Dear Family and Friends,
Last night proved to be very interesting. I woke at 12:30 and was wide awake. At 1 I just got up and came down to the office. First I set up five orders and then I decided to do an appraisal. I completed it about 3:45 and shipped it out, I then slept for a few hours before surfacing again at about 8. I've worked in and then at 9:30 we took the bug to the mechanic.
Late this afternoon they called to say one of two fuel pumps had failed, of course its the one in the fuel tank so I need a new one, a new filter, a new serpentine belt, other one is nearly broken due to age and a few other new things. It comes to mere $970 dollars. I could not believe it, my new bug was costing me money.
Later the rep called from the loan company for the motorhome reminding me they needed a payment. We talked and she said she would just skip this months payment and the next one would be due on the 19th of October. Well that helped a lot and nearly a thousand dollars came in the mail today for which I'm most grateful.
So I'm turning in early tonight in hope of sleeping ALL night.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Monday, September 30, 2013
Sunday, September 29, 2013
A Great Sunday, hope your's was too
Dear Family and Friends,
Just can't tell you how nice this day was. Up at 6:30, on the treadmill for a few minutes of enjoyable exercise, then the shower and finally down to start the day. Had a whole wheat bagel from Safeway with butter and a banana, some strawberries and I was set for the day.
I knew I had to complete a ranchette, that is a property with a small acreage site, usually 1 to 10 acres versus a ranch which might have 40 acres. So I set to work and by 11:45 I was emailing it to the lender, on time for a change.
Then I set to work on the very challenging property located over in Redwood Shores. That one has been haunting me for days. Well I'm proud to say it is done and I learned a lot in the process. Then I set to work on a local one that had to be completed by tomorrow, someone needed a report to submit to the IRS and I enjoyed putting all my knowledge about Discovery Bay into that report. I just emailed it to the client a few minutes ago.
Marilyn came home today but it was a very sad trip. Her sister Vicki passed away yesterday afternoon after a very short illness. It was a shock to the entire family including Marilyn. Marilyn was with her when she passed away and of course is reflecting on her life and her loss.
In the morning at 9:30 I'll have the green bug at the door of East European Auto Works in Brentwood hoping for a miracle. This evening when I had to start it to move it over so we could put the Civic away it would hardly run. I hope I can get it to town in the morning.
I certainly am praying and hoping for money in the mail tomorrow, can't remember a time when I needed cash flow so badly, that is one of the reasons I'm working so hard right now, to catch up with putting product into people's hands so they can pay me!!
Sending love to all,
Tim
Just can't tell you how nice this day was. Up at 6:30, on the treadmill for a few minutes of enjoyable exercise, then the shower and finally down to start the day. Had a whole wheat bagel from Safeway with butter and a banana, some strawberries and I was set for the day.
I knew I had to complete a ranchette, that is a property with a small acreage site, usually 1 to 10 acres versus a ranch which might have 40 acres. So I set to work and by 11:45 I was emailing it to the lender, on time for a change.
Then I set to work on the very challenging property located over in Redwood Shores. That one has been haunting me for days. Well I'm proud to say it is done and I learned a lot in the process. Then I set to work on a local one that had to be completed by tomorrow, someone needed a report to submit to the IRS and I enjoyed putting all my knowledge about Discovery Bay into that report. I just emailed it to the client a few minutes ago.
Marilyn came home today but it was a very sad trip. Her sister Vicki passed away yesterday afternoon after a very short illness. It was a shock to the entire family including Marilyn. Marilyn was with her when she passed away and of course is reflecting on her life and her loss.
In the morning at 9:30 I'll have the green bug at the door of East European Auto Works in Brentwood hoping for a miracle. This evening when I had to start it to move it over so we could put the Civic away it would hardly run. I hope I can get it to town in the morning.
I certainly am praying and hoping for money in the mail tomorrow, can't remember a time when I needed cash flow so badly, that is one of the reasons I'm working so hard right now, to catch up with putting product into people's hands so they can pay me!!
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, September 27, 2013
A very long week comes to its end, the girls are here for a sleepover!
Good evening,
Another incredible day with drama thrown in.
I started off the day seeing a local property at 8 am, it was for the IRS and cash was the incentive. It worked.
Then Steve and I drove up to Oakley to see a house that turned out to be one of the nicest homes I've seen in a long while. On the day the owner moved into a brand new home from JR Horton she had contractors ready to totally redo the interior with high quality tile, granite, new kitchen appliances, new floor coverings, new baths, Travertine everywhere, a huge waterfall in the back yard, a chimnea and lots of extras everywhere. The home is perfect and we both enjoyed meeting the attractive owner, a lady probably in her 40s who was full of energy and along with her friend regaled us with stories. It was a great experience.
Then we drove back to my house where I immediately loaded up the bug and left for Oakland. On the way I deposited the money to make the accounts whole. The trip went well and the Oakland duplex was very nice. But a phone call from one of the clients lifted the stress level, she said she had to have an appraisal that lay on my desk only partially completed. I told her by 3 but traffic began to slow me down, then I had to fill with diesel, not easy to find and then as I was nearing Brentwood the engine died and the car would not start. I jumped out and pushed the bug off the lane so traffic could pass. I got back into the car panting and scared, my new bug had failed. After a few minutes I cranked and cranked and it started. God was good to me.
Soon I was at home and I set to work on the needed appraisal and at about 4:30 it was shipped out. Then I turned to yet another one that was promised today and got it out about 4:30. The only reason I could do them so quickly is that Steve had done write-ups on both of them, I was so glad for his help.
The mail today turned out to be a faith building experience. This is the 3rd day without any money and I need money for the IRS, the motorhome payment, the house second and lots of other end of the month expenses. And I need to buy my ticket to Portland but I'm wondering how right now, one needs money to buy an airline ticket.
At 5 Nikki brought the girls to do a sleep over and then we go to church tomorrow. Its great to have them and early evening we went to the park where they played and I met Vinney, a black pug that was so sweet and gentle.
Once we were back from the park, a perfect evening really with gentle breezes and the temperature just right, we ventured out in the bug to McDonalds where we picked up Keanna's dinner, then we walked over to Subway where Kallie had a pizza, very good and I had a vegeburger on whole wheat.
The bug started pretty well, not perfectly and we made it back home. I've made pasta for Keanna and green beans to supplement her McDonalds dinner and Kallie has gone down for the night. We read a story, precious times really. She is surrounded by little people she brought with her and each has its own story. Keanna will go down later as she is the Big sister and has a later bed time.
I'm thankful I made it home but wondering what to expect next from the bug, its been getting harder and harder to start lately and I'm thinking perhaps it may need a fuel filter or it could be something more expensive. I really don't need problems right now with the "new" bug.
This has been a very busy week, both Steve and I have been busy for which I'm very thankful.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Another incredible day with drama thrown in.
I started off the day seeing a local property at 8 am, it was for the IRS and cash was the incentive. It worked.
Then Steve and I drove up to Oakley to see a house that turned out to be one of the nicest homes I've seen in a long while. On the day the owner moved into a brand new home from JR Horton she had contractors ready to totally redo the interior with high quality tile, granite, new kitchen appliances, new floor coverings, new baths, Travertine everywhere, a huge waterfall in the back yard, a chimnea and lots of extras everywhere. The home is perfect and we both enjoyed meeting the attractive owner, a lady probably in her 40s who was full of energy and along with her friend regaled us with stories. It was a great experience.
Then we drove back to my house where I immediately loaded up the bug and left for Oakland. On the way I deposited the money to make the accounts whole. The trip went well and the Oakland duplex was very nice. But a phone call from one of the clients lifted the stress level, she said she had to have an appraisal that lay on my desk only partially completed. I told her by 3 but traffic began to slow me down, then I had to fill with diesel, not easy to find and then as I was nearing Brentwood the engine died and the car would not start. I jumped out and pushed the bug off the lane so traffic could pass. I got back into the car panting and scared, my new bug had failed. After a few minutes I cranked and cranked and it started. God was good to me.
Soon I was at home and I set to work on the needed appraisal and at about 4:30 it was shipped out. Then I turned to yet another one that was promised today and got it out about 4:30. The only reason I could do them so quickly is that Steve had done write-ups on both of them, I was so glad for his help.
The mail today turned out to be a faith building experience. This is the 3rd day without any money and I need money for the IRS, the motorhome payment, the house second and lots of other end of the month expenses. And I need to buy my ticket to Portland but I'm wondering how right now, one needs money to buy an airline ticket.
At 5 Nikki brought the girls to do a sleep over and then we go to church tomorrow. Its great to have them and early evening we went to the park where they played and I met Vinney, a black pug that was so sweet and gentle.
Once we were back from the park, a perfect evening really with gentle breezes and the temperature just right, we ventured out in the bug to McDonalds where we picked up Keanna's dinner, then we walked over to Subway where Kallie had a pizza, very good and I had a vegeburger on whole wheat.
The bug started pretty well, not perfectly and we made it back home. I've made pasta for Keanna and green beans to supplement her McDonalds dinner and Kallie has gone down for the night. We read a story, precious times really. She is surrounded by little people she brought with her and each has its own story. Keanna will go down later as she is the Big sister and has a later bed time.
I'm thankful I made it home but wondering what to expect next from the bug, its been getting harder and harder to start lately and I'm thinking perhaps it may need a fuel filter or it could be something more expensive. I really don't need problems right now with the "new" bug.
This has been a very busy week, both Steve and I have been busy for which I'm very thankful.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Very very tired.
Good evening,
I'm really getting too old for these long days.
6:30 up and shower
6:55 start research for the day
Write up reports and email out, fix conditions
Check mailbox, find NOOOOOO money, bummer
Noon see ranchette in Brentwood
2 pm see large home in Brentwood
Leave for San Jose
Fight traffic but see first house at 4:45, cute little condo
Fight traffic and see second house at 6:05, nice older home
Finish shooting comps just before dark.
Drive across town to shoot an additional bedroom photo for a recent appraisal
Starving, find Olive Garden, relax and have huge salad and soup and BREAD
Leave San Jose at 8:30
Arrive home at 10 pm.
What a day,
Find new orders from new clients, yea.
Find two write-ups from Steve, what a relief that is and what a huge help.
See house at 8 here in Discovery Bay in the morning, paying cash!
See house with Steve in Oakley at 9:30
See Duplex in Oakland at noon
Girls coming for sleep over tomorrow evening.
Good night
Tim
I'm really getting too old for these long days.
6:30 up and shower
6:55 start research for the day
Write up reports and email out, fix conditions
Check mailbox, find NOOOOOO money, bummer
Noon see ranchette in Brentwood
2 pm see large home in Brentwood
Leave for San Jose
Fight traffic but see first house at 4:45, cute little condo
Fight traffic and see second house at 6:05, nice older home
Finish shooting comps just before dark.
Drive across town to shoot an additional bedroom photo for a recent appraisal
Starving, find Olive Garden, relax and have huge salad and soup and BREAD
Leave San Jose at 8:30
Arrive home at 10 pm.
What a day,
Find new orders from new clients, yea.
Find two write-ups from Steve, what a relief that is and what a huge help.
See house at 8 here in Discovery Bay in the morning, paying cash!
See house with Steve in Oakley at 9:30
See Duplex in Oakland at noon
Girls coming for sleep over tomorrow evening.
Good night
Tim
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Back bug goes to bug doctor in Turlock
I'm just back from towing the black VW to Turlock to a mechanic that both Ron and Art has used for their engines. It was interesting in that I was getting as many reports out as I could, about 6 when one went sailing away on the email I just decided today was the day. I checked with Mr Dizney and he said it was fine, bring it over.
I had to change the ball as the tow dolly takes a larger one than normal to hook up to behind the motorhome. I was really sweating backing up to the tow dolly with the motorhome and Gary my long time neighbor was out, I asked if he would help and he expertly guided me right in, that helped a lot. Then with the trusty GPS and a bottle of water I made the trip. It was about 62 miles and when I got there everything was dark as I was told it would be. I pulled up next to the building, set the brakes on the bug, unhooked the tie downs, pulled forward in the motorhome and the bug slipped right off the trailer.
Next I pushed the bug back from the street, locked it up and hit the key, leaving one of my cards in the drivers seat.
I secured the tow dolly, found a Sonic nearby for a quick dinner, fun to sit in the motorhome at the table to eat. Then I headed home, kept it at 60 and made it home just after 10 pm. It needed to be done as I'm sure I would start getting tickets on it parked in the street like it was, plus I need to put the motorhome away where it belongs.
Tomorrow I see a couple in Brentwood and then a couple in San Jose, it will be a late night tomorrow night for sure. Then on Friday there are couple more to see. Steve is giving excellent help, Jessy is on vacation to Austin Texas and life is good.
My friend sent me an email today and included some photos, that was very nice of her.
Good night or morning friends and family,
Love
Tim
I had to change the ball as the tow dolly takes a larger one than normal to hook up to behind the motorhome. I was really sweating backing up to the tow dolly with the motorhome and Gary my long time neighbor was out, I asked if he would help and he expertly guided me right in, that helped a lot. Then with the trusty GPS and a bottle of water I made the trip. It was about 62 miles and when I got there everything was dark as I was told it would be. I pulled up next to the building, set the brakes on the bug, unhooked the tie downs, pulled forward in the motorhome and the bug slipped right off the trailer.
Next I pushed the bug back from the street, locked it up and hit the key, leaving one of my cards in the drivers seat.
I secured the tow dolly, found a Sonic nearby for a quick dinner, fun to sit in the motorhome at the table to eat. Then I headed home, kept it at 60 and made it home just after 10 pm. It needed to be done as I'm sure I would start getting tickets on it parked in the street like it was, plus I need to put the motorhome away where it belongs.
Tomorrow I see a couple in Brentwood and then a couple in San Jose, it will be a late night tomorrow night for sure. Then on Friday there are couple more to see. Steve is giving excellent help, Jessy is on vacation to Austin Texas and life is good.
My friend sent me an email today and included some photos, that was very nice of her.
Good night or morning friends and family,
Love
Tim
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Another long one
Good evening,
Up at 6:30 this morning, in Fairfield at noon, back in Antioch at 2:15, then home to work getting things out that Jessy had produced, then Steve shipped in the one he saw this morning, talk about fast. Its gone to the lenders now as well. 12 hour turnaround! Now that's a rush.
Now I'm working to get more out this evening but I'm about to fade to gray and head to bed.
I do enjoy the little green bug, it drives so nicely, cools great and the automatic is enjoyable, very quick and the car is comfortable.
As I got home this afternoon Jessy was leaving and while I was out front I just decided on the moment that I would mow the lawn. I found the old work shoes in the old bug which still sits out front waiting to be pulled to Turlock to the mechanic. I pulled the shoes on, started up the mower that STeve sold me, its so great, works perfectly and in 5 minutes I had the lawn mowed. Then I took the time to try to set the sprinklers to a short watering time, the front lawn was a muddy mess, too much water.
Then it was back to work. This evening I ran into town to inspect the house that Steve had inspected this morning. I needed to be there since its my name on the report. What a lovely home with pool, perfect landscaping and in perfect condition. People are actually leaving the furniture in place and moving without it.
Now I'm back working again trying to get more done. In the morning I travel to Tracy at 9 am to see a house and then come back for the day to work things up. Back out on Thursday to see something in Brentwood at noon, then something at 2 pm locally and then off to San Jose to see two properties. That will be a late night.
I am so thankful for all the orders and with Steve's help and Jessy's help I think we'll get them all done.
So I wish each of you a good night,
Love
Tim
Up at 6:30 this morning, in Fairfield at noon, back in Antioch at 2:15, then home to work getting things out that Jessy had produced, then Steve shipped in the one he saw this morning, talk about fast. Its gone to the lenders now as well. 12 hour turnaround! Now that's a rush.
Now I'm working to get more out this evening but I'm about to fade to gray and head to bed.
I do enjoy the little green bug, it drives so nicely, cools great and the automatic is enjoyable, very quick and the car is comfortable.
As I got home this afternoon Jessy was leaving and while I was out front I just decided on the moment that I would mow the lawn. I found the old work shoes in the old bug which still sits out front waiting to be pulled to Turlock to the mechanic. I pulled the shoes on, started up the mower that STeve sold me, its so great, works perfectly and in 5 minutes I had the lawn mowed. Then I took the time to try to set the sprinklers to a short watering time, the front lawn was a muddy mess, too much water.
Then it was back to work. This evening I ran into town to inspect the house that Steve had inspected this morning. I needed to be there since its my name on the report. What a lovely home with pool, perfect landscaping and in perfect condition. People are actually leaving the furniture in place and moving without it.
Now I'm back working again trying to get more done. In the morning I travel to Tracy at 9 am to see a house and then come back for the day to work things up. Back out on Thursday to see something in Brentwood at noon, then something at 2 pm locally and then off to San Jose to see two properties. That will be a late night.
I am so thankful for all the orders and with Steve's help and Jessy's help I think we'll get them all done.
So I wish each of you a good night,
Love
Tim
Monday, September 23, 2013
A sad day here in Discovery Bay
As I write this evening my heart is sad for a family who lost their little boy today.
I don't know details, it will be on the news tonight. What I do know is a young boy who was riding his bike to the middle school was hit and killed in an accident today near the school. To think that there is a family out there who has lost their son is really hard to accept. What a huge tragedy and the lady that was responsible will never be the same again. No matter what the details are about how it happened it is a very sad day for Discovery Bay.
I woke early and seeing an order floating on my phone rushed downstairs but alas it was already gone, some other eager beaver had grabbed it. Oh well, perhaps they needed it worse than I do.
I prepared for the Modesto appointment and left using the levee road and going through Tracy so I was unaware of the accident until later. I arrived a few minutes late and found a huge, I mean store sized home on a bluff above the river. It took nearly an hour to measure the home and it was all of 5,400 sf to be sure. It was so nicely appointed and well built with multiple decks, a stone pathway that led to a lower lawn area near the river. The rooms were large and most of the floors on the main level were large tiles that looked like stones, of course there were multiple fireplaces, high ceilings, special lighting fixtures, beautiful wood cabinets and a huge kitchen. Outside there were two boxers who were not sure I really belonged there but they were in their dog run.
Eventually I finished my work there and drove the comps, nothing is as nice as this home so writing the report will be a challenge to be sure.
I had worked up an appetite so asked the GPS to find lunch. It found a Fuddruckers and lunch was really great, a vegeburger and a salad, excellent taste. I'll go back when in Modesto, it was that good.
Then I found a Walmart and returned a sea sick medicine I had purchased before the found the right stuff at CVS. Then I drove to Stockton to the Harbor Freight and returned a tail light set I had purchased for the boat that I didn't need. So I have $44 in my pocket now.
Then home to set up orders and to write conditions and this even write appraisals. Now I'm out of eye sight, worn out and I'm turning in. I'm still a bit tired from yesterday's big adventure out to sea.
Tomorrow morning I write things again and then head to a noon appointment in Fairfield and back to a 2 pm appointment in Antioch, then back home to write more and get things emailed out. I'm suddenly busy again and I'm thankful but stressed.
Sending love to all,
Lets treasure our loved one even more,
Tim
I don't know details, it will be on the news tonight. What I do know is a young boy who was riding his bike to the middle school was hit and killed in an accident today near the school. To think that there is a family out there who has lost their son is really hard to accept. What a huge tragedy and the lady that was responsible will never be the same again. No matter what the details are about how it happened it is a very sad day for Discovery Bay.
I woke early and seeing an order floating on my phone rushed downstairs but alas it was already gone, some other eager beaver had grabbed it. Oh well, perhaps they needed it worse than I do.
I prepared for the Modesto appointment and left using the levee road and going through Tracy so I was unaware of the accident until later. I arrived a few minutes late and found a huge, I mean store sized home on a bluff above the river. It took nearly an hour to measure the home and it was all of 5,400 sf to be sure. It was so nicely appointed and well built with multiple decks, a stone pathway that led to a lower lawn area near the river. The rooms were large and most of the floors on the main level were large tiles that looked like stones, of course there were multiple fireplaces, high ceilings, special lighting fixtures, beautiful wood cabinets and a huge kitchen. Outside there were two boxers who were not sure I really belonged there but they were in their dog run.
Eventually I finished my work there and drove the comps, nothing is as nice as this home so writing the report will be a challenge to be sure.
I had worked up an appetite so asked the GPS to find lunch. It found a Fuddruckers and lunch was really great, a vegeburger and a salad, excellent taste. I'll go back when in Modesto, it was that good.
Then I found a Walmart and returned a sea sick medicine I had purchased before the found the right stuff at CVS. Then I drove to Stockton to the Harbor Freight and returned a tail light set I had purchased for the boat that I didn't need. So I have $44 in my pocket now.
Then home to set up orders and to write conditions and this even write appraisals. Now I'm out of eye sight, worn out and I'm turning in. I'm still a bit tired from yesterday's big adventure out to sea.
Tomorrow morning I write things again and then head to a noon appointment in Fairfield and back to a 2 pm appointment in Antioch, then back home to write more and get things emailed out. I'm suddenly busy again and I'm thankful but stressed.
Sending love to all,
Lets treasure our loved one even more,
Tim
Sunday, September 22, 2013
At Sea
So today was an early call, up at 5:30, left at 6:15 and arrived at pier 39 at 7:30, parked in $8.00 an hour parking so car would not get towed and we left for the open ocean at 8 am. The trip out was rough and a heavy marine layer kept us very cool for the first couple hours. Then the sun came through and the day turned beautiful. I only had a piece of dry toast before the trip and took a pill for possible sea sickness. Everything worked out fine for Jason and me, however it was not so good for a girl from Serbia who spend the entire day at the rail, she and her friend finally fell asleep under a blanket in the back of the boat and survived the day. I felt so sorry for them and of course they had no idea of what to expect, as they explained it, there is no ocean in Serbia so they were poorly prepared.
We managed to see fleeting glimpses of a few whales and at the rock formations that make up the destination, Farallon Islands. A bird was reported to have been spotted yesterday that is never in this part of the hemisphere but we did not see it today. The Islands have two little houses that look out to the sea and some other outbuildings. It is a sanctuary so only 8 people are allowed there at any one time and they must be there for a reason, research, reporting etc. Once we stopped circling the island our captain said we were 35.7 miles from San Francisco.
Our trip home was fast and very calm. When boat heads into the wind the ride is always rough and when you turn around and run with the wind the ride over the same waves becomes very smooth and easy. Once we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge we entered the waters where just a little while before had been the site of the America's Cup Race which today went our way on both races. While people were no longer in the red seats set up for viewing the race the streets were jammed with cars as I left.
Then I headed to Redwood City but with the 49erns just letting out I gave up on 101, crossed the bay bridge to Oakland, went down the 880 freeway to the San Mateo Bridge, crossed over to Redwood City, shot my photos and then headed home.
It was an incredibly enjoyable day with Jason, what a great guy, I'm so fortunate to have the kids I have!
And Thanks for making it happen Jo. I appreciate it very much and I know Jason did as well.
Love
tim
We managed to see fleeting glimpses of a few whales and at the rock formations that make up the destination, Farallon Islands. A bird was reported to have been spotted yesterday that is never in this part of the hemisphere but we did not see it today. The Islands have two little houses that look out to the sea and some other outbuildings. It is a sanctuary so only 8 people are allowed there at any one time and they must be there for a reason, research, reporting etc. Once we stopped circling the island our captain said we were 35.7 miles from San Francisco.
Our trip home was fast and very calm. When boat heads into the wind the ride is always rough and when you turn around and run with the wind the ride over the same waves becomes very smooth and easy. Once we passed under the Golden Gate Bridge we entered the waters where just a little while before had been the site of the America's Cup Race which today went our way on both races. While people were no longer in the red seats set up for viewing the race the streets were jammed with cars as I left.
Then I headed to Redwood City but with the 49erns just letting out I gave up on 101, crossed the bay bridge to Oakland, went down the 880 freeway to the San Mateo Bridge, crossed over to Redwood City, shot my photos and then headed home.
It was an incredibly enjoyable day with Jason, what a great guy, I'm so fortunate to have the kids I have!
And Thanks for making it happen Jo. I appreciate it very much and I know Jason did as well.
Love
tim
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Big day
Dear friends and family
Just back from a great dinner for Jason's birthday. My friend and I drove down and we enjoyed a great evening.
This morning kallie and I went to church and were delighted to find jack and like there. What fun to watch the kiddos in action.
On the way home we learned that Keanna's soccer game was cancelled due to heavy rains. So eventually I took Kallie home and then went on with my day.
Jason is turning 36, just can't believe my little guy is 36. The place we went to was in downtown San Jose and the food was very good, interesting to say the least. I brought home 1/2 of the food I ordered and left very full as well.
In the morning I have to leave the house at 6 as Jason and I are going to the Farallon Islands by boat and trip will take most of the day, we expect rough seas, cold weather, perhaps fog and so tonight my friend and I searched until we found the stuff that is supposed to help you NOT lose your cookies. We finally found it, thank goodness.
So I'm signing off now, heading for bed for a few hours of sleep.
Love to all and happy birthday Jason.
Tim
Just back from a great dinner for Jason's birthday. My friend and I drove down and we enjoyed a great evening.
This morning kallie and I went to church and were delighted to find jack and like there. What fun to watch the kiddos in action.
On the way home we learned that Keanna's soccer game was cancelled due to heavy rains. So eventually I took Kallie home and then went on with my day.
Jason is turning 36, just can't believe my little guy is 36. The place we went to was in downtown San Jose and the food was very good, interesting to say the least. I brought home 1/2 of the food I ordered and left very full as well.
In the morning I have to leave the house at 6 as Jason and I are going to the Farallon Islands by boat and trip will take most of the day, we expect rough seas, cold weather, perhaps fog and so tonight my friend and I searched until we found the stuff that is supposed to help you NOT lose your cookies. We finally found it, thank goodness.
So I'm signing off now, heading for bed for a few hours of sleep.
Love to all and happy birthday Jason.
Tim
Friday, September 20, 2013
Charlottes Web
Heading for bed but first I'm just got to share with you how this evening went.
Racing back from Livermore I arrived at about 6 and Kallie and I left a few minutes later. We drove to UNO's, a favorite place of hers and she had pizza and I had soup and salad. We left with only a few minutes to spare to get to the downtown theatre. We slipped in and right down to the front row. Kallie could see everything and everyone up close.
The entire production had a cast of about 6 years old to 16 years and the performers knew their lines perfectly. It was so cute and well done and I think Kallie got exposed to something new. She was drawn to the little actors and actresses who gathered in the entry so the public could thank them. The little girl who played Wilbur the pig was pretty amazing and knew her lines and movements perfectly.
The rest of the day was jammed with work from a lovely 5th story condo in Emeryville with water views and a perfect building to a very ordinary home in Livermore this afternoon with very nice owners, many new orders and a very busy day. I left Discovery this morning with warm weather but found a fog layer over Emeryville and very cool weather. It was a nice surprise.
Tomorrow will be a great day, Kallie to Sabbath School, Keanna playing soccer at 12:30, picking up a friend in Tracy and traveling to San Jose for dinner at a very nice place with the kids. Busy days, great days.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Racing back from Livermore I arrived at about 6 and Kallie and I left a few minutes later. We drove to UNO's, a favorite place of hers and she had pizza and I had soup and salad. We left with only a few minutes to spare to get to the downtown theatre. We slipped in and right down to the front row. Kallie could see everything and everyone up close.
The entire production had a cast of about 6 years old to 16 years and the performers knew their lines perfectly. It was so cute and well done and I think Kallie got exposed to something new. She was drawn to the little actors and actresses who gathered in the entry so the public could thank them. The little girl who played Wilbur the pig was pretty amazing and knew her lines and movements perfectly.
The rest of the day was jammed with work from a lovely 5th story condo in Emeryville with water views and a perfect building to a very ordinary home in Livermore this afternoon with very nice owners, many new orders and a very busy day. I left Discovery this morning with warm weather but found a fog layer over Emeryville and very cool weather. It was a nice surprise.
Tomorrow will be a great day, Kallie to Sabbath School, Keanna playing soccer at 12:30, picking up a friend in Tracy and traveling to San Jose for dinner at a very nice place with the kids. Busy days, great days.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Rough traffic
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm finally home after the worst traffic I've seen in over a year. 101 going north took 90 minutes to go 12 miles turning a planned 45 minute early arrival into a 30 minute late arrival, the sun was almost down when I finally arrived. The tenant was so very gracious but it was a tough late afternoon.
I left on time at 1 and arrived at 2:30 on time in San Jose. The home was beautiful and that one went great. Then I drove to the next one in Cupertino and that one went great in spite of the lady's dog trying to take off my arm. So I was ahead of schedule as I left for the next appointment which should have been no more than 30 minutes away. I'm not sure what happened but 101 never moved above 5 mph for the entire time I was on it and often we just sat for minutes. Other drivers were amazingly calm in spite of the horrible traffic mess.
On this day the fact that I now have an automatic was nice in that I did not have to constantly do the clutch, that part was great.
Tomorrow I'm again on the road, Emeryville at 10, Modesto at 1 and Livermore at 4 or before. Plus several reports are due tomorrow and I'm not going to make the deadlines, not good.
Right now I'm heading for bed, I'm pretty tired and worn out as you might imagine.
Love to all,
Tim
I'm finally home after the worst traffic I've seen in over a year. 101 going north took 90 minutes to go 12 miles turning a planned 45 minute early arrival into a 30 minute late arrival, the sun was almost down when I finally arrived. The tenant was so very gracious but it was a tough late afternoon.
I left on time at 1 and arrived at 2:30 on time in San Jose. The home was beautiful and that one went great. Then I drove to the next one in Cupertino and that one went great in spite of the lady's dog trying to take off my arm. So I was ahead of schedule as I left for the next appointment which should have been no more than 30 minutes away. I'm not sure what happened but 101 never moved above 5 mph for the entire time I was on it and often we just sat for minutes. Other drivers were amazingly calm in spite of the horrible traffic mess.
On this day the fact that I now have an automatic was nice in that I did not have to constantly do the clutch, that part was great.
Tomorrow I'm again on the road, Emeryville at 10, Modesto at 1 and Livermore at 4 or before. Plus several reports are due tomorrow and I'm not going to make the deadlines, not good.
Right now I'm heading for bed, I'm pretty tired and worn out as you might imagine.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Kiddos come to call
Good evening
Just back from a nice walk with a friend in Tracy, 3.5 miles and I'm feeling good.
This morning I took Pooka to the park so there was that walk too.
Today Jessy came to write things up and I have worked writing things as well. Glad to have work, quite a bit of work and I'm very thankful for it.
So now its bed time and I smile as I remember having Kallie here this afternoon, she enjoyed watching the ipad and munching on popcorn and Popsicles as well as Rice milk.
It is so fun to have the girls come to visit. This Friday night I'm taking Kallie to see Charlottes Web, a live play in Antioch, then she is having a sleep over, first in a long time. Sabbath morning Marilyn leaves for some time in Sacramento with family and friends and on sunday Jason and I are going on a boat out to the Farallon Islands for his birthday, what fun.
Tomorrow morning I'm working in and then will be in San Jose at 2:30, Cupertino at 4:30 and Redwood city at 6:30. Busy guy.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Just back from a nice walk with a friend in Tracy, 3.5 miles and I'm feeling good.
This morning I took Pooka to the park so there was that walk too.
Today Jessy came to write things up and I have worked writing things as well. Glad to have work, quite a bit of work and I'm very thankful for it.
So now its bed time and I smile as I remember having Kallie here this afternoon, she enjoyed watching the ipad and munching on popcorn and Popsicles as well as Rice milk.
It is so fun to have the girls come to visit. This Friday night I'm taking Kallie to see Charlottes Web, a live play in Antioch, then she is having a sleep over, first in a long time. Sabbath morning Marilyn leaves for some time in Sacramento with family and friends and on sunday Jason and I are going on a boat out to the Farallon Islands for his birthday, what fun.
Tomorrow morning I'm working in and then will be in San Jose at 2:30, Cupertino at 4:30 and Redwood city at 6:30. Busy guy.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Wow, a packed day for an old guy!
So I'm finally in my office chair, dead tired but relieved that the day is over.
Started at 7, shower, rush down to do research for appraisal in Manteca, leave late for Manteca, arrive late in Manteca, forgiving owner. Cute little place with its own yard yet considered a condo, strange indeed. Comps all nearby.
Hit Starbucks for multi grain bagel with butter, light mocha and a nice chat with my friend. Then it was back on the road, this time to Costco in Tracy for a battery, the shop had already called to say the battery was toast and their price was too high at $133.
Purchase battery for $84 plus tax and core charge, drive to Brentwood, unload battery, they install it and confirm that the alternator is only putting out 9 volts, needs to put out 14. Ouch, lots of bucks to make it happen. Left for home office.
Home office, Jessy working away, I prepare for afternoon of seeing Danville duet, then Castro Valley home and then driveby in Livermore on the way home. Fuel very low after first inspection, Gas Buddy tells me diesel is $3,97 on Bernal at a Safeway. I limp there hoping not to run out, diesel is $4.29, I feel burned, I report to Gas Buddy their error. I buy three gallons after I find a credit card that will work.
On the way to Livermore after Castro Valley I stop at Costco, turn in old battery and get my $9.00 back. Also look into tires for the van and getting those horrible run flat PAX tires off of it. Won't be cheap, tires are only about $600 but have to buy new rims to replace the PAD rims, that could cost some bucks. This set of run flats are wearing terrible, look awful, Honda's worst idea ever!
Upon arriving at home picked up Marilyn and she and I drove over to pick up Civic at STeve and Nikki's saw girls for a minute.
Now ready to crash, dead tired. Glad all days are not like this one.
Love to all
Tim
Started at 7, shower, rush down to do research for appraisal in Manteca, leave late for Manteca, arrive late in Manteca, forgiving owner. Cute little place with its own yard yet considered a condo, strange indeed. Comps all nearby.
Hit Starbucks for multi grain bagel with butter, light mocha and a nice chat with my friend. Then it was back on the road, this time to Costco in Tracy for a battery, the shop had already called to say the battery was toast and their price was too high at $133.
Purchase battery for $84 plus tax and core charge, drive to Brentwood, unload battery, they install it and confirm that the alternator is only putting out 9 volts, needs to put out 14. Ouch, lots of bucks to make it happen. Left for home office.
Home office, Jessy working away, I prepare for afternoon of seeing Danville duet, then Castro Valley home and then driveby in Livermore on the way home. Fuel very low after first inspection, Gas Buddy tells me diesel is $3,97 on Bernal at a Safeway. I limp there hoping not to run out, diesel is $4.29, I feel burned, I report to Gas Buddy their error. I buy three gallons after I find a credit card that will work.
On the way to Livermore after Castro Valley I stop at Costco, turn in old battery and get my $9.00 back. Also look into tires for the van and getting those horrible run flat PAX tires off of it. Won't be cheap, tires are only about $600 but have to buy new rims to replace the PAD rims, that could cost some bucks. This set of run flats are wearing terrible, look awful, Honda's worst idea ever!
Upon arriving at home picked up Marilyn and she and I drove over to pick up Civic at STeve and Nikki's saw girls for a minute.
Now ready to crash, dead tired. Glad all days are not like this one.
Love to all
Tim
Monday, September 16, 2013
Challenges
Good evening,
I'm just back from Brentwood. Earlier this evening Nikki called to say the van was making strange noises, that lights were flashing on the dash and that it almost did not make it through an intersection. So Marilyn and I drove in to town to check out the van. Once there at the gym we found it would not start at all, battery was too dead.
So we turned over the Civic to her she could get the girls home to bed and came back to pick up the battery starter and some cables, some tools etc.
We drove back to the van, put the little jump starter on it and it started right up. The engine had a new whirring sound, I'm personally guessing its an alternator with bad bearings but could be any number of things. I was able to drive it carefully across town to the repair place that did the compressor, locked it up solid, wrote a long message and dropped the message and the keys into the office. Now I'm asking the angels to watch over the van tonight, its important to our family and we so need it to work properly.
On the way home we stopped in for a quick bite at a little Mexican place in Brentwood and now we are home.
Today I've written a report a couple times and finally got it right and delivered, then made appointments, did research and inspected a little house that is being mostly torn down so the new owner can built a new place using foundation and one wall thus it becomes a remodel instead of new construction, costs a truck load of money less for a remodel versus a new home with the city for the building permits and taxes.
Then it was Costco for a few things and home to work again. I wrote up an appraisal for a purchased in concord for a nice little house that was nearly as old as I am. Has a bunch of new stuff and a big lot, selling for $348,000.
So now once again its time to rest and I intend to do so right away.
Sending love to all, please pray for protection for the van tonight, its not a great part of town to park a car but I didn't think it would make it home and back again.
Tim
I'm just back from Brentwood. Earlier this evening Nikki called to say the van was making strange noises, that lights were flashing on the dash and that it almost did not make it through an intersection. So Marilyn and I drove in to town to check out the van. Once there at the gym we found it would not start at all, battery was too dead.
So we turned over the Civic to her she could get the girls home to bed and came back to pick up the battery starter and some cables, some tools etc.
We drove back to the van, put the little jump starter on it and it started right up. The engine had a new whirring sound, I'm personally guessing its an alternator with bad bearings but could be any number of things. I was able to drive it carefully across town to the repair place that did the compressor, locked it up solid, wrote a long message and dropped the message and the keys into the office. Now I'm asking the angels to watch over the van tonight, its important to our family and we so need it to work properly.
On the way home we stopped in for a quick bite at a little Mexican place in Brentwood and now we are home.
Today I've written a report a couple times and finally got it right and delivered, then made appointments, did research and inspected a little house that is being mostly torn down so the new owner can built a new place using foundation and one wall thus it becomes a remodel instead of new construction, costs a truck load of money less for a remodel versus a new home with the city for the building permits and taxes.
Then it was Costco for a few things and home to work again. I wrote up an appraisal for a purchased in concord for a nice little house that was nearly as old as I am. Has a bunch of new stuff and a big lot, selling for $348,000.
So now once again its time to rest and I intend to do so right away.
Sending love to all, please pray for protection for the van tonight, its not a great part of town to park a car but I didn't think it would make it home and back again.
Tim
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Excellent day
Dear Family and Friends,
I've been home about an hour after a really enjoyable day with a friend, we walked the waterfront in Benicia, then had lunch at the place Jessy works, Rookies, then caught a movie in Tracy, a great friend building day and I thank the Lord for the day.
This morning I rolled out early and worked on a report that had to be completed today. It was and now this evening I have to tweak things in the report to make it stronger.
That is right after I go to bed for the night and get up early in the morning.
I'm finding life very enjoyable lately and so thankful for the many blessings we all experience. I had such a great time with Kallie, then Jason, Jo and the kiddos. I deeply appreciate that my family is so near that I get to spend time with them. How sweet it is to be loved by them.
Sending love to all the special people who make up my world. I love you all.
Tim
I've been home about an hour after a really enjoyable day with a friend, we walked the waterfront in Benicia, then had lunch at the place Jessy works, Rookies, then caught a movie in Tracy, a great friend building day and I thank the Lord for the day.
This morning I rolled out early and worked on a report that had to be completed today. It was and now this evening I have to tweak things in the report to make it stronger.
That is right after I go to bed for the night and get up early in the morning.
I'm finding life very enjoyable lately and so thankful for the many blessings we all experience. I had such a great time with Kallie, then Jason, Jo and the kiddos. I deeply appreciate that my family is so near that I get to spend time with them. How sweet it is to be loved by them.
Sending love to all the special people who make up my world. I love you all.
Tim
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Terrific Sabbath
Good evening,
This has been one of those days worth living. It included family, worship, travel, RVs, good food and a safe trip.
Climbed out this morning at 7, did the shower thing and picked up Kallie at 8:40, we went to McDonalds for some hash browns and scrambled eggs, some OJ and were on our way to Tracy to the church.
When we arrived we discovered that there were two little girls already in Sabbath School. Kallie joined the happy bunch and Kim did a super job with leading out. I will miss being able to witness SS once Kallie moves to the next class that is more age appropriate for her that is taught by Sylvia, Rod, Wes and Pat. For now Kallie would like to stay where she is.
After Sabbath School we did a quick stop at Dollar Store where Kallie picked up a cute little figurine and some dog treats for her doggies.
We then launched ourselves onto the freeway going toward San Jose. We arrived and missed the entrance to their complex but after back tracking Kallie found it with her sharp eyes. We parked and piled into the Odyssey with the family and went to lunch at PK Changs, I think that is the name. I thought the food was great and they even had brown rice there. We started with something wrapped in lettuce that was so excellent. Kallie did not like her chicken nuggets but relied on her orange juice for lunch.
We then drove to a place in Gilroy where may different RVs were on display. You just would not believe how much fun the three little kiddos had checking each and every one out. Some were really beautiful and some were costly while other were very reasonable and had clever floor plans. There was one that had a diesel engine, was 25 feet long and was very beautiful but was on sale, was used and the sticker was $111,000. Wow that will slow a person down.
Afterwards we drove back to San Jose and then Kallie and I drove home. All of the kiddos were so enjoyable today, they are precious little people and were very well mannered. I am so proud of them.
Sending love to all,
Tim
This has been one of those days worth living. It included family, worship, travel, RVs, good food and a safe trip.
Climbed out this morning at 7, did the shower thing and picked up Kallie at 8:40, we went to McDonalds for some hash browns and scrambled eggs, some OJ and were on our way to Tracy to the church.
When we arrived we discovered that there were two little girls already in Sabbath School. Kallie joined the happy bunch and Kim did a super job with leading out. I will miss being able to witness SS once Kallie moves to the next class that is more age appropriate for her that is taught by Sylvia, Rod, Wes and Pat. For now Kallie would like to stay where she is.
After Sabbath School we did a quick stop at Dollar Store where Kallie picked up a cute little figurine and some dog treats for her doggies.
We then launched ourselves onto the freeway going toward San Jose. We arrived and missed the entrance to their complex but after back tracking Kallie found it with her sharp eyes. We parked and piled into the Odyssey with the family and went to lunch at PK Changs, I think that is the name. I thought the food was great and they even had brown rice there. We started with something wrapped in lettuce that was so excellent. Kallie did not like her chicken nuggets but relied on her orange juice for lunch.
We then drove to a place in Gilroy where may different RVs were on display. You just would not believe how much fun the three little kiddos had checking each and every one out. Some were really beautiful and some were costly while other were very reasonable and had clever floor plans. There was one that had a diesel engine, was 25 feet long and was very beautiful but was on sale, was used and the sticker was $111,000. Wow that will slow a person down.
Afterwards we drove back to San Jose and then Kallie and I drove home. All of the kiddos were so enjoyable today, they are precious little people and were very well mannered. I am so proud of them.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, September 13, 2013
After a long week there are many things to be thankful for
Good evening,
Just back from IHOP where we waited forever to be served, over 30 minutes before the hostess finally took pity and took our order. They were slammed with lots of customers but the food was very good and filling.
I rolled out this morning at 5:20, could not sleep any more, my mind was concerned that I would reach my first appointment in San Leandro by 9 am considering morning traffic. Funny I actually arrived 30 minutes early. It was good to see the owner again, I've done this 4 plex a number of times over the years and it still needs nearly everything to make it livable. He has remodeled one unit which is where he and his wife life. When I went to take the bedroom photo I found her still in bed so I just pointed the camera the other way. My work is almost never boring!
Once I left the 4 plex I then drove to Alameda and found a very nice guy and his townhome on a quiet court. Then I found a Starbucks but they were not friendly like I'm used to. I drove to Concord where I inspected a little home that had been updated by investors and was selling for a good price.
Once I was through I headed home, encountered a bit of traffic but not awful. Once home I went to work on the 4 plex but I'm not completed yet. He needs it by Monday to fight his taxes being raised.
A funny thing happened this afternoon, a nice black pickup pulled into the driveway and the guys ask if I wanted to sell the motorhome, I said yes for $31,000. They didn't want to pay that much. Then they asked about the boat and I told them $3,500 but then the phone rang and it was my good friend so I turned away and they left. They said they would come again another day. Strange that they wanted to pay me cash money on the spot for either the motorhome or the boat. Somehow it does not sound just right.
Well I'm very ready for bed now, this has been a week with ups and downs like usual. I'm sitting pretty good with orders now and Steve has some too. For that we are both very grateful, work is such a blessing and I really enjoy working with so many fine people in the industry.
Sending love to all, enjoy the Sabbath, I intend to by bringing Kallie in the morning, can't wait.
Tim
Just back from IHOP where we waited forever to be served, over 30 minutes before the hostess finally took pity and took our order. They were slammed with lots of customers but the food was very good and filling.
I rolled out this morning at 5:20, could not sleep any more, my mind was concerned that I would reach my first appointment in San Leandro by 9 am considering morning traffic. Funny I actually arrived 30 minutes early. It was good to see the owner again, I've done this 4 plex a number of times over the years and it still needs nearly everything to make it livable. He has remodeled one unit which is where he and his wife life. When I went to take the bedroom photo I found her still in bed so I just pointed the camera the other way. My work is almost never boring!
Once I left the 4 plex I then drove to Alameda and found a very nice guy and his townhome on a quiet court. Then I found a Starbucks but they were not friendly like I'm used to. I drove to Concord where I inspected a little home that had been updated by investors and was selling for a good price.
Once I was through I headed home, encountered a bit of traffic but not awful. Once home I went to work on the 4 plex but I'm not completed yet. He needs it by Monday to fight his taxes being raised.
A funny thing happened this afternoon, a nice black pickup pulled into the driveway and the guys ask if I wanted to sell the motorhome, I said yes for $31,000. They didn't want to pay that much. Then they asked about the boat and I told them $3,500 but then the phone rang and it was my good friend so I turned away and they left. They said they would come again another day. Strange that they wanted to pay me cash money on the spot for either the motorhome or the boat. Somehow it does not sound just right.
Well I'm very ready for bed now, this has been a week with ups and downs like usual. I'm sitting pretty good with orders now and Steve has some too. For that we are both very grateful, work is such a blessing and I really enjoy working with so many fine people in the industry.
Sending love to all, enjoy the Sabbath, I intend to by bringing Kallie in the morning, can't wait.
Tim
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Kiddo day
Well it works, we picked up the van tonight and Nikki reports that it cools very well. The tech that worked on it said it was down to 34 degrees, that pretty good really and it has a 1 year warranty on parts and labor so lets hope that is done.
This morning I woke to do a bit of work and then drive to Milpitas to see Mia and grandparent day. Only problem was that first we had to take the van to Brentwood to the shop and leave it, then I came back and left from home. Vasco Road was a parking lot, there had been a big accident so it took 45 minutes to traverse Vasco Road when it is usually about 15 minutes. That meant I arrived at school at 10:44 when my goal was 10. I had fun playing with Mia and her friends outside, then it was time to come in and sing and then one of the Grandparents read a story and then I bid her good bye and came back home. This time no traffic, just stupid freeway sweepers, they really big me, they hold up traffic for miles behind and involve a lot of vehicles, a CHP, a water truck. Who really cares if the middle of the freeway is clear of trash or not? And why can't this be done at night when it would involve a lot less traffic disruption.
A Costco stop got me some dog food and a few other things. Then it was time to pickup the girls from school. They were in great spirits and we had fun until 2 pm when I left to see a house a block away. What an amazing place, built with the highest quality materials, solid walnut, plush carpeting, high end appliances, marble floors and on and on. I was doing it to determine a value as of the day of death for the lady of the house. They had been married 63 years. pretty amazing property.
Then it was back home to work a bit, then drive Nikki and the girls to Brentwood to pick up the car and while we were there we went to BJs for dinner, very good food.
Now I'm home and on my way to bed.
Tomorrow I spend the day with Bob at Apple Hill which is just above Placerville where we will visit various orchards and farms. Its a wonderful place to visit and they have apple doughnuts!
Jo just sent a photo taken today which I have included here.
Love to all
Tim
This morning I woke to do a bit of work and then drive to Milpitas to see Mia and grandparent day. Only problem was that first we had to take the van to Brentwood to the shop and leave it, then I came back and left from home. Vasco Road was a parking lot, there had been a big accident so it took 45 minutes to traverse Vasco Road when it is usually about 15 minutes. That meant I arrived at school at 10:44 when my goal was 10. I had fun playing with Mia and her friends outside, then it was time to come in and sing and then one of the Grandparents read a story and then I bid her good bye and came back home. This time no traffic, just stupid freeway sweepers, they really big me, they hold up traffic for miles behind and involve a lot of vehicles, a CHP, a water truck. Who really cares if the middle of the freeway is clear of trash or not? And why can't this be done at night when it would involve a lot less traffic disruption.
A Costco stop got me some dog food and a few other things. Then it was time to pickup the girls from school. They were in great spirits and we had fun until 2 pm when I left to see a house a block away. What an amazing place, built with the highest quality materials, solid walnut, plush carpeting, high end appliances, marble floors and on and on. I was doing it to determine a value as of the day of death for the lady of the house. They had been married 63 years. pretty amazing property.
Then it was back home to work a bit, then drive Nikki and the girls to Brentwood to pick up the car and while we were there we went to BJs for dinner, very good food.
Now I'm home and on my way to bed.
Tomorrow I spend the day with Bob at Apple Hill which is just above Placerville where we will visit various orchards and farms. Its a wonderful place to visit and they have apple doughnuts!
Jo just sent a photo taken today which I have included here.
Love to all
Tim
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Cranking out the work, fixing the van, getting help from Jessy.
So it was up at 6 this morning and by noon I had 3 reports delivered. New orders came in for which I am very grateful and I just kept at the work.
Jessy offered to come in today and I gladly accepted her help. Mid day I started searching for someplace to repair the Air Conditioning in the van, it had failed yesterday afternoon. Its not easy to just find someplace you can walk in but eventually I found a place and took the van in having traded cars with Nikki, she had the new green bug.
After about half an hour the mechanic came in with the bad news, the compressor was shot, the most expensive item in the entire air conditioning system. They ordered a new compressor, it will be in at 8 in the morning and the entire job is paid for, thanks to the clients who have been paying lately. So by tomorrow afternoon the AC should be working again, lets hope and pray that its true.
After Marilyn and I deliver the van for its repairs I'll leave for Milpitas to see Mia at her special grandparent day. The event runs from 10 to 11 and I can't wait. Then I'll drive back to Discovery Bay and pick up Kallie at 1:15 at her school. At 2:05 we'll pick up Keanna after she does running club. At that same time I'll do an appraisal for a property located about a block from my house and then later in the afternoon we'll go back and pickup the van once the girls are on their way. It will be a busy day.
On Thursday I'm going to Apple Hill with Bob for the day which will be great fun. On Friday I'm seeing properties all day and that should round out the week.
So as you can see I'm not wasting any time these days. Busy and productive is my motto.
Love to you and yours,
Tim
Jessy offered to come in today and I gladly accepted her help. Mid day I started searching for someplace to repair the Air Conditioning in the van, it had failed yesterday afternoon. Its not easy to just find someplace you can walk in but eventually I found a place and took the van in having traded cars with Nikki, she had the new green bug.
After about half an hour the mechanic came in with the bad news, the compressor was shot, the most expensive item in the entire air conditioning system. They ordered a new compressor, it will be in at 8 in the morning and the entire job is paid for, thanks to the clients who have been paying lately. So by tomorrow afternoon the AC should be working again, lets hope and pray that its true.
After Marilyn and I deliver the van for its repairs I'll leave for Milpitas to see Mia at her special grandparent day. The event runs from 10 to 11 and I can't wait. Then I'll drive back to Discovery Bay and pick up Kallie at 1:15 at her school. At 2:05 we'll pick up Keanna after she does running club. At that same time I'll do an appraisal for a property located about a block from my house and then later in the afternoon we'll go back and pickup the van once the girls are on their way. It will be a busy day.
On Thursday I'm going to Apple Hill with Bob for the day which will be great fun. On Friday I'm seeing properties all day and that should round out the week.
So as you can see I'm not wasting any time these days. Busy and productive is my motto.
Love to you and yours,
Tim
Monday, September 9, 2013
Whew, its hot here
Good evening,
While Mt. Diablo burns and the smoke swirls around us we take note that it is very hot. On my return trip from Livermore this afternoon it was 101 on the outside temp reading in the VW.
I've come arrived home after a nice evening with a new friend. A very pleasant experience aided by my friends Ron and Lydia and I do appreciate their help.
I rose this morning and went outside to dump the tanks in the motorhome, it came back last Wednesday and I had forgotten to dump the tanks. So I managed to get it backed in between the black bug which is still on the tow dolly in the street and the boat that is parked in the driveway. I now have a very long hose made up of several hoses to dump the tanks and it all went well. I also refilled the fresh water tank while I was there. Then I put the coach back and came in to work on an appraisal that needed to be completed. While I was working something went wrong in the computer and the sketch file became corrupted, I was out of business and the client was very anxious to get the report. I was set to be in Livermore at 11 and so I started out but the client begged me for the report so I turned back, feeling the stress and connected to my software vendor, they offer constant help if needed.
They controlled my computer, found the bad file, set it aside after renaming it and then I was able to do a new sketch of this condo in the Oakland hills, finish the report and get it to them. I was in my car to leave when text came in telling me things needed to be changed in the report, so I turned off the car and came back in, opened it up and fixed things, locked it up and resent it to them, then I was able to leave for the appointment, fortunately the owner was home until 2 pm and I arrived at about 1:45 and was able to do my work.
So after a quick stop at Starbucks for a Iced Chai Tea Latte with non fat milk I drove home with the temperature about 100 outside and smoke billowing from nearby Mt. Diablo, I was about 5 miles from the fire but it was pretty obvious that there was a fire taking place.
Once I got home I worked some more on a new report and then headed to Tracy for dinner. All in all it was a good day and my ancient central AC is working well in the house and is backed up with some wall units.
Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler a bit and each day after is cooler still.
I would like to report that Steve has two orders to prepare tomorrow which I consider a direct answer to prayer. Oh how thankful I am that orders are slowly coming in.
Right now its bedtime and I intend to be back working at 6 in the morning. Love to all.
Tim
While Mt. Diablo burns and the smoke swirls around us we take note that it is very hot. On my return trip from Livermore this afternoon it was 101 on the outside temp reading in the VW.
I've come arrived home after a nice evening with a new friend. A very pleasant experience aided by my friends Ron and Lydia and I do appreciate their help.
I rose this morning and went outside to dump the tanks in the motorhome, it came back last Wednesday and I had forgotten to dump the tanks. So I managed to get it backed in between the black bug which is still on the tow dolly in the street and the boat that is parked in the driveway. I now have a very long hose made up of several hoses to dump the tanks and it all went well. I also refilled the fresh water tank while I was there. Then I put the coach back and came in to work on an appraisal that needed to be completed. While I was working something went wrong in the computer and the sketch file became corrupted, I was out of business and the client was very anxious to get the report. I was set to be in Livermore at 11 and so I started out but the client begged me for the report so I turned back, feeling the stress and connected to my software vendor, they offer constant help if needed.
They controlled my computer, found the bad file, set it aside after renaming it and then I was able to do a new sketch of this condo in the Oakland hills, finish the report and get it to them. I was in my car to leave when text came in telling me things needed to be changed in the report, so I turned off the car and came back in, opened it up and fixed things, locked it up and resent it to them, then I was able to leave for the appointment, fortunately the owner was home until 2 pm and I arrived at about 1:45 and was able to do my work.
So after a quick stop at Starbucks for a Iced Chai Tea Latte with non fat milk I drove home with the temperature about 100 outside and smoke billowing from nearby Mt. Diablo, I was about 5 miles from the fire but it was pretty obvious that there was a fire taking place.
Once I got home I worked some more on a new report and then headed to Tracy for dinner. All in all it was a good day and my ancient central AC is working well in the house and is backed up with some wall units.
Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler a bit and each day after is cooler still.
I would like to report that Steve has two orders to prepare tomorrow which I consider a direct answer to prayer. Oh how thankful I am that orders are slowly coming in.
Right now its bedtime and I intend to be back working at 6 in the morning. Love to all.
Tim
Sunday, September 8, 2013
In my home office chair again
Incredible weekend for all the family, the great conversations, for seeing Joe as he opened his cards and gifts, for seeing both town people and extended family join together and celebrate a really good guy, a guy who loves life, people, animals, humor, hunting, fishing, chasing oil wells and pickup trucks.
Saturday morning I woke with a sore throat from sleeping in a smoking room, yuk.
I drove out to join the family at the house, a place on a bunch of acres just outside of town and was met by 6 dogs of every size yet united in doing one thing, barking! One has a tongue that hangs out a lot, perhaps its because he has been bitten by a snake twice in the last two years yet lived. They are so funny as they compete for ones attention.
There is a very large family room with chairs and couches all around plus this massage chair that will just tear you up with its routines, wow. There is a huge flat screen on the wall and non stop westerns or football. Joe was an extra when they made the Alamo movie so that one gets played quite a bit. He knew Richard Widmark and John Wayne who were in the movie.
Last night I was moved to a non smoking room which had been updated. A totally different experience. Another reason to quit smoking, you get better rooms at a motel. At about midnight I gave up and went to sleep but was up at 8 this morning. Thinking to do something nice I stopped for doughnuts and took a dozen, only $6.00. Well two other people had the same idea so there were plenty! We all sat around and talked for awhile, someone showed me how to do Facebook and I enjoyed learning.
Then the buzz was that we were invited to go visit a nearby ranch, a ranch with hundreds of acres, a ranch owned by one of Joe's long time friends, a guy who get his real financial start when his new company was hired to clean up the Waco mess after the government killed all the men, women and children, that's Janet Reno! That contract got him launched he eventually sold the company for a reported $90 million dollars. He owns other companies as well but has mostly retired now and travels the world searching for big game. On his huge spread he has constructed a large building where he keeps his big game. So we were invited to come over and see. It is not possible to describe with words but there are hundreds of deer, lions, water buffalo, dozens of different kinds of deer from 10 inches high to 8 feet tall, he has giraffes, hippos, all mounted on backdrops that simulate the wilds where they came from. The museum is amazing and there is even a gun room where his rare guns are kept, on was from Colt and was the only one of its kind ever made. Both he and his wife were friendly and told stories about their adventures. She complained that since he got a faster jet he got back sooner and was under foot, funny sort of complaint. All in all it was a great experience and I'll share some of the photos tomorrow.
About noon I loaded up the rental car and hit the road. Now hitting the road there is different. The freeways are wide and in perfect condition with speed limits up to 80 mph so the trip back was quick and easy. Since I arrived back early they bumped me to an earlier flight and I first flew to Austin, a 35 minutes flight, then stayed on the plane for Oakland which left very soon. I arrived back in Oakland just before 7, found my car and headed home.
The weekend was very special. I got to spend time with a family I treasure, a family that still has open arms for me in spite of Nan leaving all of us about 6 years ago. Last night David pulled out a book of photos of Nan and there were ones in there I had no seen in a long time. What a beautiful lady and what a great honor to have been married to her for 36 years.
I'm very thankful to Dana and Tim for getting the pink pass that allowed this weekend to happen for me. Everything went very smoothly.
Love to all
Tim
Saturday morning I woke with a sore throat from sleeping in a smoking room, yuk.
I drove out to join the family at the house, a place on a bunch of acres just outside of town and was met by 6 dogs of every size yet united in doing one thing, barking! One has a tongue that hangs out a lot, perhaps its because he has been bitten by a snake twice in the last two years yet lived. They are so funny as they compete for ones attention.
There is a very large family room with chairs and couches all around plus this massage chair that will just tear you up with its routines, wow. There is a huge flat screen on the wall and non stop westerns or football. Joe was an extra when they made the Alamo movie so that one gets played quite a bit. He knew Richard Widmark and John Wayne who were in the movie.
Last night I was moved to a non smoking room which had been updated. A totally different experience. Another reason to quit smoking, you get better rooms at a motel. At about midnight I gave up and went to sleep but was up at 8 this morning. Thinking to do something nice I stopped for doughnuts and took a dozen, only $6.00. Well two other people had the same idea so there were plenty! We all sat around and talked for awhile, someone showed me how to do Facebook and I enjoyed learning.
Then the buzz was that we were invited to go visit a nearby ranch, a ranch with hundreds of acres, a ranch owned by one of Joe's long time friends, a guy who get his real financial start when his new company was hired to clean up the Waco mess after the government killed all the men, women and children, that's Janet Reno! That contract got him launched he eventually sold the company for a reported $90 million dollars. He owns other companies as well but has mostly retired now and travels the world searching for big game. On his huge spread he has constructed a large building where he keeps his big game. So we were invited to come over and see. It is not possible to describe with words but there are hundreds of deer, lions, water buffalo, dozens of different kinds of deer from 10 inches high to 8 feet tall, he has giraffes, hippos, all mounted on backdrops that simulate the wilds where they came from. The museum is amazing and there is even a gun room where his rare guns are kept, on was from Colt and was the only one of its kind ever made. Both he and his wife were friendly and told stories about their adventures. She complained that since he got a faster jet he got back sooner and was under foot, funny sort of complaint. All in all it was a great experience and I'll share some of the photos tomorrow.
About noon I loaded up the rental car and hit the road. Now hitting the road there is different. The freeways are wide and in perfect condition with speed limits up to 80 mph so the trip back was quick and easy. Since I arrived back early they bumped me to an earlier flight and I first flew to Austin, a 35 minutes flight, then stayed on the plane for Oakland which left very soon. I arrived back in Oakland just before 7, found my car and headed home.
The weekend was very special. I got to spend time with a family I treasure, a family that still has open arms for me in spite of Nan leaving all of us about 6 years ago. Last night David pulled out a book of photos of Nan and there were ones in there I had no seen in a long time. What a beautiful lady and what a great honor to have been married to her for 36 years.
I'm very thankful to Dana and Tim for getting the pink pass that allowed this weekend to happen for me. Everything went very smoothly.
Love to all
Tim
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Greetings from eastland
Good evening,
I'm Snuggled away in my hotel room this evening. It's been a very good day. I've spent the entire day with family lots of family members. This evening we had a very special birthday party for Joe he's just turned 75 years old and lots of people came to help them celebrate.
During the day we drove down to the back of his 300 acres where he has dozens of lots that people can rent for recreational needs and saw a very interesting part of Texas.
The weather has been overcast hot humid a little bit of rain and typical Texas all day.
Last night I got in pretty late after missing my plane in Oakland.
At 12:30 I finally checked in and learned they had saved me a smoking room.
As lots of hunters were in town fore a dove hunting celebration I had the only room left. So I slept with smoke. Not so cool. Woke with raw throat but then had a good breakfast in motel and drove out to try to find their place. Took two try's but I did find it.
This afternoon the management moved me to a nicer non smoking room and I'm happier!
I leave from Dallas sometime tomorrow afternoon but I'm not sure when. I'll have to find out tomorrow.
Someone very special drove here today from Oklahoma, dear aunt Ann hottal. She and Jim taught at Lodi for years and nan was living with them when we first met. She is a precious 81 year old lady who thinks nothing of driving 6 hours in her accord. Amazing lady with a powerful faith.
Well it's bedtime.
Love to all and especially to Jason, Nikki, Steve and Jo.
Tim
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Busy day that ends with fire.........
As I was driving home from seeing two properties in Livermore suddenly I saw bright orange flames, burning in a huge circle in the grassy slopes near Vasco Road. Traffic slowed as choking smoke blew across the road but there were no fire fighters. Only 15 minutes later as I neared home did I begin to hear the wail of sirens. It was a rather shocking experience.
This morning after breakfast I wrote one and then set up orders, did research and started to write yet another one. Once check arrived in the mail which was great! At 2 I had to drive to Antioch to inspect a new railing that had just been added to a front porch for safety sake. The seller was there busily building the railing and he had enough done that I could shoot a photo. Then I headed back diverting through Brentwood to get the car washed. Marilyn had parked under a big tree at Diane's place and the birds had really piled it on, I mean it was bad.
Once I got home there was just enough time to ship out the photo and report about the railing, fix a couple other things and leave for Livermore.
In Livermore both homes were small and in perfect, updated condition. Of course once I finished it was nearly dark and I drove through In and Out for a sandwich.
Now its bed time and I'm very thankful for something to do, work wise. I just pray every day that Steve will get orders, he is very prepared, very skilled and ready to do excellent work.
Tomorrow evening I'll be blogging from Eastland Texas. I leave here at 10:30 tomorrow, will park and check in, then wait until I fly out at 12:30 and I think I arrive about 4 or so in Dallas at Love Field.
Joe is turning 75 and that is so wonderful. How much Nan would have loved to see this happen, oh how I miss her.
Sending love to all and especially to Mia, Kallie, Timothy and Keanna, my very precious little people. What a huge blessing they all are.
Love
Tim
This morning after breakfast I wrote one and then set up orders, did research and started to write yet another one. Once check arrived in the mail which was great! At 2 I had to drive to Antioch to inspect a new railing that had just been added to a front porch for safety sake. The seller was there busily building the railing and he had enough done that I could shoot a photo. Then I headed back diverting through Brentwood to get the car washed. Marilyn had parked under a big tree at Diane's place and the birds had really piled it on, I mean it was bad.
Once I got home there was just enough time to ship out the photo and report about the railing, fix a couple other things and leave for Livermore.
In Livermore both homes were small and in perfect, updated condition. Of course once I finished it was nearly dark and I drove through In and Out for a sandwich.
Now its bed time and I'm very thankful for something to do, work wise. I just pray every day that Steve will get orders, he is very prepared, very skilled and ready to do excellent work.
Tomorrow evening I'll be blogging from Eastland Texas. I leave here at 10:30 tomorrow, will park and check in, then wait until I fly out at 12:30 and I think I arrive about 4 or so in Dallas at Love Field.
Joe is turning 75 and that is so wonderful. How much Nan would have loved to see this happen, oh how I miss her.
Sending love to all and especially to Mia, Kallie, Timothy and Keanna, my very precious little people. What a huge blessing they all are.
Love
Tim
Wednesday, September 4, 2013
Fiddler on the Roof - what a performance!
I'm just back home from the Stockton Civic Theatre located just off March Lane. Bob, his son and grand daughter Olivia, Marilyn and myself had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and then went to the performance. Even though it was a first night event it went very smoothly and the music and acting was powerful. We all enjoyed the evening very much, unforgettable really.
Today the motorhome came home and it is very clean and beautiful both inside and out. I've already filled the fuel, took 33 gallons and mailed back the deposit I owed them. It was a very special moment to get to Maria again, she is such a fine lady. They all had a super time at the Burning Man, things went very smoothly and the motorhome worked very well but its nice to see the coach in the driveway, how I wish I could purchase a cover and keep it clean like it is right now, wow.
This morning we drove to Antioch and inspected a property, then came back in time to pick up the girls at school. They spent the afternoon and shared things very nicely, did their homework and were just wonderful. Kallie picked 4 tomatoes and has them very clean and ready. We took them home at 4:30 as they had dance and soccer to attend to yet this evening.
I wrote and delivered an appraisal this morning before Antioch, it felt strange to do it myself as Jessy usually performs her magic on each appraisal. Jessy reported that she lost her phone in the pool but that she is enjoying working on getting the eating establishment open.
This afternoon I picked up two orders for Livermore and I have one scheduled for tomorrow evening.
On Friday I fly to Dallas where I pick up a little rental and drive to Eastland Texas where I check into a local motel, then on Sat. its a day to spend with the family, can't wait to see all of them again. Then on Sat evening is the actual birthday party for Joe and then I fly home on Sunday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to the trip just like I was really looking forward to the play this evening. Someone wise said change is vacation and its true. When we move beyond our routine and do something different it is like a vacation.
Right now I'm heading to bed, its late once again.
Love to all and special thanks to Bob for arranging the enjoyable evening.
Tim
Today the motorhome came home and it is very clean and beautiful both inside and out. I've already filled the fuel, took 33 gallons and mailed back the deposit I owed them. It was a very special moment to get to Maria again, she is such a fine lady. They all had a super time at the Burning Man, things went very smoothly and the motorhome worked very well but its nice to see the coach in the driveway, how I wish I could purchase a cover and keep it clean like it is right now, wow.
This morning we drove to Antioch and inspected a property, then came back in time to pick up the girls at school. They spent the afternoon and shared things very nicely, did their homework and were just wonderful. Kallie picked 4 tomatoes and has them very clean and ready. We took them home at 4:30 as they had dance and soccer to attend to yet this evening.
I wrote and delivered an appraisal this morning before Antioch, it felt strange to do it myself as Jessy usually performs her magic on each appraisal. Jessy reported that she lost her phone in the pool but that she is enjoying working on getting the eating establishment open.
This afternoon I picked up two orders for Livermore and I have one scheduled for tomorrow evening.
On Friday I fly to Dallas where I pick up a little rental and drive to Eastland Texas where I check into a local motel, then on Sat. its a day to spend with the family, can't wait to see all of them again. Then on Sat evening is the actual birthday party for Joe and then I fly home on Sunday afternoon. I'm really looking forward to the trip just like I was really looking forward to the play this evening. Someone wise said change is vacation and its true. When we move beyond our routine and do something different it is like a vacation.
Right now I'm heading to bed, its late once again.
Love to all and special thanks to Bob for arranging the enjoyable evening.
Tim
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Orders arrive almost like a miracle
Dear Family and Friends,
This morning I decided that rather than a useless walk to the park I'd use my energy in breaking up and stuffing the many branches and limbs from the pile beside the house, a pile created when I cut off many large branches to have more lake views and less rubbing against the house. I created this huge pile of nasty little branches. They have been there for weeks and I decided that since I had no appraisal orders I would tackle the pile.
I was blessed with a nice breeze and shade and after a couple hours the pile was gone, all tucked away in the green waste can and in black plastic bags. Feels good to have it dealt with.
While I was working I had my phone and a coffee cup nearby with decaf on ice. My phone lets me know when an email comes in and I was pleased to see an order, in fact she called to ask if I wanted an order. It was a driveby for Gilroy and I responded by letting her know how much I appreciated it and I was very anxious to help in any way I could. She wrote back to say she had a second one in the Santa Cruz mountains up near the Summit.
So shortly thereafter I was on the road with both properties set up. I arrived about 3:40 in Gilroy after a traffic free trip down. Then I traveled to Soquel San Jose Road to see the second property and then eventually I headed home. The car is a great traveler, drove over 200 miles with no back pain or stress. Really worked well.
When I arrived home Marilyn had returned from her visit to see Diane in Sacramento, The Civic is covered in bird droppings, I mean really special. Perhaps I'll wash it in the morning, its that bad.
While I was out working a new FHA order arrived for Antioch and I've sent an email seeking permission to see the property tomorrow using my Supra Key electronic key. At 1:15 I get to pick up the girls for the afternoon and then in the evening Marilyn and I are joining Bob and I think his grand daughter for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and then for a play in Stockton. It will be a great evening and will be lots of fun.
Sending love to all,
Tim
So very thankful for orders and my prayer is that Steve will receive some orders too. We both need work.
This morning I decided that rather than a useless walk to the park I'd use my energy in breaking up and stuffing the many branches and limbs from the pile beside the house, a pile created when I cut off many large branches to have more lake views and less rubbing against the house. I created this huge pile of nasty little branches. They have been there for weeks and I decided that since I had no appraisal orders I would tackle the pile.
I was blessed with a nice breeze and shade and after a couple hours the pile was gone, all tucked away in the green waste can and in black plastic bags. Feels good to have it dealt with.
While I was working I had my phone and a coffee cup nearby with decaf on ice. My phone lets me know when an email comes in and I was pleased to see an order, in fact she called to ask if I wanted an order. It was a driveby for Gilroy and I responded by letting her know how much I appreciated it and I was very anxious to help in any way I could. She wrote back to say she had a second one in the Santa Cruz mountains up near the Summit.
So shortly thereafter I was on the road with both properties set up. I arrived about 3:40 in Gilroy after a traffic free trip down. Then I traveled to Soquel San Jose Road to see the second property and then eventually I headed home. The car is a great traveler, drove over 200 miles with no back pain or stress. Really worked well.
When I arrived home Marilyn had returned from her visit to see Diane in Sacramento, The Civic is covered in bird droppings, I mean really special. Perhaps I'll wash it in the morning, its that bad.
While I was out working a new FHA order arrived for Antioch and I've sent an email seeking permission to see the property tomorrow using my Supra Key electronic key. At 1:15 I get to pick up the girls for the afternoon and then in the evening Marilyn and I are joining Bob and I think his grand daughter for dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and then for a play in Stockton. It will be a great evening and will be lots of fun.
Sending love to all,
Tim
So very thankful for orders and my prayer is that Steve will receive some orders too. We both need work.
Monday, September 2, 2013
Low key day
By that I mean I accomplished very little today.
This morning I did not wake until past 8, then I remembered that Ron was going to come over to help with the boat so I dressed and came down to face the day. Before long Ken called to say I had someone at the front door, I do not hear the door bell in my office. It was Ron and we tweaked the boat a bit. He looked it over but it was unclear what the actual timing was to be. Later he called to say it was about 10 degrees before top dead center.
Then it rained a bit and I managed to get much of the stuff I was using in the boat wet with the surprise rain.
For breakfast I made some whole wheat pancakes with a couple eggs, a banana and it was all good.
Then I watched some TV feeling very lazy. Eventually I headed out to try to locate some gas cans as I wanted to top off the boat with good gas. Safeway gas was not pumping right so along with many other people I left the station choosing to buy gas at the little station in Discovery Bay.
When I got home I discovered a real disaster, the new gas cans you now buy have a system for putting the fuel into the boat that is almost impossible to use. One of the two cans I purchased had a pouring device that I could never make work at all, no amount of tweaking would allow any gas to pass, the other can had a device that let the gas pass but at a tiny amount that I had to hold the can with 5 gallons up in the air for nearly 10 minutes to dump 5 gallons. What a huge screw up by the law makers who have mandated this complicated and unusual system on all portable gas cans. I'll have to do something else as these systems are unusable. $17 a piece and they are essentially worthless. What will the do gooders come up with next? I'm told that the only way around this is to find gas cans at yard sales and use their free flowing nozzles. What I had wanted to purchase was the excellent 6 gallon cans with long flexible hoses at the top and a valve to turn on and off the flow of fuel. I guess those cannot be purchased any longer.
After going through the ordeal of putting the 5 gallons of fuel in and a can of Heet, a substance that takes crud and water out of the gas in the tank I then set about to start the engine again and try to get the timing set for good. The engine started easily and I was able to tweak the distributer back and forth until the timing light showed we were right on the market. The engine seemed to purr at that point and I locked the distributer down so it could not move.
Now I'm getting anxious to take the boat back to the water and see if it behaves better. I certainly hope so.
I really appreciate the help of Ron and Ken who both had suggestions that worked out well today. I know it looks a bit silly to be in the drivers seat of the boat while its parked in the driveway and engine running away and water running down the driveway, water that keeps the engine cool.
Tomorrow I need to resume working, get these reports out and then hope and pray for new ones to come in.
Sending love to all,
Tim
This morning I did not wake until past 8, then I remembered that Ron was going to come over to help with the boat so I dressed and came down to face the day. Before long Ken called to say I had someone at the front door, I do not hear the door bell in my office. It was Ron and we tweaked the boat a bit. He looked it over but it was unclear what the actual timing was to be. Later he called to say it was about 10 degrees before top dead center.
Then it rained a bit and I managed to get much of the stuff I was using in the boat wet with the surprise rain.
For breakfast I made some whole wheat pancakes with a couple eggs, a banana and it was all good.
Then I watched some TV feeling very lazy. Eventually I headed out to try to locate some gas cans as I wanted to top off the boat with good gas. Safeway gas was not pumping right so along with many other people I left the station choosing to buy gas at the little station in Discovery Bay.
When I got home I discovered a real disaster, the new gas cans you now buy have a system for putting the fuel into the boat that is almost impossible to use. One of the two cans I purchased had a pouring device that I could never make work at all, no amount of tweaking would allow any gas to pass, the other can had a device that let the gas pass but at a tiny amount that I had to hold the can with 5 gallons up in the air for nearly 10 minutes to dump 5 gallons. What a huge screw up by the law makers who have mandated this complicated and unusual system on all portable gas cans. I'll have to do something else as these systems are unusable. $17 a piece and they are essentially worthless. What will the do gooders come up with next? I'm told that the only way around this is to find gas cans at yard sales and use their free flowing nozzles. What I had wanted to purchase was the excellent 6 gallon cans with long flexible hoses at the top and a valve to turn on and off the flow of fuel. I guess those cannot be purchased any longer.
After going through the ordeal of putting the 5 gallons of fuel in and a can of Heet, a substance that takes crud and water out of the gas in the tank I then set about to start the engine again and try to get the timing set for good. The engine started easily and I was able to tweak the distributer back and forth until the timing light showed we were right on the market. The engine seemed to purr at that point and I locked the distributer down so it could not move.
Now I'm getting anxious to take the boat back to the water and see if it behaves better. I certainly hope so.
I really appreciate the help of Ron and Ken who both had suggestions that worked out well today. I know it looks a bit silly to be in the drivers seat of the boat while its parked in the driveway and engine running away and water running down the driveway, water that keeps the engine cool.
Tomorrow I need to resume working, get these reports out and then hope and pray for new ones to come in.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, September 1, 2013
A very busy and productive day
yes I know it was hot too, about 90 and with the sun I picked up on Sat. during my walk in Benicia and the sun today I feel toasted.
I got up this morning feeling very low energy, had a San Francisco Coffee which I made an iced coffee, it was already too hot for hot coffee.
I knew I had to do the tough job today, borrow Steve's Pilot, move the box trailer out of the way after moving the motorhome renters Acura to the street. This was just so I could get to the tow dolly which was buried deep in the side yard parking pad.
Once I got the tow dolly attached I drop to Steves to pick up the come a long, a winching device that lets you drag things where you want them. I wanted the old bug up and on the tow dolly, usually I drive it there but with no engine I had to use this device. It worked well and after a long time of winching it rolled into place. Then I put the canvas tie downs on the wheels, cinched them down and started the slow process of pulling the tow dolly and the bug home. I drove 35 mph and took back roads pulling over whenever people were behind.
Once I pulled up in front of my house I foolishly thought I could back the bug into the side parking place but backing up something on a tow dolly is not so easy. My friend Tom Miller could could it because he is used to driving big trucks and knows how to back a trailer behind the truck. I discovered that logic alone is not enough and gave up parking it on the street in front of my house.
Once that was done then it was time to hook up to the box trailer and back it in where it had been before. Oh I forgot one thing. As I was backing in to hook up to the tow dolly I happened to look at the fence and it was alive with wasps, they had a large nest and were going strong. Well all I had was ant killer but I shot lots of it into the next and there were some very sick wasps and some very angry ones as well. They patrolled for the rest of the day.
Once I had the vehicles in place I took Steve's Pilot back by way of the gas pump to replace what I had used. Then it was back home where I planned to rest but the front yard was high and I have this great mower now that starts easily and works perfectly, so in spite of being 3 pm and very hot I mowed the lawn after edging it first. Then with the lawn mowed I turned to some bushes that seem to grow overnight and I trimmed them which seemed to take forever. Then I went for a cool drink. That gave me the energy to find a heavy duty black yard sack and I filled it with the branches and limbs I had trimmed off the plants and bushes. Then I swept up the lingering mess and ended up with the power blower. Everything looks much better now, much much better and my body has enjoyed the bending, pulling, cranking, pushing it has had all day.
I have the spa heating and my body is ready to relax. Oh and just a few minutes ago I went to Safeway for one thing, some Arnold Palmer, a combo of iced tea and lemonade and found some 0 calorie Arnold Palmer, not that I love those fake sugars but I do like the 0 calories, no sugar.
Of course the visit to the Safeway resulted in a $58 bill.
Well that is all from here. Tomorrow I write up some reports and hope, pray for work for Steve and me.
Love to all,
Tim
ps. This evening I've been trying to time the boat but its a bit confusing. I consulted with Steve, Jerry and my long time friend Ron, I was not able to determine on the internet the property timing for this engine. One site indicated 15 degrees before top dead center but Ron thinks it is more like 4 to 8 degrees. He may be able to give me a hand in the morning, the boat ran nicely while sitting in the driveway but Ron says it needs a load to find out if it is working or not. I will talk to him more tomorrow.
I got up this morning feeling very low energy, had a San Francisco Coffee which I made an iced coffee, it was already too hot for hot coffee.
I knew I had to do the tough job today, borrow Steve's Pilot, move the box trailer out of the way after moving the motorhome renters Acura to the street. This was just so I could get to the tow dolly which was buried deep in the side yard parking pad.
Once I got the tow dolly attached I drop to Steves to pick up the come a long, a winching device that lets you drag things where you want them. I wanted the old bug up and on the tow dolly, usually I drive it there but with no engine I had to use this device. It worked well and after a long time of winching it rolled into place. Then I put the canvas tie downs on the wheels, cinched them down and started the slow process of pulling the tow dolly and the bug home. I drove 35 mph and took back roads pulling over whenever people were behind.
Once I pulled up in front of my house I foolishly thought I could back the bug into the side parking place but backing up something on a tow dolly is not so easy. My friend Tom Miller could could it because he is used to driving big trucks and knows how to back a trailer behind the truck. I discovered that logic alone is not enough and gave up parking it on the street in front of my house.
Once that was done then it was time to hook up to the box trailer and back it in where it had been before. Oh I forgot one thing. As I was backing in to hook up to the tow dolly I happened to look at the fence and it was alive with wasps, they had a large nest and were going strong. Well all I had was ant killer but I shot lots of it into the next and there were some very sick wasps and some very angry ones as well. They patrolled for the rest of the day.
Once I had the vehicles in place I took Steve's Pilot back by way of the gas pump to replace what I had used. Then it was back home where I planned to rest but the front yard was high and I have this great mower now that starts easily and works perfectly, so in spite of being 3 pm and very hot I mowed the lawn after edging it first. Then with the lawn mowed I turned to some bushes that seem to grow overnight and I trimmed them which seemed to take forever. Then I went for a cool drink. That gave me the energy to find a heavy duty black yard sack and I filled it with the branches and limbs I had trimmed off the plants and bushes. Then I swept up the lingering mess and ended up with the power blower. Everything looks much better now, much much better and my body has enjoyed the bending, pulling, cranking, pushing it has had all day.
I have the spa heating and my body is ready to relax. Oh and just a few minutes ago I went to Safeway for one thing, some Arnold Palmer, a combo of iced tea and lemonade and found some 0 calorie Arnold Palmer, not that I love those fake sugars but I do like the 0 calories, no sugar.
Of course the visit to the Safeway resulted in a $58 bill.
Well that is all from here. Tomorrow I write up some reports and hope, pray for work for Steve and me.
Love to all,
Tim
ps. This evening I've been trying to time the boat but its a bit confusing. I consulted with Steve, Jerry and my long time friend Ron, I was not able to determine on the internet the property timing for this engine. One site indicated 15 degrees before top dead center but Ron thinks it is more like 4 to 8 degrees. He may be able to give me a hand in the morning, the boat ran nicely while sitting in the driveway but Ron says it needs a load to find out if it is working or not. I will talk to him more tomorrow.
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