Dear Family and Friends,
As I write this evening classical music is spilling out of the Bose speakers as my fingers fly over the keys. It seems our weather is gradually changing on us, perhaps there will be rain tomorrow even. As much as I hate to measure and inspect in the rain I want the rain to come again, we need it, the earth needs it.
This morning was a work in and I was able to get one of those horrible FANNIE MAE reviews out the door only to have it come back twice more for revisions. Oh well perhaps it is gone now, we can only hope. I've been working while feeling pretty much awful. The coughing is constant in spite of cough drops, drinking water, taking Vitamin Cs and eating oranges at a rapid clip. I wish I could shake it but so far no luck. As the day progresses due to the coughing I develop a head ache and that is no fun, sort of just slows everything I try to do down.
This afternoon my break came when it was time to head to Rio Vista, a quaint little town by the river. I went to the 55 and over community which I know well. Values have just fallen out of sight, $300K is now $140 to $150K, very sad indeed. The place I saw was totally nice with tile upgrades, good landscaping and new kitchen appliances. Once I was done I drove back finding a Taco Bell along the way. While I was there Timothy called and had a nice conversation with me. He was hoping I could come visit again and he said he likes it when I stay over night in the motorhome. A winning idea. Mia has been very sick and is still struggling with breathing and coughing, that is sad, such a tiny little person so sick. Sounds like Jo has her hands full right now.
I just keep finding little pockets of clean that Barb and Gerry left, what nice surprises and to drive into the garage with space and clean floors, to step into the guest bathroom and see the gleam, clean rugs and clean mirror, its great. What a huge difference they make when they come!
Well tomorrow is a new day and promises to be a long one with a 4 plex looming in Richmond, a old property in Livermore and something in Fremont at the end of the day. Oh well its good to have work.
God bless each and every one of you, you are precious to me.
Love
tim
Monday, February 6, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Super Sunday
I just don't get why people get so excited over the super bowl. Thousands of dollars are spent, days are wasted and lots of money gets bet on the game. But I never have enjoyed sports all that much, well sports like football, even baseball. Now racquet ball, that's a different story, very fun and a total workout. I've been trying to figure out how to find a club member who likes to play and is not a hot shot but someone older who enjoys the game. So far I've not pushed very hard but I should as it is a game I dearly love.
I was glad that the Giants won, seemed like all week everyone thought they would lose as Tom Brady was so perfect, well maybe another year.
I've been coughing and writing appraisals today, hardly left the house but did get tempted out this morning for a 3 mile walk. It was a splendid day here, the weather was so warm I opened the back door and let in the good air. I've managed to stay on track today and have finished several important reports. I'm enjoying the new computer now, its quick and does its job very well. I also have been using a program called Log Me In to control the old computer when I need to so that seems to work well.
I do have to admit that I checked the game a couple times but I actually enjoy writing reports more than sitting and watching the game. Now if there was someone interesting here with me to watch the game with, that would change everything but of course we are not at that point right now, would actually have to begin looking and since that takes effort and time, even money I'm not quite ready to do that yet.
It looks like a busy week ahead. For that I've very grateful and I just hope Steve and I can stay busy as we move toward spring. Its a great profession if we could just do our job and get rid of the government intervention that is choking the entire profession.
So that's it for tonight. I'm heading to bed soon to get some extra rest, hope to beat back this cold and cough that is causing the headaches I'm experiencing right now.
Lets keep Art in our prayers as he continues to be treated at Loma Linda.
Love to all
Tim
I was glad that the Giants won, seemed like all week everyone thought they would lose as Tom Brady was so perfect, well maybe another year.
I've been coughing and writing appraisals today, hardly left the house but did get tempted out this morning for a 3 mile walk. It was a splendid day here, the weather was so warm I opened the back door and let in the good air. I've managed to stay on track today and have finished several important reports. I'm enjoying the new computer now, its quick and does its job very well. I also have been using a program called Log Me In to control the old computer when I need to so that seems to work well.
I do have to admit that I checked the game a couple times but I actually enjoy writing reports more than sitting and watching the game. Now if there was someone interesting here with me to watch the game with, that would change everything but of course we are not at that point right now, would actually have to begin looking and since that takes effort and time, even money I'm not quite ready to do that yet.
It looks like a busy week ahead. For that I've very grateful and I just hope Steve and I can stay busy as we move toward spring. Its a great profession if we could just do our job and get rid of the government intervention that is choking the entire profession.
So that's it for tonight. I'm heading to bed soon to get some extra rest, hope to beat back this cold and cough that is causing the headaches I'm experiencing right now.
Lets keep Art in our prayers as he continues to be treated at Loma Linda.
Love to all
Tim
Saturday, February 4, 2012
A day to recharge ones batteries!
Dear Family and Friends,
Finally I slept last night, I mean I really slept with hardly a bad dream and no awake hours in the midst of the night. I woke up before 7 feeling refreshed. Unfortunately also with a sore throat and coughing. When I made contact with Nikki I learned that Keanna at a basketball game at 9 here in Discovery Bay so I met Kallie, Nikki and watched Keanna race around over the floor giving it her best. There is this little problem that she can't yet shoot the ball high enough to reach the basket but its so fun to watch all the little kiddos race around doing their best.
After the game was over I came back to the house and changed jeans for slacks and drove to Tracy SDA church where the pastor presented a challenging sermon. Afterwards I drifted toward Olive Garden where lunch was excellent.
Upon arriving home I found a bleak mailbox offering, NO MONEY! I also had a chance to chat with Ray and Lois, later we drove into Brentwood where I could get a drawer rear hanger for the motorhome and they could catch a burrito. While we were in Brentwood I had a chance to pick up some fruit and other needed items from the cheap grocery story, Food Max. Ray is a master at finding the best bargains so that is always fun and a learning experience for me.
I've caught up on an episode of NY CSI, I enjoy seeing the main character Gary Senese and tonight's program was interesting. I also toasted a couple slices of the home made bread and had tomato slices on them along with a bowl of low fat soup.
Now I'm winding it up, will change the sheets and see if I can have two nights of good sleep. By the way the drawer is fixed in the motorhome, sort of felt good to pull out the tools and fix something with my hands again. Tomorrow will be a day of writing reports. There are many that need to go out and the new computer speeds up the process, it really computes rapidly. Unfortunately I discovered that for some reason it is stamping the date of my license as 1903 instead of 2013 and there is nothing I can do to change it so once I get the report written over there in the new computer I'll have to save it to the server in the corner and then come, open it in the old computer and sign and ship from here. I know the tech guys will solve it on Monday but for now its a glitch.
Sending love to all, I so enjoyed watching both Keanna and Kallie in action this morning, they are delightful, so full of fun and energy. Then I got a couple texts this afternoon from Jo, they were on the beach at MBA enjoying a beautiful day of sun and the texts were photos of Mia sipping a chocolate drink and then discovering things in the sand on the beach, very very cute. They were heading to Big Sur to look over the site for the upcoming marathon.
Sending love to all tonight,
Tim
Finally I slept last night, I mean I really slept with hardly a bad dream and no awake hours in the midst of the night. I woke up before 7 feeling refreshed. Unfortunately also with a sore throat and coughing. When I made contact with Nikki I learned that Keanna at a basketball game at 9 here in Discovery Bay so I met Kallie, Nikki and watched Keanna race around over the floor giving it her best. There is this little problem that she can't yet shoot the ball high enough to reach the basket but its so fun to watch all the little kiddos race around doing their best.
After the game was over I came back to the house and changed jeans for slacks and drove to Tracy SDA church where the pastor presented a challenging sermon. Afterwards I drifted toward Olive Garden where lunch was excellent.
Upon arriving home I found a bleak mailbox offering, NO MONEY! I also had a chance to chat with Ray and Lois, later we drove into Brentwood where I could get a drawer rear hanger for the motorhome and they could catch a burrito. While we were in Brentwood I had a chance to pick up some fruit and other needed items from the cheap grocery story, Food Max. Ray is a master at finding the best bargains so that is always fun and a learning experience for me.
I've caught up on an episode of NY CSI, I enjoy seeing the main character Gary Senese and tonight's program was interesting. I also toasted a couple slices of the home made bread and had tomato slices on them along with a bowl of low fat soup.
Now I'm winding it up, will change the sheets and see if I can have two nights of good sleep. By the way the drawer is fixed in the motorhome, sort of felt good to pull out the tools and fix something with my hands again. Tomorrow will be a day of writing reports. There are many that need to go out and the new computer speeds up the process, it really computes rapidly. Unfortunately I discovered that for some reason it is stamping the date of my license as 1903 instead of 2013 and there is nothing I can do to change it so once I get the report written over there in the new computer I'll have to save it to the server in the corner and then come, open it in the old computer and sign and ship from here. I know the tech guys will solve it on Monday but for now its a glitch.
Sending love to all, I so enjoyed watching both Keanna and Kallie in action this morning, they are delightful, so full of fun and energy. Then I got a couple texts this afternoon from Jo, they were on the beach at MBA enjoying a beautiful day of sun and the texts were photos of Mia sipping a chocolate drink and then discovering things in the sand on the beach, very very cute. They were heading to Big Sur to look over the site for the upcoming marathon.
Sending love to all tonight,
Tim
Friday, February 3, 2012
Can it be? This week is finally ending.!
I'm sitting in a large room full of hungry people at the Boardwalk in Discovery Bay. I'm waiting on my order of Pasta with veges. I decided that I'm worth some dinner tonight and I love the owners, they work so hard and the food is always great.
Today I woke at 3:30 and have been awake most of the time since. I'm wearing down.
I ended the day seeing a 8400 sf home here in the bay. Prior to that the house in El Cerritos was 800 sf. Discovery Bay one has 8 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. It is a stunningly beautiful home and sits on a huge bay, has an infinity pool and is really like a Miami Vice home.
Barb and Gerry left for home this morning. They have been so helpful, the garage shines, the sinks shine, the floor rugs are freshly washed, the kitchen gleams, the dishes are put away, the floors are clean. Wow they do a lot and it is appreciated very much.
Today I tried something different for lunch. Having a short time and finding a Taco Bell in Walnut Creek I ventured in. I've been troubled that the bean burrito I enjoy has nearly 50 carbs, way to many for what you get. So today I tried something Gerry mentioned, a taco with lettuce, beans, cheese. It has only 160 calories and really hit the spot, my shirt, the table, sort of messy but very good. Old dogs can learn new tricks, yes they can.
The weather was splendid today but when I left this morning there was dense fog. As I neared my Walnut Creek destination the fog lifted and I enjoyed 65 degree weather the rest of the day. The people were nice, the properties clean. I did have one mishap this afternoon. I arrived an hour early for the El Cerrito inspection so took the chance to catch a nap. Once I woke up I drove the comps and then came back, knocked at the door of the subject, heard no one so started measuring. Once I was in back I heard loud banging on the window and a lady was yelling. I went back to the front door and told her who I was, she screamed that I was a California thief and I should leave. So I did and discovered that the house I was supposed to see was down the street two doors. Whoops, glad she did not have a gun! My owner said the lady was crazy, can you imagine how she felt to see a guy in her backyard? Well it keeps things interesting.
I'm so thankful this week is over. Not sure if I get Kallie for SS tomorrow morning or not but I'll find out later I guess. Right now I'm heading to the insulin and then bed. So very tired and I just hope I can sleep tonight, all night.
Thank you for your prayers this week.
Love
tim
Today I woke at 3:30 and have been awake most of the time since. I'm wearing down.
I ended the day seeing a 8400 sf home here in the bay. Prior to that the house in El Cerritos was 800 sf. Discovery Bay one has 8 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. It is a stunningly beautiful home and sits on a huge bay, has an infinity pool and is really like a Miami Vice home.
Barb and Gerry left for home this morning. They have been so helpful, the garage shines, the sinks shine, the floor rugs are freshly washed, the kitchen gleams, the dishes are put away, the floors are clean. Wow they do a lot and it is appreciated very much.
Today I tried something different for lunch. Having a short time and finding a Taco Bell in Walnut Creek I ventured in. I've been troubled that the bean burrito I enjoy has nearly 50 carbs, way to many for what you get. So today I tried something Gerry mentioned, a taco with lettuce, beans, cheese. It has only 160 calories and really hit the spot, my shirt, the table, sort of messy but very good. Old dogs can learn new tricks, yes they can.
The weather was splendid today but when I left this morning there was dense fog. As I neared my Walnut Creek destination the fog lifted and I enjoyed 65 degree weather the rest of the day. The people were nice, the properties clean. I did have one mishap this afternoon. I arrived an hour early for the El Cerrito inspection so took the chance to catch a nap. Once I woke up I drove the comps and then came back, knocked at the door of the subject, heard no one so started measuring. Once I was in back I heard loud banging on the window and a lady was yelling. I went back to the front door and told her who I was, she screamed that I was a California thief and I should leave. So I did and discovered that the house I was supposed to see was down the street two doors. Whoops, glad she did not have a gun! My owner said the lady was crazy, can you imagine how she felt to see a guy in her backyard? Well it keeps things interesting.
I'm so thankful this week is over. Not sure if I get Kallie for SS tomorrow morning or not but I'll find out later I guess. Right now I'm heading to the insulin and then bed. So very tired and I just hope I can sleep tonight, all night.
Thank you for your prayers this week.
Love
tim
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Is life supposed to be this challenging at 63?
Dear Family and Friends,
How wonderful it is to write those words, on days like this to have a dear family that I love with my whole heart and friends who honestly care, well it means a whole lot.
Last night was one of those nights when sleep just would not come. I fell asleep instantly at first but then woke with just too much on my mind, bad things happening, injustices taking place, changes and stress from not getting all my work completed, I'm so far behind its just scary.
So I finally climbed out of the warm covers, pulled some clothes on and came down and worked for two hours in the office, completing a report that was needed and getting the Magic Jack Plus phone line to work for the business line. I'm moving from a $31 a month charge with ACN to $1.95 a month with Magic Jack Plus, what is not to love and thats free long distance anywhere in the US, free directory assistance, free call forwarding and very clear calls. I know because I have it on the house line already and its great. Finally someone was able to make it happen. That was progress. At about 2 am I headed back to bed and was able to sleep until 7.
Gerry and I drove about an hour to our first house, that went smoothly, then drove to Fairfield to meet Roger Peden for a wonderful lunch. He is such an inspiration and it was simply great to catch up.
Then we got back in the VW and headed to Hayward where we arrived early for a 3 pm appointment. We found two little houses on one large parcel with a huge garden growing on the back of the site. It took awhile to find the comps but we eventually were able to head home. Enjoying the car pool lane for the first time in months we got home quickly and found Barbie had dinner ready. It was simply wonderful. This morning before I left I started a loaf of bread baking in the machine so Barbie had taken it out when it signalled it was done, taste tested it (she found it good) and cut it up. So we had slices of fresh bread with dinner. Her cutlets were great and along with a little baked potato and peas, well it was heavenly. She has the bathrooms shining, the sinks shining, the rugs freshly washed and the kitchen in order. Keanna was right, Barbie knows how to do everything.
During the day I started to cough more and more and have a sore throat this evening, don't feel great so plan to go to bed now and get some sleep. In the morning I have to write a report before I leave for the field where I'm seeing three more before limping home tomorrow night, beat and worn out.
Please continue to pray that God will guide in all that we do and all that is done to us. I know we are secure in His hands but there are still rough spots in life.
Sending love to all,
Tim
How wonderful it is to write those words, on days like this to have a dear family that I love with my whole heart and friends who honestly care, well it means a whole lot.
Last night was one of those nights when sleep just would not come. I fell asleep instantly at first but then woke with just too much on my mind, bad things happening, injustices taking place, changes and stress from not getting all my work completed, I'm so far behind its just scary.
So I finally climbed out of the warm covers, pulled some clothes on and came down and worked for two hours in the office, completing a report that was needed and getting the Magic Jack Plus phone line to work for the business line. I'm moving from a $31 a month charge with ACN to $1.95 a month with Magic Jack Plus, what is not to love and thats free long distance anywhere in the US, free directory assistance, free call forwarding and very clear calls. I know because I have it on the house line already and its great. Finally someone was able to make it happen. That was progress. At about 2 am I headed back to bed and was able to sleep until 7.
Gerry and I drove about an hour to our first house, that went smoothly, then drove to Fairfield to meet Roger Peden for a wonderful lunch. He is such an inspiration and it was simply great to catch up.
Then we got back in the VW and headed to Hayward where we arrived early for a 3 pm appointment. We found two little houses on one large parcel with a huge garden growing on the back of the site. It took awhile to find the comps but we eventually were able to head home. Enjoying the car pool lane for the first time in months we got home quickly and found Barbie had dinner ready. It was simply wonderful. This morning before I left I started a loaf of bread baking in the machine so Barbie had taken it out when it signalled it was done, taste tested it (she found it good) and cut it up. So we had slices of fresh bread with dinner. Her cutlets were great and along with a little baked potato and peas, well it was heavenly. She has the bathrooms shining, the sinks shining, the rugs freshly washed and the kitchen in order. Keanna was right, Barbie knows how to do everything.
During the day I started to cough more and more and have a sore throat this evening, don't feel great so plan to go to bed now and get some sleep. In the morning I have to write a report before I leave for the field where I'm seeing three more before limping home tomorrow night, beat and worn out.
Please continue to pray that God will guide in all that we do and all that is done to us. I know we are secure in His hands but there are still rough spots in life.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Sanity returns
Good evening, this time it really is.
We've just come home from dining at Gratzie's a very special place in Brentwood at the Streets of Brentwood. We enjoyed broccoli soup and salad while Gerry had the salmon. It was fun, must nicer than last evening when the office and the owner were in breakdown mode.
I finally went to bed at 12:45 after trying three different hubs without success. Jim came this morning, he is my IT guy and keeps me going with a gentle soft word and expertise. He went to my computer, the old one and disconnected the network card, then reconnected the card, restarted the server and suddenly everything was back on, working perfectly. Oh what a relief it was.
Thanks to Steve three reports have gone out today and another will go out before I turn in tonight, at least that is my hope, otherwise I'll do it in the morning as I see the clock says 9:48 already. Steve helps write up the reports after I've seen the property and does an excellent job with words, wisdom and the little details.
This afternoon Keanna came to call, she was full of life and ideas, playing with her ipod touch and conspiring with Barbie. They worked in the kitchen cleaning up together and then they went to Dollartree in Brentwood. Keanna had so much fun and all this after her homework was completed. She is doing multiplications of 12 now. I don't think I ever learned that high. She is pretty well obsessed with doing well at school and has really found her calling even wanting to be a teacher. I'm so very impressed with her teachers and especially her teacher this year. What a gem.
Tomorrow Gerry and I are hitting the road and need to be in El Cerrito by 9:30, then we get to take a break, drive up to Vacaville and have lunch with Roger Peden who is in town, Sacramento, visiting his family. We'll have lunch in Vacaville somewhere and then Gerry and I will head back to Hayward to do a little property with 2 houses on one site. By then we'll be very ready to limp home again having done our work.
I am so thankful for God's help last night, while I wanted Him to fix things last night and went to be with a bit of grumbling and a stress level so high that sleep was fitful at best. Yet this morning Jim was here and solved the problems in his quiet manner. What a great part of my life.
At 10 this morning we had the motorhome in Brentwood at Road Runner RV to get an estimate of what they would charge to fix the last smashup by a renter. They will tell me in a few days. I can see the day when the motorhome is no longer here. Its expensive and a constant source of challenges. Oh how I love to hit the road with it but I'm adjusting to the idea that some day I may have to let it go.
Barb and Gerry have been busy today, the garage floor is clean, beetle has fresh wash job and interior cleaning as well. Barbie has sinks, her bathroom and the kitchen in fine shape. They come to visit but work the whole time. Wish it could be different.
I want to thank you for your prayers when you read the blog. Once again I am asking for your prayers for people we love who are facing special challenges.
Love
tim
We've just come home from dining at Gratzie's a very special place in Brentwood at the Streets of Brentwood. We enjoyed broccoli soup and salad while Gerry had the salmon. It was fun, must nicer than last evening when the office and the owner were in breakdown mode.
I finally went to bed at 12:45 after trying three different hubs without success. Jim came this morning, he is my IT guy and keeps me going with a gentle soft word and expertise. He went to my computer, the old one and disconnected the network card, then reconnected the card, restarted the server and suddenly everything was back on, working perfectly. Oh what a relief it was.
Thanks to Steve three reports have gone out today and another will go out before I turn in tonight, at least that is my hope, otherwise I'll do it in the morning as I see the clock says 9:48 already. Steve helps write up the reports after I've seen the property and does an excellent job with words, wisdom and the little details.
This afternoon Keanna came to call, she was full of life and ideas, playing with her ipod touch and conspiring with Barbie. They worked in the kitchen cleaning up together and then they went to Dollartree in Brentwood. Keanna had so much fun and all this after her homework was completed. She is doing multiplications of 12 now. I don't think I ever learned that high. She is pretty well obsessed with doing well at school and has really found her calling even wanting to be a teacher. I'm so very impressed with her teachers and especially her teacher this year. What a gem.
Tomorrow Gerry and I are hitting the road and need to be in El Cerrito by 9:30, then we get to take a break, drive up to Vacaville and have lunch with Roger Peden who is in town, Sacramento, visiting his family. We'll have lunch in Vacaville somewhere and then Gerry and I will head back to Hayward to do a little property with 2 houses on one site. By then we'll be very ready to limp home again having done our work.
I am so thankful for God's help last night, while I wanted Him to fix things last night and went to be with a bit of grumbling and a stress level so high that sleep was fitful at best. Yet this morning Jim was here and solved the problems in his quiet manner. What a great part of my life.
At 10 this morning we had the motorhome in Brentwood at Road Runner RV to get an estimate of what they would charge to fix the last smashup by a renter. They will tell me in a few days. I can see the day when the motorhome is no longer here. Its expensive and a constant source of challenges. Oh how I love to hit the road with it but I'm adjusting to the idea that some day I may have to let it go.
Barb and Gerry have been busy today, the garage floor is clean, beetle has fresh wash job and interior cleaning as well. Barbie has sinks, her bathroom and the kitchen in fine shape. They come to visit but work the whole time. Wish it could be different.
I want to thank you for your prayers when you read the blog. Once again I am asking for your prayers for people we love who are facing special challenges.
Love
tim
Need your prayers.
Computers network system has failed. Office swamped with work. All systems are down. Frantic. 12:45am giving up, going to bed.
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