Hi Ya All,
I am writing through sleepy eyes at 11:12. Just home from having dinner with Keanna, Nikki, Lacey and David in Livermore. The kids have worked all day continuing to move items off the floors in the 4 bedrooms and office. Carpet layers are to come between 8 and 10 tomorrow morning and will finish their work in one day. We have all worked very hard and have the garage filled with furniture, beds, bags and boxes. David is Steve's brother and his girl friend Lacy, well they both worked very hard. Steve has worked non stop painting, installing crown molding preparing for new baseboard. Nikki has worked on this project for a couple weeks sorting and bagging things up. Finally tonight the rooms are clear. Steve was still working hard this evening installing crown so we had to go eat without him which was sad.
Keanna led out in prayer today at her school and her group led the chapel services. I video taped the whole thing and loved every minute of it.
Still no new orders but the one that got cancelled yesterday has come back alive today which is a piece of good news.
Our weather has been very pleasant, even cold at times and when we came out of Chillis tonight it was downright cold.
Today was one of those especially challenging times, a financial person called from John Muir Hospital to inform me that there was $2,500 owing on hospital bills from 2006 and 2007. She went on to tell me that 26 hospital invoices had been paid, just these two remained. Finally after some tense moments on the phone I made contact with someone who set up a payment plan for a whopping $440 a month for the next 6 months to get the bill paid off. I just hope I can find the funds to cover this new obligation for the 27th of each month. Will these hospital and doctor bills ever stop coming? Two more in the mail today for intensive care doctors who came and looked in on Nan every day the last time she was in the hospital and their bill is about $800. Yikes.
So I do face severe challenges but I am feeling better and am ready to work if work can be found. Sharon constantly reminds me that God is in control and I sure hope she is right.
Right now I'm so tired I'm nodding off as I write so perhaps it is time to say good night.
love
tim
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Keanna turns 5, Sharon closes the deal!
Dear Family and Friends,
This afternoon I heard the "fat lady sing". My cell rang and I heard the sounds of joy as Sharon said she had called to tell me the fat lady had just sung. Yes her longest in history escrow finally closed on her existing home and she can begin to move on financially. One legal issue after another had kept the title company from issuing a clear title but finally today it all came together. She is praising God and her faith never wavered as month after month the process drug on. She has already moved into her new home and is getting used to it. As of this point she has no cable TV, no Internet and a basic cell phone. Now she will move forward and fully occupy her new home. Congrats Sharon.
Tomorrow Keanna turns the big 5. This evening she and I worked to place dolls, beanie babies, books, puzzles, games into bags so Steve could store them in the attic. The new carpet is rolled out on Thursday. Tomorrow Keanna takes the cupcakes she and her mom made this evening to her school. Keanna frosted them and put sprinkles on the tops. Tomorrow is also her chapel day and then we will spend the afternoon doing more cleaning and moving items. Tomorrow evening we will go out to eat at where ever Ms Keanna wants to eat, I think chilli's. What fun it is to help the kids and work side by side with her highness. Steve and Nikki live in a two story home so heavy items, desks, file cabinets, chairs have to be carried or slid down the stairs and into the garage. Steve and David, his brother, have done a lot of work with the heavy stuff and Nikki has been working for two weeks on the softer lighter stuff getting ready. I admire this little family and how they work together keeping a sense of humor. Nan would have loved this whole process and been very excited about the upcoming baby too. The whole family misses her wit, help, advice and endless acts of love. In life we each have a place and over the years we get more and more used to the roles and responsibilities each of us carry, take one person out of the mix and its really difficult to adjust to. Remember that you are such a person too, you are very important to a number of family, a circle of friends, fellow workers, remember that your influence is felt and appreciated. you are important, there is no one else like you, feel important? well you should because you are.
Jason and Timothy were eating out today and Clayton was helping out. Jason is enjoying spring break and working in the new section of yard we worked up. Between him and Clayton they are getting a lot done and caring for Timothy too. Today he was munching on Cheerios, is there a child alive that did not grow up on Cheerios? I know our kids at them in the high rows of the balcony at Sac Central SDA, Nikki left cheerio pieces and Ernie the caretaker would come to morning meeting and complain about someone eating Cheerios up in the balcony. I just kept quiet but I knew where Nan and nikki always sat, way up high in the balcony by the pipes of the pipe organ. Jason used to eat Cheerios under the pews in Tracy along with Kevin and Scott.
Ken and I walked this morning at 7:30 and silly me thought it was warm so I went in T shirt and shorts. Ken warned me to get a coat, naw, I was fine, well I shivered my way around the whole 2.5 miles and was very very glad to get in the shower where warm water finally reached me.
I had my oatmeal, strawberries, stipples and then started working. It became obvious that I needed to get up to Rohnert Park to do 2 appraisals so I quickly left forgetting there was an inspection to complete from last night, whoops, that's not the best way to stay in business. I had a great trip and enjoyed talking to Jim the young sales person who I have come to know well. Then I headed home after discovering the second appraisal had died while I was driving up, bummer! I raced back for Keanna's tumbling class, found some boxes for packing items. Then to their house for an evening of actual work. Now home to head to bed on time tonight.
I would request that you remember my little business and the need for orders. I know God is in control and I also know the lending industry is really messed up right now. Mainly I just hear fear in the voices of those I deal with on the phone, fear their office will be downsized, fear that they might make a mistake so I feel it is very important right now to be kind to anyone who calls no matter how stressed and rude they might be.
Good night my friends and family, you are a precious group.
love
tim
This afternoon I heard the "fat lady sing". My cell rang and I heard the sounds of joy as Sharon said she had called to tell me the fat lady had just sung. Yes her longest in history escrow finally closed on her existing home and she can begin to move on financially. One legal issue after another had kept the title company from issuing a clear title but finally today it all came together. She is praising God and her faith never wavered as month after month the process drug on. She has already moved into her new home and is getting used to it. As of this point she has no cable TV, no Internet and a basic cell phone. Now she will move forward and fully occupy her new home. Congrats Sharon.
Tomorrow Keanna turns the big 5. This evening she and I worked to place dolls, beanie babies, books, puzzles, games into bags so Steve could store them in the attic. The new carpet is rolled out on Thursday. Tomorrow Keanna takes the cupcakes she and her mom made this evening to her school. Keanna frosted them and put sprinkles on the tops. Tomorrow is also her chapel day and then we will spend the afternoon doing more cleaning and moving items. Tomorrow evening we will go out to eat at where ever Ms Keanna wants to eat, I think chilli's. What fun it is to help the kids and work side by side with her highness. Steve and Nikki live in a two story home so heavy items, desks, file cabinets, chairs have to be carried or slid down the stairs and into the garage. Steve and David, his brother, have done a lot of work with the heavy stuff and Nikki has been working for two weeks on the softer lighter stuff getting ready. I admire this little family and how they work together keeping a sense of humor. Nan would have loved this whole process and been very excited about the upcoming baby too. The whole family misses her wit, help, advice and endless acts of love. In life we each have a place and over the years we get more and more used to the roles and responsibilities each of us carry, take one person out of the mix and its really difficult to adjust to. Remember that you are such a person too, you are very important to a number of family, a circle of friends, fellow workers, remember that your influence is felt and appreciated. you are important, there is no one else like you, feel important? well you should because you are.
Jason and Timothy were eating out today and Clayton was helping out. Jason is enjoying spring break and working in the new section of yard we worked up. Between him and Clayton they are getting a lot done and caring for Timothy too. Today he was munching on Cheerios, is there a child alive that did not grow up on Cheerios? I know our kids at them in the high rows of the balcony at Sac Central SDA, Nikki left cheerio pieces and Ernie the caretaker would come to morning meeting and complain about someone eating Cheerios up in the balcony. I just kept quiet but I knew where Nan and nikki always sat, way up high in the balcony by the pipes of the pipe organ. Jason used to eat Cheerios under the pews in Tracy along with Kevin and Scott.
Ken and I walked this morning at 7:30 and silly me thought it was warm so I went in T shirt and shorts. Ken warned me to get a coat, naw, I was fine, well I shivered my way around the whole 2.5 miles and was very very glad to get in the shower where warm water finally reached me.
I had my oatmeal, strawberries, stipples and then started working. It became obvious that I needed to get up to Rohnert Park to do 2 appraisals so I quickly left forgetting there was an inspection to complete from last night, whoops, that's not the best way to stay in business. I had a great trip and enjoyed talking to Jim the young sales person who I have come to know well. Then I headed home after discovering the second appraisal had died while I was driving up, bummer! I raced back for Keanna's tumbling class, found some boxes for packing items. Then to their house for an evening of actual work. Now home to head to bed on time tonight.
I would request that you remember my little business and the need for orders. I know God is in control and I also know the lending industry is really messed up right now. Mainly I just hear fear in the voices of those I deal with on the phone, fear their office will be downsized, fear that they might make a mistake so I feel it is very important right now to be kind to anyone who calls no matter how stressed and rude they might be.
Good night my friends and family, you are a precious group.
love
tim
Monday, April 28, 2008
Making changes...
Dear Family and Friends,
Another day nearer to Kalie being born. Nikki says she is active and getting ready. This has been a complicated week for their household as carpet is to be installed on Thursday this week for the entire second story of the home and many things remain to be stored away to get ready. So tomorrow evening I'm going over to assist again, its fun for me to get to help, they have done so much for Nan and I over the past few years, fun to give a bit back.
On Wednesday Keanna turns 5, it seems impossible but she is a growing little girl and is such a hoot to be around. She communicates so well and picks up on everything going on. She is so positive in the way she plays and does things, always wrapping something up to give to someone in the family. My desk and walls are full of things she has made on her own. What a kid.
And right behind Keanna comes little charger, Timothy. Jason and Jo report he is pulling himself up to a standing position, this morning he was licking the glass of the rear sliding door, he is an amazing little guy who will be walking soon, lucky Jason and Jo.
I finally had a chance to catch up with Irene today. She is so busy helping people like usual. Her GIST appears to be under control right now but the Sutent gives her fits if she is on her feet to long. She is an amazing force for good and is busy planning a GIST walk to raise research dollars. It is set for October in a local park in San Jose. Today she found out that the required insurance premium for one day is $1,000, wow was that a shock so if anyone knows any special angles around such a huge fee she would be interested.
Dana called today and in just 5 weeks she will be winging her way here. She may bring Anthony her 6 year old grandson. That sounds like a good idea and he and Keanna can play while Nikki and the baby get rest. I can hardly wait to see Dana come off the plane. She will be able to stay a couple weeks the first part of June and then will return the latter part of July to vacation here for a couple weeks with Ronnie and hopefully John as well. Marilyn Titherington is set to come the latter part of July as well so we will have a big happy family and lots of noise and joy in the house. Can you imagine how much I look forward to all of this?
I've worked here at the office today but seemed to have gotten very little accomplished. This evening I had an inspection of a property in Stockton, an unusual one where I just inspect the subject property but do not determine a value or need comps. What I found was a delight.
I'm not often in circumstances where families live in such small apartments or units. I found the property to be alive with kids, riding their bikes, playing, hanging out. Up front there is a little house with a basement and behind are 4 units on a second floor while the first floor has garages. The 5 total units are located on a lot no larger than the one my house sits on here in Discovery Bay. The units were clean, carpets were in good order, paint was fresh, people were in good spirits and the owner is very proud of his property and should be.
After completing the inspection I decided to bug Pam who often reminds me that we need to "go out to eat" so with marie calendars on my mind I called and she gave up her Nutri System gourmet food for a salad and corn bread. We had a great time catching up on her school, her budget for the new year and what I've been doing. She like me misses Nan on a daily, hourly basis. Pam watched over Nan for years, often staying the night sleeping in a chair in a hospital room, she helped catch blood clots once in San Ramon saving Nan's life, she would rub Nan's feet for hours or just sit and snooze side by side here in the house. Pam enhanced Nan's life, she was a part of a caring circle of friends that demonstrated the love of Jesus day after day in being Nan's strength. This whole story of the 12 year battle with GIST would be written differently were it not for a family that cared so much, for friends who put their concern and love into dynamic action. It is a tribute to the power of love and being the hands of Jesus when someone needs you. We were blessed by such love.
I pray daily for new orders, I cannot go on for ever without work coming in so perhaps its time I go look for orders instead of sitting here waiting for them to come to me.
Thank you for your involvement in my life. Every word written or spoken lifts my spirits and assists me to the next day, the next week, the next phase of life.
love
tim
Another day nearer to Kalie being born. Nikki says she is active and getting ready. This has been a complicated week for their household as carpet is to be installed on Thursday this week for the entire second story of the home and many things remain to be stored away to get ready. So tomorrow evening I'm going over to assist again, its fun for me to get to help, they have done so much for Nan and I over the past few years, fun to give a bit back.
On Wednesday Keanna turns 5, it seems impossible but she is a growing little girl and is such a hoot to be around. She communicates so well and picks up on everything going on. She is so positive in the way she plays and does things, always wrapping something up to give to someone in the family. My desk and walls are full of things she has made on her own. What a kid.
And right behind Keanna comes little charger, Timothy. Jason and Jo report he is pulling himself up to a standing position, this morning he was licking the glass of the rear sliding door, he is an amazing little guy who will be walking soon, lucky Jason and Jo.
I finally had a chance to catch up with Irene today. She is so busy helping people like usual. Her GIST appears to be under control right now but the Sutent gives her fits if she is on her feet to long. She is an amazing force for good and is busy planning a GIST walk to raise research dollars. It is set for October in a local park in San Jose. Today she found out that the required insurance premium for one day is $1,000, wow was that a shock so if anyone knows any special angles around such a huge fee she would be interested.
Dana called today and in just 5 weeks she will be winging her way here. She may bring Anthony her 6 year old grandson. That sounds like a good idea and he and Keanna can play while Nikki and the baby get rest. I can hardly wait to see Dana come off the plane. She will be able to stay a couple weeks the first part of June and then will return the latter part of July to vacation here for a couple weeks with Ronnie and hopefully John as well. Marilyn Titherington is set to come the latter part of July as well so we will have a big happy family and lots of noise and joy in the house. Can you imagine how much I look forward to all of this?
I've worked here at the office today but seemed to have gotten very little accomplished. This evening I had an inspection of a property in Stockton, an unusual one where I just inspect the subject property but do not determine a value or need comps. What I found was a delight.
I'm not often in circumstances where families live in such small apartments or units. I found the property to be alive with kids, riding their bikes, playing, hanging out. Up front there is a little house with a basement and behind are 4 units on a second floor while the first floor has garages. The 5 total units are located on a lot no larger than the one my house sits on here in Discovery Bay. The units were clean, carpets were in good order, paint was fresh, people were in good spirits and the owner is very proud of his property and should be.
After completing the inspection I decided to bug Pam who often reminds me that we need to "go out to eat" so with marie calendars on my mind I called and she gave up her Nutri System gourmet food for a salad and corn bread. We had a great time catching up on her school, her budget for the new year and what I've been doing. She like me misses Nan on a daily, hourly basis. Pam watched over Nan for years, often staying the night sleeping in a chair in a hospital room, she helped catch blood clots once in San Ramon saving Nan's life, she would rub Nan's feet for hours or just sit and snooze side by side here in the house. Pam enhanced Nan's life, she was a part of a caring circle of friends that demonstrated the love of Jesus day after day in being Nan's strength. This whole story of the 12 year battle with GIST would be written differently were it not for a family that cared so much, for friends who put their concern and love into dynamic action. It is a tribute to the power of love and being the hands of Jesus when someone needs you. We were blessed by such love.
I pray daily for new orders, I cannot go on for ever without work coming in so perhaps its time I go look for orders instead of sitting here waiting for them to come to me.
Thank you for your involvement in my life. Every word written or spoken lifts my spirits and assists me to the next day, the next week, the next phase of life.
love
tim
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Fun is helping the kids
Good evening
Its already 10 pm and I think I know where my kids are, I'm pretty sure Nikki, Keanna and Steve are resting up after a very big day of work.
They have purchased new carpet for the upper level of their home, a level that has Keanna's room with all its toys, books, DVDs, clothes, a guest room, another guest room soon to be Kalie's room and the office with its bookshelves, desks, computers, printers and memorabilia. They have been working on getting everything boxed up for days now and this morning I got to help a bit. I had a bunch of boxes in the garage and took them over and helped fill them with books, CDs, beanie babies, photo albums. Then Steve moved them to the attic using a ladder he had installed sometime ago. Tonight they are much closer to being ready than this morning and it feels to to have helped a little. Nikki, Keanna and I caught lunch at the local Strawhat which used to have a great salad bar, now its just OK. While Keanna got her hair trimmed I grabbed some groceries at Safeway. Keanna is so interesting to hold conversations with and its great to see the love that both Nikki and Steve give her. So last Sunday I got to help Jason and Jo with the rototilling and today I got to help Nikki and Steve. Feels good and incidentally I feel good these days. Ken and I walked this morning at 8 and discovered a warm sunny day with many people out walking and enjoying themselves. This place comes alive in the Spring as residents can begin to enjoy the water again, most have boats of one kind or another with models ranging from paddle boats to 150 mph ocean racers. This morning as we walked we could hear a train going by across the delta, ducks caring for their babies and sprinklers replicating raindrops California Style.
This afternoon I did a bit of shopping Nan style. Steve had let me know that OSH was having a sale on PVC pipe, two for the price of one so I drove over to get 50 feet of pipe to add a better water source to the back deck drip system. Well I was informed that the sale was only yesterday but there was the sign behind the pipe stating 2 for 1 with no date attached. So instead of being the timid Tim I used the Nan voice and kindly let them know I wanted the deal since the sign said so. They agreed but headed back to retrieve the sign. Then home for a clean shirt and a local inspection of a home we have seen before. The people are really nice and love Jags, I remembered them perfectly as the last time I was there we had just got the jag for Nan's 50th birthday. Just now I've had another Nan moment. Instead of just letting things slide I called them this evening for payment and got a credit card number. They mentioned that they had not paid for the last update, I double checked and found they were right so they covered that as well. For some reason I dislike having to ask for money, I didn't even like it back during the years of ministry, I just don't like asking for money and I really don't like people asking me for it either. Funny quirk.
This evening I got an opportunity to have a nice conversation with Sylvia. She is back from Jamaica, had a great time and is continuing to deal with the challenges of settling everything up before she can move forward. She is doing well on all counts I believe. We both are amazed that we both lost our dear ones so near to each other. Never in a thousand years would we have anticipated such events. And now we cope.
Thank you for all the great emails and messages over the weekend. I love every one. I even got a voice message on the cell tonight from Irene so I'm anxious to talk to her tomorrow.
This evening I finally did something that I suppose most of you will think I should have done months ago. I carefully taped the message you hear when you call Nan's cell phone, I taped it over and over again just to be sure and then made the tape safe so it can't be taped over. Tomorrow morning I will cancel her service. It runs nearly $100 a month but its been so hard to bring myself to cancel this service. She loved her phone and talking to Sharon and Dana, to David, Joe, Aunt Ann, Jan, Irene, her GIST friends, her kids every day. She loved to be in touch. Its one more step into a reality without her, I hate taking these steps because as I walk away from her I walk into a world alone here at the house. No cheerful calls while I'm out during the day, no quick messages, when are you coming home? No little good news calls.
Wow this losing the love of your life is tough stuff.
Last night my friend Art got robbed. He has spent the day discovering more and more things that were stolen. My heart goes out to he and Connie as they work through this invasion of their privacy. Fortunately they are OK but some of their prized possessions are gone. Art's grand daughter is already home from the hospital after her surgery and so far things are looking good.
In this troubled world there are many reasons for despair but there are also many compelling reasons for hope and for gratitude.
So what kind of week is ahead? Can we find some joy here and there? Can we find ways to help?
love
tim
Its already 10 pm and I think I know where my kids are, I'm pretty sure Nikki, Keanna and Steve are resting up after a very big day of work.
They have purchased new carpet for the upper level of their home, a level that has Keanna's room with all its toys, books, DVDs, clothes, a guest room, another guest room soon to be Kalie's room and the office with its bookshelves, desks, computers, printers and memorabilia. They have been working on getting everything boxed up for days now and this morning I got to help a bit. I had a bunch of boxes in the garage and took them over and helped fill them with books, CDs, beanie babies, photo albums. Then Steve moved them to the attic using a ladder he had installed sometime ago. Tonight they are much closer to being ready than this morning and it feels to to have helped a little. Nikki, Keanna and I caught lunch at the local Strawhat which used to have a great salad bar, now its just OK. While Keanna got her hair trimmed I grabbed some groceries at Safeway. Keanna is so interesting to hold conversations with and its great to see the love that both Nikki and Steve give her. So last Sunday I got to help Jason and Jo with the rototilling and today I got to help Nikki and Steve. Feels good and incidentally I feel good these days. Ken and I walked this morning at 8 and discovered a warm sunny day with many people out walking and enjoying themselves. This place comes alive in the Spring as residents can begin to enjoy the water again, most have boats of one kind or another with models ranging from paddle boats to 150 mph ocean racers. This morning as we walked we could hear a train going by across the delta, ducks caring for their babies and sprinklers replicating raindrops California Style.
This afternoon I did a bit of shopping Nan style. Steve had let me know that OSH was having a sale on PVC pipe, two for the price of one so I drove over to get 50 feet of pipe to add a better water source to the back deck drip system. Well I was informed that the sale was only yesterday but there was the sign behind the pipe stating 2 for 1 with no date attached. So instead of being the timid Tim I used the Nan voice and kindly let them know I wanted the deal since the sign said so. They agreed but headed back to retrieve the sign. Then home for a clean shirt and a local inspection of a home we have seen before. The people are really nice and love Jags, I remembered them perfectly as the last time I was there we had just got the jag for Nan's 50th birthday. Just now I've had another Nan moment. Instead of just letting things slide I called them this evening for payment and got a credit card number. They mentioned that they had not paid for the last update, I double checked and found they were right so they covered that as well. For some reason I dislike having to ask for money, I didn't even like it back during the years of ministry, I just don't like asking for money and I really don't like people asking me for it either. Funny quirk.
This evening I got an opportunity to have a nice conversation with Sylvia. She is back from Jamaica, had a great time and is continuing to deal with the challenges of settling everything up before she can move forward. She is doing well on all counts I believe. We both are amazed that we both lost our dear ones so near to each other. Never in a thousand years would we have anticipated such events. And now we cope.
Thank you for all the great emails and messages over the weekend. I love every one. I even got a voice message on the cell tonight from Irene so I'm anxious to talk to her tomorrow.
This evening I finally did something that I suppose most of you will think I should have done months ago. I carefully taped the message you hear when you call Nan's cell phone, I taped it over and over again just to be sure and then made the tape safe so it can't be taped over. Tomorrow morning I will cancel her service. It runs nearly $100 a month but its been so hard to bring myself to cancel this service. She loved her phone and talking to Sharon and Dana, to David, Joe, Aunt Ann, Jan, Irene, her GIST friends, her kids every day. She loved to be in touch. Its one more step into a reality without her, I hate taking these steps because as I walk away from her I walk into a world alone here at the house. No cheerful calls while I'm out during the day, no quick messages, when are you coming home? No little good news calls.
Wow this losing the love of your life is tough stuff.
Last night my friend Art got robbed. He has spent the day discovering more and more things that were stolen. My heart goes out to he and Connie as they work through this invasion of their privacy. Fortunately they are OK but some of their prized possessions are gone. Art's grand daughter is already home from the hospital after her surgery and so far things are looking good.
In this troubled world there are many reasons for despair but there are also many compelling reasons for hope and for gratitude.
So what kind of week is ahead? Can we find some joy here and there? Can we find ways to help?
love
tim
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Keanna on stage
Dear Family and Friends,
The highlight of this day was witnessing Keanna in action this afternoon. Her group of students put on a special show at 2 pm where they sang songs complete with motions and movements. She was on the end of the row so we could see her easily and she did great. Of course as her pappa I thought she was the cutest little girl up there with her pretty blue eyes, blond hair, little skirt. The children first had sort of a play day / child's fair in their huge play yard and when I arrived I found Keanna busy moving rice around filling cups and tubes and having a blast. She introduced her two friends she happened to be playing with right then. It was a hot day and Nikki and Steve were not having too much fun in the heat but we moved inside to do a craft and then to the auditorium for the concert. The room was full of cheering parents and grandparents and the whole process was a lot of fun.
I spent some time this afternoon getting to know our new neighbor better. She is a hoot, loves kids, animals and is just a great fun person. She has grandchildren older than mine and she and her husband run a pool and spa business in San Jose but are getting to come to their home in Discovery Bay more often. We are so delighted to have them next door. Our last neighbors were tough to live with, they would borrow things without asking, sometimes never returning the items, often had huge groups of people visiting, had a nasty dog that was so bored from being tied up all the time between our homes that he would break holes in the fence and come through. He was a nasty mean dog but I could never blame him due to the way he was treated.
I sure enjoyed reading the encouraging words from friends and family today and a special email from Sylvia which arrived early this morning helped calm my fears a bit regarding my heart issues. Sylvia said that it has been her experience recently that all the people she knows who have had heart tests have been showing up with murmurs etc. She thinks it might be due to the more sensitive testing equipment picking up things that in the past were just a part of aging but are now having to be dealt with since they show up in the current tests. Her comments sure were helpful.
This evening decided to attempt a fruit smoothie. I put lots of strawberries, a banana, two mandarin oranges, some non fat milk, a touch of vitamin powder and some ice cubes. Wow is it potent but so yummy.
I just enjoyed watching an episode of Miss Marples, the story of a sharp little old lady who solves murder mysteries set in the English countryside. Very clever writing and good acting. PBS did something right.
Tomorrow I will assist Nikki with packing as she and Steve prepare to clear the second level of their home so new carpet can be installed in time for the new little baby. Its the least I can do to render some assistance and Nikki should not be lifting at this point.
I think you can tell by this blog that I am feeling better. I had a very rough time sleeping last night, I think primarily concern over my own mortality and ice tea with dinner, plus a very warm night with no breeze, a stuffed head which would not clear enough for the breathing machine to work well. Anyway I slept in this morning not rising until 8:30 and then taking a nice long walk afterwards.
I was so glad to be able to talk with all four of my kids today plus Keanna so that makes the day very special.
love to all
tim
The highlight of this day was witnessing Keanna in action this afternoon. Her group of students put on a special show at 2 pm where they sang songs complete with motions and movements. She was on the end of the row so we could see her easily and she did great. Of course as her pappa I thought she was the cutest little girl up there with her pretty blue eyes, blond hair, little skirt. The children first had sort of a play day / child's fair in their huge play yard and when I arrived I found Keanna busy moving rice around filling cups and tubes and having a blast. She introduced her two friends she happened to be playing with right then. It was a hot day and Nikki and Steve were not having too much fun in the heat but we moved inside to do a craft and then to the auditorium for the concert. The room was full of cheering parents and grandparents and the whole process was a lot of fun.
I spent some time this afternoon getting to know our new neighbor better. She is a hoot, loves kids, animals and is just a great fun person. She has grandchildren older than mine and she and her husband run a pool and spa business in San Jose but are getting to come to their home in Discovery Bay more often. We are so delighted to have them next door. Our last neighbors were tough to live with, they would borrow things without asking, sometimes never returning the items, often had huge groups of people visiting, had a nasty dog that was so bored from being tied up all the time between our homes that he would break holes in the fence and come through. He was a nasty mean dog but I could never blame him due to the way he was treated.
I sure enjoyed reading the encouraging words from friends and family today and a special email from Sylvia which arrived early this morning helped calm my fears a bit regarding my heart issues. Sylvia said that it has been her experience recently that all the people she knows who have had heart tests have been showing up with murmurs etc. She thinks it might be due to the more sensitive testing equipment picking up things that in the past were just a part of aging but are now having to be dealt with since they show up in the current tests. Her comments sure were helpful.
This evening decided to attempt a fruit smoothie. I put lots of strawberries, a banana, two mandarin oranges, some non fat milk, a touch of vitamin powder and some ice cubes. Wow is it potent but so yummy.
I just enjoyed watching an episode of Miss Marples, the story of a sharp little old lady who solves murder mysteries set in the English countryside. Very clever writing and good acting. PBS did something right.
Tomorrow I will assist Nikki with packing as she and Steve prepare to clear the second level of their home so new carpet can be installed in time for the new little baby. Its the least I can do to render some assistance and Nikki should not be lifting at this point.
I think you can tell by this blog that I am feeling better. I had a very rough time sleeping last night, I think primarily concern over my own mortality and ice tea with dinner, plus a very warm night with no breeze, a stuffed head which would not clear enough for the breathing machine to work well. Anyway I slept in this morning not rising until 8:30 and then taking a nice long walk afterwards.
I was so glad to be able to talk with all four of my kids today plus Keanna so that makes the day very special.
love to all
tim
Friday, April 25, 2008
Straight talk from the cardiologist
Dear Friends and Family,
I had a much better night last night as I slept the whole night through and had no shivering moments. This morning the dogs talked me into a walk to the park which they enjoyed and I endured. It was a perfect morning with no wind and sunshine all around. Almost as soon as we returned the phone rang. It was the heart doctor's office to say they could see me today at noon instead of a week from now. Having nothing to go inspect I said yes. Dr. Savage was pleased with the blood pressures I had charted for him and that I had lost 5 lbs since I was there last for a consult. He had mixed news some of which will have long range consequences. The heart murmur he discovered a month ago was explained with the echocardiogram. One of the heart valves, the one deepest in the back of my heart has a minor problem and as the body tries to heal the problem it is making the value less flexible. The only way to fix the problem is with open heart surgery. However he has suggested a plan which includes echocardiograms often to see if the problem is going to get worse rapidly or slowly. He said I will not be able to tell the problem in increased heavy breathing or chest pain and that there is nothing I can do to help the problem. So we will wait and see. He did refer me to an expert on diabetes and when I called for an appointment there was no one there to answer the call.
I go back to see him in a couple months and will have more blood work done before that visit. I celebrated being able to walk out of the office yet once again by going to CostCo for a few supplies like bananas, they were out of bananas but I did find wonderful looking strawberries, some little cuties (mandarins), beautiful tomatoes, a couple books for listening in the car and a can of my beloved hot drink. On the way I almost ran out of diesel. I had been trying to find the best price and when I found it the pump would not work. Well when I got on the freeway suddenly traffic came to a total halt and XM traffic said there was an accident. I watched the gauge as it moved toward the bottom of the red warming area. It is not a simple thing to just put in fuel when you drive a diesel. The engine will not just start up again easily and I had these scenes in my mind where the car would quit and I would wait for hours for the tow truck. Well I was so blessed to get off the freeway and then to find my ideal station was $4.46 a gallon so the needed fill up was $58 and change. Of course the miles on the trip meter were sitting at 556 so the mileage was still over 42 mpg. I was very thankful to watch the pump begin to work.
This evening I met up with Bob and Carrol and the Guptils at Spaghetti Factory for whole wheat senior sized plates of healthy spaghetti! Yum yum. This time I sent the second meal home with the Guptils as they knew someone who would appreciate it. Last time it come home with me but I can't take such fancy food twice in a week, no use wasting it.
The difference in health between yesterday and today is remarkable. I had energy today, the desire to work, to answer phones, to achieve once again, even to chuckle over the various emails that arrive everyday. Some are beautiful, some are funny, some are informative and all of them interesting. I'm going to scan a couple pages out of a little magazine that arrived today from "Hope Internation" an organization I would usually not give a lot of credence to. There are some amazingly interesting comments from different people over the past couple hundred years that are just silly when we look back on them, for example: "640K ought to be enough for anybody." Bill Gates, 1981, "There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home" Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977, "I don't know what use anyone could find for a machine that would make copies of documents. It certainly couldn't be a feasible business by itself." The head of IBM, refusing to back the idea, forcing the inventor to found Xerox, "I think there is a world market for maybe five computers." Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943 and my favorite "We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out" Decca Recording Col, rejecting the Beatles, 1962.
How things look different as we look back. I often look back, this morning as I was in the shower I was suddenly engulfed in remembering a moment when Keanna and I stood hand in hand dropping flowers on Nan's casket as it was lowered in the ground. I found that one can cry with the eyes closed, I could not open them due to the shampoo that was all over my face and no the eyes do not explode, the tears just slip out. I look back and remember her coming into the apartment in Andrews University after working a shift at the food service, looking fine in her short little white outfit. Thank goodness for precious memories which remind of all the blessings God poured out on us over the years. No matter what she was always in the middle of it making good things happen, creating love, sharing love, being true to who she was.
How can we ever know what we have, I mean really know, know so deeply that we cry out with joy over the present blessings? Right now the reality I live in has minimal feedback, spots of happiness, times of great calm, like last Friday night when I got to be with Jason and Jo and watch the energizer bunny Timothy in action. Or catch a glimpse of Keanna swimming her little heart out against the odds that she cannot float worth anything yet, she has no fat on her little bones to float. Those moments of witnessing the creative hand of God through the little ones, they are good memory building moments and for now that will have to do. And I can't help thinking that the news from the cardiologist was yet another reminder that I really don't know the future so I'd better live now to do the best I can with the chances I have and leave the tomorrow's in God's hands.
Anyone who thinks life is a cakewalk well they have not lived much yet.
Tomorrow will provide yet another of those special moments of life. Keanna's spring program will take place at her school from 2 to 3. I will be there to enjoy seeing our little princess in action. To hear her sing the songs, do the motions and bask in the joy of being a grampa.
So much to process this evening. I pray that your weekend will provide you peace and joy as you worship, do family things and rest for the coming week.
love
tim
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Urgent Care to the rescue
Good Evening,
I'm just back from the grief recovery group. I had a very rough night last night, every time I got up I started to shake and shiver, signs of fever and infection. Ken and I did not walk this morning, neither felt up to it. I located urgent care in Brentwood since my doctor was vacationing in New Zealand. After the normal paperwork and time spent I did see the doctor, received Levaquin 500 mg and Veramyst spray. Arriving home I found a warm blanket and settled down into the recliner with Starr for a much needed nap, later I got up and worked for awhile but went back to the recliner again. At 5:30 I drove into Brentwood to see Keanna swim and then picked up some meds at Longs, then to grief recovery group.
I was surprised that I made it through the entire session without sneezing or blowing my much abused nose. Now I'm home, am writing a few lines to you and heading to bed.. My symptoms are stuffed head, solid feeling ears, dizzy, sore throat and extreme congestion in my sinus cavity. I can only hope I feel better by tomorrow.
Today was another day without any orders and things are beginning to turn bleak. My prayer is for health to return and for some work to do.
My friend Art had an early morning as he drove up to Castro Valley to a medical center where his grand daughter was to have a 2 to 4 hour surgery. He called this afternoon to say it had gone well and was completed in the 2 hour time period. She needs our continued prayers and good wishes.
This is the first time I have been really ill since Nan died and to be ill, down a bit, lonely is not that much fun. Starr and Lady do their best but somehow its not quite the same. Barb and Gerry Lammerding called this afternoon to extend a bit of cheer and it was great to be able to chat with them. They are doing well and Nan's walker continues to help Barb as she attempts to take 5,000 steps each day. She is losing weight and feels better than she has for years. I'm proud of her and Gerry for their zest for life.
I also got a very nice email from Jo this afternoon which was encouraging. Thanks Jo for your help.
So I sign off tonight feeling pretty bad yet if history can be trusted this sinusitis responds well to antibiotics and in a couple days I'll be much better than now.
Love to all
Tim
I'm just back from the grief recovery group. I had a very rough night last night, every time I got up I started to shake and shiver, signs of fever and infection. Ken and I did not walk this morning, neither felt up to it. I located urgent care in Brentwood since my doctor was vacationing in New Zealand. After the normal paperwork and time spent I did see the doctor, received Levaquin 500 mg and Veramyst spray. Arriving home I found a warm blanket and settled down into the recliner with Starr for a much needed nap, later I got up and worked for awhile but went back to the recliner again. At 5:30 I drove into Brentwood to see Keanna swim and then picked up some meds at Longs, then to grief recovery group.
I was surprised that I made it through the entire session without sneezing or blowing my much abused nose. Now I'm home, am writing a few lines to you and heading to bed.. My symptoms are stuffed head, solid feeling ears, dizzy, sore throat and extreme congestion in my sinus cavity. I can only hope I feel better by tomorrow.
Today was another day without any orders and things are beginning to turn bleak. My prayer is for health to return and for some work to do.
My friend Art had an early morning as he drove up to Castro Valley to a medical center where his grand daughter was to have a 2 to 4 hour surgery. He called this afternoon to say it had gone well and was completed in the 2 hour time period. She needs our continued prayers and good wishes.
This is the first time I have been really ill since Nan died and to be ill, down a bit, lonely is not that much fun. Starr and Lady do their best but somehow its not quite the same. Barb and Gerry Lammerding called this afternoon to extend a bit of cheer and it was great to be able to chat with them. They are doing well and Nan's walker continues to help Barb as she attempts to take 5,000 steps each day. She is losing weight and feels better than she has for years. I'm proud of her and Gerry for their zest for life.
I also got a very nice email from Jo this afternoon which was encouraging. Thanks Jo for your help.
So I sign off tonight feeling pretty bad yet if history can be trusted this sinusitis responds well to antibiotics and in a couple days I'll be much better than now.
Love to all
Tim
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Hay fever rages, Keanna swims
Dear Family and Friends,
Tonight I blog early while I am still awake. For the last two days I've felt pretty rough and this evening is no exception. I think I've used a box of Kleenex today and that is in spite of a allergy pill this morning. I've noticed others are suffering today as well. My ears are stuffed, my head feels hot and swollen, of course the nose is red from tissues and the throat is sore as well. Eyes are swollen and red. Nice!
Ken and I walked at 7, then breakfast, then some work before hitting the road at noon for a 1 pm appointment in Benicia. Benicia is a very pleasant little town located near the water and has an appealing downtown with different shops, cafe's museums, real estate office and such. Included in the mix is my present favorite, the 1st Street Cafe. Today their tomato bisque soup was excellent, the service quick, the waitress sweet and the sandwich full of greens, tomatoes and Cheddar cheese on rye. The little house on my schedule turned out to be near perfect. They have done lots of appealing things, new carpets, new windows, new tile flooring, new paint, new roof and new concrete driveway. The husband was busy working on a project when I arrived. He has created a device that when attached to a diesel engine raised the fuel mileage by as much as 45%. Well of course I was interested. While I don't understand everything or really anything about what he was telling me somehow his device changes the air flow into the engine to partial hydrogen causing the fuel to burn much cleaner and put out more energy. He was a very interesting guy. The house was one of those with perfect everything, everything in its place, colors that matched perfectly, no dust or dirt anywhere, sort of like my place, well actually the opposite of my place really. When I was finished in Benicia I dropped a set of plans off at a home I saw several weeks ago. An interesting story is connected to this property. I did the appraisal for the couple after they had rejected several other appraisers due to their attitude. Yesterday the loan officer called from LA to ask me if I could talk to the homeowners as his office manager had called the house a while elephant to the owners on the phone. Well the owners were very miffed and were not returning calls so the loan person asked me to ask them if there was anything wrong! Well I guess calling a beautiful custom designed and constructed home a white elephant might elicit some response from the owners. So I dutifully took back the blue prints today hoping to engage the owner in a conversation where he could vent but he was not home. End of that story. Why an office manager would make such a comment I do not know but it may have cost them a deal worth thousands of dollars. Perhaps next time they will think before they make such a comment.
After Benicia I drove to Oakland to shoot some comp photos I have been needing to shoot for over a week, got that done and then headed to Brentwood to see Keanna at her swim lessons. Traffic was really challenging but I made it and saw her in action in the pool. Well I was hungry and felt lousy with stuffy head so decided on Caps, a local steak house. I found something good on the menu and then headed home. Sometimes home seems more special than others, this is such an evening. When I am finished writing I intend to fall asleep in the recliner watching the idiot box and then make my way up to bed.
Tomorrow morning Art's grand daughter is have some very special surgery in a hospital in Castro Valley. I ask that you join with me in prayer for this precious 27 year old girl during this trying time.
I spoke to Sharon this evening and she thinks within a week the escrow on her old house will close. It is one of the longest escrows I have ever heard of but Sharon has chosen to trust her Lord for His timing and she is not complaining.
Good night my friends and family, how I long to see you, any of you soon. This lonely life really stinks sometimes. Can't wait to see you.
love
tim
Tonight I blog early while I am still awake. For the last two days I've felt pretty rough and this evening is no exception. I think I've used a box of Kleenex today and that is in spite of a allergy pill this morning. I've noticed others are suffering today as well. My ears are stuffed, my head feels hot and swollen, of course the nose is red from tissues and the throat is sore as well. Eyes are swollen and red. Nice!
Ken and I walked at 7, then breakfast, then some work before hitting the road at noon for a 1 pm appointment in Benicia. Benicia is a very pleasant little town located near the water and has an appealing downtown with different shops, cafe's museums, real estate office and such. Included in the mix is my present favorite, the 1st Street Cafe. Today their tomato bisque soup was excellent, the service quick, the waitress sweet and the sandwich full of greens, tomatoes and Cheddar cheese on rye. The little house on my schedule turned out to be near perfect. They have done lots of appealing things, new carpets, new windows, new tile flooring, new paint, new roof and new concrete driveway. The husband was busy working on a project when I arrived. He has created a device that when attached to a diesel engine raised the fuel mileage by as much as 45%. Well of course I was interested. While I don't understand everything or really anything about what he was telling me somehow his device changes the air flow into the engine to partial hydrogen causing the fuel to burn much cleaner and put out more energy. He was a very interesting guy. The house was one of those with perfect everything, everything in its place, colors that matched perfectly, no dust or dirt anywhere, sort of like my place, well actually the opposite of my place really. When I was finished in Benicia I dropped a set of plans off at a home I saw several weeks ago. An interesting story is connected to this property. I did the appraisal for the couple after they had rejected several other appraisers due to their attitude. Yesterday the loan officer called from LA to ask me if I could talk to the homeowners as his office manager had called the house a while elephant to the owners on the phone. Well the owners were very miffed and were not returning calls so the loan person asked me to ask them if there was anything wrong! Well I guess calling a beautiful custom designed and constructed home a white elephant might elicit some response from the owners. So I dutifully took back the blue prints today hoping to engage the owner in a conversation where he could vent but he was not home. End of that story. Why an office manager would make such a comment I do not know but it may have cost them a deal worth thousands of dollars. Perhaps next time they will think before they make such a comment.
After Benicia I drove to Oakland to shoot some comp photos I have been needing to shoot for over a week, got that done and then headed to Brentwood to see Keanna at her swim lessons. Traffic was really challenging but I made it and saw her in action in the pool. Well I was hungry and felt lousy with stuffy head so decided on Caps, a local steak house. I found something good on the menu and then headed home. Sometimes home seems more special than others, this is such an evening. When I am finished writing I intend to fall asleep in the recliner watching the idiot box and then make my way up to bed.
Tomorrow morning Art's grand daughter is have some very special surgery in a hospital in Castro Valley. I ask that you join with me in prayer for this precious 27 year old girl during this trying time.
I spoke to Sharon this evening and she thinks within a week the escrow on her old house will close. It is one of the longest escrows I have ever heard of but Sharon has chosen to trust her Lord for His timing and she is not complaining.
Good night my friends and family, how I long to see you, any of you soon. This lonely life really stinks sometimes. Can't wait to see you.
love
tim
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Back to work
Dear Family and Friends,
Just completed a phone call with my brother Jerry. He was forced indoors to his treadmill today by snow and rain. He lives in mountain country near Mt Shasta and winter has got lost its hold over the region yet.
Tonight for dinner I decided to experiment once again with wheat pasta. This time I made sure I cooked it long enough, then mixed it with low fat mushroom soup, then covered it with freshly cooked carrots, green bean pods and chestnuts. It was really a tasty meal, finally a dinner that was tasty and enjoyable.
This afternoon I had two FHA reverse appraisals, one in Modesto and then one in Stockton. Both are located in areas hard hit by bank foreclosures. The first was tiny, only 700 SF but clean and attractive, the second was a larger home with good landscaping and decent condition. As the day progressed the weather worsened getting colder and then even a bit of rain. Finally I was able to turn toward home.
Upon arriving I just didn't feel like doing paper work so instead I headed toward the rose bushes with the clippers and removed all the suckers and dying blooms. I think the roses look better and perhaps will continue blooms even more. While I was out there the lawn also got mowed. Finally hunger brought me inside.
I'm going to try to include a couple photos from the weekend trip if I can locate them on the chip. I always have found it somewhat difficult to make the emotional leap back home to work after being in what seems like paradise at MBA. In spite of the very sore muscles I will still remember this weekend as an excellent adventure.
Once again I am finding that the orders are very slow in coming in. I have one to see tomorrow in Benicia and then I'm caught up again. So my prayer is for more work and I'm very thankful for the work I have received over the past month. So many are hurting right now, some are out of work, others are in danger of losing their homes while others are even worried about buying groceries. It is a sober time for many, perhaps times like these are necessary to remind us of our blessings.
I've thought a lot about you over the weekend, of how much your help has meant to our family, how your encouragement and prayers have carried us again and again. In spite of the final outcome for Nan we did have many years even after the GIST was discovered, years in which we witnessed our children marry, have grandchildren, travel, celebrate birthdays, Christmases, special events. I am thankful for every day we had and of course I wish there could have been more, yet there could have been less.
This evening I was delighted to receive an email from friend Sylvia Ahn. She has returned from her trip to observe birds, she came back safe and sound, rested and relaxed and I for one am very glad she is back.
Please treasure your day tomorrow and be glad you have it.
love
tim
Monday, April 21, 2008
Home again
Dear Friends and Family
This evening I'm back home again after an excellent weekend with Jason, Jo and Mr. Timothy. I enjoyed walking on the beach the first night with the dogs. The surf was up and very noisy and the dogs were uneasy and stayed very close to me. Sabbath we went to the convocation at Jo's school in Santa Cruz, had lunch and then rested for a bit. The winds came up so I had to fold my awning away for fear it would be destroyed. Between Jo and Jason they made several good meals, we had a nice time of conversation and mutual sharing of Timothy in action and yet accomplished things as well. Our Sunday was dominated by using Steve's rototiller to work up a large area of unused ground next to their house. It looks great now and is ready for new plants, steps and whatever they decide to do with the area. This morning as I started to prepare the motorhome to travel I lowered the TV antenna, activated the power slide to its in position, unhooked the electrical power and water from the house, turned the front captains chairs to a forward position and lastly loaded the rototiller. It was too heavy for me to push up the ramp into the coast so I started it and set it on a low idle speed and then let it walk itself up the ramp and into the motorhome. I quickly turned the engine off since I didn't want exhaust in the interior of the motorhome. Before I left I replaced an exterior outlet we had first installed a year ago. It was a ground fault system plug and something had failed inside. A new one did the trick so Jason once again has power for his decorative pump in the backyard.
It takes a while to get ready to travel and there is always something else to remember. Today it was the silverware drawer which came open with a crash as I started to drive. I had failed to push the lock on that one door. I took it easy coming home, there was no rush and in a motorhome a slightly lower speed might mean a mile per gallon improvement. In Livermore the gauge was nearing the bottom so I slipped into CostCo, waiting 30 minutes to reach the pump where fuel was $3.71 a gallon. My $98 only bought about a 1/2 tank. When I got home I discovered the appointment I had planned for this afternoon actually was for Tuesday so I went ahead and cleared the motorhome, dumped the tanks, carried everything back into the house from the dirty clothes to the frig to the computers. Then I dropped the rototiller off at Steve and Nikki's and parked the motorhome in its permanent RV parking facility. OF course the bug would not start so I jumped it with a little device Nan bought for me for Christmas which works every time. Then home to fix dinner and watch House. What a thought provoking show and now I'm writing this epistle and then bed time. LeAnn did a great job of caring for the creatures and even tidied up the family room. I thank God for my wonderful neighbors.
So now I am rested, emotionally at peace and ready for the week. There was some money in the mail when I got home which continues to amaze me.
I'll have some photos tomorrow night. Tonight I'm suddenly sleepy.
Thank you dear friends and family for your support and love. Of special note is the word from Bob and Carrol that her special numbers continue to be low, a good thing, and means no chemo for some time yet. That is such a blessing for she and Bob.
So good night my friends and family, you are all very special to me.
love
tim
This evening I'm back home again after an excellent weekend with Jason, Jo and Mr. Timothy. I enjoyed walking on the beach the first night with the dogs. The surf was up and very noisy and the dogs were uneasy and stayed very close to me. Sabbath we went to the convocation at Jo's school in Santa Cruz, had lunch and then rested for a bit. The winds came up so I had to fold my awning away for fear it would be destroyed. Between Jo and Jason they made several good meals, we had a nice time of conversation and mutual sharing of Timothy in action and yet accomplished things as well. Our Sunday was dominated by using Steve's rototiller to work up a large area of unused ground next to their house. It looks great now and is ready for new plants, steps and whatever they decide to do with the area. This morning as I started to prepare the motorhome to travel I lowered the TV antenna, activated the power slide to its in position, unhooked the electrical power and water from the house, turned the front captains chairs to a forward position and lastly loaded the rototiller. It was too heavy for me to push up the ramp into the coast so I started it and set it on a low idle speed and then let it walk itself up the ramp and into the motorhome. I quickly turned the engine off since I didn't want exhaust in the interior of the motorhome. Before I left I replaced an exterior outlet we had first installed a year ago. It was a ground fault system plug and something had failed inside. A new one did the trick so Jason once again has power for his decorative pump in the backyard.
It takes a while to get ready to travel and there is always something else to remember. Today it was the silverware drawer which came open with a crash as I started to drive. I had failed to push the lock on that one door. I took it easy coming home, there was no rush and in a motorhome a slightly lower speed might mean a mile per gallon improvement. In Livermore the gauge was nearing the bottom so I slipped into CostCo, waiting 30 minutes to reach the pump where fuel was $3.71 a gallon. My $98 only bought about a 1/2 tank. When I got home I discovered the appointment I had planned for this afternoon actually was for Tuesday so I went ahead and cleared the motorhome, dumped the tanks, carried everything back into the house from the dirty clothes to the frig to the computers. Then I dropped the rototiller off at Steve and Nikki's and parked the motorhome in its permanent RV parking facility. OF course the bug would not start so I jumped it with a little device Nan bought for me for Christmas which works every time. Then home to fix dinner and watch House. What a thought provoking show and now I'm writing this epistle and then bed time. LeAnn did a great job of caring for the creatures and even tidied up the family room. I thank God for my wonderful neighbors.
So now I am rested, emotionally at peace and ready for the week. There was some money in the mail when I got home which continues to amaze me.
I'll have some photos tomorrow night. Tonight I'm suddenly sleepy.
Thank you dear friends and family for your support and love. Of special note is the word from Bob and Carrol that her special numbers continue to be low, a good thing, and means no chemo for some time yet. That is such a blessing for she and Bob.
So good night my friends and family, you are all very special to me.
love
tim
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Mission accomplished
Dear Family and Friends,
What a day we have had here at MBA. Amazingly after a very windy evening the wind dropped to calm for the night and was still calm this morning when I got up. I made breakfast of oatmeal, banana and a wheat toast. Then Clayton arrived to let me know everyone was up. Jason and I planned out what we needed to accomplish and headed to OSH where we picked up a few supplies. Then back to start the rototiller, the weed eater and face the music. The area Jason wanted tilled under was on the ocean side of his home and was covered with dead grass, remnants of past landscaping and was a general mess. Jason raked off as much grass as possible and then we started to till the soil. It worked up easily but the slope was fairly steep which made the whole process a huge challenge. Jason and I took turns and managed to wear ourselves out by the time we finished. I shot a picture but my camera is in the house and the family has gone to sleep early to take advantage of the fact that Timothy is already asleep. Speaking of Timothy he has been so much fun to observe today. He crawls, stands, jumps, holds his bottle eats his veges and is a good boy. He is really a joy to be with and never has a dull moment when he is away.
Jason and I had some funny moments today, like when we had the tiller in reverse and ran up against the house and could not get it to stop with my glove caught in the controls or when the tiller tried to roll over and we were able to hold it steady. There were mounds of dead vegetation which we had to move to another area. Can after can was collected at the bottom of the hill and then moved to the pile. I think every muscle group in my body has been stretched and woken up. It feels very good and yet is very hard to move at the same time. Jason feels the same.
Jo made us delicious sandwiches for lunch along with veges and tonight Jason sent me to town for supplies for haystacks. They were very good too. Then we watched a bit of TV on his new flat screen he won from the Giants Baseball Franchise. It has HD and an amazing picture.
Tomorrow morning I will rollout early, walk the dogs and then load up and prepared to head home. This has been a very joyous weekend with family in this beautiful place. Of course it is a full moon time too so nights are very special.
I am very glad for the heater in the motorhome or this would be a very cold night. The wind is still whipping around outside now and it even shakes the coach a bit. Law and Order in on the TV but I think soon I'll be sleeping.
I've been pretty out of touch phone wise as the cell phone just does not ring here. One of those rare places where the cell signals are not strong enough to talk, yet they are strong enough for the data card in the laptop to let me reach out and connect.
I heard from Laurie Dunston. She is attending university in the east and said her weather was 85 degrees and muggy. Not so fun but good to hear from her.
I genuinely hope your weekend has gone well and that you have found moments of joy and peace. Life is short enough not to discover some detours into calm and beauty.
So good night my friends and family, This is one of those times when I can say, I wish you were here. Its been that special.
love
tim
What a day we have had here at MBA. Amazingly after a very windy evening the wind dropped to calm for the night and was still calm this morning when I got up. I made breakfast of oatmeal, banana and a wheat toast. Then Clayton arrived to let me know everyone was up. Jason and I planned out what we needed to accomplish and headed to OSH where we picked up a few supplies. Then back to start the rototiller, the weed eater and face the music. The area Jason wanted tilled under was on the ocean side of his home and was covered with dead grass, remnants of past landscaping and was a general mess. Jason raked off as much grass as possible and then we started to till the soil. It worked up easily but the slope was fairly steep which made the whole process a huge challenge. Jason and I took turns and managed to wear ourselves out by the time we finished. I shot a picture but my camera is in the house and the family has gone to sleep early to take advantage of the fact that Timothy is already asleep. Speaking of Timothy he has been so much fun to observe today. He crawls, stands, jumps, holds his bottle eats his veges and is a good boy. He is really a joy to be with and never has a dull moment when he is away.
Jason and I had some funny moments today, like when we had the tiller in reverse and ran up against the house and could not get it to stop with my glove caught in the controls or when the tiller tried to roll over and we were able to hold it steady. There were mounds of dead vegetation which we had to move to another area. Can after can was collected at the bottom of the hill and then moved to the pile. I think every muscle group in my body has been stretched and woken up. It feels very good and yet is very hard to move at the same time. Jason feels the same.
Jo made us delicious sandwiches for lunch along with veges and tonight Jason sent me to town for supplies for haystacks. They were very good too. Then we watched a bit of TV on his new flat screen he won from the Giants Baseball Franchise. It has HD and an amazing picture.
Tomorrow morning I will rollout early, walk the dogs and then load up and prepared to head home. This has been a very joyous weekend with family in this beautiful place. Of course it is a full moon time too so nights are very special.
I am very glad for the heater in the motorhome or this would be a very cold night. The wind is still whipping around outside now and it even shakes the coach a bit. Law and Order in on the TV but I think soon I'll be sleeping.
I've been pretty out of touch phone wise as the cell phone just does not ring here. One of those rare places where the cell signals are not strong enough to talk, yet they are strong enough for the data card in the laptop to let me reach out and connect.
I heard from Laurie Dunston. She is attending university in the east and said her weather was 85 degrees and muggy. Not so fun but good to hear from her.
I genuinely hope your weekend has gone well and that you have found moments of joy and peace. Life is short enough not to discover some detours into calm and beauty.
So good night my friends and family, This is one of those times when I can say, I wish you were here. Its been that special.
love
tim
Saturday, April 19, 2008
A windy day at MBA
Good evening,
Today started bright and clear but with windy gusts. The dogs urged me awake and then out the door so they could explore. However once they felt the chill in the air they retreated to the warmth of the motorhome again. Jason invited me to join them for breakfast. He was making his famous pancakes and along with the striples it all tasted great. Then we all prepared for the day and drove to Santa Cruz to the school where Jo works everyday. A convocation was being held for all the churches that support the school and the gym was packed. After some very spirited preaching we searched for a lunch spot. We located one called Michaels on the Main. Although they were having a huge wine tasting event in the courtyard a table was available inside. We enjoyed our lunch of eggs Florentine, Jason had something I cannot spell. Then it was back to the house for some much needed rest. We all napped including Timothy who slept until 4 pm. Jo made a great dinner tonight and then Jason and I attempted to fix an outlet we installed a year ago but which has stopped working. Well we did not get it to working this evening after all. We did discover just how cold it was outside though, it felt like freezing temperatures but it actually was not. We did some channel surfing, chatted and enjoyed the evening. Timothy has been quite active today. He crawls all over now and certainly has a mind of his own about where he wants to go and does not appreciate getting diverted to a safer direction. He smiles, plays, laughs, eats, jumps and charms all around him. Just getting to see him, to hold him and to see him in action makes the drive down well worth the time.
Tomorrow we plan to break up the ground and prepare the soil for Jason's landscaping dreams. The rototiller works great and is ready to go when we are. This has been a pretty quiet weekend on campus as the high winds kept most kids indoors, away from the beach and out of sight.
I am so proud of this little family, they work together at everything playfully sparring over who will change the next special diaper. They take turns feeding him and both love to hold him and play with him. This is a little guy who knows he is loved.
I have been having a good time with few really sad moments. The motorhome is full of memories as Nan loved to come down here to visit and the motorhome gave her a safe way to do just that. I am proud of my Nan, of what she stood for, how she lived her life and of her courage in the face of terrible odds. I know many of you were touched by her brave life as well. I see it in the face of Irene, of Richard, our friend who edits the newspaper in Hilo and other GIST survivors. They know the odds and yet they decide to live their lives engaging others, helping others and loving their own families to the best of their ability.
This evening I am relaxed and at peace. As my life stretches out before me I anticipate great things, for me personally I look forward to resuming using my voice for the glory of God, I hope to rebuild the business into something that can help people and set a good example of a caring business in the community. I intend to continue to drop weight as I become more health minded in the food I eat. What all God has in store for me it not clear at this time but I'm looking forward to understanding His divine will.
No one can ever understand another's experiences fully, not even when they pass through the same basic experiences. Yet I do gain enormous strength and courage from the insights you share with me, the feedback that is so vital.
So I bid you a contented good night and God bless you.
love
tim
Today started bright and clear but with windy gusts. The dogs urged me awake and then out the door so they could explore. However once they felt the chill in the air they retreated to the warmth of the motorhome again. Jason invited me to join them for breakfast. He was making his famous pancakes and along with the striples it all tasted great. Then we all prepared for the day and drove to Santa Cruz to the school where Jo works everyday. A convocation was being held for all the churches that support the school and the gym was packed. After some very spirited preaching we searched for a lunch spot. We located one called Michaels on the Main. Although they were having a huge wine tasting event in the courtyard a table was available inside. We enjoyed our lunch of eggs Florentine, Jason had something I cannot spell. Then it was back to the house for some much needed rest. We all napped including Timothy who slept until 4 pm. Jo made a great dinner tonight and then Jason and I attempted to fix an outlet we installed a year ago but which has stopped working. Well we did not get it to working this evening after all. We did discover just how cold it was outside though, it felt like freezing temperatures but it actually was not. We did some channel surfing, chatted and enjoyed the evening. Timothy has been quite active today. He crawls all over now and certainly has a mind of his own about where he wants to go and does not appreciate getting diverted to a safer direction. He smiles, plays, laughs, eats, jumps and charms all around him. Just getting to see him, to hold him and to see him in action makes the drive down well worth the time.
Tomorrow we plan to break up the ground and prepare the soil for Jason's landscaping dreams. The rototiller works great and is ready to go when we are. This has been a pretty quiet weekend on campus as the high winds kept most kids indoors, away from the beach and out of sight.
I am so proud of this little family, they work together at everything playfully sparring over who will change the next special diaper. They take turns feeding him and both love to hold him and play with him. This is a little guy who knows he is loved.
I have been having a good time with few really sad moments. The motorhome is full of memories as Nan loved to come down here to visit and the motorhome gave her a safe way to do just that. I am proud of my Nan, of what she stood for, how she lived her life and of her courage in the face of terrible odds. I know many of you were touched by her brave life as well. I see it in the face of Irene, of Richard, our friend who edits the newspaper in Hilo and other GIST survivors. They know the odds and yet they decide to live their lives engaging others, helping others and loving their own families to the best of their ability.
This evening I am relaxed and at peace. As my life stretches out before me I anticipate great things, for me personally I look forward to resuming using my voice for the glory of God, I hope to rebuild the business into something that can help people and set a good example of a caring business in the community. I intend to continue to drop weight as I become more health minded in the food I eat. What all God has in store for me it not clear at this time but I'm looking forward to understanding His divine will.
No one can ever understand another's experiences fully, not even when they pass through the same basic experiences. Yet I do gain enormous strength and courage from the insights you share with me, the feedback that is so vital.
So I bid you a contented good night and God bless you.
love
tim
Friday, April 18, 2008
Friday evening at Jason and Jo's house
Dear Family and Evening,
I am writing this evening from the motorhome which is parked next to Jason and Jo's ocean front home here at MBA. I have 3 ABN on the TV and an old friend I have not seen for years is on, Dale Galusha who now works for Pacific Press in some capacity. This has been a really nice day. First off this morning Patty came by as I was loading up the motorhome with a card of appreciation for the dog food I gave Bear the other day. The card is so cute, it plays a little song when it is opened. Just too cute. After Patty left I let the dogs out and they were so excited to be going in the motorhome again. I drove to Brentwood to pick up needed meds and then to Castro Valley where I did an appraisal. Let me tell you it is not easy to shoot the comps which of course were all located on narrow hilly streets. Finally I shot the last one and headed to Aptos which the GPS said was just 67 miles away. Traffic was light, the trip a delight and I arrived here about 1:30, some sort of record for getting here on time. I set up, put the awning out, put the astro turf out, attached the little BBQ which mounts on the side of the motorhome, turned it on and made a griller with whole wheat buns. Wow it tasted good. The weather here is cool but beautiful and now as the sun sets over the ocean it is getting cold. Jason is on duty tonight at vespers, Timothy was up for hours crawling all over the place, had some good veges and is now sleeping. No one knows if he will stay asleep all night or not. He is growing rapidly and is so precious to a pappa's heart. Just now Jo and Jason prepared some nice cheese and tomato pizza. I think I will dress up warm and take a long walk with the dogs. It is safe here and I need my walk.
It is so nice to be here again. Nan and I loved to come visit and until last September we often came even when she was in the wheelchair and growing weaker. We searched for the most bump free route and she enjoyed seeing her loved ones. It seems unusual to be in the motorhome without her but I am accepting that this is where we are at now and she rests in Jesus without pain and suffering, that in itself is a blessing.
Being here on this campus with its direct view of the ocean, cool weather, beautiful lawns and buildings and warm friendly people, being here is always special. After I arrived I decided to chance unloading the rototiller by myself. Steve was right, its a handfull to manage but I got it off, started the engine and learned how to run it. What a powerful tool. It just loves to tear up the ground and so far I've only made a couples passes to the area we intend to work up. At home LeAnn has kindly consented to feed the fish and kitties and watch over things. Ken will have to walk alone for a couple days. Jason let me know he and a friend have started a walking program too which is great news. It is a great way to deal with stress, get lots of fresh air in and it effects just about everything in the whole body in a positive manner. I am so glad that walking has become the centerpiece of my rebuilding program. Soon I will add weight lifting, some racquetball and yard work to the mix. I now weigh 221 and in December I was up to 234. I like this weight better and Keith keep your check book on ready, I still plan to drop the 60 lbs.
On the way here I found a guy selling strawberries. They are great and it feels so good to eat a bunch of them knowing that is a great thing to do for the body.
Because I started planning this trip a bit earlier than usual I managed to get the GPS and XM radio moved over. What a nicer way to travel, to have my electronic friends along for the ride. What a great gift the GPS has been, now I had to go anywhere without it.
Well the dogs are looking longingly at the leashes, hoping that we have another walk in the works. Well we just happen to have such a walk coming up. So good night my friends. Thanks for the nice words about last nights blog. I love all the flower power in my front yard, its a genuine blessing. Glad you enjoyed it.
love
Tim and Jason and Jo and Timothy and Clayton
I am writing this evening from the motorhome which is parked next to Jason and Jo's ocean front home here at MBA. I have 3 ABN on the TV and an old friend I have not seen for years is on, Dale Galusha who now works for Pacific Press in some capacity. This has been a really nice day. First off this morning Patty came by as I was loading up the motorhome with a card of appreciation for the dog food I gave Bear the other day. The card is so cute, it plays a little song when it is opened. Just too cute. After Patty left I let the dogs out and they were so excited to be going in the motorhome again. I drove to Brentwood to pick up needed meds and then to Castro Valley where I did an appraisal. Let me tell you it is not easy to shoot the comps which of course were all located on narrow hilly streets. Finally I shot the last one and headed to Aptos which the GPS said was just 67 miles away. Traffic was light, the trip a delight and I arrived here about 1:30, some sort of record for getting here on time. I set up, put the awning out, put the astro turf out, attached the little BBQ which mounts on the side of the motorhome, turned it on and made a griller with whole wheat buns. Wow it tasted good. The weather here is cool but beautiful and now as the sun sets over the ocean it is getting cold. Jason is on duty tonight at vespers, Timothy was up for hours crawling all over the place, had some good veges and is now sleeping. No one knows if he will stay asleep all night or not. He is growing rapidly and is so precious to a pappa's heart. Just now Jo and Jason prepared some nice cheese and tomato pizza. I think I will dress up warm and take a long walk with the dogs. It is safe here and I need my walk.
It is so nice to be here again. Nan and I loved to come visit and until last September we often came even when she was in the wheelchair and growing weaker. We searched for the most bump free route and she enjoyed seeing her loved ones. It seems unusual to be in the motorhome without her but I am accepting that this is where we are at now and she rests in Jesus without pain and suffering, that in itself is a blessing.
Being here on this campus with its direct view of the ocean, cool weather, beautiful lawns and buildings and warm friendly people, being here is always special. After I arrived I decided to chance unloading the rototiller by myself. Steve was right, its a handfull to manage but I got it off, started the engine and learned how to run it. What a powerful tool. It just loves to tear up the ground and so far I've only made a couples passes to the area we intend to work up. At home LeAnn has kindly consented to feed the fish and kitties and watch over things. Ken will have to walk alone for a couple days. Jason let me know he and a friend have started a walking program too which is great news. It is a great way to deal with stress, get lots of fresh air in and it effects just about everything in the whole body in a positive manner. I am so glad that walking has become the centerpiece of my rebuilding program. Soon I will add weight lifting, some racquetball and yard work to the mix. I now weigh 221 and in December I was up to 234. I like this weight better and Keith keep your check book on ready, I still plan to drop the 60 lbs.
On the way here I found a guy selling strawberries. They are great and it feels so good to eat a bunch of them knowing that is a great thing to do for the body.
Because I started planning this trip a bit earlier than usual I managed to get the GPS and XM radio moved over. What a nicer way to travel, to have my electronic friends along for the ride. What a great gift the GPS has been, now I had to go anywhere without it.
Well the dogs are looking longingly at the leashes, hoping that we have another walk in the works. Well we just happen to have such a walk coming up. So good night my friends. Thanks for the nice words about last nights blog. I love all the flower power in my front yard, its a genuine blessing. Glad you enjoyed it.
love
Tim and Jason and Jo and Timothy and Clayton
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Spring at my house
I wanted to share what is happening here at 5387 Willow Lake Court. Nan planted most of these over the years and they are giving back their beauty this spring. God sure does good work.
Tim
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
New glasses
Just wanted to let you see my new glasses. I'm really quite happy with them. What do you think?
tim
A busy day
Dear Friends and Family,
10:30, just home from Atwater, a little town down in the valley about 80 miles away. I saw a nice little ranchette with an acre, perfect condition, sweet people and a pleasant visit. They had just returned from a doctor visit which turned bad on them as the guys blood pressure was dangerously low, a few meds later he was better by the time I got there.
this afternoon I picked up my glasses and it is very nice to see clearly again. I'm really glad I made the plunge in new frames too as I think they look a bit more up to date than the prior ones, ones I had owned for many many years.
I've spent most of the day getting appraisals completed and out that my very sharp assistant had ready for me, emailed to my desk. For lunch I had a very reasonable plate of green peas, a griller and a bit of catsup. For breakfast oatmeal and applesauce, thanks Dunstons.
This morning the phone rang early, it was LeAnn to tell me Ken was waiting in front of the house and where was I. Well we always agree the night before what time we will walk and we had agreed on 7:30. I woke at 6:30, decided there was no reason to get up into the cold, the dogs agreed so I went back to sleep and slept right through the agreed on 7:30. Well I jumped up and tried to catch up with him, I finally did manage to catch up by actually running for a couple blocks. My thinking was, I had run during the stress test on the treadmill so why couldn't I run on the street. It worked out fine and I got to talk to him the last few blocks. He is so relaxed now that tax season is over, what a difference the 15th makes for him.
I then tackled the broken sprinkler line and fixed it much quicker than I expected. 1/2 inch line, not the 3/4 so I have a few extra parts now.
I am enjoying this time of year, my improved health, more work to do and more payment for work completed, the clean fish tank and the prospects of going to see Jason, Jo and Timothy this weekend. I just hope the rototiller will fit through the door of the motorhome, we'll see tomorrow evening.
On the way home this evening I had lots of choices of places to eat. Sonic has yummy food but its all bad for me, McDonald's has salads but little else that's good for the diet so I went to Olive Garden for soup and salad. I'm not sure if it was the fact that I was so hungry by then, or they did a better job with the food but the salad was so good, the soup was just great, the bread sticks warm and tasty. It was just right and the bartender was funny and very attentive as well. The stop was a winner. On the way home I got to talk to Pam who was very naughty and was still at work even though the police told her NOT to be there after dark! My brother who is walking more, working in his garden and enjoying retirement with Donna and Art who had a huge day doing chores and other tasks. Talking to these dear people sure made the 80 miles home go fast. How nice it is to not be alone all the time. I think I have mentioned that my idea of heaven is to have a 6 bedroom house and to have family and guests filling the rooms, a fire in the fireplace, soup in the kitchen and dominos on the dining room table. The more caring people the better. Earlier in the afternoon Sharon had called from Texas. She is being told that for sure next week the sale of her house will close escrow. This is the longest escrow I have ever heard of, close to 5 months. She is doing well and adjusting to the fact that her oldest grandchild Lindsay is considering boarding school several states away. She and Sharon have been so tight over the years, its a hard pill to take but little ones do grow up and begin to exercise their wings.
Last night I spoke of Karen suffering from a series of strokes. The Karen I spoke of lives in Georgia and is a fellow GIST sufferer. Some thought perhaps I was referring to Karen Cress, our friend in Denver. Sorry for any confusion I might have caused. Karen from Georgia wrote to me to say at this point she is not feeling better but her doctor told her to expect that for a few days. She knows many of you are praying for her and sends her appreciation.
This old life is a big challenge to us all, sometimes we seem to be winning, often it seems like we are losing and always it seems like we struggle. How our Lord suffers with us as we move forward in life. How much He wants to just take his children home.
love to all
Tim
10:30, just home from Atwater, a little town down in the valley about 80 miles away. I saw a nice little ranchette with an acre, perfect condition, sweet people and a pleasant visit. They had just returned from a doctor visit which turned bad on them as the guys blood pressure was dangerously low, a few meds later he was better by the time I got there.
this afternoon I picked up my glasses and it is very nice to see clearly again. I'm really glad I made the plunge in new frames too as I think they look a bit more up to date than the prior ones, ones I had owned for many many years.
I've spent most of the day getting appraisals completed and out that my very sharp assistant had ready for me, emailed to my desk. For lunch I had a very reasonable plate of green peas, a griller and a bit of catsup. For breakfast oatmeal and applesauce, thanks Dunstons.
This morning the phone rang early, it was LeAnn to tell me Ken was waiting in front of the house and where was I. Well we always agree the night before what time we will walk and we had agreed on 7:30. I woke at 6:30, decided there was no reason to get up into the cold, the dogs agreed so I went back to sleep and slept right through the agreed on 7:30. Well I jumped up and tried to catch up with him, I finally did manage to catch up by actually running for a couple blocks. My thinking was, I had run during the stress test on the treadmill so why couldn't I run on the street. It worked out fine and I got to talk to him the last few blocks. He is so relaxed now that tax season is over, what a difference the 15th makes for him.
I then tackled the broken sprinkler line and fixed it much quicker than I expected. 1/2 inch line, not the 3/4 so I have a few extra parts now.
I am enjoying this time of year, my improved health, more work to do and more payment for work completed, the clean fish tank and the prospects of going to see Jason, Jo and Timothy this weekend. I just hope the rototiller will fit through the door of the motorhome, we'll see tomorrow evening.
On the way home this evening I had lots of choices of places to eat. Sonic has yummy food but its all bad for me, McDonald's has salads but little else that's good for the diet so I went to Olive Garden for soup and salad. I'm not sure if it was the fact that I was so hungry by then, or they did a better job with the food but the salad was so good, the soup was just great, the bread sticks warm and tasty. It was just right and the bartender was funny and very attentive as well. The stop was a winner. On the way home I got to talk to Pam who was very naughty and was still at work even though the police told her NOT to be there after dark! My brother who is walking more, working in his garden and enjoying retirement with Donna and Art who had a huge day doing chores and other tasks. Talking to these dear people sure made the 80 miles home go fast. How nice it is to not be alone all the time. I think I have mentioned that my idea of heaven is to have a 6 bedroom house and to have family and guests filling the rooms, a fire in the fireplace, soup in the kitchen and dominos on the dining room table. The more caring people the better. Earlier in the afternoon Sharon had called from Texas. She is being told that for sure next week the sale of her house will close escrow. This is the longest escrow I have ever heard of, close to 5 months. She is doing well and adjusting to the fact that her oldest grandchild Lindsay is considering boarding school several states away. She and Sharon have been so tight over the years, its a hard pill to take but little ones do grow up and begin to exercise their wings.
Last night I spoke of Karen suffering from a series of strokes. The Karen I spoke of lives in Georgia and is a fellow GIST sufferer. Some thought perhaps I was referring to Karen Cress, our friend in Denver. Sorry for any confusion I might have caused. Karen from Georgia wrote to me to say at this point she is not feeling better but her doctor told her to expect that for a few days. She knows many of you are praying for her and sends her appreciation.
This old life is a big challenge to us all, sometimes we seem to be winning, often it seems like we are losing and always it seems like we struggle. How our Lord suffers with us as we move forward in life. How much He wants to just take his children home.
love to all
Tim
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Feeling more normal
Good evening,
As the days go by more normalcy sets in. I don't think a human being can be in crisis forever no matter what he or she faces. I had a very nice confirmation that I'm on the right track today with a call from someone at the office of Dr. Savage, the cardiologist. She called to tell me that my stress test was NORMAL what ever that means, normal for a guy at 59, normal for someone 75 lbs overweight, or normal for an average person, well who cares. I'll take the normal and run with it. And tomorrow I'll find a way to get to Stockton to pick up my new glasses, first off they will help me see much better, secondly I will get rid of a severely scratched left lens, thirdly I think they look a lot better than the ones I have had forever.
Ken and I walked in the cold this morning, then I made a typical breakfast, then sat down to wade through mounds of paperwork. Well tonight most of it is gone and along with progress in paper work I've also seen three properties all within 10 miles of the house. What a blessing that is and Steve is being kind enough to see one also located nearby. As many people are stumbling through this terrible foreclosure mess my heart often goes out to them. Yes people made huge mistakes in buying homes with weak loans, yes mortgage brokers sometimes did what was right for their paycheck, not right for the clients but many honest people got sucked into a situation where they now are trapped and have no way out other than to mail in the keys to the house. Many many of the bank owned properties are now in contract and some have already closed escrow. Buyers are snapping up the bargains and even now there is some bidding on the part of buyers which will in time restore some of the value to properties. How long? One to two years and even then the values will not be back where they were before for a while. However I expect some improvement by the fall of this year.
I was thankful to be able to make my house payment today on time and on line. Every month the house payments are the real challenge and once again God has blessed with work and payment. We were paid for an appraisal that we completed at the beginning of 2007. We just received the payment on Saturday and it was $500. That certainly covers the cost of the stamps we use to mail statements and I thank Loree for her help in getting them out to people. How different my life would have been and Nan's too if Loree had not been here to help us with everything. She is a real helper.
Friend Art could not sleep so left Indio at 4:30 this morning and arrived back in Gilroy at 11:30 this morning. Then on to a dental appointment this afternoon. I am thankful that he had a safe trip and I know he misses Connie already.
My (our) friend Karen who has supported us so much with her prayers, books and encouragement has suffered a serious of strokes which put her into the ER and then a hospital bed for several days. With new meds she is getting better but I'm sure would appreciate our including her in our prayers that God will hold the surprises, she says she had had enough for now and give her the peace her heart craves.
This morning Ken and I discovered some fool was pouring a lot of water down the curb this morning, on closer examination that fool lived at my house. A pipe had broken off cleanly at a joint and water was gushing out. So this evening when I was in town to observe Keanna at tumbling classes I included a stop at the Ace hardware store. Of course I could not remember if I had used 1/2 or 3/4 inch pipe so I had to buy two sets of fittings to repair the damage. I was going to do it tonight after dark and Art suggested I might want light, put it off until tomorrow. That made great sense so I settled inside with a hot chocolate and this computer screen. I like the way he thinks.
This afternoon I had the privilege of seeing a house no more than a block from my own. From the street it looks fairly average but once inside it is slate, marble, granite, stainless steel, designer sinks, designer colors, Brock decks and docks. Wow what a place and one of the nicest things was, the owner paid me in cash. You know there is nothing like greenbacks to lift ones spirits. Sure they make the wallet fat and uncomfortable but its OK. In fact mighty nice.
So now its bedtime, do you know where your loved ones are? Do they know they are your loved ones? Have you reminded them lately?
Our loved one Wes has promised that with tax season over he will be back to put in a few words at times. Lets hope he does, I for one miss him and his pithy comments.
love
tim
As the days go by more normalcy sets in. I don't think a human being can be in crisis forever no matter what he or she faces. I had a very nice confirmation that I'm on the right track today with a call from someone at the office of Dr. Savage, the cardiologist. She called to tell me that my stress test was NORMAL what ever that means, normal for a guy at 59, normal for someone 75 lbs overweight, or normal for an average person, well who cares. I'll take the normal and run with it. And tomorrow I'll find a way to get to Stockton to pick up my new glasses, first off they will help me see much better, secondly I will get rid of a severely scratched left lens, thirdly I think they look a lot better than the ones I have had forever.
Ken and I walked in the cold this morning, then I made a typical breakfast, then sat down to wade through mounds of paperwork. Well tonight most of it is gone and along with progress in paper work I've also seen three properties all within 10 miles of the house. What a blessing that is and Steve is being kind enough to see one also located nearby. As many people are stumbling through this terrible foreclosure mess my heart often goes out to them. Yes people made huge mistakes in buying homes with weak loans, yes mortgage brokers sometimes did what was right for their paycheck, not right for the clients but many honest people got sucked into a situation where they now are trapped and have no way out other than to mail in the keys to the house. Many many of the bank owned properties are now in contract and some have already closed escrow. Buyers are snapping up the bargains and even now there is some bidding on the part of buyers which will in time restore some of the value to properties. How long? One to two years and even then the values will not be back where they were before for a while. However I expect some improvement by the fall of this year.
I was thankful to be able to make my house payment today on time and on line. Every month the house payments are the real challenge and once again God has blessed with work and payment. We were paid for an appraisal that we completed at the beginning of 2007. We just received the payment on Saturday and it was $500. That certainly covers the cost of the stamps we use to mail statements and I thank Loree for her help in getting them out to people. How different my life would have been and Nan's too if Loree had not been here to help us with everything. She is a real helper.
Friend Art could not sleep so left Indio at 4:30 this morning and arrived back in Gilroy at 11:30 this morning. Then on to a dental appointment this afternoon. I am thankful that he had a safe trip and I know he misses Connie already.
My (our) friend Karen who has supported us so much with her prayers, books and encouragement has suffered a serious of strokes which put her into the ER and then a hospital bed for several days. With new meds she is getting better but I'm sure would appreciate our including her in our prayers that God will hold the surprises, she says she had had enough for now and give her the peace her heart craves.
This morning Ken and I discovered some fool was pouring a lot of water down the curb this morning, on closer examination that fool lived at my house. A pipe had broken off cleanly at a joint and water was gushing out. So this evening when I was in town to observe Keanna at tumbling classes I included a stop at the Ace hardware store. Of course I could not remember if I had used 1/2 or 3/4 inch pipe so I had to buy two sets of fittings to repair the damage. I was going to do it tonight after dark and Art suggested I might want light, put it off until tomorrow. That made great sense so I settled inside with a hot chocolate and this computer screen. I like the way he thinks.
This afternoon I had the privilege of seeing a house no more than a block from my own. From the street it looks fairly average but once inside it is slate, marble, granite, stainless steel, designer sinks, designer colors, Brock decks and docks. Wow what a place and one of the nicest things was, the owner paid me in cash. You know there is nothing like greenbacks to lift ones spirits. Sure they make the wallet fat and uncomfortable but its OK. In fact mighty nice.
So now its bedtime, do you know where your loved ones are? Do they know they are your loved ones? Have you reminded them lately?
Our loved one Wes has promised that with tax season over he will be back to put in a few words at times. Lets hope he does, I for one miss him and his pithy comments.
love
tim
Monday, April 14, 2008
Out of the wind..
Dear Family and Friends,
It is windy here or at least it was today. Work required that I travel a couple hours on I-5 today and between hitting blowing tumbleweeds and fighting the gusts I made it to a little town down in the valley where I enjoyed seeing a well kept home with little doggies and several kitties too. With Newman behind me I headed back into the wind. I actually had to slow down from my normal 70+ as the trucks were all over the road and I could feel the effects of the wind gusts on the car. After I turned to Byron Highway an oncoming truck kicked something up and it hit my window right in front of my face, for a second I wondered what next but it was not a brick and I am still very much alive. That gets ones attention. Not willing to go another day without my precious fish oil pills I drove into Brentwood to Longs and picked them up, then back to Disco to see a very nice, updated and appealing place, then I decided to head back to town for some cat litter, our supply has finally ended after about 6 months from the present box. On the way in I discovered I was very hungry, 6 inch subway garden burger on wheat bread subs only last so long. Then I decided to face yet another memory and went to Grazies, a nice place located in old town Brentwood. They were almost empty and after a meal of homemade soup and house salad, you know one with Gorgonzola Cheese, diced tomatoes, various types of greens, walnuts and house dressing I left very satisfied. nan and I loved to eat there and often found some excuse to to to somewhere special and ended up there. I managed the meal without sadness, just very pleasant memories. Then Foodmax, a local place that sells groceries cheaper. I picked up a few things and found original grillers for $2.50 a box, I think that is cheaper than what I normally pay. Oh yes and some kitty litter. Then a quick trip home, unload the purchases, greet the dogs, admire the fish tank, tidy up the kitchen, cut and eat 1/2 an avocado on some rugged toast, do some more cleaning of the kitchen and finally I am in the work chair writing to you my dear friends.
Tomorrow Art drives back from the desert by himself with Connie deciding to stay a few more days and enjoy the good weather. Art has dental appointments which he cannot avoid.
This evening I turned the TV on while I was working in the kitchen and found a special about Walt Whitman. What an interesting guy and what dedication to the soldiers during the civil war. I can't remember learning about him but I'm sure I did in Academy under our beloved Ms Dunston, Loren's sister. That was back in Laurelwood near Portland and I was a teen. In spite of my terrible behavior in her class she was kind to me and really touched my life.
This morning I went back to Dr. Whitted to have additional eye tests. The results were positive and it appears I do not have glaucoma at this point. That was good news, really great news.
Now its bed time again, Ken has called and in spite of tomorrow being his day, he is an accountant and prepares tax filings for lots of people we are walking at 7 in the morning. I feel privileges knowing how busy he is these days.
I intend to visit Jason and Jo this weekend and take the motorhome. I hope to get away early on Friday and hope to be able to help him do some yard work he has been contemplating. Of course I will get to spend time with young Timothy who is mobile these days crawling up a storm. What a guy!
Sending love to each and every one of you, whatever the challenges you face there is Someone who stands ready to assist and guide.
love
tim
It is windy here or at least it was today. Work required that I travel a couple hours on I-5 today and between hitting blowing tumbleweeds and fighting the gusts I made it to a little town down in the valley where I enjoyed seeing a well kept home with little doggies and several kitties too. With Newman behind me I headed back into the wind. I actually had to slow down from my normal 70+ as the trucks were all over the road and I could feel the effects of the wind gusts on the car. After I turned to Byron Highway an oncoming truck kicked something up and it hit my window right in front of my face, for a second I wondered what next but it was not a brick and I am still very much alive. That gets ones attention. Not willing to go another day without my precious fish oil pills I drove into Brentwood to Longs and picked them up, then back to Disco to see a very nice, updated and appealing place, then I decided to head back to town for some cat litter, our supply has finally ended after about 6 months from the present box. On the way in I discovered I was very hungry, 6 inch subway garden burger on wheat bread subs only last so long. Then I decided to face yet another memory and went to Grazies, a nice place located in old town Brentwood. They were almost empty and after a meal of homemade soup and house salad, you know one with Gorgonzola Cheese, diced tomatoes, various types of greens, walnuts and house dressing I left very satisfied. nan and I loved to eat there and often found some excuse to to to somewhere special and ended up there. I managed the meal without sadness, just very pleasant memories. Then Foodmax, a local place that sells groceries cheaper. I picked up a few things and found original grillers for $2.50 a box, I think that is cheaper than what I normally pay. Oh yes and some kitty litter. Then a quick trip home, unload the purchases, greet the dogs, admire the fish tank, tidy up the kitchen, cut and eat 1/2 an avocado on some rugged toast, do some more cleaning of the kitchen and finally I am in the work chair writing to you my dear friends.
Tomorrow Art drives back from the desert by himself with Connie deciding to stay a few more days and enjoy the good weather. Art has dental appointments which he cannot avoid.
This evening I turned the TV on while I was working in the kitchen and found a special about Walt Whitman. What an interesting guy and what dedication to the soldiers during the civil war. I can't remember learning about him but I'm sure I did in Academy under our beloved Ms Dunston, Loren's sister. That was back in Laurelwood near Portland and I was a teen. In spite of my terrible behavior in her class she was kind to me and really touched my life.
This morning I went back to Dr. Whitted to have additional eye tests. The results were positive and it appears I do not have glaucoma at this point. That was good news, really great news.
Now its bed time again, Ken has called and in spite of tomorrow being his day, he is an accountant and prepares tax filings for lots of people we are walking at 7 in the morning. I feel privileges knowing how busy he is these days.
I intend to visit Jason and Jo this weekend and take the motorhome. I hope to get away early on Friday and hope to be able to help him do some yard work he has been contemplating. Of course I will get to spend time with young Timothy who is mobile these days crawling up a storm. What a guy!
Sending love to each and every one of you, whatever the challenges you face there is Someone who stands ready to assist and guide.
love
tim
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Nikki gets showered
Good evening,
10:45, just completed with a big one here in Discovery Bay and its on its way now through email to the lender. What a nice day! After so many days of winter and gloom, depression and defeat this was a good day.
Ken and I walked this morning at 8, enjoyed the morning sunshine and the thrill of the walk. Then I worked for a bit paying small bills, wading through my desk, then it was time to leave to meet up with Jason, Jo and Timothy at Nikki's shower in Dublin. They had terrible traffic on Highway 1 near Santa Cruz which became a parking lot for them for awhile. Steffanie threw a beautiful shower with wonderful guests and great food. Nikki got lots of nice things from her friends at work, from Discovery Bay, Oakland and I don't know where else. They played games and Jason and I had Timothy in the kitchen. Jason fed him some lovely peas and he enjoyed them. Then he crawled somemore to demonstrate his new skills. After the party was over we went to Macaroni Grill for a early dinner. They brought our food so fast it was not believeable and for the most part it tasted good. Timothy sat in a high chair for the first time today and did very well with it. He can eat his little crackers and keeps himself pretty busy. After dinner they went their way and I came home. I was so sleepy that the first hour in my chair is a faint memory. Then I woke to do some work which I just finished a few minutes ago. The fish tank continues to be a lot more interesting now that one can actually see into it. I've included a photo which sort of captures how it looks now.
Tomorrow I have my eyes tested for Glaucoma. Dr. Whitten wanted the test so he can start treatment if in fact I do have Galucoma and need some special eye drops. Then I will drive to Newman which is down the valley using I-5. Then back to Discovery bay for an afternoon appraisal and then hopefully fit in a new order for a FHA purchase as well. I am thankful every day for work to do and the strength to carry out the mechanics. I am also thankful that my little car gets 44 mpg with such high fuel prices.
I continue to do well, feel great and am finding hope here and there. My how I love to hear from you, yes even you Shawn with your special text messages!
love to all and lets have a good week where people come first.
Tim
Saturday, April 12, 2008
An excellent day
Dear Ones,
Well Keanna came to visit last night, finally fell asleep for the night at 9 pm but did not wake until 7:30 this morning. We had a leisurely breakfast and then drove to Sabbath School in Tracy. Yes I brushed her hair and using the no tangle spray she had me buy recently we got it brushed and it looked OK, not like when her parents do it but for a Pappa well it was good. Kim did a great job with Sabbath School and Keanna enjoyed seeing her friends too. Then to Olive Garden for soup and salad where keanna charmed the workers with her cute dress and sweet smile. Then she left with her mom and I drove home. I took it easy during the afternoon, checking out some of the programing on the Christian Dish. Late this afternoon I decided to tackle something I've been putting off for months, that is the 92 gallon sale water reef tank. It is filled with alge, needed a water change with new salt water in place of 20 gallons drawn from the tank. What a challenge but this time I did not huff and puff when carrying the 5 gallon buckets of water to the driveway, just did it. I was able to return the tank to a much cleaner status, cleaned the filters and lowered the heater to a more reasonable temperature for summer. This evening I had a real shock. I have not been able to see the spinney starfish for weeks. This little guy is about 12 inches from end of spinney arm to spinney arm and when I started working on the tank today I thought I was seeing a dead creature. I reached in to take it out but it seemed to be stuck where it was so I finally decided to give it a chance just in case there was any life left. It is a highly unusual creature and very interesting to watch in action. Well this evening when I put the 4 cubes of frozen shrimp in as I do every night the spinney starfish came to life, moved quickly into the current and was grabbing food as fast as he could. I was delighted as I thought I had lost something very dear. I think the clean water, the removal of the algae and the improved current due to the filter cleaning helped all the creatures feel better and they were really alive when it came time to eat. Then in the dark I headed out to the back deck to plant tomatoes in some of the wood planters. They were thick with weeds so I pulled those out, added lots of new dirt and planted my three tomato plants. Then I tweaked the drip system in hopes it will keep everybody hydrated as the days get warmer. I did things to the tank this evening that Steve has had to do before and he just does not have the time to take care of everything. I learned a lot through the process.
For dinner I made tomato sandwiches and had some frozen corn.
Tomorrow is Nikki's shower in Dublin. I plan to hook up with Jason and we'll find something to do while the shower takes place. I'm going to try to include a couple photos Jo placed on the Internet tonight. Timothy is growing so fast.
Our weather is suddenly hot here, not just warm but hot. Its nice for a change and the doors and windows are all open in a search for the cool breezes of evening.
It was fun to hear from Lorie in the middle of the night last night commenting on the cafe in Benicia and then having our Benicia friend also comment. It is really a fun place to eat and while the menu is limited the quality of the food is outstanding.
I timidly suggest that I may be turning a bit of a corner in the process of grasping life again after losing Nan. There is a bit of guilt connected with the whole process of moving forward. How I wish we were just moving forward together. Why I am here alive and she had to go, well that one has to be up to God, I certainly don't understand it. Being in the grief recovery group gets insight and methods for coping that are very helpful. You can see that is it really OK to be at peace and to experience laughter and joy. In fact it is necessary. I am thinking more about making music again, about preparing special music numbers in case anyone asks, about future travel, about painting the office, rearranging it, getting rid of clutter, about planting flowers in the rear area, about having people over to enjoy the back deck and the lake. I am so blessed and I want to share it as God leads.
You have played a huge role in my recovery and in the entire families recovery. We have such a wide caring world of friends and family that have helped us in so many ways, a box of encouragement and sympathy cards, beautiful flowers at the time of the services, emails, calls, help of all kinds. Please know you have had a big hand in helping. Sometimes your calls, your emails have lifted me from a depression that was not even safe or productive.
So thank you from all of us that make up the family.
love from my house to yours and from my heart to your heart as well.
Tim
ps check out those cute little jeans Timothy has on!
Friday, April 11, 2008
Keanna is in the house!
Good evening
Yes her highness has come to visit and everything changes. Nikki brought her about 6 after I got home later than expected due to traffic. She worked on her dinner and I made pasta to add to the mix. I had brown rice and cottage cheese, a little tomato and some juice. Then we hooked up the dogs and headed to the park. She enjoyed playing at the park for a few minutes, she would still be there if I had allowed it. After we got home she took a bath in her grammys big tub and I grabbed a couple minutes of the history channel to be near but to allow her to do her thing. Then she came out in a towel, her hair already dried some with the towel and we started the process of going to bed. It is never easy, the room was too warm, spiders might be walking, the light was too dim, she needed a drink but I think she is finally settled in now that its 9 pm and Nikki had asked for a bedtime of 8.
I've enjoyed a pleasant day. For those of you who live in other places just know today was the warmest day yet this year by far. I have the AC on right now to try to cool down her room a bit so she can sleep better.
This morning I took the dogs to the park. We have this lovely little park about a block from our house with a circular concrete walkway around a huge grassy field where they play soccor, softball or just train dogs. there are two play areas for kids, two sets of poorly maintained bathrooms and what seems like acres of green grass. It is a perfect place to walk the dogs, they love it dearly and when I get up if I say nothing they stay calm but if I say lets take a walk, those magic words really made the difference. They begin to dance, jump, bark and they don't stop until we are on our way to the park. I get a lot of joy from those two, one pug and one scottish terrier.
I first drove to Benicia today which is about 50 minutes from home. Traffic was light and the GPS took me to the door. The home is older but 100 remodeled. Set in an older neighborhood is has charm and appeal, good quality materials, new paint, good landscaping. The lady of the house was one of those young mothers with her feet on the ground, committed to her kids, her husband and being a good solid person. Makes you feel good about American when you come across this kind of home.
I next had to do a bit of fixing, like a child who steals something from the hardware store and has to go back to return it under a parents watchful eye, well the last time I was in Benicia I had lunch at the 1st Street Cafe. It is a charming place with excellent food and good service. Only after I was home that evening and entering spending slips into the computer did I realize that I had not included any tip at all, just was in a rush, signed the tag and left. It has bugged me ever since. You know reward excellent service with a snub. So I went back today, found out who the server was, he was not working today and they put my 3 bucks in the lockbox for him next time he works. Then I decided that since I was there I'd stay and eat. I struck up a conversation with the lady sitting next to me at the bar and found out she eats there 3 days a week. I also watched the teamwork between the waiters and waitresses, wow they made the best of a very small working area and just cranked the food out, bread comes from Berkeley each morning, lettuce is fresh each day, ice tea has a floral taste to it like Hawaii. What a find.
Whoops, now I was almost late for my Castro Valley appraisal. I drove at the upper end of the safe range, took back roads and got there quickly. I found Brian to be a real character. This is a guy who is 85 years old, has cancer and is in current chemo, has a wife who is suffering from dementia but has a pleasant version, not a mean one. She was lying in the sun on a chaise lounge outside and he told her who I was, said I was a thief. He regaled me with stories, humor, battle reports from UC Davis where he is treated. Lets see if I can remember the story he told me as I left. A man is holding up a bank, he turns to the man behind him in line and says did you see what I just did, the guy says yes, you robbed the bank so he shot him, then he turned to the next person in line and asked the same question, did you see what I did? The man replied, no but my wife saw you. His humor was like that, very funny guy. The broker warmed me I would probably like him and I sure did, the inspection ended up taking more than an hour due to his outstanding personality. What a joy to meet a human being like that.
Then it was time to head home and traffic was first very good and then very bad but I finally made it. I finally found something I could do for someone else. You many of you know Nan and I have been on the receiving end of a lot of love and help over the past year and 1/2. I keep asking the Lord what I can do for someone else to sort of get this scale back toward a balanced place. At the meeting last night I found out what kind of dog food Bear eats. He is the big dog who lives with the lady on my street who lost her husband of many years a year ago to cancer. That is one thing but she also cares for her daughter's 5 children, until recently it was 8 children but the daughter left and took the three little ones with her. Last night my neighbor reported how the county in their wisdom had cut back on food stamps to $100 from a prior $400 or so because they thought her $1,300 social security check made her too rich. She was pretty depressed. Well this afternoon on my way home I knew I had to get food for my dogs and cats as both were complaining about empty dishes. I found the biggest sack of the dog food Bear eats and added it to the basket. I'll take it down tomorrow, not much really but I think it will help and it felt pretty good.
One issue I am facing is to find a new home for the stair chair. I am aware that the day might come when I need it and often I look longingly at it now when I climb the stairs but I need the exercise. That stair chair enhanced Nan's life so much, it let her sleep in her own sleep by number bed for a couple more years, that meant everything to her and we only had to give up on helping her up and down the stairs the last few weeks. It has been a huge blessing to us and was provided by David and Sharon. Now I'd like to sell it and use the money to get her car ready to sell, it has some dents that need to be fixed. We thought there was someone who was in need of it but then they backed off. So if you know of anyone who needs to move up and down a straight stairs I have the answer. A new one can cost nearly $4,000 but I'd sell this one for less than 1/2 that amount.
I'm hoping you have a blessed weekend with ample time for family, for relationships, for yard work, for building your life.
With love from my heart to yours,
Tim
Yes her highness has come to visit and everything changes. Nikki brought her about 6 after I got home later than expected due to traffic. She worked on her dinner and I made pasta to add to the mix. I had brown rice and cottage cheese, a little tomato and some juice. Then we hooked up the dogs and headed to the park. She enjoyed playing at the park for a few minutes, she would still be there if I had allowed it. After we got home she took a bath in her grammys big tub and I grabbed a couple minutes of the history channel to be near but to allow her to do her thing. Then she came out in a towel, her hair already dried some with the towel and we started the process of going to bed. It is never easy, the room was too warm, spiders might be walking, the light was too dim, she needed a drink but I think she is finally settled in now that its 9 pm and Nikki had asked for a bedtime of 8.
I've enjoyed a pleasant day. For those of you who live in other places just know today was the warmest day yet this year by far. I have the AC on right now to try to cool down her room a bit so she can sleep better.
This morning I took the dogs to the park. We have this lovely little park about a block from our house with a circular concrete walkway around a huge grassy field where they play soccor, softball or just train dogs. there are two play areas for kids, two sets of poorly maintained bathrooms and what seems like acres of green grass. It is a perfect place to walk the dogs, they love it dearly and when I get up if I say nothing they stay calm but if I say lets take a walk, those magic words really made the difference. They begin to dance, jump, bark and they don't stop until we are on our way to the park. I get a lot of joy from those two, one pug and one scottish terrier.
I first drove to Benicia today which is about 50 minutes from home. Traffic was light and the GPS took me to the door. The home is older but 100 remodeled. Set in an older neighborhood is has charm and appeal, good quality materials, new paint, good landscaping. The lady of the house was one of those young mothers with her feet on the ground, committed to her kids, her husband and being a good solid person. Makes you feel good about American when you come across this kind of home.
I next had to do a bit of fixing, like a child who steals something from the hardware store and has to go back to return it under a parents watchful eye, well the last time I was in Benicia I had lunch at the 1st Street Cafe. It is a charming place with excellent food and good service. Only after I was home that evening and entering spending slips into the computer did I realize that I had not included any tip at all, just was in a rush, signed the tag and left. It has bugged me ever since. You know reward excellent service with a snub. So I went back today, found out who the server was, he was not working today and they put my 3 bucks in the lockbox for him next time he works. Then I decided that since I was there I'd stay and eat. I struck up a conversation with the lady sitting next to me at the bar and found out she eats there 3 days a week. I also watched the teamwork between the waiters and waitresses, wow they made the best of a very small working area and just cranked the food out, bread comes from Berkeley each morning, lettuce is fresh each day, ice tea has a floral taste to it like Hawaii. What a find.
Whoops, now I was almost late for my Castro Valley appraisal. I drove at the upper end of the safe range, took back roads and got there quickly. I found Brian to be a real character. This is a guy who is 85 years old, has cancer and is in current chemo, has a wife who is suffering from dementia but has a pleasant version, not a mean one. She was lying in the sun on a chaise lounge outside and he told her who I was, said I was a thief. He regaled me with stories, humor, battle reports from UC Davis where he is treated. Lets see if I can remember the story he told me as I left. A man is holding up a bank, he turns to the man behind him in line and says did you see what I just did, the guy says yes, you robbed the bank so he shot him, then he turned to the next person in line and asked the same question, did you see what I did? The man replied, no but my wife saw you. His humor was like that, very funny guy. The broker warmed me I would probably like him and I sure did, the inspection ended up taking more than an hour due to his outstanding personality. What a joy to meet a human being like that.
Then it was time to head home and traffic was first very good and then very bad but I finally made it. I finally found something I could do for someone else. You many of you know Nan and I have been on the receiving end of a lot of love and help over the past year and 1/2. I keep asking the Lord what I can do for someone else to sort of get this scale back toward a balanced place. At the meeting last night I found out what kind of dog food Bear eats. He is the big dog who lives with the lady on my street who lost her husband of many years a year ago to cancer. That is one thing but she also cares for her daughter's 5 children, until recently it was 8 children but the daughter left and took the three little ones with her. Last night my neighbor reported how the county in their wisdom had cut back on food stamps to $100 from a prior $400 or so because they thought her $1,300 social security check made her too rich. She was pretty depressed. Well this afternoon on my way home I knew I had to get food for my dogs and cats as both were complaining about empty dishes. I found the biggest sack of the dog food Bear eats and added it to the basket. I'll take it down tomorrow, not much really but I think it will help and it felt pretty good.
One issue I am facing is to find a new home for the stair chair. I am aware that the day might come when I need it and often I look longingly at it now when I climb the stairs but I need the exercise. That stair chair enhanced Nan's life so much, it let her sleep in her own sleep by number bed for a couple more years, that meant everything to her and we only had to give up on helping her up and down the stairs the last few weeks. It has been a huge blessing to us and was provided by David and Sharon. Now I'd like to sell it and use the money to get her car ready to sell, it has some dents that need to be fixed. We thought there was someone who was in need of it but then they backed off. So if you know of anyone who needs to move up and down a straight stairs I have the answer. A new one can cost nearly $4,000 but I'd sell this one for less than 1/2 that amount.
I'm hoping you have a blessed weekend with ample time for family, for relationships, for yard work, for building your life.
With love from my heart to yours,
Tim
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Moving ahead with heart...
Dear Ones,
Its late and I've managed to waste away the evening since I got home after grief group. Sort of feels good to unwind a bit.
Highlights of the day include: A quick walk with Ken this morning at 7, felt great and worried less about an attack, office work for a couple hours and then I remembered I had a 3 pm appointment, that speeded up office work a bit, mail brought more money, thanks Loree for getting the statements out, it helps!, drive to San Lorenzo, see a cute little old house that has been owned since it was new in 1955. Lady was lonely even though she lost her husband 27 years ago. She is most distressed by losing her son who was 54 of a minor illness after he spent 3 years in a prisoner of war camp during our stay in Vietnam. This lady who was 78 was in great condition, had been a runner all her life until a knee gave out. Great lady and interesting visit. Then I headed back home but traffic was tough, slow slow slow and I was in the fast lane, fueled up in Livermore, Diesel was only $4.15 there. Then home for a quick pit stop and back to Brentwood to observe Keanna in action at her swim lessons, she did great and was her normal bundle of energy. I got her new goggles since her have been missing since Hawaii. Then to grief recovery group. Tonight was highly unusual. A lady ended up in group who had lost her husband 4 months ago, she was angry at him for not trying to deal with his diabetes, would not stop smoking, drinking and ended up dying. She was a pistol and the group started up on an uneasy note but got much better. Still there was lots of angst tonight, several had had a terrible week, others had great news to share about MRIs showing no cancer finally. I always learn things, ways of coping there. I notice that it makes no difference between those of us who have lost loved ones recently or those who lost 2 years ago. Most anything can trigger the tears and sadness. Certain themes seem to unite us, family becomes vitally important, working through the huge hole in the road where our loved ones used to be, financial uncertainty is a constant and the desire to find life again. We have one cancer patient who is in the midst of chemo, has no hair and she is just a crackup, so honest and so funny as she describes her week. Our leader is great and very on top of everything. This week it was certainly worth the time spent.
I think I am ready to finally turn Nan's cell phone off. In the morning I will experiment with recording her precious message on that line and if I can get it clear and right then I will go ahead and turn off the line. I also need to turn off the earthlink account that continues to cost $30 a month. I hate to lose contact with the GISTers who write to that email address but I can't justify the money being wasted every month.
While I was in town at the club tonight I met with someone who helps new people join the club. I think being a part of the club would make more sense. They have everything, pool racquet ball courts, exercise machines, weight rooms, swimming pools and they are open from 5 am to 11 pm every day. I am considering joining and right now they waive the start up fee and I can join with Nikki so the cost will be reduced over normal. I never joined before because I wanted to come directly home to Nan but now I come home to Starr and Lady and I can do that a few minutes later. I think long and hard about taking on new spending. Every dollar counts. Today it was Sutter Delta seeking about $1,600 for the two procedures I have had done at the hospital, pulmonary and the colonoscopy. They agreed to a payment plan per month.
This weekend will be great, Keanna is coming for a sleep over tomorrow night, then we go to Sabbath School the next morning. On Sunday I get to see Jason during the time Nikki is attending her shower in Dublin and seeing my kids is always special, the same as you feel toward yours I'm sure.
Now its bed time. I'm so glad Art is home from cruising the oceans and we can talk again. Soon I'll get a chance to see him in person again.
Thank you for your prayers and kindness during the heart tests.
Love
tim
Its late and I've managed to waste away the evening since I got home after grief group. Sort of feels good to unwind a bit.
Highlights of the day include: A quick walk with Ken this morning at 7, felt great and worried less about an attack, office work for a couple hours and then I remembered I had a 3 pm appointment, that speeded up office work a bit, mail brought more money, thanks Loree for getting the statements out, it helps!, drive to San Lorenzo, see a cute little old house that has been owned since it was new in 1955. Lady was lonely even though she lost her husband 27 years ago. She is most distressed by losing her son who was 54 of a minor illness after he spent 3 years in a prisoner of war camp during our stay in Vietnam. This lady who was 78 was in great condition, had been a runner all her life until a knee gave out. Great lady and interesting visit. Then I headed back home but traffic was tough, slow slow slow and I was in the fast lane, fueled up in Livermore, Diesel was only $4.15 there. Then home for a quick pit stop and back to Brentwood to observe Keanna in action at her swim lessons, she did great and was her normal bundle of energy. I got her new goggles since her have been missing since Hawaii. Then to grief recovery group. Tonight was highly unusual. A lady ended up in group who had lost her husband 4 months ago, she was angry at him for not trying to deal with his diabetes, would not stop smoking, drinking and ended up dying. She was a pistol and the group started up on an uneasy note but got much better. Still there was lots of angst tonight, several had had a terrible week, others had great news to share about MRIs showing no cancer finally. I always learn things, ways of coping there. I notice that it makes no difference between those of us who have lost loved ones recently or those who lost 2 years ago. Most anything can trigger the tears and sadness. Certain themes seem to unite us, family becomes vitally important, working through the huge hole in the road where our loved ones used to be, financial uncertainty is a constant and the desire to find life again. We have one cancer patient who is in the midst of chemo, has no hair and she is just a crackup, so honest and so funny as she describes her week. Our leader is great and very on top of everything. This week it was certainly worth the time spent.
I think I am ready to finally turn Nan's cell phone off. In the morning I will experiment with recording her precious message on that line and if I can get it clear and right then I will go ahead and turn off the line. I also need to turn off the earthlink account that continues to cost $30 a month. I hate to lose contact with the GISTers who write to that email address but I can't justify the money being wasted every month.
While I was in town at the club tonight I met with someone who helps new people join the club. I think being a part of the club would make more sense. They have everything, pool racquet ball courts, exercise machines, weight rooms, swimming pools and they are open from 5 am to 11 pm every day. I am considering joining and right now they waive the start up fee and I can join with Nikki so the cost will be reduced over normal. I never joined before because I wanted to come directly home to Nan but now I come home to Starr and Lady and I can do that a few minutes later. I think long and hard about taking on new spending. Every dollar counts. Today it was Sutter Delta seeking about $1,600 for the two procedures I have had done at the hospital, pulmonary and the colonoscopy. They agreed to a payment plan per month.
This weekend will be great, Keanna is coming for a sleep over tomorrow night, then we go to Sabbath School the next morning. On Sunday I get to see Jason during the time Nikki is attending her shower in Dublin and seeing my kids is always special, the same as you feel toward yours I'm sure.
Now its bed time. I'm so glad Art is home from cruising the oceans and we can talk again. Soon I'll get a chance to see him in person again.
Thank you for your prayers and kindness during the heart tests.
Love
tim
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Home and feeling pretty good....
Good evening,
Its 4 pm here and I'm about to leave for Stockton to do an appraisal over there. It is last minute but I had already done the research so should be no problem.
I was released from testing at 1 pm this afternoon. I ask for and received copies of my blood work. I am very pleased with some numbers and others will take longer to adjust. Here are the numbers: overall cholesterol 98 which is great! HDL (good cholesterol) is still too low at 37, needs to be above 50, came up a couple points since Jan., LDL (bad choresterol) is 41 which is great except it is too low. The big winner is triglycerides which came in this time at 170, down from 242 last time. While better this number needs to be below 150. Yet this blood test reveals significant progress for which I am very grateful. I left the dr. office not knowing anything new from todays tests. They mentioned that if something shows up bad they will call in a couple days but I won't know the big picture until my next appointment with Dr. Savage toward the end of the month. However I was told that their average time for a person on the treadmill is 4 to 6 minutes and I ran for 7 so that must be a good sign. My highest blood pressure was an eye popping 190/90 but it soon returned to a more normal number when I stopped running. All in all the day went OK. I met very nice people in the waiting room, some have Dr. Edwards who has been my doctor for at least forever.
So now I'm off to make a buck or two. Thank you for your prayers and support. Mostly what I feel now is tired. I celebrated by going to Loards for a fat free peppermint ice cream. Very nice and refreshing.
Take care this evening,
love
tim
Its 4 pm here and I'm about to leave for Stockton to do an appraisal over there. It is last minute but I had already done the research so should be no problem.
I was released from testing at 1 pm this afternoon. I ask for and received copies of my blood work. I am very pleased with some numbers and others will take longer to adjust. Here are the numbers: overall cholesterol 98 which is great! HDL (good cholesterol) is still too low at 37, needs to be above 50, came up a couple points since Jan., LDL (bad choresterol) is 41 which is great except it is too low. The big winner is triglycerides which came in this time at 170, down from 242 last time. While better this number needs to be below 150. Yet this blood test reveals significant progress for which I am very grateful. I left the dr. office not knowing anything new from todays tests. They mentioned that if something shows up bad they will call in a couple days but I won't know the big picture until my next appointment with Dr. Savage toward the end of the month. However I was told that their average time for a person on the treadmill is 4 to 6 minutes and I ran for 7 so that must be a good sign. My highest blood pressure was an eye popping 190/90 but it soon returned to a more normal number when I stopped running. All in all the day went OK. I met very nice people in the waiting room, some have Dr. Edwards who has been my doctor for at least forever.
So now I'm off to make a buck or two. Thank you for your prayers and support. Mostly what I feel now is tired. I celebrated by going to Loards for a fat free peppermint ice cream. Very nice and refreshing.
Take care this evening,
love
tim
Report from doctors office
Well folks I am still kicking. So far I've sat in a chair after being filled with an isotope through an iv. The chair slowly rotated and took 25 minutes without moving on my part. Also no sleeping. Well I made it and then it was time for the stress test. Wow was that tough. They said most people last 4 to 6 minutes but I went for 7. I was breathing so hard I could hardly stand it. Then it was over, at the top my blood pressure was 190/90 and I could feel it pounding. Now I'm in the waiting room and will have one more time of 25 minutes in the rotating chair while they take photos of my heart and then I'm done. ;Got to go
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Echocardiogram was a success, they found a heart!
And it was beating, I know because I heard it part of the time. Of course the nice lady gave me no clue of the results but we talked a lot and she was gentle and kind. Then down the stairs to the car and to an appraisal up in Oakley, bank owned, clean, ready for a new family, half the price of 2 years ago. Then to Subway and although their special of just $5.00 for a foot long looked tempting I decided I did not need that much food so settled for my 6 inch wheat and garden burger patty. That and water, yum yum. Then to Pittsburg which was about 20 minutes away. Once arriving there I found some pretty stiff winds blowing. This house was sitting so near to the Highway it felt like cars were coming through the living room, how do people like in places like that? Yet two of the comps also backed to the Highway and were recent sales. While I was there Art called having returned from the seas. He said he preferred being on the ship to land, I don't blame him. He said they had a great time and enjoyed every minute of their time on the ship with friends.
So I headed back to Brentwood to Longs, the computer kept calling me to say my meds were ready but I knew I had not ordered any. Sandy, worlds best pharmacist explained that Longs in their wisdom had put me on an automatic refil schedule so when the computer says I need more they set it up and call me. A bit too much like big brother for me.
I had a chance to watch Keanna do her tumbling classes and a minute to catch up with busy Nikki.
Now I'm home winding it down, dogs are at my feet keeping me company and hoping I will decide to move, move to the treats that is and slip them a couple. Tomorrow at 9:30 I get the radioactive stuff and then a few hours later do the stress test. I was greeted today by someone telling me my part of tomorrow's tests would be $1,000 since I had a deductible. I was a bit shocked and questioned her a bit. She said she would call Blue Cross for more info. Later she told me I had met the $1,000 deductible already, duh! and was nearly to the $5,000 deductible level so my out of pocket expenses for tomorrow would be $200 to $300. That felt better. Then I was going through the mail at home to discovery my part of the colonoscopy is only $1,400 and some change. Wow all that excitement and I get to pay, the total hospital bill was over $6,500. And somehow the nit wit people running for office think that they can cover 45 million more people yet maintain the quality of care we have now and it will cost us less! I doubt it very much. I expect less quality, higher taxes, longer waiting times and a mess to deal with. And that will be on a good day. That's just me and I've had a bit of experience with health care and most of it has been excellent care with compassion and good attention to difficult detail.
I am thankful to be alive, I dread yet anticipate tomorrow's experience. I know from bitter experience that when faced with medical decisions you just have to walk right through them, no way around, no skirting them, just face them and take it.
Thanks so much for the kind thoughts from so many today about tomorrow's tests. I do appreciate your prayers and good thoughts.
Flash: While I was writing Art called. He is resting up from delicious meals aboard ship at their home in Indio somewhere in the desert near Palm Springs. It was good to catch up on his happy adventures.
Good evening my friends, take care of yourselves and value the presence of your loved one with you.
love
tim
So I headed back to Brentwood to Longs, the computer kept calling me to say my meds were ready but I knew I had not ordered any. Sandy, worlds best pharmacist explained that Longs in their wisdom had put me on an automatic refil schedule so when the computer says I need more they set it up and call me. A bit too much like big brother for me.
I had a chance to watch Keanna do her tumbling classes and a minute to catch up with busy Nikki.
Now I'm home winding it down, dogs are at my feet keeping me company and hoping I will decide to move, move to the treats that is and slip them a couple. Tomorrow at 9:30 I get the radioactive stuff and then a few hours later do the stress test. I was greeted today by someone telling me my part of tomorrow's tests would be $1,000 since I had a deductible. I was a bit shocked and questioned her a bit. She said she would call Blue Cross for more info. Later she told me I had met the $1,000 deductible already, duh! and was nearly to the $5,000 deductible level so my out of pocket expenses for tomorrow would be $200 to $300. That felt better. Then I was going through the mail at home to discovery my part of the colonoscopy is only $1,400 and some change. Wow all that excitement and I get to pay, the total hospital bill was over $6,500. And somehow the nit wit people running for office think that they can cover 45 million more people yet maintain the quality of care we have now and it will cost us less! I doubt it very much. I expect less quality, higher taxes, longer waiting times and a mess to deal with. And that will be on a good day. That's just me and I've had a bit of experience with health care and most of it has been excellent care with compassion and good attention to difficult detail.
I am thankful to be alive, I dread yet anticipate tomorrow's experience. I know from bitter experience that when faced with medical decisions you just have to walk right through them, no way around, no skirting them, just face them and take it.
Thanks so much for the kind thoughts from so many today about tomorrow's tests. I do appreciate your prayers and good thoughts.
Flash: While I was writing Art called. He is resting up from delicious meals aboard ship at their home in Indio somewhere in the desert near Palm Springs. It was good to catch up on his happy adventures.
Good evening my friends, take care of yourselves and value the presence of your loved one with you.
love
tim
Monday, April 7, 2008
A Family on the Move
Dear Friends and Family,
This has been a big day for all of the clan, Nikki came home early this afternoon to register Keanna in Kindergarten in the Byron School District. It seems only yesterday they were bringing her home from the hospital. Now our little girl is growing up, way to fast. Jason called and was on his way to Alcatraz with members of Clayton's class. Steve was busy as usual getting ready to tackle a tough appraisal in San Jose, build his landscaping business with new clients and Jo was busy with her students. Timothy is reportedly crawling all over the place now having found new mobility on his hardwood floors. Steve and Nikki visited the birthing center which they will use in about 7 weeks.
Loren arrived on time this morning to ride shotgun on a day of inspecting homes. We traveled first to Newark and found a carefully maintained home with pool, lots of color blooming everywhere and a quiet neighborhood. Then after a nice lunch at Olive Garden we drove to Hayward to see yet another carefully maintained home with a beautiful back yard, plants and color galore. Then we drove to a duet in Oakland through some pretty rough neighborhoods. The lady got the time of the inspection wrong and was not there. Then we drove to a home nearby where we could not get in. I called and found the gentleman home but in a wheelchair. He told us to just push the gate, we did and it opened. I remembered him from our last visit years ago. Recently Obama was on TV at his home fixing him breakfast of pancakes and eggs. He says he is not sure who he will vote for but like Obama's cooling. He was so much fun to talk to we could hardly get away. What a great spirit in spite of the wheelchair and a fairly lonely life.
then we headed home dreading the potential of awful traffic but it did not happen. We sailed right through the tunnel, through Walnut Creek, through Concord and only slowed for a bit near Antioch.
Loren had mentioned that he wanted to try UNO's deep dish pizza so it was so late in the day that we back tracked and had dinner there. Poor Emily must have wondered where her wonderful husband had gone. Then we stopped at Trader Jo's and picked up a few things and finally made it home a few minutes ago.
I am thankful for a safe day, a productive day and for a good friend to ride along with me enduring the tedium of the work. I think he is tired and I know I am. One of the highlights of the day was a simple thing, Loren brought more applesauce, you just cannot know how much I love the stuff and to see two more cartons of it, well that was very nice. I know I must be cutting into their private reserves by now.
My friend Karen wrote from Georgia to let me know that tomorrow's test, echo cardiogram will be something I enjoy. I certainly hope she is right. I have surrounded the the test with appraisal work so the day will be full.
Thanks for the emails today both through the blog and otherwise. I love hearing from you.
So good night good friends and family, and Marilyn, be good to little James, he is just a little boy and needs your most gentle touch you know!! And Dana be kind to your little boy as well, he was ill you know so he needs a new video game or something.
Take care
love
tim
This has been a big day for all of the clan, Nikki came home early this afternoon to register Keanna in Kindergarten in the Byron School District. It seems only yesterday they were bringing her home from the hospital. Now our little girl is growing up, way to fast. Jason called and was on his way to Alcatraz with members of Clayton's class. Steve was busy as usual getting ready to tackle a tough appraisal in San Jose, build his landscaping business with new clients and Jo was busy with her students. Timothy is reportedly crawling all over the place now having found new mobility on his hardwood floors. Steve and Nikki visited the birthing center which they will use in about 7 weeks.
Loren arrived on time this morning to ride shotgun on a day of inspecting homes. We traveled first to Newark and found a carefully maintained home with pool, lots of color blooming everywhere and a quiet neighborhood. Then after a nice lunch at Olive Garden we drove to Hayward to see yet another carefully maintained home with a beautiful back yard, plants and color galore. Then we drove to a duet in Oakland through some pretty rough neighborhoods. The lady got the time of the inspection wrong and was not there. Then we drove to a home nearby where we could not get in. I called and found the gentleman home but in a wheelchair. He told us to just push the gate, we did and it opened. I remembered him from our last visit years ago. Recently Obama was on TV at his home fixing him breakfast of pancakes and eggs. He says he is not sure who he will vote for but like Obama's cooling. He was so much fun to talk to we could hardly get away. What a great spirit in spite of the wheelchair and a fairly lonely life.
then we headed home dreading the potential of awful traffic but it did not happen. We sailed right through the tunnel, through Walnut Creek, through Concord and only slowed for a bit near Antioch.
Loren had mentioned that he wanted to try UNO's deep dish pizza so it was so late in the day that we back tracked and had dinner there. Poor Emily must have wondered where her wonderful husband had gone. Then we stopped at Trader Jo's and picked up a few things and finally made it home a few minutes ago.
I am thankful for a safe day, a productive day and for a good friend to ride along with me enduring the tedium of the work. I think he is tired and I know I am. One of the highlights of the day was a simple thing, Loren brought more applesauce, you just cannot know how much I love the stuff and to see two more cartons of it, well that was very nice. I know I must be cutting into their private reserves by now.
My friend Karen wrote from Georgia to let me know that tomorrow's test, echo cardiogram will be something I enjoy. I certainly hope she is right. I have surrounded the the test with appraisal work so the day will be full.
Thanks for the emails today both through the blog and otherwise. I love hearing from you.
So good night good friends and family, and Marilyn, be good to little James, he is just a little boy and needs your most gentle touch you know!! And Dana be kind to your little boy as well, he was ill you know so he needs a new video game or something.
Take care
love
tim
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