake from me and they all had a great time. I especially enjoying chatting with my friends and sitting by the fire with Dr. George who was manning the Smores booth by the fire.
Now we are home and I'm very pleased with a wonderful day of family, friends, rest and peace.
Tomorrow the rat race kicks into gear again. Here is a quick rundown. Fairly early in the morning I'll have a chance to catch up with a special friend via phone, then at 10 I'll see a local property, at noon Tom Miller is bringing his niece who is newly graduated from University but so far has not landed a job in her chosen field. He was thinking that perhaps she could learn to help out here at the company on a part time basis, well I certainly need some help with Marilyn gone and the files getting deeper and deeper plus I need writing help as well. I hope she can enjoy the quaint office where I run the business out of, it may not be her cup of tea and if so I understand that.
After we conclude the interview and lunch then I'll go back to writing reports for the rest of the day. I believe that I might be able to see light by the end of the day, I so hope so.
I am thankful for the many blessings of this day. As I was driving this morning I came to a remarkable epiphany, I don't dislike Democrats at all, I happen to distrust this one Democrat who happens to be the current president but as I thought back I have great admiration for what the Democrats of the past have accomplished, Clinton did a pretty good job, Kennedy was incredible, FDR probably saved the country and Truman was a humble yet great president. It helped me put lots of things in perspective and I certainly do not dislike people who have chosen to be Democrats. Not that I agree with all they stand for at all but I can certainly understand why they believe as they do, for me this helps a great deal in bringing some perspective to the next 4 years.
Love to all,
Tim
Some photos of the day:
Gradually the world is coming back into focus for me and this Sabbath has been a great help. What a wonderful God we have watching over us, guiding us to peace and prosperity.
This morning was cold here, at least cold for California. Once I rolled out at 6:30 I discovered there was no time to build a fire or even eat much breakfast. I picked up Keanna at 7:40 and we drove to the Soccer field. Her coaches, all three of them, were there to help them prepare for the championship game.
Once the game started all thought of controlling my resting heart rate to 120 were forgotten. For an hour I was on the edge of my seat, heart in my throat as the teams battled it out. Eventually the other side scored 1 more goal and of course 1 goal should not have happened against us but the ref we had today was very careful about every move, the rest of the coaches for the past games were not so there were things called today that our players had never heard of before. Anyway Keanna is happy because she got a huge trophy and they only lost 2 games all year and both to this team they faced today.
Afterwards we went to Nations for breakfast, it was OK but having the family together was great. Then Kallie wanted to come home with me so she did. She played quietly while I napped and then we found some children's decent movies on Netflix and she enjoyed that as well. During the day she caught and caged a tiny spider, found the one red tomato to be found on my plants and played her little heart out, she brought me a blanket, pillows stuffed animals so I would be able to nap, cute.
Then I suggested we go to the park, we did and we both had a great time. Nikki picked us up and we drove to Tracy to Strings for dinner and then the Harvest Festival at the school. It was a carefully planned event with lots of free games for the kiddos to enjoy. Keanna had brought Summer her friend who lives across the lake from me and they all had a great time. I especially enjoying chatting with my friends and sitting by the fire with Dr. George who was manning the Smores booth by the fire.
Now we are home and I'm very pleased with a wonderful day of family, friends, rest and peace.
Tomorrow the rat race kicks into gear again. Here is a quick rundown. Fairly early in the morning I'll have a chance to catch up with a special friend via phone, then at 10 I'll see a local property, at noon Tom Miller is bringing his niece who is newly graduated from University but so far has not landed a job in her chosen field. He was thinking that perhaps she could learn to help out here at the company on a part time basis, well I certainly need some help with Marilyn gone and the files getting deeper and deeper plus I need writing help as well. I hope she can enjoy the quaint office where I run the business out of, it may not be her cup of tea and if so I understand that.
After we conclude the interview and lunch then I'll go back to writing reports for the rest of the day. I believe that I might be able to see light by the end of the day, I so hope so.
I am thankful for the many blessings of this day. As I was driving this morning I came to a remarkable epiphany, I don't dislike Democrats at all, I happen to distrust this one Democrat who happens to be the current president but as I thought back I have great admiration for what the Democrats of the past have accomplished, Clinton did a pretty good job, Kennedy was incredible, FDR probably saved the country and Truman was a humble yet great president. It helped me put lots of things in perspective and I certainly do not dislike people who have chosen to be Democrats. Not that I agree with all they stand for at all but I can certainly understand why they believe as they do, for me this helps a great deal in bringing some perspective to the next 4 years.
Love to all,
Tim
Some photos of the day:
Friday, November 9, 2012
What a roller coaster week
Good evening,
After a week of mostly downers its nice to sit back and reflect just a bit on the blessings life delivers even in spite of awful events. In my life time I've faced more terrible moments than most people will ever experience. Most of them were from the 12 year battle to keep Nan alive, terrible moments when her heart stopped for 5 full minutes and yet she escaped brain damage, each time CT scans would reveal a new group of tumors growing rapidly, those time where we were kicked out of a trail due to tumor growth, those moments after a surgery and as she would wake she would learn what else she had lost to the knife in an effort to save her life, those times when she could no longer do things she had always enjoyed doing, how she hated to give up her freedom to just jump on a plane and go somewhere. We lived for many years oblivious to severe suffering, felt sort of charmed, there were ups and downs but not life threatening and then the dreaded cancer hit.
The last two days have been very hard to endure. I had several very difficult and almost impossible appraisals that had to be completed, they could not be put off any longer and they took long grueling hours to complete. They along with many conditions, revision requests and dozens of phone calls every day kept the week very hectic. So for Thursday and Friday I did not really leave the house, I just cranked on the stack, is it caught up? No but I've made tremendous progress.
Last night as I put away the cars the garage door failed, one of the big springs had broken into two pieces. So this morning I went on the Internet, watched a Utube video of what was involved to replace them and decided I needed to let someone do the job and I would do my job of appraising. So at 8:05 I was on the phone, my first choice was Contra Costa Door, they are great and a trusted company but they could not get anyone here until Monday. I respected their honesty. I found another state wide company and they could have someone here between 1 and 3. So I went out and wrestled the very heavy door up, probably should not have as my heart did not like it a bit. I got the door open and locked in place, moved the cars out and at around 3 he arrived. Instead of the $300 I was hoping for the final bill was $571. But the door goes up and down so quietly now and very smoothly. One of the parts that had to be replaced was about $171 from him and Ray says its $20 on Amazon. Oh well its done and works perfectly. Just hard to part with the hard earned money.
Today I was able to set up orders, write some very challenging ones, do 3 field reviews and set appointments for next week. Work is continuing to pour in, I could take more if I had the staff to handle it.
I find it very interesting how many companies are letting people go, big ones like Boeing and small mom and pop companies. There are consequences to decisions made, business owners really don't like to work without making a profit, I would never put on full time staff again. It will be a very interesting few years and I dread what is going to happen. I do find it interesting, when Katrina happened the press and Democrats were all over him about his terrible response. But watch what is happening to those poor people in New York and Jersey, hardly anything is said in the main stream press, at least not yet about the horrible government inaction, FEMA offices closed, out of water for the weekend, its just the way that government is, its not used to having to perform so does not know how to, not bad people just people who are used to getting by without accomplishing much. In private business you produce or go broke, in government you just get promoted whether you produce or not. Its been true in every civilization over time, good people slipping into lazy habits and now the poor people who desperately need help are not getting it. This is making Katrina a bit more understandable.
I'm just waiting for the news media to start to raise questions about the lack of government response, oh wait this time it is democrats messing up so nothing will be said.
Early in the morning, 7:40, I'll pick up Keanna and take her to soccer practice, then at 9 she plays her final game, yes she is in the championships, just her team and one other, both very good at what they do. It will be a very exciting game, my heart rate shoots up, that is not good.
Well bed calls,
I think we all need to remember that people matter, not movements, not parties, but people, people and the freedom for them to pursue their dreams, love their children, root for a team at soccer and love each other.
Love
tim
After a week of mostly downers its nice to sit back and reflect just a bit on the blessings life delivers even in spite of awful events. In my life time I've faced more terrible moments than most people will ever experience. Most of them were from the 12 year battle to keep Nan alive, terrible moments when her heart stopped for 5 full minutes and yet she escaped brain damage, each time CT scans would reveal a new group of tumors growing rapidly, those time where we were kicked out of a trail due to tumor growth, those moments after a surgery and as she would wake she would learn what else she had lost to the knife in an effort to save her life, those times when she could no longer do things she had always enjoyed doing, how she hated to give up her freedom to just jump on a plane and go somewhere. We lived for many years oblivious to severe suffering, felt sort of charmed, there were ups and downs but not life threatening and then the dreaded cancer hit.
The last two days have been very hard to endure. I had several very difficult and almost impossible appraisals that had to be completed, they could not be put off any longer and they took long grueling hours to complete. They along with many conditions, revision requests and dozens of phone calls every day kept the week very hectic. So for Thursday and Friday I did not really leave the house, I just cranked on the stack, is it caught up? No but I've made tremendous progress.
Last night as I put away the cars the garage door failed, one of the big springs had broken into two pieces. So this morning I went on the Internet, watched a Utube video of what was involved to replace them and decided I needed to let someone do the job and I would do my job of appraising. So at 8:05 I was on the phone, my first choice was Contra Costa Door, they are great and a trusted company but they could not get anyone here until Monday. I respected their honesty. I found another state wide company and they could have someone here between 1 and 3. So I went out and wrestled the very heavy door up, probably should not have as my heart did not like it a bit. I got the door open and locked in place, moved the cars out and at around 3 he arrived. Instead of the $300 I was hoping for the final bill was $571. But the door goes up and down so quietly now and very smoothly. One of the parts that had to be replaced was about $171 from him and Ray says its $20 on Amazon. Oh well its done and works perfectly. Just hard to part with the hard earned money.
Today I was able to set up orders, write some very challenging ones, do 3 field reviews and set appointments for next week. Work is continuing to pour in, I could take more if I had the staff to handle it.
I find it very interesting how many companies are letting people go, big ones like Boeing and small mom and pop companies. There are consequences to decisions made, business owners really don't like to work without making a profit, I would never put on full time staff again. It will be a very interesting few years and I dread what is going to happen. I do find it interesting, when Katrina happened the press and Democrats were all over him about his terrible response. But watch what is happening to those poor people in New York and Jersey, hardly anything is said in the main stream press, at least not yet about the horrible government inaction, FEMA offices closed, out of water for the weekend, its just the way that government is, its not used to having to perform so does not know how to, not bad people just people who are used to getting by without accomplishing much. In private business you produce or go broke, in government you just get promoted whether you produce or not. Its been true in every civilization over time, good people slipping into lazy habits and now the poor people who desperately need help are not getting it. This is making Katrina a bit more understandable.
I'm just waiting for the news media to start to raise questions about the lack of government response, oh wait this time it is democrats messing up so nothing will be said.
Early in the morning, 7:40, I'll pick up Keanna and take her to soccer practice, then at 9 she plays her final game, yes she is in the championships, just her team and one other, both very good at what they do. It will be a very exciting game, my heart rate shoots up, that is not good.
Well bed calls,
I think we all need to remember that people matter, not movements, not parties, but people, people and the freedom for them to pursue their dreams, love their children, root for a team at soccer and love each other.
Love
tim
Thursday, November 8, 2012
The rains came and I hardly noticed
Good evening,
If there was ever a day to apply ones self to production this was it and I'm pleased to report that a lot of product has been delivered via email to various lenders. I just emailed out a duplex in Oakland which sold for a lot of money, sure depends on where a property is located for value. I've seen beautiful homes located out in the burbs go for very little and yet they are incredible. Then you get into Oakland near Piedmont or Montclair and the prices go straight up. The schools are high quality, the areas are safe and beautiful, near both Oakland downtown and the city across the bay. Many are owned by small business owners who are very concerned about the near future, some question if they can even keep their businesses running with all the tax load that is coming, some talk of leaving California after this stupid tax hike that we the people actually voted on ourselves, just amazing, how many more people will just start looking at the south, or Texas where taxes are low, regs are reasonable and there is a lot less intrusion by government into lives. Thousands have already left California and every time a productive person leaves the load to support those who won't work gets heavier on the rest of us. Our schools are plugged with slow learners who wrestle with the language and in the process slow everyone else in the class room down, I know this first hand. Fortunately this year Keanna is in a class room with achievers and she is doing great.
It is very hard to stoke the inner fires that create the work ethic, to get going with writing appraisals when I feel like the screws just got turned a whole lot harder on me. Romney promised to revisit Dodd Frank, the financial institutions fed power grab but now I'm stuck living with terrible provisions, one for instance. If I take on a review which pays $150 to $200 and I review an appraisal and discover that the appraiser did a poor job I normally just indicate my findings in the document, or I might find better comparables to help lend support. But under Dodd Frank if I don't report the appraiser to the government I can be fined $10,000 for each review where I don't bust another appraiser. Lets see, I get paid $150 to get fined $10,000. That is just one of many new regs I have to adjust to all the while working for about 1/3 less pay for each appraisal, doing at least double the work I did 3 years ago on each report due to all the new government inspired trash. No wonder so many appraisers have either quit or become property flippers or are working at McDonalds. The risk is so high and of course I pay over $1,000 a year for insurance as well as hundreds for data. No wonder I work so late and start so early. Uncle Sam has his hands in my pockets, in every page of the appraisal and has reduced my income by nearly 1/2 over the last few years. We had a chance to turn it back a bit but the masses who like to feel good voted and we all get to live with it. I've heard some interesting ideas today about how I can respond to this terrible intrusion of government into my pocketbook, my life.
We now live in a world where doing the right thing is no longer enough, you have to cope with a whole lot of people who live by different rules, who will rob you blind if they can get into your car, who will lie to you to get to you. In many ways its a nasty world with anything sacred becomes a butt of a joke, any conviction is ridiculed. Where does it go? How bad does it have to become before people wake up. In our state we keep electing the same losers who got us into this mess, they just let the public service unions dictate higher benefits and wages than the same job in the private sector and we the tax payers have to pay the bill. And now the democrates have a super majority in California so they can vote anything they want and no one can stop them, look out as higher and higher taxes and fees hit us. There will be a day when I will not be able to survive here, I love the place but I can't support thousands of people who came and live here, get free benefits, schooling, and I have to cover the bill.
So I've worked steady from 6:30 this morning until now cranking out reports. I'm feeling good about the production and tomorrow is promising to be the same, I have a full days work sitting on my desk. I will be so glad for the Sabbath, for time to idle back and catch up with God.
For those of you who have reminded me that its all in God's hands I totally agree. I can see that we are approaching a day when things will have to be much different from the way they are now, freedoms will be taken away, I dread growing older knowing that unelected people will determine if I can have procedures that might lengthen my life. Some deny they exist, these faceless ones who will determine the care for older people but I've already experienced it. When the doctor did Nan's last surgery in Boston some people in power in the hospital did not like the fact that the surgery was done at all, in other words, spread the medical care around to those less ill and let the critical die. Its rationing and its already here. Very scary stuff and we just gave it a go ahead with this election. No one should complain when it hits home personally, this is what the country wanted, voted for.
Well good night to one and all, I know some of you have no idea of what I'm talking about, others just can't believe it can happen in America, oh yes its happening. I can understand why people, companies are laying off people. When doing business is no longer making a profit then you don't stay in business and the little I've had to do with having employees, all the paperwork, the hassle and now the taxes for healthcare. Who would want to hire people now?
We are in for a very interesting time and America will take years to recover if it even can.
Love to all,
Tim
If there was ever a day to apply ones self to production this was it and I'm pleased to report that a lot of product has been delivered via email to various lenders. I just emailed out a duplex in Oakland which sold for a lot of money, sure depends on where a property is located for value. I've seen beautiful homes located out in the burbs go for very little and yet they are incredible. Then you get into Oakland near Piedmont or Montclair and the prices go straight up. The schools are high quality, the areas are safe and beautiful, near both Oakland downtown and the city across the bay. Many are owned by small business owners who are very concerned about the near future, some question if they can even keep their businesses running with all the tax load that is coming, some talk of leaving California after this stupid tax hike that we the people actually voted on ourselves, just amazing, how many more people will just start looking at the south, or Texas where taxes are low, regs are reasonable and there is a lot less intrusion by government into lives. Thousands have already left California and every time a productive person leaves the load to support those who won't work gets heavier on the rest of us. Our schools are plugged with slow learners who wrestle with the language and in the process slow everyone else in the class room down, I know this first hand. Fortunately this year Keanna is in a class room with achievers and she is doing great.
It is very hard to stoke the inner fires that create the work ethic, to get going with writing appraisals when I feel like the screws just got turned a whole lot harder on me. Romney promised to revisit Dodd Frank, the financial institutions fed power grab but now I'm stuck living with terrible provisions, one for instance. If I take on a review which pays $150 to $200 and I review an appraisal and discover that the appraiser did a poor job I normally just indicate my findings in the document, or I might find better comparables to help lend support. But under Dodd Frank if I don't report the appraiser to the government I can be fined $10,000 for each review where I don't bust another appraiser. Lets see, I get paid $150 to get fined $10,000. That is just one of many new regs I have to adjust to all the while working for about 1/3 less pay for each appraisal, doing at least double the work I did 3 years ago on each report due to all the new government inspired trash. No wonder so many appraisers have either quit or become property flippers or are working at McDonalds. The risk is so high and of course I pay over $1,000 a year for insurance as well as hundreds for data. No wonder I work so late and start so early. Uncle Sam has his hands in my pockets, in every page of the appraisal and has reduced my income by nearly 1/2 over the last few years. We had a chance to turn it back a bit but the masses who like to feel good voted and we all get to live with it. I've heard some interesting ideas today about how I can respond to this terrible intrusion of government into my pocketbook, my life.
We now live in a world where doing the right thing is no longer enough, you have to cope with a whole lot of people who live by different rules, who will rob you blind if they can get into your car, who will lie to you to get to you. In many ways its a nasty world with anything sacred becomes a butt of a joke, any conviction is ridiculed. Where does it go? How bad does it have to become before people wake up. In our state we keep electing the same losers who got us into this mess, they just let the public service unions dictate higher benefits and wages than the same job in the private sector and we the tax payers have to pay the bill. And now the democrates have a super majority in California so they can vote anything they want and no one can stop them, look out as higher and higher taxes and fees hit us. There will be a day when I will not be able to survive here, I love the place but I can't support thousands of people who came and live here, get free benefits, schooling, and I have to cover the bill.
So I've worked steady from 6:30 this morning until now cranking out reports. I'm feeling good about the production and tomorrow is promising to be the same, I have a full days work sitting on my desk. I will be so glad for the Sabbath, for time to idle back and catch up with God.
For those of you who have reminded me that its all in God's hands I totally agree. I can see that we are approaching a day when things will have to be much different from the way they are now, freedoms will be taken away, I dread growing older knowing that unelected people will determine if I can have procedures that might lengthen my life. Some deny they exist, these faceless ones who will determine the care for older people but I've already experienced it. When the doctor did Nan's last surgery in Boston some people in power in the hospital did not like the fact that the surgery was done at all, in other words, spread the medical care around to those less ill and let the critical die. Its rationing and its already here. Very scary stuff and we just gave it a go ahead with this election. No one should complain when it hits home personally, this is what the country wanted, voted for.
Well good night to one and all, I know some of you have no idea of what I'm talking about, others just can't believe it can happen in America, oh yes its happening. I can understand why people, companies are laying off people. When doing business is no longer making a profit then you don't stay in business and the little I've had to do with having employees, all the paperwork, the hassle and now the taxes for healthcare. Who would want to hire people now?
We are in for a very interesting time and America will take years to recover if it even can.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Back in the saddle, well the Civic seat
Good evening
I've taken a break from the bug, my left leg is growing increasingly touched by pain and I attribute that to the clutch which when stuck in an hour of traffic must be used constantly. So I have this perfectly good Civic which gets about 33 mpg so I've been enjoying the change. Got to say it sure is nice in traffic, no clutch!
This morning I rolled out after a horrible night, took the dog to the park, ate a quick breakfast and headed out to Oakland. It was not an easy morning, still feeling some rage from last night and in sour spirits anyway I was just delighted to discover an acciden on Highway 24 which pushed traffic back all the way to Antioch. So a normal 1 hour trip took 2 hours and I had to just cancel the first appointment. I was able to do the second one, lovely lady, nice 1.6 million dollar home, worth that only because of its great location in Piedmont where great schools, wonderfully diverse home styles and tree lined streets contribute. I love working there, not a straight street anywhere, they all wind up and over hills and criss cross. Its just a magical place.
Once I was through with the Piedmont appraisal and comps then I set out to locate a CVS which I knew to be located somewhere near. I had left my watch there for a new battery. I found the CVS and a Starbucks nearby so the day improved with the skinny peppermint mocha.
From there it was a mad rush to a Dublin subdivision where a home was to be completed and needed my follow up inspection. I raced up to the office but was told by Diane that the home had no carpets and still needed other things. Then I raced toward home in hopes I could get to the school on time for Keanna at 1:15. Well I arrived back in DB at 1, had time for a much needed potty break and picked up her highness.
Once home she did her homework and I worked too, then I dropped her off at a neighbors where her friend lives, they were all going to the soccer game tonight and he would take her. That freed me to drive to Livermore for my lab, 2.4 this time, so the countdown for the cardioversion can finally begin. Then I inspected this little house that was cute and in good condition, shot comps and drove back to Brentwood for the game.
Talk about exciting, this was a playoff game between two teams that were well matched, neither scored the entire game so they went to a process where 5 girls from each team got to try to kick a goal past the goalie. Eventually we won that process and won the game.
On Sat our team and another team will play for the championship, talk about exciting. If I'd had the heart monitor on I'm sure my rate would have been too high most of the time, so exciting, crisp and cold and exciting.
Well not you know about the day, not a happy one except for the game, having Keanna over and eating afterwards, all fun events.
Love
Tim
I've taken a break from the bug, my left leg is growing increasingly touched by pain and I attribute that to the clutch which when stuck in an hour of traffic must be used constantly. So I have this perfectly good Civic which gets about 33 mpg so I've been enjoying the change. Got to say it sure is nice in traffic, no clutch!
This morning I rolled out after a horrible night, took the dog to the park, ate a quick breakfast and headed out to Oakland. It was not an easy morning, still feeling some rage from last night and in sour spirits anyway I was just delighted to discover an acciden on Highway 24 which pushed traffic back all the way to Antioch. So a normal 1 hour trip took 2 hours and I had to just cancel the first appointment. I was able to do the second one, lovely lady, nice 1.6 million dollar home, worth that only because of its great location in Piedmont where great schools, wonderfully diverse home styles and tree lined streets contribute. I love working there, not a straight street anywhere, they all wind up and over hills and criss cross. Its just a magical place.
Once I was through with the Piedmont appraisal and comps then I set out to locate a CVS which I knew to be located somewhere near. I had left my watch there for a new battery. I found the CVS and a Starbucks nearby so the day improved with the skinny peppermint mocha.
From there it was a mad rush to a Dublin subdivision where a home was to be completed and needed my follow up inspection. I raced up to the office but was told by Diane that the home had no carpets and still needed other things. Then I raced toward home in hopes I could get to the school on time for Keanna at 1:15. Well I arrived back in DB at 1, had time for a much needed potty break and picked up her highness.
Once home she did her homework and I worked too, then I dropped her off at a neighbors where her friend lives, they were all going to the soccer game tonight and he would take her. That freed me to drive to Livermore for my lab, 2.4 this time, so the countdown for the cardioversion can finally begin. Then I inspected this little house that was cute and in good condition, shot comps and drove back to Brentwood for the game.
Talk about exciting, this was a playoff game between two teams that were well matched, neither scored the entire game so they went to a process where 5 girls from each team got to try to kick a goal past the goalie. Eventually we won that process and won the game.
On Sat our team and another team will play for the championship, talk about exciting. If I'd had the heart monitor on I'm sure my rate would have been too high most of the time, so exciting, crisp and cold and exciting.
Well not you know about the day, not a happy one except for the game, having Keanna over and eating afterwards, all fun events.
Love
Tim
To the park with Pooka
Good morning
During the night I could not stay asleep, I was awake for most of the night praying and just asking for God's peace, I never found it. While I was awake about 1:30 I decided to activate my strap on heart monitor, mainly so I could see what activities cause a change in heart rate. It took a long time to figure out how to make it work and I'm not sure of everything even yet.
In an attempt to clear my head of negative thoughts I rolled out this morning and hooked the monitor and Pooka to a lease and went to the park. Its pretty amazing how slow I have to walk to keep the beat at 120 and even the little upslopes and downslopes in the park caused it to rise quickly above the safe 120 the doctor has allowed. While I'm typing it is 100 and moves up and down a bit. When I coughed a minute ago it shot up into the danger zone and took over a minute to come back down, when I think of the coughing bouts I often have I can only guess what the heart rate must be. The monitor really helps me know where I'm at, now its bouncing between 77 and 90 as I type. oh how I wish I could have the Cardioversion and soon.
The walk to the park was good therapy and I have a big day ahead. In a few minutes I'll shower, eat my steel cut oats and then leave for the Livermore lab, its Wednesday after all, then drive to Piedmont to see a huge house worth 1.6 million or so and while I'm there I'll pick up my good watch from the jewelers, it said its ready, then drive back to Dublin to do a quick reinspection of a house that is now completed, then drive back to Discovery Bay where I'll pick up Keanna so she can spend the afternoon with me. I try to protect those hours and be back to get her, I know she looks forward to seeing her pappa and today especially I look forward to seeing her.
This afternoon or evening she has a soccer game, she is in the playoffs this year so every game from now on is important. Its been a good experience for her, I see growing confidence, a new strength in her step and she is growing up too fast.
Well after last nights rather depressing blog I thought I should lay one out with more optimism.
Love to all and thanks for being there. We need each other, just got a nice text from Jason who is on the other side politically but his text was kind and gentle, I appreciated it.
I hope your days goes well for you.
Tim
During the night I could not stay asleep, I was awake for most of the night praying and just asking for God's peace, I never found it. While I was awake about 1:30 I decided to activate my strap on heart monitor, mainly so I could see what activities cause a change in heart rate. It took a long time to figure out how to make it work and I'm not sure of everything even yet.
In an attempt to clear my head of negative thoughts I rolled out this morning and hooked the monitor and Pooka to a lease and went to the park. Its pretty amazing how slow I have to walk to keep the beat at 120 and even the little upslopes and downslopes in the park caused it to rise quickly above the safe 120 the doctor has allowed. While I'm typing it is 100 and moves up and down a bit. When I coughed a minute ago it shot up into the danger zone and took over a minute to come back down, when I think of the coughing bouts I often have I can only guess what the heart rate must be. The monitor really helps me know where I'm at, now its bouncing between 77 and 90 as I type. oh how I wish I could have the Cardioversion and soon.
The walk to the park was good therapy and I have a big day ahead. In a few minutes I'll shower, eat my steel cut oats and then leave for the Livermore lab, its Wednesday after all, then drive to Piedmont to see a huge house worth 1.6 million or so and while I'm there I'll pick up my good watch from the jewelers, it said its ready, then drive back to Dublin to do a quick reinspection of a house that is now completed, then drive back to Discovery Bay where I'll pick up Keanna so she can spend the afternoon with me. I try to protect those hours and be back to get her, I know she looks forward to seeing her pappa and today especially I look forward to seeing her.
This afternoon or evening she has a soccer game, she is in the playoffs this year so every game from now on is important. Its been a good experience for her, I see growing confidence, a new strength in her step and she is growing up too fast.
Well after last nights rather depressing blog I thought I should lay one out with more optimism.
Love to all and thanks for being there. We need each other, just got a nice text from Jason who is on the other side politically but his text was kind and gentle, I appreciated it.
I hope your days goes well for you.
Tim
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
American as we know and love it is over
Well those who want to depend on government for everything just got their wish. I am so discouraged this evening, can't express with words just how deep that feeling of despair goes, Obama stands for everything I despise, there is certainly no chance now that I would build a business and hire people, as independent contractors fine but never where I would have to supply benefits including health care or pay a fine if I couldn't provide it.
Now we get to watch out as labor unions extend their hold on elected officials, force card check, as taxes are raised further ruining the economy, what were people thinking? A decent man who knows how to run a business or a community organizer who lost his law license, who won't release his college records, has a bogus social security number. Really makes one proud to be an American. It will be really something to watch as this jerk takes our country over the hurdles, tries to take everything from the people who work and give it to those who don't.
So you might say I'm a bit upset.
Couple this great news about the gangster getting another 4 years to read his teleprompter with my day. I started the day by inspecting a horrible property. Every room filled with dirty clothes and filth and there were 4 little houses on one parcel. Not one comp in the entire town and of course I had left the rechargeable battery on its charger so nearly at the end of the inspection the battery in the camera died, so I finished this one out with the iphone.
I came home to find out that an appraisal I had send out was being reported corrupted. So I promised to solve the problem. Two hours or more later working with a tech in Tenn. someplace he finally found the problem, one of the pieces of data that I pay good money for each month was a gif not a jpg and that blocked the entire system.
Then neighbor Gary showed up to start training, so wipe out another couple hours, then it was end of day and the news about the election started coming in and my emotions just went down the drain. Kind friends called and helped so much, Nikki was super in talking me through it. Then I got an email from the cardiologist answering my email, when could we do the cardioversion. Well he said since I had not had 4 weeks of blood numbers between 2 and 3 we could not possibly do it for another 4 weeks. Now mind you one week was 1.9, another 3.1 and last week was 1.9 but between they are not between 2 and 3 we can't start the clock. Great, so now it will be Christmas and meanwhile every time I do anything like walk up a steep hill or carry my ladder I gotta wonder if I'm going to have a stroke.
So this day has been terrible, I just hope I can sleep.
Oh and of course clients are having a fit because their appraisals are done yet, there are times I wonder if I can hold on. I hate being alone all the time, having no one to reach out to that lives here.
I can only hope for a better tomorrow.
Love to all,
Tim
Now we get to watch out as labor unions extend their hold on elected officials, force card check, as taxes are raised further ruining the economy, what were people thinking? A decent man who knows how to run a business or a community organizer who lost his law license, who won't release his college records, has a bogus social security number. Really makes one proud to be an American. It will be really something to watch as this jerk takes our country over the hurdles, tries to take everything from the people who work and give it to those who don't.
So you might say I'm a bit upset.
Couple this great news about the gangster getting another 4 years to read his teleprompter with my day. I started the day by inspecting a horrible property. Every room filled with dirty clothes and filth and there were 4 little houses on one parcel. Not one comp in the entire town and of course I had left the rechargeable battery on its charger so nearly at the end of the inspection the battery in the camera died, so I finished this one out with the iphone.
I came home to find out that an appraisal I had send out was being reported corrupted. So I promised to solve the problem. Two hours or more later working with a tech in Tenn. someplace he finally found the problem, one of the pieces of data that I pay good money for each month was a gif not a jpg and that blocked the entire system.
Then neighbor Gary showed up to start training, so wipe out another couple hours, then it was end of day and the news about the election started coming in and my emotions just went down the drain. Kind friends called and helped so much, Nikki was super in talking me through it. Then I got an email from the cardiologist answering my email, when could we do the cardioversion. Well he said since I had not had 4 weeks of blood numbers between 2 and 3 we could not possibly do it for another 4 weeks. Now mind you one week was 1.9, another 3.1 and last week was 1.9 but between they are not between 2 and 3 we can't start the clock. Great, so now it will be Christmas and meanwhile every time I do anything like walk up a steep hill or carry my ladder I gotta wonder if I'm going to have a stroke.
So this day has been terrible, I just hope I can sleep.
Oh and of course clients are having a fit because their appraisals are done yet, there are times I wonder if I can hold on. I hate being alone all the time, having no one to reach out to that lives here.
I can only hope for a better tomorrow.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, November 5, 2012
Whew, this one was a long one
So at 8 this morning I'm ringing the door bell at a home in Crystal Ranch in Concord. Finally the owner says, my wife said you were coming at 9, not 8. Well my file said 8, his wife had made a point of it being at 8. All worked out and he had the most wonderful collection of model cars and two very nice Corvettes in his garage.
Then it was on to Oakland where I found an older but nice duplex in a very nice neighborhood and a wonderful Starbucks. By then I had already been getting hit by conditions which I was reading on the phone. My spirits were floundering, The stop at Starbucks helped. As I walked to the counter I saw that the bagel shelf was clear, bummer I thought, but then the little lady appeared with a tray of multi grain bagels and my spirits revived. Then I learned that it is once again the season for skinny peppermint mocha, no sugar, little fat and so good. Now my spirits soared and I sort of carried that mood through the rest of a very long 230 mile day.
My next stop was at a huge house on the hills east of Oakland near the zoo. The owner was a bit strange but the house was huge, finally I fled to shoot the comps.
Then it was to Milpitas where I was to drop off a check to Timothy for his special fund raising meal this Wednesday night. Got to him and Jo for a minute and then was off to do a review in Milpitas and two in lower San Jose. At that point I made contact with Jason and found out they could meet for dinner, we had a great time and it was so fun to see the kiddos in action.
It was an hour trip home and I arrived about 8:45. So I left at 7 this morning and got home at 8:45. But oh what a beautiful day, sunshine everywhere, warm breezes and a safe trip, who can complain. There were so many phone calls today that the battery ran down, seemed sometimes the calls would come one after another. Today I drove the Civic as my left leg gets really tired from the clutch in the bug, sometimes it just nice to take a break and relax in the Civic.
Now its bedtime, for some reason I could not stay asleep last night, I know from 1 am to 3 am I was up, sipping tea and trying to fall asleep again. So tonight I'll sleep.
I've had lots of time to think both last night when I was awake and today while traveling. Just rethinking how God has led in my life over the years. For part of my life I had a very public role and then I retreated into a quiet private life. Both are fine but life now is often very boring and just plain tiring. I'll be glad to get the heart back into its correct rhythm, hope it comes soon.
I had a small victory today! I found a CVS in Piedmont that works on watches, replaces batteries etc. I had decided that if I'm going to exercise more I need to use my device that straps around my chest and monitors my heart through a watch like device I wear. I've never figured out how to use it but when I tried yesterday the battery was dead. Well as of today I have a new battery and now I can learn to use it. Also my good watch, purchased on a cruise in Alaska many years ago, a watch that keeps track of the temperature, the altitude, has a compass and does a couple other things, well it had come to the end of its battery life as well. I had to leave it with him but he called this evening and said it is ready so next time I'm there I'll pick it up. I like little victories.
Love to all
Tim
Then it was on to Oakland where I found an older but nice duplex in a very nice neighborhood and a wonderful Starbucks. By then I had already been getting hit by conditions which I was reading on the phone. My spirits were floundering, The stop at Starbucks helped. As I walked to the counter I saw that the bagel shelf was clear, bummer I thought, but then the little lady appeared with a tray of multi grain bagels and my spirits revived. Then I learned that it is once again the season for skinny peppermint mocha, no sugar, little fat and so good. Now my spirits soared and I sort of carried that mood through the rest of a very long 230 mile day.
My next stop was at a huge house on the hills east of Oakland near the zoo. The owner was a bit strange but the house was huge, finally I fled to shoot the comps.
Then it was to Milpitas where I was to drop off a check to Timothy for his special fund raising meal this Wednesday night. Got to him and Jo for a minute and then was off to do a review in Milpitas and two in lower San Jose. At that point I made contact with Jason and found out they could meet for dinner, we had a great time and it was so fun to see the kiddos in action.
It was an hour trip home and I arrived about 8:45. So I left at 7 this morning and got home at 8:45. But oh what a beautiful day, sunshine everywhere, warm breezes and a safe trip, who can complain. There were so many phone calls today that the battery ran down, seemed sometimes the calls would come one after another. Today I drove the Civic as my left leg gets really tired from the clutch in the bug, sometimes it just nice to take a break and relax in the Civic.
Now its bedtime, for some reason I could not stay asleep last night, I know from 1 am to 3 am I was up, sipping tea and trying to fall asleep again. So tonight I'll sleep.
I've had lots of time to think both last night when I was awake and today while traveling. Just rethinking how God has led in my life over the years. For part of my life I had a very public role and then I retreated into a quiet private life. Both are fine but life now is often very boring and just plain tiring. I'll be glad to get the heart back into its correct rhythm, hope it comes soon.
I had a small victory today! I found a CVS in Piedmont that works on watches, replaces batteries etc. I had decided that if I'm going to exercise more I need to use my device that straps around my chest and monitors my heart through a watch like device I wear. I've never figured out how to use it but when I tried yesterday the battery was dead. Well as of today I have a new battery and now I can learn to use it. Also my good watch, purchased on a cruise in Alaska many years ago, a watch that keeps track of the temperature, the altitude, has a compass and does a couple other things, well it had come to the end of its battery life as well. I had to leave it with him but he called this evening and said it is ready so next time I'm there I'll pick it up. I like little victories.
Love to all
Tim
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Solving problems
Dear Friends and Family,
Well here it is evening after a near perfect day weather wise. I'm sort of guessing since I spent most of the day inside at this computer creating documents that will be looked at a couple times and then filed, oh well its nice to be significant!
During the midday after chatting with Ray and Lois I decided to tackle the washer once again. This time after some time spend on the web I learned that Maytag Neptune machines have a very specific problem, the wax motor, no kidding that is what they call it, the way motor can fail, its purpose in life is to lock the door when the machine is in motion. I noticed last night that the light for a locked door never comes on and the door never locks, well that is a huge clue.
Turns out that when the wax motor fails it causes a resistor on the circuit board to fail, to actually burn out and the machine will not spin or empty the last of the water. Well when we opened it up we found the circuit board just like the picture in the Internet, and the resister was toasted, I mean really burned up with a little smoke trail up the circuit board. so having found the problems, bad circuit board and wax motor then there was bad news. While the wax motor is only $10 the circuit board is about $240 to replace. Some people have tried to just replace the resister and a triod nearby but most reported that those efforts did not work for long.
So I'm going hunting for the circuit board and the wax motor tomorrow. I have the parts in hand and I'll see how much they want for them at appliance supply places. sort of fun to find the problem, now if we can just fix it that would be very very nice.
Once we were through playing I rolled the washer back into its corner and came back in to work, during the time working on the washer I suddenly realized that my blood sugar had dropped, I took it and I was down to 81, while I felt lousy I was elated, that is the lowest its been for a very long time. I had some orange juice and a slice of bread with vege cheese and soon felt fine. I had skipped lunch and was intent on what I was doing and the sugar fell.
Now I'm putting the final touches on an appraisal, then it will be bed as I have to be in Concord at 8 am in the morning but I think we gain an hour tonight, turn the clocks back, right! Fall back, spring forward, I think I have it right.
So good night friends and family,
I've felt alone today, it was great having Ray come work with me. Glad to hear from kids too.
Love to all
Tim
Well here it is evening after a near perfect day weather wise. I'm sort of guessing since I spent most of the day inside at this computer creating documents that will be looked at a couple times and then filed, oh well its nice to be significant!
During the midday after chatting with Ray and Lois I decided to tackle the washer once again. This time after some time spend on the web I learned that Maytag Neptune machines have a very specific problem, the wax motor, no kidding that is what they call it, the way motor can fail, its purpose in life is to lock the door when the machine is in motion. I noticed last night that the light for a locked door never comes on and the door never locks, well that is a huge clue.
Turns out that when the wax motor fails it causes a resistor on the circuit board to fail, to actually burn out and the machine will not spin or empty the last of the water. Well when we opened it up we found the circuit board just like the picture in the Internet, and the resister was toasted, I mean really burned up with a little smoke trail up the circuit board. so having found the problems, bad circuit board and wax motor then there was bad news. While the wax motor is only $10 the circuit board is about $240 to replace. Some people have tried to just replace the resister and a triod nearby but most reported that those efforts did not work for long.
So I'm going hunting for the circuit board and the wax motor tomorrow. I have the parts in hand and I'll see how much they want for them at appliance supply places. sort of fun to find the problem, now if we can just fix it that would be very very nice.
Once we were through playing I rolled the washer back into its corner and came back in to work, during the time working on the washer I suddenly realized that my blood sugar had dropped, I took it and I was down to 81, while I felt lousy I was elated, that is the lowest its been for a very long time. I had some orange juice and a slice of bread with vege cheese and soon felt fine. I had skipped lunch and was intent on what I was doing and the sugar fell.
Now I'm putting the final touches on an appraisal, then it will be bed as I have to be in Concord at 8 am in the morning but I think we gain an hour tonight, turn the clocks back, right! Fall back, spring forward, I think I have it right.
So good night friends and family,
I've felt alone today, it was great having Ray come work with me. Glad to hear from kids too.
Love to all
Tim
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Needed Break
Good evening
While enjoying an Indian Summer day, great weather, lots of sunshine it was good to just let the weight of running the company slip off the shoulders and relax in the Lord today. Now the way I relax in the Lord might be different than how you do so.
I slept in, then had my steel cut oats and a slice of really dark rye bread from Trader Joe's with avocado and Stripples. Then it was time to take Pooka to the park for a walk, she loved it and enjoyed every step. My heart seemed to do fine and when I got back I took my vitals and found my heart beat was 70, that was surprising.
My next step was to help Nikki with Kallie. Kallie was at a birthday party which was being held at a home a couple blocks away. When I arrived I found a smiling Nikki, an excited Kallie, no wonder. They had hired the bus, an old bus filled with fun things for little people, a zip line, a money bars, a trampoline, a big circular thing to crawl through. The two girls working the bus never stopped smiling and did a great job with the mob of kids. On the driveway there was also a huge jumpy house with a side slide and that was full of activity as well. The event was well planned with fruit for the adults and I think all the kiddos had a super time. I met some of the moms who were very friendly and motivated to mingle.
Once that was over Kallie came back to my house where she picked tomatoes and washed them in the web bar sink today, so cute. Then Nikki reached us to say they were eating at Red Robin, so we drove there to meet for lunch. Just before we left Kallie had wanted to watch the Lion King, one of her favorites but we discovered that the laptop was missing a link to play DVDs. So I downloaded the link for $15 and in a few minutes the laptop started playing DVDs, a major success story.
We had a great lunch, Keanna was happy since her team won today and the food was good in spite of their being buried with happy lunch goers. Then I headed home for some rest.
I slept a bit on the couch while watching some christian satellite TV and then this evening I rolled the washer so kindly given me by a local friend, washer and dryer! I hooked up the washer to a water source, electrical power and started it working to see what its problems are. Sure enough it does not drain the water out at the end of the cycle. It dumps after the wash cycle but not all the water and then does not do the rinse cycle at all, bummer. So I think I'll find a appliance repair person to take a peek, it is so worth it to have such nice equipment, the dryer is just incredible, fast, fluffy clothes and holds such a large load, I feel blessed.
Well tomorrow will be busy and I'm very thankful for something to do. I did enjoy the Sabbath hours today.
Love to all,
Tim
While enjoying an Indian Summer day, great weather, lots of sunshine it was good to just let the weight of running the company slip off the shoulders and relax in the Lord today. Now the way I relax in the Lord might be different than how you do so.
I slept in, then had my steel cut oats and a slice of really dark rye bread from Trader Joe's with avocado and Stripples. Then it was time to take Pooka to the park for a walk, she loved it and enjoyed every step. My heart seemed to do fine and when I got back I took my vitals and found my heart beat was 70, that was surprising.
My next step was to help Nikki with Kallie. Kallie was at a birthday party which was being held at a home a couple blocks away. When I arrived I found a smiling Nikki, an excited Kallie, no wonder. They had hired the bus, an old bus filled with fun things for little people, a zip line, a money bars, a trampoline, a big circular thing to crawl through. The two girls working the bus never stopped smiling and did a great job with the mob of kids. On the driveway there was also a huge jumpy house with a side slide and that was full of activity as well. The event was well planned with fruit for the adults and I think all the kiddos had a super time. I met some of the moms who were very friendly and motivated to mingle.
Once that was over Kallie came back to my house where she picked tomatoes and washed them in the web bar sink today, so cute. Then Nikki reached us to say they were eating at Red Robin, so we drove there to meet for lunch. Just before we left Kallie had wanted to watch the Lion King, one of her favorites but we discovered that the laptop was missing a link to play DVDs. So I downloaded the link for $15 and in a few minutes the laptop started playing DVDs, a major success story.
We had a great lunch, Keanna was happy since her team won today and the food was good in spite of their being buried with happy lunch goers. Then I headed home for some rest.
I slept a bit on the couch while watching some christian satellite TV and then this evening I rolled the washer so kindly given me by a local friend, washer and dryer! I hooked up the washer to a water source, electrical power and started it working to see what its problems are. Sure enough it does not drain the water out at the end of the cycle. It dumps after the wash cycle but not all the water and then does not do the rinse cycle at all, bummer. So I think I'll find a appliance repair person to take a peek, it is so worth it to have such nice equipment, the dryer is just incredible, fast, fluffy clothes and holds such a large load, I feel blessed.
Well tomorrow will be busy and I'm very thankful for something to do. I did enjoy the Sabbath hours today.
Love to all,
Tim
Friday, November 2, 2012
Thankful
Good evening,
So how does one evaluate a week's activities? Well I could speak of long days, short nights, extreme fatigue.
But lets look back with a different mind set, thankfulness. Two years ago I was desperate for work, if I found 5 orders a week I was thankful. Now I turn down about 15 a day that I could grab and I'm working flat out, so there is a reason to be thankful, work to do, funds to cover needs, to recover from past times.
I've met many different people this week, many different homes, from 900 sf in Oakland on a terrible street, just dangerous, like living in a very dangerous warfront, from that property to a property up in the Berkeley hills occupied by a famed artist, everything perfect, high quality, tasteful, with views of the entire bay from the master bedroom and its own balcony, from 20 acres on the top of a hill in Pleasanton to a tiny condo with hardly enough room to move about. I've seen a wide range of interiors, from spartan with only a couch and a couple chairs in the kitchen to plush high end decorations with every thing in its own place. Its all good, interesting and I'm grateful to just had a job that is so interesting.
And I complained about rain drops falling on my measuring paper while on the east coast some have not had a meal or a warm place to exist for days, one just cannot look east without being filled with empathy for their terrible situation, just to be able to go and fill with fuel instead of waiting for hours in a line. How quickly nature can humble even the most brazen of people. I hear people are having trouble with cell phone anxiety, that is surviving without cell phones at the ear all the time.
Oh how sad Jesus must be when He observes the mess this world has come to represent, yet He loves his people, all people with such a deep and eternal love. How His heart must break.
Well the precious Sabbath hours are once again upon us, I have a religious program from XM radio playing through my speakers, certainly interesting, not all would really be counted as GREAT music but interesting to be sure.
So I send my best Sabbath wishes to all this evening.
Love
Tim
I've not heard yet whether I get to take Kallie or Keanna to Sabbath School. Sure hope so.
So how does one evaluate a week's activities? Well I could speak of long days, short nights, extreme fatigue.
But lets look back with a different mind set, thankfulness. Two years ago I was desperate for work, if I found 5 orders a week I was thankful. Now I turn down about 15 a day that I could grab and I'm working flat out, so there is a reason to be thankful, work to do, funds to cover needs, to recover from past times.
I've met many different people this week, many different homes, from 900 sf in Oakland on a terrible street, just dangerous, like living in a very dangerous warfront, from that property to a property up in the Berkeley hills occupied by a famed artist, everything perfect, high quality, tasteful, with views of the entire bay from the master bedroom and its own balcony, from 20 acres on the top of a hill in Pleasanton to a tiny condo with hardly enough room to move about. I've seen a wide range of interiors, from spartan with only a couch and a couple chairs in the kitchen to plush high end decorations with every thing in its own place. Its all good, interesting and I'm grateful to just had a job that is so interesting.
And I complained about rain drops falling on my measuring paper while on the east coast some have not had a meal or a warm place to exist for days, one just cannot look east without being filled with empathy for their terrible situation, just to be able to go and fill with fuel instead of waiting for hours in a line. How quickly nature can humble even the most brazen of people. I hear people are having trouble with cell phone anxiety, that is surviving without cell phones at the ear all the time.
Oh how sad Jesus must be when He observes the mess this world has come to represent, yet He loves his people, all people with such a deep and eternal love. How His heart must break.
Well the precious Sabbath hours are once again upon us, I have a religious program from XM radio playing through my speakers, certainly interesting, not all would really be counted as GREAT music but interesting to be sure.
So I send my best Sabbath wishes to all this evening.
Love
Tim
I've not heard yet whether I get to take Kallie or Keanna to Sabbath School. Sure hope so.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Into the rain
And so another Thursday is put into the record books.
Up at 5:30 since Ray called me by accident, the man never sleeps, however he did mow my lawn today which was a very very nice thing to have done.
I finished a tough one this morning and then headed out to San Jose and eventually Santa Clara. A cute little house, 1300 sf for $710. Seems it is located in an areas with great schools. Wow. Once I was done there I found the great mall and olive garden for lunch, I sat by the fireplace and it was very nice.
Then to Dublin to do a driveby review of someone elses's work and then on to find a Starbucks and race up to Orinda before dark, I drove all over the hillsides to find the comps for that one, then home to shop at Trader Joe's, catch a grilled cheese at In & Out and finally home to crash. Almost forgot the groceries in the back of the bug. just remembered.
Now I'm heading to bed, a very long day with lots of stress, seems everything I write gets reviewed to death, oh well it will all look better tomorrow I guess.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Up at 5:30 since Ray called me by accident, the man never sleeps, however he did mow my lawn today which was a very very nice thing to have done.
I finished a tough one this morning and then headed out to San Jose and eventually Santa Clara. A cute little house, 1300 sf for $710. Seems it is located in an areas with great schools. Wow. Once I was done there I found the great mall and olive garden for lunch, I sat by the fireplace and it was very nice.
Then to Dublin to do a driveby review of someone elses's work and then on to find a Starbucks and race up to Orinda before dark, I drove all over the hillsides to find the comps for that one, then home to shop at Trader Joe's, catch a grilled cheese at In & Out and finally home to crash. Almost forgot the groceries in the back of the bug. just remembered.
Now I'm heading to bed, a very long day with lots of stress, seems everything I write gets reviewed to death, oh well it will all look better tomorrow I guess.
Sending love to all,
Tim
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