Good evening friends and family,
We started the day off with work on the back deck, instead of rain we had cool overcast weather so the cleaning and planting went very well.
Jerry is a master at preparing the soil and then planting the 4 tomato plants we purchased at Home Depot. We mixed some of the new soil we purchased with the existing soil, Jerry did all the right things and the plants looked beautiful in their pots when we were competed. We swept up leaves and trash and then he washed it down, much better. We also moved furniture, put things in the trash, double checked the sprinkling system and then turned to the BBQ. We discovered that parts have rusted or become weak so will need to be replaced. We cleaned the grill and then brought it in to run a cycle in the dishwasher. Tonight its much cleaner than its been before.
This afternoon we left to see a house in Brentwood which we did just as it started to rain, then we found some food at UNOs and then drove to Pleasant Hill where once again the rain ceased and we managed to do the inspection. But when we started to shoot the comps they were all wrong, they were miles from the subject property. So short on time anyway we drove to Orinda where I did an inspection. Of course the home has been totally remodeled and doubled in size so the comps did not work for that one either.
Now we are home and as we drove we saw a lightning display over the mountains in the distance and then the rain started. As we neared Brentwood the rain really grew intense, I mean the hardest rain I've seen this year. As we pulled into the garage I pulled in first so Jerry could get out in the dry, then I pulled back and relocated so I could climb out in the dry. You see I had managed to go down the road without a coat, it was safely in the motorhome, not good!
Now we are home, have a fire burning and we are dry and thankful for safe passage. How we need the rain and it is coming down, hope it does not destroy the new little plants that only this morning we soaking in the sunshine.
There is a busy week coming up and God has granted me his blessing with new orders to deal with.
What a difference it is now from a couple years ago when almost no work was coming in.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Good evening
We started the day off at the park with the girls as they searched for easter eggs, plastic ones and met with the Easter Bunny.
It was an excellent morning and we enjoyed it.
Once the girls left we got ready for the day, had lunch at In and Out and then moved wood. I thought Jerry had brought a few pieces of wood, wrong. His entire truck bed was filled with wood and it outstanding wood so we enjoyed the cool weather and played outside. Tonight all the wood is safely tucked away, it felt great and when I came in I had a glow from exercising. My blood sugar was 85, the lowest its been for a very long time.
This evening Jerry and I prepared an excellent meal. Jerry made a great salad, we baked potatoes in the oven and steamed asparagus. The entire meal tasted great and was very healthy too.
This evening we have built a fire and its so cozy with the new wood burning brightly. We watched a DVR of two NCIS episodes which we both like very much. So with fire glowing and great TV its been a nice evening. Jerry made some mocha drinks with mix Donna sent along. They were great.
So good night to all,
Love
tim
It was an excellent morning and we enjoyed it.
Once the girls left we got ready for the day, had lunch at In and Out and then moved wood. I thought Jerry had brought a few pieces of wood, wrong. His entire truck bed was filled with wood and it outstanding wood so we enjoyed the cool weather and played outside. Tonight all the wood is safely tucked away, it felt great and when I came in I had a glow from exercising. My blood sugar was 85, the lowest its been for a very long time.
This evening Jerry and I prepared an excellent meal. Jerry made a great salad, we baked potatoes in the oven and steamed asparagus. The entire meal tasted great and was very healthy too.
This evening we have built a fire and its so cozy with the new wood burning brightly. We watched a DVR of two NCIS episodes which we both like very much. So with fire glowing and great TV its been a nice evening. Jerry made some mocha drinks with mix Donna sent along. They were great.
So good night to all,
Love
tim
Friday, March 29, 2013
Friday evening
How thankful I am that the week has ground to a close. Now some special hours without the stress of constant work and dealing with clients.
This has been a good week, looks about 11 appraisals completed, perhaps more. That is about as many as I can do. And of course I could not begin to do this many without the help of Jessy. She worked a long day today and left satisfied, it was pay day after all, but also relieved that she had been able to do so much.
She brought her mini ipad today and downloaded the appraisal program that one can use in the field, its pretty amazing to use. Soon we'll be using it to speed things along. It even allows one to take photos and insert them into the report as you go.
Well I'm about to head into the other room to sit with Jerry for a bit. We've just come from IHOP where we enjoyed a late breakfast. Once they got my food right then it was good, I really didn't need bacon in my omelet, yuk.
Tomorrow I'll spend time with Keanna and Kallie as they search for eggs at the park, we can hope that the rain holds off until it is over. The Easter bunnie will probably not enjoy getting wet after all.
Sending love to all, and thanks to our almighty God who certainly has his hands full with this old world.
Tim
This has been a good week, looks about 11 appraisals completed, perhaps more. That is about as many as I can do. And of course I could not begin to do this many without the help of Jessy. She worked a long day today and left satisfied, it was pay day after all, but also relieved that she had been able to do so much.
She brought her mini ipad today and downloaded the appraisal program that one can use in the field, its pretty amazing to use. Soon we'll be using it to speed things along. It even allows one to take photos and insert them into the report as you go.
Well I'm about to head into the other room to sit with Jerry for a bit. We've just come from IHOP where we enjoyed a late breakfast. Once they got my food right then it was good, I really didn't need bacon in my omelet, yuk.
Tomorrow I'll spend time with Keanna and Kallie as they search for eggs at the park, we can hope that the rain holds off until it is over. The Easter bunnie will probably not enjoy getting wet after all.
Sending love to all, and thanks to our almighty God who certainly has his hands full with this old world.
Tim
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Making the most of the day
Like so many other days this one was a mixture of fun and hard work, never hard work like would make one perspire or become sore, no the hardwork comes when you try to fit your work into a tight schedule, get everything done perfectly and yet get to the next house on time and ready to perform.
I inspected a little lake house this morning where everything is being done to bring it up to date. This poor house was so broken and defective that it was one of the lowest sales ever on the Lake, the same lake I live on. Since it was purchased they have done all new stucco, new baseboard, installing a new deck, new bathrooms, new flooring and on and on. But the wild card is this, they have a contract for the highest price that has been paid on the lake in three years. That is my challenge to attempt to pull this together, wow.
Then it was back home, picked up Jerry and went to Big Al's which was formerly Byron Inn. Food was perfect and we found ourselves sitting adjacent to Steve and Nikki who were eating with friends. So that was fun.
Shortly after our late breakfast we left for Tracy to see a property, then we saw another one in Mountain House and finally headed back to work for awhile this afternoon. Now its bed time and I'm so ready. Just now I've been making appointments for easter sunday afternoon. Its super busy, the board is totally full of work and I'm jazzed about life.
It is very nice to have Jerry here. This morning we whipped up a fire to take away the chill and tonight it is still warm from the day. Weather is beautiful now. I just warned Jessy that she is coming into a whole lot of work tomorrow. What a find she is, so bright, such a self starter and is totally comfortable around computers, cell phones and information in general.
Well good night,
We are doing fine, just had dinner at Subway, it was good.
Love
tim
I inspected a little lake house this morning where everything is being done to bring it up to date. This poor house was so broken and defective that it was one of the lowest sales ever on the Lake, the same lake I live on. Since it was purchased they have done all new stucco, new baseboard, installing a new deck, new bathrooms, new flooring and on and on. But the wild card is this, they have a contract for the highest price that has been paid on the lake in three years. That is my challenge to attempt to pull this together, wow.
Then it was back home, picked up Jerry and went to Big Al's which was formerly Byron Inn. Food was perfect and we found ourselves sitting adjacent to Steve and Nikki who were eating with friends. So that was fun.
Shortly after our late breakfast we left for Tracy to see a property, then we saw another one in Mountain House and finally headed back to work for awhile this afternoon. Now its bed time and I'm so ready. Just now I've been making appointments for easter sunday afternoon. Its super busy, the board is totally full of work and I'm jazzed about life.
It is very nice to have Jerry here. This morning we whipped up a fire to take away the chill and tonight it is still warm from the day. Weather is beautiful now. I just warned Jessy that she is coming into a whole lot of work tomorrow. What a find she is, so bright, such a self starter and is totally comfortable around computers, cell phones and information in general.
Well good night,
We are doing fine, just had dinner at Subway, it was good.
Love
tim
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Working it
Dear Family and Friends,
Tonight Jerry is under my roof, he drove down this afternoon from Weed through rain, sleet, hail and sunshine, well at least rain and sunshine. He arrived looking spry as usual.
This evening we all went to Boardwalk, a local place by the water that usually has good food. Kallie, our 4 year old, ate her chicken fingers completely up, a rare event for a girl that often decides not to eat.
Today was very very busy, it started at 6:30 and at 9 I was inspecting a local property, older home for Discovery Bay but carefully updated to a point where it was beautiful. Once I completed my work there I drove to Antioch to see a little detached home in a PUD community, one where they pay dues and have a community pool, private streets and a clubhouse. That one was not so easy but its shipped out already thanks to the magic of Jessy.
We both worked hard the rest of the day getting things accomplished. Yesterday she handled ordering and getting set up a new version of Office so we can do spreadsheets and keep better records of what we are doing. Today she put in new orders, wrote up a bunch of files and her work is appreciated very much. Its hard to think of her being away for 10 days to Australia but why not travel when you are young, go for it.
Well once again I'm delighted its bed time. Oh how I enjoy sleeping the night away.
Hopefully while Jerry is here I'll learn more about managing my diabetes.
Well good night to all,
Love
tim
Tonight Jerry is under my roof, he drove down this afternoon from Weed through rain, sleet, hail and sunshine, well at least rain and sunshine. He arrived looking spry as usual.
This evening we all went to Boardwalk, a local place by the water that usually has good food. Kallie, our 4 year old, ate her chicken fingers completely up, a rare event for a girl that often decides not to eat.
Today was very very busy, it started at 6:30 and at 9 I was inspecting a local property, older home for Discovery Bay but carefully updated to a point where it was beautiful. Once I completed my work there I drove to Antioch to see a little detached home in a PUD community, one where they pay dues and have a community pool, private streets and a clubhouse. That one was not so easy but its shipped out already thanks to the magic of Jessy.
We both worked hard the rest of the day getting things accomplished. Yesterday she handled ordering and getting set up a new version of Office so we can do spreadsheets and keep better records of what we are doing. Today she put in new orders, wrote up a bunch of files and her work is appreciated very much. Its hard to think of her being away for 10 days to Australia but why not travel when you are young, go for it.
Well once again I'm delighted its bed time. Oh how I enjoy sleeping the night away.
Hopefully while Jerry is here I'll learn more about managing my diabetes.
Well good night to all,
Love
tim
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
These days get longer it seems
Dear Family and Friends,
The weather is helpful as I go about inspecting houses in Oakland this afternoon, I lined up three in a row, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. That was too tight and I had to go back and shoot comp photos for #1 after I finished up with #3. Then it was a mad race to Tracy but the owner of the Tracy home was so very nice and the house had been updated in all the right ways.
Knowing Jerry is coming tomorrow I decided to shop at Kmart in Tracy and found lots of heathy things we can eat. Then I carefully drove to the Safeway in Discovery Bay. I was driving with the yellow light glowing meaning I had less than a gallon left. But I made it and discovered that I had logged 44.6 miles per gallon, I drove well over 600 miles on the tank, one of my best yet. It cost $50 to refil 13.2 gallons.
Now I'm heading to bed. I'm beat and worn out. The homes I saw in Oakland were not all that nice and all had dogs that wanted to tear me apart, really nice when the owner says, doggy does not bite and the dog is snapping and showing his teeth, yikes that is fun.
So good night to one and all, Jessy took pity on me and came in today to work even though she was not due until Wednesday. I really appreciated her help. Made a deposit with money that came in the mail, helped write up two reports and set up 5 orders. Not bad for a day off.
Love
tim
The weather is helpful as I go about inspecting houses in Oakland this afternoon, I lined up three in a row, 1 pm, 2 pm and 3 pm. That was too tight and I had to go back and shoot comp photos for #1 after I finished up with #3. Then it was a mad race to Tracy but the owner of the Tracy home was so very nice and the house had been updated in all the right ways.
Knowing Jerry is coming tomorrow I decided to shop at Kmart in Tracy and found lots of heathy things we can eat. Then I carefully drove to the Safeway in Discovery Bay. I was driving with the yellow light glowing meaning I had less than a gallon left. But I made it and discovered that I had logged 44.6 miles per gallon, I drove well over 600 miles on the tank, one of my best yet. It cost $50 to refil 13.2 gallons.
Now I'm heading to bed. I'm beat and worn out. The homes I saw in Oakland were not all that nice and all had dogs that wanted to tear me apart, really nice when the owner says, doggy does not bite and the dog is snapping and showing his teeth, yikes that is fun.
So good night to one and all, Jessy took pity on me and came in today to work even though she was not due until Wednesday. I really appreciated her help. Made a deposit with money that came in the mail, helped write up two reports and set up 5 orders. Not bad for a day off.
Love
tim
Monday, March 25, 2013
Back to work
So the alarm sounded early this morning and I jumped up, there was plenty to do.
Upon landing in the office I started research for three properties, the first was in Gilroy and when I got there I found a very nice family, a property that is being improved in a good area and lunch with friend Art. It was so good to see Connie and Art once again and to visit in their beautiful home.
From Gilroy it was to Hercules which meant up 880, never a fun experience with all the traffic, then up 80 which is even less fun to navigate and finally to Hercules. I found a great home, dad is a tile man and the steps, floors and bathrooms were beautifully updated.
One I left Hercules I then headed home but Nikki called and lured me to eat with she and the girls at Olive Garden in Pittsburg. Service was not great but food was good as always. Then home and now off to bed. I'm always grateful to have a safe day driving hundreds of miles. This time I drove over 600 miles on the tank before I put fuel in. That is pretty great stuff, I know ladies, its a guy thing but we love to play with our toys and have them work well.
This evening I heard from Pam. She is settled into her apartment, has a great job working of the University of Washington and is challenged but thrilled by her new responsibilities and she sounded great.
Well good night to all, tomorrow three in Oakland back to back and then the last one in Tracy at 5. I believe my brother, Jerry is coming down tomorrow for a week or so to visit. That will be great to see him once again. He is rumored to be bringing some pieces of wood. He is the master fire builder.
Love to all,
Tim
Upon landing in the office I started research for three properties, the first was in Gilroy and when I got there I found a very nice family, a property that is being improved in a good area and lunch with friend Art. It was so good to see Connie and Art once again and to visit in their beautiful home.
From Gilroy it was to Hercules which meant up 880, never a fun experience with all the traffic, then up 80 which is even less fun to navigate and finally to Hercules. I found a great home, dad is a tile man and the steps, floors and bathrooms were beautifully updated.
One I left Hercules I then headed home but Nikki called and lured me to eat with she and the girls at Olive Garden in Pittsburg. Service was not great but food was good as always. Then home and now off to bed. I'm always grateful to have a safe day driving hundreds of miles. This time I drove over 600 miles on the tank before I put fuel in. That is pretty great stuff, I know ladies, its a guy thing but we love to play with our toys and have them work well.
This evening I heard from Pam. She is settled into her apartment, has a great job working of the University of Washington and is challenged but thrilled by her new responsibilities and she sounded great.
Well good night to all, tomorrow three in Oakland back to back and then the last one in Tracy at 5. I believe my brother, Jerry is coming down tomorrow for a week or so to visit. That will be great to see him once again. He is rumored to be bringing some pieces of wood. He is the master fire builder.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Back home after a super weekend with family
Well the motorhome is sitting quietly in the driveway after going about 190 miles to and from the beach. We all had a blast. Nikki and Steve have vast experience camping so know just what to bring and how to go about having a very good time. Our fire lasted late into the night last night even after we gave up and headed to bed.
This morning two little voices announced that they were outside my tent waiting to go to the beach. So I gradually dragged myself from my warm sleeping bad and dressed, then we walked to the beach, now getting to the beach was no small process, it involved a lot of steps and walking. Later in the morning Keanna wanted to got to the beach again and my first thought was no, can't do this. I am so sore and stiff from walking the beach. Then I thought about it, why not, probably would not kill me and sure enough it did not kill me. We had a nice time and she found me a walking stick to use.
The motorhome worked perfectly for the entire trip, other than a few missing items from the last renter which we could have used like a toaster or paper towels the trip was great. This morning during breakfast Nikki had a recent version of Snow White on and it was great, nice to see the equipment still works in the motorhome after years of neglect.
I arrived home about 3:30 and left the motorhome in front of their house so they could remove their things, then Nikki picked me up and took me back to get the coach and bring it home. Then I removed the last few things I wanted out and came in to work. I've just shipped on to the lender and its bed time now, I'm so tired and sleepy and very very sore.
It was great to have both families together yesterday, the cousins plays their hearts out on the beach and get along very well. The weekend was a blessing for my own soul. It needed some reviving.
Tomorrow I'm off to Gilroy to see one, the back to Hercules and then back home once again.
Sending love to all,
Tim
This morning two little voices announced that they were outside my tent waiting to go to the beach. So I gradually dragged myself from my warm sleeping bad and dressed, then we walked to the beach, now getting to the beach was no small process, it involved a lot of steps and walking. Later in the morning Keanna wanted to got to the beach again and my first thought was no, can't do this. I am so sore and stiff from walking the beach. Then I thought about it, why not, probably would not kill me and sure enough it did not kill me. We had a nice time and she found me a walking stick to use.
The motorhome worked perfectly for the entire trip, other than a few missing items from the last renter which we could have used like a toaster or paper towels the trip was great. This morning during breakfast Nikki had a recent version of Snow White on and it was great, nice to see the equipment still works in the motorhome after years of neglect.
I arrived home about 3:30 and left the motorhome in front of their house so they could remove their things, then Nikki picked me up and took me back to get the coach and bring it home. Then I removed the last few things I wanted out and came in to work. I've just shipped on to the lender and its bed time now, I'm so tired and sleepy and very very sore.
It was great to have both families together yesterday, the cousins plays their hearts out on the beach and get along very well. The weekend was a blessing for my own soul. It needed some reviving.
Tomorrow I'm off to Gilroy to see one, the back to Hercules and then back home once again.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Incredible day camping at camping at capitola
Good evening.
We are sitting by the fire. Steve is a master fire builder. We've kept buying firewood this evening and enjoyed it so much.
Jason, Jo and the kids came over mid day and we spent hours at the beach, the kiddos loved getting water from the surf and building sand castles. The weather was perfect with little wind and plenty of sunshine. This place has nice showers and right off the freeway.
Then later we shared food and the kids made s'mores.
What a great break this has been. The park is beautiful with direct views of Monterey bay, tall trees and pleasant people.
I'm writing on my iPhone tonight. It's pretty amazing what the world is like now.
I hope your time this weekend has been good. I am thankful for the blessing of family and nature.
Love to all
Tim
We are sitting by the fire. Steve is a master fire builder. We've kept buying firewood this evening and enjoyed it so much.
Jason, Jo and the kids came over mid day and we spent hours at the beach, the kiddos loved getting water from the surf and building sand castles. The weather was perfect with little wind and plenty of sunshine. This place has nice showers and right off the freeway.
Then later we shared food and the kids made s'mores.
What a great break this has been. The park is beautiful with direct views of Monterey bay, tall trees and pleasant people.
I'm writing on my iPhone tonight. It's pretty amazing what the world is like now.
I hope your time this weekend has been good. I am thankful for the blessing of family and nature.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, March 22, 2013
Camping in style
We r all settled in at new Brighton beach. What fun to finally be here. I'm all set in my tent with breathing machine and sleeping pad that they bought for my comfort. I'm using the new operating system on my phone to send this message.
It's a perfect night with stars and quiet breezes. Steve and Nikki are out walking and I'm listening to the girls wind down. They r so excited. And silly. Now they are making snoring noises. What silly girls.
Well I wish you all could be here.
Love to all.
Tim
It's a perfect night with stars and quiet breezes. Steve and Nikki are out walking and I'm listening to the girls wind down. They r so excited. And silly. Now they are making snoring noises. What silly girls.
Well I wish you all could be here.
Love to all.
Tim
Thursday, March 21, 2013
A Great Weekend is Coming
Dear Family and Friends,
As I'm writing this message tonight I'm attempting to backup my iphone and then update it to a newer operating system. I have 4.2 and I'm promised that they can update to 6.0, sounds good to me, now if I can just pull it off.
There is a very distinct possibility that I will be unable to send out a blog message Friday or Saturday evenings, that is unless I can find wifi for the laptop at the camp at Capitola, the ranger says they don't have it available from their sources. I might be able to get my iphone to accept the blog if it will update to the newer operating system. I'm sure you can live without hearing my musing for two nights.
Today had me here in the office for the first part of the day, then I stopped by Kaiser for labs to see if my blood was the correct density and to check the A1C plus other things the doctor ordered. Then I drove to Orinda and found a nice little house nestled in a quiet neighborhood, amazing what little homes are worth in that very special area, about 3/4 of a million dollars! Once I was through I found Starbucks for 2 reasons, first I needed a bathroom very badly and Starbucks can usually be counted on to have a clean bathroom available. And of course while I was there I helped them clean up by removing the very last multi grain bagel and a skinny frap that lasted for the next hour.
I then headed to Antioch where I inspected a very clean home, shot the comps and stopped at the AT&T store on the way home to try to get the web access portion of the phone working better. As usual the guy was great but told me I needed to back up my phone, then download a newer operating system. So that is what I'm doing right now and it says I have 12 minutes to go.
Once I got home this afternoon I loaded my things to the motorhome, put some food in the frig, put wood in the lower storage bin and drove it over to Steve and Nikki's house where I left it. Then we went to dinner and Steve dropped me off at home. I'm heading to bed very soon and will work hard in the morning and about noon drive over to their house with the bug. Lock it up and drive the motorhome to New Brighton Beach campground, get set up and relax by the beach until they arrive. I am pleased that we are taking this trip. I pay a motorhome payment every month and often I don't use it at all for the whole month, finally we are getting it out and using it. I'm delighted!
I hope your week has been productive, that you are having some joy as you move toward weeks end.
Sending love to all,
Tim
As I'm writing this message tonight I'm attempting to backup my iphone and then update it to a newer operating system. I have 4.2 and I'm promised that they can update to 6.0, sounds good to me, now if I can just pull it off.
There is a very distinct possibility that I will be unable to send out a blog message Friday or Saturday evenings, that is unless I can find wifi for the laptop at the camp at Capitola, the ranger says they don't have it available from their sources. I might be able to get my iphone to accept the blog if it will update to the newer operating system. I'm sure you can live without hearing my musing for two nights.
Today had me here in the office for the first part of the day, then I stopped by Kaiser for labs to see if my blood was the correct density and to check the A1C plus other things the doctor ordered. Then I drove to Orinda and found a nice little house nestled in a quiet neighborhood, amazing what little homes are worth in that very special area, about 3/4 of a million dollars! Once I was through I found Starbucks for 2 reasons, first I needed a bathroom very badly and Starbucks can usually be counted on to have a clean bathroom available. And of course while I was there I helped them clean up by removing the very last multi grain bagel and a skinny frap that lasted for the next hour.
I then headed to Antioch where I inspected a very clean home, shot the comps and stopped at the AT&T store on the way home to try to get the web access portion of the phone working better. As usual the guy was great but told me I needed to back up my phone, then download a newer operating system. So that is what I'm doing right now and it says I have 12 minutes to go.
Once I got home this afternoon I loaded my things to the motorhome, put some food in the frig, put wood in the lower storage bin and drove it over to Steve and Nikki's house where I left it. Then we went to dinner and Steve dropped me off at home. I'm heading to bed very soon and will work hard in the morning and about noon drive over to their house with the bug. Lock it up and drive the motorhome to New Brighton Beach campground, get set up and relax by the beach until they arrive. I am pleased that we are taking this trip. I pay a motorhome payment every month and often I don't use it at all for the whole month, finally we are getting it out and using it. I'm delighted!
I hope your week has been productive, that you are having some joy as you move toward weeks end.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
Good evening
Dear Family and Friends,
Another long one but rewarding. This morning it was off to Manteca to see an incredibly nice home located in a Del Webb 55 and over community. Only problem is very few sales, most people like their homes and just stay put so there are few comps to use. Plus homes like the subject are in the upper end of the value range in Manteca. Anyway Jessy has it prewritten and I'm nearly completed with it so will finish in the morning and ship it out.
I stopped at Bass Pros in Manteca today and became the proud owner of a trolling motor for my little green fishing boat. While I was there I noticed a boat like mine and the cost is $600. I paid the guy $200 when I purchased it used so I think I did OK on that score. Now to find some time to give it a try.
I'm starting to plan to get my things loaded into the motorhome so I can drive it over tomorrow evening to Steve and Nikki's so they can get their things loaded, then I'll drive it down on Friday mid day and get it all set up on the site so when they come in they can just relax and enjoy. We are going to the New Brighton Beach campgrounds which is located near Capitola. Capitola happens to be one of my favorite places. For years every time Nan and I visited there she would come home with a sweater from a very special little shop. What fun that was. There was also a very nice little ice cream shop located there. I well remember the day after the earthquake when Jason and I drove down, I think I had to sing for a worship service or something. Anyway in afternoon we walked through Capitola and the ice cream shop was a huge mess from the quake, of course most everything else was a mess too. Every chimney in Watsonville was in the street and the streets were cracked, glass was everywhere and everything just seemed to be in shock.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Another long one but rewarding. This morning it was off to Manteca to see an incredibly nice home located in a Del Webb 55 and over community. Only problem is very few sales, most people like their homes and just stay put so there are few comps to use. Plus homes like the subject are in the upper end of the value range in Manteca. Anyway Jessy has it prewritten and I'm nearly completed with it so will finish in the morning and ship it out.
I stopped at Bass Pros in Manteca today and became the proud owner of a trolling motor for my little green fishing boat. While I was there I noticed a boat like mine and the cost is $600. I paid the guy $200 when I purchased it used so I think I did OK on that score. Now to find some time to give it a try.
I'm starting to plan to get my things loaded into the motorhome so I can drive it over tomorrow evening to Steve and Nikki's so they can get their things loaded, then I'll drive it down on Friday mid day and get it all set up on the site so when they come in they can just relax and enjoy. We are going to the New Brighton Beach campgrounds which is located near Capitola. Capitola happens to be one of my favorite places. For years every time Nan and I visited there she would come home with a sweater from a very special little shop. What fun that was. There was also a very nice little ice cream shop located there. I well remember the day after the earthquake when Jason and I drove down, I think I had to sing for a worship service or something. Anyway in afternoon we walked through Capitola and the ice cream shop was a huge mess from the quake, of course most everything else was a mess too. Every chimney in Watsonville was in the street and the streets were cracked, glass was everywhere and everything just seemed to be in shock.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A Very Big Day
I think I'm about as far from retirement as one could be. I rolled out at 6:30 this morning, enjoyed a long hot shower and then brought the laundry baskets down to the Maytags.
So while I furiously printed out new orders and wrote a rush appraisal the washer and dryer did their perfect thing so I'm set for another 10 days.
At 11:55 I completed the report and left for Alamo for a 1 pm appointment. What I found was pure magic. When people have enough funds to build the house of their dreams on more than an acre in Alamo where the median price is over a million dollars you end up with something very special. I've seen only a few homes that could possibly rival this one for quality and design. Triple crown molding in most rooms, kitchen with 4 ovens, quartzite counters 4 inches think, massive beams, high ceilings, driveway with special moisture absorbing pavers, $200,000 in landscaping alone, massive oak trees, just amazing in every way. So just walking through the home with the owner and shooting dozens of photos took a full hour. I then quickly shot what comps there are and left for Oakland where in comparison to the 3800 sf mansion I next inspected a 902 sf little home. The lady was great and the house was so cute.
Upon completion I next turned to San Francisco where I arrived early. My subject was a triplex with outstanding views of all the peaks of the city. The units were cute and they handed me a floor plan, now that is always great at the end of a very long day.
On the way home the rain began in earnest. Lois texted to say Ray had closed up the motorhome, windows and vent which was a very nice thing to do.
With a short stop at UNO's in Antioch for soup and 5 grain pizza with spinach and mushrooms I am now home. I'm very thankful for an excellent day. How I like things to go smoothly and today they did.
So with all of this reported I'm heading for bed now.
Love to all,
In Manteca at 9 in the morning at Del Web for a sale, its a rush of course.
Tim
So while I furiously printed out new orders and wrote a rush appraisal the washer and dryer did their perfect thing so I'm set for another 10 days.
At 11:55 I completed the report and left for Alamo for a 1 pm appointment. What I found was pure magic. When people have enough funds to build the house of their dreams on more than an acre in Alamo where the median price is over a million dollars you end up with something very special. I've seen only a few homes that could possibly rival this one for quality and design. Triple crown molding in most rooms, kitchen with 4 ovens, quartzite counters 4 inches think, massive beams, high ceilings, driveway with special moisture absorbing pavers, $200,000 in landscaping alone, massive oak trees, just amazing in every way. So just walking through the home with the owner and shooting dozens of photos took a full hour. I then quickly shot what comps there are and left for Oakland where in comparison to the 3800 sf mansion I next inspected a 902 sf little home. The lady was great and the house was so cute.
Upon completion I next turned to San Francisco where I arrived early. My subject was a triplex with outstanding views of all the peaks of the city. The units were cute and they handed me a floor plan, now that is always great at the end of a very long day.
On the way home the rain began in earnest. Lois texted to say Ray had closed up the motorhome, windows and vent which was a very nice thing to do.
With a short stop at UNO's in Antioch for soup and 5 grain pizza with spinach and mushrooms I am now home. I'm very thankful for an excellent day. How I like things to go smoothly and today they did.
So with all of this reported I'm heading for bed now.
Love to all,
In Manteca at 9 in the morning at Del Web for a sale, its a rush of course.
Tim
Monday, March 18, 2013
Georgie says hi
As I type George, the big yellow and white kitty, is rubbing against my legs and reaching up to be petted. With George it is always his way only, if he comes to you he wants loving but just try to go to him and he runs fast.
Today started with a run out to Pittsburg for a rush appraisal, then back to work in the office and then leave for a Livermore inspection. That was was different. Its a huge house on nearly 1/2 an acre right in a subdivision with normal houses all around. The new pool is surrounded by travertine tiles and the pool is beautiful, the house is called a Victorian Farmhouse and its great, nearly new and in perfect condition with big rooms, finest of fixtures and appointments. Wow what a find.
Now once again its bed time. How I look forward to resting and this time of year the nights are just right, chilly but not cold.
Tomorrow afternoon ends with me seeing a triplex in San Francisco at 5 pm, what was I thinking? Well I was thinking a fee of $525 would be nice, that was what I was thinking.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Today started with a run out to Pittsburg for a rush appraisal, then back to work in the office and then leave for a Livermore inspection. That was was different. Its a huge house on nearly 1/2 an acre right in a subdivision with normal houses all around. The new pool is surrounded by travertine tiles and the pool is beautiful, the house is called a Victorian Farmhouse and its great, nearly new and in perfect condition with big rooms, finest of fixtures and appointments. Wow what a find.
Now once again its bed time. How I look forward to resting and this time of year the nights are just right, chilly but not cold.
Tomorrow afternoon ends with me seeing a triplex in San Francisco at 5 pm, what was I thinking? Well I was thinking a fee of $525 would be nice, that was what I was thinking.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Mentally crusing
Dear Family and Friends,
So its evening already, seems I'm not quite as energetic as I'd like, up too late for night after night will do that.
Last evening I planned to go to bed when I returned home after dinner but ended up staying up watching worthless TV, no one made me do it, just find it very hard to actually go to bed. I'm so tired of heading to the bedroom alone, night after night, year after year. Just not my favorite way to live.
But as I see it its hard to attractive a nice lady when I'm so heavy, have health issues and work night and day. So logic would say, tackle one issue at a time, like dump some weight, exercise more and then think about the ladies. So I have not done any of the good things for very long at least.
This afternoon I managed to snag an appointment in Brentwood. I not only did that one but then I did the second half of one I started the other day but could not finish since I could not get through the gate. Well I did the rest of that one. Its a horrible mess, just unbelieveable. There are champaige bottles everywhere, seems like the day these people finally had to move they just had a huge party. There are dozens of bottles both inside the home and outside and some are broken, what a mess. Plus I was there late in the day and the power is turned off as well as the water. Anyway its done now. I also went to CostCo for two things, dog food and tomatoes and I came out with a $177 bill. I found more life jackets, I like to have plenty when the boats go to the church campout plus I like to have them for my own backyard when people come to visit. And there was cheese and lots of other good things like apples, mochas for Steve.
Now I'm home and very tired, bed will happen soon. I'm really hammered by the allergies in the air and now I'm coughing again, just hope I don't end up with heart flutter again due to the coughing.
Got the motorhome out today but could not find any wasps, did some initial cleaning, opened the windows for fresh air and have it charging for the weekend trip that is on the horizon. I can't wait!
Sending love to all,
Tim
So its evening already, seems I'm not quite as energetic as I'd like, up too late for night after night will do that.
Last evening I planned to go to bed when I returned home after dinner but ended up staying up watching worthless TV, no one made me do it, just find it very hard to actually go to bed. I'm so tired of heading to the bedroom alone, night after night, year after year. Just not my favorite way to live.
But as I see it its hard to attractive a nice lady when I'm so heavy, have health issues and work night and day. So logic would say, tackle one issue at a time, like dump some weight, exercise more and then think about the ladies. So I have not done any of the good things for very long at least.
This afternoon I managed to snag an appointment in Brentwood. I not only did that one but then I did the second half of one I started the other day but could not finish since I could not get through the gate. Well I did the rest of that one. Its a horrible mess, just unbelieveable. There are champaige bottles everywhere, seems like the day these people finally had to move they just had a huge party. There are dozens of bottles both inside the home and outside and some are broken, what a mess. Plus I was there late in the day and the power is turned off as well as the water. Anyway its done now. I also went to CostCo for two things, dog food and tomatoes and I came out with a $177 bill. I found more life jackets, I like to have plenty when the boats go to the church campout plus I like to have them for my own backyard when people come to visit. And there was cheese and lots of other good things like apples, mochas for Steve.
Now I'm home and very tired, bed will happen soon. I'm really hammered by the allergies in the air and now I'm coughing again, just hope I don't end up with heart flutter again due to the coughing.
Got the motorhome out today but could not find any wasps, did some initial cleaning, opened the windows for fresh air and have it charging for the weekend trip that is on the horizon. I can't wait!
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Nice Sabbath - Nikki enjoys birthday
So one of those special days rolled around today, Nikki had a birthday.
I took girls to SS in Tracy, we enjoyed Kim's class very much, she does such great work. Then we went to Starbucks for Kallie's hot chocolate, then to Olive Garden for lunch which was very good, then to my house for afternoon, Nikki enjoyed a day off. We played on the back deck, picked up some sun, Kallie found tomatoes that were ripe and brought them in to wash.
Keanna found the snow cone maker and we had snow cones with Dr. Pepper for me and chocolate and ice cream for Kallie. Great fun.
Then Keanna turned to the computer and found a complicated recipe for cookies. She found everything and they had to be left in the freezer for a few minutes and then in the oven at 375 for 10 minutes. They were actually OK and she was delighted.
They wrapped their presents they purchased at the Dollar Store and tonight at dinner in Stockton at the Spaghetti Factory Nikki opened the hand signed cards and the presents. The kids beamed and Nikki was pleased at their joy.
What fun today has been,
Love
tim
I took girls to SS in Tracy, we enjoyed Kim's class very much, she does such great work. Then we went to Starbucks for Kallie's hot chocolate, then to Olive Garden for lunch which was very good, then to my house for afternoon, Nikki enjoyed a day off. We played on the back deck, picked up some sun, Kallie found tomatoes that were ripe and brought them in to wash.
Keanna found the snow cone maker and we had snow cones with Dr. Pepper for me and chocolate and ice cream for Kallie. Great fun.
Then Keanna turned to the computer and found a complicated recipe for cookies. She found everything and they had to be left in the freezer for a few minutes and then in the oven at 375 for 10 minutes. They were actually OK and she was delighted.
They wrapped their presents they purchased at the Dollar Store and tonight at dinner in Stockton at the Spaghetti Factory Nikki opened the hand signed cards and the presents. The kids beamed and Nikki was pleased at their joy.
What fun today has been,
Love
tim
Friday, March 15, 2013
The Meaning
Up at 7 and it felt like 5, still sleep deprived I think. In Rio Vista at 9:45 and inspected a little house, then started to Leave Rio Vista, not so fast. A huge ship was passing through and the bridge was up so the ship could pass through. That took awhile to happen.
Caught up with Bob at about 11:30 and we enjoyed inspecting the house and shooting the comps. Then to lunch at the Elephant Bar, really terrific food and we had a meaningful time talking through things. He is doing remarkably well and starting the long process of adjusting to life without his precious Carrol. She was a wonderful lady and she and Bob made a great marriage together.
Once I left Stockton I drove to the office and caught up with Jessy. We both worked until about 5 when she left for a birthday party and I eventually left to see a house at 6 in Brentwood.
I caught up with the kids at Jaliscos where we all had fun. Tomorrow is Nikki's birthday, happens so fast each year.
I'll have the girls tomorrow so will be an interesting day. Then tomorrow night we'll eat out someplace to celebrate her big day.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Caught up with Bob at about 11:30 and we enjoyed inspecting the house and shooting the comps. Then to lunch at the Elephant Bar, really terrific food and we had a meaningful time talking through things. He is doing remarkably well and starting the long process of adjusting to life without his precious Carrol. She was a wonderful lady and she and Bob made a great marriage together.
Once I left Stockton I drove to the office and caught up with Jessy. We both worked until about 5 when she left for a birthday party and I eventually left to see a house at 6 in Brentwood.
I caught up with the kids at Jaliscos where we all had fun. Tomorrow is Nikki's birthday, happens so fast each year.
I'll have the girls tomorrow so will be an interesting day. Then tomorrow night we'll eat out someplace to celebrate her big day.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, March 14, 2013
Marilyn home safe in Rhode Island
We live in an amazing part of history, got up at 4 this morning, drove Marilyn to Oakland airport with no traffic. She flew out to Midway and then home, arrived safely to the cold and other world of the east coast. It was great to have her here for a few days.
Came home and slept for a couple hours, then up to see a property in Brentwood, then tried to see yet another home but could not get through the gate, a second bolt lock at the bottom of the gate was secure, got to be another way in!
Picked up Keanna at 11:50 and she worked on homework until her daddy came at 3 to pick her up. He had been seeing properties in Berkeley, a very challenging and interesting place. I'm so proud of his accomplishments.
Worked in until an evening run to CostCo and some food. At CostCo I took a chance on Strawberries and Blackberries. They are incredibly good, I'll enjoy them a lot over the next few days.
Up and to Rio Vista at 9:30 in the morning to see a place, then on to Lodi to see Bob's home for an appraisal, then to lunch with him afterwards.
Now to bed, fresh sheets tonight, it will be nice.
Love to all,
Tim
Came home and slept for a couple hours, then up to see a property in Brentwood, then tried to see yet another home but could not get through the gate, a second bolt lock at the bottom of the gate was secure, got to be another way in!
Picked up Keanna at 11:50 and she worked on homework until her daddy came at 3 to pick her up. He had been seeing properties in Berkeley, a very challenging and interesting place. I'm so proud of his accomplishments.
Worked in until an evening run to CostCo and some food. At CostCo I took a chance on Strawberries and Blackberries. They are incredibly good, I'll enjoy them a lot over the next few days.
Up and to Rio Vista at 9:30 in the morning to see a place, then on to Lodi to see Bob's home for an appraisal, then to lunch with him afterwards.
Now to bed, fresh sheets tonight, it will be nice.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
A short message
Leaving house at 4:15 am with Rhode Island house guest in tow tomorrow morning.
Just finished with the Sacramento appraisal for about the 4th time. Even had to drive back to Sacramento again today to do an interior inspection. I pray that the final edition will take care of the issues raised.
This afternoon Keanna came to visit and then Kallie and eventually we all went to dinner in Brentwood.
Very stressful last night, someone butt dialed me at 4 am this morning and I never went back to sleep afterwards so I'm very tired.
God is good.
Love to all
Tim
Leaving house at 4:15 am with Rhode Island house guest in tow tomorrow morning.
Just finished with the Sacramento appraisal for about the 4th time. Even had to drive back to Sacramento again today to do an interior inspection. I pray that the final edition will take care of the issues raised.
This afternoon Keanna came to visit and then Kallie and eventually we all went to dinner in Brentwood.
Very stressful last night, someone butt dialed me at 4 am this morning and I never went back to sleep afterwards so I'm very tired.
God is good.
Love to all
Tim
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Its getting warm
Have you noticed the weather, feels like summer here in Northern California.
Rolled out and into more complications from an appraisal I completed on a Sacramento purchase before Christmas. Its easy to lose sleep over the trash that can happen on a report. This is over a review by a person located in southern California who does not even have the the MLS board for Sacramento yet she felt comfortable ripping the report apart. Not a pleasant experience.
I inspected a semi custom home located in Antioch this morning. The agent was everything, lovely to look at, super pleasant to work with and very helpful and I think she mentioned she was single, or am I just dreaming that part. Once the appraisal was completed in Antioch I remembered that long ago I was asked to go to a doctors office and pick up the last report from a colonoscopy I had done several years ago. I've put it off or forgot for years. So I stopped, went up to the office and discovered I owed $227 for the 5 minute consult I had with him after the procedure was over, anyway its paid now and I then took the report to Kaiser and entered it into the records department. Since I was out I decided to go to the club and make arrangements for a personal trainer, her name is Andy and she is really friendly. Then since I was close to the place that fixes the bug I stopped and made an appointment for a new fuel filter to be installed on Friday along with the ambient temperature sensor and even the break light repairs. Its only been out for about 5 years. And since I was so close to Ace I stopped and returned a part Ray and I did not need for the motorhome and got one we do need. Then I finally made my way home but stopped at Safeway for a few things.
During the afternoon my phone rang and since I was on another line using Magic Jack I did not get to the cell phone in time. When I picked it up it was totally dead. Nothing I could do would bring it back, so finally I went on line, found a phone number and called AT&T wireless. They had moved but could see me. I expected to have to purchase a new phone but when I walked in a guy took it and in a few second came back with it working. He said it had just failed and needed to be rebooted. He told me how. On an IPHONE you push the power button on the top and at the same time you push the button on the front that lets you move from function to function. All the while the phone has to be plugged into power. It is as good as new now. I was so thankful for the good news. I did learn that because my phone is so perfect in appearance they will give me about $135 for a trade in so moving to a new IPHONE 5 won't be that much money. Good news to know.
So then it was back home to work and I've been cranking on a tough duplex report for Berkeley every since. I just shipped it out and I hope that solves it for awhile.
So now its bed time for bonzo.
By this time I'm pretty tired and I so enjoy climbing into the little nest on my sleep by number mattress. Alone for now but not forever.
Love to all,
Tim
Rolled out and into more complications from an appraisal I completed on a Sacramento purchase before Christmas. Its easy to lose sleep over the trash that can happen on a report. This is over a review by a person located in southern California who does not even have the the MLS board for Sacramento yet she felt comfortable ripping the report apart. Not a pleasant experience.
I inspected a semi custom home located in Antioch this morning. The agent was everything, lovely to look at, super pleasant to work with and very helpful and I think she mentioned she was single, or am I just dreaming that part. Once the appraisal was completed in Antioch I remembered that long ago I was asked to go to a doctors office and pick up the last report from a colonoscopy I had done several years ago. I've put it off or forgot for years. So I stopped, went up to the office and discovered I owed $227 for the 5 minute consult I had with him after the procedure was over, anyway its paid now and I then took the report to Kaiser and entered it into the records department. Since I was out I decided to go to the club and make arrangements for a personal trainer, her name is Andy and she is really friendly. Then since I was close to the place that fixes the bug I stopped and made an appointment for a new fuel filter to be installed on Friday along with the ambient temperature sensor and even the break light repairs. Its only been out for about 5 years. And since I was so close to Ace I stopped and returned a part Ray and I did not need for the motorhome and got one we do need. Then I finally made my way home but stopped at Safeway for a few things.
During the afternoon my phone rang and since I was on another line using Magic Jack I did not get to the cell phone in time. When I picked it up it was totally dead. Nothing I could do would bring it back, so finally I went on line, found a phone number and called AT&T wireless. They had moved but could see me. I expected to have to purchase a new phone but when I walked in a guy took it and in a few second came back with it working. He said it had just failed and needed to be rebooted. He told me how. On an IPHONE you push the power button on the top and at the same time you push the button on the front that lets you move from function to function. All the while the phone has to be plugged into power. It is as good as new now. I was so thankful for the good news. I did learn that because my phone is so perfect in appearance they will give me about $135 for a trade in so moving to a new IPHONE 5 won't be that much money. Good news to know.
So then it was back home to work and I've been cranking on a tough duplex report for Berkeley every since. I just shipped it out and I hope that solves it for awhile.
So now its bed time for bonzo.
By this time I'm pretty tired and I so enjoy climbing into the little nest on my sleep by number mattress. Alone for now but not forever.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, March 11, 2013
Challenging day
Good evening
While Jason is going to Law school I'm being deposed for an appraisal I did in 2003 if you can believe it. Its so long ago that the file has been shredded but we still have the electronic records, thank good ness.
So this afternoon I arrived in Walnut Creek, found parking and was in place at 12:35. The lawyer came and spoke to me and I waited. We went into the room and waited some more. The other sides lawyer thought it was 1:30, right! so came in late, then I was exposed to questioning from both lawyers and I didn't get to leave until about 2:45. What an experience, fortunately I know more about appraising than anyone in the room but still the questions come this way and that trying to trip one up. I think I did OK. Shocking was the fact that they used my day and only paid me mileage, $77 for the day, that was a bummer. Not only that it looks like its going to trial so I'll probably have to testify again but at least that time I'll be paid better.
When I arrived back at the office Jessy had things ready for me, I received an email from New York letting me know that the Sacramento appraisal I had finished had been shredded by a reviewer from San Diego who does not even have access to the local MLS board.
It was a real blow and one I'll have to deal with tomorrow. Will that one ever end?
The girls came this evening for awhile and played, then Marilyn prepared a wonderful meal and then I headed back to work some more.
Now its time to go to bed. Yes!
Love to all,
Tim
While Jason is going to Law school I'm being deposed for an appraisal I did in 2003 if you can believe it. Its so long ago that the file has been shredded but we still have the electronic records, thank good ness.
So this afternoon I arrived in Walnut Creek, found parking and was in place at 12:35. The lawyer came and spoke to me and I waited. We went into the room and waited some more. The other sides lawyer thought it was 1:30, right! so came in late, then I was exposed to questioning from both lawyers and I didn't get to leave until about 2:45. What an experience, fortunately I know more about appraising than anyone in the room but still the questions come this way and that trying to trip one up. I think I did OK. Shocking was the fact that they used my day and only paid me mileage, $77 for the day, that was a bummer. Not only that it looks like its going to trial so I'll probably have to testify again but at least that time I'll be paid better.
When I arrived back at the office Jessy had things ready for me, I received an email from New York letting me know that the Sacramento appraisal I had finished had been shredded by a reviewer from San Diego who does not even have access to the local MLS board.
It was a real blow and one I'll have to deal with tomorrow. Will that one ever end?
The girls came this evening for awhile and played, then Marilyn prepared a wonderful meal and then I headed back to work some more.
Now its time to go to bed. Yes!
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Gentle day
Good evening family and friends,
With the time change I did not rise until after 9 this morning. I took a rare day off from pushing paper. Instead I cleaned up my office including vacuuming the floors, wading through piles of paper that had collected, cleaning the Heap Filter on the vacuum, hammering on the web site for PNC bank until I finally broke through and found the right path to making the monthly payment on the second loan on my house on line. I had a very funny moment. After waiting for many minutes I finally was connected to someone, when I mentioned I wanted help with paying my second, she responded, what does that mean? I said, well like there is a first and second loan on my property, she said, I'm not familar with those terms, I was quiet for a minute and then said slowly, you work for PNC bank and don't know what the terms first and second! She replied, she worked for the bank end, not the mortgage end so had not been exposed to such terms. Once I was transfered to the mortgage department the lady I spoke with could not believe what I was telling her when I relayed what had just happened. Once she stopped laughing we proceeded. Of course by then I had gotten the web site to allow me in and with a little bit of help from her I can not click on an icon on the computer, put in one password, my account spreads out before me and I can pay instantly. I was so relieved to finally make the connection.
Ray and Lois came by and we tried to make the ipod work with the new radio in the bug and finally did have it working, it is very complicated but will be simple once I learn how. Then wanting to avoid doing appraisal work with Rays help I pulled the motorhome out of storage and we worked on repairing the door, creating a new place to store the dump hose and worked on the dump hoses that reach from the motorhome when it is in the driveway to the cleanout up by the front of the house. That lets me dump at home instead of trying to locate a dump station somewhere which is never fun.
Ray and I decided to take it out for a spin and we were hardly started when wasps came buzzing around Ray's head. How they got into the motorhome I have no idea but using the fly swatter we helped them die. There may be more so I'll have to keep an eye out. The motorhome drove so nicely into town to Ace where we purchased more parts for the dump hoses, came home and assembled them. Then when all the fun was over we parked the motorhome back into is storage place and I headed back in to work. We had gone through the freezer in the garage, a freezer that Dr. Glover helped us buy many years ago with a gift for our house warming when we moved to a little house we had built in Tracy. That freezer has been faithfully working for these last 25 years but I rarely open the door. This afternoon Ray and I checked out what was inside. We found some stuff that was obviously freezer burned and threw it out but other items looked like they might be OK.
Later I pulled back the corner on a box of noodles and sauce and put it in the microwave oven. At 3 minutes it smelled great, at 4 minutes not so good and at 5 minutes black smoke was pillowing out of the microwave oven. I turned it off and the box of food was burned black, not sure what happened but it was no good. So I searched for another box and that one had potatoes and veges with sauce and it was great tasting. I warmed up green beens to go with it and then cut up some beef stake tomato slices. It was a great meal and I ate it on the back deck in the warm afternoon.
Marilyn returned from her visit to Diane in Sacramento and we caught up on our stories, for me the wedding and our fixing things, for her doing taxes, going to the casino and visiting. Now she is reading and I just finished an appraisal. My first of the whole day, such a bad bad boy!
I'm including a photo taken this evening looking across the lake to the sunset. What a huge blessing it is to live here, listen every morning to the geese and ducks, watch the little birds in the trees, feel the breezes that blow off the lake. I am indeed thankful. I remain hopeful that someday I can share these blessings with someone special. God knows, I don't.
Sending love to all,
Tim
With the time change I did not rise until after 9 this morning. I took a rare day off from pushing paper. Instead I cleaned up my office including vacuuming the floors, wading through piles of paper that had collected, cleaning the Heap Filter on the vacuum, hammering on the web site for PNC bank until I finally broke through and found the right path to making the monthly payment on the second loan on my house on line. I had a very funny moment. After waiting for many minutes I finally was connected to someone, when I mentioned I wanted help with paying my second, she responded, what does that mean? I said, well like there is a first and second loan on my property, she said, I'm not familar with those terms, I was quiet for a minute and then said slowly, you work for PNC bank and don't know what the terms first and second! She replied, she worked for the bank end, not the mortgage end so had not been exposed to such terms. Once I was transfered to the mortgage department the lady I spoke with could not believe what I was telling her when I relayed what had just happened. Once she stopped laughing we proceeded. Of course by then I had gotten the web site to allow me in and with a little bit of help from her I can not click on an icon on the computer, put in one password, my account spreads out before me and I can pay instantly. I was so relieved to finally make the connection.
Ray and Lois came by and we tried to make the ipod work with the new radio in the bug and finally did have it working, it is very complicated but will be simple once I learn how. Then wanting to avoid doing appraisal work with Rays help I pulled the motorhome out of storage and we worked on repairing the door, creating a new place to store the dump hose and worked on the dump hoses that reach from the motorhome when it is in the driveway to the cleanout up by the front of the house. That lets me dump at home instead of trying to locate a dump station somewhere which is never fun.
Ray and I decided to take it out for a spin and we were hardly started when wasps came buzzing around Ray's head. How they got into the motorhome I have no idea but using the fly swatter we helped them die. There may be more so I'll have to keep an eye out. The motorhome drove so nicely into town to Ace where we purchased more parts for the dump hoses, came home and assembled them. Then when all the fun was over we parked the motorhome back into is storage place and I headed back in to work. We had gone through the freezer in the garage, a freezer that Dr. Glover helped us buy many years ago with a gift for our house warming when we moved to a little house we had built in Tracy. That freezer has been faithfully working for these last 25 years but I rarely open the door. This afternoon Ray and I checked out what was inside. We found some stuff that was obviously freezer burned and threw it out but other items looked like they might be OK.
Later I pulled back the corner on a box of noodles and sauce and put it in the microwave oven. At 3 minutes it smelled great, at 4 minutes not so good and at 5 minutes black smoke was pillowing out of the microwave oven. I turned it off and the box of food was burned black, not sure what happened but it was no good. So I searched for another box and that one had potatoes and veges with sauce and it was great tasting. I warmed up green beens to go with it and then cut up some beef stake tomato slices. It was a great meal and I ate it on the back deck in the warm afternoon.
Marilyn returned from her visit to Diane in Sacramento and we caught up on our stories, for me the wedding and our fixing things, for her doing taxes, going to the casino and visiting. Now she is reading and I just finished an appraisal. My first of the whole day, such a bad bad boy!
I'm including a photo taken this evening looking across the lake to the sunset. What a huge blessing it is to live here, listen every morning to the geese and ducks, watch the little birds in the trees, feel the breezes that blow off the lake. I am indeed thankful. I remain hopeful that someday I can share these blessings with someone special. God knows, I don't.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Lizzie Miller gets married
Good evening
I'm just back from a ride through the back country. I spent a very enjoyable evening helping Lizzie celebrate her wedding. It was held at the Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove. Funny thing is my GPS decided that I needed to go all the way up to Twin Cities road to get there so I was a bit late. Most of the people who relied on a paper map or google did much better. It was a beautiful wedding under the setting sun and many of our life long friends were there to celebrate. The Mansion is really quite spectacular and well maintained. There was a ball room on the lower level and thats where everyone was when I left. Jason and family came and seeing the little kids on the dance floor was great, Timothy and Mia just had a blast.
The food was great and of course everyone was dressed to look their best.
I started the day by taking the girls to Sabbath School. That was an adventure and then we drove to Brentwood where we met up with Steve and Kallie tried out for the swim team. She passed, got her cookie and then we went to McDonalds where they played and played and did some eating as well. Eventually I left them with their father and I drove home. Took a brief nap in my work chair and then dressed for the wedding.
Its nice to leave work totally behind sometimes and Sabbath provides that opportunity.
Sending love to all,
Tim
I'm just back from a ride through the back country. I spent a very enjoyable evening helping Lizzie celebrate her wedding. It was held at the Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove. Funny thing is my GPS decided that I needed to go all the way up to Twin Cities road to get there so I was a bit late. Most of the people who relied on a paper map or google did much better. It was a beautiful wedding under the setting sun and many of our life long friends were there to celebrate. The Mansion is really quite spectacular and well maintained. There was a ball room on the lower level and thats where everyone was when I left. Jason and family came and seeing the little kids on the dance floor was great, Timothy and Mia just had a blast.
The food was great and of course everyone was dressed to look their best.
I started the day by taking the girls to Sabbath School. That was an adventure and then we drove to Brentwood where we met up with Steve and Kallie tried out for the swim team. She passed, got her cookie and then we went to McDonalds where they played and played and did some eating as well. Eventually I left them with their father and I drove home. Took a brief nap in my work chair and then dressed for the wedding.
Its nice to leave work totally behind sometimes and Sabbath provides that opportunity.
Sending love to all,
Friday, March 8, 2013
Safely through another week
Dear Family and Friends,
What a week this has been, some high points and some lower ones as the challenges of operating a small business in today's world present themselves.
When I've inspected a property, shot the comps photos and brought the file back to the office its next stop is Jessy's desk. She lays out all the different sources of data and begins to enter the information in the report. She does not make any judgements, just puts the details on paper but there are hundreds of details and she knows how to do most of them by now.
Once Jessy is through and places the file on my desk and logs the appraisal report onto the server the rest is up to me. Once I can get to it I spread out the pages of data once again and begin putting the finishing touches, make specific comments, render judgements about various differences and similarities between the subject property and the comparable sales.
I put the photos into the report, about 20 photos for the subject property and the photos of the comparables that were shot as I drove about. Then I ask the program to create a map showing the subject with a red flag and the comparables with green flags, I rearrange the flags to represent their relationship and then save the map, then I find the subject red flag which is pointing at the subject's property location on the map, click another button and the map become a picture taken from space, an actual picture which I then zoom to a larger more specific map showing the subject with its yard, pool, patio etc. I memorize that second page into the report as well.
The program automatically prints the distance from each comparable to the subject property in this manner .76 mi SW. At this point I click on a check mark and the computer begins to check everything in the report to make sure it conforms and is correct. There are usually a few needed corrections, sometimes several and one by one they need to be considered and corrected.
Once this is completed than I look over everything and write a summary of how I arrived at the value estimate I did. At this point I print a file copy on my trusty little printer and ask the computer program to create a PDF file of the final report and also something called the XML file. The XML file can be read by computers at FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC automatically and without it the loan is denied. Everything is getting much more tight now, some of it is good, some of it is typical overkill and will eventually be relaxed to a workable level. For now its very tough to get a file accepted as is, they almost always want something to be changed. Steve does the best at getting his files accepted, he tried very hard to meet every ones expectations. He is pretty amazing.
At this point I click on one of the icons on my desktop and put in the password for that management company, then I follow its instructions and upload the PDF or XML or both to their web site. After that the next thing coming back is the check for the work, in 2 weeks for the good companies and up to 6 weeks for the jerks.
So that is a bit of what I do over and over again. This afternoon Jessy asked if she could go on an appraisal assignment in nearby Clayton. She did the sketch today as I measured the home so learned more about the whole process. The property was supposed to be 1300 sf, that's what public record said but when we got there we found the owner had remodeled turning the house into 1800 sf and adding 2 bathroom and 2 bedrooms. The home was beautiful, a big pool glistened in the back yard and there was a pool house, a sport court and an RV parking pad. It was a great house and the owner was the nicest guy one could hope to meet.
After coming back to the office on Marsh creek Road, a beautiful country lane, Jessy headed home and I headed to Tracy to see another nice home. I had a lock box code, the place was empty and the inspection went fast.
What a nice feeling it is to head home after a busy week.
So saying I send love to all,
Tim
What a week this has been, some high points and some lower ones as the challenges of operating a small business in today's world present themselves.
When I've inspected a property, shot the comps photos and brought the file back to the office its next stop is Jessy's desk. She lays out all the different sources of data and begins to enter the information in the report. She does not make any judgements, just puts the details on paper but there are hundreds of details and she knows how to do most of them by now.
Once Jessy is through and places the file on my desk and logs the appraisal report onto the server the rest is up to me. Once I can get to it I spread out the pages of data once again and begin putting the finishing touches, make specific comments, render judgements about various differences and similarities between the subject property and the comparable sales.
I put the photos into the report, about 20 photos for the subject property and the photos of the comparables that were shot as I drove about. Then I ask the program to create a map showing the subject with a red flag and the comparables with green flags, I rearrange the flags to represent their relationship and then save the map, then I find the subject red flag which is pointing at the subject's property location on the map, click another button and the map become a picture taken from space, an actual picture which I then zoom to a larger more specific map showing the subject with its yard, pool, patio etc. I memorize that second page into the report as well.
The program automatically prints the distance from each comparable to the subject property in this manner .76 mi SW. At this point I click on a check mark and the computer begins to check everything in the report to make sure it conforms and is correct. There are usually a few needed corrections, sometimes several and one by one they need to be considered and corrected.
Once this is completed than I look over everything and write a summary of how I arrived at the value estimate I did. At this point I print a file copy on my trusty little printer and ask the computer program to create a PDF file of the final report and also something called the XML file. The XML file can be read by computers at FANNIE MAE or FREDDIE MAC automatically and without it the loan is denied. Everything is getting much more tight now, some of it is good, some of it is typical overkill and will eventually be relaxed to a workable level. For now its very tough to get a file accepted as is, they almost always want something to be changed. Steve does the best at getting his files accepted, he tried very hard to meet every ones expectations. He is pretty amazing.
At this point I click on one of the icons on my desktop and put in the password for that management company, then I follow its instructions and upload the PDF or XML or both to their web site. After that the next thing coming back is the check for the work, in 2 weeks for the good companies and up to 6 weeks for the jerks.
So that is a bit of what I do over and over again. This afternoon Jessy asked if she could go on an appraisal assignment in nearby Clayton. She did the sketch today as I measured the home so learned more about the whole process. The property was supposed to be 1300 sf, that's what public record said but when we got there we found the owner had remodeled turning the house into 1800 sf and adding 2 bathroom and 2 bedrooms. The home was beautiful, a big pool glistened in the back yard and there was a pool house, a sport court and an RV parking pad. It was a great house and the owner was the nicest guy one could hope to meet.
After coming back to the office on Marsh creek Road, a beautiful country lane, Jessy headed home and I headed to Tracy to see another nice home. I had a lock box code, the place was empty and the inspection went fast.
What a nice feeling it is to head home after a busy week.
So saying I send love to all,
Tim
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Long Day
We are just back from Sacramento where we inspected a nice property in the old part of town.
Before that we did a very nice place in Brentwood, in the 55 and over neighborhood. It was a perfect property and what I did was for a date in the spring last year.
Tonight its starting to rain. Last night it rained here and when Pooka and I walked this morning the earth had been washed.
Today I worked hard in the office this morning writing reports and dealing with conditions. It felt good to take a moment and drink a huge glass of water, what a difference it has made in the day, felt better, more energy and managed to drive lots of miles without falling asleep.
Tomorrow Marilyn leaves for her big weekend in Sacramento with her friend Diane and I'll try to hold the house together without her.
This is twins sale for Nikki so she will be a very busy girl as she helps with this massive sale of childrens clothes, toys, bedding. You just would not believe how much stuff they have. Nikki enjoys finding new things for the girls and selling things that they no longer use.
Well I'm fading so I'll say goodnight.
Love to all
Tim
Before that we did a very nice place in Brentwood, in the 55 and over neighborhood. It was a perfect property and what I did was for a date in the spring last year.
Tonight its starting to rain. Last night it rained here and when Pooka and I walked this morning the earth had been washed.
Today I worked hard in the office this morning writing reports and dealing with conditions. It felt good to take a moment and drink a huge glass of water, what a difference it has made in the day, felt better, more energy and managed to drive lots of miles without falling asleep.
Tomorrow Marilyn leaves for her big weekend in Sacramento with her friend Diane and I'll try to hold the house together without her.
This is twins sale for Nikki so she will be a very busy girl as she helps with this massive sale of childrens clothes, toys, bedding. You just would not believe how much stuff they have. Nikki enjoys finding new things for the girls and selling things that they no longer use.
Well I'm fading so I'll say goodnight.
Love to all
Tim
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Busy day
Good evening
Well this has been another busy one. I am finally catching up on some NCIS shows which I enjoy. Today we have written reports, fielded many appraisal issues, done revisions, picked up Keanna from school, taken her to Tap class and then returned her to her home.
This evening Marilyn baked some potatoes and the meal was great.
This morning I went out early and was in Dublin at 7:15. The home was tough to measure, it was a real challenge but finally I managed to pin it down. Once the comps were shot I headed home.
I'm struggling with eating, I just like to do it much to often and its disappointing that I'm not down lots of pounds. Nothing gets better until I dump weight.
Well goodnight to all,
Love
tim
Well this has been another busy one. I am finally catching up on some NCIS shows which I enjoy. Today we have written reports, fielded many appraisal issues, done revisions, picked up Keanna from school, taken her to Tap class and then returned her to her home.
This evening Marilyn baked some potatoes and the meal was great.
This morning I went out early and was in Dublin at 7:15. The home was tough to measure, it was a real challenge but finally I managed to pin it down. Once the comps were shot I headed home.
I'm struggling with eating, I just like to do it much to often and its disappointing that I'm not down lots of pounds. Nothing gets better until I dump weight.
Well goodnight to all,
Love
tim
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Productive day
Some days you just have to deal with all the little stuff you have been putting off. Today was such a day, now the boat will be licensed, my classwork needed so I can renew my license is ordered and paid for, all the conditions the clients could dish out have been answered and shipped and thanks to Jessie new reports are shipped out as well.
4 new orders came in including one from a client that I only signed up for this morning and it pays over $400, amazing.
So thats about it. I have to head to bed as I'm to be in San Ramon at 7:30 and thats an hour away in good traffic which will not be the case in the morning. So I plan to leave as close to 6 as I can in the morning, bummer, does not sound like much fun at all.
Then back to work things up, pick up Keanna from school, then pick up Kallie at 4:15, deliver her to her mom and take Keanna to dance in Brentwood at 5. will be a nice break! Might even venture over to the exercise club for a few minutes.
Sending love to all,
Tim
4 new orders came in including one from a client that I only signed up for this morning and it pays over $400, amazing.
So thats about it. I have to head to bed as I'm to be in San Ramon at 7:30 and thats an hour away in good traffic which will not be the case in the morning. So I plan to leave as close to 6 as I can in the morning, bummer, does not sound like much fun at all.
Then back to work things up, pick up Keanna from school, then pick up Kallie at 4:15, deliver her to her mom and take Keanna to dance in Brentwood at 5. will be a nice break! Might even venture over to the exercise club for a few minutes.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Monday, March 4, 2013
This Day was big
It all started at 6 am. After a fitful night, it was too warm I think, I rolled out showered and quickly had breakfast and then was on the road. Traffic held us back from reaching the first property at 8, it was 8:25 when I got there.
Then to a driveby in San Ramon, Pleasanton next, then Berkeley hills, that one was incredibly beautiful, backed to a full time creek, had a waterfall, mature redwoods, decks, views of the city, wow, very nice.
Then to a second Berkeley which had an extra bungalow in the rear, nice people. Then to Oakland for a last little one as the light began to fail.
Dinner at Cattleman's, the vege sides are great and now home to head to bed, dead tired and very happy.
Meanwhile Jessie was here cranking out reports, what a team we have going.
I warned Marilyn how long the day would be but she still wanted to go. Yes it was long but the weather was pleasant and she read her book on her Kindle.
Love to all,
Tim
Then to a driveby in San Ramon, Pleasanton next, then Berkeley hills, that one was incredibly beautiful, backed to a full time creek, had a waterfall, mature redwoods, decks, views of the city, wow, very nice.
Then to a second Berkeley which had an extra bungalow in the rear, nice people. Then to Oakland for a last little one as the light began to fail.
Dinner at Cattleman's, the vege sides are great and now home to head to bed, dead tired and very happy.
Meanwhile Jessie was here cranking out reports, what a team we have going.
I warned Marilyn how long the day would be but she still wanted to go. Yes it was long but the weather was pleasant and she read her book on her Kindle.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Wow
Some days just go better than others, have you noticed that?
Today was one of those good days! Thanks to wonder woman Jessie who had several files prewritten I was able to get totally caught up, a meaningful and gratifying experience.
Jessie has two to write up tomorrow but they are not due yet.
I've just completed my research for tomorrow, its a pretty amazing day. I have to be in Livermore at 8 am to start the day with a condo in a new complex up behind CostCo on the hills by the community college. Then I move to Dublin for a field review of someone elses work. Then I may get to fit another Dublin one in, not sure yet, they have not called back, will check with the number again in the morning.
At noon I'm in Pleasanton to see a property for a private appraisal, not really sure of its purpose but I'm prepared. Then I travel to the Berkeley hills for a large home in a great area. Then I move on to yet another home in Berkeley but more towards Oakland. Once that one is completed I think I head home and I'm pretty sure I'll be tired enough at that point.
I'm thrilled that the orders are coming in again.
The weather is really warming up here right now, I had hoped to get into the front yard to do some trimming but that did not happen.
I hope your weekend was meaningful and contained some joy, some people, some beauty, music or art or the smiles of those you love.
Well I'm winding this up, going to work on a condition and then head to bed.
Love to all,
Tim
Today was one of those good days! Thanks to wonder woman Jessie who had several files prewritten I was able to get totally caught up, a meaningful and gratifying experience.
Jessie has two to write up tomorrow but they are not due yet.
I've just completed my research for tomorrow, its a pretty amazing day. I have to be in Livermore at 8 am to start the day with a condo in a new complex up behind CostCo on the hills by the community college. Then I move to Dublin for a field review of someone elses work. Then I may get to fit another Dublin one in, not sure yet, they have not called back, will check with the number again in the morning.
At noon I'm in Pleasanton to see a property for a private appraisal, not really sure of its purpose but I'm prepared. Then I travel to the Berkeley hills for a large home in a great area. Then I move on to yet another home in Berkeley but more towards Oakland. Once that one is completed I think I head home and I'm pretty sure I'll be tired enough at that point.
I'm thrilled that the orders are coming in again.
The weather is really warming up here right now, I had hoped to get into the front yard to do some trimming but that did not happen.
I hope your weekend was meaningful and contained some joy, some people, some beauty, music or art or the smiles of those you love.
Well I'm winding this up, going to work on a condition and then head to bed.
Love to all,
Tim
Saturday, March 2, 2013
Good evening
So this morning Keanna and Kallie went with us to Sabbath School. There were active, engaged and enjoyed the programs. Today we had a new little baby visiting, it was Sylvia's grand daughter, she was smiling and making noises, I think she liked being there.
After Sabbath School we made a brief stop at the Dollar Store, then Starbucks for Kallie's hot chocolate, then Olive Garden where we had an enjoyable meal with excellent service.
This evening Marilyn and I went to Grazzie's in Brentwood, they have the best soup and the home make pizza was incredibly good.
Now we are back home after a busy day. My brother Jerry just called and we caught up a bit on what is happening in our lives. He and Donna were able to help their grand daughter find a nice used car today, she is thrilled and they are happy to help her out.
I am convinced that there is no place better to invest our time and funds than to our children. No encouraging them to not work and help but encouraging them to work and do their best. They are such blessings to us and touch our hearts in so many ways. I think we have a glimpse of how God feels toward us all, His children. He just wants us to do our best, to be our best, to be kind, caring human beings and help each other.
Sending to love to all,
Tim
After Sabbath School we made a brief stop at the Dollar Store, then Starbucks for Kallie's hot chocolate, then Olive Garden where we had an enjoyable meal with excellent service.
This evening Marilyn and I went to Grazzie's in Brentwood, they have the best soup and the home make pizza was incredibly good.
Now we are back home after a busy day. My brother Jerry just called and we caught up a bit on what is happening in our lives. He and Donna were able to help their grand daughter find a nice used car today, she is thrilled and they are happy to help her out.
I am convinced that there is no place better to invest our time and funds than to our children. No encouraging them to not work and help but encouraging them to work and do their best. They are such blessings to us and touch our hearts in so many ways. I think we have a glimpse of how God feels toward us all, His children. He just wants us to do our best, to be our best, to be kind, caring human beings and help each other.
Sending to love to all,
Tim
Friday, March 1, 2013
A Long week comes to an end
Well here I am again, today I was at a house at 8 am, it was a ranch and was a great job to see and enjoy.
Then to Tracy to see yet another home. Then to CostCo for cat food, soy milk and a host of other things.
I raced home to start working in the office, Jessie had several reports ready and I was able to crank out several important things.
As I type Jessie is in South Lake Tahoe spending her hard earned money and having a great weekend. This evening we went to Red Robin and Kallie was with us, she did a great job with her meal.
During the week I enjoyed seeing Barb and Gerry, seeing many properties and getting a lot of work completed.
Tonight I am so thankful for the many blessings I've experienced. Tomorrow morning Marilyn, Kallie and I will attend Sabbath School. Finally a break in a very hard working week.
Love to all,
Tim
Then to Tracy to see yet another home. Then to CostCo for cat food, soy milk and a host of other things.
I raced home to start working in the office, Jessie had several reports ready and I was able to crank out several important things.
As I type Jessie is in South Lake Tahoe spending her hard earned money and having a great weekend. This evening we went to Red Robin and Kallie was with us, she did a great job with her meal.
During the week I enjoyed seeing Barb and Gerry, seeing many properties and getting a lot of work completed.
Tonight I am so thankful for the many blessings I've experienced. Tomorrow morning Marilyn, Kallie and I will attend Sabbath School. Finally a break in a very hard working week.
Love to all,
Tim
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