catching up

Dear Friends and Family
I had a joyful time with Moon over Thanksgiving in Houston where the weather is much more decent this time of year.
Once I arrived back home at 3 am on Monday I was buried with work and its been that way ever since.  Between conditions on prior reports and writing new ones its been a very busy time so I've not blogged, barely got to sleep but now its settling down a bit.

Church was an enjoyment yesterday and then lunch with Bob at Olive Garden was good too.  I had trouble getting back home as they are working on a bridge and the road was closed.  Last night both Kallie and Keanna were riding on floats in the Discovery Bay Christmas parade, a big deal and is was cold, very cold.  Today like yesterday I walked the three miles around the lake so I feel a little sore but heart is behaving very well.

Take care and enjoy the season, we have a very amazing Lord who cares for us so much.

Love

Tim

A week

Friday night, long day, longer week.
After a relatively free period of A-fib after surgery over a week ago I woke with heart rate of 140 and I've had A-fib every since, day and night, at this point not sure what happens next, I'm told I may have to just learn to live with it, heart beating crazy, total fatigue, night sweats, its a mess and it continues unabated tonight.

I did encounter a really nice real estate agent this morning who had heart value replacement 12 years ago and has had A-fib every since.  he says he is on heart medicine to hold his heart rate down, same as me and play basketball, runs, does everything and does not even give the heart a thought anymore.  It was good to hear his testimony.

Moon was mugged, hit over the hear with a sharp object this week and her phone was jerked out of her hand, then the guy hung around until morning to harass her, she now has a new phone and is starting to be able to sleep and the pain is gone from her back and head where he hit her.  But her life was complicated enough and now is even more with fear of the unknown and this guy.  The police have been great and very supportive.  She could have been hurt worse and she could have had her purse but only had trash and Gucci for a little walk, no purse.

Tomorrow I care for Kallie while Nikki, Keanna and Steve attend a memorial service for a young neighbor who died of an unknown illness a couple weeks ago.  Very very sad.

Sending love to all,

Tim

I'm back

As I work here at my desk, a place I've been all day other than some quick grocery shopping at the local Safeway I hear the rain fall outside, just hoping that mid day tomorrow perhaps the rain could abate and I'll be able to measure homes without being soaked, oh well, happens so seldom.

thanks to Jessy and her mom Susan I'm gradually getting a bit caught up in past orders.

New work is coming in fast and furious even though everyone is upset at how long I'm taking to finish their jobs.

I'm so thankful for many things, house, car, great family with interesting little people and great adults too, super friends and a wonderful woman in Houston.  How I wish she could be here but right now we seem to be making some progress with immigration, not that it will mean she can stay here, there will be a day when she probably has to go back to her family and home in Singapore and then we start over again asking for permission for her to come live here with me, how it all works out I don't know, no one does right now, not even immigration.  I wish I could just step forward as her sponsor and assume the process of getting her green card assigned but I'm told that that is not a good idea probably to switch sponsors and I don't think she will ever get approved for a full green card with her other sponsor since so many things have come out about his actions years ago.

I am going over thanksgiving to Houston and will enjoy time with her again.

Right now she has just texted me that she is off to bed to get much needed rest.

I'm going to bed now too, tired and worn out from sitting and typing, I've discovered that I could be much faster at writing up reports if I knew the 10 key on the computer so I'm starting to learn it now, why not.

Sending love to all of you now,

God is pretty good to us but oh how wonderful it will be to be with Him and to feel His love first hand.

Good night

tim

And so it moves forward

Sunday evening, today Jessy was kind enough to use her day off to come and work on appraisals, she did a bunch and helped a lot, yes she made some money, she earned it for sure.  What a great push forward her coming was.
I've been walking my 3 miles in the mornings in 45 minutes, getting stronger but so depressed by the huge back log of work I have to catch up on, my eye sight is really terrible since the surgery, got some eye drops today and they helped a lot.
Yesterday Keanna invited me to the Brain Games, a contest held at a high school where each school sends a team to compete, this is the second year running that her team has won the whole event, great fun to watch her in action.  Also got to see Kallie too and Nikki for lunch at Diggers, good food.
Am enjoying time spent with Moon, today she attended church so she could have special prayer time for the many things she faces, brave lady and she is packing now knowing that sooner or later she will have to return to Singapore to her family and then we will start her quest to be here in the US again only this time with me as her sponsor.
I'm going there for Thanksgiving which will be really wonderful, I've not seen her for several months due to the surgery other than face time and many texts and phone calls every day.
Now its off to bed, still buried with work and so thankful for family, friends, God's incredible love and life itself.

Love to all

Tim

Sabbath Morning Victory

Dear Family and Friends,
I'm just back from my first 3 mile walk since the surgery which was 2 months ago today.  At first it felt a little rough but then my body settled down and I did the route in 47 minutes and I'm still standing.
Have Oatmeal with egg cooking in the microwave now.  Yes my heart is sending some minor complaints but overall my heart rate is good, my breathing is resting now and I'm happy with this progress.
Today at 10:30 I pick up Keanna and we drive to San Jose to enjoy a day celebrating Mia's 6th birthday.  It will be great, she is a very interesting little girl and is smart, creative and loves Lego's for girls.
Now its shower time and a chance to relax a bit as we celebrate God's love and such goodness we feel at his hand.
Love to all, treasure what you have, a heart that beats, a roof that sheds sun and rain, people that make life rich and pleasant.

Take care today my family and friends,

Tim

Buried with success

Good evening
for the past 30 years thanks to the great help of the Vogels who taught us the business I've been very busy creating appraisals.  I've had big years and small years but what is taking place right now is different.
When you combine my attempting to recover from the open heart surgery, a process they told me would take 3 months to recover from and you add in the most work I've ever had at a time when I was working alone, when Jessy has just been given the job of her life time with the police department and is just loving it, when she gives me all the time she can afford but its not nearly enough to keep up with the work load and training someone else is almost out of the question, so I just work and sleep and it does not see like I do anything very well.  I'm trying to keep a relationship with Moon building but I've not seen her in months due to the surgery and now the work load.

I'm depressed, am dizzy most of the time from the heart medicine, can't lift much and when I do my chest lets me know for the next two days, some days I wake with a headache that lasts all day.

Yes I pray and ask God for His help but sometimes I feel like God is way to busy with good people to notice my struggles.  Yes you are right, I'm down tonight.  I've just completed an appraisal that Jerry drove me to in Walnut Grove on the 15th, I've struggled with comps and everything, everyone is angry, I tried to turn it down but they said they had no one else who could do it and what a mess it has been.  Now its done but filled with dated sales that are located near and far from the subject property.  At least its done until tomorrow morning when they come back with a new set of conditions for me to deal with.

One thing I very much enjoy is coming to the Tracy church, I love the pastor's sermons and his leadership, I feel good about my family and I relax when I'm there with my friends.

right now I must go to bed, have to be up early and working tomorrow, try to take a quick walk to the park first, its depressing when everyone leaves and the sounds of the house are creepy and lonely.  They were a great team but it had to end.  I was well and strong.

Please include me in your prayers,

Love to all

Tim

So its been a month

Good evening,
I am one week from being able to pilot my own car but for now I'm enjoying the company, great to have the house filled with happy, joyful family.  Clayton prepared some very good mac and cheese with baked top tonight, Jerry edged the front yard to make it all look better and I cranked out appraisals, yes I'm working full days now and Jerry drives me through traffic he hates but he does it just the same.

I'm feeling strong, yes I have pain and when a cough or sneeze I'm reminded that I'm not healed yet.  I'm sleeping well, talk to Moon many times every day and can't wait to see her again soon.  she is still with her friend and her family in Atlanta and is getting some very good meals but is still up late talking to Crystal and her mom, they both need her so much.

I'm loving feeling better, I do get tired and often am sleepy and worn out after seeing a property, I just put my head back and nap while Jerry drives and Clayton guides with his trusty smart phone.

I am very grateful to God for this recovery, flawless so far and a very strong heart, no flutter or A-Fib in days now for which I'm grateful as well.

Sending love from our house to yours tonight,

Tim

Moon day

Its finally happening, I'm recovering at a rapid rate now, been working all day today, we've seen a local place, then drove to Castro Valley, had lunch at the China Café, was good, then back to continue working at my desk most of the rest of the day.  Clayton keeps me fed, Jerry makes sure I'm not overtired and urges rest at times.  These are great caregivers, just the right amount of encouragement but let me continue to do things, at this point in next week I'll be almost ready to drive, can drive on the 26th and can't wait.
I've learned a lot about patience, about outright pain, about being tired and about accepting help from others.  These guys are as good as it gets in giving support, could not ask for more.
Today is Moon day, one of the 4 biggest celebrations of the year in China, there are Moon cakes, they appear to be delicious and Moon has received over 25 greetings from friends around the world because her name is Moon and people tend to connect the day with her.  A few minutes ago we had a nice time together as she prepares to talk to Crystal again and then get some rest.  I do enjoy this woman and I feel like I've found a rare, loyal, caring family oriented woman who needs me and enjoys caring for me and being with me through so many things together.  I'm thankful to our Father in Heaven who allowed us to find each other in this vast world, really very happy.

Keanna's play has started and plays many nights, its Dr. Dolittle and they always do a great job, if interested contact me and we'll get tickets for you.

Sending love to all, my caregivers are enjoying the final of Master Chef in the other room tonight.

Tim

Surgeon update

Jason came last evening and drove Clayton and I to the Kaiser Hospital in SF today where I had an appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Allen. I'm happy to report everything is on track and I'm two weeks from driving and a full recovery.  He found no negatives today at all, an assistant worked on the incision an removed much of the glue and cleaned it up so that looks better.  I can now lift 20 pounds and I survived riding in the rear seat of my bug all day, the doctor released me to sit in the passenger seat of the car from now on.

I'm still facing a huge work load to accomplish and so far I can't sit at the work computer very long without becoming very tired, that is a problem I'm facing.  You ask, do you hurt, yes I do, I have pain in my chest for nearly everything I do but its minor now and I can handle it would pain killers, all good news.

So I am good, my brother is still driving me and today he did the front lawn, the motorhome is now clean once again and ready to use, Jason slept there last night, Clayton still cooks great meals and my life is very good all things considering, my dear friend Moon and I talk many times each day and enjoy our time together and her love and encouragement to me is incredible.  She is a woman who knows how to love family, really love family!

I send love to all,

Tim

Recovery

Dear Ones,
Off to bed now but a day of recovery.  Two walks to the park with Jerry and the puppies, great meals by Clayton, several hours at the computer working and finally a pain pill after the hours working caught up with me with pain.
Nice times with my Moon today, she is feeling much better and gaining health again, right now interviewing lawyers who will help her make her case to immigration presenting her side to the past 5 years.
She is taking time to interview lawyers who speak Chinese and can translate her rendering of the past 5 years from her perfect Chinese into perfect English for immigration to read and understand from her point of view.  She is bravely moving from lawyer office to office searching for the right connection.  My prayers are with her day and night as she does this thing that must be done, she must get her side of everything on the record in clear English, this is tough stuff to deal with and I admire her courage in doing it.
Tomorrow morning I see Dr. Hand, my precious Cardiologist.  This good man is the one that triggered my heart surgery and I owe him my life, that's the way I feel about it.  It will be good to be back with him to double check everything that is taking place now.
I'm much better, stronger and just can't wait to drive again, to work freely again though right now I'm not strong enough to do it by myself yet.
I'm thankful to be alive and I value my precious family and friends very much.
Love you all

Tim

Monday update

Two walks to the park today, the first one I did by myself and the second was with Jerry and his two little doggies.  Clayton put a new cat box together so the kiddies can poop in style, the last one lasted about14 years and as a gift from Pam.
Jerry and I worked on the front door attempting to installed the new keyless entry system that Steve gave me for Christmas 2 years ago.  We made some progress, Jerry is a pretty amazing worker.
Clayton has continues to impress with great meals and keeping me taking my pills on time.

I've made it today without any pain pills and I do feel stronger tonight that before.  The chest pains are tough to cope with and coughing or laughing is bad.
This evening we had Chinese food in Brentwood and that turned out really nice.
Now its almost time for bed, I'm ready, I do get tired quickly right now.

I'm very thankful for my family which includes Moon in Houston, she is better today and cleaning up her house after being ill for 3 days.

Love to all

Tim

Post Surgery

Good evening,
Its been quite an experience for me to go from a intense day of work last Sunday the 14th in which I wrote and delivered 11 appraisals, oh yes many given excellent help by Jessy who performed so well last week.
Nikki and I drove to Keary SF and arrive at 4:45 on Monday morning, 30 minutes early.  I had slept from 9 pm until 2:45 and was in a state of unbelief and terror.  I had no clear mandate that I would wake from the surgery, I mean the odds are good and to not do the surgery would relegate my life to a constant flirtation with blood clots and heart failure. 
So I did what I've done many times before, when faced with stark reality I just walk forward trusting that a loving and forgiving God knows what is best for the next chapter.
Jason walked up just as Nikki and I were walking to the hospital admitting.  We three faced it with humor, terror and a hope that there would be more yet to come for Tim Mustard, that Tim and Moon would become a happy couple in the future, that I would wake from surgery to life.
I did wake to life and to a passage of needles, tubes, kind Philipino support staff and a little room that resembled motel 6, by afternoon I was up sitting in a chair for a couple hours, by evening I was walking down the hall, the entire night was filled with bright lights, shouts, yells and unreality, my phone had disappeared, when found it was dead, Nikki had to leave but Jason was there and I had no idea of what was taking place other than intense pain in my chest, tubes draining blood, offers of food, noise....
Gradually faces emerged, kind and loving faces, shots, blood draws, temperature swipes intense pain from a hospital bed I could not control.  BUT I was alive and everyone said the surgery was a huge success.
Whenever someone suggested I could walk I would just say yes and I found that could walk fast with no shortness of breath, no dizziness, no problem other than my bottom totally exposed to others in the hallway, soon you don't care.
There was anger from the staff, I was not to try to sit up, stand up, take a step on my own, I had to ask every time and if I did not then their feelings were hurt badly.
Soon I could manage my phone, could text and talk to Moon for a few minutes so she know we were good for the future and she prayed so hard and was so positive, I won't forget her faithfulness day and night.  Friends called, sometimes I could answer the phone or the texts, work people called and I ignored, I had nothing to offer.
BUT I was overwhelmed with just one fact!  I was alive and that continues to be the overriding fact that thrills my heart.  I am not only a survivor but I am really alive, strong, healthy and every day, every hour is better, yes I hurt like hell part of the time, after all someone took a skill saw to my chest and cut it open then wired it shut with titanium wire coils, I've learned to appreciate dedicated health pros who really do care in spite of a crazy system and paperwork deeper than an elephants eye.
Saturday was full of questions, would I be allowed to get into Jo and Jason's van and be driven home or not, differences of opinion between doctors about a possible infection kept us in limbo but I did leave and we made it home.  Jason, Clayton, Mia, Timothy and Jo gave me a very enjoyable trip home through impossible traffic.  I walked in to Jerry and a super clean house, I'd had it cleaned during the week and its perfect.
Clayton and Jerry watch over me carefully, keep track of meds, great meals, rest time, my showers and keep it real, we walk every day, we drive to Safeway, we fix things, we enjoy Jerry's puppies and clayton has everything working well on the TV.
But my family and friends, I am so grateful to a loving and powerful God, He has granted me an extension of my life, I am alive.
Tomorrow I'll do my first appraisal with Jerry at my side and we will gradually start the process o starting to work.  On Sunday evening renters come to pick up the motorhome for Burning man and that money helps cover the bills, so thankful for everything.  Moon and I walk often and are both quietly very excited about a future that waits us now.
Good night my friend, my family, my world.  Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers and you being there.
All a hearts love to each and every one of you.

Tim

Pre op in San Francisco

So I'm just home now from an incredible birthday dinner at Old Spaghetti Factory in Concord with the whole family.  It was perfect.
Seeing the 4 grandchildren was priceless.
This morning started at 5 am, woke, it was chilly, hot shower, shave and breakfast of cereal, then on the road, traffic was brutal so my 7:30 appointment ended up starting at 8:15.  During the morning I had blood work, 7 vials, urine sample, x ray of lungs and chest, EKG, consults with various different experts, hours of instructions.
Finally I was driving around 1 pm, free to head to an appointment in Livermore to see a house.
All day today Moon has been celebrating my birthday with singing, with kind words and she and Crystal both wishing me Happy Birthday through the phone and ipad.  It was great.
Now its bed time, the negative about today is that I've had A fib all day with heart rates from 77 to 145 a few minutes ago.

Thankful for life, blessings

Love to all

tim

Tired

After a long day I'm tired and glad it is over, like any day it has ups and down, my precious children are trying to figure out how we can all get together on the 10th for dinner, its my birthday.  We've not solved that one yet.
I started early today, because I went to bed so early last night I woke before 5 this morning but managed to pray and think until about 6:15 when it was time for a shower, oatmeal with an egg cooked inside and a first appointment at 9 am.  It was local and went well, then it was back to the office to attempt to do work and then a rushed trip to Antioch but when I finished the house the owner decided that I was not there for the loan company she really wants to do the loan so I just wasted my precious time, that did not make me happy at all, not when I need to see so many properties before next Monday.  Anyway a person just has to bounce back and I went to the next appointment, a trashy house with a snarling dog, not so much fun.  Then it was time to go to the last one of the day on Morgan Territory Road, turned out to be beautiful and with a perfect setting next to a creek, over 3,000 sf of perfection.  Of course as we walked to the car he let me know what his loan officer said it needs to appraise for and that was bad news, its higher than any sale I have in the entire Clayton area, someone may be disappointed in the very near future!
My health is marginal, if I do anything like walking or carrying anything then my heart feels pressure and tired.  I'm not even mowing my lawn right now, last time I didn't feel well for 2 hours.
My daily prayer is, please Lord keep my heart ticking until the surgery when they can fix it with a new valve.  I also pray for Moon, for her struggle with immigration, for her father who is not doing well and for her brave mom who cares for him every day for many hours a day.  We both pray for Crystal, her daughter who we hope is going to come visit us here in the states but that is also up in the air right now.  Yes we have many things to pray about.
Now its bed time and I'm so thankful to have a bed, a roof and good meals.  Most of all I'm thankful for the forgiveness of Jesus, for the love of God and the guidance of the Holy Spirit in everything we do.
Sending love to all

Tim

Checking in

Dear Friends and Family,
I've not been here for several days, my world has been reduced to either seeing 5 or 6 properties in a day or writing up appraisals and emailing them to waiting clients on the other days.  In between I try to talk to my brother each evening, and I talk to Moon several times each day by text or phone.
My heart surgery has been moved up to 15th at 5:30 in the morning in San Francisco.  Nikki has been kind enough to agree to be my driver.  My health has declined every week since the decision to do the surgery, the valve is closing and I'm left with pain from my heart or a feeling of being tired or sore, if I try to do anything physical even like a calm walk to the park I suffer for hours afterwards, another very bad factor is more often now I wake with A Fib, that means a heart rate that bounces all over from 115 to 145 and can last for up to 24 hours before returning to normal, those days are extremely rough to cope with, its all I can do to drag myself to the car and drive the 100 or more miles, inspect the properties and then finally and gratefully return home at night.
I'm living in a world where I just pray that God will hold my heart together for the next week, a week of extreme stress and work.
In the morning I take time to be grateful, Moon has encouraged me to remember all the many blessings I enjoy, family, a home, cars, food, great friends and a wonderful job, a beautiful lake to enjoy.  Here she is not knowing if she will have to leave America and go back to Singapore and if she does, not sure how long she will have to be there before she can come back to me and our life together.  She is an amazingly brave young woman and I'm so thankful she is in my life.
Please pray that God will bless her with good legal advice for immigration, peace in her heart and that her father who is so ill can make a recovery and return home.
Please pray that I'll keep living until the surgery takes place and that they will be able to replace the value, cure the AFib and do the other things they need to do to my heart while they are in there working.
We have a wonderful Lord who loves us with a love that is so far beyond our love.
Be blessed
tim

Thankful

Moon and I have faced some pretty serious challenges recently. There are a number hurdles we must overcome before we can look to a future together.  We both pray and lay out before the Lord our desires and our pleading for His help.  Friday was an especially tough day as some in the immigration service can be pretty touch to deal with, even if some things were caused by other people they still become a part of the current case.  We have spent some pretty tense hours on the phone sharing fears, concerns, hopes and disappointments.
We honestly do not know the future.  Yes in the middle of adversity one learns a lot about another person and I see an ability to cry, despair and then allow faith to start to build again.  I see inner strength in Moon!
Today I had lunch with Keanna, Kallie and Nikki at California Pizza Kitchen, what fun to be able to see them, to hear their happy chatter and to be able to eat real food again after a week of soft food and trying to avoid bleeding.
I think I told you I'm having the heart procedures done on August 17 at 5:30 am. They are doing at least three things: putting a mechanical aortic value in, cutting away a chamber where blood tends to pool and can cause strokes and they will burn or cut a place in my heart that can in about 60% of the cases stop AFib from taking place, that is where I wake up in the morning with a heart rate of 145 instead of 52 resting and all day it races between 145 and 90 and I feel terrible all day.  Those are high risk stroke days.  I am very impressed with Dr. Allen,  Johns Hopkins specialist.  Until that time I'll be working as hard as I can attempting to benefit from all these extra orders that are coming in right now.  It is certainly raining orders right now but as of tonight I have them all scheduled and ready to fly now.  It will be an intense week and I'm up for it.

Just got to talk to Moon after she attended an open house and met a new lady friend, a good experience for her, a Chinese Malaysian woman who is an artist and had many things out to enjoy.

Now its time to rest and spend time in prayer.

Love to all
Tim

Not a good day

Walking out of the office to drive to SF appointment with Dr. Allen, phone rings, his office says he is involved in emergency surgery and cannot keep the appointment, it felt like my entire day just got flushed down,  for two weeks I have planned for this day, scheduled the entire week for this day and had a sleepless night as I looked for this appointment to answer questions as to when, what kind of surgery, how long the hospital stay, the recovery?  But it was not to be.  The lady was very nice and felt terrible, my cardiologist send an email putting some pressure too.  Late this afternoon I got a call that the know all scheduler would call me in the morning to figure out a new appointment.  So now I wait not making new appointments with dozens of appraisals that need to be done.

So I drove to Oakland to inspect a house that turned out to be twice as large as public records and my comps were wrong, then a call came in, could I come in for the dental hygienist work an hour early at 4 instead of 5?  Actually I could not do that but I tried, got there at 4:40 and what a rough hour and then I had to pay $332 for the privilege of being cleaned!!  Oh it just keeps getting better these days.

Actually Moon was helpful on the phone today to keep me focused on good things and hope and that was the bright spot in the day.

Now I sleep with many to see tomorrow, thankful for work, thankful for life in spite of bad days.

Love to all

Tim

Private show tonight

While talking to my brother I heard almost constant fireworks being ignited.  So I took the phone and walked to my back deck, there I watched a 20 minute constant fire works display that would rival some small town fireworks shows, and it appears to have come from a private backyard of someone living on the next bay over from my home.  It was a great display and even though a night early was enjoyable.  I woke this morning to sirens in the area but never learned why?  Often times people are injured on the water, there are hundreds of miles of delta waterways where people often get injured in boating accidents, people rush them to shore and then a helicopter lands in the park nearby and transports them to Walnut Creek where they can be treated.  It happens nearly every weekend here and reminds me of why its such a great ideal not to be on the water on a busy Sunday near Discovery Bay.

Today I did 4 appraisals, all nearby, arriving at the first appointment at 10 this morning I found the lady had forgotten and was still sleeping, it turned out OK though, then the second one people were enjoying drinks already at 11 in the morning, property was great, people were very nice, easy to do.  then back to the office to work with Jessy as she worked on files, then at 5 I went out to do two more appraisals, both with lock box key, an electronic device I lease that lets me into homes on the market.  With those finished I came back home and at Moon's prompting made some great noodles with peas and pinto beans and worked until a few minutes ago when I finally finished a very tough one for a home located in Martinez.  They took at 1600 sf house and remodeled it to a 2700 house while most of the neighborhood remains a 1600 sf home area.  That means it is overbuilt and presents the appraiser with a huge challenge, another fact, they use it all day for a day care center, lenders don't like that much.  Oh well, it is done now and shipped to the lender.

Good night one and all,
Just got news that Jason and family have reached Denver to visit Jo's mom and aunt, nice that they are safe and home with family tonight.
Love to all

Tim

Update

Dear Family, Friends and interested persons,
Its Friday evening and I'm home now after a 4:30 meeting with an Oral Surgeon.  He was recommended by Dr. Todorovic, my local dentist whose office is here in Discovery Bay.  I went there because during the x ray process a mass appeared above #3 tooth, Since Mike could not determine what it was in caution he referred me to Dr. Deragopian, DMD, MD.  I was given excellent care and am somewhat relieved now.  He had the assistant do a new set of x rays and then he used a small tool to probe that one tooth, a molar Dr. Clarke thought should be removed a full year ago.  He could not pull it because he had just broken his wrist or elbow in a fall, referred me to get it pulled and when it did not hurt I just did nothing.
The dentist today looked closely at the tooth and was able to insert the little tool way deep in the tooth, much further than he should have been able to to, about 10 when he said 2 was all he should have been able to insert.  That plus the x ray told him the tooth has failed, the root canal has failed and the tooth must come out.  Not only that but he is pretty sure that the area that shows up like a mass and caused me such a scare about cancer in the sinus is in fact on the tooth side of the bone and in fact is just something that has built up from a failing tooth.
So if all goes well by July 11 he plans to remove the tooth, carefully clean out all the mess above the tooth and by the bone and let it heal.  The process becomes much more expensive and complicated if he has to use a patch to cover a hole into the sinus through the bone.  One way the total cost is $960 and the other is $1,760.  Either way I have no choice as this has to happen before the heart surgery can take place.  Of course for him to be able to do his work the Coumedin in my blood has to be held for two days to get the INR, blood thickness down to 1.7 to 2.2 when it normally runs about 2.7 or 2.8, thinner than he wants to deal with doing surgery in my mouth.  So my heart cardiologist needs to be contacted to allow the blood to become thicker for a brief period since that increases the risk of a stroke if A Fib happens to occur during the time when the blood is thicker.
I see the heart surgeon, Dr. Allen on Tuesday at 11:45 in San Francisco, then that evening I have the second session with the lady doing a deep cleaning of my teeth and then on the 7th I see her again for the last cleaning.  What a complicated life I live right now and all the while I have more appraisal work to complete than ever before in my career.  Moon calls it a blessing and thanks God and she is right but I sure need every minute of my time doing work and doing it well.  Jessy is wonderful in her help and after the heart surgery she will be my driver for awhile until they allow me to drive again.  Steve would help if he could but he has been discovered by lenders and he is buried with work now too, that is a blessing so long in coming for him.
I appreciate your prayers for me and for Moon, we continue to wait for immigration to get to her case and give her the freedom to move about freely here which she does not have currently, we continue to pray for her daddy who is so ill and for her mom who is a 12 hour a day caregiver to him, then there is Crystal, her 20 year old daughter who is just about to be given a green card and allowed to come here after a many year battle.
We are thankful to a loving God who continues to help us, care for us and bless us.
I must say that I've had a life that is remarkably free of illness and the heart thing, the very narrow opening in the valve is a surprise to me.  Yet we live in an age where many medical things are now possible that were not available years ago.  I love life, I love my family and soon Jason and Jo with kids are driving from Southern California where they have been enjoying Disneyland (Jason and the kids while Jo attended in service classes she needs as a teach), now they drive to Colorado to see her mom and aunt so we keep them in our prayers.
Thank you for praying and remembering me, life is so different now from the many years with Nan, weekends are very tough to be alone day and night and I never get over coping with being alone.  At least now Moon and I are hoping for a different future together, we don't know when or exactly how but we are trusting our  heavenly Father to guide us and open doors for our future.  She is very excited about the heart value replacement and the promised great energy and health on the other side.
So I send love to all,
I hope you enjoy your family and treasure relationships, they are eternal.

Love

tim

Cath Lab a great success

Dear Friends and Family,
Jason and I left the house this morning at 5:15, we arrived in Walnut Creek at the hospital early at 6:30 and at 6:45 were being checked in.  Then we waited.  I was set to be the next at 9 am but then there was a heart emergency and we waited, we kept waiting until 12:30 when we finally were prepared and I entered the cath lab, its an incredible place with huge white equipment, cameras and every one and everything in place.  I was draped with sterile sheets and a decision was made that they could use my wrist instead of my groin, that meant a quicker recovery time, 2 hours versus 6 hours of laying flat on my back.  The team were wired and very congenial, all firing questions and comments to me as an appraiser, soon the process had started and in a few seconds there were in my heart and photos were taken, dye was released and soon it was over, from the smiles on their faces I knew we had good news.  None of my arteries had any blockage at all, just the value needed replacing.  They told me that with the new valve I would experience life so much better, with more energy and that I could keep up with my 41 year old girl friend just fine.  The guys were great and encouraging, very pleased with what they had discovered.  Then then the waiting started and it was 5:00 before Jason pulled up and we headed home.  Then we went to the local dentist's office for an appointment, xrays and a quick exam.  With a teeth cleaning very soon I'll have the clear dental certification and have that issue removed out of the way so the surgery can proceed.
Jason is on his way home now after we had dinner at the Sports Bar here in Discovery Bay.  What a huge help he has been today.  Wow he will have a very long day before he sleeps.

Now I'm working again as they have told me I can type so I'm finishing up a report and then going to a much needed and deserved rest.  My Moon has been great and keeping in touch with Jason today to follow my progress and to pray for me.

thank you to all who were praying for this day.

Love to all

Tim

Life is becoming more complicated

Dear Friends and Family
Tonight I'm relaxing here at the computer and seeing the dozens of emails both business and personal, wow.
Heart news:  on Tuesday Jason will take me to Walnut Creek where I'll enter the world of the cath lab, they will be inserting something near my groin and taking a better look at my heart to determine what needs to be done once surgery is happening.  How long I'll be there I don't know and I've been told I can't drive home afterwards so either Jason or Ray will come for me and bring me home.
That evening at 6:30 I see the local dentist as I have to have a clearance from my dentist that I have no infection taking place in my mouth before they will operate, they say infection in the mouth can easily lead to infection in the heart valve and then it has to be replaced again, not fun!  On July 5 I travel to San Francisco to the heart center Kaiser maintains, there I will meet with Dr. Allen who will discuss the surgery with me and decisions as to timing will be made.  They attempted to delay until the 12th but I urged them to reconsider and they did.  The lady on the phone told me that I would be out of work for three months while I recovered, that is not possible and not one person I've talked to so far who has had a heart valve replace has been down more than a month, a month I can handle, three months and I'll be homeless.
Meanwhile I worked hard this morning in the office getting reports out and then did two appraisals, one in Stockton and one in Ripon, then had to drive to Oakland to do a 5 minute inspection of a rear house on a property with two houses, the people were supposed to be there but did not stick around for the appointment and so I drove two hours out of my time and way because of their thoughtlessness, it happens and now its done so that is good.
This morning I walked to the park and tonight I just felt like walking so I did my three miles, just did not walk as fast as I used to and I feel fine.  The lady at the heart center today said, well no one told her it was urgent, and I should just keep doing the exercising I was doing before, acted like a severe closure of a valve meant nothing, I was not impressed with her, I'll tell you that.  But I think she is the gatekeeper so I need to keep on her good side if possible.

I get to take Kallie to church in the morning, it will be great!

Love to all

tim
PS please pray that God will be with us all as we struggle to make sense out of life.

heart update

Dear Family and Friends,
you can tell by the time I am writing that my work load is incredible right now. 
Today with fear and trembling I saw the cardiologist Dr. Hanna.  I'm now set to have a cath done next Tuesday at 7 am in Walnut Creek, anybody want to drive me there at that time of day, I can drive there but can't drive home per their instructions, but it will work out.
Not sure how long it will take but I'm guessing some hours before they get it all done.  That will let them know exactly what they are facing when they do the surgery so its important.
One concern is that I have to stop the blood thinner 5 days before they do the procedure and I don't like the idea of my blood being thick with increases the stroke risk greatly.  Oh well, God has watched over me to this point, He is still on the job I know.
Sending love to all,

Tim

Swim meet in Concord, go girls

I had not seen the girls swim in awhile, wow have they progressed, they know their strokes and placed in the middle or better in all of their heats today, talk about a place being full of energy and friendship, it was just a great thing to experience and all the parents get involved and help out making it all work, there are maybe a hundred swimmers there from 4 years old to 18, all know the rules and all do their best, someone sets up and sells food, everyone helps each other and for a few hours its like utopia, just a great experience.

Since I'm not doing the challenge due to my heart surgery that is coming up soon I've decided to use the Lose It app in my phone, last time using it got me a 50 pound loss and this time I'm dumping pounds already, there are a few basics of losing weight, drinking a huge amount of water, keeping track of what you eat, keeping track of how much you exercise, eating foods that help instead of binge foods that do not help and I'm trying to rest more at night.

This morning I woke up early and took a short walk to the park, I could feel that my heart was not totally happy but I did not push it not really wanting to have that feared heart attack before I can get into surgery and obtain the new valve I so desperately need.

I eat oatmeal every day and today I had a banana with it.  I like it and I don't mind eating the same thing most every day as it seems to work for me.

Moon kept in touch today as she had lunch with her friend and this evening we talked for a long time as she was using her sewing machine to alter her girls friend's shorts, Moon is very capable with her trusty sewing machine and so as she sewed we talked and once again I learned a lot about what she thinks and hopes for in the future.  She is a clear talker, does not know how to say fake things, just says it like she believes and sometimes I'm a bit shocked but then I think it through and she is almost always right.  Right now she is spending quality time with her mom and giving her hope and encouragement as she listens to her mom talk about the day of caring for her father who is in rough condition and in the hospital.  Earlier she talked to Crystal, her daughter, she is totally faithful in caring for her family and I'm always impressed with her loyalty and love for them.

Well now its bedtime, tomorrow instead of working here at home like I usually do on Sundays I see three properties, two duplex properties in Oakland and then a relocation appraisal in Tracy.  What that means is good fees but a very lot of work that no one can help me with, I have to write those reports totally on my own, not fun!

God is good and I am so glad for His Blessings and His forgiveness.  I am so very thankful for my family, all eight are precious to me.

Sending love to all

Tim

Friday evening, winding down

Dear Family and Friends,
So a good day, delightful times spend with Moon on the phone, every time I learn more about her, her life, her beliefs, her family and the gut wrenching process of dealing with immigration, the delays, the demand that every document be exactly correct.  Moon is bright, extremely family oriented and loving in action, not just in words.  I have learned she will do what she needs to take care of her daughter, her mom and her dad, now she extends that same concern and care for me too, she reminds me to rest, to eat at meal times, to be careful when driving, she lets me know that she is safe after she has been out late driving home, she sends photos every day and she is very encouraging about my heart situation.  She points out that unlike her dad who health situation is so complicated it may never be totally solved my heart value can be replaced, I will recover and I'll be stronger for us than ever, that is exciting to her and to me too.
Today I got up early, worked in the office and then inspected two properties, one in Pittsburg and the next in Walnut Creek, then back to the office to work until time to go see a duplex in Stockton, then to soup and salad at Olive Garden and now home finally to relax and chat with my brother and later to Moon once she gets home.
My heart has reminded me that is has a problem today but with only mild symptoms. Never angina pain but pressure or a feeling that is not right.
So now I look forward to the surgery, the valve replacement and the new energy that is to come.  Using the Lose It app on my phone I'm down 9 pounds now and I'm so sad that I cannot do the challenge right now I'm still on track to rid myself once and for all the belly that makes it so hard to buy shirts and forces me to buy everything a size bigger than my shoulders and chest would need.  I'm on a quest much like I was two years ago when I lost 50 pounds and I think a combination of Moon's love, the heart value issue, my general desire to be more fit and a knowledge that when men carry weight on their front sides it is very hard on all the organs.  I can do this, Father God is urging me on, Moon is encouraging but not demanding or even suggesting, just loving support and I know my kids want me to be healthy and strong.
Sending love to all,

Tim

Interesting day, yesterday

Could a guy possibly get better kids?  I don't think so.  Nikki, Jason, Steve and Jo were so supportive yesterday offering their help and encouragement, was very comforting to a frightened heart, beating with diminished flow as it is.

When Dr. Hanna told me the news I had a long day scheduled already.  I left at 11 and found traffic, accidents, a hug steel post directly in front of me which I ran over, I was sure the tires would be gone but amazingly the new tires came through perfectly.  First I saw a condo in Oakland with a delightful lady from South America, place was cute and easy to measure, tiny but nice, then a rush to find a bathroom and a trip to Brentwood for the next house, then three more in quick succession until I finally got home at 7:30 or so.  All day of course my heart fitness filled my mind as I trudged up stairs lugging my ladder, measured in the hot afternoon, I could feel it beating and the same dull ache that has been with me for months was there, at last I knew why.

Jo was quick to consult with her uncle, a leading heart surgeon in Australia who confirmed that I had a severe narrowing of the aorta value, the only solution is to replace it.  Dr. Hanna has set me up with a Tuesday appointment for 11:30 and we will firm up details with a surgeon and begin to prepare for my visit with the knife.  She also told me that the surgery has a success, survival rate of 98% and that is also encouraging.

I held off tell my special lady, Moon, as she was dealing with a very heavy load as she supported her family who were facing their own challenges, I mean serious ones.  I saw a side of her that was very impressive, she does not run away from challenges, she sticks with the person and loves then with everything she has.

last evening as she was walking Gucci and was calm I shared what we were facing, she was incredible in her support and caring.  Instead of just running away from me because I was flawed she affirmed we would be fine with God's help and that our relationship was also solid, it was just what I needed to hear and she was there in spite of being very tired and feeling the heavy pressure from helping her family over the last 24 hours.

So I am working very hard to get caught up, Jessy and Steve are being very helpful and once I know a date for the process then I'll inform my clients of the break I need and move forward.

I just spoke to Kaiser and it looks like my total costs will be less than $1400 since I am on Medicare and Kaiser advantage combined.  Now if I can just save enough to pay the bills while I am unable to work and generate new income.

Moon and I both feel it is a huge blessing that I discovered the value problem, Nikki pointed out that if I had not been doing the P2P challenge I would not have gone to have my heart checked so everything is working out.  I've backed out of the challenge as the doctor said I would have a heart attach if I worked out that hard every day with the severe value narrowing.  God will see me through this and last night my brother offered to come and be here when I come home from the hospital and help care for me those first important days.  What a blessing that is, I just can't thank him enough, all of my kids work long hours every day and don't need to have to do a bunch of stuff for me beyond their busy lives so this is a big deal, his coming.

So today I work in the office trying to push paper to the clients and late this afternoon I drive to Thornton, a little town on the way to Sacramento.  I hope to get my new glasses too so I can once again see my work in front of me.

So I send love to all and ask for your continued prayers, life is precious and good.

Love to all, Dolly has been a special prayer warrior for me and for Moon recently and I thank her for that.

Tim

Bad news

Dear Friends and Family
Dr. Hanna called this morning, he is my cardiologist at Kaiser and I saw him on Monday since I was planning to do the challenge at Nikki's great gym where she lost 90 pounds and reclaimed her life.  I wanted to be sure I was capable.  We talked and he had an EKG on the spot, it was perfect, but hearing me speak of pressure around my heart he ordered an Echocardiogram on Tuesday, each morning I got up early and walked my brisk 3 miles and felt great.
I could tell the lady was concerned at the end of the test on Tuesday and today he confirmed the news, I've had a narrowing of my aortic value for years but it was not of concern before but now after 2 years it has narrowed to the severe range.
As a result he has told me no to the challenge at the gym as he thinks it could easily lead to a heart attack and he is urging a value replacement as soon as possible which will involved open heart surgery and at least a month as I recover.  Of course many concerns fill my mind today, that is as I plan to leave in a few minutes for Oakland to see a condo, then back to Brentwood to see a duet, then on to Oakley to see a huge home and then back to Brentwood to see two more homes today, meanwhile there is a stack of unfinished reports on my desk and Jessy is coming today to write up even more reports for me to finish.
Can I ask for your prayers one more time?  The Dr. says I could just continue on but with only mild exercise hoping that the situation won't get worse.  I'm not much in the mind of waiting for the next shoe to drop so we are taking a hard look at what needs to take place.  Finances fill my mind, a month without income is serious and losing clients is also serious but of course dying is not a good plan either.
I'm not sure how Moon will take this news as she is already concerned about my age and health with her father so ill now. She had a terrible day yesterday as she and Crystal her daughter worked through an interview at immigration in Singapore and discovered her Houston lawyer had not done his work on documents correctly.  She and Crystal certainly need our prayers too.
yes I do have many things on my mind today but if I've learned one thing through the last 10 years it is that things have a way of moving forward and working out, God does not leave us to fend alone and I'm remembering that as I stumble through a very fearful day ahead.
Of course I can't help but wonder when I'm climbing stairs carrying my ladder, will I be OK?
I love my family, my friends and my Moon and have many reasons to have this value replaced and get on with living without heart pain.
I send love to each of you today, thank you for being part of my world

Love

tim

Good evening

My life is even busier now but its so good.
My partner Moon is battling very stormy weather in Houston tonight, winds, rains and flooding, she is home safe and dry now and I am glad.
This week marked the beginning of my joining P2P, pushups to pinups.  Its the first time I've ever been in an exercise class this structured and this intense.  Every muscle in my body is sore and stretched, I've been 5 times and tonight Nikki worked out beside me, that helped a lot as she was able to tell me how each exercise is to be done, since there are dozens of people in each class its hard at first to learn how to do.  Going up stairs is now very tough for me, I'm tired, worn out and sleeping great as you can imagine.

But I'm even busier now than ever, work is intense, I have so much to get done and even with help I'm still behind.

Life is very good, Moon and I talk many times each day, we keep each other up to date on what we are doing, she is an incredibly loving woman and reminds me to eat, to rest and to be thankful to God for His blessings.

Sending love to all,

tim

Life from here

Two things just happened that made me happy.  First Moon just texted some very nice things to me as she was talking to her mom in Singapore, she does that every night for sometimes up to an hour, her mom spends every day with her dad who is so sick and fighting for his life.  She has no one to talk to and Moon is faithful every day to spent time with her to listen and give her love.  Its really a beautiful thing to observe, this caring that she and her mom share.
The second thing was a phone call from my renter of the motorhome, first rental of this year and he was hooked up for the night but no power happened.  It was a simple matter of having him slip the breaker on the post and now they are good for the night but that means in spite of the terrible wind they faced all day they are there safely on the coast somewhere and I'm thankful for that.

Now I go to bed happy and grateful to a very loving God.

Love to all of you too,

Tim

I know, its been awhile

Bedtime here at my office, been cranking out reports this evening.  On Tuesday morning I fly to Houston to be with my special friend once again, it seems like forever since I've been there and it has been awhile for sure.  We will go to Galveston and spend a couple days at the beach to celebrate her birthday which was a couple weeks ago.
I've been buried with orders from several companies, so thankful but not even sleeping much right now getting it all completed and out the door.  God is blessing me and us it seems.  Moon is a firm believer in our Father caring for us and helping us with everything, so often when I'm praying or thinking about her and I ask God to watch over her in a special way, she calls or texts me in the next few minutes, its always sort of exciting to see how our Father works for us in our every day lives.
I'm healthy, happy and very excited, Keanna just turned 13 and had some great parts in Mary Poppins, a play she was in at school, that girl can act and we all enjoy it so much.

Sending love to all tonight,

Tim

Good evening

Its Friday evening and its been a very long and rewarding week.

I've enjoyed many hours with Moon on the phone and texting, I've met many nice homeowners, seen millions of dollars worth of property and am very thankful to be alive and well.

Moon is my Houston friend and I'm looking forward to traveling to Houston on the 10th to spend a few days  with her.  She is so faithful to her family in Singapore and spends several hours each day talking to them, encouraging them and giving them her love and her ear.  Her father continues to be very ill and her mom is a faithful care giver so its nice she has someone to talk to every day, Moon is that special person.

I was surprised to discover rain today and dealt with a bit of drops of water as I measured three homes but mostly it was just a very decent cool day.  Jessy was here writing up reports while I was out seeing more houses, many more orders came in today so next week looks busy and good.  I am so thankful to a loving Father who watches over us every day.

The high point of the week for me locally was seeing Keith and Marilyn Tall the other day, long time friends and dedicated church members they are very active in their home church and it was great to hear about the ministries they conduct for their community.

I'm tired tonight as you might expect so I think I'll head to bed soon.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Talls come to town

Good evening
This has been some day!  Left house at 7:30 this morning to drive to Sacramento to see nice little property, then raced back to Tracy to Golden Corral for lunch with Dr. and Mrs Keith Tall, long time friends and members of our church in Tracy, today several of us joined the Talls as they traveled through from their winter warm spot to a less warm spot near Portland.  Somehow these people never age and it was so good to hear their stories, about the kids and about their life.

After that bit of enjoyment I went back to work, I saw a house in Tracy, cute and in good shape with a great Asian agent, so gentle and kind, a class act.  Then it was off to Stockton to see a rather rough property but loved, then it was on to Lodi to see a really nice home, from there it was back to Discovery Bay and an inspection of a large home in Lakeshore, a gated community nearby and finally it was time to come home.

When I got home and was talking to Moon I decided I needed to get my 3 mile walk in, I've just done that under the full moon and now ready to shower and then work a bit before bed.

A very full day and safe, rewarding and Moon had a sunny day in Houston, the storm is past and she is safe again.

Love to all,

Tim

Motorhome rented

So for the last few weeks I've been either thinking about fixing things on the motorhome or actually fixing them.  Today that worked out, I was able to rent the motorhome, showed it to a nice couple from Modesto who decided to rent it next month and gave me a nice deposit to hold it.  That was really great news and it will help pay the monthly payment too.

Its been a work up appraisals sort of day and get organized for the week ahead and I'm thankful for work and for good health, I walked 3 miles this morning and now I'll go ride the treadmill for 30 minutes, shower and rest, I am determined to drop some weight before my next trip to Houston, I had picked up about 20 pounds since December and its got to go, I've already dumped about 4 or 5 pounds of the 15 I want to dump by just being careful, drinking lots of water and moving more.

I'm thankful every morning for a new day, for a meaningful relationship and for a place to live, cars to drive, work to do and a family that is wonderful.

I send love to all tonight

Tim

Adjusting to life

Dear Family and Friends,
So I'm back from 5 fun filled days in Houston with my friend Moon!  I will say this there are very few dull moments being with Moon.  She knows the area where she lives very well and has many friends, the eating places are great, the Wal Marts a new experience as I rarely find myself in them here but there are deals there and there is junk there too, one just has to make the right choices.

Moon has a good sense of style and what matches and what does not, while there I asked if she would touch up my hair with some color so we went to Wal Mart, found the color she liked and went back and she did it to my hair, it turned out really darker than we thought the package showed but Its OK with me.

I also took a pair of jeans I had never worn because they were way to long in the legs for me to wear, one afternoon she was gone for a couple hours and took the jeans, she did the nicest job of hemming them up I've ever had, she and her sewing machine are like one, good work.

Every morning I would take Gucci out of a nice long walk and she and I enjoyed the cool morning air and seeing birds, the people come and go and just getting some air.  Sometimes Moon has me feed Gucci, that is a new experience for me, when she feeds the little doggie as the spoon comes up Gucci will open her mouth, not for me so I have to use my little finger to open her mouth, but soon we are into our routine and the food is gone.

Just before the airport shuttle came to take me back to Houston Hobby airport she and I went to our favorite little place that is French in nature, has the nicest mushroom soup and breads, great cheese cake and good jam.  We sit outside and Gucci is welcome, sits on her own chair and gets tiny bites of cheese cake, she is a very cute dog and when ever I have her and Moon is not around then girls, women come to pet her and say how cute she is, she is a babe magnet!!

Today has been long and hard, now I'm off to bed.  Moon went to bed very early this evening, tired and recovering from accidentally picking up her hair curler, 400 degrees and giving four fingers a terrible burn so the pain pills have kept her home and sleeping today. 

Her father is very ill and now her mom has become ill too, they are on her mind all the time and I ask that you pray too for Moon's parents and for Moon's finger to heal quickly.

God is good, life is an adventure and almost never boring.  Today found me in Oakland, Fairfield, Walnut Creek and then Stockton.  All great people, all nice properties in their own ways and a pleasure to see.

Love to all

Tim

Keeping busy

My dear family and friends
Sorry I've not been here for a few days.  I go to Houston to see Moon on Thursday and so I'm working extra hard to be caught up before I leave, God has blessed with a lot of work and Jessy and Steve have been wonderful helpers, could not begin to do this without them.
Long day today but a blessed one, got great news from lab work and EKG, probably will live long enough to have a really nice life with Moon if God helps everything work out that way, its really in His hands.

I'm sending my love to all,

God is good to us in so many ways.

Love

Tim

Thankful

On my way to a well deserved rest now!
Day started at 6:30 but I rolled out at 7, then to Antioch, Brentwood, Lodi, back to Antioch and then back to Brentwood.  Now its bed time.

Talking to Moon who is helping a friend move to New York, she is so good to her friends, always there to help them, good heart, I like that.

Long day today and back to Stockton at 9 in the morning but then back to the office to crank out some work.

Just thankful for safety as I drove today, for being able to measure homes in mostly dry but cold conditions, met great people, love that.

Love to you this evening,

God is good to us, we need to be good to each other.

Tim

Update on the exciting life of Mr. Mustard

There is no such thing, no excitement here, just work, work.  Its 11:39 and I'm giving up and going to bed, I could easily work all night without getting even close to caught up.
Life is OK, just listened to a good book and that always makes the miles go by faster, this one had it all, love, adventure, intrigue and even political thrown in.  Not as exciting as real life but still good.

My helpers are so great, Jessy comes sometimes but is suffering from being sick and is on her way to spring training to find a baseball player!!  Steve helps a lot and brings a lot of experience to the process, both are helpful.

Moon is suffering right now so much, her father is very ill in Singapore and tomorrow will be moved to a different hospital, he is really battling for his life but due to her circumstances she cannot go home to be with he and her mom and that is very hard for her to endure.  I just pray all the time for his recovery and for Moon's mom who is an excellent care giver but gets tired and discouraged.  Could you also pray for Moon's dad, God knows who we are praying for.  Today Moon was using her sewing machine to alter some pants for a friend, she is so capable of doing magic with that sewing machine.

I'm off to bed now, tired and a bit down, the dryer would not stay lit today to dry the clothes and that is discouraging, service call and hopefully he can make it work again.

Good night all

Love
Tim

Weekends

Dear Family and Friends,
Since Nan died weekends are terrible to endure.  When Moon was here with me then the weekends became a joy again, a time to just be together and travel, dine out and shop but with her back at her home today has been rough.
I woke feeling strange, checked my heart rate and found out it was resting at about 90.  Since it is normally 55 I knew I was in trouble.  I tried a walk but it shot up to 133 and more so I came home for breakfast, more water and eventually went to church, driving with a rate of about 112.  Problem is when I have this problem the heart rate jumps all over the place, it can jump from 50 to 150 in a second, my phone lets me check it and today all day it was not good, even now its not perfect. 
At church I found the mens group with many of the men that used to be in Adoration Singers, the sound was great and I enjoy listening very much but I had to leave before they were through as I was meeting Bob in Stockton at 12:30 for lunch.
We had a good lunch but I was uneasy due to my heart.  I also just miss Moon so much, she is a real enjoyable woman to be with and having her so far away is just rough to cope with.  She is wonderful about calling, texting, sending photos, no problem there but I just don't like to have her so far away all the time, its my problem not hers.
Today Gucci, the little precious doggie went to have her nails clipped and to have a bath to try to get rid of the fleas she picked up at my house.  that certainly does not make me happy to have caused her to take them back home with her.  Tonight I purchased some powder to put on my carpets and two flea collars for my kitties to try to deal with the flea issue at this end, I hope Moon will come back again and I know I need to make some changes here before she will be willing to come visit again or even consider living here someday!
I know God is good, my heart problems give me concern but like Moon said today she too has heart problems sometimes that sort of stop her in her tracks.  Funny once I talked to her about my heart then the rate started slowing down until it is nearly normal tonight.
Sending love to all,

Tim

Back

Good evening,
Well Moon is back in Houston, I am working night and day to catch up after being ill and life is very good.  Moon and I talk several times every day and today we've been working on getting an allergy to water and soap she has in her fingers dealt with.  I located a Chinese doctor and she went this afternoon, he was not that impressive but did prescribe some high power cream and pills that should give her some help.  The pills make her very sleepy so she went to bed much earlier than normal tonight, tired and exhausted but hopefully ready to feel better tomorrow.

I've been busy see properties and setting up new orders.  I'm so thankful for the many blessings I receive daily, safety as I drive, mostly friendly people in the homes I inspect and regular payment either by direct deposit or through the mail.

When Moon was here for a few days I had hoped that work would slow down so we could do many things together.  We ended up doing many things but I was also very busy and spent many late hours writing up things while she talked to her family in Singapore.  Her father is not well and she comforts and encouraged your mom every day as well as counsels her daughter who is young and works very hard at three jobs.
Moon is a beautiful woman and a very hard worker, she really knows her way around the beauty business and knows what colors match, what fabrics to wear, how to wear makeup without it looking cheap.  Just very skilled and that is her training in Singapore.

Its sort of fun to be in the mall with her and to see both men and women take a second look thinking they are seeing someone famous when she walks by.

Tonight I'm sending love to all,

God is good and all the time,

Tim

Checking in

Good evening,

Just back from a late afternoon and evening trip to Westfield Mall, at least I think that is the name.  Moon and I went to a few stores we both like and ate in the food mall. Our trip included Gucci, a little ten pound beautiful doggie that flew here with her from Houston, I have become very attached to the precious little dog, since Moon talks to her family in the middle of the night in Singapore she rises really late in the morning so Gucci and I go to the park on our morning walk and she sits in my lap as I work at the computer.  I will miss her and her mommy too when they leave mid day on Monday.  I'd like to report our visit has been all pleasant, it has not been pleasant.  I've been sick with some fever, a constant cough and a lot of flu symptoms and two rounds of Antibiotics did not solve the problem so now I'm on a stiffer kind that in the past has solved the problem and helped me get well.  Moon has not felt good the first week she was here either but we both are doing better now.

I've taken a lot of time away from my work and it has suffered a lot, so once she flies home I plan to hit work hard and heavy to try to calm down my clients who are upset about delays.  How I would like to have a normal life with Moon or someone like here living here all the time, its so nice to know someone is there at home when my work day comes to an end.  Moon is a very bright woman, has huge skills in the beauty and fashion world and always looks great when we go out into the public.  But I like the way she looks before all the work goes into the makeup.  Either way she is an incredible woman and has faced many challenges in her life up to this point.  Its hard for her to trust anyone because of what she has experienced in the past.

She is very trustworthy and keeps her word, gives good advice and is a great partner in life.  Yet we both are early in this relationship and sort of figuring out our way, both have adult lives and many differences between us.  We both pray and know God will guide us.

will you pray for us, that God's will be done for the future.

Love to all,

Tim

Moon landing

Good evening,
Just had a very nice email from Barbara Lammerding, a friend that goes way back, she was once the secretary at Central SDA Church, a beautiful church constructed near downtown Sacramento.  Nan and I came there from seminary to work as the youth minister and Nikki was born shortly after we arrived.  Barbara and Gerry had two boys in the youth group, Dennis and Michael and she helped me more than any other person figure out how to be an effective youth minister while there.  Over the years Barbara and Gerry came to visit us here in Discovery Bay many times, Gerry helped me build decks, he drew up the plans for the home I live in now, he would come and clean the garage while Barbara cleaned the sinks and make the house sparkle.  They were a huge help once Nan became ill and were frequent guests which Nan looked forward to so much.  So hearing from her is always very special, she is one of those people that I think God could just take directly to heaven when she passes, her heart is pure and after living with Gerry who was a character she earned her sainthood I'm pretty sure.

After putting up with my being gone all the time and working late hours without complaining I took Moon out this evening to a pretty tasty place in Brentwood for Asian food, then we rushed to the movies to see an incredibly good movie, the Choice.  It is really an amazing story and you just stayed glued to your seat the entire time, wow, we both enjoyed it a lot.  Now she is removing her makeup, you need to understand we all have things that we feel strongly about, for me it is my work and getting appraisals completed and delivered.  For Moon she is a professional at putting on makeup and doing her hair, once she is completed its like a work of art and she sees no one by me until she has the make up in place.

Tomorrow I think we are going to venture to San Francisco, see the Golden Gate bridge and the Muir Redwoods, Jessy sent me a link so I can find the place.  I told Moon that tomorrow is a day I do not work and she seems happy we can spend it together.

I've enjoyed having Gucci here, its her little 10 pound doggie and she is a real sweetheart, in the morning I take her out to the front yard and she explores and does her business, no barking, just a very sweet doggie.

Well its time to rest now,  sending love to all

Tim

Life

So frustrated right now, my friend is here but so far our time together has not been good.  Just when she arrived suddenly many orders came rushing in and I've been buried with work, meanwhile I have this wonderful guest that I can hardly spend any time with.  She knows I need to work but she is still not happy.  She talks to her friends in Houston and her family in Singapore so that helps a lot but still I could wish for a bit more time to spend with her and show her fun places in the area.
Please pray that God will guide in our lives.

Sending love to all

Tim

A full dumpster!!

Dear Family and Friends,
If you drove by my home tonight you would see a very full dumpster, sure it could be stamped down and more stuff added but its really got a lot of stuff that used to be in the house, in the garage and by the house, bikes, wood pieces, boxes of history and lots of work has turned the garage into a different place now.  I'm so sore I can hardly move and that is the truth but its a good sore.

This afternoon I went to Kaiser for blood work to be sure the blood thickness levels were good, between 2 and 3.  They are 2.1 and now everyone can relax.  When one takes antibiotic then the levels can be messed up.  that simple stick cost me $35 which is more pain than the needle.  When I think what $35 will buy!!

Then I went to Petsmart but walked out, the pricing on everything was just too high.  I went to my least favorite place WalMart and got a leash for Gucci, a ball, a toy, pee papers, two bowls and walked out without sticker shock. 

My friend Moon arrives tomorrow afternoon in Oakland and the last few days have seen a transformation of my home, Steve and Nikki came today and helped a lot by taking away a bunch of things.  what a lift to have their help.  So tonight both cars are parked safely in the garage and the sheets are washed, Moon's make up table is ready with places to plug everything in, all of the things she asked me to find are on the table, a chair waits and even a little heater is nearby.  I do hope she finds my house comfortable and can relax and enjoy her time here.  I do need to ask for your prayers, her papa is not feeling well at all and due to his age that is concerning.  I know it weights on her mind as she prepares to travel tomorrow.

I am thankful for many things and family, friends and a warm place to live are among the blessings I feel.

So I send love to all tonight,  tired but very gratified for a full dumpster and a cleaner house.

Tim

At last the week ends

heading for bed now,
Today I inspected 6 properties, not a record but indicative of how busy I am right now.  Not that I want to be busy, I'm trying to get ready for Moon's arrival on Monday afternoon, of course I want everything to be as good as possible for her visit yet work keeps getting in the way.

in the morning I've been promised that I get two little girls for church, that will be great and I'm very happy about that.  I'll pick them up at 9.

Today I started in Oakley, then went to a second place, newly completed, in Oakley, then drove to Stockton and then to Manteca where I saw two in a row, then back to Antioch to end the day.  Everything went well, the air was chilly but at least there was little rain, measuring a home in the rain is tough to accomplish, paper gets wet, shoes get soaked and its no fun.

This afternoon I had the house cleaned and it smells nice tonight, floors and counters are clean, windows are better and its nice.  I'm gradually feeling better, not great yet but better and for that I'm thankful.

So I'm sending love to all and so thankful for family, friends, the grace of Heaven and for health in general, a home and a job.

Tim

Late again

Do you plan to go to bed on time and then get side tracked?  Seems that happens to me almost every night.

This has been a good day, thanks to Steve the work keeps getting completed and shipped out, today I spent time at the Kaiser medical offices waiting to get my ear washed out, did not happen, Dr. says there is no wax there but I'll tell you this, the ear is very very painful, every bite I take hurts a lot.  I'm told my other ear has lots of wax and of course that ear does not hurt at all.

Dr. had me take a xray of chest today, no word on that and I got another 5 days of antibiotic so that is good.

Now its bed time, talked to Moon for awhile and we both agreed it was time to sleep, she is two hours later than me so its really late for her.  She is packing and getting ready for the upcoming trip here, I can't wait.

Sending love to all

Tim

Busy

Just a few words to say hello.

God is sure good to us, we rush about trying to accomplish things but He watches over us with such love and care, amazing.

Busy times with many new orders coming in, my friend Moon arriving on Monday in the afternoon so I'll be doing a real dance trying to keep her from being totally bored with no friends here and yet I need to crank out work too.

I have a dumpster being delivered tomorrow and with that I can begin to remove 28 years worth of clutter from the house to a land fill somewhere nearby.  They are strict, no paint or old AC units, Freon is the enemy.  But about everything else can go, I'm much more ready to let go of things from the past than I've been before.

Today I've walked to the park, had oatmeal, worked pretty much here all day, set up new orders and just dealt with challenging things.  I've talked to Moon, my Houston friend many times today as she was battling with some rain, helped a friend get a whole new look, Moon is a specialist at hair, makeup and skin care and she transformed her friend with a new hair style.  This evening she was busy cooking and then working with her sewing machine hemming a pair of jeans she said I purchased.  She is very good with the sewing machine, keeps old zippers from discarded jeans and reuses them for decorative touches in other clothes, I always thought zippers were impossible to work with, not for her.

When getting to know someone new the process really fascinates as new discoveries happen by accident and on purpose.  Music is a big connection with Moon, old movies, travel, she has been nearly everywhere in the world it seems, she loves art, good food, totally different from what I know or will eat so that one will be interesting.

I've just completed a triplex property located in Antioch, it burned nearly down so the owner invested tons of money to make it all new, now he is selling it and what a property, clean, new, attractive, hope my appraisal flies now.  One never knows.

Sending love to all,

Tim

Church fun

Such a nice morning, pastor preached a great sermon in his unique style which really communicates so well.  I got to see George and Yvonne after church, always a special opportunity, unfortunately George has a broken foot and is on crutches but they were both in a thankful mood, could have been worse.  The church was fairly full and as I came in late I did not see a place to sit, then the Ahn's opened up a place on the back row with their family.  Felt good to be welcomed so warmly.  Ended up at lunch with them too and that was a very good experience, learned a new Asian place to eat and with Moon arriving in just a few days I need to know all the good places to take her so she won't starve, she certainly would not want to live on my cooking, that that is really bad but still I don't know Asian cooking at all, I know what I like but not sure how to create it, I will some day but not yet.
Moon and I have talked many times today, sometimes we push each other and question each other, we are just getting to know each other and learning so much.  she is a very bright woman and extremely practical as well as romantic and thoughtful.  She evening she is enjoying dinner out with her girlfriends, she has many there in Houston and they help her pass the long evenings, tonight she said the roads were frosty, the weather is cool, fortunately she drives a big car, a Chevy Tahoe, so if a little more safe than in a tiny car.
This evening I fought the boat cover back on the boat, the winds and rain messed it up very badly so its good to get it back on to ward off further rain, now to install a light globe on a drop light under the cover, that will dry everything out and keep it dry in the days ahead.  Now to deal with the motorhome, needs a mirror installed and a new door handle installed.  Ray was kind enough to cover both open places with plastic tape to keep the water off but I have people who want to rent the coach soon so I need to get it back in good working order again, will take some work and a trip to Manteca Trailer, they work wonders over there, the coach needs a new awning installed and the roof sealed in a few places where water sometimes comes through.
Tonight I go to bed early, Moon will probably call much later but I just wake up and talk to her on the pillow and then fall back asleep again.  she is often up very late at night for a very good reason.  Her daughter lives in Singapore with her grand mother and their time is 13 hours different.  So mom and daughter can talk between midnight and 2 am and often do, sometimes she talks to her mom too during that time period. I like that she is in constant touch with her daughter and her mom, tight caring family!  That is just what I'm looking for people who really care.
Church was a very good experience today and being included with the Ahns was nice too.
Sending love to all,
Tim
PS, starting to clear out 20 year old stuff, will get a dumpster the first of the week, its time to get a fresh start and that comes by removing things from the past that I've not looked at in 10 years.  yes George, I might even locate our video tapes from when we went to Israel so long ago!!
Talked to Marilyn, friend who lives in Rhode Island and she was expecting some snow, I spoke to her last night.

Busy week

Dear Friends and Family,
Last weekend I flew to Houston and enjoyed four days with my special friend there.  On Sunday Dana came and visited us, Dana is my precious sister in law, Nan's faithful sister who came so many times to be with her over the years.  Dana and my friend Moon hit it off well and chatted for over an hour.  It was great to see her and to catch up on all the family.
I flew home on Monday and hit the ground running on Tuesday seeing properties.  It has been a blessed week and I've had lots of work to do, Steve has been giving excellent help and we are cranking out the work.
Today was not so fun, it rained, was cold, windy and cloudy.  I started in Brentwood at 9 am and then was in Patterson for a Relocation Appraisal at noon, then to Stockton but I used Highway 33 all the way back to Tracy as 5 was a mess, on the way down I noted many tow trucks attempting to pull a truck that had gone over the side of the elevated freeway back onto the road, they had one lane closed and traffic backed up all the way to Patterson onramp.  So using 33 I caught 5 near Mossdale and was able to see the Stockton home is lower Stockton, looked rough from the outside but the interior was totally updated, still overpriced in my opinion and that is what I'm paid for, my opinion.  Then in the driving rain I went to Tracy, but upon my arrival the rain slowed and I was able to get it done without being soaked too badly, then I found IHop and a senior omelet with so many good things inside.
As I was sitting in my office this evening I heard my kitty growl, I stuck my head in the hallway to discover a raccoon munching away at the cat food on the dryer, I started to throw things at him and he slowly moved off,  evidentially while I was away the raccoons sort of felt like they were at home so now I've got to find a better solution, just can't leave the house open any more.  I think I may need one of those devices that has a collar on your cat which tells the door to open to allow entry but otherwise the door is closed all the time.  This raccoon in the house is getting old and very messy and dirty.
I believe I get the girls for church in the morning, I hope so, I think that is what Nikki told me, would be nice.
Sending love to all,

My friend Moon!

Interesting week

So many things to be thankful for, health, rain, friends, family, plenty of work that slipped in almost unnoticed and filled the time.

Today was an unusual day in that I slept in until 9 am. It was a chance to catch up from a night ago when I worked until 2 am.  I just love the flannel sheets, they keep out the chill and I can snuggle down under them like I did when I was a little boy at home or at my grandparents house.  Nothing quite like hearing the rain on the roof, feeling the warmth of the covers and knowing you are secure at least for the next few hours of time.

How many of you grew up sleeping under a mound of blankets rather than have a heated room at night?  I know I started my life living with a wood stove which only was warm when someone kept it stoked and full of wood so mornings were chilly but quickly warmed as the wood stove turned red with the heat of the wood.  Our family grew up on 80 acres in Washington and it rained, it stormed and sometimes it snowed and we had cows to milk, jobs to get to and life was I guess pretty difficult but it seemed OK then, everyone did their part and it was pleasant most of the time.

I'm so thankful to have life and to have some very good friends right now, perhaps one of them will become more than just friends in the days ahead, only God knows and He is not telling right now but I sure seek His will and help every day.

Sending love to all, so proud of my family, all 8 of them, they all know how to work, to care for their families and to be productive parts of this great society, just proud of them.  This year for Christmas I received a new brief case which I'm enjoying so much every day, my last one was probably 15 years old at least and was wearing down, I'm also loving my new shaver, feels so good to actually be able to remove stubble in such a quick manner and so cleanly, I also received an outfit which I've been enjoying, pants and a nice shirt sweater, perfect for the weather lately, I also love the photos, the calendars, the things the kids create and the candy that I don't need but certainly enjoy so much.

Life is not the same since Nan died, it never will be but it is good and getting better once again.

Love

tim

Blood in the eyes

Good evening,
I hate being alone, I've hated it every day for the past 8+ years and I don't like it any better right now.  Yes I've had some great relationships but they are not the same as having a mate, someone to walk at your side and face life with you every day.

Right now I have a friend in Houston and we talk quite a bit during the day, she sends me U Tube songs and they are really good choices.  But its not the same as being with someone, married and united.

God knows how I feel and I think He cares but He gets frustrated with my short memory span forgetting his past blessings all too fast.

Today was, jump and hear the rain outside, shower and breakfast of oatmeal with banana, then office to do what I can, then out the door to Kaiser to an eye appointment, I've had blood in both eyes so my friend raised concern, the exam went really well and yes I will be getting new glasses, my Kaiser plan pays a whole $75 toward new glasses and I'm sure they will be several hundred dollars, anyway he found my eyes to be in pretty good shape, blood was just some broken little vessels, he gave me some great eye drops and dilated my eyes, that was a real trip trying to drive to the next appointment an hour away, try to see the house through foggy eyes and then drive the comps and to the next appointment, bummer, can't believe they let you out on the road after doing that to you.

This afternoon I had to rush home to jam an appraisal out the door quickly, made the deadline, this evening working on more that Son Steve has prewritten, he does a super job helping.  Now its bed time and talking to my friend in Houston.

Please pray that God will guide me and that I will listen to His leading.

Love to all

Tim

Family

Some gifts we feel all year long, for me its my 8 member family. Steve and Nikki with Keanna and Kallie are near so I get to see them more often. Today Jason and Jo drove over to pick up Jason's car which I had repaired at my shop here, $151 bill instead of the quoted $1100 at Sears in San Jose and they never even located the real problem at Sears!  Should be reported, crooks.

While Jason and Jo were here we went to lunch at Red Robin, Julie and Clayton were here too, Jo's brother and mother, fun to eat together and enjoy our time.

This evening I took up the challenge of replacing the low beam light on the VW bug, not an easy fix.  After hours of work it is now working perfectly but what a challenge that was, I looked at the UTube video many times before finding all the right things to push and turn to release it.  Now the lights work again, thank you Lord.

Tomorrow afternoon I have an appraisal in Manteca at 1:30 but otherwise than that I'll do my 3 mile walk and then work, work, work.

I've spend quite a bit of time talking to my friend in Houston today and as we talk I learn so much about her and what she has experienced in her life up to this point.  A remarkable woman and a real challenge to many of my assumptions.  I'll see her again in a couple weeks and every time we are together the learning curve increases, I'm thankful.

Now its bed time, life is precious and very good in spite of the challenges, relationships and all that goes with it.

It was so fun to watch Mia and Timothy today at lunch, what great little people, my grandchildren are normal, bright and a joy to be with!  I'm thankful and grateful to a loving God.

Love to all

Tim

Changing

My dear family and friends
Since I last wrote here my life has changed quite a bit.  My hopes of a future with my wonderful friend Ying have not worked out.  Our communication has been so bad, I thought she was rejecting me so turned to search for someone new and she was not actually sending me away at all.  So at the moment I'm in transition and its emotionally challenging, I do believe that God will help me sort all of this out.  Last Christmas night I flew to Houston to meet in person a new friend.  What I found was delightful, a very interesting and bright woman who just happens to be nice looking but is a church going woman of high standards, multi talented and speaks very good English.  We had several really enjoyable days together and I met her little friend Gucci who I walked in the grass and got to really enjoy.  We ate at several Asian places nearby and spent hours getting to know each other.  We all have our story to tell and hers is one of challenge and pain yet she is a happy person and is so helpful to her many friends in the Houston area.  I flew home on Monday night with happy memories and a urgent desire to return when possible.  I'm going back again soon you can be sure of that.  My friend of 99 days is considering a return trip to china to see her family, that would be so wonderful as she loves that family so much.  I enjoyed our time together and I learned so much from her wisdom and honest appraisal of my good points and my bad ones.  I will always count her as my friend and look back on our time as a precious time.  I thought we would end up married and it seems so did she but she never let me know until I had gone to Houston and sort of moved on.  Missed communication!  But I know God cares and will guide in everything.
I am enjoying frequent texts and photos with my new friend, she communicates in amazing ways!
Tomorrow I plan to be in church, my little girls cannot make it tomorrow so I'll be free to enjoy the worship hour.  This morning I rose late after being up talking to Houston until about 2 am.  I walked my 3 miles and it felt very good to get back into it again.

God is so good to us in spite of our weaknesses and failures.  How I appreciate His love and forgiveness as I start this new year.  I hope this is the year that I no longer am alone!

Love to all

Tim