Good evening,
We have just arrived at a little after 10. We finally pulled away from Jerry and Donna's about 4 this afternoon. With one difficult fuel stop at a Pilot station located above Woodland where there were just too many vehicles trying to make purchases the rest of the trip was uneventful. While traffic was moderate when you spend your time in the slow lane at about 61 mph there is less stress involved.
About our stay. We drove up on Wednesday and arrived in the evening. We had a nice dinner with Jerry and Donna and family. It was fun to just chat with family, enjoy the warmth from their various heat sources including a great wood stove in the kitchen area which puts out great heat. Both Jerry and Donna know how to built a fire, they are very good at it. I was encouraging my brother to have the daughters shoot a video for U Tube on the best way to built a fire, he really has a system that works every time and uses several different kinds of wood and sizes as well. He is a fire master.
On Thursday Donna and Jerry were up early preparing the food for the day and Ruth and Darla helped out a lot as well. I woke feeling awful and spent the entire day feeling just short of a trip to the ER. It was so sad to feel so bad when there was so much love and joy in the air, outstanding food and football. Jerry and Donna have a new Direct TV system with a remote that has been redesigned and works so much better than my remote. Wow it is a great system and it kept us all entertained the whole time we were there.
We parked the motorhome behind the garage on a nice level space that was near enough to plug in the electrical system. Using the leveling system we got the motorhome nearly perfect leveled. The water would even run out of the tub! The first night as I became more and more ill I was so cold in spite of having the furnace on, it was a lousy night so the next night Jerry provided a little space heater which was a powerhouse, I added a third blanket and I wore sweats, I slept better. By Friday morning I woke feeling much better and during the day Jerry and I went for a moderate walk along a beautiful stream. Last night we had dinner at a local café and I finally felt better.
I woke today feeling great and Jerry and I took a longer walk, perhaps 3 miles. I have to be careful about having shortness of breath and he has to be careful about a bum knee but we had a beautiful day with great views of nearby Mt. Shasta that is only about 2 miles from their home. We saw evidence of many different animals as we walked, bears, coyotes, deer, little mice, various birds and lots of different kinds of brush and trees. Once we got back from our long walk Donna whipped out a great breakfast of pancakes and eggs, excellent peaches and Marilyn shared some cookies she had brought. It was about 1:30 when we ate and we talked some more before preparing the motorhome for the trip back. It was with great sadness that we drove out the driveway. I just love visiting these very special people who are so gracious and welcoming, have such a cute well maintained home and do such a great job of welcoming us.
Tomorrow I'll have many photos to share but tonight I'm pretty tired, my right arm is still suffering from its tennis elbow which seems to be getting worse and I'm just tired after driving about 6 hours.
The motorhome did just great, it rode smoothly and handles hills easily, brakes well and is a huge pleasure to drive. Now I just need to get it out more often and enjoy it.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, November 30, 2013
Friday, November 29, 2013
Friday night in weed, all in well
So here we are sitting in the very comfortable living room of Jerry and Donna. Just back from having dinner at the Hi-Lo cafe in beautiful downtown Weed.
Donna has been a leader in the local AA for years and they meet on Friday nights. We joined her after
her meeting. There is something about a local place like this, it's so special.
Today I felt so much better than yesterday. I was pretty ill yesterday so to wake up clear headed and anxious to go for a walk today was a great blessing. Donna made a great breakfast and was so good.
Jerry helped me get the motor home ready to travel and we went to town to fill the
propane tank. It took 12 gallons so it was time to fill. I remember a night in the motor home at leoni meadows and a bunch of guys sleeping soundly when the propane tank went dry. We were all so cold as there was snow outside.
Once we arrived back home we backed the motor one up to a faucet and filled the water tank. Then I parked the motor home, did the power leveling system, plugged the power in and I was ready for a new night.
Now it's bedtime, it's about 29 outside as the inside of the coach is cozy.
One thing to mention. Last night's blog did not broadcast so I sent it out tonight.
Sending love to all
Tim
Donna has been a leader in the local AA for years and they meet on Friday nights. We joined her after
her meeting. There is something about a local place like this, it's so special.
Today I felt so much better than yesterday. I was pretty ill yesterday so to wake up clear headed and anxious to go for a walk today was a great blessing. Donna made a great breakfast and was so good.
Jerry helped me get the motor home ready to travel and we went to town to fill the
propane tank. It took 12 gallons so it was time to fill. I remember a night in the motor home at leoni meadows and a bunch of guys sleeping soundly when the propane tank went dry. We were all so cold as there was snow outside.
Once we arrived back home we backed the motor one up to a faucet and filled the water tank. Then I parked the motor home, did the power leveling system, plugged the power in and I was ready for a new night.
Now it's bedtime, it's about 29 outside as the inside of the coach is cozy.
One thing to mention. Last night's blog did not broadcast so I sent it out tonight.
Sending love to all
Tim
A Wonderful Thanksgiving in Weed
I'm writing this evening from the office of Jerry and Donna in Weed. It has been an incredible day with perfect weather, family here for breakfast and then the spread of Thanksgiving. Donna is pretty incredible at pulling everything together, all the food was warm at the same time and everything was excellent.
Unfortunately I woke feeling really rough and I've been bad all day long. I'm not sure what is the problem but I've been really under the weather. During the night Marilyn sleeps in the bedroom and we close a door between the front and back of the coach. The temperature is about 10 degrees hotter than the front where I sleep so I froze all night and she was too warm. Tonight Jerry has given me a little heater for the front area and tonight I will be warmer.
So I'm not sure what is wrong and when it will pass. I do notice that I'm suffering from the altitude in that I'm short of breath. We are about 3,700 feet here at Jerry's home and it is enough for my lungs to know the difference.
Enough with my whining. Its been a day with family and humor, snacks and football. One of the daughters, Cynthia, is learning to be a truck driver so is on the road traveling the country. In the last few days she has been in LA, Sacramento and is now heading back east. Its a bold adventure but she was wanted to become a driver for years. Now she is making it happen but that meant she was not here for the day, she was missed.
It felt strange to not be with the kiddos but I know they had very good days with their friends.
I would appreciate your prayers that I can quickly recover and be able to drive home on time.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Unfortunately I woke feeling really rough and I've been bad all day long. I'm not sure what is the problem but I've been really under the weather. During the night Marilyn sleeps in the bedroom and we close a door between the front and back of the coach. The temperature is about 10 degrees hotter than the front where I sleep so I froze all night and she was too warm. Tonight Jerry has given me a little heater for the front area and tonight I will be warmer.
So I'm not sure what is wrong and when it will pass. I do notice that I'm suffering from the altitude in that I'm short of breath. We are about 3,700 feet here at Jerry's home and it is enough for my lungs to know the difference.
Enough with my whining. Its been a day with family and humor, snacks and football. One of the daughters, Cynthia, is learning to be a truck driver so is on the road traveling the country. In the last few days she has been in LA, Sacramento and is now heading back east. Its a bold adventure but she was wanted to become a driver for years. Now she is making it happen but that meant she was not here for the day, she was missed.
It felt strange to not be with the kiddos but I know they had very good days with their friends.
I would appreciate your prayers that I can quickly recover and be able to drive home on time.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Thursday, November 28, 2013
Good evening from weed
After a challenging morning wrapping up business stuff I finally left about 11:30. The trip was perfect with nice weather and easy traffic. As weed grew near it sure was nice to have the heater working as we are near mt Shasta.
We have a great evening with jerry and Donna. So much fun to see darla and Ruth too. Their dogs are so sweet. At this house there is a fire going most of the time in their little wood stove.
Tomorrow sounds like a great day of feasting. Our weather is going to be good until sat nite and we r driving home on sat afternoon so I think we can avoid trouble on the road.
I am wishing each of you a great thanksgiving with lots of love for all.
Love
Tim
We have a great evening with jerry and Donna. So much fun to see darla and Ruth too. Their dogs are so sweet. At this house there is a fire going most of the time in their little wood stove.
Tomorrow sounds like a great day of feasting. Our weather is going to be good until sat nite and we r driving home on sat afternoon so I think we can avoid trouble on the road.
I am wishing each of you a great thanksgiving with lots of love for all.
Love
Tim
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Kiddos lighten up the day
Good evening,
We are just back from UNO's where we had dinner with Nikki, Kallie and Keanna. What an interesting time, kiddos are great and have been with me all day.
This morning I rolled out and came down to go right to work. I built a fire to warm the place up, made a hot drink and started working. The girls arrived while I was at the bank making a deposit and they played around the house until at 1 Keanna went to a friends house for the afternoon leaving Kallie and Marilyn to co exist. I left about 2:30 to do a driveby appraisal in Pleasant Hill and then came back after dark.
What fun to see the ideas, the energy, the smiles of the little people God places in our lives.
Tomorrow morning we are leaving in the motorhome for Weed, exactly 300 miles away. I can only hope and pray that the weather will be good and that our trip will be without an incident. So in the morning I just need to jump up and write a review, then pack stuff in the motorhome, run to town to take a photo of a street scene and then hit the road. I will drive about 60 for the trip so I'll be driving for about 6 hours when one factors in stops along the way. As we have taken stock it looks like we'll be driving back a bit sooner than we expected since Kallie has a dance recital on Sunday, something I had overlooked and something I do not want to miss.
I look forward to the trip and getting to spend time with some very precious people in a beautiful part of the world.
Love to all,
Tim
We are just back from UNO's where we had dinner with Nikki, Kallie and Keanna. What an interesting time, kiddos are great and have been with me all day.
This morning I rolled out and came down to go right to work. I built a fire to warm the place up, made a hot drink and started working. The girls arrived while I was at the bank making a deposit and they played around the house until at 1 Keanna went to a friends house for the afternoon leaving Kallie and Marilyn to co exist. I left about 2:30 to do a driveby appraisal in Pleasant Hill and then came back after dark.
What fun to see the ideas, the energy, the smiles of the little people God places in our lives.
Tomorrow morning we are leaving in the motorhome for Weed, exactly 300 miles away. I can only hope and pray that the weather will be good and that our trip will be without an incident. So in the morning I just need to jump up and write a review, then pack stuff in the motorhome, run to town to take a photo of a street scene and then hit the road. I will drive about 60 for the trip so I'll be driving for about 6 hours when one factors in stops along the way. As we have taken stock it looks like we'll be driving back a bit sooner than we expected since Kallie has a dance recital on Sunday, something I had overlooked and something I do not want to miss.
I look forward to the trip and getting to spend time with some very precious people in a beautiful part of the world.
Love to all,
Tim
Monday, November 25, 2013
Some encouraging news, a great visit at Kaiser
Good evening to friends and family,
This has been an interesting day. This morning the phone range and someone said, this is Sylvia, well it was not the Sylvia I normally talk to so I ventured deeper into the call. Turns out it a contact from Match.com who I had started to have contact with yesterday through email. Good thing, she seems like one of the normal ones, bad thing she lives in Fontana, near LA. Now that makes for a long term relationship for sure.
She here she was on the phone and we had a great chat during which I got an order and I had to call her back afterwards. She has been alone for 2 years and is starting to reach out and I liked what she had to say.
It was interesting to say the least.
This morning I went to Kaiser to see a pulmonary specialist. It was a very excellent visit and I felt we made a lot of progress. All the way from my getting to see my lungs from the recent x ray and my heart to his listening to my very noisy lungs. Out of our conversation I came home with
Prednisone for 5 days. A med for acid reflux and a powerful nasal spray to get at the nasal drainage.
An interesting idea was floated about my house, could it be filled with mold? That came from my observation that when I have traveled to Costa Rica and Hawaii I stop coughing, is it because I'm relaxed, is it due to the warm moist air or is it because I'm escaping my house?
So in light of that question I'm going to be keeping a very careful eye on how I do when I board the motorhome on Wednesday for Weed and stay in the motorhome and their home until I come back on Sunday evening. Will the coughing decrease?
The doctor wants me to keep him informed with frequent emails. He also had me email him the details about my CPAP mask so he could order a new one along with tubing since they need to be replaced every 6 months. That was a huge deal since I've been buying my own supplies for awhile from the web without any support from Kaiser.
So it was a big deal for me today, to be heard, to be cared about and to have some possible answers to something that haunts me everywhere I go and all the time. To think of a world where I don't have these awful bouts of coughing is like a dream.
Marilyn came home this afternoon and now the cat and dog are right beside here competing for her attention. They will have withdrawal pains when she leaves for Rhode Island.
Tomorrow is a big day in that I'm writing reports, loading the motorhome and will have both Kallie and Keanna here for the day. Nikki is working and Steve had two properties to see. This whole thing with Steve getting orders all the time is a total answer to prayer, it is just great. He has been very busy loading his house with exterior lights and it looks great. What a guy.
Well I'm heading to bed and sending love to all,
Tim
This has been an interesting day. This morning the phone range and someone said, this is Sylvia, well it was not the Sylvia I normally talk to so I ventured deeper into the call. Turns out it a contact from Match.com who I had started to have contact with yesterday through email. Good thing, she seems like one of the normal ones, bad thing she lives in Fontana, near LA. Now that makes for a long term relationship for sure.
She here she was on the phone and we had a great chat during which I got an order and I had to call her back afterwards. She has been alone for 2 years and is starting to reach out and I liked what she had to say.
It was interesting to say the least.
This morning I went to Kaiser to see a pulmonary specialist. It was a very excellent visit and I felt we made a lot of progress. All the way from my getting to see my lungs from the recent x ray and my heart to his listening to my very noisy lungs. Out of our conversation I came home with
Prednisone for 5 days. A med for acid reflux and a powerful nasal spray to get at the nasal drainage.
An interesting idea was floated about my house, could it be filled with mold? That came from my observation that when I have traveled to Costa Rica and Hawaii I stop coughing, is it because I'm relaxed, is it due to the warm moist air or is it because I'm escaping my house?
So in light of that question I'm going to be keeping a very careful eye on how I do when I board the motorhome on Wednesday for Weed and stay in the motorhome and their home until I come back on Sunday evening. Will the coughing decrease?
The doctor wants me to keep him informed with frequent emails. He also had me email him the details about my CPAP mask so he could order a new one along with tubing since they need to be replaced every 6 months. That was a huge deal since I've been buying my own supplies for awhile from the web without any support from Kaiser.
So it was a big deal for me today, to be heard, to be cared about and to have some possible answers to something that haunts me everywhere I go and all the time. To think of a world where I don't have these awful bouts of coughing is like a dream.
Marilyn came home this afternoon and now the cat and dog are right beside here competing for her attention. They will have withdrawal pains when she leaves for Rhode Island.
Tomorrow is a big day in that I'm writing reports, loading the motorhome and will have both Kallie and Keanna here for the day. Nikki is working and Steve had two properties to see. This whole thing with Steve getting orders all the time is a total answer to prayer, it is just great. He has been very busy loading his house with exterior lights and it looks great. What a guy.
Well I'm heading to bed and sending love to all,
Tim
Sunday, November 24, 2013
Good Sunday
So I'm taking a few minutes before retiring for the evening to speak to you.
This morning I was on the treadmill minutes after rising and it was work. I'm not sure what is going on right now but the lung and coughing thing is getting much worse. In fact there is little coughing now and it is a loose cough with lots of stuff coming up but the cough is deeper when it happens. What is concerning is this, I find myself out of breath at strange time. There were times today when I had to push myself to keep going. I've noticed that they have my heart meds so high that I really have to work to get the heart rate up to even 100 on the treadmill, it hangs around 65, then 70 for most of the time, not because I'm in such great shape but because the Coreg is artificially keeping my heart from catching up the need.
In the morning at 8:30 I see a pulmonary guy and I hope to get some answers.
Today I wrote on an appraisal for Discovery Bay, they just bought the house but the values have gone up so much that they can get rid of PMI, a waste of money anyway so I'm glad that in fact the prices have risen quite a bit over the past year, enough to help them save money.
I left at noon for a 1 pm appointment in Danville, when I arrived the lady was startled and said she would need to call her husband, he had totally forgotten but was home in a flash and the appraisal proceeded just fine. Perfect property, about 1600 sf and worth nearly a million dollars because of where its located.
Once I left that plush neighborhood I needed diesel and had just enough time to get to the next appointment in Oakland, I quickly found diesel with the gas buddy on my phone, pumped in three gallons, that will give me 120 miles. When I arrived at the condo in Oakland much to my delight it was the same model I had measured 3 months ago, it was not easy to measure then and I'm sure glad I didn't have to do it again. So I made conversation, shot photos, took notes and was on my way. Even the comps were still the best available.
By that time I was hungry and feeling short of breath often. Not a great feeling. So as I drove home and passed through Concord I veered toward Spaghetti Factory and had an incredibly nice meal sitting in the bar area by the window. I had the senior citizen portion (smaller, cheaper) of whole wheat pasta with Mazithra Cheese and Mushroom Sauce. Their bread is great and the entire experience cost $10 bucks. I felt much better as I drove home and this time I remembered to give myself an insulin shot.
This evening I've built a fire, the furnace won't blow warm again, same as last year. Then I worked on finishing up the report and I just shipped it out. So thankful for life.
Keanna just sent me a photo so I've included it here. The little brown rabbit is Jackey and they all love him.
Love to all,
Tim
PS after taking out 6 or 7 boards in my side fence as I tried to back the boat in with the motorhome last night after dark I ask Steve if he would help today and sure enough, when I got home the boat was parked right where it needs to be. Thanks Steve
This morning I was on the treadmill minutes after rising and it was work. I'm not sure what is going on right now but the lung and coughing thing is getting much worse. In fact there is little coughing now and it is a loose cough with lots of stuff coming up but the cough is deeper when it happens. What is concerning is this, I find myself out of breath at strange time. There were times today when I had to push myself to keep going. I've noticed that they have my heart meds so high that I really have to work to get the heart rate up to even 100 on the treadmill, it hangs around 65, then 70 for most of the time, not because I'm in such great shape but because the Coreg is artificially keeping my heart from catching up the need.
In the morning at 8:30 I see a pulmonary guy and I hope to get some answers.
Today I wrote on an appraisal for Discovery Bay, they just bought the house but the values have gone up so much that they can get rid of PMI, a waste of money anyway so I'm glad that in fact the prices have risen quite a bit over the past year, enough to help them save money.
I left at noon for a 1 pm appointment in Danville, when I arrived the lady was startled and said she would need to call her husband, he had totally forgotten but was home in a flash and the appraisal proceeded just fine. Perfect property, about 1600 sf and worth nearly a million dollars because of where its located.
Once I left that plush neighborhood I needed diesel and had just enough time to get to the next appointment in Oakland, I quickly found diesel with the gas buddy on my phone, pumped in three gallons, that will give me 120 miles. When I arrived at the condo in Oakland much to my delight it was the same model I had measured 3 months ago, it was not easy to measure then and I'm sure glad I didn't have to do it again. So I made conversation, shot photos, took notes and was on my way. Even the comps were still the best available.
By that time I was hungry and feeling short of breath often. Not a great feeling. So as I drove home and passed through Concord I veered toward Spaghetti Factory and had an incredibly nice meal sitting in the bar area by the window. I had the senior citizen portion (smaller, cheaper) of whole wheat pasta with Mazithra Cheese and Mushroom Sauce. Their bread is great and the entire experience cost $10 bucks. I felt much better as I drove home and this time I remembered to give myself an insulin shot.
This evening I've built a fire, the furnace won't blow warm again, same as last year. Then I worked on finishing up the report and I just shipped it out. So thankful for life.
Keanna just sent me a photo so I've included it here. The little brown rabbit is Jackey and they all love him.
Love to all,
Tim
PS after taking out 6 or 7 boards in my side fence as I tried to back the boat in with the motorhome last night after dark I ask Steve if he would help today and sure enough, when I got home the boat was parked right where it needs to be. Thanks Steve
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Terrific Sabbath Day
Almost to crash this evening.
Its been a super day, Kallie took me to Sabbath School and the cousins were there too. In fact Angel, teacher, had tons of kiddos today, what a happy time. Ryan and his family were there, Michael and his family were there, Timothy and Mia were there and it was just totally fun. Angel let me help by handing her the props she needed next.
After talking to everyone we ended up at Olive Garden, turns out Timothy like to go to Olive Garden with Pappa, GREAT NEWS! We had a wonderful meal with lots of coloring and game playing and the kids did pretty well with their food too.
Afterwards Jason shot a couple photos of me for Match.com. I hold out almost no hope for that site, nearly everyone is super liberal, sound rich and like they play all the time, oh well, fun to see who is out there. Lots of nice women.
Marilyn is in Sac for the weekend with her family. I'm seeing properties tomorrow.
Keanna's team won their game today and championships are tomorrow, who knows who will win that one. Its been a great season.
Love to all, so nice to enjoy little ones and see special friends too at church today, warms my lonely heart big time.
Love
Tim
Its been a super day, Kallie took me to Sabbath School and the cousins were there too. In fact Angel, teacher, had tons of kiddos today, what a happy time. Ryan and his family were there, Michael and his family were there, Timothy and Mia were there and it was just totally fun. Angel let me help by handing her the props she needed next.
After talking to everyone we ended up at Olive Garden, turns out Timothy like to go to Olive Garden with Pappa, GREAT NEWS! We had a wonderful meal with lots of coloring and game playing and the kids did pretty well with their food too.
Afterwards Jason shot a couple photos of me for Match.com. I hold out almost no hope for that site, nearly everyone is super liberal, sound rich and like they play all the time, oh well, fun to see who is out there. Lots of nice women.
Marilyn is in Sac for the weekend with her family. I'm seeing properties tomorrow.
Keanna's team won their game today and championships are tomorrow, who knows who will win that one. Its been a great season.
Love to all, so nice to enjoy little ones and see special friends too at church today, warms my lonely heart big time.
Love
Tim
Thanks Jason and Jo for your help
Friday, November 22, 2013
Gathering holidays, an excuse to love
Dear Family and Friends,
So here they come, the holidays, first is Thanksgiving with its feast, parade, games, family chatter and a chance to be extra thankful, then there is Christmas with all its excitement, presents, sharing.
Kallie told me that Christmas is not just about presents but its about remembering the baby Jesus, I was touched as she explained in a 5 year old manner what is really important about the day and the season.
So do you plan ahead and have everything done by weeks ahead or are you more like me and you do most of your special shopping in the last few hours? Gotta say the selection is really bad when you wait until the day before, really bad.
One nice thing about this holiday season is lower gas prices, not that they are great but Costco in Tracy was $3.19 for regular, now when one fills the motorhome $3.19 makes a different, a big difference. Since it hold 60 gallons a few cents per gallon can add up.
Tomorrow will be special. Ryan and his family are going to be in Tracy tomorrow. He is one of the great kids that our family knows and loves and his coming to visit has prompted Jason and family to also come to Tracy tomorrow. I'm not sure yet about my kiddo girls but I'll be there to see my other kiddos and Jason and Jo for sure.
So finally we can put the week to rest, with its terrific rain storms, its winds, its cold nights and warm fires. This week is one we cannot repeat so lets hope we did at least some things of eternal significance. I especially enjoyed doing the puzzle with Kallie and listening to her wisdom as we worked together. Amazing self confidence, well of course I can find pieces better than you, I have young eyes and you have old eyes but we need each other.
On this run up weekend to the start of the holidays I'm just thankful to be alive, determined to be better in all ways, thankful for work and in total debt to my Savior who is always there caring and loving no matter what happens.
Blessings on all of you tonight,
Tim
So here they come, the holidays, first is Thanksgiving with its feast, parade, games, family chatter and a chance to be extra thankful, then there is Christmas with all its excitement, presents, sharing.
Kallie told me that Christmas is not just about presents but its about remembering the baby Jesus, I was touched as she explained in a 5 year old manner what is really important about the day and the season.
So do you plan ahead and have everything done by weeks ahead or are you more like me and you do most of your special shopping in the last few hours? Gotta say the selection is really bad when you wait until the day before, really bad.
One nice thing about this holiday season is lower gas prices, not that they are great but Costco in Tracy was $3.19 for regular, now when one fills the motorhome $3.19 makes a different, a big difference. Since it hold 60 gallons a few cents per gallon can add up.
Tomorrow will be special. Ryan and his family are going to be in Tracy tomorrow. He is one of the great kids that our family knows and loves and his coming to visit has prompted Jason and family to also come to Tracy tomorrow. I'm not sure yet about my kiddo girls but I'll be there to see my other kiddos and Jason and Jo for sure.
So finally we can put the week to rest, with its terrific rain storms, its winds, its cold nights and warm fires. This week is one we cannot repeat so lets hope we did at least some things of eternal significance. I especially enjoyed doing the puzzle with Kallie and listening to her wisdom as we worked together. Amazing self confidence, well of course I can find pieces better than you, I have young eyes and you have old eyes but we need each other.
On this run up weekend to the start of the holidays I'm just thankful to be alive, determined to be better in all ways, thankful for work and in total debt to my Savior who is always there caring and loving no matter what happens.
Blessings on all of you tonight,
Tim
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Blowing in the wind
Just home from a little trip to IHOP in Tracy for dinner with Lois and Marilyn. What a windy blustery day but a very good day as well for me.
Up at 6, rethought and reset the alarm for 7 am. Then it was up shower, have my steel cut oats and prepare for the day. First I needed to do research for three properties, an almost new property located the Lakes here at Discovery Bay, then a townhome in one of the nicer developments in Walnut Creek and then back to Bay Point for the sale of a nice little home.
In spite of cold wind the day went well. The owner in Discovery Bay was really great and they have already started fixing the home up since they purchased it. Its a home built by Kiper, the same company who build nice homes in Tracy many years ago, ones where Steve and Sylvia purchased when they arrived in Tracy so long ago. It was a nice single story home with over 2,000 sf.
Once I was through I headed to Walnut Creek and with no traffic on the roads but lots of wind I arrived to find a near perfect townhome. The owner, a sweet 76 year old lady, had lived in the home since it was newly completed many years ago. It still looks new throughout.
Then it was back to Bay Point which is near Pittsburg just over the hill from Concord. The daughter was able to do the interpreting for me as mom and dad did not do much English. The home is pretty nice but there is no sign out front, a bit unusual. The comps took a little longer to find as they were located up to a mile from each other.
Then it was back into some traffic as darkness settled over Contra Costa County.
So I decided to have a good omelet with spinach and mushrooms. Service lagged a bit, there was only one waitress but the food was very good.
Now we are home and I've just built a fire to ward off the intense cold, 66 degrees!! I know that is California cold, not Rhode Island cold or Weed cold.
Freddie my VW mechanic called to say he could not locate a used motor mount today so ordered one from VW. Cost is $141 and it will take a couple hours to get it installed.
Tomorrow I'll get up, do the treadmill and then work up the three appraisals that are on my plate and hope, pray for more work. Its so slow right now. I've not had any work for Jessy all week and that makes me sad as she needs to make a living too.
Good night one and all,
Love
Tim
Up at 6, rethought and reset the alarm for 7 am. Then it was up shower, have my steel cut oats and prepare for the day. First I needed to do research for three properties, an almost new property located the Lakes here at Discovery Bay, then a townhome in one of the nicer developments in Walnut Creek and then back to Bay Point for the sale of a nice little home.
In spite of cold wind the day went well. The owner in Discovery Bay was really great and they have already started fixing the home up since they purchased it. Its a home built by Kiper, the same company who build nice homes in Tracy many years ago, ones where Steve and Sylvia purchased when they arrived in Tracy so long ago. It was a nice single story home with over 2,000 sf.
Once I was through I headed to Walnut Creek and with no traffic on the roads but lots of wind I arrived to find a near perfect townhome. The owner, a sweet 76 year old lady, had lived in the home since it was newly completed many years ago. It still looks new throughout.
Then it was back to Bay Point which is near Pittsburg just over the hill from Concord. The daughter was able to do the interpreting for me as mom and dad did not do much English. The home is pretty nice but there is no sign out front, a bit unusual. The comps took a little longer to find as they were located up to a mile from each other.
Then it was back into some traffic as darkness settled over Contra Costa County.
So I decided to have a good omelet with spinach and mushrooms. Service lagged a bit, there was only one waitress but the food was very good.
Now we are home and I've just built a fire to ward off the intense cold, 66 degrees!! I know that is California cold, not Rhode Island cold or Weed cold.
Freddie my VW mechanic called to say he could not locate a used motor mount today so ordered one from VW. Cost is $141 and it will take a couple hours to get it installed.
Tomorrow I'll get up, do the treadmill and then work up the three appraisals that are on my plate and hope, pray for more work. Its so slow right now. I've not had any work for Jessy all week and that makes me sad as she needs to make a living too.
Good night one and all,
Love
Tim
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Over 58,000 page views of this blog!
Thank you to all who have stopped to take the time to read a blog entry. We have shared a nice journey together, a journey that continues.
This morning was an early call, up at 5:30 and in the car driving by 6:15 I started off strong and it looked like I would be early, alas that was not to be. In fact I arrived at 9:18 with almost constant stopped traffic, many accidents and very busy roadways. The owner fought traffic as well on Highway 80 but arrived much earlier than I did. He was able to work using his laptop so had no down time.
The property was a beautiful triplex, perfect in every way and worth close to a million dollars. Finding the comparables was a challenge in busy Berkeley and the rain kept increasing in its intensity.
The trip home was very challenging, heavy heavy rain took visibility down to a few feet, roads were running with rivers of water and keeping safe was a real battle. I think God watched over me as I drove and I was very relieved to pull into my own garage in time to pick up Kallie from school.
I have included a picture of a puzzle we did together this afternoon. It turns out that Kallie is very good at puzzles and did most of the process of finding pieces. We had a great conversation while we worked. Its been a dream of mine for months that we do something besides just screen time for her while I work so I took the time to do the puzzle with her and then with the rain stopped we took the dog to the park where she played. What a great afternoon I had with Miss Kallie.
Now this evening I've taken her to the dance studio where we met Keanna and Nikki and I turned her over to her mother's care.
While I was there I drove over to see Freddie who is my Brentwood VW mechanic. He suggested that we just replace one motor mount, the one we know is broken. He took its part number and will look for a used part tomorrow or get a new one and we will get back on the road with the bug.
Three more orders came in today, I was thrilled and excited to see them and I'm set to see a property at noon tomorrow, then see one in Walnut Creek at 1:30. While I could wish for a lot more work, work that builds the bank account I'm grateful for the work that God sees fit to send me.
Sending love to all, you are appreciated very much.
Tim
This morning was an early call, up at 5:30 and in the car driving by 6:15 I started off strong and it looked like I would be early, alas that was not to be. In fact I arrived at 9:18 with almost constant stopped traffic, many accidents and very busy roadways. The owner fought traffic as well on Highway 80 but arrived much earlier than I did. He was able to work using his laptop so had no down time.
The property was a beautiful triplex, perfect in every way and worth close to a million dollars. Finding the comparables was a challenge in busy Berkeley and the rain kept increasing in its intensity.
The trip home was very challenging, heavy heavy rain took visibility down to a few feet, roads were running with rivers of water and keeping safe was a real battle. I think God watched over me as I drove and I was very relieved to pull into my own garage in time to pick up Kallie from school.
I have included a picture of a puzzle we did together this afternoon. It turns out that Kallie is very good at puzzles and did most of the process of finding pieces. We had a great conversation while we worked. Its been a dream of mine for months that we do something besides just screen time for her while I work so I took the time to do the puzzle with her and then with the rain stopped we took the dog to the park where she played. What a great afternoon I had with Miss Kallie.
Now this evening I've taken her to the dance studio where we met Keanna and Nikki and I turned her over to her mother's care.
While I was there I drove over to see Freddie who is my Brentwood VW mechanic. He suggested that we just replace one motor mount, the one we know is broken. He took its part number and will look for a used part tomorrow or get a new one and we will get back on the road with the bug.
Three more orders came in today, I was thrilled and excited to see them and I'm set to see a property at noon tomorrow, then see one in Walnut Creek at 1:30. While I could wish for a lot more work, work that builds the bank account I'm grateful for the work that God sees fit to send me.
Sending love to all, you are appreciated very much.
Tim
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
And the rains came
Good evening,
After a long time it finally rained today, we need it badly so we welcome it. But it was a weak rain.
This morning I woke with many things on my feeble mind and at 7 I rolled out and went to the treadmill where for the next 30 minutes I walked, uphill, downhill, faster and slower, great workout.
I've worked in today and have written a difficult 4 plex in Oakland, fixed conditions, had a nice lunch with brown rice, green beans, griller and this evening we went to our local pizza place which has specials on Tuesday evening.
I've had a fire going most of the day and its been nice to keep things warm, also hot drinks have helped the day pass along as well.
I could certainly do with more work. I'm seeing a triplex at 8 in the morning in Berkeley so I'll be getting out rather early and hope for a break in the rain. These days I'm driving the Civic as I'm not sure about the VW and how many more miles it has until it needs to get fixed. So far my contact in Turlock has not located the parts and has been really busy, hope to hear something back tomorrow.
Sending love to all,
Tim
After a long time it finally rained today, we need it badly so we welcome it. But it was a weak rain.
This morning I woke with many things on my feeble mind and at 7 I rolled out and went to the treadmill where for the next 30 minutes I walked, uphill, downhill, faster and slower, great workout.
I've worked in today and have written a difficult 4 plex in Oakland, fixed conditions, had a nice lunch with brown rice, green beans, griller and this evening we went to our local pizza place which has specials on Tuesday evening.
I've had a fire going most of the day and its been nice to keep things warm, also hot drinks have helped the day pass along as well.
I could certainly do with more work. I'm seeing a triplex at 8 in the morning in Berkeley so I'll be getting out rather early and hope for a break in the rain. These days I'm driving the Civic as I'm not sure about the VW and how many more miles it has until it needs to get fixed. So far my contact in Turlock has not located the parts and has been really busy, hope to hear something back tomorrow.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Monday, November 18, 2013
Busy Monday
Good evening,
Even though it seemed like I had no work I've been very busy today. One property that I've had a hard time seeing finally opened up today, its a 10 acre parcel in Brentwood and they press Olive Oil from their Olive trees on site. They also have a little story one site and the lady running the business turns out to be an old friend from the mortgage business. So I was able to inspect the property and we managed to pick up some eggs, some other little things in the store and did our appraisal as well.
Earlier in the day I got a couple reports out the door and managed to walk a mile or so with the dog. Enough money came in the mail today to cover the house payment, what a huge answer to prayer and I am so touched and thankful for the funds. The house payment is already made and on its way to the lender.
This evening we were shooting photos right up until dark so went to Red Robin for a burger, mine was a garden burger and Marilyn's was living recently! My salad was perfect and along with water the meal was sort of reasonable overall.
Well that's about it for now, George my orange kitty is reaching up trying to get some pets out of me, what a great cat. Moomo is bugging Marilyn hoping for some petting as well.
This it was just right for a nice fire and the wood from Jerry's place certainly burns nicely.
Sending love to all the precious people.
Tim
Even though it seemed like I had no work I've been very busy today. One property that I've had a hard time seeing finally opened up today, its a 10 acre parcel in Brentwood and they press Olive Oil from their Olive trees on site. They also have a little story one site and the lady running the business turns out to be an old friend from the mortgage business. So I was able to inspect the property and we managed to pick up some eggs, some other little things in the store and did our appraisal as well.
Earlier in the day I got a couple reports out the door and managed to walk a mile or so with the dog. Enough money came in the mail today to cover the house payment, what a huge answer to prayer and I am so touched and thankful for the funds. The house payment is already made and on its way to the lender.
This evening we were shooting photos right up until dark so went to Red Robin for a burger, mine was a garden burger and Marilyn's was living recently! My salad was perfect and along with water the meal was sort of reasonable overall.
Well that's about it for now, George my orange kitty is reaching up trying to get some pets out of me, what a great cat. Moomo is bugging Marilyn hoping for some petting as well.
This it was just right for a nice fire and the wood from Jerry's place certainly burns nicely.
Sending love to all the precious people.
Tim
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Nice day
Up at 7, on the road at 8:35 and arrive in Pinole at 9:07. Owner was waiting outside for me. What a great house, new Brazilian Koa wood floors in much of the house, stunningly beautiful wood, lots of concrete and perfect lawns, new Marvin windows, one bath has white marble, lots of little improvements made a very nice property.
As I'm driving home I can feel that the drive train in the green bug is not perfect, its getting worse.
While I'm driving the agent from Oakland calls to say he has lined up the tenants for 2:30 for quadruplex, can I come? Well of course I'll be there, the fee is $650 and I'd like to get this one done quickly.
But as we near he calls to say only one of the tenants are there. I decide to go ahead and measure the property and while I'm there a second tenant shows up. So now I only have to see two of the units at a later time. We shoot the comps and do not feel totally safe in Oakland on a Sunday afternoon.
On the way home we select Fuddruckers and have excellent food and drink. A good Sunday and lots accomplished after all.
Sending love to all,
Please pray that I'll be able to find a way and the money to get the green bug repaired and that I'll find money to make the house payment. Its due now!
Tim
As I'm driving home I can feel that the drive train in the green bug is not perfect, its getting worse.
While I'm driving the agent from Oakland calls to say he has lined up the tenants for 2:30 for quadruplex, can I come? Well of course I'll be there, the fee is $650 and I'd like to get this one done quickly.
But as we near he calls to say only one of the tenants are there. I decide to go ahead and measure the property and while I'm there a second tenant shows up. So now I only have to see two of the units at a later time. We shoot the comps and do not feel totally safe in Oakland on a Sunday afternoon.
On the way home we select Fuddruckers and have excellent food and drink. A good Sunday and lots accomplished after all.
Sending love to all,
Please pray that I'll be able to find a way and the money to get the green bug repaired and that I'll find money to make the house payment. Its due now!
Tim
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Keanna's big day
This morning I woke and decided to take the 2.5 miles walk around the lake. As I came to the end of my walk I landed in the park and Nikki and the girls were already there. At 9 Keanna started her 5K run called the Turkey Trot. She ran with many of her friends and Nikki and I kept tract of her. I would drive a few driveways up and pull in so we could see her going by, just in case her side started hurting. Instead we saw a girl that just kept running the whole way and when the dust had cleared she came in 3rd for her age group of girls. She got a metal! She was happy and we were happy too.
It was a very nice way to start a quiet Sabbath.
Love
Tim
It was a very nice way to start a quiet Sabbath.
Love
Tim
Friday, November 15, 2013
Winding down time cometh
So as quiet classical piano plays through the Bose speakers from KQED and dark has enveloped the whole house I'm sitting here ready to communicate with you my family and friends.
This has been some week, with the Affordable Health Care act failing on nearly every level and its backers running for the exits there is a sense of recognition, a lot of us thought this could happen but we were the nuts, the ones in the way of progress, well no more. What we have seen this week is only the beginning of the disaster, millions of Americans will pay more for coverage they do not want, others will give up and just pay the fine, the super ill will quickly sign up, well when they can and in the process begin the process of sinking the entire plan.
I know of nothing the government can do better than free americans who put their minds together to solve problems, nothing. And this week we all got a huge reality check of just how badly government can mess things up.
Today has been a write up day for me, finishing up what reports I had to complete. They are all out and just at the last minute two new orders arrived in email. I'm already scheduled to see one on Sunday morning and I'll get the other one before the weekend is over.
I'm thankful for so many things this evening, a home, family, a job, so so health and plenty of food to eat, water to drink. I'm thankful for friends like Barb and Gerry in Lincoln, friends who have stood the test of time for many years, precious people indeed, for Dolly who is always there praying and being encouraging, for George and Yvonne who always have a welcome greeting and often books, CDs etc for the kiddos, for Sylvia who is a life long friend and who knows a lot about health, medicine and life, for Pam with her frequent calls just to check up on me all the way from Seattle, to Bob who knows and understands perfectly, to Art who is always there and is a life long friend and to so many others who enhance my life.
While I am fully aware that my life is not complete as I would like it to be, that I'm alone a lot more than I would like to be yet there are moments of calm from time to time.
I am going to Jerry and Donna's for Thanksgiving, while Marilyn is still here we are going to drive the motorhome up the 300 miles to spend Thanksgiving with the family there. I'm really looking forward to getting on the road and with the tank almost full to start with the expense will be manageable as long as the hook up fees at Jerry and Donna's RV park are not too high, one can just hope they have a heart of mercy!
At this point I'm not sure of kiddos for SS in the morning. I know Keanna is doing a Turkey 5k trot somewhere but I'm not sure when. So we will just see what happens.
Sending love to the best friends and family in the world,
Tim
This has been some week, with the Affordable Health Care act failing on nearly every level and its backers running for the exits there is a sense of recognition, a lot of us thought this could happen but we were the nuts, the ones in the way of progress, well no more. What we have seen this week is only the beginning of the disaster, millions of Americans will pay more for coverage they do not want, others will give up and just pay the fine, the super ill will quickly sign up, well when they can and in the process begin the process of sinking the entire plan.
I know of nothing the government can do better than free americans who put their minds together to solve problems, nothing. And this week we all got a huge reality check of just how badly government can mess things up.
Today has been a write up day for me, finishing up what reports I had to complete. They are all out and just at the last minute two new orders arrived in email. I'm already scheduled to see one on Sunday morning and I'll get the other one before the weekend is over.
I'm thankful for so many things this evening, a home, family, a job, so so health and plenty of food to eat, water to drink. I'm thankful for friends like Barb and Gerry in Lincoln, friends who have stood the test of time for many years, precious people indeed, for Dolly who is always there praying and being encouraging, for George and Yvonne who always have a welcome greeting and often books, CDs etc for the kiddos, for Sylvia who is a life long friend and who knows a lot about health, medicine and life, for Pam with her frequent calls just to check up on me all the way from Seattle, to Bob who knows and understands perfectly, to Art who is always there and is a life long friend and to so many others who enhance my life.
While I am fully aware that my life is not complete as I would like it to be, that I'm alone a lot more than I would like to be yet there are moments of calm from time to time.
I am going to Jerry and Donna's for Thanksgiving, while Marilyn is still here we are going to drive the motorhome up the 300 miles to spend Thanksgiving with the family there. I'm really looking forward to getting on the road and with the tank almost full to start with the expense will be manageable as long as the hook up fees at Jerry and Donna's RV park are not too high, one can just hope they have a heart of mercy!
At this point I'm not sure of kiddos for SS in the morning. I know Keanna is doing a Turkey 5k trot somewhere but I'm not sure when. So we will just see what happens.
Sending love to the best friends and family in the world,
Tim
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Cruising through the day
Well it started at 7 this morning, it was my first appointment of the day and it was a local home. The property has been carefully kept and has many new things, a perfect setting on a large lagoon, big living area of over 3,600 sf with huge kitchen, oak everywhere and impressive condition. The man who lives next door on some weekends wants to purchase this home for the future and they together wanted an appraiser's opinion. Nice way to start the day.
Then it was back home to work for awhile and to have breakfast. At 10 I was at a home in Brentwood but I was not prepared for what I was to learn there. When I arrived the husband greeted me and then I measured the home, found a beautiful pool and spa that were carefully covered with a walk on cover and a batting cage beside the house. Once inside I found a family home with nice appointments. On the second floor I walked into a girls room and commented on a beautiful blanket that hung in front of the closet, it had photos of a young girl. Then the father explained that she had died, that the ocean took her in one of those unguarded moments and the undertow took her life. I was so struck by the sadness of the moment and then I noticed that the room was the same as it had been on the day she died. Nothing had been changed. It was a memorial to her memory.
We talked a bit about losing precious people and shared some feelings. He said that in their family time is measured by how long it has been since she died, they go on but never forget yet keep busy with current life for their children who live.
How important that we treasure the present with our loved ones, how easy to slip into habits of just being together and not realizing how special it is to have our loved ones, our children, our spouses, we have them right now and yet nothing is for sure, an accident, a casual looking away from the waves of the ocean and minutes later a child is gone. I lived for years a life where I just expected everything to be OK, we had years of a mostly carefree life, then cancer struck and still we had years of mostly normal life with increasing detours for medical events, surgeries, meds, Ct Scans, Pt Scans, transfusions and on and on. Yet we had each other in our family and we all treasured the time we had.
For those of you who are so far untouched, blessings on you, enjoy and be thankful, for those of you who are in transition from total health to troubled health blessings on you too.
Today I was brought up short by the admission of this loving father, my daughter died he said matter of factly, how else could he explain. Yet it is obvious that that precious family will never be the same as long as life lasts. Can I ask that you be a little more patient with your child, your spouse, just care verbally a bit more. We live in a very troubled world with nearly everything we treasure up for grabs. Yet we can care for each other in spite of the world.
There are some people who have touched my life in ways that I will never forget, I've been lifted, encouraged, fortified, challenged and I treasure what has been shared. Thank you to each of you for being in my life.
Love
tim
Then it was back home to work for awhile and to have breakfast. At 10 I was at a home in Brentwood but I was not prepared for what I was to learn there. When I arrived the husband greeted me and then I measured the home, found a beautiful pool and spa that were carefully covered with a walk on cover and a batting cage beside the house. Once inside I found a family home with nice appointments. On the second floor I walked into a girls room and commented on a beautiful blanket that hung in front of the closet, it had photos of a young girl. Then the father explained that she had died, that the ocean took her in one of those unguarded moments and the undertow took her life. I was so struck by the sadness of the moment and then I noticed that the room was the same as it had been on the day she died. Nothing had been changed. It was a memorial to her memory.
We talked a bit about losing precious people and shared some feelings. He said that in their family time is measured by how long it has been since she died, they go on but never forget yet keep busy with current life for their children who live.
How important that we treasure the present with our loved ones, how easy to slip into habits of just being together and not realizing how special it is to have our loved ones, our children, our spouses, we have them right now and yet nothing is for sure, an accident, a casual looking away from the waves of the ocean and minutes later a child is gone. I lived for years a life where I just expected everything to be OK, we had years of a mostly carefree life, then cancer struck and still we had years of mostly normal life with increasing detours for medical events, surgeries, meds, Ct Scans, Pt Scans, transfusions and on and on. Yet we had each other in our family and we all treasured the time we had.
For those of you who are so far untouched, blessings on you, enjoy and be thankful, for those of you who are in transition from total health to troubled health blessings on you too.
Today I was brought up short by the admission of this loving father, my daughter died he said matter of factly, how else could he explain. Yet it is obvious that that precious family will never be the same as long as life lasts. Can I ask that you be a little more patient with your child, your spouse, just care verbally a bit more. We live in a very troubled world with nearly everything we treasure up for grabs. Yet we can care for each other in spite of the world.
There are some people who have touched my life in ways that I will never forget, I've been lifted, encouraged, fortified, challenged and I treasure what has been shared. Thank you to each of you for being in my life.
Love
tim
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Flu Shots and the girls
Down the hall and out the door, Kallie was having none of this flu shot business. Keanna tried to reason with her as she had already had the shot and while it hurt she was doing OK. Finally the nurse and I cornered Kallie and with Keanna there too we moved her to the room and quickly Kallie had her shot and it was over.
Then we went to the bowling alley to meet Nikki and the girls enjoyed their time there. I went on to Kaiser to have my blood drawn for Coumadin.
Early this morning I started calling Brian who had the green beetle and who was going to install new motor mounts for a cost of $1284. I woke troubled by a number of things but the cost seemed too high. I finally reached him and while he was not happy he said, come pick up your car. I dropped $40 on his desk for his trouble and drove the bug home. My new friend in Turlock who happens to work on VWs suggested that he could do the entire job for a lot less so he is checking on parts now and we will do it that way. When Brian said he had to order the parts from VW I should have told him no thanks right then. When my heating fan quit VW wanted over $300 and I got a new one on the web for $65 and it worked well.
I waited to talk to IRS this morning for over 30 minutes and the battery failed in the phone I was using so I've not faced that hurdle yet.
The coughing, the heavy feeling in my chest, the headache it all just adds up to not feeling well.
Perhaps someday things will be better, right now its just very discouraging. The high point of this day was having the girls here. They are so happy, do their homework on their own and are just a delight. I just wish I could spend time with my other two precious kiddos too. They are all so bright, precious and a gift from a loving Heavenly Father.
Love to all of you tonight,
Tim
Then we went to the bowling alley to meet Nikki and the girls enjoyed their time there. I went on to Kaiser to have my blood drawn for Coumadin.
Early this morning I started calling Brian who had the green beetle and who was going to install new motor mounts for a cost of $1284. I woke troubled by a number of things but the cost seemed too high. I finally reached him and while he was not happy he said, come pick up your car. I dropped $40 on his desk for his trouble and drove the bug home. My new friend in Turlock who happens to work on VWs suggested that he could do the entire job for a lot less so he is checking on parts now and we will do it that way. When Brian said he had to order the parts from VW I should have told him no thanks right then. When my heating fan quit VW wanted over $300 and I got a new one on the web for $65 and it worked well.
I waited to talk to IRS this morning for over 30 minutes and the battery failed in the phone I was using so I've not faced that hurdle yet.
The coughing, the heavy feeling in my chest, the headache it all just adds up to not feeling well.
Perhaps someday things will be better, right now its just very discouraging. The high point of this day was having the girls here. They are so happy, do their homework on their own and are just a delight. I just wish I could spend time with my other two precious kiddos too. They are all so bright, precious and a gift from a loving Heavenly Father.
Love to all of you tonight,
Tim
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Tightly planned day - it worked
Good evening
Finally I've just emailed out the last appraisal for the day, with a value of over 2 million I'm glad to finally be able to complete it. Jessy helped a lot today. As she drove to Brentwood today she shot photos for an appraisal I had done last night, then she came on in and worked up one that I had just seen at Mountain House and was due to the lender at 3 pm.
So it was a day of production.
I started the day off over at the auto repair place with the green bug and I'm very uncomfortable with my situation there. When I arrived today he told me that he had to buy the parts from VW directly and the total bill would be $1248. I could not believe it and tonight as I'm checking out many places to buy the parts online I think I might be getting ripped off. I plan to call first thing in the morning, have him put a hold on the project until I can check around some more. That just seems really high considering the parts, the three mounts are less than $100 each. We will see.
So late this afternoon we drove to Vallejo and did an appraisal of a nice little home. Then we stopped at Applebees for dinner and now we are home. I'm just through with the work for the day,
Sending love to all
Tim
Finally I've just emailed out the last appraisal for the day, with a value of over 2 million I'm glad to finally be able to complete it. Jessy helped a lot today. As she drove to Brentwood today she shot photos for an appraisal I had done last night, then she came on in and worked up one that I had just seen at Mountain House and was due to the lender at 3 pm.
So it was a day of production.
I started the day off over at the auto repair place with the green bug and I'm very uncomfortable with my situation there. When I arrived today he told me that he had to buy the parts from VW directly and the total bill would be $1248. I could not believe it and tonight as I'm checking out many places to buy the parts online I think I might be getting ripped off. I plan to call first thing in the morning, have him put a hold on the project until I can check around some more. That just seems really high considering the parts, the three mounts are less than $100 each. We will see.
So late this afternoon we drove to Vallejo and did an appraisal of a nice little home. Then we stopped at Applebees for dinner and now we are home. I'm just through with the work for the day,
Sending love to all
Tim
Monday, November 11, 2013
Great fun being Pappa
Dear Family and Friends,
Wow what a busy 24 hours this has been. Kallie went down last night, to bed on her own with no requests for water or anything else. She just went to sleep and that was it until 7:30 this morning.
We made waffles for breakfast and after she requested a fire I built one that lifted the Family room to 75 degrees, it was toasty.
Mid morning Keanna came home from her overnight stay with her friend Summer who lives nearby.
I worked all through the morning cranking out reports. Around 1 I asked them if they wanted to eat, they did so we went to Red Robin. It was a 45 minute wait to be seated, no way, just too long so we went to UNOs and had a nice meal without waiting.
Then back to the office and dropped the girls off with their father. Then back to Brentwood where something new happened.
The owners had two latches on their gate to the side yard area and both latches opened to the street. The gate blew shut as I passed through and when I was finished with the back yard I was locked in. about 20 minutes later I figured out how to use my clipboard to trip the bottom latch, then hold pressure on the gate and trip the top one, I was free.
The second exciting thing was my measuring wheel was safe in the garage and I was in Brentwood so I used the tape that Marilyn had purchased as a standby. Took a little longer but it worked and that one is now done too.
I'm dead tired tonight and not really feeling too great. The tennis elbow is always with me and along with the coughing I just don't feel that great.
Oh well, such is life,
tomorrow morning we take the beetle to get its motor mounts installed, then race to Mountain House to see a newly completed home, then race back to the office to get it written up before 3 pm and then race to Vallejo to see a property at 4 pm.
Love to all
Tim
Wow what a busy 24 hours this has been. Kallie went down last night, to bed on her own with no requests for water or anything else. She just went to sleep and that was it until 7:30 this morning.
We made waffles for breakfast and after she requested a fire I built one that lifted the Family room to 75 degrees, it was toasty.
Mid morning Keanna came home from her overnight stay with her friend Summer who lives nearby.
I worked all through the morning cranking out reports. Around 1 I asked them if they wanted to eat, they did so we went to Red Robin. It was a 45 minute wait to be seated, no way, just too long so we went to UNOs and had a nice meal without waiting.
Then back to the office and dropped the girls off with their father. Then back to Brentwood where something new happened.
The owners had two latches on their gate to the side yard area and both latches opened to the street. The gate blew shut as I passed through and when I was finished with the back yard I was locked in. about 20 minutes later I figured out how to use my clipboard to trip the bottom latch, then hold pressure on the gate and trip the top one, I was free.
The second exciting thing was my measuring wheel was safe in the garage and I was in Brentwood so I used the tape that Marilyn had purchased as a standby. Took a little longer but it worked and that one is now done too.
I'm dead tired tonight and not really feeling too great. The tennis elbow is always with me and along with the coughing I just don't feel that great.
Oh well, such is life,
tomorrow morning we take the beetle to get its motor mounts installed, then race to Mountain House to see a newly completed home, then race back to the office to get it written up before 3 pm and then race to Vallejo to see a property at 4 pm.
Love to all
Tim
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Round the lake
So this morning I rolled out and into tennis shoes, thank you Nikki and then grabbed Pooka, the leash and headed out determined to do the 3+/- mile trip around the lake. It went well and I happened on a yard sale, ended up buying two metal deck chairs and two more life jackets for the supply.
While out to get the money for the stuff I hit Starbucks, got the last multi grain bagel, yes I know its not good for me but I let it be the entire meal and I use insulin to offset the carbs.
Then it was back to the office to do research for two driveby appraisals in Livermore. Then it was on the road again and after completing the two driveby inspections I went to Rosies for lunch. This little Mexican place has the best whole bean burritos and today they were extra good. What a feast and so tasty.
Then back for fuel and home where I set to work. Late afternoon Nikki dropped Kallie off for a sleep over. she is upstairs now making her bed and getting everything just right for the night. She sleeps in the pink room and is a great guest. Pooka trys to run and hide but fails so is forced to "play" with Kallie, ends up locked in rooms but seems to enjoy the attention. Marilyn is still away in Sac helping clean up Vikki's house and sorting through treasures!
Going to go to bed early tonight, the walk plus the driving has left me tired. Today I've had an orange, so good, a smoothie with a mocha base and a banana along with ice cubes, that was great.
For dinner some left over mac and cheese with green beans and pinto beans warmed in the microwave. It was good, at least good enough. Kallie had pizza but ate little. She is too busy playing.
Sending love to all,
Tim
While out to get the money for the stuff I hit Starbucks, got the last multi grain bagel, yes I know its not good for me but I let it be the entire meal and I use insulin to offset the carbs.
Then it was back to the office to do research for two driveby appraisals in Livermore. Then it was on the road again and after completing the two driveby inspections I went to Rosies for lunch. This little Mexican place has the best whole bean burritos and today they were extra good. What a feast and so tasty.
Then back for fuel and home where I set to work. Late afternoon Nikki dropped Kallie off for a sleep over. she is upstairs now making her bed and getting everything just right for the night. She sleeps in the pink room and is a great guest. Pooka trys to run and hide but fails so is forced to "play" with Kallie, ends up locked in rooms but seems to enjoy the attention. Marilyn is still away in Sac helping clean up Vikki's house and sorting through treasures!
Going to go to bed early tonight, the walk plus the driving has left me tired. Today I've had an orange, so good, a smoothie with a mocha base and a banana along with ice cubes, that was great.
For dinner some left over mac and cheese with green beans and pinto beans warmed in the microwave. It was good, at least good enough. Kallie had pizza but ate little. She is too busy playing.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Tracy Kindness touches my girls
My girls had such a good time at Sabbath School today in Tracy.
Kallie and I arrived late and found that 7 kiddos were already in the middle of Sabbath School
Keanna and Summer, her special friend, attended their own Sabbath School and had a super time. Wes Huffman and helpers did a super job as usual.
We had lunch with Nikki at the Olive Garden and it was a big fun time together. The girls had their little things from the DollarTree and enjoyed the food as well.
When I was at Steve and Nikki's Steve went to work on the back fender where the duct tape had held the red plastic cover until we could install the new rear light, duct tape residue remained. Steve had some Goo off stuff and before long he had it all cleared away, is there anything this guy can't do?
I'm sort of rested up now and ready to face a big work day tomorrow. A day that will include to driveby appraisals in Livermore at some point in the day.
Right now its bed time.
Love to all
Tim
Kallie and I arrived late and found that 7 kiddos were already in the middle of Sabbath School
Keanna and Summer, her special friend, attended their own Sabbath School and had a super time. Wes Huffman and helpers did a super job as usual.
We had lunch with Nikki at the Olive Garden and it was a big fun time together. The girls had their little things from the DollarTree and enjoyed the food as well.
When I was at Steve and Nikki's Steve went to work on the back fender where the duct tape had held the red plastic cover until we could install the new rear light, duct tape residue remained. Steve had some Goo off stuff and before long he had it all cleared away, is there anything this guy can't do?
I'm sort of rested up now and ready to face a big work day tomorrow. A day that will include to driveby appraisals in Livermore at some point in the day.
Right now its bed time.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, November 8, 2013
Good Friday
So here is the windup from here....
10 am Took Green New Beetle to Precision Alignment where they tested and probed the car. Then they called in another mechanic and together they discovered that the motor mounts have broken, now get this, we are now dealing with the third car to have broken motorhome mounts in the last few months, the van, the Civic and now the beetle. On Tuesday I'll take the car in and the shop will have it for a day replacing motorhome mounts. What fun.
Then I inspected two properties and was running ahead of schedule by the time I reached the second one. Then the phone rang and TRIMAVIN had a super rush that was needed back by Sunday. So when I got home I found the order had come through and I was able to do quick research, then drive to Clayton, inspect the home, shoot the comps and got it all done today! wow now that is a rush.
So now I'm off to bed. In the morning I'll take the girls to Sabbath School and have lunch with Nikki afterwards. Great fun.
Love to all
Tim
10 am Took Green New Beetle to Precision Alignment where they tested and probed the car. Then they called in another mechanic and together they discovered that the motor mounts have broken, now get this, we are now dealing with the third car to have broken motorhome mounts in the last few months, the van, the Civic and now the beetle. On Tuesday I'll take the car in and the shop will have it for a day replacing motorhome mounts. What fun.
Then I inspected two properties and was running ahead of schedule by the time I reached the second one. Then the phone rang and TRIMAVIN had a super rush that was needed back by Sunday. So when I got home I found the order had come through and I was able to do quick research, then drive to Clayton, inspect the home, shoot the comps and got it all done today! wow now that is a rush.
So now I'm off to bed. In the morning I'll take the girls to Sabbath School and have lunch with Nikki afterwards. Great fun.
Love to all
Tim
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Traffic, slow and costly today
Good evening
This morning started at 6 am. After a shower it was 6:30 and I had a warm drink, a bottle of water and a bowl of granola along with a wheat toast and peanut butter with applesauce over the top. Excellent.
I left for a Cupertino appointment after 8 and it all went smoothly until the end of Vasco Road. Traffic was stopped and it was a 5 mph pace until I reached 680, many miles later. In that short section of freeway I lost an hour and I arrived at 10:45 for a 10 am appointment. The owner was gracious and the home beautiful and spacious. I'm seeing a value of 2.4 million at least. It has a super location in Cupertino, a place that is highly desirable, schools are great, work is near and the neighborhoods are filled with mature trees, distant Santa Cruz Mountains, narrow streets and such beautiful elevations.
Once I was through with shooting 9 comparables then I turned to the trip to Concord. With little traffic in the way the trip was easy but I still arrived at 1:32 when the owner had expected 12:30. He had worked all night and was so sleepy.
Before long I had that one completed, found a Starbucks who amazingly had steel cut bagels left. I enjoyed the bagel with cream cheese and took a break before venturing into Martinez to shoot comps for the last appointment of the day. Then Jessy traveled out to join me for the appointment and we inspected a very lovely home on over an acre. In the course of the inspection I discovered that they were Seventh-day Adventists and attended Pleasant Hill church. They knew the Vogels very well and the Seyfangs as well. We had a great visit. Then Jessy left for her counseling job at San Quentin and I faced the traveling home traffic.
My trip was made more enjoyable as Jason called and we talked nearly an hour while we both commuted home. It was great.
Tomorrow morning at 10 I'm taking my green new beetle to Precision Alignment to see if they can solve the shaking that takes place when I reach 40 mph. I hope, I pray that they can solve it without totally breaking the bank. I trust this company, they did the new springs for the front of the motorhome and even charged less than they had quoted.
Good night one and all,
Love to each and every one of you.
Tim
This morning started at 6 am. After a shower it was 6:30 and I had a warm drink, a bottle of water and a bowl of granola along with a wheat toast and peanut butter with applesauce over the top. Excellent.
I left for a Cupertino appointment after 8 and it all went smoothly until the end of Vasco Road. Traffic was stopped and it was a 5 mph pace until I reached 680, many miles later. In that short section of freeway I lost an hour and I arrived at 10:45 for a 10 am appointment. The owner was gracious and the home beautiful and spacious. I'm seeing a value of 2.4 million at least. It has a super location in Cupertino, a place that is highly desirable, schools are great, work is near and the neighborhoods are filled with mature trees, distant Santa Cruz Mountains, narrow streets and such beautiful elevations.
Once I was through with shooting 9 comparables then I turned to the trip to Concord. With little traffic in the way the trip was easy but I still arrived at 1:32 when the owner had expected 12:30. He had worked all night and was so sleepy.
Before long I had that one completed, found a Starbucks who amazingly had steel cut bagels left. I enjoyed the bagel with cream cheese and took a break before venturing into Martinez to shoot comps for the last appointment of the day. Then Jessy traveled out to join me for the appointment and we inspected a very lovely home on over an acre. In the course of the inspection I discovered that they were Seventh-day Adventists and attended Pleasant Hill church. They knew the Vogels very well and the Seyfangs as well. We had a great visit. Then Jessy left for her counseling job at San Quentin and I faced the traveling home traffic.
My trip was made more enjoyable as Jason called and we talked nearly an hour while we both commuted home. It was great.
Tomorrow morning at 10 I'm taking my green new beetle to Precision Alignment to see if they can solve the shaking that takes place when I reach 40 mph. I hope, I pray that they can solve it without totally breaking the bank. I trust this company, they did the new springs for the front of the motorhome and even charged less than they had quoted.
Good night one and all,
Love to each and every one of you.
Tim
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Busy and the girls came to visit so great day!
Good evening,
Early call this morning, had to be up at 6 and to Livermore by 8 am. I would have made it except for a couple nasty crashes along the way. I arrived at 8:20 but the lovely lady was gracious. What a property, everything really in great condition both in and out. A very nice way to start the day and she was super nice to work with.
Once I left Livermore I set my sights on Hyde Street in Oakland. The home was old and had been loved. It was there to determine a value for resale since the home had a reverse mortgage on it. It was a pleasant visit and the house was pretty good overall. Then it was find correct comps to match the house. All of my advance research proved to be wrong so I started over on the spot and got the right comps to match the home.
Then it was time to find a Starbucks and head back to pick up the girls. All went smoothly but the lady in front of me in the line bought the last multi grain bagel, talk about sad so I had to go with a everything Bagel and it was very good. Then it was on the road for home and I arrived about 20 minutes before the girls were released from school. Once I picked them up I discovered it was book sale week so a few bucks later the girls had a couple new things to enjoy.
This afternoon Keanna did her homework, Kallie played with the phone, paper, found things to munch in the kitchen and then we went to the park. Pooka snapped at a little furry dog, NOT good but we had a good time.
Then Nikki arrived to collect her little darlings. Marilyn made a lovely dinner which was really filling. Now I'm winding down, sort of tired and not feeling too great.
On the total blessing side about 7 new orders arrived today which is a very nice thing to take place. Bodes well for the future and I thank God for the work and His multiple blessings.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Early call this morning, had to be up at 6 and to Livermore by 8 am. I would have made it except for a couple nasty crashes along the way. I arrived at 8:20 but the lovely lady was gracious. What a property, everything really in great condition both in and out. A very nice way to start the day and she was super nice to work with.
Once I left Livermore I set my sights on Hyde Street in Oakland. The home was old and had been loved. It was there to determine a value for resale since the home had a reverse mortgage on it. It was a pleasant visit and the house was pretty good overall. Then it was find correct comps to match the house. All of my advance research proved to be wrong so I started over on the spot and got the right comps to match the home.
Then it was time to find a Starbucks and head back to pick up the girls. All went smoothly but the lady in front of me in the line bought the last multi grain bagel, talk about sad so I had to go with a everything Bagel and it was very good. Then it was on the road for home and I arrived about 20 minutes before the girls were released from school. Once I picked them up I discovered it was book sale week so a few bucks later the girls had a couple new things to enjoy.
This afternoon Keanna did her homework, Kallie played with the phone, paper, found things to munch in the kitchen and then we went to the park. Pooka snapped at a little furry dog, NOT good but we had a good time.
Then Nikki arrived to collect her little darlings. Marilyn made a lovely dinner which was really filling. Now I'm winding down, sort of tired and not feeling too great.
On the total blessing side about 7 new orders arrived today which is a very nice thing to take place. Bodes well for the future and I thank God for the work and His multiple blessings.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Good day
Worked hard, got lots of reports filed with lenders, did inspection of newly completed home in Brentwood with Jessy, OK house and OK price.
Bummed that the jerk won in Virginia. Seems by the exit polling that if another week had passed he would have lost. Huge reaction to the Obamacare mess, Marilyn's daughter tried to get insurance in Rhode Island, even with subsidy price was way too high and only available from one insurance carrier through the state web site.
Wonder when American will wake up to the lies on everything from the death of the 4 Americans, the massive spying mess, the promise you can keep your health care and your doctor when they knew in the White House it was not true. When will the main stream press start to ask hard questions of this Chicago thug and his crowd in the White House.
At least questions are beginning to be asked. Lets hope truth starts to mean something again in our country.
I'm thankful to have work, to have a home and most of all thankful for a wonderful family and friends.
Love to all
Tim
Bummed that the jerk won in Virginia. Seems by the exit polling that if another week had passed he would have lost. Huge reaction to the Obamacare mess, Marilyn's daughter tried to get insurance in Rhode Island, even with subsidy price was way too high and only available from one insurance carrier through the state web site.
Wonder when American will wake up to the lies on everything from the death of the 4 Americans, the massive spying mess, the promise you can keep your health care and your doctor when they knew in the White House it was not true. When will the main stream press start to ask hard questions of this Chicago thug and his crowd in the White House.
At least questions are beginning to be asked. Lets hope truth starts to mean something again in our country.
I'm thankful to have work, to have a home and most of all thankful for a wonderful family and friends.
Love to all
Tim
Monday, November 4, 2013
A windy day, a quick trip to Stockton
Good evening,
We've just come back from watching Keanna's soccer team play in the windy chilly evening. Unfortunately they lost the game and this was the playoffs. I didn't like the calls by the ref and others were unhappy as well, one never knows the thinking that goes on in an officials mind but the kiddos enjoyed playing and played hard, just didn't get the second score in.
This morning the phone rang early, just as I was settled in with my warm drink and ready to work in sweats for awhile. I built a fire to drive away the chill and then there was the phone.
A lady that I tried to reach all last week was home from her cruise and was anxious that I get there before she went back to sleep. I dropped everything, showered and drove through the wind to Stockton. I 5 was a parking lot so I got off as fast as I could, found her house, did the appraisal. This lady had an opinion on everything, wow, one more reason to stay single. I'd have a hard time not getting into a fight with her before long. Really amazing, had not experienced a owner like that in a while. She was fine with what I was doing but just had new carpeting and flooring put in but hated it, it seemed like everything was an issue with her including things from the cruise, that didn't set right so she was about to write to the owner of the cruise line to let him know what to change!! Oh boy.
Once I was home I settled into work and Jessy was hard at work writing up reports and pulling files that had been paid. she is so good at what she does, just amazing.
We worked through the afternoon and three more orders came in today, great news.
So now its bed time once again and I am always so ready to crash.
Hope your Monday went well.
Love
Tim
We've just come back from watching Keanna's soccer team play in the windy chilly evening. Unfortunately they lost the game and this was the playoffs. I didn't like the calls by the ref and others were unhappy as well, one never knows the thinking that goes on in an officials mind but the kiddos enjoyed playing and played hard, just didn't get the second score in.
This morning the phone rang early, just as I was settled in with my warm drink and ready to work in sweats for awhile. I built a fire to drive away the chill and then there was the phone.
A lady that I tried to reach all last week was home from her cruise and was anxious that I get there before she went back to sleep. I dropped everything, showered and drove through the wind to Stockton. I 5 was a parking lot so I got off as fast as I could, found her house, did the appraisal. This lady had an opinion on everything, wow, one more reason to stay single. I'd have a hard time not getting into a fight with her before long. Really amazing, had not experienced a owner like that in a while. She was fine with what I was doing but just had new carpeting and flooring put in but hated it, it seemed like everything was an issue with her including things from the cruise, that didn't set right so she was about to write to the owner of the cruise line to let him know what to change!! Oh boy.
Once I was home I settled into work and Jessy was hard at work writing up reports and pulling files that had been paid. she is so good at what she does, just amazing.
We worked through the afternoon and three more orders came in today, great news.
So now its bed time once again and I am always so ready to crash.
Hope your Monday went well.
Love
Tim
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Zoo day
What fun we had today. We met at the zoo about 10:45, Jason, Jo, Timothy and Mia came from Milpitas and Nikki, Kallie, Keanna came from the east and I drove over to meet them. They all know the zoo very well so we set out. The weather was pretty good, not cold and not too hot, the animals were out on display and in good form. The kiddos were on their best behavior and it was all fun. We walked for hours, visited the children's zoo, saw bats, alligators, lions, tigers, elephants, rabbits, birds, giraffes and a host of other creatures.
We had lunch at the zoo and it was pretty good, then it was rides time and they rode the train, the airplane, the roller coaster, the carousel and the cars. By then every one was tired so we parted ways and headed home. A great day at the zoo.
Tomorrow I'm get serious about working again but for today it was fun and games with the people I love. Just sorry that Steve was so buried with orders right now that he had to stay home and write things up. At least this way he had a quiet house to work in.
I'm still not feeling that well, lots of coughing today, took my inhaler only to discover on the road that it was on 0. It was out of the good stuff. I have a second one and it says it has 76 puffs to go.
Wishing all of you a good week, its getting chilly outside so be ready for it. We actually build a fire this morning to take the chill off and it worked. Marilyn watched 9 episodes of General Hospital, must be pretty up to date of what is happening on that show.
Love to all,
Tim
We had lunch at the zoo and it was pretty good, then it was rides time and they rode the train, the airplane, the roller coaster, the carousel and the cars. By then every one was tired so we parted ways and headed home. A great day at the zoo.
Tomorrow I'm get serious about working again but for today it was fun and games with the people I love. Just sorry that Steve was so buried with orders right now that he had to stay home and write things up. At least this way he had a quiet house to work in.
I'm still not feeling that well, lots of coughing today, took my inhaler only to discover on the road that it was on 0. It was out of the good stuff. I have a second one and it says it has 76 puffs to go.
Wishing all of you a good week, its getting chilly outside so be ready for it. We actually build a fire this morning to take the chill off and it worked. Marilyn watched 9 episodes of General Hospital, must be pretty up to date of what is happening on that show.
Love to all,
Tim
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Wedding on the waves
Good evening,
So at 8:40 this morning I pulled up to the playing field where Keanna was playing her heart out in the early morning cold air. Alas victory was not to be today but all the girls had a very good time and did their best. The other team had several girls that were about 2 feet taller than Keanna and could kick half the field when given the ball. Anyway Keanna and Sharron her dear friend were happy after the game.
Then I headed back home to work on the wedding service. With that completed I rested and watched the Christian satellite stations for awhile until it was time to dress and go. I arrived first at the home where the hosts were waiting. A lovely home and recently updated with direct water access and a 42 foot Grand Banks Trawler with its engines rumbling. Soon the wedding party arrived and we boarded for the greater delta. We cruised for about 30 minutes until we found a nice place near ski beach, dropped anchor and snacked on treats, they had Champagne and I enjoyed water.
We had the service up near the bow and it went well. Debbie and Erv exchanged very well thought out vows and we concluded the service. All the while they had a phone line open to Hawaii where their dear friends were vacationing so they were able to hear the service as well.
Afterwards we snacked, chatted and enjoyed the very beautiful day with a gentle breeze, warm sun and rocking water. Eventually we headed back to toward Discovery Bay and into the sunset. It was a very beautiful day and I'm so glad they have found each other. I believe they will be very happy.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to seeing my 4 kiddos at at least 3 parents at the zoo in Oakland. What fun that will be!
So I'm going to include a few photos I shot this afternoon.
Love to all
Tim
So at 8:40 this morning I pulled up to the playing field where Keanna was playing her heart out in the early morning cold air. Alas victory was not to be today but all the girls had a very good time and did their best. The other team had several girls that were about 2 feet taller than Keanna and could kick half the field when given the ball. Anyway Keanna and Sharron her dear friend were happy after the game.
Then I headed back home to work on the wedding service. With that completed I rested and watched the Christian satellite stations for awhile until it was time to dress and go. I arrived first at the home where the hosts were waiting. A lovely home and recently updated with direct water access and a 42 foot Grand Banks Trawler with its engines rumbling. Soon the wedding party arrived and we boarded for the greater delta. We cruised for about 30 minutes until we found a nice place near ski beach, dropped anchor and snacked on treats, they had Champagne and I enjoyed water.
We had the service up near the bow and it went well. Debbie and Erv exchanged very well thought out vows and we concluded the service. All the while they had a phone line open to Hawaii where their dear friends were vacationing so they were able to hear the service as well.
Afterwards we snacked, chatted and enjoyed the very beautiful day with a gentle breeze, warm sun and rocking water. Eventually we headed back to toward Discovery Bay and into the sunset. It was a very beautiful day and I'm so glad they have found each other. I believe they will be very happy.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to seeing my 4 kiddos at at least 3 parents at the zoo in Oakland. What fun that will be!
So I'm going to include a few photos I shot this afternoon.
Love to all
Tim
Friday, November 1, 2013
At last the week grinds to an end.
Good evening,
I'm enjoying being home, in my work chair, in the other room Marilyn is having a happy chat with her daughter Lori who is in Rhode Island. Its a typical mother and daughter jam session.
Today went well but I had a lot of coughing and I had to deal with that. I first inspected a very old home located in downtown Antioch in an area that was once "the" place to live. The owner has lived there since he was born in the 50s so it was a mixed bag of updating and some very old features as well. Once I was through I then drove to Starbucks in Pittsburg where I got the last multi grain bagel and a light peppermint mocha, only 100 calories.
I then waded through intense traffic and reached my San Leandro destination about 30 minutes late. The owner was a 80 year spry lady who was just wonderful, the place was pretty good too. Then it was Taco bell for a burrito and a trip to Fairfield. That home was easy, I had a code for a lockbox so could see the home quickly but I had to shoot 9 comps which took awhile.
Then it was Costco where I found water, mocha for Steve, Mangos for Nikki, cottage cheese for Marilyn, Vitamin D3 for me, paper for the office and peanut butter. It was a nice stop.
Now I'm home and getting hungry.
After the disastrous A1C, 10.6 and the most recent illness I've been let to conclude that I simply must dump weight. Everything that I'm experiencing would be better if I lost weight. So after thinking this over I'm asking you for a favor. My personal email address is pretty simple, timmustard@yahoo.com and I asking if you would send an email with your suggestions, your advice and your own experiences on how I should go about losing weight. I'm not expecting any of you to have the whole set of needed steps, I just would like to hear from you about what you think would help. I intend to print the ideas and comments out and then go over them as I build a plan to make this happen. My will power is very low and my impulse control is even lower. I would appreciate your help.
So have a great weekend and make sure you actively love the one you are with. Tomorrow afternoon I've been asked to conduct a wedding service on a yacht for a very good friend, Debbie Read and her new guy, Irv. Her husband, Paul was an appraiser that Howard and Dolly taught the business to many years ago. He was a fine appraiser and a very good guy. He was struck down several years before Nan died and she took it very hard at the time. Now Debbie has found a new guy and they seem very happy together and I'm happy for them. So tomorrow at 3 I'll board a boat and do the service somewhere out in the Delta.
Love to all,
Tim
I'm enjoying being home, in my work chair, in the other room Marilyn is having a happy chat with her daughter Lori who is in Rhode Island. Its a typical mother and daughter jam session.
Today went well but I had a lot of coughing and I had to deal with that. I first inspected a very old home located in downtown Antioch in an area that was once "the" place to live. The owner has lived there since he was born in the 50s so it was a mixed bag of updating and some very old features as well. Once I was through I then drove to Starbucks in Pittsburg where I got the last multi grain bagel and a light peppermint mocha, only 100 calories.
I then waded through intense traffic and reached my San Leandro destination about 30 minutes late. The owner was a 80 year spry lady who was just wonderful, the place was pretty good too. Then it was Taco bell for a burrito and a trip to Fairfield. That home was easy, I had a code for a lockbox so could see the home quickly but I had to shoot 9 comps which took awhile.
Then it was Costco where I found water, mocha for Steve, Mangos for Nikki, cottage cheese for Marilyn, Vitamin D3 for me, paper for the office and peanut butter. It was a nice stop.
Now I'm home and getting hungry.
After the disastrous A1C, 10.6 and the most recent illness I've been let to conclude that I simply must dump weight. Everything that I'm experiencing would be better if I lost weight. So after thinking this over I'm asking you for a favor. My personal email address is pretty simple, timmustard@yahoo.com and I asking if you would send an email with your suggestions, your advice and your own experiences on how I should go about losing weight. I'm not expecting any of you to have the whole set of needed steps, I just would like to hear from you about what you think would help. I intend to print the ideas and comments out and then go over them as I build a plan to make this happen. My will power is very low and my impulse control is even lower. I would appreciate your help.
So have a great weekend and make sure you actively love the one you are with. Tomorrow afternoon I've been asked to conduct a wedding service on a yacht for a very good friend, Debbie Read and her new guy, Irv. Her husband, Paul was an appraiser that Howard and Dolly taught the business to many years ago. He was a fine appraiser and a very good guy. He was struck down several years before Nan died and she took it very hard at the time. Now Debbie has found a new guy and they seem very happy together and I'm happy for them. So tomorrow at 3 I'll board a boat and do the service somewhere out in the Delta.
Love to all,
Tim
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