Trick or Treat

Good evening,

Its been fun this evening passing out Dum Dums, we got them because Keanna likes them and can eat them so it was easy to just buy 3 bags and we were ready for the onslaught of little beasties coming to the door.

Marilyn and I took turns going to the door and Pooka walked to the door every time to see the kids.

It seemed all the kids at the door were very polite with their parents hanging out on the sidewalk keeping them safe.

Keanna and Kallie came last, they had been at the golf course and had fun with their friends.  They rode on golf carts with kids from the school.

I've had a very low energy day, woke after a night of fevers and trying to stay warm and covered. I got up at 7:30 and just went back to bed and slept until after 8.  I felt terrible when I got up and as the day passed kept feeling rough.

Finally this afternoon after a bout of coughing I coughed up blood, that was it, I made an appointment to see a Doctor at Kaiser, she had x rays taken but they came out OK.  The lady doctor was so incredibly kind and helpful explaining every thing she thought I needed to know.  She carefully selected a new antibiotic for the next 10 days, one that will not mess with the blood thinning properties of Coumadin, could that be why my blood was so thin yesterday?

So on the way home we stopped and picked up candy to share at the door and then came home.  We stopped at Mels Diner for dinner and discovered that my very favorite restaurant, Grazzies has closed.  In fact it closed a couple months ago.  How I loved that place but  a combination of less than perfect service and high prices with high overhead finally did them in.  Very sad.  I loved their special soup so much.

Well I'm heading for bed now.  Still don't feel that great but at least I've been to the doctor and have received some help.

Thank you Lord for helping me limp through this day.

Love to all

Tim

Not a great day

Good evening,

The best thing about today was having Keanna and Kallie here for the afternoon.  They are such great girls, both settle into doing what they need to do, Keanna does her homework and finds some good snacks.  Kallie finds the dog and play games with Pooka, not sure Pooka is as excited about it as Kallie but its good for her.

Once I completed an appraisal this afternoon we walked to the park where the girls played and Pooka and I sat and watched.  It was a perfect afternoon with sun and 66 degree temperature.

This evening my blood sugar had finally dropped some after a lunch of pinto beans and green beans and a griller.  I was feeling pretty low so we went to Olive Garden in Tracy where I had soup and salad and watched the Red Soxs win.  Marilyn was very pleased to see them win as they play near to her Rhode Island home in Boston.

Now I'm home and once I finish writing this I'm heading for bed.  I do not feel well.

Today Kaiser informed me that my blood was much too thin, 3.5 when the right number is between 2 and 3.  So they had me skip Coumadin tonight altogether in hopes of getting it thicker.  I had a huge salad and I know that will help the blood get thicker too.  The second thing I learned was my A1C is 10.6, a critically bad number.  For the past three weeks I've been sick and the blood sugar numbers have been off the chart.  I almost put off taking the test today knowing it would be terrible.  Well it is awful and I'm just bummed out about it and most everything.  I feel lousy and my chest feels congested and heavy.

So with all this cheery news I'm going to sign off now and hope / pray for a better day tomorrow.

Love to all,

Tim

Another day, another dollar

Hi
So its 11 and I'm going to bed.  Finally quit working about 9 pm and watched some shows on DVR, really like Castle and Blue Bloods.

Marilyn made a very good dinner tonight, excellent sweet potatoes, broccoli and some mushrooms with vege hamburger crumbles.  Just a great and tasty meal.

Today was interesting, first home had an owner who was a hunter, a bee keeper and had lots of good stories to tell, I ended up tasting his different kinds of honey and we talked bee keeping since I grew up with a father that was really into bees, always had them, my first gum was actually bees wax and honey when he was extracting honey from the frames.  Good stuff then, good stuff now.

Jessy came and worked today so there is lots on my desk to finish and get out the door.  I appreciate her work.

I went to Kaiser today to get my blood work, to buy meds I needed and to try to get back on track with everything medical.  I hope that is the case now.

Tomorrow I'll have the kiddos and that will be very fun.

Right now its bed time, a nice cold bed to crawl into with warm blankets to snuggle under, I love it.

Love to all

Tim

Feeling pretty good and getting work accomplished.

Good evening,

There are times when I just enjoy life, other times when that is not the case.

This morning I rolled out and onto the treadmill for 1/2 an hour.  It really felt hard at first but then got easier.  It is nice since the machine sets by the sliding glass window which overlooks the lake so I watch the lake on one side and the morning news on the other as I ride.  The program starts slow and then starts to elevate the treadmill and speed up, part of the time it goes faster and then slower again, its a nice workout and sort of gets me going.

After the workout I helped Steve out with a mechanical problem, then hit the shower and arrived in Antioch on time at 10:30.  I found a very precious couple who are selling their home which they purchased new many years ago.  They are moving to Rio Vista to Trilogy, a 55 and over community that is a really nice place.  The most interesting part of the inspection was their agent.  She is their former daughter in law who has kept in close touch with them over the years.  She is very impressive, I think I made a hit when I guessed her age in the 30s, she laughed and indicated its much higher.  I was really impressed with her and hope to follow up for coffee or something I'll dream up.  NICE lady.  Attends church and is a solid person.

I was delighted to discover that the Brentwood Bypass has made another giant leap in that more lanes are open for continuous travel now, no waiting for the Sand Creek light, wow is it great, saves minutes off a trip through that area.

Well I'm heading to bed now.  Finished a relocation appraisal for Gilroy this afternoon.  They pay more and take more time but it feels so good to get them completed.

Love to all

Tim

3 mile walk

Good evening,

This morning I decided to do something right, I found Pooka and we went around the lake, not sure it is a full three miles but its a long ways.  I actually felt better at the end of the walk than when I started and Pooka sort of behaved.  Anyway I'm glad I did it.

There is so much wind outside and its blowing up to 15 mph that I'll use the treadmill tomorrow inside.  I think my body liked having the rush of actual exercise and that seems like a good thing.  I hardly coughed for the entire walk and then did not cough for several hours afterwards.

Once I was back I showered and drove to Starbucks but they had sold out of the multi grain bagels so I went to Safeway and got a whole wheat bagel and prepared it at home.  I ate outside on the back deck in the morning splendor.  Lois was out reading next door and I caught up with her about her trip to the lake with friends.

The rest of the day I spent writing appraisals and taking naps.  It was a nice productive afternoon.  This evening I tried another movie but this one was really bad, had no meaning and ended up awful.  Save your money.  The popcorn was good though.  I'm sure it is terrible for my body though.

Tomorrow morning I'll roll out early, ride the treadmill and then head to an Antioch appointment.  Then its back home to work in for the rest of the day.  I'm thrilled to have work.

Marilyn has informed me that she is staying in Sac with her friend Diane until Tuesday.  Diane is excited that she just retired so they have time to do fun things I guess.

Well that is all from here, still coughing and not feeling perfect, I do have concerns about pneumonia
as the cough and rattling in my chest is pretty constant.

Love to all,

Tim

Gravity

Good evening,

I've just come from seeing a really exciting and solid movie in 3D IMAX.  I had heard about Sandra Bullock's performance in the movie and she along with George Clooney are just about the only stars to appear.  It is simply a great story, very well filmed, very exciting, has you on the edge of the comfortable seats with space clutter coming right at you because of the 3D and a story line that just keeps being more and more exciting.  I can recommend this movie without reservations.  Its not for kids, just to intense and scary.  They might not want to be astronauts after all.

What I discovered is that the movie theatre which had been constructed and operated as a RAVE operation has been sold to AMC and there have been some changes.  The lines for popcorn were very long, too long really as they had the second refreshment site shut down completely.  but for a decent drink and popcorn it was $8.75, not all that bad of price.

This morning Kallie went to SS and Diane taught the class, I played the piano as well as I could and everyone had a good time and learned the lesson.  Then we went to Dollar Tree, then we drove to Stockton to meet Bob at Marie Callenders for lunch, it was great food as usual and Kallie ate free.  Bob had a coupon so his meal was less too.

We came back to the house so Kallie could play a bit and then I delivered her to her mother.  Late this afternoon I felt so lifeless and lazy that I went out front, started the weed eater and trimmed the yard and weeds, then moved and finally trimmed a volunteer Pampas grass plant that has taken over the sidewalk.  That was when I decided I'd like to see a movie tonight, checked on line, found one and left for a quick run to the Streets of Brentwood, our mall.

It has been such a beautiful day, just the right temperature and a day of rest, family, friends and calm.

My car continues to worry me.  At about 40 mpg there is a shudder in the front end, something is not right and will have to be repaired.  Here we go again with car repairs, never fun to pay for.

Tonight I'm feeling quite good in spite of still coughing and have lots of need to blow my nose. Tomorrow will be a day of work, cranking out reports.  Marilyn is away, the graveside service for Vikki, her beloved sister was today and she will come back either Sunday night or Monday.  Not an easy weekend for her I'm sure.  And the Red Soxs lost tonight so that didn't add to her day at all.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Excellent day

Good evening,

After a very long work day I'm home and settled.  I wrote an appraisal this morning for a Manteca property, then drove to Pleasant Hill to see a 4000 sf home on 1.5 acres right in the middle of town.  The comps are all over for that one, then a driveby of a ranchette in Martinez and the comps are all over again.

Then it was a regular house in Pleasant Hill and that one went well.  Then it was a visit to a Lazy Boy store to see if our love seat can be repaired.  Interesting visit.  They had the couch and love seat plus our recliner in their records, the couch and love seat were purchased in 2001, they are a bit old.

They will give you the part you need but the visit from the tech to install it is $99 plus $99 an hour.  Might just pass on that one.

Then it was on to Livermore to see yet another property and finally traffic filled roads all the way to Big Al's where I met Marilyn and we had dinner.

So busy day, lots of success and personal satisfaction thrown in.

Love to all

Tim

Tired but had excellent day

Good evening,

Started the day off today by using square reader and collecting $500.000 for new appraisal on Golf Course.  Hard to start better than that.
Then drove to golf course to see a little home called a villa, has a zero lot line on the north property line.  Excellent home with perfect golf course views.  The owner was Korean and introduced me to a tea she makes with her own special stuff, it was excellent.  Then she had me wait for a few more minutes so she could send her special rice that was hot from the cooker.  Later at lunch time I warmed some up and it was the best I've ever had, a blending of several kinds of rice and so very good.  Meeting her was a real pleasure, she was so gracious and kind, even hugged me good bye at my car when I left.  It was a very pleasant experience.

Then I drove to a large and beautiful home also located on the golf course that was for sale, was perfect in every way and had a special feature.  The sellers turned the living and dining rooms into a all out theatre, black walls, indirect red lighting near the ceiling, special lighting, 12 elevated seats, special speakers, dark gray carpet, it was incredible.

Then it was off to see Freddie at East European Auto Works as the front wheels on my car did not feel right at all.  He quickly discovered that the front tires were down to steel belt, but on the inside where a person could not see unless he really tried.  So I drove right over to the place where I buy tires in Brentwood, best prices I've ever known.  It took a while but he discovered he had two tires that were slightly used but in perfect condition so he sold and mounted those new tires along with a 4 wheel alignment for first $135 but then since it took awhile he dropped it to $125.  I was amazed and pleased. Did it solve all the shaking in the front of the car, not completely but its so much better now.

Late this afternoon I took Kallie to her tumbling class which she enjoys, then on to the soccer game where Keanna was playing.  Now I'm home about to start work again.  Fun fun.

I have the spa heating in hopes of a feel good break!  Lets hope it is heating since it was 64 degrees when I turned it on.  Brrr.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Very short night but good day today

After I wrote the blog last night I headed into another wide awake night.  From 12:30 to 2:30 I came back down and wrote up two appraisals, shipped them out and woke to having just one report to work on today.

This was kiddo day and that was a blast.  When we picked them up we went next to Safeway and caught up on groceries.  The girls are fun to shop with.  Then we went to McDonalds for Happy Meals and then stopped by to deliver some stuff to Steve.  The girls ended up staying there and at 4:30 we left for a Manteca appointment.

We arrived early so shot the comps first, the home was really nice and highly upgraded.  Nice dad who spoke to me through his son as his English was not too great.

Then it was a Costco stop for water, fruit and paper goods.  Then Marilyn found a IHOP located nearby so we had dinner there.

Now we are home and I'm heading to bed soon.  I hope to do a bit of catching up on sleep tonight.  I've relapsed today, coughed a lot and had lots of nasal drainage so need the rest.

Several new orders came in today for which I'm always thankful so business is up and running again.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Good day, feeling better

Good evening,

Well I'm still working and delighted to be able to.  I'm feeling better, not there yet but better, still a lot of coughing and constant blowing my nose, not really that fun when you are driving two hundred miles which is what I managed today.

Got up into a cold room this morning, really chilly and pulled on sweats and my Alaska sweater which I love.  Stumbled down to take blood number, better today at 149.  Then set to work getting things out the door, well actually emailed to clients, set up orders and concentrated on getting a driveby appraisal written and to the client before I left for the day, you see it paid $200 on the spot and I was anxious to use my new system to capture the money.  Well when I had the report completed and ready to ship and had the credit card number in hand the system in my phone kept saying it was declined yet when I took the time to run it through my old system it worked perfectly and I grabbed the money from the card.  So now I'm wondering why the square reader system would not work, got to solve that before I cancel the old method.

I got on the road late, called the homeowner and he said no problem, he was working from home.

I arrived in Gilroy about 1:30, inspected the nice little house, shot 10 comps (just to be sure) and then found the great Mexican place that Art and I love to eat at.  He's been eating there all his life and they knew me from when I've been there with Art.  The food was excellent, whole beans, rice and a whole bean and cheese burrito along with iced tea for $11.

Having eaten it was time to get on the road.  Knowing Sunol Grade would be terrible due to the just finished BART strike I went over the mountain to Highway 5 via 152.  Traffic was light and the trip home was uneventful other than I think the green bug has a growing problem.  I'm wondering how strong the front axles and the universal joints in each front wheel are, the spindles!  It feels like they are failing, I'm afraid to find out how much they will cost.  Will it never end?

Tomorrow I'll have the precious little girls after school.  Today Jessy came and did write-ups on three properties, one of which I've just shipped out this evening and the next will be early in the morning.  What a huge help she is.

I'm gradually feeling better.  At present there is no fever, some coughing, severe enough that one eye is filled with blood from broken vessels.  I've been blowing the nose all day and it never seems to stop running.  But I'm better and the meds are still with me for a few more days, 10 days in all.

Marilyn is still suffering with a cold and is treating it with CVS cold medicine which seems to be helping.

Well this is it, I'm out of gas, tired and worn out.

Love to all,

Tim

Jo and Jason report Mia is much better and was back in school today!  Thanks for your prayers for all of us.

Rough night, better day

Good evening,

you can be sure that when its time for bed I'm going.  Last night was pretty awful, not sure why but I was wide away for hours which is NOT fun at all, something crashed on the back deck, not sure what and a strange car was parked out front, just an uneasy night.

This morning I dragged myself out of bed, showered and prepared for a 10 am appointment in Concord.  I was not prepared for such a great property, huge pool, spa, golfing green, updated kitchen and baths, everything top notch.  The guy was a nurse and we had a great time discussing how valuable nurses are to the healing and caring processes.  Super family guy with 5 kiddos and a great property.

Once that was over I found the comps, all nearby and then the local Starbucks where I had a multi grain toasted with butter and a tall iced chai tea latte.  Then I headed home and used back roads as the idiotic BART workers are on strike once again.  They have made a huge mess of the entire bay area traffic wise, what a crock, they make more than the average rider yet have fewer skills but since they can force their way on people they get their $100K paycheck for the year.  Just so wrong and Jason was caught in it for hours today.

So I avoided any roads with traffic that might be backed up, tomorrow I might go to Gilroy but if I do I'll go down 5 and across to Gilroy avoiding the mess.

Today the Lord saw fit to include some checks in the mail, enough that the accounts are smiling again for now.  I also have taken in a few orders today so things are looking better.

Well back to it, need to get some work completed while I can before I get sleepy.

Love to all

Tim

special prayers please for Mia, she is so sick and her mommy stayed home today with her to try to help her get well.

OK day

Good evening,

Just watched some Blue Blood episodes from the DRV.  I really enjoy that show.

This morning I rolled out late, took Pooka to the park and then came back to write appraisals. 

At 2:30 we drove to Oakley where I inspected a home that had the sellers still packing, they have lived there for 46 years so you can only imagine how many personal things they have to deal with.  They are moving across the country and the sale is to close soon.

Then we went to Radio Shack to try to get a device which would allow the Square Reader to work with my IPHONE.  Because of the Otter Safety case that encloses the phone the little reader will not snap in far enough to connect its 4 connection points on the plug.  All Radio Shack had was a three wire plug so no go.

As we were leaving Oakley Nikki called and suggested Spaghetti Factory in Stockton so we drove there and enjoyed a meal with the girls, great food as usual and this time I remembered to do insulin to offset the massive carbs.

Marilyn is fighting a sore throat, head cold and is using the CVS cold medicine and its seems to be helping her.  Plus she has been pushing water all day.  I've had periods of severe coughing, so much so that one eye once again has blood in it from a breaking tiny vessel.  Not a fun time.

Tomorrow morning I see a property in Concord, a sale I believe and then I have one in Stockton to deal with but I don't know if its a duplex or how large it is so pretty hard to do a driveby report without information.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Kallie heads to Sabbath School

Good evening,

Last night was pretty awful, could not sleep, wide awake, finally I came down for Niquil and then at around 2 I finally drifted off.

So this morning was a bit fuzzy.  I crawled out and found a leash, took Pooka to the park and enjoyed some fresh air.

Nikki has Kallie all ready to go and she was a sight.  Her dress was perfect, her hair was brushed and she just looked wonderful.  We drove to SS and arrived just about on time.  Kim had a new program today and needed me to play.  While Kallie was not perfect in her behavior it got better as the day progressed.  It was great fun and all to soon it was over.

Then we drove back and went directly to the Soccer game.  By the time I arrived I was feeling really rough.  Nikki met me and told me to go home to rest so I did.

Later we went to Big Al's only to find they were closed so we detoured to Boardwalk and had a great meal by the water in the perfect fall afternoon.  The meal was followed by a lot of resting in the recliner and eventually I coaxed Marilyn out to help me install the new taillight assembly in the new beetle.  It was not an easy process at all, in fact almost impossible but with Ray's help and both Marilyn and I sweating over getting the light assembly out and the new one in.  Well its in and its perfect now.  My hand is all covered with bruises from bleeding under my skin when I was working in hard to reach places to get the parts assembled.

This evening we've been in Hawaii, enjoying Hawaii 5 0 from the dvr.  Love the scenery and can't wait to visit again some day.

Tonight I'm sending love to all,  hope my Kiddos all had a good day.

Tim

Better and better, thank you Lord

Dear Family and Friends,

Finally after a very trying week the peace of Friday night has arrived.  For a Seventh-day Adventist the calm hours of the Sabbath begins at Sundown on Friday evening and extends through Saturday until Sundown.  These times are important enough that they are even included in our church papers that are published.  So the week with its challenges, taxes, illness, stress is laid aside and peace prevails.

This has been a much better day, it could have been even better if much needed checks were in the mail, they were not!  Very disappointing to say the least.

I climbed out into a chilly room, showered with very hot water and came down to prepare for the completion of an appraisal for an Oakland property and then to research for an appraisal in Mountain House which is near Tracy.  Not feeling too great I drove to the property and found a very kind and gentle guy who was working from home for his software company today.  The home was perfect and well equipped.  Once through I checked and found the Starbucks in Tracy was only 5 miles away so I had my bagel and a tea for lunch.

Once home I set to work on finishing up a Stockton appraisal, one where the photos were all too large to use as they were.  The owner in Mt. House had told me about a Microsoft program that made reducing the size of photos very easy.  I tried to find it but failed.  instead I downloaded some trash that tried to take over my computer and was based in Europe.  That cost me two hours to get rid of and its still not all gone but at least it no longer is controlling the computer.  Why can't programmers just develop and deliver what they promise instead of trying to get to sign up for all kinds of stuff you do not want and do not need.

That appraisal went out a few minutes ago, the Stockton one, after I opened each photo and manually downsized it to a level I could work with.  Now I'm through.

This afternoon the girls came to visit and it was great.  Kallie found lots of tomatoes and cleaned them, chased spiders with a glass and had fun while Keanna was content to read and relax.

In the morning I'm bringing Kallie to Sabbath School.

Thank you each one for your prayers, I do so appreciate them.

Sending love to all,  especially to Jo - one great teacher and mom, Steve - one great appraiser and golfer, Nikki - one great mom and accountant and Jason - soon to be one great lawyer, already a great teacher.  What a blessed father I am to be surrounded by these great individuals.

Also thanks to Marilyn who has been there all week handing tissues, glasses of water, giving encouragement, making sure I ate something, driving me to the doctor.

Thank you all

Tim

Still sick

Hi
I'm writing a quick message since I'm working on a report that should go out tonight but might not.  The coughing is constant, the head drainage is constant and the head ache is also constant.  Yes I'm better today, I think the fever is down a bit but living, moving, working carries no joy for me these days.

I started the day with oatmeal and a slice of toast with a sliced boiled egg.  That seemed to work pretty well.  I worked in the office setting up new orders, 4 in the last 2 days, that is excellent news.  But when the mail came today there was no money at all, very disappointing and the account at the bank is suffering tonight once again.

I know there is money in the pipe line, just wish the faucet could be turned on a bit faster.  Its a very depressing time, I feel rotten, have no idea how to cope with the very large tax bill that was a bit of surprise.

I do believe the antibiotic will ward off possible pneumonia, that was Dr. Gee's concern based on what he was hearing in my lungs, the rattling and wheezing.  This morning I came down for my glass of water and to take my blood sugar.  It was 226 due to being sick.  Then I sat in my work chair and put the Thermaphor pad on my chest and let it do it heating cycle twice.  I managed to get a little burn on my chest but the warmth felt great and for a while the cough slowed.

This afternoon at 1:20 we left for Danville to see a nice home.  Marilyn went with me in case I needed her to drive.  I sort of dreaded this inspection, first off I was still sick so I wore my mask to save the homeowners from my germs but the owner had warned me that she was super allergic to any smells, soap, detergent, etc.  So when I knocked at the door she opened, moved back and handed me some blue gloves.  I explained that I went around the outside of the home first so she could relax.  Once I came in she first closed herself away in a bedroom but then when I came downstairs she was outside, she made my day by telling me I had a musty order and it was very strong.  Well I stayed away from her the whole time and did as well as I could getting my job done with the husband's help.

She told me from a great distance that her sister also suffers from this hypo sensitivity.  She lives in her home most of the time and almost never goes out anywhere for fear of the smells life inflicts.  I left understanding but bummed that somehow I carried a "musky odor".  Oh well it was one for the memory book, things I have encountered over the years.  By the way the property was beautiful and the landscaping, the Koi pond and waterfall, it was all great.

Once we escaped the trying appraisal and had shot the comps we found the Primo's Pizza in Alamo or Danville.  We love it, great great pizza and a super salad.  Along with a tall glass of water the food was excellent and by then I was so hungry it really helped.

This evening I've been finishing up on an appraisal for a local lady who is battling the IRS, just sent that one and now I'm working on one in Oakland where the owner died, she was old, and the reverse mortgage company is now seeking to know the current value.

Yesterday afternoon I found I could not ship out an appraisal, it was too large, instead of 2 meg its was 55 megs.  Eventually I discovered that every photo I shot on Tuesday was between 3.5 and 5 megs each!  So then I had to find out how to reduce the photos one by one and put them back into the report.  Talk about stress along with feeling pretty rough.  Wonder how old one has to be before you don't have to learn anything more in life?!

Please keep me in your prayers for lots of reasons but present that I can get healthy again.

Love to all

Tim

Bad

Very ill, went to my doctor at Kaiser, got meds.

Please pray for me.

Tim

Not good

Hello,

This has been a really sick day.  I climbed out at 6, then showered in a very hot shower, the dressed, had my steel cut oats and did quick research.

I arrived in Stockton at 8:17 and inspected the house but was so cold, eventually I finished and headed for Brentwood where I inspected another nice home.  Then it was to Starbucks for a multi grain bagel and off to Oakland.

Once Oakland was completed I was feeling really rough,  on the way home I called Marilyn to meet me at Red Robin for a garden burger, then home where I had some really tough news to handle over my taxes, more than double last years total.  Lets just say I'm in deep trouble.

I've been running a fever and have sat in the recliner for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  Now its off to bed and I feel really bad.

Please include me in your prayers, my head is stuffed solid, throat is sore and I ache all over with the fever.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Home and ill

Good evening,

Well for me not such a good evening.  During the day I've felt the effects of something going on inside.  This evening I don't feel well at all, sneezing, sore throat and a general malaise it seems.

I'm still basking in the glow of a very enjoyable weekend, the friends, the surroundings, the food, the hospitality, everything was great.

I've accomplished some work this afternoon but took a nap too.  Now I'm trying to finish up an appraisal and ship it out before heading for bed.  Plus I need to do research for tomorrow as I have to be in Stockton at 8 in the morning, then 10 in Brentwood and noon in Oakland.  I hope and pray that I feel better tomorrow as I'm pretty rough this evening.

So I send you my love,

Tim

Home

Good evening,

I rolled in about 11:45 pm after an enjoyable day of driving.  I had long forgotten how beautiful the Oregon Coast really is.  I've included a couple photos taken today as I traveled down 101 to Highway 42 which took me across to Highway 5 at Roseburg.

All weekend the conversations with friends from long ago were enjoyable, informative and interesting.  The food was very good including the brunch this morning which had everything one might want to eat.  The weather was cool but beautiful and the ocean is just amazing to behold.  Yesterday afternoon when we all assembled outside on the lawn that is between the hotel and the surf there was a rainbow to one side and crashing surf looking west.

I left the hotel about 12 and drove down for an hour or more before turning inland away from the ocean and Highway 101.  Once I got to 5 then it was either 70 or 75 mph all the way home.  I stopped briefly to see Jerry and Donna and she fixed me some very tasty food, just right to get me home.

Traffic was light and the Civic did a great job on this trip.  First tank 41.7, second tank 38.8, third tank was 38 mpg, not bad at all, well above the official rating for the car.  That included going over about 3 passes, some slower travel over narrow roads and through little towns.  I think the total costs were less than I expected, less than $120 for the entire trip of about 1,250 miles.  The car was comfortable, quiet and the books that Marilyn had loaded on the ipod were wonderful.  When you have books that are 17 hours long the trip goes quickly it seems.

Very thankful for a beautiful weekend in every way.

Love to all,

Tim

A Super Day

Dear Family and Friends,

This has been one of those days in a person's life that cannot be repeated.  Nothing big and earth shaking happened but to spend hours with friends and fellow class mates from high school years and just talk, laugh, feel tears in your eyes and feel the warmth of a hug or a smile, well its very special.

I've heard so many stories of children, grandchildren, see and shared pictures, remembered together events that we each remember in our own way,  the food has been great, the walk along the bluff today on a trail that winds its way just above the rocks that are beaten constantly by the ocean waves.  There are benches to pause at and just drink in the relentless ocean, gulls flying overhead, whales in the distance and brave flowers still trying to bloom in spite of the cold that has settled over this part of the world.

I know everyone thinks there class was special but ours really is.  Judy Cate Anderson is the spark plug that pulls us all together and she has done it over and over again through the years.  Ed and Karen, owners of this wonderful Adobe Hotel, have treated us so well, everything that was needed has been supplied and with kindness and quality.  This is a first rate place and our stay has been perfect due to their class and professionalism.

This afternoon there was a session where one of the members of our class who operates and builds special facilities for those with dementia or other mind challenged seniors spoke and then took questions.  His presentation was excellent and really helped all of us understand what they do, how they do it and what may be in our futures.

This evening our dinner was excellent and the time afterwards was great as we sat in comfortable chairs and talked until past 10 pm.  Then some of us spent extra time with special friends all the while taking in the night scenes from the nearby ocean.

In the morning there is a brunch and then I'll be on the road to at least Jerry and Donna's house where I'll stop for a visit, they live half way home and it will be a nice break if they are home.  I do not look forward to driving 10 hours again but its worth it to have been here.  This is beautiful country, green and fertile with friendly residents and quaint buildings all along the road.

For those of you who urged to consider coming on the trip I thank you and for those who were concerned about the length of the drive, you were totally right, its a very long ways.  I pray for a safe trip home and send love to all, family and friends.  I'm really looking forward to seeing my 4 very precious kiddos and soon.

Love

Tim

Arrived at last

Good evening,

I've just arrived a few minutes ago.  Driving over 600 miles in a day is really something.  Its been a very long time since I've tried this and I was younger and had a helper for the trip.

This morning I jumped up and showered knowing there was a very full day ahead.

The first thing I did was print out some pages needed for my taxes, then I worked on conditions and then I headed out with the van for Pleasanton fair grounds.  Marilyn and I arrived about 25 minutes early and found ourselves about fifth in line, waiting to unload everything.  Once we got to the unloading area we followed Nikki's instructions and moved all the many many items to the mats and tables inside, from there the crew would put everything where it belonged.  As we left we saw a line of over 20 vans waiting to unload so I'm glad we got there early.

A rush order had come in last night with a due date of Monday, it was in Livermore and a little house in an area I know well.  So on the way home we stopped, inspected the house, shot the comps, hit the Starbucks and then drove home.  Once home I loaded up the things for the trip and left.  I got out about 1 pm.

With many bathroom stops along the way and the help of a couple Taco Bells I arrived about 11:15 here.  On the first tank it looks like I got over 40 mpg but I'm not sure the Oregon guy who filled the tank really filled it to the top so does not look so good for this current tank of fuel.  I drove 70 or 75 depending on conditions and traffic.

The thing that made this trip so enjoyable was I had the brand new Michael Bennett Book to enjoy.  It lasted over 8 hours and was packed with excitement about every other minute.  Wow it was great.

My room over looks the ocean directly and it will be beautiful in the morning, pretty nice right now with the flood lights over the surf.

I've already seen a couple friends who were still up.

I'm thankful for a safe trip.  Also very thankful that Nikki, Steve and girls are driving home right this minute from their week in Hawaii.

Love to all,

Tim

Winding down, tomorrow I'm on the road to Oregon

Dear Family and Friends,

So all too soon Nikki and Steve with the girls have to head home, they are flying home tomorrow and Marilyn is picking them up at the airport tomorrow night.  I know they have had an incredible time and I'm so glad.  Talk about people who deserve a break, they are it.  I think they were at sea again today on a snorkeling trip.  I hope it went well for them.

I've been in working up reports today and I feel very ready to load the car and start my drive to Oregon.  Our class which graduated in 1967 from Laurelwood Academy located in historic Gaston Oregon is gathering for a time of reflection and socialization.  While some won't make it since they are in the mission field, others due to illness, others due to lack of funds and still others who just really don't want to come back many of us will gather, not pleased with our aging issues, weight, lost hair, sagging body parts but we will gather anyway at the beautiful Adobe Hotel located in tiny Yachats.  Its on the bluff over the ocean and incredibly beautiful.  Our classmates own the hotel and offer us some great deals to come and meet.

So in the morning I'll drive the van to Pleasanton, empty all of Nikki's twin sale items, there are lots to unload, then drive back home and get in the Civic and head out.  I expect to reach the destination sometime before midnight.  That is my goal anyway.  I have books on ipad to listen to, will take water to sip, apples and cheese to nibble on and just hope I am up to it.

I want to say how much I appreciate Marilyn's help in getting information into the Quick Books pro as I have to file my taxes very soon for 2012.  She has worked long hours getting everything entered and I really give her a big thank you for the help.

Well I still have to get more work done this evening so take care.  It is very likely that I won't log a blog tomorrow night due to the late arrival in Oregon.

Love you all,

Tim

Excellent day

Good evening / morning

So I rolled out ready to take on the day.  Now it takes more effort to roll out, even to stand up than in past years.

I was in Orinda at 10 and enjoyed seeing a carefully maintained home on a large site.  Filled with mature landscaping and backed by an upsloping hill with a forest growing on it our house had a large pool, big yard and a quiet setting with a circular driveway.  The owners have been very careful in improving the home over the years and it was in great original condition.  Probably worth about 1.1 million at least due to where it is located.  The gentleman was so great, had every positive thing he could think of written on the sheet for me.  Sad situation though as his wife has dementia and just sat in her own world, blood clots had taken a leg and his days of happy communication with her are over.  So to help solve their financial challenges like $5,000 a month for care for her in the home he has turned to a reverse mortgage.  Most of what I'm doing at present is for reverse mortgages and I love meeting the older people and sharing with them.

The next stop was for a chance to shoot a bath and bedroom I had missed shooting when I was there originally, not sure how it happened but she was gracious in letting me shoot what I needed.

Then it was on to Dublin where I visited a sad world, the husband died of a stroke on the 19th of September leaving her to pick up the pieces of her life.  I was there to file a report of the value at the time she lost him.  Her loss is very raw and we were able to talk a bit about the process and to affirm that she is on her way to recovery but it will take time.

After leaving her home I found a nearby Starbucks for two things, lunch and a clean bathroom.  Both worked out great and they had several multi grain bagels on hand.  One tasted with butter was my lunch.  Then I set out for Brentwood.

In Brentwood I passed through the security gate and found the home which backed to the golf course.  This 55 and over community has a host of people seeking reverse mortgages and this was yet another one.  A bit cluttered the home was fine and had a great view of the golf course and Mt. Diablo.

Once I was through I drove to a nearby Brentwood address to revisit a home we had seen recently.  Now it had strapped water heater, CO detector and smoke detectors, all needed items if you want a loan of any kind.

From there I drove to Discovery Bay where I inspected a home for a family seeing to get some relief from their loan, my work will be sent to Well Fargo in hopes someone there will have some sense and reduce the payments to a level they can handle or get rid of the second loan.

After that visit I shot some Discovery Bay photos for comps and then came home.  Marilyn was almost home from her trip to Sacramento where she has been working through her sisters things since they will be shared with Marilyn's daughter Lori and another niece Shannon who lives nearby.

So both of us were hungry and we went to Big Al's a local place with decent food.  I found an excellent garden burger and she a salad that was huge.

Then we went to Safeway for a few groceries, nice to once again have some money.  Oh yes and on that score one lender did a direct deposit into my account and two checks came in the mail and I picked up payment for two reports today so things are turning better.  I am SO thankful to see some funds.

Late this afternoon I heard from the kids in Hawaii.  They were in Hilo at the zoo and for once it was not raining.  Hilo is one of the wettest cities in the world so having a dry day there is pretty amazing.
Its a fun zoo to visit and Hilo has wonderful falls and surf to enjoy.  That they were there means they had traveled around the island today, that is not an easy trip but a very beautiful experience.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Another excellent day

Good evening

Finally this busy day is winding down.  Up early to get a jump start on writing reports.  That took most of the morning with steel cut oats for breakfast.

I met Jessy for lunch at BJ's at the Streets of Brentwood and we had a great time and the lunch was perfect.  Then she left for the office and I went to Kaiser.  Finally having some money I was able to get the blood draw for the Coumadin clinic people, they were very anxious that I have the blood draw.  While I was doing that I was having meds prepared at the pharmacy.  Then it was home to work on getting stuff out the door.  Jessy was hard at work cranking out reports rapidly in her special manner.

Late afternoon she was through and headed home to Lodi to see her parents.  I had dinner at the Spaghetti Factory, super meal with senior sized plate of whole wheat pasta.

Now I'm just finishing up research for tomorrow's day out in the field.  Orinda at 10, Dublin at noon, Brentwood at 1:30 to 2 and Discovery Bay at 3.  Two are CODs and I can sure use the money.

Sending good vibes to all, I just got a great clip from Steve as they were out to sea with dolphins jumping.  They had been snorkeling, Steve says they really enjoyed it so are going back on Thursday to do it again.  I think that is great.  Sounds like an ideal vacation for the family.

Tim

A great day

Good evening,
Up early, on the treadmill for a mile or so, then to the office for some quick work, then breakfast of steel cut oats, then on the road to Fremont, cute little house, nice people.  Then Starbucks for a multi grain bagel for lunch, then Walnut Creek for a driveby of a condo, then home briefly and on to a local deep water located home, great people, lovely property.

Then dinner at Boardwalk, I was so ready, my blood was 136 this morning and 107 just before dinner.  It is getting much better, not sure why but I'll take it and be grateful for the better numbers.

The check from Saturday finally cleared at 8 tonight so I can begin to repair the damages and I'm so thankful for some funds.

Right now I'm off to bed and up early to start writing.  Jessy came today and worked very hard, she wrote up several reports and I've been able to ship out two of them tonight and I'll finish one by 7 in the morning, such great help.

Got a nice text from Steve and a great photo which I'll try to share here.

My heart goes out to them, out there in the mission field!  Poor dears!

Love to all

Tim

Excellent day

Good evening,

Well here I am ready to turn the page, fall into bed and sleep, sleep, sleep.  Its been a really good day, a good day if you happen to like to accomplish a lot.

Woke this morning before 7 and I was cold, time to dig out another blanket I think.  Quickly jumped up, prayed and then drank a bottle of water, then down to take blood sugar, not bad at 126.  Then make coffee and go to office to work, it was cold, I forgot the outside door was open.

Cranked a lot of work out and then took Marilyn to see a house for sale in Brentwood which I had to appraise.  It was a perfect place, just completed by flippers, nice and attractive.  Then it was around the corner to do a driveby of a large 4,000 sf place.

Lunch was at UNO's and Marilyn picked up the tab.  Then back to work more and this afternoon and evening Marilyn has been inputting numbers into the Quick books pro, it was time and she is doing a great job of it.  Up to June already. What a huge help that is.

The week is getting booked already and I'm so thankful.  Jessy comes tomorrow to write up reports and will come back on Tuesday as well.  I'm seeing a Fremont, then a driveby in Walnut Creek and perhaps one in Brentwood before a 4 pm in Discovery Bay so will be a full day.

Sending love to all of you,

Tim

A New Day

Good evening,

What a huge difference a day can make, especially if its a Sabbath like today.

As I mentioned last night I was very nervous about playing for the worship services this morning at the Tracy SDA church, my home church.  I even woke before the alarm due to my concerns.  I ran over the hymns here on the piano which dominates my living room and they seemed to go pretty well.

Then it was time to shower, put on the suit and head to the church.  Arriving I found everyone gathered the old youth room, I'd not been in that room for many years.  I found the same carpeted bleacher seats I built so many years ago and they were still in good condition.  After going over the service we then filed out to take our place in an empty church.  Soon a few people came in, ready to give the new early service a try.

The pastor really knows her way around music and led with her guitar, it went smoothly and I began to relax a bit.  One tough spot was playing a song by ear in the key of C but seeing the song written in the book in a different key.

The second service was later and it went well too.  I heard the sermon twice and it was excellent both times.  Once it was all over and I finished playing the postlude as people filed out I really began to relax and could play with ease.  It was enjoyable to be able to help my church, filled with people I love and can relate to.

Once the services were over I drove to several little stores to try to locate some red cellophane  so I could effect a repair for the broken tail light on the green bug.  I located a red mesh at Michaels and it cost a whopping .59.  Since I was using my last dollar I was glad the price was right.  Then I drove home and a smiling Marilyn told me I only got one check, but then she had to tell me, that one check was for $2,100.  Enough to effect a real rescue for the accounts, it has lifted my spirits in an amazing way.  To have the piano playing over and then get a check like that, well it was nice and I'm so deeply grateful to the Lord.  Dolly told me in an email she had prayed that I might receive funds today and they came.  One of my clients speeded up payment for several appraisals and I appreciate that very much.

Then I needed to stop by Steve's office and fix a couple things that needed attention and he could not do it from Hawaii.  That went smoothly and I met his cute little rabbits who live in his office.

Then Marilyn and I decided on a lunch / dinner to sort of celebrate.  We went to Red Robin and since I had eaten very little all day the meal was just great.  Gardenburger and side salad hit the spot along with a lemonade that only has 10 calories.

Once we got home it was starting to grow dark and after a short nap we went outside and began to move things around.  Steve's box trailer got pushed to the very back, then the tow dolly was put in next and finally the motorhome was parked.  And since we are on a roll we pulled out the new boat cover and covered the boat too.  Things look better now.

I'm still debating whether I drive to the class reunion at Lincoln City or fly to Portland and grab a car.  I just took the time to update my Southwest Frequent Flyer account.  I had to talk to a lady on the phone as the last time it was set up was 1998 and you know you did that one, not me.  Since then there is much more security measures that have to be included.  So she went through and updated the account.  Now it works and I have a trip on hold that will take me up in the late afternoon to Portland, I'll get a little car and drive to Lincoln City, a couple hours at most, enjoy the weekend, drive back for a Sunday evening flight home.  I'll take the laptop and can get some work done before they throw me out of the hotel.  If I can swing it financially I'd much rather fly than drive 11 hours each way.  We will see if money keeps coming in during the week.

So it has been a great day with worship x 2, got to help with the services, to fellowship with people I love and admire, covered up the broken tail light and it works pretty well with it duct tape and red cover!  Really looks tacky!  New one will be here this week thanks to Marilyn who ordered it last night with her Paypal account.  She will be paid back!

Wishing all of you a good evening,

Tim

Stress filled week and it continues

Hello

What a week, very little good about it and my excellent luck continues.

This morning I got up at 5:44 to make sure I was at Steve and Nikki's at 6:15 so we could load the car and head to the airport.  They were Kona bound and it was great to see them all so excited about going.  The girls were packed, had their cute little suitcases on wheels and were smiling and READY.  That part of the day was really great.

We had awful traffic, not what we expected with some federal workers off and it was Friday.  We made it later than we planned but they had boarding passes.  When I left them off I stayed near just in case and went to my favorite airport Starbucks for a multi grain bagel and hot drink.  After I finished eating and had heard nothing I drove to the Berkeley address where the duplex was waiting.  Arriving early I plotted out the comps and drove them, shooting a photo of each as I drove.  It was different as I was in Steve's Honda Pilot, a fairly large car but I quickly learned how to make it work for me.

I received a text from Steve, they were sitting in their seats on the plane and eating!  That was great news and I relaxed.

Once the comps were shot I went back to the property and found a very nice two story duplex in great condition.  The owner was pleasant and met a lady who needed constant care.  He took care of her for 6 years and when she died since she had no heirs she gave the property to him.  He has continued to make improvements and it is nice.

Once I left Berkeley the next stop was a very nice 3,200 sf home in the hills above Concord.  Wow it was nice and the owner dogged my steps telling me every little detail that might effect value.  It was sort of cute really.  The place was great and he could have relaxed, his value is there.

From his place I found a Subway and found a credit card with enough room for lunch.  It was great and soon I was back on the road for San Leandro.  I arrived a few minutes late having had to go through the tunnel and the new bore is not yet completed for traffic.  This home was totally new looking and over $100,000 had been invested.  Now it was selling and it looked like new in every room.  Funny little event.  The guy who had remodeled the home called me over and had his laptop set up with speakers.  He had a 90 second clip about the home and it showed all the rooms and the music was loud and with a beat.  That was a first and I smiled and thanked him.  Sure glad he was not trying to influence the value!!

Once I was completed with this one then it was time to fight the traffic home.  Arriving after 5 pm I learned that no money had come in today and both accounts were once again slightly in the red, bad news and one of these days funds will arrive, for now its just stress big time.

Another stress point is playing for church tomorrow, I'm very unclear as to what I'm doing, my hands do not play well anymore and I'm really troubled by the whole process.  I won't be doing this again, it would be fine if I had the time to practice and prepare but with the work load on me right now I don't have the time and I'm feeling the heat big time.  I will be so glad when it is over, I just can't tell you how glad I'll be and I just pray that I won't detract from the fine service the pastor has prepared.

So with that I'm going to bed, oh yes there is one other thing.  When I got back to Steve and Nikki's to leave the Pilot and pick up my green bug I noticed something did not look right.  The entire red lense on the passenger back tail light is gone, totally gone.  I have no idea when or how it happened.  Tonight I tried to purchase a new one on line and of course the credit cards would not let me.  Marilyn had some funds in PayPal and got the lense which will be here in a couple days.  Talk about lousy luck!  My tail lights are falling off or being broken off, wild.

Hope your weekend works out great and that you love the one you are with!

Tim

Another big day

Dear Family and Friends,

Finally I'm sitting in my work chair again.  Its been a long day. 

I woke before light with the verticals banging in the wind, wind that had come up from out of the night.  At 6:45 I crawled out, had my prayer time and then showered.  Knowing I was needed in San Jose at 10:30 sort of set the agenda.  So on time I left for San Jose.  I scrambled through credit cards until I found one with enough space to buy a tank of fuel, got a free multi grain bagel with cream cheese, free because I was due a reward.  Free is always good!

I arrived on time after an uneventful trip with the green bug performing perfectly.

The house was on a corner and had lots of upgrading work, it was a pleasure to meet the 92 year old lady of the house.

Then I started back on freeway 680 and as I drew near to Mission I found an off ramp and went to Frys.  What a fun place to visit.  someone has compared it to Macy's for women, this is Frys for men.  I searched and found a $10 FM transmitter which allows one to plug an ipad directly into it and then pick up the sound on the cars FM radio.  It works perfectly and I was able to get back to listening to books again.

One nice thing about Frys is their eatery,  I had one of the greatest veges and rye sandwich ever.  It was that good.

Once I got home I only had a short time to work before leaving to meet Bob for a social gathering at a local physical therapy clinic that was celebrating being in business for 10 years.  What a happy gathering with good music and excellent food. 

On the way to Lodi to meet Bob I encountered a huge fire that had most of the roads and streets closed including Highway 5 for a time.  It took over 30 minutes to make it through traffic and get up on 5 and back on my way to Lodi.  On my way to Tracy this evening I witnessed 3 homes burning brightly and the entire field burning as well.  Due to the high winds the fire touched down in several places.  What a huge mess.

I've just come from meeting with the worship committee, preparing for the worship hour in Tracy.  I'm not up to the task at all, I will be doing some serious practice work tomorrow evening trying to get up to speed on the songs.

Now its bed time.  In the morning I have to be at Nikki and Steve's at 6:15 as I'm driving them to the airport for a 9:30 departure to Kona.  Oh I hope they have a perfect trip, how I love my kids and their kiddos.  Once I drop them off I'll find a place to sleep, probably in a Starbucks parking lot, then at 10 I see a duplex in Berkeley, then race to Concord to see a house at 11:30 and then back to San Leandro to see a place at 2 pm.  Then I can limp home to work and take it easy.  They will arrive about noon or before in Kona with plenty of time to check in and swim or go to the beach.

So tonight I thank a friend for some special assistance, what a relief and my Heavenly Father for His peace that passes anything we can generate here on this earth.

Love to all,

Tim

Another one done

Good evening,

Another challenging day.  Today it was two townhomes in Danville, both very nice and well kept, one updated totally and the other original but beautiful.

Then after a quick lunch of a slice of pizza and salad at Primo's in Danville it was travel to Castro Valley to reinspect.  What a great lady, so fun and happy.

Then it was back to the office to work and get stuff out the door.  Now its approaching bedtime and frankly I can't wait to just fall asleep.  The coughing really tires me out after awhile.  The money shortage is very heavy on my heart too.  Just getting caught up and the car costs $1,000.  What next is the way I feel.

I do appreciate your prayers and both Steve and I have been busier this week.  He got two orders this afternoon, great news.

Jessy came and worked for awhile today but is still fighting illness so had to leave before she quite finished up the work.  I just want her to feel better and soon.

Well I'm giving it up in a few minutes.

Love to all,

Tim

Green bug returns to service

Good evening,

It seems every time I begin to catch up something else happens.  I'm feeling pretty well, I'm busy with good work, I'm pretty much up to date with appointments but financially I'm behind for sure.

Today the mail was a bust, nothing but new ways to spend money, no cash in the mail!  Oh well, there is tomorrow.

So Freddie from East European Automotive called this afternoon to tell me the car was repaired.  Turns out the fuel pump that is mounted in the diesel tank had totally stopped pumping, the filter was nearly clogged up, the serpentine belt that drives nearly everything on the engine was nearly gone with wear.  Well those things along with the labor involved ended up costing an even $1,000. That took all my money and until tomorrow I totally tapped out.

This morning I left early not wanting to be late to meet Jessy at the house we were to inspect, so I ended up getting there way early.  The only thing that did not make the trip was my measuring wheel, not a good thing to be missing.  Fortunately the owner had a 25 foot tape which worked out very well and with Jessy holding one end of the tape things went quickly.  In the morning she will come to the office early and write up that one plus a duplex and a condo.

Meanwhile I'll be in Danville in the morning to see two properties, then on to Castro Valley to reinspect one that needed a water heater strapped.  Then home to work once again and to hope that funds come in the mail which I can rush to the bank.

I have been wavering in my decision to go to my class reunion on the Oregon coast in Lincoln City.  No having enough money to buy tickets early they have now become expensive to fly to Portland and back.  So now I've decided to drive the bug up.  The total cost of the trip will be less than $130 as it goes about 550 miles on a tank of fuel and the trip is about 1,300 total miles round trip. Of course there is the 11 hours at the wheel that will not be so fun to endure.  I really want to see my friends from Laurelwood after all these years.  I won't be able to leave until about noon on Friday so my arrival will be in the middle of the night, that's OK.

Well right now its time to cash it in and head to bed.  Its been a very long day but a good one.  It is always enjoyable to visit homes with Steve, he has a special ability to set the owners at ease as we inspect the property.

A special thanks to Marilyn who watched the girls today so Steve and I could inspect.  The girls are out of school this week with this stupid system of vacations all through the year at times when the parents have to be a work.  A very bad system.

Sending love to all,