Good evening,
I'm just back from Brentwood. Earlier this evening Nikki called to say the van was making strange noises, that lights were flashing on the dash and that it almost did not make it through an intersection. So Marilyn and I drove in to town to check out the van. Once there at the gym we found it would not start at all, battery was too dead.
So we turned over the Civic to her she could get the girls home to bed and came back to pick up the battery starter and some cables, some tools etc.
We drove back to the van, put the little jump starter on it and it started right up. The engine had a new whirring sound, I'm personally guessing its an alternator with bad bearings but could be any number of things. I was able to drive it carefully across town to the repair place that did the compressor, locked it up solid, wrote a long message and dropped the message and the keys into the office. Now I'm asking the angels to watch over the van tonight, its important to our family and we so need it to work properly.
On the way home we stopped in for a quick bite at a little Mexican place in Brentwood and now we are home.
Today I've written a report a couple times and finally got it right and delivered, then made appointments, did research and inspected a little house that is being mostly torn down so the new owner can built a new place using foundation and one wall thus it becomes a remodel instead of new construction, costs a truck load of money less for a remodel versus a new home with the city for the building permits and taxes.
Then it was Costco for a few things and home to work again. I wrote up an appraisal for a purchased in concord for a nice little house that was nearly as old as I am. Has a bunch of new stuff and a big lot, selling for $348,000.
So now once again its time to rest and I intend to do so right away.
Sending love to all, please pray for protection for the van tonight, its not a great part of town to park a car but I didn't think it would make it home and back again.
Tim
Monday, September 16, 2013
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Excellent day
Dear Family and Friends,
I've been home about an hour after a really enjoyable day with a friend, we walked the waterfront in Benicia, then had lunch at the place Jessy works, Rookies, then caught a movie in Tracy, a great friend building day and I thank the Lord for the day.
This morning I rolled out early and worked on a report that had to be completed today. It was and now this evening I have to tweak things in the report to make it stronger.
That is right after I go to bed for the night and get up early in the morning.
I'm finding life very enjoyable lately and so thankful for the many blessings we all experience. I had such a great time with Kallie, then Jason, Jo and the kiddos. I deeply appreciate that my family is so near that I get to spend time with them. How sweet it is to be loved by them.
Sending love to all the special people who make up my world. I love you all.
Tim
I've been home about an hour after a really enjoyable day with a friend, we walked the waterfront in Benicia, then had lunch at the place Jessy works, Rookies, then caught a movie in Tracy, a great friend building day and I thank the Lord for the day.
This morning I rolled out early and worked on a report that had to be completed today. It was and now this evening I have to tweak things in the report to make it stronger.
That is right after I go to bed for the night and get up early in the morning.
I'm finding life very enjoyable lately and so thankful for the many blessings we all experience. I had such a great time with Kallie, then Jason, Jo and the kiddos. I deeply appreciate that my family is so near that I get to spend time with them. How sweet it is to be loved by them.
Sending love to all the special people who make up my world. I love you all.
Tim
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Terrific Sabbath
Good evening,
This has been one of those days worth living. It included family, worship, travel, RVs, good food and a safe trip.
Climbed out this morning at 7, did the shower thing and picked up Kallie at 8:40, we went to McDonalds for some hash browns and scrambled eggs, some OJ and were on our way to Tracy to the church.
When we arrived we discovered that there were two little girls already in Sabbath School. Kallie joined the happy bunch and Kim did a super job with leading out. I will miss being able to witness SS once Kallie moves to the next class that is more age appropriate for her that is taught by Sylvia, Rod, Wes and Pat. For now Kallie would like to stay where she is.
After Sabbath School we did a quick stop at Dollar Store where Kallie picked up a cute little figurine and some dog treats for her doggies.
We then launched ourselves onto the freeway going toward San Jose. We arrived and missed the entrance to their complex but after back tracking Kallie found it with her sharp eyes. We parked and piled into the Odyssey with the family and went to lunch at PK Changs, I think that is the name. I thought the food was great and they even had brown rice there. We started with something wrapped in lettuce that was so excellent. Kallie did not like her chicken nuggets but relied on her orange juice for lunch.
We then drove to a place in Gilroy where may different RVs were on display. You just would not believe how much fun the three little kiddos had checking each and every one out. Some were really beautiful and some were costly while other were very reasonable and had clever floor plans. There was one that had a diesel engine, was 25 feet long and was very beautiful but was on sale, was used and the sticker was $111,000. Wow that will slow a person down.
Afterwards we drove back to San Jose and then Kallie and I drove home. All of the kiddos were so enjoyable today, they are precious little people and were very well mannered. I am so proud of them.
Sending love to all,
Tim
This has been one of those days worth living. It included family, worship, travel, RVs, good food and a safe trip.
Climbed out this morning at 7, did the shower thing and picked up Kallie at 8:40, we went to McDonalds for some hash browns and scrambled eggs, some OJ and were on our way to Tracy to the church.
When we arrived we discovered that there were two little girls already in Sabbath School. Kallie joined the happy bunch and Kim did a super job with leading out. I will miss being able to witness SS once Kallie moves to the next class that is more age appropriate for her that is taught by Sylvia, Rod, Wes and Pat. For now Kallie would like to stay where she is.
After Sabbath School we did a quick stop at Dollar Store where Kallie picked up a cute little figurine and some dog treats for her doggies.
We then launched ourselves onto the freeway going toward San Jose. We arrived and missed the entrance to their complex but after back tracking Kallie found it with her sharp eyes. We parked and piled into the Odyssey with the family and went to lunch at PK Changs, I think that is the name. I thought the food was great and they even had brown rice there. We started with something wrapped in lettuce that was so excellent. Kallie did not like her chicken nuggets but relied on her orange juice for lunch.
We then drove to a place in Gilroy where may different RVs were on display. You just would not believe how much fun the three little kiddos had checking each and every one out. Some were really beautiful and some were costly while other were very reasonable and had clever floor plans. There was one that had a diesel engine, was 25 feet long and was very beautiful but was on sale, was used and the sticker was $111,000. Wow that will slow a person down.
Afterwards we drove back to San Jose and then Kallie and I drove home. All of the kiddos were so enjoyable today, they are precious little people and were very well mannered. I am so proud of them.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, September 13, 2013
After a long week there are many things to be thankful for
Good evening,
Just back from IHOP where we waited forever to be served, over 30 minutes before the hostess finally took pity and took our order. They were slammed with lots of customers but the food was very good and filling.
I rolled out this morning at 5:20, could not sleep any more, my mind was concerned that I would reach my first appointment in San Leandro by 9 am considering morning traffic. Funny I actually arrived 30 minutes early. It was good to see the owner again, I've done this 4 plex a number of times over the years and it still needs nearly everything to make it livable. He has remodeled one unit which is where he and his wife life. When I went to take the bedroom photo I found her still in bed so I just pointed the camera the other way. My work is almost never boring!
Once I left the 4 plex I then drove to Alameda and found a very nice guy and his townhome on a quiet court. Then I found a Starbucks but they were not friendly like I'm used to. I drove to Concord where I inspected a little home that had been updated by investors and was selling for a good price.
Once I was through I headed home, encountered a bit of traffic but not awful. Once home I went to work on the 4 plex but I'm not completed yet. He needs it by Monday to fight his taxes being raised.
A funny thing happened this afternoon, a nice black pickup pulled into the driveway and the guys ask if I wanted to sell the motorhome, I said yes for $31,000. They didn't want to pay that much. Then they asked about the boat and I told them $3,500 but then the phone rang and it was my good friend so I turned away and they left. They said they would come again another day. Strange that they wanted to pay me cash money on the spot for either the motorhome or the boat. Somehow it does not sound just right.
Well I'm very ready for bed now, this has been a week with ups and downs like usual. I'm sitting pretty good with orders now and Steve has some too. For that we are both very grateful, work is such a blessing and I really enjoy working with so many fine people in the industry.
Sending love to all, enjoy the Sabbath, I intend to by bringing Kallie in the morning, can't wait.
Tim
Just back from IHOP where we waited forever to be served, over 30 minutes before the hostess finally took pity and took our order. They were slammed with lots of customers but the food was very good and filling.
I rolled out this morning at 5:20, could not sleep any more, my mind was concerned that I would reach my first appointment in San Leandro by 9 am considering morning traffic. Funny I actually arrived 30 minutes early. It was good to see the owner again, I've done this 4 plex a number of times over the years and it still needs nearly everything to make it livable. He has remodeled one unit which is where he and his wife life. When I went to take the bedroom photo I found her still in bed so I just pointed the camera the other way. My work is almost never boring!
Once I left the 4 plex I then drove to Alameda and found a very nice guy and his townhome on a quiet court. Then I found a Starbucks but they were not friendly like I'm used to. I drove to Concord where I inspected a little home that had been updated by investors and was selling for a good price.
Once I was through I headed home, encountered a bit of traffic but not awful. Once home I went to work on the 4 plex but I'm not completed yet. He needs it by Monday to fight his taxes being raised.
A funny thing happened this afternoon, a nice black pickup pulled into the driveway and the guys ask if I wanted to sell the motorhome, I said yes for $31,000. They didn't want to pay that much. Then they asked about the boat and I told them $3,500 but then the phone rang and it was my good friend so I turned away and they left. They said they would come again another day. Strange that they wanted to pay me cash money on the spot for either the motorhome or the boat. Somehow it does not sound just right.
Well I'm very ready for bed now, this has been a week with ups and downs like usual. I'm sitting pretty good with orders now and Steve has some too. For that we are both very grateful, work is such a blessing and I really enjoy working with so many fine people in the industry.
Sending love to all, enjoy the Sabbath, I intend to by bringing Kallie in the morning, can't wait.
Tim
Wednesday, September 11, 2013
Kiddo day
Well it works, we picked up the van tonight and Nikki reports that it cools very well. The tech that worked on it said it was down to 34 degrees, that pretty good really and it has a 1 year warranty on parts and labor so lets hope that is done.
This morning I woke to do a bit of work and then drive to Milpitas to see Mia and grandparent day. Only problem was that first we had to take the van to Brentwood to the shop and leave it, then I came back and left from home. Vasco Road was a parking lot, there had been a big accident so it took 45 minutes to traverse Vasco Road when it is usually about 15 minutes. That meant I arrived at school at 10:44 when my goal was 10. I had fun playing with Mia and her friends outside, then it was time to come in and sing and then one of the Grandparents read a story and then I bid her good bye and came back home. This time no traffic, just stupid freeway sweepers, they really big me, they hold up traffic for miles behind and involve a lot of vehicles, a CHP, a water truck. Who really cares if the middle of the freeway is clear of trash or not? And why can't this be done at night when it would involve a lot less traffic disruption.
A Costco stop got me some dog food and a few other things. Then it was time to pickup the girls from school. They were in great spirits and we had fun until 2 pm when I left to see a house a block away. What an amazing place, built with the highest quality materials, solid walnut, plush carpeting, high end appliances, marble floors and on and on. I was doing it to determine a value as of the day of death for the lady of the house. They had been married 63 years. pretty amazing property.
Then it was back home to work a bit, then drive Nikki and the girls to Brentwood to pick up the car and while we were there we went to BJs for dinner, very good food.
Now I'm home and on my way to bed.
Tomorrow I spend the day with Bob at Apple Hill which is just above Placerville where we will visit various orchards and farms. Its a wonderful place to visit and they have apple doughnuts!
Jo just sent a photo taken today which I have included here.
Love to all
Tim
This morning I woke to do a bit of work and then drive to Milpitas to see Mia and grandparent day. Only problem was that first we had to take the van to Brentwood to the shop and leave it, then I came back and left from home. Vasco Road was a parking lot, there had been a big accident so it took 45 minutes to traverse Vasco Road when it is usually about 15 minutes. That meant I arrived at school at 10:44 when my goal was 10. I had fun playing with Mia and her friends outside, then it was time to come in and sing and then one of the Grandparents read a story and then I bid her good bye and came back home. This time no traffic, just stupid freeway sweepers, they really big me, they hold up traffic for miles behind and involve a lot of vehicles, a CHP, a water truck. Who really cares if the middle of the freeway is clear of trash or not? And why can't this be done at night when it would involve a lot less traffic disruption.
A Costco stop got me some dog food and a few other things. Then it was time to pickup the girls from school. They were in great spirits and we had fun until 2 pm when I left to see a house a block away. What an amazing place, built with the highest quality materials, solid walnut, plush carpeting, high end appliances, marble floors and on and on. I was doing it to determine a value as of the day of death for the lady of the house. They had been married 63 years. pretty amazing property.
Then it was back home to work a bit, then drive Nikki and the girls to Brentwood to pick up the car and while we were there we went to BJs for dinner, very good food.
Now I'm home and on my way to bed.
Tomorrow I spend the day with Bob at Apple Hill which is just above Placerville where we will visit various orchards and farms. Its a wonderful place to visit and they have apple doughnuts!
Jo just sent a photo taken today which I have included here.
Love to all
Tim
Tuesday, September 10, 2013
Cranking out the work, fixing the van, getting help from Jessy.
So it was up at 6 this morning and by noon I had 3 reports delivered. New orders came in for which I am very grateful and I just kept at the work.
Jessy offered to come in today and I gladly accepted her help. Mid day I started searching for someplace to repair the Air Conditioning in the van, it had failed yesterday afternoon. Its not easy to just find someplace you can walk in but eventually I found a place and took the van in having traded cars with Nikki, she had the new green bug.
After about half an hour the mechanic came in with the bad news, the compressor was shot, the most expensive item in the entire air conditioning system. They ordered a new compressor, it will be in at 8 in the morning and the entire job is paid for, thanks to the clients who have been paying lately. So by tomorrow afternoon the AC should be working again, lets hope and pray that its true.
After Marilyn and I deliver the van for its repairs I'll leave for Milpitas to see Mia at her special grandparent day. The event runs from 10 to 11 and I can't wait. Then I'll drive back to Discovery Bay and pick up Kallie at 1:15 at her school. At 2:05 we'll pick up Keanna after she does running club. At that same time I'll do an appraisal for a property located about a block from my house and then later in the afternoon we'll go back and pickup the van once the girls are on their way. It will be a busy day.
On Thursday I'm going to Apple Hill with Bob for the day which will be great fun. On Friday I'm seeing properties all day and that should round out the week.
So as you can see I'm not wasting any time these days. Busy and productive is my motto.
Love to you and yours,
Tim
Jessy offered to come in today and I gladly accepted her help. Mid day I started searching for someplace to repair the Air Conditioning in the van, it had failed yesterday afternoon. Its not easy to just find someplace you can walk in but eventually I found a place and took the van in having traded cars with Nikki, she had the new green bug.
After about half an hour the mechanic came in with the bad news, the compressor was shot, the most expensive item in the entire air conditioning system. They ordered a new compressor, it will be in at 8 in the morning and the entire job is paid for, thanks to the clients who have been paying lately. So by tomorrow afternoon the AC should be working again, lets hope and pray that its true.
After Marilyn and I deliver the van for its repairs I'll leave for Milpitas to see Mia at her special grandparent day. The event runs from 10 to 11 and I can't wait. Then I'll drive back to Discovery Bay and pick up Kallie at 1:15 at her school. At 2:05 we'll pick up Keanna after she does running club. At that same time I'll do an appraisal for a property located about a block from my house and then later in the afternoon we'll go back and pickup the van once the girls are on their way. It will be a busy day.
On Thursday I'm going to Apple Hill with Bob for the day which will be great fun. On Friday I'm seeing properties all day and that should round out the week.
So as you can see I'm not wasting any time these days. Busy and productive is my motto.
Love to you and yours,
Tim
Monday, September 9, 2013
Whew, its hot here
Good evening,
While Mt. Diablo burns and the smoke swirls around us we take note that it is very hot. On my return trip from Livermore this afternoon it was 101 on the outside temp reading in the VW.
I've come arrived home after a nice evening with a new friend. A very pleasant experience aided by my friends Ron and Lydia and I do appreciate their help.
I rose this morning and went outside to dump the tanks in the motorhome, it came back last Wednesday and I had forgotten to dump the tanks. So I managed to get it backed in between the black bug which is still on the tow dolly in the street and the boat that is parked in the driveway. I now have a very long hose made up of several hoses to dump the tanks and it all went well. I also refilled the fresh water tank while I was there. Then I put the coach back and came in to work on an appraisal that needed to be completed. While I was working something went wrong in the computer and the sketch file became corrupted, I was out of business and the client was very anxious to get the report. I was set to be in Livermore at 11 and so I started out but the client begged me for the report so I turned back, feeling the stress and connected to my software vendor, they offer constant help if needed.
They controlled my computer, found the bad file, set it aside after renaming it and then I was able to do a new sketch of this condo in the Oakland hills, finish the report and get it to them. I was in my car to leave when text came in telling me things needed to be changed in the report, so I turned off the car and came back in, opened it up and fixed things, locked it up and resent it to them, then I was able to leave for the appointment, fortunately the owner was home until 2 pm and I arrived at about 1:45 and was able to do my work.
So after a quick stop at Starbucks for a Iced Chai Tea Latte with non fat milk I drove home with the temperature about 100 outside and smoke billowing from nearby Mt. Diablo, I was about 5 miles from the fire but it was pretty obvious that there was a fire taking place.
Once I got home I worked some more on a new report and then headed to Tracy for dinner. All in all it was a good day and my ancient central AC is working well in the house and is backed up with some wall units.
Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler a bit and each day after is cooler still.
I would like to report that Steve has two orders to prepare tomorrow which I consider a direct answer to prayer. Oh how thankful I am that orders are slowly coming in.
Right now its bedtime and I intend to be back working at 6 in the morning. Love to all.
Tim
While Mt. Diablo burns and the smoke swirls around us we take note that it is very hot. On my return trip from Livermore this afternoon it was 101 on the outside temp reading in the VW.
I've come arrived home after a nice evening with a new friend. A very pleasant experience aided by my friends Ron and Lydia and I do appreciate their help.
I rose this morning and went outside to dump the tanks in the motorhome, it came back last Wednesday and I had forgotten to dump the tanks. So I managed to get it backed in between the black bug which is still on the tow dolly in the street and the boat that is parked in the driveway. I now have a very long hose made up of several hoses to dump the tanks and it all went well. I also refilled the fresh water tank while I was there. Then I put the coach back and came in to work on an appraisal that needed to be completed. While I was working something went wrong in the computer and the sketch file became corrupted, I was out of business and the client was very anxious to get the report. I was set to be in Livermore at 11 and so I started out but the client begged me for the report so I turned back, feeling the stress and connected to my software vendor, they offer constant help if needed.
They controlled my computer, found the bad file, set it aside after renaming it and then I was able to do a new sketch of this condo in the Oakland hills, finish the report and get it to them. I was in my car to leave when text came in telling me things needed to be changed in the report, so I turned off the car and came back in, opened it up and fixed things, locked it up and resent it to them, then I was able to leave for the appointment, fortunately the owner was home until 2 pm and I arrived at about 1:45 and was able to do my work.
So after a quick stop at Starbucks for a Iced Chai Tea Latte with non fat milk I drove home with the temperature about 100 outside and smoke billowing from nearby Mt. Diablo, I was about 5 miles from the fire but it was pretty obvious that there was a fire taking place.
Once I got home I worked some more on a new report and then headed to Tracy for dinner. All in all it was a good day and my ancient central AC is working well in the house and is backed up with some wall units.
Tomorrow is supposed to be cooler a bit and each day after is cooler still.
I would like to report that Steve has two orders to prepare tomorrow which I consider a direct answer to prayer. Oh how thankful I am that orders are slowly coming in.
Right now its bedtime and I intend to be back working at 6 in the morning. Love to all.
Tim
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