Well this day has not been as productive as I had hoped. I've struggled to stay on track during periods of the day. As it is comp photos in Brentwood were shot, then a new order was inspected, well the house was, not the order. In Mountain House. A couple have purchased a home for their parents for the same money as a little apartment was costing in a city closer to the Bay, so here they have a 3,800 sf home with room for everyone and a safe street instead of parties and rock music all night where they lived before. Seemed a simple decision really.
I took a side trip to CostCo forgetting to purchase fuel, it was a dime cheaper there than here. But the cats have food for awhile, I found some cheap fish oil pills, been out for over a week! and some frozen blue berries which I like in smoothies and such.
The week ahead looks very busy. There is plenty of work to get done and very little time to do it. I still have no writer so I just have to do long hours.
This morning I decided it was time to quit letting myself off the hook and took a 3 mile walk in the 45 degree temps. It was good. Tomorrow Ken and I are walking together at 6:30 and then the day gets interesting, seeing a couple, writing up a couple and perhaps slipping up to Rohnert Park to get the spa heater, we'll see how the day progresses.
I'm hoping that we have a good week, that the lazy protestors go home and stop messing up our cities, that our nice president stays in Hawaii! One can wish.
Just want to thank all my friends for their help.
Love to all of you
Tim
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
The girls enjoy Sabbath School
How nice it felt to be driving to Tracy this morning, the girls were dressed in their lets go to church dresses and chatted as we drove, finally Kallie said, could we have some music! Funny little comment and I searched until I found a kids program on a local religious channel. The songs were funny and Keanna recognized them from her days in VBS programs.
Luke was there today, a very cute little guy, grandson of Loren and Emily Dunston. There were other little children too and poor Kim had an interesting time trying to keep their attention as they tend to roam a bit. She did great and Kallie mentioned how much she enjoyed being there. Then we found Keanna and she had enjoyed her time as well even though Sylvia is off in Australia staring at birds!!
We then caught Olive Garden where we all enjoyed great eating. Afterwards we picked up the van as it had needed new tires and Nikki and Steve had them replace all four tires. I got to drive it home as it was not quite done when we arrived, Nikki took the Civic home with the girls and Kallie took a long nap.
This evening Steve and Keanna are at a 2 hour father and daughter dance with a Hawaiian theme. It seemed sort of funny as we have been there so many times, perhaps 20 or so, yet have very few clothes from there to wear. I've not heard how it turned out but Steve was game to give it a try.
Its been a very pleasant day weather wise and I've had a fire this evening. I found vege food at WinCo, I was amazed, never expected it there so had some fry chick this evening. Good stuff.
After Sabbath School today friend George handed me a sack filled with a variety of things for the girls to enjoy. It had books which they immediately read while we waited at Honda, there are CDs of the famous stories, there are plastic action figures and as we kept digging we came across more and more interesting things. The girls were thrilled, such a nice surprise. Thanks George and Yvonne.
Now its time to head to bed, in the morning its time to start walking again and I'm out of excuses.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Luke was there today, a very cute little guy, grandson of Loren and Emily Dunston. There were other little children too and poor Kim had an interesting time trying to keep their attention as they tend to roam a bit. She did great and Kallie mentioned how much she enjoyed being there. Then we found Keanna and she had enjoyed her time as well even though Sylvia is off in Australia staring at birds!!
We then caught Olive Garden where we all enjoyed great eating. Afterwards we picked up the van as it had needed new tires and Nikki and Steve had them replace all four tires. I got to drive it home as it was not quite done when we arrived, Nikki took the Civic home with the girls and Kallie took a long nap.
This evening Steve and Keanna are at a 2 hour father and daughter dance with a Hawaiian theme. It seemed sort of funny as we have been there so many times, perhaps 20 or so, yet have very few clothes from there to wear. I've not heard how it turned out but Steve was game to give it a try.
Its been a very pleasant day weather wise and I've had a fire this evening. I found vege food at WinCo, I was amazed, never expected it there so had some fry chick this evening. Good stuff.
After Sabbath School today friend George handed me a sack filled with a variety of things for the girls to enjoy. It had books which they immediately read while we waited at Honda, there are CDs of the famous stories, there are plastic action figures and as we kept digging we came across more and more interesting things. The girls were thrilled, such a nice surprise. Thanks George and Yvonne.
Now its time to head to bed, in the morning its time to start walking again and I'm out of excuses.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, November 11, 2011
Whoops, I think I missed a night
Dear Family and Friends,
Jerry says I missed blogging last night, he is once again right. I was very intent on completing a report last night and getting ready for today, then the clock began to catch up with me and I knew today had to start at 6 am to get everything completed before I had to be in Brentwood at 10 am. So I was pretty much locked into the clock and I just totally forgot to write.
I did get up at 6 this morning and after a very hot shower I sat down here in the work chair and started cramming out work. Before long the research for the day was done and it was 7:30. Knowing I had to leave at 9:30 I waded into a million dollar relocation appraisal for San Ramon. At 9:30 I had made good progress and let the agent know the report would be filed today. So when the inspection of the Brentwood property was over I raced back home, completed the relo report and then left for Tracy for a 1:13 arrival. It was a tenant occupied property and I never want to cause renters grief as they get no benefit from the appraisal at all. This renter was very nice, the property was perfect and before long I was back in the car heading to Castro Valley, about a 45 minute trip.
The Castro Valley property was stunningly beautiful. It had a 180 degree view of hills, valley and even distant Mt. Diablo. The owner was a gentle lady with two teens who seemed to love life and enjoys her home. The home was large and measuring it took awhile, at that time of day I begin to slow down and I have to be more careful to make sure everything is covered properly. I did feel relief when the last comp photo was shot and I could head home. By then it was raining softly and as I was listening to a book the trip home went quickly.
This evening was so different than last week when Barb and Gerry were here. I found some whole wheat noodles, a can of soup and had a tasty meal. They had left a loaf of bread that was so good, I've stretched it all week having a slice now and then. I had another slice tonight and it was very good. I'll need to take note of the wrapper before I pitch it as I would like to locate another loaf from the same company.
I get to take the girls to SS in the morning. It will be fun to see them in action again, I know Keanna will miss Sylvia but she enjoys the rest of the crew and I know Kallie will love her program no matter who is in charge. I think there may even be an olive garden lunch there somewhere, hope so.
I am so thankful for the Sabbath time again. Must say that I'm back to full speed again, no extra pains and in spite of the surgeons phone call I feel pretty good. Yesterday afternoon the surgeon called to say that yes there was a tumor and it had a name, one I did not catch but it appears that they cut wide enough margins to have gotten all of it. I'll see an oncologist this coming week to be sure I guess. Seems quite different to be going to an oncologist myself, a first since it was always Nan before.
I want to once again thank all of you that called, sent cards, helped out in various ways. I do appreciate not being alone when something the appendix hits.
Love to all,
Tim
Jerry says I missed blogging last night, he is once again right. I was very intent on completing a report last night and getting ready for today, then the clock began to catch up with me and I knew today had to start at 6 am to get everything completed before I had to be in Brentwood at 10 am. So I was pretty much locked into the clock and I just totally forgot to write.
I did get up at 6 this morning and after a very hot shower I sat down here in the work chair and started cramming out work. Before long the research for the day was done and it was 7:30. Knowing I had to leave at 9:30 I waded into a million dollar relocation appraisal for San Ramon. At 9:30 I had made good progress and let the agent know the report would be filed today. So when the inspection of the Brentwood property was over I raced back home, completed the relo report and then left for Tracy for a 1:13 arrival. It was a tenant occupied property and I never want to cause renters grief as they get no benefit from the appraisal at all. This renter was very nice, the property was perfect and before long I was back in the car heading to Castro Valley, about a 45 minute trip.
The Castro Valley property was stunningly beautiful. It had a 180 degree view of hills, valley and even distant Mt. Diablo. The owner was a gentle lady with two teens who seemed to love life and enjoys her home. The home was large and measuring it took awhile, at that time of day I begin to slow down and I have to be more careful to make sure everything is covered properly. I did feel relief when the last comp photo was shot and I could head home. By then it was raining softly and as I was listening to a book the trip home went quickly.
This evening was so different than last week when Barb and Gerry were here. I found some whole wheat noodles, a can of soup and had a tasty meal. They had left a loaf of bread that was so good, I've stretched it all week having a slice now and then. I had another slice tonight and it was very good. I'll need to take note of the wrapper before I pitch it as I would like to locate another loaf from the same company.
I get to take the girls to SS in the morning. It will be fun to see them in action again, I know Keanna will miss Sylvia but she enjoys the rest of the crew and I know Kallie will love her program no matter who is in charge. I think there may even be an olive garden lunch there somewhere, hope so.
I am so thankful for the Sabbath time again. Must say that I'm back to full speed again, no extra pains and in spite of the surgeons phone call I feel pretty good. Yesterday afternoon the surgeon called to say that yes there was a tumor and it had a name, one I did not catch but it appears that they cut wide enough margins to have gotten all of it. I'll see an oncologist this coming week to be sure I guess. Seems quite different to be going to an oncologist myself, a first since it was always Nan before.
I want to once again thank all of you that called, sent cards, helped out in various ways. I do appreciate not being alone when something the appendix hits.
Love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Keanna's team made the finals, briefly
This evening Keanna's team played in the playoffs. Within the first 30 seconds the other team scored but our little gals took turns freezing and playing and held them to 2 goals. Keanna had very cold hands after the game. I took a blanket, my chair and enjoyed the experience, bright lights beaming, team wet with dew. Its what families do and it felt very good.
Earlier in the day I met a friend at Starbucks for a whole wheat bagle and decaf mocha. We chatted and enjoyed our time of getting to know each other. I've known her on a limited basis for the past 20 years but she was with someone during those years so it was just business, now that person and she are no longer together and she is open for new friendships.
I spent the day cranking out appraisals, taking care of conditions and coping with not feeling all that great. I desperately need to get back into exercise as soon as I can. My body is screaming for it. Sometimes I wonder if all the times I've had to lift Starr has kept me from healing inside. I do have limited pain at the spot where they actually took out the appendix. I'll see my surgeon next Tuesday and find out a lot more.
Ray and Lois have gone back to San Jose so Ray can see his doctors as they plan for future surgery. It feels different when they are away since they look in on me so often and text messages all day long.
I'm just back from Safeway, told myself if I could write one more report tonight then I could go do my grocery shopping. So at 10 I emailed out the report and then I loaded up the car, cranked the heater, its 40 outside, enjoyed having the store to myself and snagged the items I'm wanting to have. Now back home and ready to take Starr up to her little bed for the night.
Take care my friends and family,
love
tim
Earlier in the day I met a friend at Starbucks for a whole wheat bagle and decaf mocha. We chatted and enjoyed our time of getting to know each other. I've known her on a limited basis for the past 20 years but she was with someone during those years so it was just business, now that person and she are no longer together and she is open for new friendships.
I spent the day cranking out appraisals, taking care of conditions and coping with not feeling all that great. I desperately need to get back into exercise as soon as I can. My body is screaming for it. Sometimes I wonder if all the times I've had to lift Starr has kept me from healing inside. I do have limited pain at the spot where they actually took out the appendix. I'll see my surgeon next Tuesday and find out a lot more.
Ray and Lois have gone back to San Jose so Ray can see his doctors as they plan for future surgery. It feels different when they are away since they look in on me so often and text messages all day long.
I'm just back from Safeway, told myself if I could write one more report tonight then I could go do my grocery shopping. So at 10 I emailed out the report and then I loaded up the car, cranked the heater, its 40 outside, enjoyed having the store to myself and snagged the items I'm wanting to have. Now back home and ready to take Starr up to her little bed for the night.
Take care my friends and family,
love
tim
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Warm fire, cozy office, plenty of work to do
Dear Family and Friends,
The alarm went off at 6 but I decided I needed more rest. Once I did get up I found the day very depressing, so what does a guy do when depressed? He makes some success, accomplishes something. So Starr and I did the washing, built a nice fire using brother Jerry's wood and a nice piece of oak that has been waiting for a year to burn. The fire held all day and brought a chilly house up to 71, perfect to work. I've been in sweats all day, unshaved, slippers but this evening as I write I have the two oldest and most challenging appraisals completed and shipped out and one I saw Sunday is also on its way.
I was able to slip in pizza night with Lois and Ray, had a huge salad and brought most of the pizza home for the frig, a piece a day works well. The mails were disappointing, no money once again.
So I've just stayed pretty much in this chair all day. It takes a lot of discipline that comes very hard for me but with a stack of files looming one has to step up to the plate and take a swing or two.
Now its off to sleepy land and to prepare mentally for a 8 am meeting at Starbucks with a new friend, nope not talking at this point.
This evening I got a lead on someone who might be able to do writeups. I hope it works out as I want to get work done much more quickly and take advantage of the fact that there is work out there right now.
So I'm sending you a good night wish, sleep tight. And if you are reading Barbie and Gerry, thanks again for a wonderful gift of your time and help last week. What a huge blessing you were!
Love
tim
The alarm went off at 6 but I decided I needed more rest. Once I did get up I found the day very depressing, so what does a guy do when depressed? He makes some success, accomplishes something. So Starr and I did the washing, built a nice fire using brother Jerry's wood and a nice piece of oak that has been waiting for a year to burn. The fire held all day and brought a chilly house up to 71, perfect to work. I've been in sweats all day, unshaved, slippers but this evening as I write I have the two oldest and most challenging appraisals completed and shipped out and one I saw Sunday is also on its way.
I was able to slip in pizza night with Lois and Ray, had a huge salad and brought most of the pizza home for the frig, a piece a day works well. The mails were disappointing, no money once again.
So I've just stayed pretty much in this chair all day. It takes a lot of discipline that comes very hard for me but with a stack of files looming one has to step up to the plate and take a swing or two.
Now its off to sleepy land and to prepare mentally for a 8 am meeting at Starbucks with a new friend, nope not talking at this point.
This evening I got a lead on someone who might be able to do writeups. I hope it works out as I want to get work done much more quickly and take advantage of the fact that there is work out there right now.
So I'm sending you a good night wish, sleep tight. And if you are reading Barbie and Gerry, thanks again for a wonderful gift of your time and help last week. What a huge blessing you were!
Love
tim
Monday, November 7, 2011
Back in the field on my own
Good evening
Well its bed time all too soon. Where did the day go? This morning the alarm startled me awake at 6 am, I crawled out of bed because I can't stand to hear the sounds of my alarm and I keep it across the room. I found the room chilly and quickly located a big warm robe and slippers. With Starr in tow we headed downstairs to make a mocha and get her settled on her pad. I set her down with water to her left and food to her right. It works and when something is not right she tells me.
I set to work fixing things that had been put off too long. All too soon it was time to shower and get on the road. The trip to Walnut Creek was simple and beautiful with turning leaves everywhere. I took the Civic due to its automatic transmission, easier on my body at this point.
Once I located the home I was stunned. It was a eichler, a special kind of home but this one had a very special treatment, clear heart redwood siding, a huge skylight, a very special garage door and gurgling fountain. The owner came to the door and she was magic, a young designer who has created PF Chang restaurants and is now working on a private home that is 40,000 sf. The home had been transformed and was stunning, everything was done in modern chrome, bright colors, a gas fireplace burned at eye level, the kitchen was clean and worth $100,000. She was just as enchanting as the home and we talked of jazz singers, the arts, of beginning ones life over and of values in her neighborhood. Before long it was time to go but after a hot cup of coffee and dozens of photos I felt I had been to visiting a work of art.
Of course the comps I had prepared were worthless since they had remodeled the home from 1700 to over 2200 sf so I'll have to go back to the neighborhood for comps. It was a very nice way to start the day.
The second home could not have been more opposite. It was very lived in and needs a lot of help. Originally the trolley house for a rail line that moved people through that part of Oakland the home has a colorful history. Not so colorful now, just tired.
Finally I made it back home and this evening have created an appraisal, now its time to hit the sheets, those wonderful sheets!
Love to all
Tim
Well its bed time all too soon. Where did the day go? This morning the alarm startled me awake at 6 am, I crawled out of bed because I can't stand to hear the sounds of my alarm and I keep it across the room. I found the room chilly and quickly located a big warm robe and slippers. With Starr in tow we headed downstairs to make a mocha and get her settled on her pad. I set her down with water to her left and food to her right. It works and when something is not right she tells me.
I set to work fixing things that had been put off too long. All too soon it was time to shower and get on the road. The trip to Walnut Creek was simple and beautiful with turning leaves everywhere. I took the Civic due to its automatic transmission, easier on my body at this point.
Once I located the home I was stunned. It was a eichler, a special kind of home but this one had a very special treatment, clear heart redwood siding, a huge skylight, a very special garage door and gurgling fountain. The owner came to the door and she was magic, a young designer who has created PF Chang restaurants and is now working on a private home that is 40,000 sf. The home had been transformed and was stunning, everything was done in modern chrome, bright colors, a gas fireplace burned at eye level, the kitchen was clean and worth $100,000. She was just as enchanting as the home and we talked of jazz singers, the arts, of beginning ones life over and of values in her neighborhood. Before long it was time to go but after a hot cup of coffee and dozens of photos I felt I had been to visiting a work of art.
Of course the comps I had prepared were worthless since they had remodeled the home from 1700 to over 2200 sf so I'll have to go back to the neighborhood for comps. It was a very nice way to start the day.
The second home could not have been more opposite. It was very lived in and needs a lot of help. Originally the trolley house for a rail line that moved people through that part of Oakland the home has a colorful history. Not so colorful now, just tired.
Finally I made it back home and this evening have created an appraisal, now its time to hit the sheets, those wonderful sheets!
Love to all
Tim
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Good evening
This will be short
Long day, pain getting better, olive garden was great for lunch, body functioning better now
Love and appreciate my family and friends who have been very helpful
Still behind in getting things written up and seen. Did two inspections today, moved slowly but got them done. Does not feel good, would like to rest more.
Need to be up at 6 to prepare for day, seeing two tomorrow then home to do writeups.
Love
Tim
Long day, pain getting better, olive garden was great for lunch, body functioning better now
Love and appreciate my family and friends who have been very helpful
Still behind in getting things written up and seen. Did two inspections today, moved slowly but got them done. Does not feel good, would like to rest more.
Need to be up at 6 to prepare for day, seeing two tomorrow then home to do writeups.
Love
Tim
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