Just home from a little trip to IHOP in Tracy for dinner with Lois and Marilyn. What a windy blustery day but a very good day as well for me.
Up at 6, rethought and reset the alarm for 7 am. Then it was up shower, have my steel cut oats and prepare for the day. First I needed to do research for three properties, an almost new property located the Lakes here at Discovery Bay, then a townhome in one of the nicer developments in Walnut Creek and then back to Bay Point for the sale of a nice little home.
In spite of cold wind the day went well. The owner in Discovery Bay was really great and they have already started fixing the home up since they purchased it. Its a home built by Kiper, the same company who build nice homes in Tracy many years ago, ones where Steve and Sylvia purchased when they arrived in Tracy so long ago. It was a nice single story home with over 2,000 sf.
Once I was through I headed to Walnut Creek and with no traffic on the roads but lots of wind I arrived to find a near perfect townhome. The owner, a sweet 76 year old lady, had lived in the home since it was newly completed many years ago. It still looks new throughout.
Then it was back to Bay Point which is near Pittsburg just over the hill from Concord. The daughter was able to do the interpreting for me as mom and dad did not do much English. The home is pretty nice but there is no sign out front, a bit unusual. The comps took a little longer to find as they were located up to a mile from each other.
Then it was back into some traffic as darkness settled over Contra Costa County.
So I decided to have a good omelet with spinach and mushrooms. Service lagged a bit, there was only one waitress but the food was very good.
Now we are home and I've just built a fire to ward off the intense cold, 66 degrees!! I know that is California cold, not Rhode Island cold or Weed cold.
Freddie my VW mechanic called to say he could not locate a used motor mount today so ordered one from VW. Cost is $141 and it will take a couple hours to get it installed.
Tomorrow I'll get up, do the treadmill and then work up the three appraisals that are on my plate and hope, pray for more work. Its so slow right now. I've not had any work for Jessy all week and that makes me sad as she needs to make a living too.
Good night one and all,
Love
Tim
Thursday, November 21, 2013
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Over 58,000 page views of this blog!
Thank you to all who have stopped to take the time to read a blog entry. We have shared a nice journey together, a journey that continues.
This morning was an early call, up at 5:30 and in the car driving by 6:15 I started off strong and it looked like I would be early, alas that was not to be. In fact I arrived at 9:18 with almost constant stopped traffic, many accidents and very busy roadways. The owner fought traffic as well on Highway 80 but arrived much earlier than I did. He was able to work using his laptop so had no down time.
The property was a beautiful triplex, perfect in every way and worth close to a million dollars. Finding the comparables was a challenge in busy Berkeley and the rain kept increasing in its intensity.
The trip home was very challenging, heavy heavy rain took visibility down to a few feet, roads were running with rivers of water and keeping safe was a real battle. I think God watched over me as I drove and I was very relieved to pull into my own garage in time to pick up Kallie from school.
I have included a picture of a puzzle we did together this afternoon. It turns out that Kallie is very good at puzzles and did most of the process of finding pieces. We had a great conversation while we worked. Its been a dream of mine for months that we do something besides just screen time for her while I work so I took the time to do the puzzle with her and then with the rain stopped we took the dog to the park where she played. What a great afternoon I had with Miss Kallie.
Now this evening I've taken her to the dance studio where we met Keanna and Nikki and I turned her over to her mother's care.
While I was there I drove over to see Freddie who is my Brentwood VW mechanic. He suggested that we just replace one motor mount, the one we know is broken. He took its part number and will look for a used part tomorrow or get a new one and we will get back on the road with the bug.
Three more orders came in today, I was thrilled and excited to see them and I'm set to see a property at noon tomorrow, then see one in Walnut Creek at 1:30. While I could wish for a lot more work, work that builds the bank account I'm grateful for the work that God sees fit to send me.
Sending love to all, you are appreciated very much.
Tim
This morning was an early call, up at 5:30 and in the car driving by 6:15 I started off strong and it looked like I would be early, alas that was not to be. In fact I arrived at 9:18 with almost constant stopped traffic, many accidents and very busy roadways. The owner fought traffic as well on Highway 80 but arrived much earlier than I did. He was able to work using his laptop so had no down time.
The property was a beautiful triplex, perfect in every way and worth close to a million dollars. Finding the comparables was a challenge in busy Berkeley and the rain kept increasing in its intensity.
The trip home was very challenging, heavy heavy rain took visibility down to a few feet, roads were running with rivers of water and keeping safe was a real battle. I think God watched over me as I drove and I was very relieved to pull into my own garage in time to pick up Kallie from school.
I have included a picture of a puzzle we did together this afternoon. It turns out that Kallie is very good at puzzles and did most of the process of finding pieces. We had a great conversation while we worked. Its been a dream of mine for months that we do something besides just screen time for her while I work so I took the time to do the puzzle with her and then with the rain stopped we took the dog to the park where she played. What a great afternoon I had with Miss Kallie.
Now this evening I've taken her to the dance studio where we met Keanna and Nikki and I turned her over to her mother's care.
While I was there I drove over to see Freddie who is my Brentwood VW mechanic. He suggested that we just replace one motor mount, the one we know is broken. He took its part number and will look for a used part tomorrow or get a new one and we will get back on the road with the bug.
Three more orders came in today, I was thrilled and excited to see them and I'm set to see a property at noon tomorrow, then see one in Walnut Creek at 1:30. While I could wish for a lot more work, work that builds the bank account I'm grateful for the work that God sees fit to send me.
Sending love to all, you are appreciated very much.
Tim
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
And the rains came
Good evening,
After a long time it finally rained today, we need it badly so we welcome it. But it was a weak rain.
This morning I woke with many things on my feeble mind and at 7 I rolled out and went to the treadmill where for the next 30 minutes I walked, uphill, downhill, faster and slower, great workout.
I've worked in today and have written a difficult 4 plex in Oakland, fixed conditions, had a nice lunch with brown rice, green beans, griller and this evening we went to our local pizza place which has specials on Tuesday evening.
I've had a fire going most of the day and its been nice to keep things warm, also hot drinks have helped the day pass along as well.
I could certainly do with more work. I'm seeing a triplex at 8 in the morning in Berkeley so I'll be getting out rather early and hope for a break in the rain. These days I'm driving the Civic as I'm not sure about the VW and how many more miles it has until it needs to get fixed. So far my contact in Turlock has not located the parts and has been really busy, hope to hear something back tomorrow.
Sending love to all,
Tim
After a long time it finally rained today, we need it badly so we welcome it. But it was a weak rain.
This morning I woke with many things on my feeble mind and at 7 I rolled out and went to the treadmill where for the next 30 minutes I walked, uphill, downhill, faster and slower, great workout.
I've worked in today and have written a difficult 4 plex in Oakland, fixed conditions, had a nice lunch with brown rice, green beans, griller and this evening we went to our local pizza place which has specials on Tuesday evening.
I've had a fire going most of the day and its been nice to keep things warm, also hot drinks have helped the day pass along as well.
I could certainly do with more work. I'm seeing a triplex at 8 in the morning in Berkeley so I'll be getting out rather early and hope for a break in the rain. These days I'm driving the Civic as I'm not sure about the VW and how many more miles it has until it needs to get fixed. So far my contact in Turlock has not located the parts and has been really busy, hope to hear something back tomorrow.
Sending love to all,
Tim
Monday, November 18, 2013
Busy Monday
Good evening,
Even though it seemed like I had no work I've been very busy today. One property that I've had a hard time seeing finally opened up today, its a 10 acre parcel in Brentwood and they press Olive Oil from their Olive trees on site. They also have a little story one site and the lady running the business turns out to be an old friend from the mortgage business. So I was able to inspect the property and we managed to pick up some eggs, some other little things in the store and did our appraisal as well.
Earlier in the day I got a couple reports out the door and managed to walk a mile or so with the dog. Enough money came in the mail today to cover the house payment, what a huge answer to prayer and I am so touched and thankful for the funds. The house payment is already made and on its way to the lender.
This evening we were shooting photos right up until dark so went to Red Robin for a burger, mine was a garden burger and Marilyn's was living recently! My salad was perfect and along with water the meal was sort of reasonable overall.
Well that's about it for now, George my orange kitty is reaching up trying to get some pets out of me, what a great cat. Moomo is bugging Marilyn hoping for some petting as well.
This it was just right for a nice fire and the wood from Jerry's place certainly burns nicely.
Sending love to all the precious people.
Tim
Even though it seemed like I had no work I've been very busy today. One property that I've had a hard time seeing finally opened up today, its a 10 acre parcel in Brentwood and they press Olive Oil from their Olive trees on site. They also have a little story one site and the lady running the business turns out to be an old friend from the mortgage business. So I was able to inspect the property and we managed to pick up some eggs, some other little things in the store and did our appraisal as well.
Earlier in the day I got a couple reports out the door and managed to walk a mile or so with the dog. Enough money came in the mail today to cover the house payment, what a huge answer to prayer and I am so touched and thankful for the funds. The house payment is already made and on its way to the lender.
This evening we were shooting photos right up until dark so went to Red Robin for a burger, mine was a garden burger and Marilyn's was living recently! My salad was perfect and along with water the meal was sort of reasonable overall.
Well that's about it for now, George my orange kitty is reaching up trying to get some pets out of me, what a great cat. Moomo is bugging Marilyn hoping for some petting as well.
This it was just right for a nice fire and the wood from Jerry's place certainly burns nicely.
Sending love to all the precious people.
Tim
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Nice day
Up at 7, on the road at 8:35 and arrive in Pinole at 9:07. Owner was waiting outside for me. What a great house, new Brazilian Koa wood floors in much of the house, stunningly beautiful wood, lots of concrete and perfect lawns, new Marvin windows, one bath has white marble, lots of little improvements made a very nice property.
As I'm driving home I can feel that the drive train in the green bug is not perfect, its getting worse.
While I'm driving the agent from Oakland calls to say he has lined up the tenants for 2:30 for quadruplex, can I come? Well of course I'll be there, the fee is $650 and I'd like to get this one done quickly.
But as we near he calls to say only one of the tenants are there. I decide to go ahead and measure the property and while I'm there a second tenant shows up. So now I only have to see two of the units at a later time. We shoot the comps and do not feel totally safe in Oakland on a Sunday afternoon.
On the way home we select Fuddruckers and have excellent food and drink. A good Sunday and lots accomplished after all.
Sending love to all,
Please pray that I'll be able to find a way and the money to get the green bug repaired and that I'll find money to make the house payment. Its due now!
Tim
As I'm driving home I can feel that the drive train in the green bug is not perfect, its getting worse.
While I'm driving the agent from Oakland calls to say he has lined up the tenants for 2:30 for quadruplex, can I come? Well of course I'll be there, the fee is $650 and I'd like to get this one done quickly.
But as we near he calls to say only one of the tenants are there. I decide to go ahead and measure the property and while I'm there a second tenant shows up. So now I only have to see two of the units at a later time. We shoot the comps and do not feel totally safe in Oakland on a Sunday afternoon.
On the way home we select Fuddruckers and have excellent food and drink. A good Sunday and lots accomplished after all.
Sending love to all,
Please pray that I'll be able to find a way and the money to get the green bug repaired and that I'll find money to make the house payment. Its due now!
Tim
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Keanna's big day
This morning I woke and decided to take the 2.5 miles walk around the lake. As I came to the end of my walk I landed in the park and Nikki and the girls were already there. At 9 Keanna started her 5K run called the Turkey Trot. She ran with many of her friends and Nikki and I kept tract of her. I would drive a few driveways up and pull in so we could see her going by, just in case her side started hurting. Instead we saw a girl that just kept running the whole way and when the dust had cleared she came in 3rd for her age group of girls. She got a metal! She was happy and we were happy too.
It was a very nice way to start a quiet Sabbath.
Love
Tim
It was a very nice way to start a quiet Sabbath.
Love
Tim
Friday, November 15, 2013
Winding down time cometh
So as quiet classical piano plays through the Bose speakers from KQED and dark has enveloped the whole house I'm sitting here ready to communicate with you my family and friends.
This has been some week, with the Affordable Health Care act failing on nearly every level and its backers running for the exits there is a sense of recognition, a lot of us thought this could happen but we were the nuts, the ones in the way of progress, well no more. What we have seen this week is only the beginning of the disaster, millions of Americans will pay more for coverage they do not want, others will give up and just pay the fine, the super ill will quickly sign up, well when they can and in the process begin the process of sinking the entire plan.
I know of nothing the government can do better than free americans who put their minds together to solve problems, nothing. And this week we all got a huge reality check of just how badly government can mess things up.
Today has been a write up day for me, finishing up what reports I had to complete. They are all out and just at the last minute two new orders arrived in email. I'm already scheduled to see one on Sunday morning and I'll get the other one before the weekend is over.
I'm thankful for so many things this evening, a home, family, a job, so so health and plenty of food to eat, water to drink. I'm thankful for friends like Barb and Gerry in Lincoln, friends who have stood the test of time for many years, precious people indeed, for Dolly who is always there praying and being encouraging, for George and Yvonne who always have a welcome greeting and often books, CDs etc for the kiddos, for Sylvia who is a life long friend and who knows a lot about health, medicine and life, for Pam with her frequent calls just to check up on me all the way from Seattle, to Bob who knows and understands perfectly, to Art who is always there and is a life long friend and to so many others who enhance my life.
While I am fully aware that my life is not complete as I would like it to be, that I'm alone a lot more than I would like to be yet there are moments of calm from time to time.
I am going to Jerry and Donna's for Thanksgiving, while Marilyn is still here we are going to drive the motorhome up the 300 miles to spend Thanksgiving with the family there. I'm really looking forward to getting on the road and with the tank almost full to start with the expense will be manageable as long as the hook up fees at Jerry and Donna's RV park are not too high, one can just hope they have a heart of mercy!
At this point I'm not sure of kiddos for SS in the morning. I know Keanna is doing a Turkey 5k trot somewhere but I'm not sure when. So we will just see what happens.
Sending love to the best friends and family in the world,
Tim
This has been some week, with the Affordable Health Care act failing on nearly every level and its backers running for the exits there is a sense of recognition, a lot of us thought this could happen but we were the nuts, the ones in the way of progress, well no more. What we have seen this week is only the beginning of the disaster, millions of Americans will pay more for coverage they do not want, others will give up and just pay the fine, the super ill will quickly sign up, well when they can and in the process begin the process of sinking the entire plan.
I know of nothing the government can do better than free americans who put their minds together to solve problems, nothing. And this week we all got a huge reality check of just how badly government can mess things up.
Today has been a write up day for me, finishing up what reports I had to complete. They are all out and just at the last minute two new orders arrived in email. I'm already scheduled to see one on Sunday morning and I'll get the other one before the weekend is over.
I'm thankful for so many things this evening, a home, family, a job, so so health and plenty of food to eat, water to drink. I'm thankful for friends like Barb and Gerry in Lincoln, friends who have stood the test of time for many years, precious people indeed, for Dolly who is always there praying and being encouraging, for George and Yvonne who always have a welcome greeting and often books, CDs etc for the kiddos, for Sylvia who is a life long friend and who knows a lot about health, medicine and life, for Pam with her frequent calls just to check up on me all the way from Seattle, to Bob who knows and understands perfectly, to Art who is always there and is a life long friend and to so many others who enhance my life.
While I am fully aware that my life is not complete as I would like it to be, that I'm alone a lot more than I would like to be yet there are moments of calm from time to time.
I am going to Jerry and Donna's for Thanksgiving, while Marilyn is still here we are going to drive the motorhome up the 300 miles to spend Thanksgiving with the family there. I'm really looking forward to getting on the road and with the tank almost full to start with the expense will be manageable as long as the hook up fees at Jerry and Donna's RV park are not too high, one can just hope they have a heart of mercy!
At this point I'm not sure of kiddos for SS in the morning. I know Keanna is doing a Turkey 5k trot somewhere but I'm not sure when. So we will just see what happens.
Sending love to the best friends and family in the world,
Tim
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