As I write it is about 9:35 and the temperature outside is still 87. Both the house AC is running and the little one in my window for just the office which protects the computers while the rest of the house is often without AC, that is until this most recent heat wave. Wow
I slept until 7 this morning having gotten home so late. I jumped up and showered quickly knowing I had work to do.
Since Steve's car was out I took it to Starbucks and while there filled the tank. pretty amazingly the full size Accord delivered 36 mpg which I think is amazing. The car has a little motor but so much power and a 6 speed transmission, drives like a dream and is so comfortable. Honda certainly knows how to built a nice car.
I worked through the morning nodding off from time to time, then it was time to drive to Martinez to see a quadruplex, that is 4 living units under one roof, owned by the same owner and usually rented to 4 tenants. I arrive and it was very hot. Tempers were short and they wanted me to go in first but I know from experience that I need to quickly determine the outside dimensions before heading inside. One tenant giving the person who was there to let me in trouble. He was challenging the person and demanding to be informed one week in advance. From my experience of 26 years I know that a 24 hour warning for this kind of inspection is all that is required. The tenant was contacted last Friday so had more than the minimum warning. I felt I was doing them a favor but the tenant was angry about me coming on Sunday. Once I was inside I was just amazed by the bad condition, the piles of trash and stuff everywhere and in the middle of the room was a large lady only partly covered with a blanket lying on a bed. She yelled for me not to take a photo of her, well I had no intension of doing so, not today, not ever! So I quickly shot a corner shot of living room, bathroom and kitchen and made a hasty retreat. By now I was perspiring heavily, it was just hot. The rest of the units were much better kept and went smoothly.
I was glad to drive away and park under a tree nearby as I waited for the two to quit talking so I could take the front photo. Eventually they did just that and I got my photo. Once I had the photos shot then I did a field review of an appraisal that was completed in 2005. I think the appraiser was high on value, higher than anything that sold at that time in the neighborhood. So after completion of the exterior photos I headed home.
The little bug was struggling with the heat but kept me cool as I drove. I was listening to a great book, one I've heard before but it is good and that helps the miles pass by.
I stopped at Red Robin for a garden burger and along with the salad it was very good. Then it was back to the house to meet up with Jason and family as they stopped by briefly to pick up Jason's car since he left it here on Friday when we travelled to Tahoe. His car is solid black and it was really hot when he left.
Now its bedtime once again, the bedroom AC is cranking away keeping the bedroom chilly so sleep is possible. My heart goes out to people who do not have adequate cooling. Its just hard to escape the heat. It was even hot up at the time share on the ridge but cooled in the evening when the wind came up.
So at this point I'm sending to love to all,
Tim
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Just in this minute
What a nice time the last 24 hours have been.
Steve, Jason and I left here on Friday evening and arrived at the Ridge above South Lake Tahoe late in the evening.
I slept on a hide a bed and it was pretty good. I woke to hear Keanna moving about but she was so quiet I just went back to sleep. Later, about 7:30 we started getting up and later in the morning we went to breakfast at a great local place, what great food. Then after playing some cute little put put golf near the unit we drove around the lake in the two vans. Jo was not too wild about driving on the ridge with all the switch backs along Emerald Bay but she did a great job. We stopped in Tahoe City, found a very nice beach and the family played for hours.
Discovering that we were all hungry we found a nice Mexican place on the main street and that meal was great too. I've included a photo that Nikki shot at some point today of me and Kallie.
After we completed our trip around the lake the family headed to one of the two pools at the complex and driving Steve's new Accord I came home. What an incredibly smooth car to enjoy. Now I'm home and read to rest, then ready to get up and work hard tomorrow.
Here is some photos Nikki shot today.
I think you can see why this was such a great day, how can you lose when you are around such great kids.
Love to all
Tim (Pappa)
Steve, Jason and I left here on Friday evening and arrived at the Ridge above South Lake Tahoe late in the evening.
I slept on a hide a bed and it was pretty good. I woke to hear Keanna moving about but she was so quiet I just went back to sleep. Later, about 7:30 we started getting up and later in the morning we went to breakfast at a great local place, what great food. Then after playing some cute little put put golf near the unit we drove around the lake in the two vans. Jo was not too wild about driving on the ridge with all the switch backs along Emerald Bay but she did a great job. We stopped in Tahoe City, found a very nice beach and the family played for hours.
Discovering that we were all hungry we found a nice Mexican place on the main street and that meal was great too. I've included a photo that Nikki shot at some point today of me and Kallie.
After we completed our trip around the lake the family headed to one of the two pools at the complex and driving Steve's new Accord I came home. What an incredibly smooth car to enjoy. Now I'm home and read to rest, then ready to get up and work hard tomorrow.
Here is some photos Nikki shot today.
Love to all
Tim (Pappa)
Saturday, June 29, 2013
At Tahoe ridge
After a long day of work it was great to load up and head to the mountains.
Steve was kind enough to drive us in his new Accord. So comfortable and nice to have someone else drive.
The kiddos were fast asleep so we adults sat and talked. I'm thrilled to have the family under one roof.
The unit has a lockout so has two bedrooms and a bathroom for each unit. It's in a very nice complex that has facilities for every kind of activity.
So I'm thankful to be here tonight. Hope your weekend goes great for you and yours.
Love
Tim
Steve was kind enough to drive us in his new Accord. So comfortable and nice to have someone else drive.
The kiddos were fast asleep so we adults sat and talked. I'm thrilled to have the family under one roof.
The unit has a lockout so has two bedrooms and a bathroom for each unit. It's in a very nice complex that has facilities for every kind of activity.
So I'm thankful to be here tonight. Hope your weekend goes great for you and yours.
Love
Tim
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Excellent day
Up at 7, rode the updated treadmill for a few minutes without incident, showered and came down to work.
At 10:45 left for Brentwood with Keanna. Inspected a home to determine a value as of the day of death of the man, he was 92. Then to Lowes where we found a new very nice but heavy measuring wheel. Then to Target for Keanna's lunch, then dropped her off at her house. Nikki was preparing to leave for Tahoe having left work at noon today.
At 2:30 I was in Livermore to inspect a decent place, then having shot the comps I headed back to see a place in Discovery Bay, a duet, there are not very many of such homes, homes where ownership is for each side individually compared to a duplex where one owner owns both sides. Then back home to work in the office some more.
Up early tomorrow and seeing three properties before leaving in the late afternoon for Tahoe with Steve and Jason. Should be a great time at the Ridge. Nikki sent a photo and you can see the lake from the unit. So nice.
Love to all,
Live is good
Tim
At 10:45 left for Brentwood with Keanna. Inspected a home to determine a value as of the day of death of the man, he was 92. Then to Lowes where we found a new very nice but heavy measuring wheel. Then to Target for Keanna's lunch, then dropped her off at her house. Nikki was preparing to leave for Tahoe having left work at noon today.
At 2:30 I was in Livermore to inspect a decent place, then having shot the comps I headed back to see a place in Discovery Bay, a duet, there are not very many of such homes, homes where ownership is for each side individually compared to a duplex where one owner owns both sides. Then back home to work in the office some more.
Up early tomorrow and seeing three properties before leaving in the late afternoon for Tahoe with Steve and Jason. Should be a great time at the Ridge. Nikki sent a photo and you can see the lake from the unit. So nice.
Love to all,
Live is good
Tim
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
A Great Day
I'm just back from an evening with Bob and his grand daughter, what a delightful time.
First we had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, the raced over to be seated near the front of the theater.
The show started on time, it was a musical by Cole Porter, Anything Goes. The cast were very enjoyable, the costumes were perfect, the music first rate and the dancing was amazing. Its a great story and full of fun and romance.
I could easily see it again tomorrow evening, it was that good.
Jessy arrived early this morning so she could assist me with an appraisal of a huge property here in Discovery Bay. The home was beautiful and the morning bright. I think we got great photos but our comparables are weak, not much has sold recently and that does not help.
Then we drove to Tracy to see another property and in the process of measuring that home we discovered that the measuring wheel is not reliable, just now I've measured in the garage the same distance that I know to be 11 feet. Sometimes I get 11 feet but I also get anything from 3 to 6 feet for the same distance. something has worn out in the wheel and yesterdays rain did not help at all. So tomorrow is going to be interesting as I try to measure three homes and get them right. Yikes this could be challenging. I think I'll just measure everything twice, once both ways and if it comes out the same then I'll be right but if different then I'll do it again and also I'll take a tape to be sure.
This wheel came from Harbor Freight and I guess they have a life time and I'm past the lifetime. It says it has a lifetime warranty on it, we will see.
So sending love to all,
Tim
First we had dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, the raced over to be seated near the front of the theater.
The show started on time, it was a musical by Cole Porter, Anything Goes. The cast were very enjoyable, the costumes were perfect, the music first rate and the dancing was amazing. Its a great story and full of fun and romance.
I could easily see it again tomorrow evening, it was that good.
Jessy arrived early this morning so she could assist me with an appraisal of a huge property here in Discovery Bay. The home was beautiful and the morning bright. I think we got great photos but our comparables are weak, not much has sold recently and that does not help.
Then we drove to Tracy to see another property and in the process of measuring that home we discovered that the measuring wheel is not reliable, just now I've measured in the garage the same distance that I know to be 11 feet. Sometimes I get 11 feet but I also get anything from 3 to 6 feet for the same distance. something has worn out in the wheel and yesterdays rain did not help at all. So tomorrow is going to be interesting as I try to measure three homes and get them right. Yikes this could be challenging. I think I'll just measure everything twice, once both ways and if it comes out the same then I'll be right but if different then I'll do it again and also I'll take a tape to be sure.
This wheel came from Harbor Freight and I guess they have a life time and I'm past the lifetime. It says it has a lifetime warranty on it, we will see.
So sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
A Day of Adventure
Well I guess you know it rained today. I certainly found out once I reached Santa Rosa. It was pouring, not some friendly California sprinkle, nope, this was a Washington downpour.
So I found the little dump, I mean house and it was wet, the place was rough, very near downtown, had nice tenants, agent never showed up at all. I darted out into the rain to measure, then back under eves to write the numbers down, my sheet was soon soaked. Once I got inside it was old, about 100 years and weak but had character, in a back unit I found a younger brother of the renter in bed with his girl so I just shot my photo over them and let them resume whatever they were doing before!
Once I was completed I checked my time and found I had just enough to catch a Starbucks so I ventured out one more time to get soaked and have a mocha, a bagel and a break. I had already driven 2 hours through the rain to get there.
Now it was time to turn to Oakland and so I hit the road, gradually the rain let up but it was hard to keep the car's windows from fogging up with all the wetness in the car. So I drove with the heater and AC on and it all worked out.
The next house was a beast. Almost 3,500 sf and on a steep downslope, had a unit deep in the lower levels, the house was pretty dirty but eventually I figured out the layout, shot my photos and then spend the next 45 minutes trying to locate the comps on narrow one lane streets in the pouring rain once again.
The next property was in Hayward and by then it was warmer, no rain and I was a bit late. No matter. The owner had died and Sun West is going to try to sell the property to reclaim their money. This one was strange. A tiny little 100 year old house surrounded by other tiny homes or light industrial uses, a welding shop, a trucking company, a storage for pallets etc.
There were some nice folks there when I arrived, the main guy who met me had lived there for 8 years in his Bounder Motorhome and he showed me around. The main house is tiny, floors are sketchy and the owner turned a tiny storage shed into a little unit and of course the renter there was showering. His wife / girlfriend let me in anyway so I shot my photo the other way and moved on. This property was on Bridge Street and it was as close to the Bay as could be, I mean the street sticks right out into the bay almost, never been there before, so I learned something but knowing how much it is worth, well I don't have many clues yet.
After that I headed back to Oakland near the downtown to find that the house I had researched had been totally remodeled and was now 500 feet larger. The owner had done a super job on the place and it was nice, once again opening one bedroom door I found some young people, one boy, one girl looking a bit guilty so I shot my photo and moved on. Dad was right there so I guess its OK.
After that I headed home and that process took some time as traffic was moving slowly.
I'm looking forward to Tahoe this weekend. The family is descending on the Ridge where STeve and Nikki have a time share, great place, Jo is there tonight with kiddos, Nikki will go up tomorrow and I'm going to drive up on Friday late afternoon with I think both Steve and Jason with me. I'll stay one night and then come home but it sounds like great fun.
Right now going to bed sounds like a great plan. In the morning at 8:30 I see a huge one here in Discovery Bay, would you believe I found the sketch of the floor plan from 1999 so I'll not have to measure. That is a big deal as this one is tough to measure.
Love to all, I'm praying for my special friends, Bob, Glen, Dolly's husband Ken who is recovering from a broken hip and others as well.
Tim
So I found the little dump, I mean house and it was wet, the place was rough, very near downtown, had nice tenants, agent never showed up at all. I darted out into the rain to measure, then back under eves to write the numbers down, my sheet was soon soaked. Once I got inside it was old, about 100 years and weak but had character, in a back unit I found a younger brother of the renter in bed with his girl so I just shot my photo over them and let them resume whatever they were doing before!
Once I was completed I checked my time and found I had just enough to catch a Starbucks so I ventured out one more time to get soaked and have a mocha, a bagel and a break. I had already driven 2 hours through the rain to get there.
Now it was time to turn to Oakland and so I hit the road, gradually the rain let up but it was hard to keep the car's windows from fogging up with all the wetness in the car. So I drove with the heater and AC on and it all worked out.
The next house was a beast. Almost 3,500 sf and on a steep downslope, had a unit deep in the lower levels, the house was pretty dirty but eventually I figured out the layout, shot my photos and then spend the next 45 minutes trying to locate the comps on narrow one lane streets in the pouring rain once again.
The next property was in Hayward and by then it was warmer, no rain and I was a bit late. No matter. The owner had died and Sun West is going to try to sell the property to reclaim their money. This one was strange. A tiny little 100 year old house surrounded by other tiny homes or light industrial uses, a welding shop, a trucking company, a storage for pallets etc.
There were some nice folks there when I arrived, the main guy who met me had lived there for 8 years in his Bounder Motorhome and he showed me around. The main house is tiny, floors are sketchy and the owner turned a tiny storage shed into a little unit and of course the renter there was showering. His wife / girlfriend let me in anyway so I shot my photo the other way and moved on. This property was on Bridge Street and it was as close to the Bay as could be, I mean the street sticks right out into the bay almost, never been there before, so I learned something but knowing how much it is worth, well I don't have many clues yet.
After that I headed back to Oakland near the downtown to find that the house I had researched had been totally remodeled and was now 500 feet larger. The owner had done a super job on the place and it was nice, once again opening one bedroom door I found some young people, one boy, one girl looking a bit guilty so I shot my photo and moved on. Dad was right there so I guess its OK.
After that I headed home and that process took some time as traffic was moving slowly.
I'm looking forward to Tahoe this weekend. The family is descending on the Ridge where STeve and Nikki have a time share, great place, Jo is there tonight with kiddos, Nikki will go up tomorrow and I'm going to drive up on Friday late afternoon with I think both Steve and Jason with me. I'll stay one night and then come home but it sounds like great fun.
Right now going to bed sounds like a great plan. In the morning at 8:30 I see a huge one here in Discovery Bay, would you believe I found the sketch of the floor plan from 1999 so I'll not have to measure. That is a big deal as this one is tough to measure.
Love to all, I'm praying for my special friends, Bob, Glen, Dolly's husband Ken who is recovering from a broken hip and others as well.
Tim
Monday, June 24, 2013
Good day
Dear Family and Friends,
This was just one of those back to work days when some work got out the door, the rain fell outside and it was just good to be alive.
I was glad to be in most of the time today, Pooka got groomed and is happy as the lady came in the van and did her job.
Tomorrow is a very long one, Santa Rosa at 10 in the morning, then Oakland at 1, then Hayward at 2:30 or so and Oakland again at 4:30. I'll stay busy and since its Oakland I'll keep an eye out as well.
Got to talk to Art today and he and Connie are traveling seeing family, they sounded good but tired as they have had the little ones for a few days and water parks can just wear you out.
So good night one and all, looks like Tahoe this weekend and that will be pretty exciting for a change.
Love
Tim
This was just one of those back to work days when some work got out the door, the rain fell outside and it was just good to be alive.
I was glad to be in most of the time today, Pooka got groomed and is happy as the lady came in the van and did her job.
Tomorrow is a very long one, Santa Rosa at 10 in the morning, then Oakland at 1, then Hayward at 2:30 or so and Oakland again at 4:30. I'll stay busy and since its Oakland I'll keep an eye out as well.
Got to talk to Art today and he and Connie are traveling seeing family, they sounded good but tired as they have had the little ones for a few days and water parks can just wear you out.
So good night one and all, looks like Tahoe this weekend and that will be pretty exciting for a change.
Love
Tim
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Great Sunday
I've put enough bummer days on here so its nice to report a different kind of day.
After a late night hanging out with family at the park which was so much fun I slept well at home. Rolled out this morning at 7 and took the wheelbarrow to the park, its huge, to bring the stuff home that stays here so it would not have to be jammed into the van. Found everyone sort of chilly as there was no sun and there was wind. Helped take down the shade cover, the tent, roll up all the bags etc. Then I went over and had pancakes that they were making.
Eventually we got everything loaded up and I walked back to my house to get the van for Nikki so we could load and here comes our friend Jack with the wheel barrow loaded high with all my things, what a nice gesture. So we drove back with the van and loaded up and they went home to rest for the day. Well I was fired up and had sort of a mess in the garage. Rather than put it off I felt alive and filled a dish with warm soapy water, cleaned the tables removing layers of chocolate and marsh mellows from last night, started cleaning the garage and did some serious pitching of junk that needed to go. It took awhile but gradually everything started to fall into place and now its much cleaner.
While I had the motorhome out I took time to repair one of the dinette seats that was starting to lose its staples, what a poor way to build a seat! I found little L shaped brackets which took 4 screws, I found the screws and after dumping dozens of tiny screws all over the garage floor I was ready to work. I found two spots where the staples were no longer doing their job and repaired both. I put away the chairs that store under the back bed, cleaned the motorhome table and stood back happy with the progress. The fact that it was cool and overcast helped me keep working.
Then I turned to the moving of trailers. I need to get the boat out as it is going to the boat doctor this week, it was parked nearest to the lake beside the house, in front of it was the tow dolly. So using the Civic as the mule I hooked up to the tow dolly, now mind you its not easy working alone. You have to back up a few feet, jump out and see if you are close, then in and out a few more times until you are in the right place to make the connection. The tow dolly has a lot of weight in the tongue and that's a pain literally in the back. So out came the town dolly, the back to get the boat and pulled it out and parked in in the front of the garage, then put the tow dolly back, then backed the motorhome in always aware of not hitting the fence or the garage roof, both can have very bad consequences!
Then close the gate and move the box trailer back in front of the gate. Once that was done it was 1 pm and I was ready for a sandwich, heavy wheat bread, just one slice, thin peanut butter, 1/2 a tomato sliced thick and juicy.
Suddenly it was shower time and that felt good, finally something accomplished. One nice thing happened. I came across some of Nan's little purses and tiny back packs. So I gave one to each of the girls and they seemed to enjoy that, I keep finding treasures as I dig deeper.
I left to see a little house in Richmond which was about as basic as a house can be but cute. New baths, new kitchen, new paint and new carpet for $150,000. Then it was on to Newark which turned out to be a long ways away. I arrived on time, used my Supra Key for entry and found a flipped home in good condition, selling for $440,000 after being listed for a lot less.
Once I was completed Sylvia called to say her plane had just touched down, delayed by weather. I arrived a few minutes after she walked to the curb and we had a blast catching up on her trip to Borneo to see many new birds, she has seen over 4,000 different kind of birds now.
Now I'm home and it has been a great day. I was down a full 6.5 pounds this morning which I can feel as these shorts were too tight, now are just nice.
Sending love to all, this weekend has been great, seeing Bob for lunch on Sabbath, seeing Sylvia today, spending time with kiddos yesterday in the park, feeling better and getting tons of great exercise today as I worked. Let me tell you, the recycling can is full tonight for tomorrow's pickup, what fun to move stuff down the road and out of my garage.
Love to all,
Tim
After a late night hanging out with family at the park which was so much fun I slept well at home. Rolled out this morning at 7 and took the wheelbarrow to the park, its huge, to bring the stuff home that stays here so it would not have to be jammed into the van. Found everyone sort of chilly as there was no sun and there was wind. Helped take down the shade cover, the tent, roll up all the bags etc. Then I went over and had pancakes that they were making.
Eventually we got everything loaded up and I walked back to my house to get the van for Nikki so we could load and here comes our friend Jack with the wheel barrow loaded high with all my things, what a nice gesture. So we drove back with the van and loaded up and they went home to rest for the day. Well I was fired up and had sort of a mess in the garage. Rather than put it off I felt alive and filled a dish with warm soapy water, cleaned the tables removing layers of chocolate and marsh mellows from last night, started cleaning the garage and did some serious pitching of junk that needed to go. It took awhile but gradually everything started to fall into place and now its much cleaner.
While I had the motorhome out I took time to repair one of the dinette seats that was starting to lose its staples, what a poor way to build a seat! I found little L shaped brackets which took 4 screws, I found the screws and after dumping dozens of tiny screws all over the garage floor I was ready to work. I found two spots where the staples were no longer doing their job and repaired both. I put away the chairs that store under the back bed, cleaned the motorhome table and stood back happy with the progress. The fact that it was cool and overcast helped me keep working.
Then I turned to the moving of trailers. I need to get the boat out as it is going to the boat doctor this week, it was parked nearest to the lake beside the house, in front of it was the tow dolly. So using the Civic as the mule I hooked up to the tow dolly, now mind you its not easy working alone. You have to back up a few feet, jump out and see if you are close, then in and out a few more times until you are in the right place to make the connection. The tow dolly has a lot of weight in the tongue and that's a pain literally in the back. So out came the town dolly, the back to get the boat and pulled it out and parked in in the front of the garage, then put the tow dolly back, then backed the motorhome in always aware of not hitting the fence or the garage roof, both can have very bad consequences!
Then close the gate and move the box trailer back in front of the gate. Once that was done it was 1 pm and I was ready for a sandwich, heavy wheat bread, just one slice, thin peanut butter, 1/2 a tomato sliced thick and juicy.
Suddenly it was shower time and that felt good, finally something accomplished. One nice thing happened. I came across some of Nan's little purses and tiny back packs. So I gave one to each of the girls and they seemed to enjoy that, I keep finding treasures as I dig deeper.
I left to see a little house in Richmond which was about as basic as a house can be but cute. New baths, new kitchen, new paint and new carpet for $150,000. Then it was on to Newark which turned out to be a long ways away. I arrived on time, used my Supra Key for entry and found a flipped home in good condition, selling for $440,000 after being listed for a lot less.
Once I was completed Sylvia called to say her plane had just touched down, delayed by weather. I arrived a few minutes after she walked to the curb and we had a blast catching up on her trip to Borneo to see many new birds, she has seen over 4,000 different kind of birds now.
Now I'm home and it has been a great day. I was down a full 6.5 pounds this morning which I can feel as these shorts were too tight, now are just nice.
Sending love to all, this weekend has been great, seeing Bob for lunch on Sabbath, seeing Sylvia today, spending time with kiddos yesterday in the park, feeling better and getting tons of great exercise today as I worked. Let me tell you, the recycling can is full tonight for tomorrow's pickup, what fun to move stuff down the road and out of my garage.
Love to all,
Tim
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Interesting Sabbath
This morning it was up at 6:30 and I was soon at the park with Pooka, I observed a bit of preplanning for the days events.
Once home I took the boat out and trolling silently explored a bit of the lake while the geese and ducks watched nearby. It was a perfect morning.
Then I helped Nikki and the girls set up the tent and shaded cover but then we left it there.
At 1 Bob Sorensen drove out and we had a very nice lunch at the Boardwalk, a favorite place for locals and then later in the afternoon we ventured back to the park, I helped Nikki move in with sleeping bags, blankets, food, ice chest. As the afternoon passed the Lions served hot dogs to the crowd, there were pizza eating contests, a rock wall to climb and REI had a huge exhibit for the hundreds of people that gathered.
Now I've just walked home from the park under a huge full moon leaving behind hundreds of sleeping campers in their tents. I hope Nikki gets some sleep as there is a park light right above her tent. Of course the girls are all excited with their friends. During the evening as hundreds of kids raced about the park with little lighted sticks of many colors dozens of filmy balloons with a fire burning at the bottom were released in the night sky, some caught in trees, the fire department came but it was really beautiful as they rose hundreds of feet into the air and were blown away by the wind. I really hope no fires were started by the event.
In the morning Nikki will call when she needs me to arrive to help load all the many items into her van and move back home. Its a brave thing to do but we were with many friends tonight and dozens of kiddos that knew each other. It was very special.
This afternoon I was delighted to get to see George and Yvonne, long time Tracy friends and it was really a nice chance to catch up with them on what is happening in Tracy.
Well now its time to rest. I hope the dear people in the park get some rest too.
Love
Tim
Once home I took the boat out and trolling silently explored a bit of the lake while the geese and ducks watched nearby. It was a perfect morning.
Then I helped Nikki and the girls set up the tent and shaded cover but then we left it there.
At 1 Bob Sorensen drove out and we had a very nice lunch at the Boardwalk, a favorite place for locals and then later in the afternoon we ventured back to the park, I helped Nikki move in with sleeping bags, blankets, food, ice chest. As the afternoon passed the Lions served hot dogs to the crowd, there were pizza eating contests, a rock wall to climb and REI had a huge exhibit for the hundreds of people that gathered.
Now I've just walked home from the park under a huge full moon leaving behind hundreds of sleeping campers in their tents. I hope Nikki gets some sleep as there is a park light right above her tent. Of course the girls are all excited with their friends. During the evening as hundreds of kids raced about the park with little lighted sticks of many colors dozens of filmy balloons with a fire burning at the bottom were released in the night sky, some caught in trees, the fire department came but it was really beautiful as they rose hundreds of feet into the air and were blown away by the wind. I really hope no fires were started by the event.
In the morning Nikki will call when she needs me to arrive to help load all the many items into her van and move back home. Its a brave thing to do but we were with many friends tonight and dozens of kiddos that knew each other. It was very special.
This afternoon I was delighted to get to see George and Yvonne, long time Tracy friends and it was really a nice chance to catch up with them on what is happening in Tracy.
Well now its time to rest. I hope the dear people in the park get some rest too.
Love
Tim
Friday, June 21, 2013
Whirlwind day - very good
This week has been pretty good, I'm down 6 pounds, feel like a human being again and had a super meeting with my diabetes helper today at Kaiser. We went over my numbers, she pointed out areas that I need to do a better job of keeping track and she agreed to an insulin pen, if my regular doctor agrees then I'll get it. That means that when I'm facing a meal that has some carbs in it I can calculate how much help I'll need to keep the blood sugar from totally soaring.
After the meeting I stopped by and had a blood draw to see my blood thickness level, its 2.4 so I'm OK at least I think I am.
Jessy was hard at work when I arrived and after setting up many orders and getting a bank deposit ready we went to lunch at the Sports Bar here in Discovery Bay. We ate outside and enjoyed a nice lunch, she is a pleasant person and such a good worker.
Then it was back to the office to crank out some work. At 3:30 I had to leave for an appointment in Brentwood and she kept working. Later I returned to Discovery Bay to inspect another home and then Nikki texted me to tell me VBS program was starting at St. Annes Catholic Church where the girls had been at VBS this week.
It had just started when I arrived and the large room was filled with people. The kiddos did a great job with their singing and Keanna was in a play with a large speaking part, she loved it.
After the meeting I stopped by and had a blood draw to see my blood thickness level, its 2.4 so I'm OK at least I think I am.
Jessy was hard at work when I arrived and after setting up many orders and getting a bank deposit ready we went to lunch at the Sports Bar here in Discovery Bay. We ate outside and enjoyed a nice lunch, she is a pleasant person and such a good worker.
Then it was back to the office to crank out some work. At 3:30 I had to leave for an appointment in Brentwood and she kept working. Later I returned to Discovery Bay to inspect another home and then Nikki texted me to tell me VBS program was starting at St. Annes Catholic Church where the girls had been at VBS this week.
It had just started when I arrived and the large room was filled with people. The kiddos did a great job with their singing and Keanna was in a play with a large speaking part, she loved it.
Talk about a huge VBS.
So I sat there as a proud Pappa and enjoyed the program which was very well done and had excellent music including a live band.
Afterwards we went to Strings in Tracy for dinner.
It was a great day.
Here is a shot from the lake I shot when I was out cruising in the little green boat this week.
What a blessing to get to live on this lovely lake. Cool breezes are blowing off its surface right now through my bedroom.
Love to all
Tim
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Hay fever hits hard here
Good evening,
Since I got up this morning the nasal dripping has been constant, through a box of tissues and still blowing, not fun at all and that was staying at home in the office working. What gives?
I had planned for Jessy's help today but her night job of dispatching PICC lines kept her up nearly all night so she is resting. Yes I missed her but I did as much as I could and its been a good day.
This morning the scales indicated I was down 3 pounds, the Lose It app is helpful but it sure is hard to keep from snacking in the evenings.
My friend lost her mom this week. I read the obits in the newspaper for her home town and she was quite a lady, taught for over 30 years and co owned a cow range down in Snelling. Now my friend has lost both her mom and dad and in the last few years her husband too. The downside of life is sure not fun, we win, we lose but the losing sticks with us for the rest of our lives.
Well I think I'll set up some files and then call it a day. I get tired anymore and just have to head to bed. One of my favorite places really.
Good night to all
Tim
Since I got up this morning the nasal dripping has been constant, through a box of tissues and still blowing, not fun at all and that was staying at home in the office working. What gives?
I had planned for Jessy's help today but her night job of dispatching PICC lines kept her up nearly all night so she is resting. Yes I missed her but I did as much as I could and its been a good day.
This morning the scales indicated I was down 3 pounds, the Lose It app is helpful but it sure is hard to keep from snacking in the evenings.
My friend lost her mom this week. I read the obits in the newspaper for her home town and she was quite a lady, taught for over 30 years and co owned a cow range down in Snelling. Now my friend has lost both her mom and dad and in the last few years her husband too. The downside of life is sure not fun, we win, we lose but the losing sticks with us for the rest of our lives.
Well I think I'll set up some files and then call it a day. I get tired anymore and just have to head to bed. One of my favorite places really.
Good night to all
Tim
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Today was a lot of miles travelled!
Good evening,
Up at 6:30, breakfast at 7 and working by 7:15. Finished a very challenging relocation appraisal today with very little evidence to go on, in Albany, great area but very small with only a few townhomes in the entire town.
I finished and emailed the report in just in time, 10:30, to leave for my Napa appointment. Actually this property was not in Napa, it was 10 miles out of Napa up in the hills east of Napa. One gets there by driving to Fairfield, then taking country roads which lead right to it.
Once there I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the owners. While I was there about a dozen different kinds of birds visited, squirrels jumped from limb to limb in the tall trees behind the house and deer were visiting in the front yard. The guy had a 55 Chevy in the garage and a 49 ford pickup in the driveway, the wife makes beautiful quilts and they are at peace with the world, 16 grandchildren and just enjoying life.
Driving the comps was pretty interesting as everything is located on hills with narrow roads between.
My next stop was in Oakland that one was interesting as well. Warned by the MLS that the lower level was perhaps not permitted I was not surprised to find 6 and 7 foot ceilings so I can give it very little value in the report. There is a little house in the back yard as well. Everything is very nice and there are 6 offers on the property so that lets you know that buyers find it desirable in spite of its age and lower level without permits.
Once I finished driving the comparables I then turned to Freeway 13 to get to to Highway 24 which would lead me to 680 and Alamo. This one was a review of someones appraisal. Once I was through then I headed home and found traffic beginning to clear. I stopped at Fuddruckers for a vegeburger and salad. It was so good and I had just enough calories left in Lose It. The food was really great and I was so hungry that it all worked out.
Now I'm home having driven about 200 miles and getting 42.5 mpg for the last tank, 517 miles and not on empty yet. Diesel was $3.89 so the fillup was less than $50.
Was thankful to pull into the driveway tonight, Tired but pleased and of course $500 in the mail helps too.
Tomorrow Jessy is coming and there is work for her to do.
Love to all
Tim
Up at 6:30, breakfast at 7 and working by 7:15. Finished a very challenging relocation appraisal today with very little evidence to go on, in Albany, great area but very small with only a few townhomes in the entire town.
I finished and emailed the report in just in time, 10:30, to leave for my Napa appointment. Actually this property was not in Napa, it was 10 miles out of Napa up in the hills east of Napa. One gets there by driving to Fairfield, then taking country roads which lead right to it.
Once there I was overwhelmed by the friendliness of the owners. While I was there about a dozen different kinds of birds visited, squirrels jumped from limb to limb in the tall trees behind the house and deer were visiting in the front yard. The guy had a 55 Chevy in the garage and a 49 ford pickup in the driveway, the wife makes beautiful quilts and they are at peace with the world, 16 grandchildren and just enjoying life.
Driving the comps was pretty interesting as everything is located on hills with narrow roads between.
My next stop was in Oakland that one was interesting as well. Warned by the MLS that the lower level was perhaps not permitted I was not surprised to find 6 and 7 foot ceilings so I can give it very little value in the report. There is a little house in the back yard as well. Everything is very nice and there are 6 offers on the property so that lets you know that buyers find it desirable in spite of its age and lower level without permits.
Once I finished driving the comparables I then turned to Freeway 13 to get to to Highway 24 which would lead me to 680 and Alamo. This one was a review of someones appraisal. Once I was through then I headed home and found traffic beginning to clear. I stopped at Fuddruckers for a vegeburger and salad. It was so good and I had just enough calories left in Lose It. The food was really great and I was so hungry that it all worked out.
Now I'm home having driven about 200 miles and getting 42.5 mpg for the last tank, 517 miles and not on empty yet. Diesel was $3.89 so the fillup was less than $50.
Was thankful to pull into the driveway tonight, Tired but pleased and of course $500 in the mail helps too.
Tomorrow Jessy is coming and there is work for her to do.
Love to all
Tim
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Every day is different!
So I drive first to Kaiser for a visit with the dermatology department and my regular GP is the doctor. It was fine, I like him a lot and he prescribed some cream to apply to my red cheeks. Once I finally got through the pharmacy I lit up the road to San Jose. The traveling was perfect, 70 all the way with little traffic in the way.
I was unprepared for the subject property. It was located by a trip up a narrow road which climbed and climbed. Finally I arrived and after traveling an even smaller road I found my property. It was about 3 acres, a nice 2100 sf home and my greeting party was a herd of goats that live there. What funny creatures, they wanted to be friendly but could quite screw up courage to actually smell my hand. The owner was there and led them to their feeding area so I could work. The buyers of this property have done incredible work but every time they go to work, to the schools for the kids or even to buy milk its a 15 minute trip down the mountain, into a Milpitas neighborhood and eventually freeway 680. As you can image the view of the San Jose and Bay was expansive and impressive. I enjoyed my visit, meeting their two boxers and seeing a home so nicely updated.
Once I left there I set out to find the comps, that involved driving about 10 miles over the most amazingly bad roads, narrow with no guard rails, they just clung to the side of the hills but finally I found some of the comps. Wow it is always interesting to discover an entire area of large ranchette homes this near to the city but with a total country feel and settings. Tomorrow I'm doing the same for a country property located in the sticks beyond Napa in the hills. I actually access the property via Fairfield, that's the best way says the owner.
After I left the San Jose area my next stop was in Vallejo, a field review of an appraisal someone else did. That took a while to reach but again no traffic to slow me down. Once that work was accomplished I headed back to pick up Keanna which I did. She gave the ipad a workout and then her mom picked her up. Kallie on the other hand had a riding lesson today, getting ready for a week with her Grandmother who lives on a horse property in southern California. She loves horses and can't wait to get to ride every day.
This evening I ventured out back and staked up some tomato plant branches that are going wild, then I soaked them and came in. Now the wind is blowing fairly hard outside, up to 9 miles per hour and the evening is cooling rapidly. While I need to be working hard on a relocation appraisal that needs to be completed I'm feeling quite lazy tonight.
Some appointments to get things in order are coming together. During the first week of July I'll take the motorhome to have its AC updated, next week a repair person is coming to fix the Nordic treadmill and next week I'll take the Supra Boat in for repairs. Next week I'll attend a play with Bob in Stockton, that will be great.
Soon Dana and Ronnie will visit, perhaps in July and Marilyn is set to come out as well.
So I'm starting to think about cleaning this place up, so far just thinking, later I'll do it.
Love to all,
Tim
I was unprepared for the subject property. It was located by a trip up a narrow road which climbed and climbed. Finally I arrived and after traveling an even smaller road I found my property. It was about 3 acres, a nice 2100 sf home and my greeting party was a herd of goats that live there. What funny creatures, they wanted to be friendly but could quite screw up courage to actually smell my hand. The owner was there and led them to their feeding area so I could work. The buyers of this property have done incredible work but every time they go to work, to the schools for the kids or even to buy milk its a 15 minute trip down the mountain, into a Milpitas neighborhood and eventually freeway 680. As you can image the view of the San Jose and Bay was expansive and impressive. I enjoyed my visit, meeting their two boxers and seeing a home so nicely updated.
Once I left there I set out to find the comps, that involved driving about 10 miles over the most amazingly bad roads, narrow with no guard rails, they just clung to the side of the hills but finally I found some of the comps. Wow it is always interesting to discover an entire area of large ranchette homes this near to the city but with a total country feel and settings. Tomorrow I'm doing the same for a country property located in the sticks beyond Napa in the hills. I actually access the property via Fairfield, that's the best way says the owner.
After I left the San Jose area my next stop was in Vallejo, a field review of an appraisal someone else did. That took a while to reach but again no traffic to slow me down. Once that work was accomplished I headed back to pick up Keanna which I did. She gave the ipad a workout and then her mom picked her up. Kallie on the other hand had a riding lesson today, getting ready for a week with her Grandmother who lives on a horse property in southern California. She loves horses and can't wait to get to ride every day.
This evening I ventured out back and staked up some tomato plant branches that are going wild, then I soaked them and came in. Now the wind is blowing fairly hard outside, up to 9 miles per hour and the evening is cooling rapidly. While I need to be working hard on a relocation appraisal that needs to be completed I'm feeling quite lazy tonight.
Some appointments to get things in order are coming together. During the first week of July I'll take the motorhome to have its AC updated, next week a repair person is coming to fix the Nordic treadmill and next week I'll take the Supra Boat in for repairs. Next week I'll attend a play with Bob in Stockton, that will be great.
Soon Dana and Ronnie will visit, perhaps in July and Marilyn is set to come out as well.
So I'm starting to think about cleaning this place up, so far just thinking, later I'll do it.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, June 17, 2013
Listening to Grieg march of the dwarfs
Pandora is so great, you just ask it to create a series of music formed around a single artist, or composer like Grieg, then it finds either music by Grieg or by others from the same genre. Rare commercials and very clear music through the computer or the ipad or the iphone.
The music right now is beautiful, wish you could hear it.
Today has been enjoyable in more ways than I can fully describe but having the girls, Kallie and Keanna here from about 12;30 on was great. They play nicely together most of the time, one takes the iphone and the other the ipad and they create dolls, houses and enjoy the apps. Eventually the batteries go dead but we just recharge them.
Kallie came hungry as she did not want McDonalds food today, well it turned out fine. I had apples from Costco, pre sliced and excellent, oyster crackers, some thin slices of cheddar cheese, a few pieces of popcorn and she enjoyed her lunch. Keanna came with a lunch but enjoyed popcorn too.
I've spent the day creating appraisals with a quick trip to Livermore this morning to update a conventional appraisal to FHA. The dear lady was coping with her son leaving for the Navy and her daughter to college, wow that is a shock to the system. So we chatted a bit before I left. I'm a firm believer when we get a chance to enhance someones life either by listening or sharing its a good thing and in my business I have many opportunities to actively care.
I'm so enjoying the cell phone device for the home, no missed or dropped calls, the kids have full signal for their downloading apps etc today. It is just great, how I love progress. I also located a repair company for the Nordic Treadmill which failed several months ago, it will work and then jerks to a stop dumping you forward. The call is $179 but that also covers any repairs he can make while he is here. Without this visit its just a device to dump clothes on and there are times I'd like to ride safely.
I should tell you that I've talked myself into taking blood numbers often now and I also started up the Lose It app on my phone. It is great and spells out the carbs, the fat and the calories for the day. Today I've been good and even walked in the park this morning with Pooka.
So now its bed time and tomorrow I'm at Kaiser at 9 am for an appointment with dermatology, then rush to San Jose for an appointment, then to Vallejo and then back here. will be a fun day on the road.
Sending love to all,
Tim
The music right now is beautiful, wish you could hear it.
Today has been enjoyable in more ways than I can fully describe but having the girls, Kallie and Keanna here from about 12;30 on was great. They play nicely together most of the time, one takes the iphone and the other the ipad and they create dolls, houses and enjoy the apps. Eventually the batteries go dead but we just recharge them.
Kallie came hungry as she did not want McDonalds food today, well it turned out fine. I had apples from Costco, pre sliced and excellent, oyster crackers, some thin slices of cheddar cheese, a few pieces of popcorn and she enjoyed her lunch. Keanna came with a lunch but enjoyed popcorn too.
I've spent the day creating appraisals with a quick trip to Livermore this morning to update a conventional appraisal to FHA. The dear lady was coping with her son leaving for the Navy and her daughter to college, wow that is a shock to the system. So we chatted a bit before I left. I'm a firm believer when we get a chance to enhance someones life either by listening or sharing its a good thing and in my business I have many opportunities to actively care.
I'm so enjoying the cell phone device for the home, no missed or dropped calls, the kids have full signal for their downloading apps etc today. It is just great, how I love progress. I also located a repair company for the Nordic Treadmill which failed several months ago, it will work and then jerks to a stop dumping you forward. The call is $179 but that also covers any repairs he can make while he is here. Without this visit its just a device to dump clothes on and there are times I'd like to ride safely.
I should tell you that I've talked myself into taking blood numbers often now and I also started up the Lose It app on my phone. It is great and spells out the carbs, the fat and the calories for the day. Today I've been good and even walked in the park this morning with Pooka.
So now its bed time and tomorrow I'm at Kaiser at 9 am for an appointment with dermatology, then rush to San Jose for an appointment, then to Vallejo and then back here. will be a fun day on the road.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Good evening
So its cooling down here in California. As the sun sets so does the furnace we call summer. It beautiful over the lake and this has been a good day.
Last night I was telling you about the new device I purchased to amplify the cell phone signal which in this part of Discovery Bay is terrible for most phones. AT&T is fully aware of their short comings and gave me both a $100 visa card and a $50 discount on my next months bill against a purchase price of $199 for the device. When I last wrote I had purchased the device but it was still in the box. So at about 11:30, I know I should have been sleeping, I opened the box and set about installing it. Fortunately it was pretty straight forward and later during the night my phone announced a text to tell me the device was operational. Yep, I had 5 bars and I've had 5 bars of signal ever since. Its wonderful, I can talk anywhere on the property without dropping calls. Of course one always wonders why it was not done a year ago but now is better than tomorrow.
This morning I just let myself sleep in but the birds woke me before too late. I got up and showered knowing I was going to the local church to see Keanna's program. So at 10:30 I joined Nikki and the girls to drive to the church. The service rocked, I mean literally rocked, a praise band led out in some good songs and then the kiddos joined the room, about 200 of them it seemed. All went well until the kids filed out, we were on the second row from the front and the pastor gave a sermon. Kallie was not prepared to sit and down nothing for a very long time but she did pretty well.
Afterwards there was snacks, jumpy houses for the kiddos and water. It was an excellent program put on with lots of volunteers and in a professional manner.
Once I got home I settled into tweaking things around the office and eventually settled down to do some work. Lois came over to try to make the ipod work and after awhile she made it work. I was grateful for that since I had several books on it that I want to hear as I drive this week. I think she has it working now. Jim, my faithful IT guy took over the computer and fixed a few things and I wrote up some reports but I'm about to cash it in now.
I'll have the girls tomorrow afternoon after they attend yet another VBS locally, that will be nice to see them.
Well for tonight I think that's about it.
Here is a photo of Keanna from her dance program yesterday.
love to all,
Tim
Last night I was telling you about the new device I purchased to amplify the cell phone signal which in this part of Discovery Bay is terrible for most phones. AT&T is fully aware of their short comings and gave me both a $100 visa card and a $50 discount on my next months bill against a purchase price of $199 for the device. When I last wrote I had purchased the device but it was still in the box. So at about 11:30, I know I should have been sleeping, I opened the box and set about installing it. Fortunately it was pretty straight forward and later during the night my phone announced a text to tell me the device was operational. Yep, I had 5 bars and I've had 5 bars of signal ever since. Its wonderful, I can talk anywhere on the property without dropping calls. Of course one always wonders why it was not done a year ago but now is better than tomorrow.
This morning I just let myself sleep in but the birds woke me before too late. I got up and showered knowing I was going to the local church to see Keanna's program. So at 10:30 I joined Nikki and the girls to drive to the church. The service rocked, I mean literally rocked, a praise band led out in some good songs and then the kiddos joined the room, about 200 of them it seemed. All went well until the kids filed out, we were on the second row from the front and the pastor gave a sermon. Kallie was not prepared to sit and down nothing for a very long time but she did pretty well.
Afterwards there was snacks, jumpy houses for the kiddos and water. It was an excellent program put on with lots of volunteers and in a professional manner.
Once I got home I settled into tweaking things around the office and eventually settled down to do some work. Lois came over to try to make the ipod work and after awhile she made it work. I was grateful for that since I had several books on it that I want to hear as I drive this week. I think she has it working now. Jim, my faithful IT guy took over the computer and fixed a few things and I wrote up some reports but I'm about to cash it in now.
I'll have the girls tomorrow afternoon after they attend yet another VBS locally, that will be nice to see them.
Well for tonight I think that's about it.
Here is a photo of Keanna from her dance program yesterday.
love to all,
Tim
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Keanna was wonderful
Well I'm still smiling remembering Keanna's performances in the Dance Recital today which was help in Pittsburg. The theater was huge and very comfortable, newly completed as a part of the Pittsburg High School is totally new.
Keanna danced in three different routines and knew her moves, said she was nervous before going out on stage but once she was out there she just loved it, a real performer and it showed.
I sat with Kallie and Steve and the program was very long with many many different dance numbers, some with a stage full of dancers and others with just a few. Keanna has advanced to the point where she knows how to handle herself on stage and enjoys it very much. Of course there are months of hard work to prepare for a few minutes on stage.
Afterwards we had a festive meal at UNOs and the food was perfect for all of us. It was a very special time and the fact that a huge screen was overhead so Steve could watch the last innings of the Giants game didn't hurt, of course when they blew the lead and let Atlanta win, well that was not so nice.
This morning I was enjoying the lake and on a whim just jumped in the green boat, dropped the battery in, hooked it up and went motoring over the water. The trolling motor is silent, you don't hear a sound but you just glide over the water. I didn't stay out to long as at this point I have no paddles in case the battery runs down. I'm taking care of that as soon as I can find someplace that sells them. I picked up some wood pieces that I can use as a false bottom to the boat as the original teak pieces have weathers and cracked. I also picked up some bamboo pieces which I can cut and use to stage up the tomatoes that are breaking down with the load of the crop. I also picked up a device that makes it possible to have full bars of cell service in the house instead of the puny 1 or 2 bars that I have now. Its so bad that when a client calls I often have a problem with them no hearing me, that's not good for business.
The device cost $199 plus tax but they gave me a $100 refund form to mail in and are going to credit $50 to my next cell phone bill, not bad. I've found AT&T to be excellent to work with and I'm going to be even more pleased with the better reception in my home.
Well at this point I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow we go to church, Keanna has been attending a VBS day camp program at a local church in Brentwood. Tomorrow is their final day when they get to share their songs, their crafts and fellowship one more time. I think its great and Keanna has had a excellent week with the well run program.
So I'm saying love to all,
Tim
Keanna danced in three different routines and knew her moves, said she was nervous before going out on stage but once she was out there she just loved it, a real performer and it showed.
I sat with Kallie and Steve and the program was very long with many many different dance numbers, some with a stage full of dancers and others with just a few. Keanna has advanced to the point where she knows how to handle herself on stage and enjoys it very much. Of course there are months of hard work to prepare for a few minutes on stage.
Afterwards we had a festive meal at UNOs and the food was perfect for all of us. It was a very special time and the fact that a huge screen was overhead so Steve could watch the last innings of the Giants game didn't hurt, of course when they blew the lead and let Atlanta win, well that was not so nice.
This morning I was enjoying the lake and on a whim just jumped in the green boat, dropped the battery in, hooked it up and went motoring over the water. The trolling motor is silent, you don't hear a sound but you just glide over the water. I didn't stay out to long as at this point I have no paddles in case the battery runs down. I'm taking care of that as soon as I can find someplace that sells them. I picked up some wood pieces that I can use as a false bottom to the boat as the original teak pieces have weathers and cracked. I also picked up some bamboo pieces which I can cut and use to stage up the tomatoes that are breaking down with the load of the crop. I also picked up a device that makes it possible to have full bars of cell service in the house instead of the puny 1 or 2 bars that I have now. Its so bad that when a client calls I often have a problem with them no hearing me, that's not good for business.
The device cost $199 plus tax but they gave me a $100 refund form to mail in and are going to credit $50 to my next cell phone bill, not bad. I've found AT&T to be excellent to work with and I'm going to be even more pleased with the better reception in my home.
Well at this point I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow we go to church, Keanna has been attending a VBS day camp program at a local church in Brentwood. Tomorrow is their final day when they get to share their songs, their crafts and fellowship one more time. I think its great and Keanna has had a excellent week with the well run program.
So I'm saying love to all,
Tim
Friday, June 14, 2013
Another week is in the history books
Good evening,
There have been several high points this week and of course the other kind as well. For the most part the weather has been kind other than the thunder and lightning storm which pretty well shook me out of bed in the middle of the night.
Jessy is back from Europe and surprised me by working today. In a few hours she had all the files logged out and in their files, appraisals that were paid for moved to the paid file and logged in the computer, two files written and we had time for lunch at the Sports Bar which was perfect.
I ended up at Kaiser today with the painful eye. The very lovely eye doctor was so sweet and found no obvious issues but has referred me to the dermatologist for my red cheeks which can lead to drying of the eye. She was so beautiful, I think I need more eye exams and is just two weeks from delivering a little boy so was very happy about that as well. Meeting her and knowing that there is not something seriously wrong with my eye was a very good experience.
Jason found out this week that his grades for last school year were very good and that is in the top section of his class, he is busy with an actual case involving people in San Francisco and staying really busy since summer school moves even faster.
Tomorrow Keanna is a part of a dance recital for her school. We'll go and enjoy her routines which she has been working on very hard. She loves to dance, to sing and this week has enjoyed a VBS type program held in a local church, there is a small fee but they keep the kiddos all day. That program culminates in a Sunday program at the church so I'll attend that for Fathers Day.
Life is in a summer routine now, tomatoes are turning red, dog and cats are being lazy, frig is stuffed with food I never seem to get around to eating, I'm sleeping well and there is enough work to keep me busy.
Love to all,
Tim
There have been several high points this week and of course the other kind as well. For the most part the weather has been kind other than the thunder and lightning storm which pretty well shook me out of bed in the middle of the night.
Jessy is back from Europe and surprised me by working today. In a few hours she had all the files logged out and in their files, appraisals that were paid for moved to the paid file and logged in the computer, two files written and we had time for lunch at the Sports Bar which was perfect.
I ended up at Kaiser today with the painful eye. The very lovely eye doctor was so sweet and found no obvious issues but has referred me to the dermatologist for my red cheeks which can lead to drying of the eye. She was so beautiful, I think I need more eye exams and is just two weeks from delivering a little boy so was very happy about that as well. Meeting her and knowing that there is not something seriously wrong with my eye was a very good experience.
Jason found out this week that his grades for last school year were very good and that is in the top section of his class, he is busy with an actual case involving people in San Francisco and staying really busy since summer school moves even faster.
Tomorrow Keanna is a part of a dance recital for her school. We'll go and enjoy her routines which she has been working on very hard. She loves to dance, to sing and this week has enjoyed a VBS type program held in a local church, there is a small fee but they keep the kiddos all day. That program culminates in a Sunday program at the church so I'll attend that for Fathers Day.
Life is in a summer routine now, tomatoes are turning red, dog and cats are being lazy, frig is stuffed with food I never seem to get around to eating, I'm sleeping well and there is enough work to keep me busy.
Love to all,
Tim
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Forging ahead
Good evening,
Forgive my missing yesterday blog. Basically nothing happened. I was busy for the whole day first seeing a nice place in Livermore and then watching kallie swim at her swim meet, moving Keanna about town to dance, then to dinner and then to watch kallie, fun stuff for sure.
This evening my left eye which has been increasingly painful is really putting a hold on future work. It feels like it is scratched but I don't remember it happening. I've used what drops I have, put a warm cloth over it, rested it but it still is painful, hope the night rest calms it down, if not I'll go to Kaiser tomorrow to see someone.
Got to see my friend Patty tonight, its always a treat to talk to her, she is one of the bravest people I know. Cares for many grandchildren and great grandchildren in her nice little place here on my court. I just admire her courage.
Well I've finally landed an appointment with a diabetes expert at Kaiser for a week from Friday. She is really good and teaches many classes, I hope to get on a more informed basis so I know what I'm doing.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Forgive my missing yesterday blog. Basically nothing happened. I was busy for the whole day first seeing a nice place in Livermore and then watching kallie swim at her swim meet, moving Keanna about town to dance, then to dinner and then to watch kallie, fun stuff for sure.
This evening my left eye which has been increasingly painful is really putting a hold on future work. It feels like it is scratched but I don't remember it happening. I've used what drops I have, put a warm cloth over it, rested it but it still is painful, hope the night rest calms it down, if not I'll go to Kaiser tomorrow to see someone.
Got to see my friend Patty tonight, its always a treat to talk to her, she is one of the bravest people I know. Cares for many grandchildren and great grandchildren in her nice little place here on my court. I just admire her courage.
Well I've finally landed an appointment with a diabetes expert at Kaiser for a week from Friday. She is really good and teaches many classes, I hope to get on a more informed basis so I know what I'm doing.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Back hard at it today
Good evening,
Well I'm back after an extended day, extended by a couple poor souls who broke down in the tunnel, I waited an hour to go 2 miles and so was very late for my last appointment in Antioch. The delays were much worse than usual, no fun but the rest of the day went well.
I left here and stopped at Starbucks only to discover my wallet was at home. So back home, about 3 miles, found the wallet and found the several thousand dollar deposit it held, drove back and snatched the last multi grain bagel, made the deposit and headed to Vallejo. Nice travel time and no traffic, pulled up to make a FHA inspection, only took a few minutes as I'd seen the house recently. Then on to do a field review of someone else's appraisal.
Then it was time to head to Richmond to see one that promised to have an active alarm, those I do not like but when I got there the alarm was off, the house was tiny and everything went smoothly.
had enough time to find Subway for a great lunch. Then I pulled up in Albany in front of a 4 story townhome, talk about stairs! The guy was from Ireland and was moving to North Carolina with his wife who was transferred by her job.
Then it was off to Oakland where traffic is always backed up. The poor lady was terrified of the inspection, had been up for days and nights cleaning the little house. Hard to know the effect our actions or fear of our actions can make on another person.
I then headed to Costco to get dog food but after Highway 13 was backed up the worst I've ever seen, it took over a hour to move a few miles, I gave up on Costco and the dog is fasting, I'll go tomorrow when I'm out. After a thousand motions of the clutch I came upon a CHP guy with a cycle standing in the lane, before him was a dead pickup with no driver, that car along with another one that had died out was causing all the mess. Once I was past the stalled pickup the traffic moved rapidly.
After the last house tonight I was just so thankful to have it all over.
My day started badly, the computer would not open the word spread sheet and I had to have it to complete an appraisal so I had to tell them I would not be getting it done this morning, I called my faithful IT genius Jim and tonight when I got home it was fixed. Oh thank you Jim.
So now its late, as I listen to the news I wonder where the America I grew up in has gone. We have such a huge government and most of the workers are no elected, they just get these jobs and settle in, do whatever they political leaning is and we get to live with it. I think this guy who leaked has performed a service, we don't need government to record all our calls, our letters, our emails just in case they need to chase us down. I've never like this current administration, I've never trusted them, I see them as an extension of the Chicago political machine and now they are proving it. It is very chilling to realize just how much power and control they have over us. Freedom is a term only now, we actually have very little of it left.
Love to all,
Tim
Well I'm back after an extended day, extended by a couple poor souls who broke down in the tunnel, I waited an hour to go 2 miles and so was very late for my last appointment in Antioch. The delays were much worse than usual, no fun but the rest of the day went well.
I left here and stopped at Starbucks only to discover my wallet was at home. So back home, about 3 miles, found the wallet and found the several thousand dollar deposit it held, drove back and snatched the last multi grain bagel, made the deposit and headed to Vallejo. Nice travel time and no traffic, pulled up to make a FHA inspection, only took a few minutes as I'd seen the house recently. Then on to do a field review of someone else's appraisal.
Then it was time to head to Richmond to see one that promised to have an active alarm, those I do not like but when I got there the alarm was off, the house was tiny and everything went smoothly.
had enough time to find Subway for a great lunch. Then I pulled up in Albany in front of a 4 story townhome, talk about stairs! The guy was from Ireland and was moving to North Carolina with his wife who was transferred by her job.
Then it was off to Oakland where traffic is always backed up. The poor lady was terrified of the inspection, had been up for days and nights cleaning the little house. Hard to know the effect our actions or fear of our actions can make on another person.
I then headed to Costco to get dog food but after Highway 13 was backed up the worst I've ever seen, it took over a hour to move a few miles, I gave up on Costco and the dog is fasting, I'll go tomorrow when I'm out. After a thousand motions of the clutch I came upon a CHP guy with a cycle standing in the lane, before him was a dead pickup with no driver, that car along with another one that had died out was causing all the mess. Once I was past the stalled pickup the traffic moved rapidly.
After the last house tonight I was just so thankful to have it all over.
My day started badly, the computer would not open the word spread sheet and I had to have it to complete an appraisal so I had to tell them I would not be getting it done this morning, I called my faithful IT genius Jim and tonight when I got home it was fixed. Oh thank you Jim.
So now its late, as I listen to the news I wonder where the America I grew up in has gone. We have such a huge government and most of the workers are no elected, they just get these jobs and settle in, do whatever they political leaning is and we get to live with it. I think this guy who leaked has performed a service, we don't need government to record all our calls, our letters, our emails just in case they need to chase us down. I've never like this current administration, I've never trusted them, I see them as an extension of the Chicago political machine and now they are proving it. It is very chilling to realize just how much power and control they have over us. Freedom is a term only now, we actually have very little of it left.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, June 10, 2013
Almost caught up, what a feeling
So here I sit, its nearly bed time and I'm almost caught up. I'll write one in the morning and then everything is out that I've seen. Of course the conditions will come rolling in soon.
Tomorrow I'm out all day, it should be interesting. I'll be in Richmond area, then Oakland and in Albany too.
This evening I heard strange noises and it was Kallie and her driver, Nikki. What a nice surprise that was to see them and catch up on their busy lives. Having family nearby is a great blessing.
Well, I'm heading for sleep and I hope no thunder and lighting tonight. That was a little too exciting.
Love
Tim
Tomorrow I'm out all day, it should be interesting. I'll be in Richmond area, then Oakland and in Albany too.
This evening I heard strange noises and it was Kallie and her driver, Nikki. What a nice surprise that was to see them and catch up on their busy lives. Having family nearby is a great blessing.
Well, I'm heading for sleep and I hope no thunder and lighting tonight. That was a little too exciting.
Love
Tim
Sunday, June 9, 2013
After the heat a great cool day
Good evening
Its been very nice to work in my office with gentle breezes moving through, George the orange kitty coming to run on my leg and appointments made for the week.
After a bit of grocery shopping I'm settling in for the evening, going to try to complete yet one more report and then pack it in. I have clean sheets on the bed, the room is already cool for the night and garbage is all set out on the street.
So what kind of week are we heading into? Lets hope a productive, safe and peaceful one.
I had so hoped that Dana would be visiting by now but I'm not sure she is going to make it, my kids and their kids love for her to visit as she is a very special person and we all love her.
I have a photo of Kallie from yesterday, setting was 107 degrees, she had already done her thing and was resting up before going to swim again. She is rapidly growing up, she is 5 now and loving every minute of it.
Love to all,
Tim
Its been very nice to work in my office with gentle breezes moving through, George the orange kitty coming to run on my leg and appointments made for the week.
After a bit of grocery shopping I'm settling in for the evening, going to try to complete yet one more report and then pack it in. I have clean sheets on the bed, the room is already cool for the night and garbage is all set out on the street.
So what kind of week are we heading into? Lets hope a productive, safe and peaceful one.
I had so hoped that Dana would be visiting by now but I'm not sure she is going to make it, my kids and their kids love for her to visit as she is a very special person and we all love her.
I have a photo of Kallie from yesterday, setting was 107 degrees, she had already done her thing and was resting up before going to swim again. She is rapidly growing up, she is 5 now and loving every minute of it.
Love to all,
Tim
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Family Rest Day
Imagine my surprise when I woke to a back ache, what was happening, I mentally scanned the prior day, no unusual lifting, no reason for such pain but then I looked at the clock, I had failed to set the alarm for 7 as I had planned and it was after 9 and I was just waking up, well there went my plans.
So I quickly got up, showered, checked in with Lois, she was hanging in in spite of losing her precious little kitty last night, I asked if I could join her for breakfast at McDonalds and I did that.
By the time I reached Los Medonas College campus where the huge swim meet was under way it was over 100 degrees, hundreds of families had little shade devices set up with towels on the concrete and chair set in a circle, no matter what it was hot and the kids seemed to take it all in stride. Kallie had already did the first part of her day and did well swimming, She was resting up for the next round which took place after 12. I had taken the ipad so she played for awhile and I eventually left with Keanna to meet the cousins at Cheese Factory for lunch. It was a good meeting point for both of us and our lunch was good once we had a chance to be seated, seems a lot of other people also enjoy the same place. It was fun to get to chat with Julie, Jo's mom who is visiting until the 12th and watch the kids interact.
We followed them back to their home in San Jose and then to the complex pool, all four kids had fun, Jason, Mia, Timothy and Keanna. They play so nicely together.
We headed home about 6:30 and it was still about 90 degrees. We arrived to find Kallie and the neighbor kids swimming in their pool and Steve and Nikki were chilling, I mean really chilling as they have an excellent system, zoned to put the cooling right where you want it in the house.
I found myself very energized by the day and when I pulled in I headed out to trim a Butterfly bush that was out of control, reaching for the sky with purple flowers 3 feet high. So using this little device that trims I waded in, wow there were lots of branches that needed trimming, soon the yard was filed high with cut branches. The next step was to stuff them in the green trash can as it was getting really dark. Then I found the gas trimmer Jason is allowing me to hold for him and it started on the first pull, I tell you that does not always happen. So as it was really dark I turned the porch light on and trimmed the yard, this time the line did not break or fail and it went smoothly, then the lawn mower started on its first pull and I mowed the tiny front yard. I was not done though.
My black car was covered with bug splatters that happened as I drove home from Lodi on Wednesday evening. The window was covered and smeared from my vain attempts to clean it with the fluid that the car squirts. The first hose I pulled out to soak the car broke at the wall, not good. So I tried another hose from the other side of the house and it would not reach where the car was parked, so I moved the car not wanted to be put off the task at hand.
Now the car could be reached by a stream of water but the normal bucket I use was not anywhere I could find. I remember now its on the back porch, oh well I found a big salad bowel, put some dove in and mixed it around and I was in business.
Then there was a new sponge I had purchased at one of the Dollar Tree trips but where was it? So I looked in all the normal places and it was not there, finally I located it on the counter in the kitchen by the toaster oven?? Why, not sure.
Now having located the tools I headed out to the car, applied a heavy layer of soapy water and enjoyed the cooling effects of the leaking hose, the cool water and the total darkness which now enveloped the entire process. Once I was completed and many bugs were gone I drove around the neighborhood to air dry the car and you know it looks good, real good, well that is until the light of day.
Now I'm doing loads of wash and enjoying the positive effects of having the AC on to ward off the heat which is still out there. I see the evening is cooling off well, the nifty weather station says it is 75 outside, do I believe? Not really.
So that is the report from me to you. Got to see all the little people and their parents, I always love that, the car is doing great, since the recent repair it seems to be getting about 44+ mpg and you know I love that!
I hope your day was enjoyable in spite of the heat, the rumor is that we will be cool tomorrow, I hope so.
Love to all
Tim
So I quickly got up, showered, checked in with Lois, she was hanging in in spite of losing her precious little kitty last night, I asked if I could join her for breakfast at McDonalds and I did that.
By the time I reached Los Medonas College campus where the huge swim meet was under way it was over 100 degrees, hundreds of families had little shade devices set up with towels on the concrete and chair set in a circle, no matter what it was hot and the kids seemed to take it all in stride. Kallie had already did the first part of her day and did well swimming, She was resting up for the next round which took place after 12. I had taken the ipad so she played for awhile and I eventually left with Keanna to meet the cousins at Cheese Factory for lunch. It was a good meeting point for both of us and our lunch was good once we had a chance to be seated, seems a lot of other people also enjoy the same place. It was fun to get to chat with Julie, Jo's mom who is visiting until the 12th and watch the kids interact.
We followed them back to their home in San Jose and then to the complex pool, all four kids had fun, Jason, Mia, Timothy and Keanna. They play so nicely together.
We headed home about 6:30 and it was still about 90 degrees. We arrived to find Kallie and the neighbor kids swimming in their pool and Steve and Nikki were chilling, I mean really chilling as they have an excellent system, zoned to put the cooling right where you want it in the house.
I found myself very energized by the day and when I pulled in I headed out to trim a Butterfly bush that was out of control, reaching for the sky with purple flowers 3 feet high. So using this little device that trims I waded in, wow there were lots of branches that needed trimming, soon the yard was filed high with cut branches. The next step was to stuff them in the green trash can as it was getting really dark. Then I found the gas trimmer Jason is allowing me to hold for him and it started on the first pull, I tell you that does not always happen. So as it was really dark I turned the porch light on and trimmed the yard, this time the line did not break or fail and it went smoothly, then the lawn mower started on its first pull and I mowed the tiny front yard. I was not done though.
My black car was covered with bug splatters that happened as I drove home from Lodi on Wednesday evening. The window was covered and smeared from my vain attempts to clean it with the fluid that the car squirts. The first hose I pulled out to soak the car broke at the wall, not good. So I tried another hose from the other side of the house and it would not reach where the car was parked, so I moved the car not wanted to be put off the task at hand.
Now the car could be reached by a stream of water but the normal bucket I use was not anywhere I could find. I remember now its on the back porch, oh well I found a big salad bowel, put some dove in and mixed it around and I was in business.
Then there was a new sponge I had purchased at one of the Dollar Tree trips but where was it? So I looked in all the normal places and it was not there, finally I located it on the counter in the kitchen by the toaster oven?? Why, not sure.
Now having located the tools I headed out to the car, applied a heavy layer of soapy water and enjoyed the cooling effects of the leaking hose, the cool water and the total darkness which now enveloped the entire process. Once I was completed and many bugs were gone I drove around the neighborhood to air dry the car and you know it looks good, real good, well that is until the light of day.
Now I'm doing loads of wash and enjoying the positive effects of having the AC on to ward off the heat which is still out there. I see the evening is cooling off well, the nifty weather station says it is 75 outside, do I believe? Not really.
So that is the report from me to you. Got to see all the little people and their parents, I always love that, the car is doing great, since the recent repair it seems to be getting about 44+ mpg and you know I love that!
I hope your day was enjoyable in spite of the heat, the rumor is that we will be cool tomorrow, I hope so.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, June 7, 2013
Hot
They warned it was coming, well it came for sure. Now I don't have much direct information since I spent the day right here in the office huddled in front of a little air conditioner, cool and comfortable. I started work at about 7:30 and I wrote many reports today, felt good to begin to catch up a bit.
Tomorrow I'm going to check out Kallie at her swim meet in Antioch, then meander down to Milpitas for lunch with the family. Keanna might go with me, we will see how that all works out.
I just went up to check on the temperature in my bedroom, roasting! So I turned that little AC on to begin to cool down the room. I use the little wall units since they pull very little energy and they cool where I'm at very well, to run the big AC for the whole house would run about $600 a month and serve no purpose.
Oh how I wish I could afford solar electrical on the roof, then one lets the sun provide the energy to cool the house at no cost. The stinger is getting the solar system installed and paid for, still about $20,000 for a system for my house.
I sincerely hope your weekend goes well for you, that you find peace and fellowship.
Love
tim
Tomorrow I'm going to check out Kallie at her swim meet in Antioch, then meander down to Milpitas for lunch with the family. Keanna might go with me, we will see how that all works out.
I just went up to check on the temperature in my bedroom, roasting! So I turned that little AC on to begin to cool down the room. I use the little wall units since they pull very little energy and they cool where I'm at very well, to run the big AC for the whole house would run about $600 a month and serve no purpose.
Oh how I wish I could afford solar electrical on the roof, then one lets the sun provide the energy to cool the house at no cost. The stinger is getting the solar system installed and paid for, still about $20,000 for a system for my house.
I sincerely hope your weekend goes well for you, that you find peace and fellowship.
Love
tim
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Up at 4
Well this has been a very successful day with a couple hundred miles driven, Morgan Hill, Pleasant Hill, Blackhawk, Richmond and Vallejo visited.
Dinner was at the Olive Garden tonight and I was so ready for some great salad, eggplant and iced tea.
Now home, been doing some little things that had to go out tonight and now to bed.
I woke at 4, my mind knew I had deadlines this morning before I left and I worked for hours before the dawn.
In Morgan Hill I met the owner, a Russian piano teacher who lived in a fine home and was proud to show photos of her students, this dining room had a grand piano and she was playing when I arrived. the whole experience was beautiful.
Sending love to all
Tim
Dinner was at the Olive Garden tonight and I was so ready for some great salad, eggplant and iced tea.
Now home, been doing some little things that had to go out tonight and now to bed.
I woke at 4, my mind knew I had deadlines this morning before I left and I worked for hours before the dawn.
In Morgan Hill I met the owner, a Russian piano teacher who lived in a fine home and was proud to show photos of her students, this dining room had a grand piano and she was playing when I arrived. the whole experience was beautiful.
Sending love to all
Tim
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Yosemite
Here Bob and I are with Yosemite in the background. We had an incredible day, up at 5:30, to Bobs a little after 7, bus pulled out with about 50 of us around 8:30, arrived in time to march in and have a great lunch, then we boarded an open tram that held all of us plus a few more and we toured the valley with an excellent tour guide, she was funny, informative and loves Yosemite having worked there 8 years. It was warm in the sun and I got plenty of that, but what a beautiful time of year with the river running full and loud and the meadows restored to perfection.
Now I'm home to a day of clients needing things and due to an urgent and pushy lady I'm in Morgan Hill at 11 in the morning, then back to Pleasant Hill at 2 and Richmond at 4 with a couple other smaller inspections thrown in.
But first I have to be up and write one before I leave in the morning. But oh the day was worth it, a group of very nice "old" people and lots of time to catch up with Bob.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Timothy graduates, Jo shines
Good evening,
I'm just in from Milpitas where I got to witness Timothy moving from Kindergarden to first grade. there were several little tykes and the entire program was so very cute. Jo really did a great job putting it all together and everything went very smoothly. They had cap and gowns and wore them with pride. Mia is much better and was enjoying herself with her grandmother, Jo's mom is here from Denver for a few days.
I had as my goal to arrive on time for the graduation, everything else was planned to click. First there was the trip to Brentwood but before that two lenders made it very clear they wanted their reports to be emailed in today or else. So I set down, the Lord blessed and they are both to the lenders.
Brentwood was a nice two story home and went smoothly, then without shooting comparables I drove to Pleasanton and arrived at 2:04. Nice people and a house brimming with extra people, I really respect the lady who is caring for all the extra ones.
Then I drove to the next neighborhood and shot the comps first. That meant that I could measure and inspect the last house of the day and hit the road. Turns out even taking my time with the house I had plenty of time. Arrived at about 5:35 and got to watch the kiddos get ready, then it was to the church and they all did their parts perfectly. Jo planned everything.
Now I'm heading to bed as I have to be up and out early in the morning. I need to be at Bob's at 7 in the morning so we won't hold up the trip to Yosemite. I've very excited about going, of course I have mounds of work to get done and this time it will have to wait.
So love to all
Tim
I'm just in from Milpitas where I got to witness Timothy moving from Kindergarden to first grade. there were several little tykes and the entire program was so very cute. Jo really did a great job putting it all together and everything went very smoothly. They had cap and gowns and wore them with pride. Mia is much better and was enjoying herself with her grandmother, Jo's mom is here from Denver for a few days.
I had as my goal to arrive on time for the graduation, everything else was planned to click. First there was the trip to Brentwood but before that two lenders made it very clear they wanted their reports to be emailed in today or else. So I set down, the Lord blessed and they are both to the lenders.
Brentwood was a nice two story home and went smoothly, then without shooting comparables I drove to Pleasanton and arrived at 2:04. Nice people and a house brimming with extra people, I really respect the lady who is caring for all the extra ones.
Then I drove to the next neighborhood and shot the comps first. That meant that I could measure and inspect the last house of the day and hit the road. Turns out even taking my time with the house I had plenty of time. Arrived at about 5:35 and got to watch the kiddos get ready, then it was to the church and they all did their parts perfectly. Jo planned everything.
Now I'm heading to bed as I have to be up and out early in the morning. I need to be at Bob's at 7 in the morning so we won't hold up the trip to Yosemite. I've very excited about going, of course I have mounds of work to get done and this time it will have to wait.
So love to all
Tim
Monday, June 3, 2013
Keeping busy
Well good evening
Home at 8:30 tonight. During the day I motored to Oakland and saw a beautiful home that had been purchased 30 years ago new, same people lived in it the whole time. Very nice relatives taking care of the many things left after the owner passed away.
Then it was to San Pablo to see an empty house for the bank, then on to a driveby for the bank, then back to San Lorenzo, this one was not so nice, kind of rough and the seller had been with the railroad for many years until a stroke ended his career.
Then it was traffic all the way home where my last house was here in Discovery Bay, I was about 25 minutes late but the owner was home for the day and was fine. Nice place with a great pool, he lives there by himself! Expert on concrete and I got to ask questions from someone who really knows his stuff.
I didn't take my inhaler with me today, boy did I miss it, cough and cough. Had a hard time getting out this morning, drove several miles and then realized that I had left my ladder and measuring wheel in the trunk of the civic so it was back home one more time.
Tomorrow I see something in Brentwood at noon, then Pleasanton at 2 and then at 4 and then I race to see Timothy graduate to 1st grade.
Then on Wednesday I do something highly unusual. I drive to Lodi at 7 and go with Bob to the senior citizen center where we board a big bus for a trip to Yosemite for the day, back that night. yes I have piles of work to do but I'll enjoy doing something with my special friend Bob. I can't wait.
Love to all,
Tim
Home at 8:30 tonight. During the day I motored to Oakland and saw a beautiful home that had been purchased 30 years ago new, same people lived in it the whole time. Very nice relatives taking care of the many things left after the owner passed away.
Then it was to San Pablo to see an empty house for the bank, then on to a driveby for the bank, then back to San Lorenzo, this one was not so nice, kind of rough and the seller had been with the railroad for many years until a stroke ended his career.
Then it was traffic all the way home where my last house was here in Discovery Bay, I was about 25 minutes late but the owner was home for the day and was fine. Nice place with a great pool, he lives there by himself! Expert on concrete and I got to ask questions from someone who really knows his stuff.
I didn't take my inhaler with me today, boy did I miss it, cough and cough. Had a hard time getting out this morning, drove several miles and then realized that I had left my ladder and measuring wheel in the trunk of the civic so it was back home one more time.
Tomorrow I see something in Brentwood at noon, then Pleasanton at 2 and then at 4 and then I race to see Timothy graduate to 1st grade.
Then on Wednesday I do something highly unusual. I drive to Lodi at 7 and go with Bob to the senior citizen center where we board a big bus for a trip to Yosemite for the day, back that night. yes I have piles of work to do but I'll enjoy doing something with my special friend Bob. I can't wait.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, June 2, 2013
pretty good sunday
So now its bed time, one of the favorite moments of the day for me at this point in my life.
My computer is working so slowly tonight, time to give in and give up.
So I'm surviving without Jessy as she parties her way across Europe, actually glad she is getting to do it.
Today Jason gave the commencement address at MBA, the thing the audience did not know was that he was pretty ill at the time and had to rise above his feelings, sore throat and all to give the address.
I was praying for him and for Mia who spotted another high temp today. Poor little girl, 103 is no fun, hard on her and hard on mom too.
I've worked all day with a Starbucks break and another break when I ran Keanna home. She popped in for dinner and amazingly the dinner worked out good for her. pasta and green beans and I notice they are all gone so must have worked. Her special friend Summer lives across the lake from me so they play, take the paddle boat out and enjoy themselves.
Well good night to one and all,
Off to see four tomorrow, Oakland, Hercules, Pinole and San Lorenzo then back to Discovery Bay for a 6 pm appointment. Will be a big tired at the end of the day.
Tim
My computer is working so slowly tonight, time to give in and give up.
So I'm surviving without Jessy as she parties her way across Europe, actually glad she is getting to do it.
Today Jason gave the commencement address at MBA, the thing the audience did not know was that he was pretty ill at the time and had to rise above his feelings, sore throat and all to give the address.
I was praying for him and for Mia who spotted another high temp today. Poor little girl, 103 is no fun, hard on her and hard on mom too.
I've worked all day with a Starbucks break and another break when I ran Keanna home. She popped in for dinner and amazingly the dinner worked out good for her. pasta and green beans and I notice they are all gone so must have worked. Her special friend Summer lives across the lake from me so they play, take the paddle boat out and enjoy themselves.
Well good night to one and all,
Off to see four tomorrow, Oakland, Hercules, Pinole and San Lorenzo then back to Discovery Bay for a 6 pm appointment. Will be a big tired at the end of the day.
Tim
Saturday, June 1, 2013
Kallie goes to the farm
Good evening
This morning Kallie celebrated her birthday with a party at a ranch. The crew of cowboys and cowgirls did a super job as Kallie and about 7 of her friends were given the grand tour, multiple horse back rides, games and even a chance to brush their horse buddies before they rode. While it was warm there were shade trees, lots of Nikki supplied drinks, cupcakes, pizza, compliments of Pappa, and a great time. I'm going to include some photos if I can get them out of the iphone before I complete this edition of the blog.
After the event was over and I was out of the sun I came home, turned on the AC and took a great nap in my office chair. The afternoon party and neighbor party started at their home at 2 but I slept in and arrived at 3. I got a chance to catch up with my friend Gill, Kallies adopted grandmother. Steve lived with Gill and Roger during this senior year of high school and they have always been family. Steve and neighbors have finished the wonderful deck by the new pool and with an adult watching the kids had a great time in the pool, then it was Steve at the BBQ pumping out great food and Nikki the hostess setting out finger good. Kallie opened more presents and was thrilled with them all, clothes, barbies, underwater barbies, games, books, you name it.
I finally stumbled home after coughing all afternoon and watching the Giants loose their second game of the day in Saint Lois.
Now I'm home enjoying the cook air and taking a moment to write to you, sharing the very special day.
This morning Kallie celebrated her birthday with a party at a ranch. The crew of cowboys and cowgirls did a super job as Kallie and about 7 of her friends were given the grand tour, multiple horse back rides, games and even a chance to brush their horse buddies before they rode. While it was warm there were shade trees, lots of Nikki supplied drinks, cupcakes, pizza, compliments of Pappa, and a great time. I'm going to include some photos if I can get them out of the iphone before I complete this edition of the blog.
After the event was over and I was out of the sun I came home, turned on the AC and took a great nap in my office chair. The afternoon party and neighbor party started at their home at 2 but I slept in and arrived at 3. I got a chance to catch up with my friend Gill, Kallies adopted grandmother. Steve lived with Gill and Roger during this senior year of high school and they have always been family. Steve and neighbors have finished the wonderful deck by the new pool and with an adult watching the kids had a great time in the pool, then it was Steve at the BBQ pumping out great food and Nikki the hostess setting out finger good. Kallie opened more presents and was thrilled with them all, clothes, barbies, underwater barbies, games, books, you name it.
I finally stumbled home after coughing all afternoon and watching the Giants loose their second game of the day in Saint Lois.
Now I'm home enjoying the cook air and taking a moment to write to you, sharing the very special day.
Cowgirl Kallie with her horse themed cake and blinking hat. Got to love her.
Friend Summer enjoys her ride
In spite of terrible allergies Keanna took her ride in stride
Kallie rides and rides and rides
An excellent time was had by all.
Love
Pappa
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