Dear Family and Friends,
Once again that special time has arrived, Friday night and relief from a busy week. The house is all mine this evening as the family is at the Alameda County Fair, at least I think they are. I know they went to see Spider Man this afternoon at the movies in Brentwood.
My day took a different course. I woke at 5 but decided I could use another hour of rest so woke again at 6 and this time got up. I worked until 8 when Dana followed me in the bright orange rental dodge she is driving. We took Jason's older Subaru Forester to the muffler shop I trust. They have never let me down in my many visits there. Today was no exception. They called a couple later to report they could solve the muffler noise for $100 and the power steering had a bad pump, it will take three days to get the pump in and then they will install it along with a new AC belt. Sounds like that will solve its current problems and we can get it smogged and on the road legally. They will need it once Jason starts commuting to the train or BART for his ride to the city every day.
At 10 I inspected a very nice duplex in Antioch, totally updated a year ago and has granite, stainless steel, tile floors and fresh paint, very nice and that one paid me cash at the appointment! Then I came home and worked until 2:30 when I needed to leave for SF to see the $1,460,000 condo purchase. Well traffic was pretty good until a motorhome failed in the fast lane of the freeway crossing San Francisco and that snarled traffic a bit.
The unit was incredible, well it should be, just over 1600 sf and has a view every direction of the bay, the city, the tower. Once the inspection was over I then worked the traffic to get 7 photos shot, that took another hour and then I turned toward home. It was slow until about Treasure Island where three tow trucks were trying to get a little truck off the bridge, once we were past that we flew along and it was good all the way home, I stopped for dinner and had a cheese sandwich and salad plate, very good.
Upon arrive at home I backed the motorhome into the driveway, hooked up the hoses and dumped the tanks from the trip, then reparked it and came in to take a load off. I discovered I wore my old shoes today instead of my regular ones, they are totally worn out and I never even knew until I got home. Once I got home I discovered some new orders waiting which was nice.
Sending to love to all of you,
Tim
Friday, July 6, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Back to work
Well its that time again. Bed time!
I've just made a surprising discovery. I've agreed to see the purchase of a condo in SF tomorrow at 4 pm. The other appraiser accepted the order and then dumped it last minute. Now I know why, the purchase is for $1,460,000 and that is for a condo on Noe street. Wow! So I just called up the management companies web site and asked nicely for a fee increase for a $350 to $500, still low for the job but fair in this market. wow, just what I want to be, in the city at 4 pm on a Friday, exciting to be sure.
Today Ron went with me to an appointment in Tracy, nice little house and tonight the report is completed and emailed in.
Steve not only had the kids last night but kept them all day and is keeping them again tonight. That guy loves trouble! The kids are loving it, a summer to remember.
This evening Dana went over and helped Nikki prepare a excellent meal, to feed the hoard of kiddos and us hungry adults too. Great stuff.
Now its bed time, I'm wasted, so ready to sleep, up early to write on, take Jason's car to the muffler shop, see a local property at 10, then back to the office and then to the city for the 4 pm. The things we do for money.
Am enjoying time with Dana and Ronnie, the kids and all the family this week, good stuff.
Love
Tim
I've just made a surprising discovery. I've agreed to see the purchase of a condo in SF tomorrow at 4 pm. The other appraiser accepted the order and then dumped it last minute. Now I know why, the purchase is for $1,460,000 and that is for a condo on Noe street. Wow! So I just called up the management companies web site and asked nicely for a fee increase for a $350 to $500, still low for the job but fair in this market. wow, just what I want to be, in the city at 4 pm on a Friday, exciting to be sure.
Today Ron went with me to an appointment in Tracy, nice little house and tonight the report is completed and emailed in.
Steve not only had the kids last night but kept them all day and is keeping them again tonight. That guy loves trouble! The kids are loving it, a summer to remember.
This evening Dana went over and helped Nikki prepare a excellent meal, to feed the hoard of kiddos and us hungry adults too. Great stuff.
Now its bed time, I'm wasted, so ready to sleep, up early to write on, take Jason's car to the muffler shop, see a local property at 10, then back to the office and then to the city for the 4 pm. The things we do for money.
Am enjoying time with Dana and Ronnie, the kids and all the family this week, good stuff.
Love
Tim
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
A Big 4th
So this morning I roll out at 6, shower and by 7 I'm on the road to MBA with no one on the road the trip is the fastest one I've ever made. As I near my destination I find fog rolling in, cool refreshing air everywhere.
Once I arrived Ronnie helped me roll the huge tire out of the beetle and onto the ground. Then using leverage we lifted the tire onto the studs and tightened it up. I used the hammer and the crescent wrench to tighten the nuts and that part of the day was done.
later in the day we loaded up, Jason left to go celebrate their 8th anniversary in Yountville where a huge picnic was held at the Veterans facility. They enjoyed fireworks and are now each driving back to their destinations, Jason to MBA and Jo to PUC. She just texted some very cute photos of the day to my iphone. I don't know how to get them out or I'd share them here.
We loaded up the motorhome, rolled in the slide, Keanna did the honors, then we loaded the beetle on the tow dolly and we started out. With a stop in Morgan Hill at the Taco Bell and McDonalds we managed to get home safely and with three little people on board the motorhome it was NOT boring at all.
This evening we've been to Nikki and Steves for a BBQ feast and just now I was sitting on the back deck watching fireworks from different directions.
So it was a very good day, love to all
Tim
Once I arrived Ronnie helped me roll the huge tire out of the beetle and onto the ground. Then using leverage we lifted the tire onto the studs and tightened it up. I used the hammer and the crescent wrench to tighten the nuts and that part of the day was done.
later in the day we loaded up, Jason left to go celebrate their 8th anniversary in Yountville where a huge picnic was held at the Veterans facility. They enjoyed fireworks and are now each driving back to their destinations, Jason to MBA and Jo to PUC. She just texted some very cute photos of the day to my iphone. I don't know how to get them out or I'd share them here.
We loaded up the motorhome, rolled in the slide, Keanna did the honors, then we loaded the beetle on the tow dolly and we started out. With a stop in Morgan Hill at the Taco Bell and McDonalds we managed to get home safely and with three little people on board the motorhome it was NOT boring at all.
This evening we've been to Nikki and Steves for a BBQ feast and just now I was sitting on the back deck watching fireworks from different directions.
So it was a very good day, love to all
Tim
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
So tired
Good evening,
A mixed day, bad news from Kaiser, A1C was 9.1, I had hoped for better, seems the insulin does not make much of a difference.
Got up this morning and was in a beautiful driveway at 8:45 in Pleasanton. What a house, infinity pool, huge yard, panoramic views, guest unit, perfect home. Wow. about 1.3 million probably. Found out they also have a home in Tahoe and in Maui where they were heading today. Hard not to dream of having a piece of this kind of action.
Came home to work in the office and in the process of working I sat out to run the credit card. I hit a wall, Quick Books Pro 2009 decided that it would not process cards, it was out of date, I needed to update. So I clicked on the option to update. $183 did the trick but that took over an hour and then it took another hour to download only to hit a wall where I had to call to get a code, I called and the phone line was no longer valid, yet there was the number on the screen, it took nearly an hour to get the code and then a lot longer before the program was up and running. Finally at 5:30 I was able to run the card and captured the money. It wasted my entire afternoon. I was able to fill out a response card to their system, Intuit is awful, I've never enjoyed working with their support system. ERRRR
Went to dinner with Nikki and Kallie at the pizza place, that was fun, Kallie is a gem.
Tomorrow morning I wake and drive, going to get fetch the motorhome back, I've got the tire in the back of the bug, it smells like a rubber factory, strong smell of tire shop in my car, almost overwhelming! Will be glad to get the tire back on the coach like it needs to be. Next week I'll get the coach aligned!!
I hope your 4th is a joy for you and your family. We are so fortunate to have this country, our freedom or at least what is left of it, that the government has not taken from us. I love America, I love California for that matter, I dislike our local government here, seems we can never vote out the losers that got us into the financial mess we are in. I can see why people leave, I get it but I like it here in spite of the crazy drivers, the masses of people everywhere, I still like it.
So blessings on each of you tonight,
love
Tim
A mixed day, bad news from Kaiser, A1C was 9.1, I had hoped for better, seems the insulin does not make much of a difference.
Got up this morning and was in a beautiful driveway at 8:45 in Pleasanton. What a house, infinity pool, huge yard, panoramic views, guest unit, perfect home. Wow. about 1.3 million probably. Found out they also have a home in Tahoe and in Maui where they were heading today. Hard not to dream of having a piece of this kind of action.
Came home to work in the office and in the process of working I sat out to run the credit card. I hit a wall, Quick Books Pro 2009 decided that it would not process cards, it was out of date, I needed to update. So I clicked on the option to update. $183 did the trick but that took over an hour and then it took another hour to download only to hit a wall where I had to call to get a code, I called and the phone line was no longer valid, yet there was the number on the screen, it took nearly an hour to get the code and then a lot longer before the program was up and running. Finally at 5:30 I was able to run the card and captured the money. It wasted my entire afternoon. I was able to fill out a response card to their system, Intuit is awful, I've never enjoyed working with their support system. ERRRR
Went to dinner with Nikki and Kallie at the pizza place, that was fun, Kallie is a gem.
Tomorrow morning I wake and drive, going to get fetch the motorhome back, I've got the tire in the back of the bug, it smells like a rubber factory, strong smell of tire shop in my car, almost overwhelming! Will be glad to get the tire back on the coach like it needs to be. Next week I'll get the coach aligned!!
I hope your 4th is a joy for you and your family. We are so fortunate to have this country, our freedom or at least what is left of it, that the government has not taken from us. I love America, I love California for that matter, I dislike our local government here, seems we can never vote out the losers that got us into the financial mess we are in. I can see why people leave, I get it but I like it here in spite of the crazy drivers, the masses of people everywhere, I still like it.
So blessings on each of you tonight,
love
Tim
Monday, July 2, 2012
Back to work
Sort of a diverse day today. Started with finding a new tire for the motorhome and paying a debt that I have owed for so long. It felt very good to finally put it to rest. And the person I owed it to has been so kind and patient, pretty amazing so one down tonight that has hung over me for years.
I dropped the huge tire off at the tire store, then went to Kaiser to get a blood draw for the A1C, it will not be good I'm pretty sure of that. The kind little lady slipped the butterfly into my arm and I did not feel it, amazing. Then I went to Burger King for a vegeburger. Yvonne tipped me on those quite a long time ago and I've had dozens of them. I get a side salad instead of fries, its good sized and a drink, lunch for less than $6.00 and its a pretty decent lunch, one I can feel good about.
Then back to the tire store but they were not ready yet so I waited. These days I don't wait so well, hard to control the irritation that they did not honor the time limit they had promised. The new tire was $410 dollars, a total waste if I had gotten the coach into the alignment shop earlier but I didn't and now I'll have a new tire. But be sure I do have an appointment, next Tuesday the coach is going in, I've got the appointment secured already.
Steve has been cranking out the reports and he does a super job on them. He is also going to help with an area that has dry rot on my house, he can do just about anything. I think both Nikki and Steve were missing Keanna, first time she has been away like this and I miss her too.
So this afternoon I finally made it home after picking up some tomatoes and some fresh strawberries from my little fruit stand nearby, they had black berries too so I got a box of both. What a treat they are.
In the morning I'm off to see a home in Pleasanton at 9, then I'll come back and keep writing things up. I'm much more caught up now thanks to Steve's excellent help.
Hope the family is having a great time at Jason's, wish I was there but this way I can get some work done and they are having a great time. Today to the Aqarium which should have been a great day for all.
Well I'm turning now, got loads of wash done today and I'm all set for awhile.
Sending love to each and every one of you dear readers,
Tim
I dropped the huge tire off at the tire store, then went to Kaiser to get a blood draw for the A1C, it will not be good I'm pretty sure of that. The kind little lady slipped the butterfly into my arm and I did not feel it, amazing. Then I went to Burger King for a vegeburger. Yvonne tipped me on those quite a long time ago and I've had dozens of them. I get a side salad instead of fries, its good sized and a drink, lunch for less than $6.00 and its a pretty decent lunch, one I can feel good about.
Then back to the tire store but they were not ready yet so I waited. These days I don't wait so well, hard to control the irritation that they did not honor the time limit they had promised. The new tire was $410 dollars, a total waste if I had gotten the coach into the alignment shop earlier but I didn't and now I'll have a new tire. But be sure I do have an appointment, next Tuesday the coach is going in, I've got the appointment secured already.
Steve has been cranking out the reports and he does a super job on them. He is also going to help with an area that has dry rot on my house, he can do just about anything. I think both Nikki and Steve were missing Keanna, first time she has been away like this and I miss her too.
So this afternoon I finally made it home after picking up some tomatoes and some fresh strawberries from my little fruit stand nearby, they had black berries too so I got a box of both. What a treat they are.
In the morning I'm off to see a home in Pleasanton at 9, then I'll come back and keep writing things up. I'm much more caught up now thanks to Steve's excellent help.
Hope the family is having a great time at Jason's, wish I was there but this way I can get some work done and they are having a great time. Today to the Aqarium which should have been a great day for all.
Well I'm turning now, got loads of wash done today and I'm all set for awhile.
Sending love to each and every one of you dear readers,
Tim
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Back home again
Well as you know last night was actually this morning when I got home from Ben Lomond and the incredible wedding.
This morning I was up at 7:30 and out at the motorhome, I needed to retrieve the tow dolly which was parked away from the motorhome, having no other trailer hitch I tied a rope to the toy dolly and with the motorhome I gradually pulled it to a place where I could connect it using the trailer hitch. Then I parked it on the street so Dana and Ronnie could load what they wanted.
Then I came in, enjoyed the breakfast Dana provided and after researching left for a property in Hercules. What a cute updated home, it was just a nice visit and inspection. Then I drove back home leaving the low overcast and cool weather behind.
Once home I loaded the bug onto the tow dolly, we finished up putting things in and then drove out, first there was a tank of fuel, this time $100 purchased a little more than last night, A couple gallons more! Then to Brentwood to get a device to attach the safety chain from the tow dolly, somehow the other one had disappeared. Then we started out only to discover some pretty strong wind.
We arrive about 6 I guess and Jason had dinner ready I stuck around for awhile setting the motorhome up level and in the process discovered steel belt showing on the right fron tie, the same one that has ruined tires before. So using a brick and a crescent wrench I had along I took the huge tire off the motorhome and brought it home so I can purchase a new one tomorrow and take it back on Wednesday.
So the family will enjoy time at Jason's, beach, Boardwalk, Aquarium and on Wednesday morning I'll drive back and drive the motorhome home, with a new tire. You can bet I'll be getting it into precision alignment immediately.
Well I'm tired and getting pretty used to making the trip to Santa Cruz area. God is good and watched over us today for which we are all thankful.
Love to all
tim
This morning I was up at 7:30 and out at the motorhome, I needed to retrieve the tow dolly which was parked away from the motorhome, having no other trailer hitch I tied a rope to the toy dolly and with the motorhome I gradually pulled it to a place where I could connect it using the trailer hitch. Then I parked it on the street so Dana and Ronnie could load what they wanted.
Then I came in, enjoyed the breakfast Dana provided and after researching left for a property in Hercules. What a cute updated home, it was just a nice visit and inspection. Then I drove back home leaving the low overcast and cool weather behind.
Once home I loaded the bug onto the tow dolly, we finished up putting things in and then drove out, first there was a tank of fuel, this time $100 purchased a little more than last night, A couple gallons more! Then to Brentwood to get a device to attach the safety chain from the tow dolly, somehow the other one had disappeared. Then we started out only to discover some pretty strong wind.
We arrive about 6 I guess and Jason had dinner ready I stuck around for awhile setting the motorhome up level and in the process discovered steel belt showing on the right fron tie, the same one that has ruined tires before. So using a brick and a crescent wrench I had along I took the huge tire off the motorhome and brought it home so I can purchase a new one tomorrow and take it back on Wednesday.
So the family will enjoy time at Jason's, beach, Boardwalk, Aquarium and on Wednesday morning I'll drive back and drive the motorhome home, with a new tire. You can bet I'll be getting it into precision alignment immediately.
Well I'm tired and getting pretty used to making the trip to Santa Cruz area. God is good and watched over us today for which we are all thankful.
Love to all
tim
Home
Dear Family and Friends,
I've had the most incredible weekend. On Friday I drove down in the afternoon and arrived at 4:11 for a 4 pm rehearsal, what a beautiful place amoung the ancient redwoods but there were workmen all over the place putting finishing touches on everything. The barn that had been transplanted from the east coast was far from done but by dark it was all in shape.
I spend the night in a condo that Barb and Gerry had rented. I had my own room, the window opened at my head and cool air gave me a great nights rest. I woke early but decided to pray and just think, I woke again at 8 and got up, took a little walk and came back. Later in the morning we walked to a little cafe and had a delicious breakfast. After that I went back to the condo and tweaked on the sermon for the wedding for a couple more hours. I would print, read, change but finally I was relieved to call it finished.
When doing a wedding a lot hangs on the shoulders of the preacher as he is the one who keeps all the people working property through the service.
The support crew had 120 chairs in place on the cobble stone area which also had a cobble stone retaining wall that curved around where the wedding party stood. Behind us were 200 foot high redwood trees creating shade with sunlight sneaking through here and there. We started late as it was difficult to find parking for all the cars. We were at the end of a one lane road that wound through the hills and valleys for nearly a mile after leaving the main narrow road. So about 6 we started and the friends and family were really onboard to enjoy the service. Jeni and Tim had written a lengthy story of how they fell in love each from their own perspective. I read those accounts and it brought everyone up to speed and into the love story that was unfolding.
By the feedback afterwards I think the service was appreciated, I felt reasonable good about it and I know Tim and Jeni were jazzed by how it went. Jeni is a beautiful girl anyway and of course in her simple but stunning wedding dress she looked wonderful. Tim is a very good looking guy as well with dark complexion, a full head of black hair and a handsome face. They both love to mountain bike, to hike, to chop wood and to do athletic things so they are both very much on the same page as they face life together.
The food was incredible throughout, after the service there were tables loaded with tasty snacks, an area created for drinks, and the staff moved the 120 chairs to a newly created sod level area where tables waited. After awhile dinner was served and it was great with selections for everyones tastes. Then there were toasts and speeches, Dennis, father of the bride was just wonderful in his comments.
Then the group moved back up the hill to the barn where a video and slide show of their lives from being born to now was shown. Dennis created it and did a super job. A DJ played music and I discovered that Jeni can really dance, in fact she and Tim made it look easy as they were so graceful and light on their feet. Eventually they cut the several cakes and fed each other, there was more dancing and finally I had them find the marriage license. We signed and then I headed toward home.
Upon arriving I discovery that Ronnie and Dana were still up, I startled Dana when I came through my office door. Ronnie had been bumped from one flight and then was held on the plane for over an hour waiting for a thunder storm to pass before he even left Houston. Dana did not know of the holdup so waited with two hungry boys at the airport for hours until he arrived. Then they found Mimi's and the boys ate everything on the table.
Tomorrow afternoon we'll caravan to Jason's with the motorhome, towing the bug, I'll set up the motorhome, get it level and then using the bug drive back home so i can work. They will stay there for a couple days enjoying the Boardwalk and the Monterey Bay Aquarium and probably come back on Wednesday the 4th.
At this point the writer of this blog fell asleep since it is 1:22 in the morning.
Love to all,
Tim
I've had the most incredible weekend. On Friday I drove down in the afternoon and arrived at 4:11 for a 4 pm rehearsal, what a beautiful place amoung the ancient redwoods but there were workmen all over the place putting finishing touches on everything. The barn that had been transplanted from the east coast was far from done but by dark it was all in shape.
I spend the night in a condo that Barb and Gerry had rented. I had my own room, the window opened at my head and cool air gave me a great nights rest. I woke early but decided to pray and just think, I woke again at 8 and got up, took a little walk and came back. Later in the morning we walked to a little cafe and had a delicious breakfast. After that I went back to the condo and tweaked on the sermon for the wedding for a couple more hours. I would print, read, change but finally I was relieved to call it finished.
When doing a wedding a lot hangs on the shoulders of the preacher as he is the one who keeps all the people working property through the service.
The support crew had 120 chairs in place on the cobble stone area which also had a cobble stone retaining wall that curved around where the wedding party stood. Behind us were 200 foot high redwood trees creating shade with sunlight sneaking through here and there. We started late as it was difficult to find parking for all the cars. We were at the end of a one lane road that wound through the hills and valleys for nearly a mile after leaving the main narrow road. So about 6 we started and the friends and family were really onboard to enjoy the service. Jeni and Tim had written a lengthy story of how they fell in love each from their own perspective. I read those accounts and it brought everyone up to speed and into the love story that was unfolding.
By the feedback afterwards I think the service was appreciated, I felt reasonable good about it and I know Tim and Jeni were jazzed by how it went. Jeni is a beautiful girl anyway and of course in her simple but stunning wedding dress she looked wonderful. Tim is a very good looking guy as well with dark complexion, a full head of black hair and a handsome face. They both love to mountain bike, to hike, to chop wood and to do athletic things so they are both very much on the same page as they face life together.
The food was incredible throughout, after the service there were tables loaded with tasty snacks, an area created for drinks, and the staff moved the 120 chairs to a newly created sod level area where tables waited. After awhile dinner was served and it was great with selections for everyones tastes. Then there were toasts and speeches, Dennis, father of the bride was just wonderful in his comments.
Then the group moved back up the hill to the barn where a video and slide show of their lives from being born to now was shown. Dennis created it and did a super job. A DJ played music and I discovered that Jeni can really dance, in fact she and Tim made it look easy as they were so graceful and light on their feet. Eventually they cut the several cakes and fed each other, there was more dancing and finally I had them find the marriage license. We signed and then I headed toward home.
Upon arriving I discovery that Ronnie and Dana were still up, I startled Dana when I came through my office door. Ronnie had been bumped from one flight and then was held on the plane for over an hour waiting for a thunder storm to pass before he even left Houston. Dana did not know of the holdup so waited with two hungry boys at the airport for hours until he arrived. Then they found Mimi's and the boys ate everything on the table.
Tomorrow afternoon we'll caravan to Jason's with the motorhome, towing the bug, I'll set up the motorhome, get it level and then using the bug drive back home so i can work. They will stay there for a couple days enjoying the Boardwalk and the Monterey Bay Aquarium and probably come back on Wednesday the 4th.
At this point the writer of this blog fell asleep since it is 1:22 in the morning.
Love to all,
Tim
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