Just now the girls have left with their parents. I took Keanna to her indoor soccer game, Kallie and I were on the sidelines cheering her on.
Afterwards we went to dinner and that was sort of wild, they were full of energy and it was a challenge to keep them on track but we made it.
Then we came home, I built a fire as their request, Kallie said it was just like camping out with a campfire, funny girl.
Now its to bed and up at 4:30 for a 5 am departure and a 6 am arrival in Walnut Creek, then at 8 they will do the procedure and later at 10 or so they will let me leave. Then my friend and I will leave to see a property in Union City, after which we will drive back home. Frankly it is in God's hands and my prayer is that the rhythm will be restored.
Sending my love to all,
No matter what God is good.
Tim
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Saturday, December 8, 2012
A Day of Joy
Good evening,
Tonight words will be inadequate to convey the joys of this day. First off we went to Sabbath School and Kallie sang Christmas songs most of the way.
Next we had a great Sabbath School with Kim and Diane leading out. It was great fun and the kids were tough to corral but Kim was up to it.
Got to see Dr. George who wished me well for the Monday heart treatment.
Then we went to Starbucks where we ordered a tiny hot chocolate for Kallie, complete with lid and straw, no more spilling on Sabbath clothes. Our drinks were perfect.
As I drove I talked to Nikki about letting me take Kallie with me to the Grace Cathedral Christmas program. She said it was fine. So my friend arrived about noon and we prepared to go to San Francisco.
Upon arriving we discovered that special event parking was $30 which we forked over, then walked across the street to the stunningly beautiful Grace Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece. Up the 30 steps we walked, Kallie counted them and picked up our tickets, soon the family joined us and we walked up to our "cheap" seats along the sides of the seating areas. It meant we were unable to see the entire choir and orchestra due to huge pillars but we could certainly hear the music.
The concert was by the mens choir, the boys choir and a full orchestra plus the incredible pipe organ. The Grace is know for its 7 second reverberation and soon stunningly beautiful music filled the vast open spaces. Some of the music was classic, others more recently written but all performed to the highest standards of perfection. The boy soloist was nothing but pure sound.
When the music had died out we reluctantly picked up our things and walked out. The 3 children had behaved in an amazing manner, silent as church mice they had drawn pictures, snacked and just soaked in the beautiful place and its music. I am so proud of 2 year old Mia, 4 year old Kallie and 5 year old Timothy. I doubt the two older ones will ever forget the experience!
We then retracted our cars from the expensive parking places and tried to locate a place to eat, that turned out to be very difficult as every body in Northern California was in the city, in their cars and stopped in front of us. Eventually Jason signalled that he was through driving about in the city and was headed south on 101. They located a New York Pizza place in San Bruno which turned out great pizzas, was pleasant to visit and gave us the space we needed to unwind.
After eating we headed home in our two cars. My friend had prepared coloring paper, crayons that helped Kallie endure the long time of silence and I've included the picture they created. I think its pretty good. Inspired by the beautiful stained glass that was everywhere in the cathedral Kallie worked on the picture the entire concert.
Its been a very special day, one that adds the quality of life for all of us.
Thank you Jo for being the spark plug that made this happen! Thanks Jason for being the driver. Thanks to Steve and Nikki for sharing Kallie for the day. Keanna attended a long practice session for the Nutcracker and then went to a Nutcracker Christmas party this evening.
Love to all,
Tim
Tonight words will be inadequate to convey the joys of this day. First off we went to Sabbath School and Kallie sang Christmas songs most of the way.
Next we had a great Sabbath School with Kim and Diane leading out. It was great fun and the kids were tough to corral but Kim was up to it.
Got to see Dr. George who wished me well for the Monday heart treatment.
Then we went to Starbucks where we ordered a tiny hot chocolate for Kallie, complete with lid and straw, no more spilling on Sabbath clothes. Our drinks were perfect.
As I drove I talked to Nikki about letting me take Kallie with me to the Grace Cathedral Christmas program. She said it was fine. So my friend arrived about noon and we prepared to go to San Francisco.
Upon arriving we discovered that special event parking was $30 which we forked over, then walked across the street to the stunningly beautiful Grace Cathedral, a gothic masterpiece. Up the 30 steps we walked, Kallie counted them and picked up our tickets, soon the family joined us and we walked up to our "cheap" seats along the sides of the seating areas. It meant we were unable to see the entire choir and orchestra due to huge pillars but we could certainly hear the music.
The concert was by the mens choir, the boys choir and a full orchestra plus the incredible pipe organ. The Grace is know for its 7 second reverberation and soon stunningly beautiful music filled the vast open spaces. Some of the music was classic, others more recently written but all performed to the highest standards of perfection. The boy soloist was nothing but pure sound.
When the music had died out we reluctantly picked up our things and walked out. The 3 children had behaved in an amazing manner, silent as church mice they had drawn pictures, snacked and just soaked in the beautiful place and its music. I am so proud of 2 year old Mia, 4 year old Kallie and 5 year old Timothy. I doubt the two older ones will ever forget the experience!
We then retracted our cars from the expensive parking places and tried to locate a place to eat, that turned out to be very difficult as every body in Northern California was in the city, in their cars and stopped in front of us. Eventually Jason signalled that he was through driving about in the city and was headed south on 101. They located a New York Pizza place in San Bruno which turned out great pizzas, was pleasant to visit and gave us the space we needed to unwind.
After eating we headed home in our two cars. My friend had prepared coloring paper, crayons that helped Kallie endure the long time of silence and I've included the picture they created. I think its pretty good. Inspired by the beautiful stained glass that was everywhere in the cathedral Kallie worked on the picture the entire concert.
Its been a very special day, one that adds the quality of life for all of us.
Thank you Jo for being the spark plug that made this happen! Thanks Jason for being the driver. Thanks to Steve and Nikki for sharing Kallie for the day. Keanna attended a long practice session for the Nutcracker and then went to a Nutcracker Christmas party this evening.
Love to all,
Tim
Friday, December 7, 2012
Welcome back
Good evening, I'm told I missed a couple days, what is quite scary is that I was unaware that I missed days writing the blog.
Working backwards today I finished with a visit to the customer relations at Kaiser where I discovered my Monday procedure will end up costing me about $1700, ouch.
I'm still very relieved that it is taking place. I had to have an additional EKG today and I'm told I still have A-Fib.
Prior to Kaiser I inspected a home in Pleasant Hill where they had to come up with a story to get the occupant who is 88 years old out of the house, they didn't want her to know I was there at all for some reason.
Prior to Pleasant Hill I inspected a updated duplex in Oakland, very nice updating work since they purchased it, filled with teenage renters, a couple behind every door it seemed! Very interesting and I was shown through by a young man, college age who did a great job of explaining features and updating.
Before Oakland I was in Newark seeing a duplex. When I pulled up I reached into my case and pulled out the Supra Key, an electronic device that lets me into homes. I found it totally dead, battery had failed. Well what to do? I've learned that there is often a contractor lock box on listings as well as the Supra Box. Sure enough there was a regular box so I called in and in a few minutes had the code and was able to complete the inspection. Thank you Lord for excellent help on that one.
I started the day in Fremont and was to arrive at 8 but the traffic made sure that was not to be. The inspection went fine and the renter was a classy guy, place is in good shape.
Prior to that I climbed out of my very warm and cozy covers at 6 am. It was hard to get up since work kept me up until 11:15 last night. I'm finding life to be very complicated right now with medical issues to address, work assignments coming in at a rapid pace and all over it seems. Foster City area, San Jose, Sacramento, Clayton, keeps me busy to be sure.
I certainly in hopes that Mondays adventures at Walnut Creek Kaiser will be productive. I'll have few options if it does not work and none of them are that good so we'll just hope and pray for a good outcome. I'm so grateful that my friend can take me and George offered to take me but I would so hate to drag him out of bed so early in the morning.
I've not heard if I can take the girls to SS in the morning or not. I hope so. In the afternoon my friend and I are meeting Jason, Jo, Timothy and Mia at the Grace Cathedral for a Christmas program. It should be great. I'm enjoying Christmas music so much this year.
This afternoon as I was leaving the hospital I came to the corner on the 4th floor and the view of Mt Diablo was incredible. I shot a photo and we'll see how it came through.
Love to all,
Tim
Working backwards today I finished with a visit to the customer relations at Kaiser where I discovered my Monday procedure will end up costing me about $1700, ouch.
I'm still very relieved that it is taking place. I had to have an additional EKG today and I'm told I still have A-Fib.
Prior to Kaiser I inspected a home in Pleasant Hill where they had to come up with a story to get the occupant who is 88 years old out of the house, they didn't want her to know I was there at all for some reason.
Prior to Pleasant Hill I inspected a updated duplex in Oakland, very nice updating work since they purchased it, filled with teenage renters, a couple behind every door it seemed! Very interesting and I was shown through by a young man, college age who did a great job of explaining features and updating.
Before Oakland I was in Newark seeing a duplex. When I pulled up I reached into my case and pulled out the Supra Key, an electronic device that lets me into homes. I found it totally dead, battery had failed. Well what to do? I've learned that there is often a contractor lock box on listings as well as the Supra Box. Sure enough there was a regular box so I called in and in a few minutes had the code and was able to complete the inspection. Thank you Lord for excellent help on that one.
I started the day in Fremont and was to arrive at 8 but the traffic made sure that was not to be. The inspection went fine and the renter was a classy guy, place is in good shape.
Prior to that I climbed out of my very warm and cozy covers at 6 am. It was hard to get up since work kept me up until 11:15 last night. I'm finding life to be very complicated right now with medical issues to address, work assignments coming in at a rapid pace and all over it seems. Foster City area, San Jose, Sacramento, Clayton, keeps me busy to be sure.
I certainly in hopes that Mondays adventures at Walnut Creek Kaiser will be productive. I'll have few options if it does not work and none of them are that good so we'll just hope and pray for a good outcome. I'm so grateful that my friend can take me and George offered to take me but I would so hate to drag him out of bed so early in the morning.
I've not heard if I can take the girls to SS in the morning or not. I hope so. In the afternoon my friend and I are meeting Jason, Jo, Timothy and Mia at the Grace Cathedral for a Christmas program. It should be great. I'm enjoying Christmas music so much this year.
This afternoon as I was leaving the hospital I came to the corner on the 4th floor and the view of Mt Diablo was incredible. I shot a photo and we'll see how it came through.
Love to all,
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
We Miss you Nan
Today was one of those times when you just have to put mind over emotions and plow forward.
Steve and I drove to Pleasanton to the AT&T center where we attended an 8 hour class called USPAP, a class that all appraisers have to attend every two years. The instructor is a friend and knows her stuff to the point where it is very interesting. We also learned much from other appraisers, some of which we can plug in directly to writing reports faster, now I like that.
Once we were out we fought traffic home, it was not easy at 5 pm. Once home I checked the test results for A1C, a test the determines the blood sugar level average for the last few months. It was terrible, 9.9 when a good reading would be around 6. On top of every thing else I just felt the day slipping away, so depressing.
I'm trying to get a new report written, one for Blawkhawk that will result in a value of well over a million dollars but I'm tired and sleepy. Unfortunately I have to be in Oakland at 9 am in the morning, not a great idea as getting there will be a real chore. But once I'm done I'll race home and finish up some stuff, pick up Keanna, pick up Kallie and deliver them to different places at different times. It will be a emotional lift to see the girls.
So for now this is the news. Joyce and Sylvia had located some photos from the past and I opened the envelope today as ordered and was pleased to see lovely photos of the past, of Nikki with curls, of myself without beard and without weight, Nan much younger and our friends.
Love to all,
Tim
Steve and I drove to Pleasanton to the AT&T center where we attended an 8 hour class called USPAP, a class that all appraisers have to attend every two years. The instructor is a friend and knows her stuff to the point where it is very interesting. We also learned much from other appraisers, some of which we can plug in directly to writing reports faster, now I like that.
Once we were out we fought traffic home, it was not easy at 5 pm. Once home I checked the test results for A1C, a test the determines the blood sugar level average for the last few months. It was terrible, 9.9 when a good reading would be around 6. On top of every thing else I just felt the day slipping away, so depressing.
I'm trying to get a new report written, one for Blawkhawk that will result in a value of well over a million dollars but I'm tired and sleepy. Unfortunately I have to be in Oakland at 9 am in the morning, not a great idea as getting there will be a real chore. But once I'm done I'll race home and finish up some stuff, pick up Keanna, pick up Kallie and deliver them to different places at different times. It will be a emotional lift to see the girls.
So for now this is the news. Joyce and Sylvia had located some photos from the past and I opened the envelope today as ordered and was pleased to see lovely photos of the past, of Nikki with curls, of myself without beard and without weight, Nan much younger and our friends.
Love to all,
Monday, December 3, 2012
Sort of a mess of a day
Up at 6 this morning, shower, dress, hot chocolate in the Kureg, so good! Say good morning to the pets, they rub and talk to me.
Work for a bit and then prepare to leave for a 10 am appointment. It was at a 55 and over community and the back yard dipped down to a level area and then up to the golf course fairway. As I was walking down to take a rear photo I slipped and found myself going down, this evening I'm discovering more and more stretched places and sore spots. Nothing broken but a very muddy knee in my slacks.
After that appraisal I moved to a different part of town to take comparable photos for an appraisal we did last Friday. Once that was completed I drove to Kaiser for EKG and blood workup. Of course just as I arrived I was told no one was available until 1:30. I was stunned and at first angry. The whole day was planned tight with work to finish. So I turned back and went to the lab and was able to have the blood drawn, then I found the cafe and some very good food. By then it was time to go back and I had the EKG. My cardiologist came in and went over his plans for next Monday. He added a new medicine to be taken until Monday that calms the heart.
Then it was back out the door. Since it was sunny today I stopped at Home Depot and purchased white duct tape. When I got home I ventured up on the top of the motorhome which is always a bit scary, it s a long ways down. Then I laid down on the top near the front and reached out and placed a strip of white tape over the place where I think the leak is taking place. Then I carefully made my way down.
Finally it was time to work and I've done that until now, its bed time as morning will come early.
There are other things not so good that happened today but they are personal and I'll just soldier through.
Tomorrow morning at 5 am marks the 5 year anniversary of losing Nan. I don't have any better idea today than I did then why in the great cosmic scheme of things Nan had to die. She was the most wonderful wife a person could ever hope or prayer for. To all of you who helped care for her so much over the years I once again thank you. You helped her stay at home and be surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Love to all,
Tim
Work for a bit and then prepare to leave for a 10 am appointment. It was at a 55 and over community and the back yard dipped down to a level area and then up to the golf course fairway. As I was walking down to take a rear photo I slipped and found myself going down, this evening I'm discovering more and more stretched places and sore spots. Nothing broken but a very muddy knee in my slacks.
After that appraisal I moved to a different part of town to take comparable photos for an appraisal we did last Friday. Once that was completed I drove to Kaiser for EKG and blood workup. Of course just as I arrived I was told no one was available until 1:30. I was stunned and at first angry. The whole day was planned tight with work to finish. So I turned back and went to the lab and was able to have the blood drawn, then I found the cafe and some very good food. By then it was time to go back and I had the EKG. My cardiologist came in and went over his plans for next Monday. He added a new medicine to be taken until Monday that calms the heart.
Then it was back out the door. Since it was sunny today I stopped at Home Depot and purchased white duct tape. When I got home I ventured up on the top of the motorhome which is always a bit scary, it s a long ways down. Then I laid down on the top near the front and reached out and placed a strip of white tape over the place where I think the leak is taking place. Then I carefully made my way down.
Finally it was time to work and I've done that until now, its bed time as morning will come early.
There are other things not so good that happened today but they are personal and I'll just soldier through.
Tomorrow morning at 5 am marks the 5 year anniversary of losing Nan. I don't have any better idea today than I did then why in the great cosmic scheme of things Nan had to die. She was the most wonderful wife a person could ever hope or prayer for. To all of you who helped care for her so much over the years I once again thank you. You helped her stay at home and be surrounded by the love of family and friends.
Love to all,
Tim
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Kallie has a dance recital
This morning found incredible rain falling, I picked up Keanna and we headed over early to hold a place in line but when we got there after fighting our way through torrential rail they let us into the lobby. The recital was just precious, lines of little girls doing their cute little routines to Christmas songs. Kallie was at the end of the line and enjoyed doing her cute little routines. Later when Santa came to read a story she was the nearest child to him. I'll include a photo but she is just a bright light due to the way I had to take the photo.
Once we were through we went to UNOs for lunch and it was so fun. Then we went our own ways and I shopped Walmart for a bit, can't say I enjoy being in Walmart much but I found what I needed, a device that allows you to plug three 12 volt plugs as the Civic has a single plug and I need more, GPS, XM radio, Phone charge, game charger, laptop charger etc. You get the picture. While I was there I checked on grillers and found them for $2.71, best price I've seen in awhile.
Once home I settled in and have been writing appraisals. Steve had written one for me and I was able to get that one out plus one for a big house here in Discovery Bay.
This evening I've been watching some back episodes of the original CSI, the one set in Las vegas and I'm ready to check out Vegas again, been years since I've been there.
So here are a few cute photos to enjoy. Its been a super kiddo weekend, got to love that.
Love
Tim
Once we were through we went to UNOs for lunch and it was so fun. Then we went our own ways and I shopped Walmart for a bit, can't say I enjoy being in Walmart much but I found what I needed, a device that allows you to plug three 12 volt plugs as the Civic has a single plug and I need more, GPS, XM radio, Phone charge, game charger, laptop charger etc. You get the picture. While I was there I checked on grillers and found them for $2.71, best price I've seen in awhile.
Once home I settled in and have been writing appraisals. Steve had written one for me and I was able to get that one out plus one for a big house here in Discovery Bay.
This evening I've been watching some back episodes of the original CSI, the one set in Las vegas and I'm ready to check out Vegas again, been years since I've been there.
So here are a few cute photos to enjoy. Its been a super kiddo weekend, got to love that.
Love
Tim
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Fun
You know life is good when 4 year old Kallie sings Christmas song after song from beginning to the end on tune as we drove along, what an incredible experience to just enjoy her experiences.
We went to SS this morning and Kim was so kind to run the program for just one person, Kallie. Afterwards we sipped hot chocolate in the entry, then loaded up when Jason called to see if we wanted to meet for lunch. I asked Kallie and she was very excited about meeting the cousins for lunch. We drove straight down the downtown San Jose, to the Old Spaghetti Factory and had an incredibly good lunch, the kids had fun seeing each other and Kallie ordered a salad and actually ate it along with some spaghetti and then she enjoyed the ice cream.
We then drove home and Kallie again sang songs which helped keep me awake. We met Nikki in Livermore at Targets and I passed Kallie back into her loving mothers care and I drove home to rest a bit.
This evening I've been doing the laundry which is now all done and also writing an appraisal which is not done, too many trips to the kitchen and then watching episodes of NCIS and Blue Bloods.
The day has been great and tomorrow promises to be great also. Kallie has a dance recital at 10 am in Antioch but we have to be there at 9 to get a decent seat. It will be nice to see her in action. Then its back home to write as many reports as I can. Still behind and its no fun.
Sending love to all,
Tim
We went to SS this morning and Kim was so kind to run the program for just one person, Kallie. Afterwards we sipped hot chocolate in the entry, then loaded up when Jason called to see if we wanted to meet for lunch. I asked Kallie and she was very excited about meeting the cousins for lunch. We drove straight down the downtown San Jose, to the Old Spaghetti Factory and had an incredibly good lunch, the kids had fun seeing each other and Kallie ordered a salad and actually ate it along with some spaghetti and then she enjoyed the ice cream.
We then drove home and Kallie again sang songs which helped keep me awake. We met Nikki in Livermore at Targets and I passed Kallie back into her loving mothers care and I drove home to rest a bit.
This evening I've been doing the laundry which is now all done and also writing an appraisal which is not done, too many trips to the kitchen and then watching episodes of NCIS and Blue Bloods.
The day has been great and tomorrow promises to be great also. Kallie has a dance recital at 10 am in Antioch but we have to be there at 9 to get a decent seat. It will be nice to see her in action. Then its back home to write as many reports as I can. Still behind and its no fun.
Sending love to all,
Tim
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