Dear Family and Friends
When I finally woke up this morning I took time to simply ask God for work, pretty basic and direct, I didn't demand it because He knows best but I did let Him know of the need I was feeling for work.
Once I was up Starr and I headed for Tracy to do a followup, we had to see into the attic one way or the other. A part time realtor lived nearby and had a huge ladder that could reach 14 feet up the side of the house. So I went there, his wife showed me the ladder and I carried it the block to the house I was inspecting and climbed up up up and until I could see through a wire grate into the attic. I tried to take photos but they did not seem to turn out. The phone told me I had a text and it was an offer so I quickly answered back with the word accept and 15 seconds later I was told I had the order. With relief I loaded the folded ladder in the back of the bug and slowly drove back to where I had picked it up. Now the realtor was home for lunch and took the ladder and we were on our way. While we were getting out of Tracy another text hit and I texted back the word accept after pulling over. I got that one too.
I quickly set up the files and then called on the first one, it was a purchase in Tracy so this evening at 7 I inspected the home and in the morning I'll finish the report. The other one will be seen on Thursday.
Tomorrow is my big day with the dentist. I'm nervous but also thankful that one more dreaded thing is being dealt with. Dr. Clarke reminds me a lot of my friend in Tracy, George who had a local dental practice for years and was trusted by so many in the city. Dentists can really made a difference in people's lives and Dr. Clarke is making a difference in mine.
So now I've come to one of my favorite moments, that is when I finally can let it all go and head to bed. Starr is barking a gentle little bark behind me to let me know she thinks its time to give it up. And a guy should listen when his dog barks, right!
Love to all
Thanks for your prayers, 2 orders is double the total from last week and its only Tuesday!
Tim
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Memorial Day
Dear Family and Friends,
This day started with a rude alarm and Starr making noises about not wanting to get up so early. I drove to Manteca and helped unload a truck for a new family who are moving from Fresno and we hope will attend the Tracy church. They are fun people and had everything carefully boxed up so moving with the large crew from the church was fast and over by 10:30. We had able direction from our beloved pastor. Here is the incredible crew who helped!
This day started with a rude alarm and Starr making noises about not wanting to get up so early. I drove to Manteca and helped unload a truck for a new family who are moving from Fresno and we hope will attend the Tracy church. They are fun people and had everything carefully boxed up so moving with the large crew from the church was fast and over by 10:30. We had able direction from our beloved pastor. Here is the incredible crew who helped!
Once the moving experience was completed I headed back home where I relaxed, built a fire, watched some really good programs by Dr. McDougall and then a special about Desmond Doss. That was an inspiring hour of TV and filled in the blanks about his life that I did not know. A medic that received the congressional medal of honor, he served with bravery and selflessness saving hundreds of lives in the process.
This evening it was back to Tracy to do a reinspection of a little house that has seen about 10 visits from me since I did the original appraisal. It may need yet another one as I still cannot find a way into the attic. At least I found the FAU/CAC and water heater this time.
Our family met at Olive Garden to celebrate Kallie's birthday and she enjoyed herself very much. We all did and when they came to sing to her she was very quiet and pretty much overwhelmed by it all. She did know what to do with your chocolate sunday!
I'm hoping for orders tomorrow. This kind of vacation is not much fun, sort of like waiting for an execution instead of waiting for joy and happiness.
So sending love to all tonight and thank you Kallie for two really great years and looking forward to another good one with you.
Tim
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Good evening
This afternoon Kallie turned 3 and she seemed to handle it all very well.\
Several of the neighbors both present and past came to spend an enjoyable afternoon with great food, lots of kiddos, nice presents and perfect weather. Nikki and Steve did their typical good job of having everything in order and so everyone enjoyed themselves very much.
Here is Kallie and her cake.
Several of the neighbors both present and past came to spend an enjoyable afternoon with great food, lots of kiddos, nice presents and perfect weather. Nikki and Steve did their typical good job of having everything in order and so everyone enjoyed themselves very much.
Here is Kallie and her cake.
The cake was great as you can see!
The kids played in the back yard, the dogs played nicely with each other and the adults chatted played with their phones and listened to good music.
I've also included a photo of Steve's tank at the present time. It is amazing, better than most tanks you see at an aquarium, hope you can see some of the beauty in the photo.
Now that is some tank.
This morning Starr and I jumped in the bug and drove to Fremont to shoot a photo of the front of a house, the lenders were concerned that the front yard was overgrown, they had a right to be concerned. It is overgrown to the max. So I tried to shoot photos from a different angle and the dear owner had worked to clear some of the foliage away. Then once finished with our job we stopped at TacoBell and Starr had a bit of bean burrito and a cup of water. She seemed to enjoy the trip very much sitting on the seat beside me on her doubled over towel. She liked being patted on the head and would bark a bit up at me from time to time, I think she was saying, this is fun, lets do it again.
Well once again it is time to wind it down for the night. Not sure about tomorrow yet, no work to do so I'll find a project around here to keep me busy. Discovery Bay is filled with guests who come to party and play. Its nice to have them come and enjoy this very nice place.
Love to all
Tim
Such a nice day
Dear Family and Friends,
I've been told that its easier to read the blog if its done in larger type.
Church was great today, our pastor has an excellent delivery of well thought out ideas and makes a biblical passage talk to us. She was in fine form today and for once I didn't even grow sleepy like so many times. Of course sitting in the front row does tend to make one quite visible and obvious.
After the worship hour I drove to Stockton where I met Bob and Carrol for lunch at the good old Olive Garden. We had a merry time and Carrol was so light on her feet, I consider her very amazing, in a two year time span, 2 hits fractures and 2 new knees and she moves smoothly and is quite stable now. We talked about everything, enjoyed the good soup and salad with a bread stick thrown in here and there.
After lunch I wanted to locate a AT&T store as my iphone has stopped sending out emails. I could get them in but could not send them out, since orders sometimes arrive through emails my ability to email out is quite important. As I walked in a young girl met me and solved the problem on the spot. She deleted that Comcast account and then reentered it back in and of course it worked perfectly. No charge, no fuss, just magic.
Once I arrived home I set to work building a fire to ward off the chill, it was windy outside, then enjoyed several programs on the incredible christian dish including over an hour of beautiful scenery with music. It was just outstanding, the vespers at Loma Linda was excellent too. As the evening progressed Nikki dropped by for some items for Kallie's party tomorrow, I made whole wheat pasta with green beans and now I've been watching some episodes of Bones, a program I hold near and dear. Just an excellent program and very interesting.
Now its bed time, Starr is telling me that its time. Tomorrow morning I'll drive to Fremont to take a photo of the front of a house and then drive back home, they will pay me $75 for this trip. The dear owner Cara, has called dozens of times since I inspected her home with concerns and we have become friends. I just hope her loan can close soon as she really needs the money due to her various medical conditions.
Tomorrow little Kallie turns into a 3 year old. She is a brilliant little person with a very strong will, you do not change her mind easily once she has decided, hints of her grammy for sure. Nikki and Steve have just invited the neighbors for a BBQ, keeping it little and local but Kallie will have a good time. This evening I assembled a little doll bunk bed that is so cute, it was fun and surprisingly well made considering it came from some foreign country of course.
So good night to all,
Just a reminder, Jesus is our best friend, our only hope of eternity and our present helper no matter what we face. Important lessons if we are ever to find real lasting happiness and peace.
Love
tim
I've been told that its easier to read the blog if its done in larger type.
Church was great today, our pastor has an excellent delivery of well thought out ideas and makes a biblical passage talk to us. She was in fine form today and for once I didn't even grow sleepy like so many times. Of course sitting in the front row does tend to make one quite visible and obvious.
After the worship hour I drove to Stockton where I met Bob and Carrol for lunch at the good old Olive Garden. We had a merry time and Carrol was so light on her feet, I consider her very amazing, in a two year time span, 2 hits fractures and 2 new knees and she moves smoothly and is quite stable now. We talked about everything, enjoyed the good soup and salad with a bread stick thrown in here and there.
After lunch I wanted to locate a AT&T store as my iphone has stopped sending out emails. I could get them in but could not send them out, since orders sometimes arrive through emails my ability to email out is quite important. As I walked in a young girl met me and solved the problem on the spot. She deleted that Comcast account and then reentered it back in and of course it worked perfectly. No charge, no fuss, just magic.
Once I arrived home I set to work building a fire to ward off the chill, it was windy outside, then enjoyed several programs on the incredible christian dish including over an hour of beautiful scenery with music. It was just outstanding, the vespers at Loma Linda was excellent too. As the evening progressed Nikki dropped by for some items for Kallie's party tomorrow, I made whole wheat pasta with green beans and now I've been watching some episodes of Bones, a program I hold near and dear. Just an excellent program and very interesting.
Now its bed time, Starr is telling me that its time. Tomorrow morning I'll drive to Fremont to take a photo of the front of a house and then drive back home, they will pay me $75 for this trip. The dear owner Cara, has called dozens of times since I inspected her home with concerns and we have become friends. I just hope her loan can close soon as she really needs the money due to her various medical conditions.
Tomorrow little Kallie turns into a 3 year old. She is a brilliant little person with a very strong will, you do not change her mind easily once she has decided, hints of her grammy for sure. Nikki and Steve have just invited the neighbors for a BBQ, keeping it little and local but Kallie will have a good time. This evening I assembled a little doll bunk bed that is so cute, it was fun and surprisingly well made considering it came from some foreign country of course.
So good night to all,
Just a reminder, Jesus is our best friend, our only hope of eternity and our present helper no matter what we face. Important lessons if we are ever to find real lasting happiness and peace.
Love
tim
Friday, May 27, 2011
Helping out
Good evening,
Our weather continues to tease us here, nothing extreme but not that nice either, some wind, some sun, some clouds but a very nice sunset tonight.
It was nice to have the phone ring today and with it came an order, a nice touch to a very slow week work wise. There there were a couple little reinspections too but they pay so little they are not worth doing, but of course you don't have that choice.
This afternoon I was able to conduct the appraisal of a home in Summerset, a 55 and over community in Brentwood. My client had just lost her beloved husband a month ago so we had plenty to talk about. I spent over an hour at the kitchen table just listening and sharing. She is a lovely lady in her 70s who did a great job caring for her husband and had it really rough in the last year. She is coping well and sort of knows the rules, go ahead and do things that bring happiness even if you feel a bit guilty doing them, get out and walk, let time work for you, surround yourself with little ones, take time with your beloved doggie.
They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and she is comfortable driving it even though its 33 feet long so she may get back on the road. She travels with a couple different RV groups.
I felt very comfortable talking with her and once again realized that I do have gifts that so often lie dormat but are still there. Now I just wish I could make a living doing what I love most, helping people.
Here is hoping that you have a great holiday weekend, that you reach out to people in your circle and spend time with them. I'm convinced that investing in people is about as good as it gets.
So sending love to friend and family alike,
Tim
Our weather continues to tease us here, nothing extreme but not that nice either, some wind, some sun, some clouds but a very nice sunset tonight.
It was nice to have the phone ring today and with it came an order, a nice touch to a very slow week work wise. There there were a couple little reinspections too but they pay so little they are not worth doing, but of course you don't have that choice.
This afternoon I was able to conduct the appraisal of a home in Summerset, a 55 and over community in Brentwood. My client had just lost her beloved husband a month ago so we had plenty to talk about. I spent over an hour at the kitchen table just listening and sharing. She is a lovely lady in her 70s who did a great job caring for her husband and had it really rough in the last year. She is coping well and sort of knows the rules, go ahead and do things that bring happiness even if you feel a bit guilty doing them, get out and walk, let time work for you, surround yourself with little ones, take time with your beloved doggie.
They enjoyed traveling in their motorhome and she is comfortable driving it even though its 33 feet long so she may get back on the road. She travels with a couple different RV groups.
I felt very comfortable talking with her and once again realized that I do have gifts that so often lie dormat but are still there. Now I just wish I could make a living doing what I love most, helping people.
Here is hoping that you have a great holiday weekend, that you reach out to people in your circle and spend time with them. I'm convinced that investing in people is about as good as it gets.
So sending love to friend and family alike,
Tim
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Sliding along
Dear Family and Friends,
Well this has been a rather casual day. I climbed out of bed when I woke up this morning, no alarms ringing. Then after checking the world on Drudge and my own email accounts I backed the bike out the front door and went for a nice long ride. The morning was perfect, no one was out so I just enjoyed the wind and the ride along the levee. Once I returned I did work creating a better pdf to send people who are interested in renting the motorhome. That took awhile but I think it paid off. Once client has already thanked me for getting her the right forms to fill out. I checked in with a couple potential renters but they both have flaked out on me so now I hope for some new ones to come along.
I created a healthy lunch, sort of a stir fry, enjoyed my weak coffee and worked on the books for the company. Later this afternoon I was able to confirm my one appointment for the week, I might as well be on vacation somewhere enjoyable, of course I do live on a lovely lake with great sunsets.
This evening I went into see Kallie's last swimming lesson, oh she did not want the lesson to end. Then we had dinner together which is always an interesting experience. On Monday Kallie turns 3 and she is very excited about it.
I just hope, pray and cross my fingers that orders will come in soon. This is a pretty unique experience in my 22 year history of appraising properties, no work is very stressful.
So I'm sending love to all tonight,
Tim
Well this has been a rather casual day. I climbed out of bed when I woke up this morning, no alarms ringing. Then after checking the world on Drudge and my own email accounts I backed the bike out the front door and went for a nice long ride. The morning was perfect, no one was out so I just enjoyed the wind and the ride along the levee. Once I returned I did work creating a better pdf to send people who are interested in renting the motorhome. That took awhile but I think it paid off. Once client has already thanked me for getting her the right forms to fill out. I checked in with a couple potential renters but they both have flaked out on me so now I hope for some new ones to come along.
I created a healthy lunch, sort of a stir fry, enjoyed my weak coffee and worked on the books for the company. Later this afternoon I was able to confirm my one appointment for the week, I might as well be on vacation somewhere enjoyable, of course I do live on a lovely lake with great sunsets.
This evening I went into see Kallie's last swimming lesson, oh she did not want the lesson to end. Then we had dinner together which is always an interesting experience. On Monday Kallie turns 3 and she is very excited about it.
I just hope, pray and cross my fingers that orders will come in soon. This is a pretty unique experience in my 22 year history of appraising properties, no work is very stressful.
So I'm sending love to all tonight,
Tim
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
No New Orders!
Good evening,
Its been an interesting day, I'm sure you agree that when one really stops to consider most days are interesting to a degree. The alarm startled me out of bed at 5:45 to a cool room and early morning light. After a hot shower I loaded Starr into her little carrier, a converted laundry basket, and we walked downstairs. I placed her where she always goes, the middle of the family room at the end of her line of little rugs and went for breakfast.
Then it was off to Nikki's for a 6:25 on time arrival. She left for work and I checked out email messages on the iphone. Soon the little voices began to be heard and Kallie appeared with her clothes for the day in her arms and a huge smile. She was ready to live the day. What a beautiful shot in the arm she is. She petted the dogs, gave one a treat, made sure they had food in their bowl and then we discussed breakfast.
A few minutes later Keanna drifted in and with her sense of flair and drama soon turned the morning into an event. We toasted yesterdays left over waffles, made sausages in the microwave, drank milk, broke a banana in two and then I showed them the cuties I had brought with me and they enjoyed them as well. Mandarin oranges for those who have no idea of what cuties are.
No matter what time you begin to move to the car 10 minutes will lapse before we are really driving, it happens with differences but the same outcome every day. I have an improved image of soccer moms, no wonder they drive by race car drivers and push you off the road. They too have had the battle to get everyone into the car on time.
The girls were discussing Kallie's upcoming birthday and becoming three, they sang and made up songs and questioned how good of singers they were and before long I nosed the little bug between two huge SUVs and Keanna raced to school. Then we made the short trip to the sitters, marvelous people who have done such a great job with Kallie. Kallie enjoys holding my hand and then jumping out of the car to see just how far she can go, then she enjoys stepping in the puddle left by the sprinkers and leaving foot prints, she loves to turn back and see where she has come from and then there is that magic moment when she is enveloped into the activities inside and suddenly pappa is alone on the porch. My work is done for the day.
I came home to clean my desk, check the emails about a hundred times hoping for orders, grabbing the mail, taking phone calls and doing the books. At 12:45 I picked Keanna and we splurged at McDonalds for her and then ate at Strawhat Pizza where the salad bar is excellent.
This afternoon she enjoyed the fire, some TV programs, preparing her own brand of cherry drink, that was indeed interesting, smash ripe cherries in a glass, add water and sugar and Pappa has a tasty drink!
At 5 we left, picked up Kallie, drove to the house and Steve was home. The girls were thrilled to see him after his working trip to LA. Then I hurried to spin class, what a workout and how exciting that I lived through it once again. As I was walking out I thought I don't have anywhere I have to be so I'll just do the routine with the weight machines. It was great but I think I can feel it here and there. Once I finally got home I asked Lois and Ray if they could enjoy some cherries and strawberries and we had a nice visit. Lois is progressing so well in her recovery from the fall, the broken bones and the bruises.
This morning just after I got home the phone range and it was the lady from the county. She pleased me by letting me know that she had come by yesterday and seen the motorhome behind the fence and she thought it met the spirit of the ordinance and it met with her approval. That is such a big deal for me, I feel like a victory long denied has finally been won.
So now you know everything I did all day, is this like a long winded tweet? Have not figured out yet why someone would tweet but if it brought me work I would tweet until the cows came home!!
Sending love to all,
Tim
ps A fully thing happened today, going through the mail I say only junk and was about to dump it when a letter from an insurance company made me slightly curious. Turns out that it contained a printed check for $375 for work I recently did. Nan would always open everything, shake out the newspaper adds, just in case a check was hiding inside. Pretty wise of her.
Its been an interesting day, I'm sure you agree that when one really stops to consider most days are interesting to a degree. The alarm startled me out of bed at 5:45 to a cool room and early morning light. After a hot shower I loaded Starr into her little carrier, a converted laundry basket, and we walked downstairs. I placed her where she always goes, the middle of the family room at the end of her line of little rugs and went for breakfast.
Then it was off to Nikki's for a 6:25 on time arrival. She left for work and I checked out email messages on the iphone. Soon the little voices began to be heard and Kallie appeared with her clothes for the day in her arms and a huge smile. She was ready to live the day. What a beautiful shot in the arm she is. She petted the dogs, gave one a treat, made sure they had food in their bowl and then we discussed breakfast.
A few minutes later Keanna drifted in and with her sense of flair and drama soon turned the morning into an event. We toasted yesterdays left over waffles, made sausages in the microwave, drank milk, broke a banana in two and then I showed them the cuties I had brought with me and they enjoyed them as well. Mandarin oranges for those who have no idea of what cuties are.
No matter what time you begin to move to the car 10 minutes will lapse before we are really driving, it happens with differences but the same outcome every day. I have an improved image of soccer moms, no wonder they drive by race car drivers and push you off the road. They too have had the battle to get everyone into the car on time.
The girls were discussing Kallie's upcoming birthday and becoming three, they sang and made up songs and questioned how good of singers they were and before long I nosed the little bug between two huge SUVs and Keanna raced to school. Then we made the short trip to the sitters, marvelous people who have done such a great job with Kallie. Kallie enjoys holding my hand and then jumping out of the car to see just how far she can go, then she enjoys stepping in the puddle left by the sprinkers and leaving foot prints, she loves to turn back and see where she has come from and then there is that magic moment when she is enveloped into the activities inside and suddenly pappa is alone on the porch. My work is done for the day.
I came home to clean my desk, check the emails about a hundred times hoping for orders, grabbing the mail, taking phone calls and doing the books. At 12:45 I picked Keanna and we splurged at McDonalds for her and then ate at Strawhat Pizza where the salad bar is excellent.
This afternoon she enjoyed the fire, some TV programs, preparing her own brand of cherry drink, that was indeed interesting, smash ripe cherries in a glass, add water and sugar and Pappa has a tasty drink!
At 5 we left, picked up Kallie, drove to the house and Steve was home. The girls were thrilled to see him after his working trip to LA. Then I hurried to spin class, what a workout and how exciting that I lived through it once again. As I was walking out I thought I don't have anywhere I have to be so I'll just do the routine with the weight machines. It was great but I think I can feel it here and there. Once I finally got home I asked Lois and Ray if they could enjoy some cherries and strawberries and we had a nice visit. Lois is progressing so well in her recovery from the fall, the broken bones and the bruises.
This morning just after I got home the phone range and it was the lady from the county. She pleased me by letting me know that she had come by yesterday and seen the motorhome behind the fence and she thought it met the spirit of the ordinance and it met with her approval. That is such a big deal for me, I feel like a victory long denied has finally been won.
So now you know everything I did all day, is this like a long winded tweet? Have not figured out yet why someone would tweet but if it brought me work I would tweet until the cows came home!!
Sending love to all,
Tim
ps A fully thing happened today, going through the mail I say only junk and was about to dump it when a letter from an insurance company made me slightly curious. Turns out that it contained a printed check for $375 for work I recently did. Nan would always open everything, shake out the newspaper adds, just in case a check was hiding inside. Pretty wise of her.
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