Interesting day

Good evening friends and family,

Of course the high point of the day was picking up Keanna, seeing her little face light up knowing her Papa was on time and there for her. We drove to MacDonald's for a snack (happy meal) and spotted Steve's car. She was so excited to get to see her daddy that she stayed with him at Strawhat and I went for the Happy Meal. We enjoyed lunch together and I was impressed again with how many people Steve knows as customers came in to order Steve knew many of them. Our local Strawhat is under new ownership and what a big improvement. Its worth going there again.

After lunch we drove to Keanna's house, picked up her music homework bag and then drove to my house where I went to work and Keanna picked up her eating, 5 or 6 huge strawberries, crackers, a jello cup. That girl can put it away. She created a great picture for me, took her time until she had it the way she wanted it. Once I completed my report we went to the park where she played. Soon it was time to leave for Brentwood and the music class. After buying her a cookie that looked like an egg I left for the club. I actually did not care to get soaked so I took a nap in the van. Once the rain stopped I headed in and I looked longingly at the spin class sign up. I did not understand it so just skipped it. As I entered the workout area I decided to just go up the stairs to the spin room, a room with about 30 bikes mounted on the floor and facing the front where a very positive Kim sat on her bike with a microphone on her cheek. I peered into the room through the glass door and was about to leave when she waved me in. She got off her bike, found me a bike, adjusted it to fit me and then talking all the while told me to take it easy. Soon we were spinning, riding and for the next 40 minutes or so I entered spinning hell. We never stopped spinning and were told to stand up and pump, that was beyond my ability so I just sat on a horribly uncomfortable seat and tried to keep up. The towel was soon soaked, my glasses were soaked, the bike was soaked, my shirt was like rain had fallen. The pace was amazing and for a while I thought my heart would probably just throw in the towel and quit but it did not quit. Every few minutes I would peek at the clock on the side wall and just pray that it would be over, I considered stopping and walking out while I could still walk yet I kept spinning. Well I'm writing to you now loyal reader to you know I survived. Will I got back, you bet, my goal now is to be able to hold my own with the many other riders who all were obedient and leaned forward when they were told to, adjusted the tension ever tighter and stayed with the driving beat of the music and Kim's relentless browbeating. She is not only not hard to look at but also an outstanding teacher and leader.

After we finally stopped I was amazed to discover I could still stand up and the ground did not shake. Lets just say I walked through the weight machines, tossed the towel and drove directly home. I did not pass Starbucks or anything else. I've been in the recliner for 2 hours catching my breath. All in all a great experience.

This morning I met with Jim Edwards, my doctor and we went over the recent blood tests. While there were some less than ideal signals most of the reports were very good. Vit D was low and a friend recently supplied me with just the right bottle of pills to solve that. My cholesterol was an amazing 96 and my bad cholesterol was within the proper range but my good cholesterol was low. My A1C, a long term look at the blood sugar levels was up, 7.1 this time from 6.5 last time a year ago. PSA was very low which is good.

I had taken logs of blood sugar sticks and also records of many blood pressures over the past month. Jim took everything into account and then made some changes in my medications, one move from Crestor to a less expensive one will help financially. He also gave me samples of a brand new drug that is given sub que, the needle is so tiny you don't feel it. This drug helps draw down blood sugar levels and instead of prompting weight gain this one actually enhances efforts to lose weight. I'm excited about that one. Jim also pointed out that there is a difference in the actual levels of omega 3 delivered between the brands that are sold as prescriptions and the ones sold by CostCo and CVS. I checked my bottle this evening and it only delivers 300 mg of omega 3 yet is sold have having 1,000 mg. That was very good information to know. My time there was well spent.

So today I've survived the doctor's office, the spinning class, Keanna's visit and the writing of an appraisal.

I have to close tonight with the perfect ending to a busy day. I know from checking on line banking that I had about $1,400 toward the house payment that had to be made today which is $2,518. I've been waiting for payment from Capital One for over two weeks with nothing being deposited to my account. This evening there was an email informing me of payment for 4 appraisals which is being direct deposited into my account. I now can make the house payment. Living this close is very unnerving but also a real faith builder. I've done nothing to deserve His help but I certainly appreciate it deeply and constantly.

Love to all,

Tim

A long but safe day

9: pm. Home at last. Ken dragged me out into the cold this morning to walk, well actually he asked me if I would like to go and I said yes. At first it was very windy and cold but it got better as we walked and talked.
Once I was back, had breakfast and a shower I loaded up and left for Livermore. As the Yamaha Golf Cart center neared suddenly the rain began to fall. The manager was kind enough to lift the batteries out of the back of the bug and I asked about a replacement cushion for the rear seat of the golf cart, amazingly they had one on the shelf which they sold to me for just $25.
I then dialed the GPS in for Hollister and began the trip. It promised an arrival time of 11:30 and it was very close. I inspected the empty house, shot 8 comparables and then left for Jason and Jo's place at MBA. In a few minutes I was at their front door and Timothy ran out to greet me. He was having a good day with his mother and after a few minutes I left for my next appointment in Lodi.
Now I'm home and very ready to head to bed. I see that I have a Doctor's appointment at 8 in the morning which I'm looking forward to. Then I'll probably run over to Concord to do a driveby and then back to pickup Keanna at school.
While I've driven about 300 miles today I'm thankful for a safe day and one with all kinds of weather, from driving rain to sunshine. Its a beautiful time of the year with everything green, flowering and giving off tons of pollen, lovely for us hay fever sufferers.
So good night all,

love

tim

Varied tasks

Good evening
As I'm heading to bed I thought I would bring you up to speed on my day. First to Vacaville to see a nice little place, then to CostCo for cat food, mundane stuff, then home to work for awhile, then off to Weight Watchers where amazingly I've lost yet another pound. Now its 8 lbs down. I really don't deserve it.
Then to the club to watch Keanna in her swimming lesson and Kallie running, playing, eating Cheerios and smiling a whole lot.
Then home to do some heavy lifting. The batteries, all 6 of them needed to be transferred to the bug so I could get them back to the Livermore company to honor my word. While I was in town I picked up a 3 dollar device that lets you grab batteries and lift them. They are very very heavy and would break your foot if they fell. Well the device worked perfectly on two of the batteries but the other 4 had a different terminal which did not stick up enough for the device to get a hold. What to do, lifting the batteries with bare hands was out of the question for me, just two heavy. So what to do. Using two nails as pins I devised a way to make the lifting device stay connected the battery, it worked and all 6 batteries are now safely loaded in the back of the bug for delivery tomorrow morning. I think I will just keep going then to Hollister to do an appraisal that came in today and then hurry back for a dinner appointment tomorrow evening which I do not plan to miss.
I must say the bug sure drives nicely now with its new tires and quieter engine. It starts rapidly now and seems to run perfectly.
Now off to bed since neighbor Ken has decided that we should walk in the morning at 6 am. Too early!
Love to all,

Tim

Rested

Hi

I'm just home from driving back in the motorhome from MBA. Along the way I stopped to see Ron Wing, Irene's husband. We lost Irene Jan. 26 and Ron and I have been able to have a couple meaningful times when we can talk. Tonight was one such night. He took his son Eric and me to Hometown Buffet and we all ate like there was no Weight Watchers, yikes. We were able to share important stuff and just had a good evening.

This morning Jason and I walked Timothy and my dogs to the beach. It was a splendid morning, not a bit cold and clear. During the day we tackled several projects. With a fresh charge in the newly installed batteries Jason took Timothy and me on a ride around campus. The golf cart performed perfectly in spite of Jason's horrific driving, who taught that boy to drive? Mmmm. While we were out we toured the administration building where Jason's classrooms are located. During spring break a dedicated individual has been painting and after 4 coats of paint has the walls and ceilings of the hallways beautifully white. The ceiling had not been painted since the building was constructed many many years ago. They are doing many updating things to the halls and entry which will bring the building up to date.

Jason then planted me on his riding lawnmower and I mowed his huge yard, besides putting the wrong gas in the tank and popping off a belt my work went smoothly. He has a very cute little compressor and we managed to get all his tires, car, golf cart, bike, bike trailer, all of them to the correct levels. He repaired the recliner which had lost a nut, we fixed the windshield on the golf cart, we were awesome in the repair department.

Finally this afternoon it came time to unplug from the house, button down all the loose stuff in the motorhome and drive home. Oh how I hate to drive out from MBA. Sometimes it feels like driving out of heaven and back to earth.

Yes, the trip to MBA has done its refreshing magic once again. I want to thank Jason and Jo for their generous hospitality, for sharing Timothy in so many ways and for providing a safe haven to visit once in awhile to settle the tumult of life just a bit.

Love

Tim

PS What fun to share photos of family and especially Kidos.

A Great Family Day

Dear Family and Friends,
What a beautiful day? I slept in until almost 8:30 this morning, amazing really. Then I had some breakfast and watched a bit of 3ABN which varies from good at times to very boring. Using the little shower in the motorhome I prepared for the upcoming day expecting we would be going to Sabbath School. Plans changed as Timothy slept in very late, a rest he really needed. Jason and Jo decided we would go to Monterey and enjoy the sunny day. Jason prepared a great picnic lunch and we drove down. Finding a parking place nearby we ventured into a really enjoyable kids park where Timothy enjoyed going down a slide that is composed of a series of rollers, he loved it. He also like the maze and other play structures. Then we went to a really terrific newly created park which serves as an access point for divers wanting to enter the ocean. We found a picnic table and ate our lunch which seemed to taste even better in such a stunning spot with Monterey Bay on one side and a vast expanse of lawn on the other. Afterward we walked around for a little bit and then headed home.
Once home we all took needed naps including Timothy who slept for over 2 hours. Jason and I puttered around after he woke up and this evening we have the golf cart running again. The new batteries worked great and now it is ready to go and to sell.
Once again this evening it is cold and in spite of having the furnace on I'm sitting in shorts at the table as I write and I'm cold. The dogs are ready to go to bed and are carefully watching me for cues as to when to run to the bed and jump up.
What is really exciting around here is the great news that Jason and Jo are going to make Timothy a big brother! Timothy called me last week to tell me the news and we are all very excited, well Jo is not quite so excited as she gets to endure the side effects of the whole process.
As I sit here this evening if I strain to hear I can detect the sounds of the surf which is a few blocks away. In the morning we will head to the ocean for a nice walk.
I'm certainly hoping your day was great too. I'm reminded that the Sabbath is a time to recharge our batteries, God knew what we needed and in the same manner as my new cell phone battery which arrived on Friday in the mail is now fully charged and working great. Without the chance to recharge we run out of emotional energy, with a huge dose of nature and family today I'm feeling much better about life again.
So I'm sending love to all,

Tim
ps I'm sure enjoying the new ipod that Marilyn sent. What fun to learn how to make this amazing device work. Jo is a good teacher as she has one too.

Catching my breath at MBA

Dear Family and Friends,
I'm writing to you this evening from the motorhome, it is parked by the ocean at Jason and Jo's house at Monterey Bay Academy. If I try hard I can hear the breakers on the shore and otherwise there is a huge wall of silence, what a place to recharge ones emotional batteries.
I had hoped to get away fairly early this morning from home but one thing after another kept popping up to block my progress. A MLS board I needed to access to complete a report suddenly was blocked and the tech people did not solve it until late this afternoon. I had a mini battle with my bank, conditions kept coming in and I was stressing over whether I should make the trip or stay home and work. A friend called at a crucial moment and the advice given was right on so I loaded up the coach and hit the road.
I decided to try to obtain batteries for Jason's golf cart we had given him years ago. Its batteries had failed and I hoped I could purchase some used ones. I had no idea of helpful the manager would be. He took me to a pallet that had 6 batteries sitting on it. He said they were about a year old and were still good. He charged me $100 for the 6 when they are usually at least $25 each. He loaded them in cardboard boxes and sat them on the floor of the motorhome. What a blessing.
Then I was able to locate a place nearby that sells propane and since I was on empty I was able to purchase 13 gallons or pounds. finally I was on the road.
When I arrived I found Nikki and the girls were here visiting, the kids were playing and sharing nicely. Eventually we discovered that we were hungry and Jason and Jo guided us to a nice Italian place in Santa Cruz. What fun to share time with my precious people, the kids enjoyed their dinners, the adults talked, it was good. Well worth the trip just to be together like this.
After we returned to MBA Jason guided me in so I could park sort of level. Then we put these little egg crate leveling squares down and instantly the motorhome was perfectly level. Its rare to get it this good.
I am anticipating that you will have a blessed weekend.

love

tim

It was beautiful

Dear Family and Friends,
This morning I drove to Stockton to conduct an inspection for a bank, the one funding the construction of the home. I was not prepared for what I found. The contractor met me at the street and the home was nearly completed. It backs to the Stockton Channel and has a direct view of Mt Diablo from the center kitchen window. The home was what the term high end really means. From the carefully installed solid wood doors to the $100,000 of tile work to the 4 bathrooms filled with marble, everything was perfectly done. The detail that went into this home was really amazing and the contractor was very proud of his work. They are a few weeks from completing the home and it will be masterpiece when completed. So I shot dozens of photos of the details, emailed them to the lender and come some day I'll get a check for $50 for my troubles but it was worth it this time just to see a home like this. Our mansions in heaven must be like this one.
Although I've hardly coughed at all today my chest has pain and heaviness. It may be from the workout at the club but it sure is no fun. Every movement comes with great effort.
This evening I drove over to Mountain House to inspect what they call a condo. It is really a very nice property and is going out at $205,000. Nice thing about this order is I've already been paid for my work on this one.
This evening I brought the motorhome home so I could load it and prepare for a trip to see Timothy and his parents. Part of me just feels to tired to even think of loading up but I know trips there are always a lift. I'm very tired of being ill, of feeling poorly and frankly I'm depressed. By doing all the work to keep the company thriving I now do what the accountant used to do, the phone person and the writer. I don't have any time to keep up with the house and all that goes with that. I long to attack the garage, locate Nikki and Jason's old toys, throw trash away, long to get the house painted, long to get a stone in place to mark Nan's grave site, long to knock down the tall grass and weeds and so the list goes.
Along with challenges I also want to be reflective of blessings that come nearly every day. I get to set my own hours, its basic, if I'm awake I need to be working, I get to live by Willow Lake with its geese, ducks, fish etc. Money is still coming in to cover the basics but every month the tax bill gets higher.
I hope your day has been more positive.

love

tim

Another day and the mail delivers

Dear Family and Friends,
The mail was finally kind to me today. Combined with the fee I collected at my 10 am appointment here in Discovery Bay I received almost enough to pay the house payment. What a huge blessing. I am grateful.
This morning at the inspection here in Discovery Bay I noticed something that rarely happens. When I was measuring the huge U-dock and admiring a handsome yacht moored there I happened to look at the water, it was totally still and looked like black ink. Almost always there is some ripple on the surface of the lake and other bodies of water here in the development but it was so still.
This afternoon I was honored to pick up Keanna after her gymnastics camp let out. We discussed what to do first and she eventually settled on McDonalds and then home to watch some Clifford the Big Red Dog on the DVR. She went through a jello and a popcorn and then we drove back to the fitness club where her mother was doing kick boxing, beware of Nikki, she is lethal. Keanna went to their play area and I went to work on the machines. I knocked off after friend insisted that working out and a fever really was not a good idea.
Now this evening I'm back home and heading for bed early. I have to be a Nikki and Steve's in the morning at 6:50 since Steve has a side job and the kidos need care when they wake up. It will be fun. After I am finished with getting them to their respective places for the day then I'll drive to Stockton to do a quick inspection and perhaps see a condo in Mountain House.
I am humbled by the manner in which work arrives. At just the moment when it looks like I've caught up and there is no more work to do, something else arrives, often from a source I don't even know.
These are trying times for our business. The feds announced today that the starts of new homes is at its lowest point ever since records have been kept. Don't they get it in Washington? People cannot and will not purchase homes when their own income is so iffy. Washington cannot produce enough jobs to employ America. It has to be small business and loading us up with tax after tax just makes us more determined to NOT hire anyone. If instead of the poorly planned stimulus package that at best hires people for a very short term, the government would have given everyone a payroll holiday on their deductions, lowered the tax burden for those who actually hire people and helped create a friendly environment for people who are willing to take a chance on new ideas the economy would be in a much better place by now. No government has ever spent its way out of a recession, Japan tried and has suffered years later for its efforts, Germany is doing much better than we are and they resisted the huge government spending ideas opting instead for ways to encourage small businesses. France also resisted huge spending by the government. Americans do their best when they are free, not loaded down by worry about huge new taxes, not swamped by government regulations or the idiotic cap and trade ideas.
I fear it will take new people in office with ideas that work, people who have run businesses, who have had to work for a living and know how to produce, people like that are needed in Washington. There are very few people in the White House that have ever had to meet a payroll, to cope with the challenges of running a business and it shows by the endless drivel that comes on a day by day basis from Gibbs.
I just hope American can hold out long enough before there is a huge housecleaning, before people who believe in America, who think we are actually a good people, that know America is special, who remember all that America has done to free the world, the hundreds of thousands who have died defending England, freeing France, pushing back Hitler. I read with interest an email that came through today, about the population centers that voted in the last election, about the numbers of people who were on public assistance compared to the areas where the majority of the people actually hold jobs and pay their own way, then take a look at how they voted. Lets just say the present president was elected by huge numbers of people who rely on government. And now that number is growing fast again. What happened to welfare reform under Clinton? Its all gone now, forgotten as the mass looks to the government for their hope instead of to themselves.
I find it amusing how today Democrats are crying out about the hate messages. What do they really expect when they break every norm of decency, do they think they will be loved? There is never an excuse for violence but I seem to remember some very hateful things repeated over and over during the Bush years even by the leaders of the democratic party but of course those didn't get any play since the press and democrats are pretty closely aligned. Actions have consequences, when you ignore the American people who 2 to 1 did not want this bill, do they think people are just going to get over it, forget it?
It is an interesting time and I just hope American can hold on a bit longer, resist the explosion of government as it creeps into every facet of our lives.
America has been very good to me and whenever I have traveled out of the country I always have a very emotional time when I touch down or step ashore after being anywhere else. This is my country and I'm proud of her.
So take care this evening, love those around you, touch people, hug often and plan to vote soon.

Love to all,

Tim

The bug finally comes home

Dear Everyone,
I will say this, my life is seldom boring. The day started with wind chimes clanging about outside, crash, bang so for two hours I planned to get up and close the door but never woke up enough to actually do it.
After a quick breakfast of oatmeal I headed to the office and managed to crank out the very challenging appraisal for the poorly constructed home in Wilton. These big unusual ones take hours more but of course the pay is the same, hence the long hours it takes to get the work out.
At 12:30 I was finally able to escape to the rental car and head for Santa Rosa. Along the way I started to enjoy the new IPOD Marilyn had given to me. Lois had downloaded one book and I enjoyed it very much. However before I reached Santa Rosa the volume went down to nothing so I had to give up. The last thing I wanted to hear was Obama and his stooge Biden crowing over their plan to break America financially. Thank goodness states are coming together to launch a court challenge. As the truth begins to emerge about what the bill actually mandates it is just mind boggling, every month the IRS will check to see if you still have health insurance, if not the fines begin, 16,000 new agents who sole purpose is to spy on citizens of this country and to levy fines and make threats. Medical panels who will tell your local doctor how much he can charge and how many times you can even see your doctor in a year. Medical advisers to guide you as to your options when you grow old, you don't really need that hip replacement, just take pain killers, you are going to die soon anyway!
And tonight the news is out re: the brave guy that tried to stand up for no government money for abortions, well two days before the vote airports in his district suddenly received grants from the government even though they are seldom used by regular fliers. We have just seen the worst in American politics, bribery, extortion, threats. If this is such a good bill and it helps people so much why do you have to resort to such terrible acts to get it past? Why, let it stand on its wonderful merits. Congress and the president think they know better than Americans what is good for them. Polls showed overwhelming opposition to this bill but the politicians ignored the will of the people and crammed it through. Oh how proud these men and women must be in their hearts to have done this. Who is going to pay for the huge costs that are coming?
Before long you will begin hearing about a VAT tax. Europe has had it for many years, simply put it is yet another way for the federal government to charge a tax on everything you buy or sell, everything. So on top of your taxes you already pay the VAT will be yet another tax burden on all Americans. It will come and it will hit everyone.
Or they could just stop spending, do what the rest of us do, only spend what you and then wait until you have money again to spend more.
The current gang in Washington is spending at a rate that has never been seen before, even before and during the war and what do we have to show for it? Nothing but more debt.

This afternoon as I drove along to Santa Rosa I got a call from Justin, the manager of the car repair place that has had the bug. He told me that after letting the car idle for an hour there was no oil dripping. So I drove the rental car to Concord, turned it in and was then driven to the repair facility where I picked up my poor little car. He pointed out that my car had a composite device which served as the rear main seal and the supporter system for it. His mechanic not knowing it was composite had turned the bolt too hard and destroyed the system. So as I understand it these guys have had my transmission out, replaced the seal with a new one held in place by aluminum and it was finally fixed.
I enjoyed driving it home tonight and I'm thankful that the car repair people did such a great job on it. It has been a costly process but all the work they did after the original job has been on warranty.

Now I'm home, Lois has the IPOD to try to figure out how it works so she can teach me and I'm heading to bed soon.

Sending love to all and so thankful that God is not surprised by Washington at all and is in control.

love

Tim

7 pounds down!

Dear Family and Friends,
Well it was back to work today. I had a horrible time of sleeping last night and finally fell asleep at 2 am this morning. My mind just could not accept the reality of the health care bill and its terrible implications on freedom, the economy and the damage it will do to doctors, hospitals and most important the patients.
At 5:45 the alarm woke me for my walk with Ken. Oh my body cried out, not yet as I slowly rolled over and sat up. The walk was cold and tedious and I was glad when it was over. I came back to a warm house and showered and left for John Muir lab for my blood draw. The lady doing the draw let me know about a little place nearby for breakfast. Its called Diggers Diner and the oatmeal was superb.
I drove back home, settled into my work chair and an hour later woke to begin a much needed appraisal. It took the rest of the day to get it done.
Around noon at Lois's prompting I drove to the post office and picked up the IPOD package sent by Marilyn. Lois kept exclaiming how neat, how neat as she opened the packaging. She played with it a bit and informed me it was wonderful, its an ITouch so using it will be easy. I am so excited, never had one before and I think it can hold dozens of books, ready to play and listen to at any moment. Tomorrow Lois will see if the first book really did download like she was attempting to do.
At 5:30 I raced out the door for Weight Watchers and there was still a line of people being helped when I arrived. The room was full of people with hope to be lighter and healthier. I was informed that I have now lost 7 lbs. Of course I was very surprised and pleased.
All day I waited to hear from the car repair place about the bug and not a word came through. I certainly hope they can fix it and stop the leaking. Meanwhile I keep driving the rental car and they keep paying the bill. I'm getting used to the little car, its a kick.
I am feeling better with less coughing today. A friend supplied some D3 which I've started taking and I'm glad to be getting a little more D in my system.
So I'm signing off now, dead tired and I think ready to sleep all night. So far Ken has not called and I do not intend to call him this late.
Love to all

Tim

Tonight they win but in November we do when they are gone.

Good evening,
I am so disappointed in the congress tonight and I think it might just take the November election to begin to fix the mess they voted this evening. Does not the will of the american people mean anything anymore? Name one government program that is working like it is supposed to be working. Social Security - broke, Medicare - broke, Post Office - broke and on it goes. The government does nothing well and every country that has tried to have government do more and more is in trouble financially.
I will concentrate my efforts on replacing my local congressman, he's a total washout, just does what Nancy tells him to do and he held out until he got a washington gift of more water for the district and then voted yes. This time I'll campaign, work phones, whatever it takes to replace this dunce with someone in touch with his people. The people in our district were against this health care bill 2 to 1 and yet he votes against the people. Hope he has a nice job because he will be returning to it in a few months.
I can tell you this, its just Steve and me, I would not hire someone and have to worry about paying for health care as well or face a fine. Not going to do that and there are thousands of other small businesses that think the same. Can you imagine raising taxes on small business owners in a time like this? Its madness.
How long before America will rise up in revolt over government taking over everything. One huge part of the bill that was added in the last few days is a total government takeover of all student loans. Banks will no longer be doing this, why?
I slept poorly last night out of concern about this monster which is being forced on our country and lives and I'm no happier tonight. If the average American knew the full facts about what is to become the law of the land they would croak. 16,000 new IRS agents to be hired to enforce the healthcare funding, medical boards in Washington will decide what your doctor can charge and how he can treat his patients. up to 1/3 of the doctors are considering retirement because of the implications of the bill and those that remain will have to care for up to 32 million more patients along with the ones they already treat, can you say rationing.
I wonder how the rise of the power and size of government fits into last day events, a president who has almost nothing to do with religion, who is so full of himself that it is becoming obvious to even main stream media, whose poll numbers are in a free fall, what is this guy capable of?
I fear for our country and I can only trust that God is fully aware of how far we have drifted from what makes this country great and He is still in control.

I had a busy day, drove to Hayward this morning and oh did I miss the GPS. Its in the beetle which I hope to get back tomorrow, who knows, its been out of commission for over a week now.
After Hayward I drove nearly to Sacramento to shoot 10 comps spread over a 10 miles radius. That took a very long time and I was late to the concert held in a wonderful church in Lodi. The Stockton Chorale presented a very enjoyable concert and I enjoyed it with a friend.

At this point I'm ready for bed and just hope I can let the kooks be and sleep. Nan would just talk to me and remind me that I could not do anything to fix the problem that night so I might as well sleep. She was right.

I'm sending my love to all,

Tim

The Sabbath brings rest, friends, family

Dear Family and Friends,

Ken coaxed me back outside for a brisk morning walk at 7. It was interesting with lots of coughing. Once I reached home I quickly loaded seats back into the van, ate a quick breakfast and raced to pick up the girls.

We had a great time driving to church and took in all the domestic animals along the way. At one point there were some horses on a hill far away from the highway and Kallie called it right with both their name and their sounds.

When we arrived Keanna raced off to her sabbath school division where Sylvia was working and Kallie and I went to our room only to discover that we were the only ones there. So Kim ran the full program for Kallie and a little later another family joined the fun. I've included yet another angel photo of Kallie. I enjoy seeing her with wings, white wings.

After Sabbath School we ventured into Burger King. This one was nice in that the children's play area was small enough that Kallie could play and under Keanna's guidance she even came down the slide many times. Finally I decided it was time to leave and head for home. Kallie thought otherwise so I ended up carrying her to the car tucked under my arm. Once in the car she settled down and by the time we were home she had fallen into restful sleep. Steve expertly lifted her and took her to her bed where she napped for awhile.

I had received a call from Justin at the car repair place which let me know that when they started the car this morning oil was oozing out and they needed the rest of the day to repair it.

This afternoon I went on a lake cruise with Ray and Lois and as we were coming back Justin called to update me. He said somehow the rear main seal had been nicked by a tool at some point and would need to be replaced at their cost. So now it looks like perhaps I will get my car back. I really appreciate how faithful they guys are being at getting it right. Meanwhile I'm driving a little rental car that Keanna thinks is cute, its about her size really.

This evening Nikki called to see if I wanted to join them at Strings in Brentwood. The food was good, the kids were a bit wild and tired from a huge day. By now they are fast asleep and Nikki and Steve can finally relax a bit.

While I intended to catch a nap today it just didn't happen. It was a lovely day with warm sunshine to enjoy.

Tomorrow is a work day for me with a 10 am appointment in Hayward, it pays money on the spot, yea!

Sending love and it was so very special to get to talk to friends today. It is always such a lift to spend time in pleasant conversation.

love

tim

Car repair part 3 / Sabbath arrives

Dear loved ones,
After a restless night and two more thermofar (sp) treatments I hit the deck running. I wrote up an appraisal, emailed it to the east coast and then began a second one. A couple orders came in and finally at about 11:30 I called the repair place in Antioch where my car was being worked on. I was told that a car carrier had just picked up the car and it was being delivered back to the original repair shop in Walnut Creek. What the person told me was, we decided that the mechanic that caused the damage should repair it. Well that got my attention and he told me that the manager from Walnut Creek would be calling me. Justin called a couple hours later to tell me they were working on it, that some part had been damaged and a new part was being delivered and it had something to do with the rear seal, well that got my attention. He called me as I was measuring a house in the country to tell me that the car was now repaired and when I mentioned about any leaks he said that there were no leaks from the areas they had fixed, any other leaks were my business. Well since it did not leak at all before I think I'm good.
I drove the little rental car to Wilton this afternoon only to discover I had left the entire file on the desk so I had to drive all the way back and get it.
The house in Wilton was a huge disappointment. It is without a doubt one of the worst built homes I have ever seen. Nothing was done right when it was constructed. The phone company will not even use the phone wiring it is so substandard, the electrical borders on the edge of dangerous, all the dual pane windows leak water, water bubbles up through the tile when it rains, the bathroom have the cheapest fiberglass glued to the walls around the tubs and every vanity is loose, poor quality and a bad joke. The list just goes on about the many problems with this house. I think it could take $80,000 for a contractor to do what needs to be done to make the house safe and tight. Not only that but the road getting to the property is a private road so there is no county maintenance. It had chuck holes as big as the tires on the little car.
The tenants could not have been nicer. A nice Christian family with 4 children they love to live in the house in spite of its flaws. They have chickens, horses, dogs, a pond and 20 acres to ride and play. The fact that the cable TV system will not work means nothing to this family. They are too busy to worry about no TV.
Now I'm home and very ready for bed. Its been a trying week and the coughing is still pretty bad at times, head swims after the coughing, headache gets unbearable and thinking clearly is pretty tough. Looking forward to feeling better soon.

love

tim
ps I'm going to give it a try for the girls in the morning. I have a little mask I can wear in the car so I don't infect them with nasty evil germs.

Recovering as good news arrives

Dear Family and Friends,
Last night I finally made the big move and got the Thermaphor (sp) out of its box and in spite of it being a bit late I gave it a try. It really gets warm and the amazing thing is, it pulls moisture from the air and one ends up with a damp heat. Once I woke up this morning I did the same thing again. It automatically cycles through 4 little green bars and then cools down. Today the cough has been much looser and less painful so I think it helped. Thank you Sylvia for picking it up for me and no I've not forgotten I need to pay you for it!
Once up I peeled my eyes open and quickly showered. When I hit the scales I discovered that I'm down 12 lbs from my high point. That was good news indeed.
After an oatmeal breakfast I did the commute to the office, its about 20 steps and the dogs usually walk with me in case I drop some food or dain to give them a treat.
I set to work and finished a report that needed to be emailed out.
Since it was such a nice day I tried for an appointment in nearby Oakley. It worked out fine for a 2 pm appointment. Last minute I decided to take the bug to see just how bad the oil leak was. Well now we know, every place I came to a stop has a tiny oil circle on the pavement. Once the appraisal was completed I decided impulsively to call the repair place to see if they could check out the oil drip. They have a different branch of the same company in downtown Antioch. I was very pleased that they could see me and I liked the people there from the very start. They put it right up on a rack and I waited to be told that the main seal was leaking. That is what I expected and I knew to repair it would take thousands of dollars. In a few minutes the manager came over to tell me the mechanic had located one of the main bolts holding the pan on the engine was totally stripped out and oil was leaking there due to the lack of a tight seal between the block and the pan. I was so relieved to get the news that actually was something they did and it could be repaired. They then proceeded to order a rental car for me which they paid for and I'll go back tomorrow when they call after they have it fixed.
On another front many of the MLS boards have been entering into sharing agreements lately where if you belong to one board you can access other boards through their site. I had just paid $102 to a board in Sonoma and Solano county for the next three months so when I discovered I can access their board through my own board I called to see if I could get a refund. The lady was great and tomorrow will credit it back to the credit card, my bank account. Yea, a little victory but in the right direction for a change.
In general I'm feeling better today, not great but the salad I made for lunch was simply wonderful but I found that about 3 hours later I was pretty hungry again so out came the 1 point chocolate bar from weight watchers.
On my way home I decided to have my blood work. I got right to the grim reaper and he discovered that the form was marked 12 hour fast. I had missed the check expecting a written comment so now I have to give up until tomorrow morning on the blood draw.
I'm missing my kidos so much. Due to the illness I'm about as welcome as salt in a wound, no one wants those little guys to get sick.
How I enjoy my talks with my kids and my friends, what a lift they provide to my soul.

Love

tim

Working it through

Dear Family and Friends,

Its 7:27 and I'm just about worn out. After a peaceful night, codeine does help, I got up and headed to Dr. Jim's office in Antioch. I was taken in in just a few minutes for which I was grateful, I just hate to add to other people's woes by coughing around them.

Jim checked me out and seemed to decide that the Avalox was the right medicine for the problem and I left. Since I had not eaten breakfast I went to a very nice locals place called Sylvia's. My bowl of oatmeal was outstanding and along with orange juice was my entire meal. Knowing how many points are in bread sure cuts back on the toast factor.

Once breakfast was over I drove home and set to work. Once the report was completed and emailed out to the east coast I then went back into the field and inspected a little house on a very big acre+ lot in Brentwood. Shooting comparables for a mini ranchette takes a long time since they are located all over the place but with the GPS I managed to get them all shot.

I've been home since working and once again today I got an email from a management company seeing if I would like to submit an application for their panel. That is good news.

Tonight after a terrible bout of coughing a few minutes ago in which everything swims about, I can't even consider standing up for a while afterwards. I rode the stair chair upstairs to grab the codeine cough syrup. I don't usually do that in the day time but I needed relief.

So I'm in the early stages of recovery and yes I know the recovery could be faster if I could take it easier. However I'm not at a place where I can take a couple days off, just can't do it and stay on top of all the requests and urgent matters. Oh how I wish I could just rest and I know I'll be much better soon, ready to rejoin the human race. I missed picking up Keanna this afternoon, we all agree that its far to risky to expose her to me at this point. We don't want sick children at all.

So pretty soon I'm heading to bed. I woke at 5 am this morning ready to get up but actually put it off until 6:15. I'm learning how the rest of the world lives vehicle wise. The van does pretty good for a big car but its only doing about 22.5 right now the tank is sliding toward empty. In the bug I would go 560 miles for about $32. In the van I go about 385 miles and pay about $60. It does make a difference.

On the bug front I've not felt up to driving it back to Walnut Creek to have them check it out, about what is wrong, where is all the oil coming from. I'm preparing myself for the worst outcome so anything less will be like winning.

I would appreciate your prayers for me right now. My normal life is pretty much lived on the edge all the time and when the bug costs $1,100 that makes everything else have to wait.

Tomorrow I hope to see a big property in Wilton, 20 acres and a large house. Will be interesting to inspect and then even more interesting to find comps in the area. In the old days we could charge more for these challenging ones but not so much now. The fee is set by the management company, they know nothing of the property and really don't want to be called to ask for more. She went up $25 for this one. I used to get $500 for a job like this, now its $400 and I'm glad to get the work.

If you have an opinion about this health care disaster that is about to get voted on please let your reps know how you feel. Stay positive and kind and just let them know that your doctors, the ones you trust are very fearful of how they can treat 30 million more people, be paid less than they are now and not have to compromise on the quality of care they are committed to. My doctor told me today and he would retire if he could, that he fears for his patients and he thinks the country is out of control right now.

Nan used to always remind me that God is still up there and that would calm me down a bit. Starr and Lady are afraid to try to calm me down, they think I might cut back on their treats so they stay quiet.

The photo is of the lake tonight, a nice sunset to a very challenging day. I'm sure there are some things I'm thankful for, like someone pointed out, yes the bug let me down but it could have been in the fast lane on the freeway in driving rain, the worn tires could have blown at any minute. I guess there are rainbow tints to much of what we experience.

So friends, good night

love

Tim

Rocky day

Hi,
After a night of tossing and turning, of chills and fever I rose on unsure legs to greet the day. It was so cold and miserable that I went back to bed for 20 more minutes. My shower was hot and punishing. Once I made it downstairs I found my mug of steel cut oats hot and delicious.
I headed out for a 9 am appointment in Vacaville but that did not happen. Once I reached the Brentwood Bypass three police cars blocks the road so I along with dozens of other cars changed our course. What I found when I once again joined the Bypass was very alarming. A gray SUV was on its side in the intersection and a little black car was smashed clear back to the window. It was a horrible mess and Nikki later told me the person in the black car was in very serious condition.
That little detour cost me about 20 minutes and then there was the Rio Vista Bridge open for the passage of a large ship, that cost me 20 minutes and there were various other road crews out spending stimulas money by looking at their shovels. So my 9 am arrival was delayed until 10:15 but the people were still there at the house. When I climbed out the van I could hardly stand up, everything ached so much, my head hurt a lot all day, the coughing is relentless and nothing seems to calm it down.
As I drove to Vacaville I called Dr. Jim and he agreed to phone is a script for antibiotic. I had to drive to Vacaville to take three photos and I ended up spending about half my day for this trip and it pays $75.
Once I got home I prepared the CIR, a form which states that problems had been dealt with at the property. I then left for Modesto to see yet another house. I am just glad to be back home safe and sound tonight as I was pretty much out of it.
So now its bed time, 9:10 and I see Jim at 8:30 in the morning in Antioch.
I long for better days, when I can feel human again.

love

tim

Dealing with life and getting sick

Dear Family and Friends,
Stay away from me, I'm running a fever, coughing constantly, lips are all chapped, feel generally lousy.
This morning I completed an appraisal, then loaded up the tires and went to CostCo, $316 later I was out the door. They would be ready by night!
I drove back and wrote another report which was due today and then slipped in just under the wire for Weight Watchers. What a positive organization. Now if I would just do what they gently suggest I'd be dumping the lbs. As it is I've lost nearly 5 lbs since I joined and I'm delighted. Right after the meeting was over I headed back to CostCo and picked up the tires, they are so pretty, all new and smiling.
On the way home I made a deposit at the bank, the mailperson was good to me today.

This morning the manager of the place that did the pan and other repairs to the car was on the phone. Of course he has to see it and play with it for awhile which means I'll be stuck in Walnut Creek again. But I am having a growing feeling that when I idled it into the station with the oil plug missing I ruined the rear main seal. Something tells me that will be very expensive to repair. I hope I'm wrong but that is my best guess right now. Why I didn't climb under the car when I saw the light come on and discover the plug missing I don't know. Had I known I would have called the tow truck, I have the premium service. Hind sight is so special.

In the morning I had to be in Vacaville at 9 to reinspect a property and I also need to see one in Modesto so I guess it is time to drive the van tomorrow.

I woke up feeling poorly this morning and as the day progressed it got worse and worse. The walk this morning in the cold was constant coughing, no fun.

This evening on my way home I slipped into the club but confined myself to just one rep of 12 since my face is beet red and I'm feeling pretty lousy.

Tonight I'm trying the Thermaphore that Sylvia picked up for me at the conference office. It can't hurt.
I send my love to all,

tim

Drip drip drip

Dear Family and Friends,
Hope your Sunday has been a joy. Mine has been spent in the driver's seat of son in law Steve's Honda Civic. Nikki still had the van and after a short drive this morning I discovered that the bug is dripping even more oil. This afternoon after returning from the field I started it, backed it out and jacked it up so I could get underneath and see where the oil was coming from. What I found was not so good. A constant drip of oil was coming down the side of the pan from between the pan and the engine and when I checked the dipstick the oil was slightly over full in spite of all the oil I have lost since last night in Walnut Creek. I'm not sure what is happening but its not good. But while I had the car up in the air I discovered that both front tires were worn along the edges so bad that I could see a band of steel showing, they were set to blowout at any moment. That was a shocker.
In the morning I'll take the two front tires to either CostCo or America's tires and purchase new ones. I'm going to do this before I try to get the bug back to Walnut Creek for followup repairs. Seems the hits just keep on coming.
It was a very nice day today with warm sunshine all the way to Novato and back. Steve's little car hums down the road and is a pleasure to drive. I quickly learned how to use his GPS and it guided me everywhere I needed to go.
Do you ever consider the upcoming week from the vantage point of Sunday night? I often think ahead wondering what to expect and as I look to this week I really have some concerns.
I'm sending love to you this evening and best wishes for a successful week.

Love

tim

The Shipley Girls go to Sabbath School

Kallie tries on her wings at Sabbath School, is it just me or she really a cutie!

Dear Family and Friends,

I'm just in from picking up my bug in Walnut Creek. Thank goodness for kind neighbors. Last night it was Ken who rescued me when the car broke down with a missing oil plug and tonight it was Ray who drove with me over to Walnut Creek where we had dinner and then drove back. The total came to almost $800 for a new oil pan, new plug, new serpentine belt, new headlight and other lights that had failed and of course a new oil supply and filter. The car drove great coming home and I was feeling pretty confident knowing that the engine was still working. Can you imagine how disappointed I was to discover a line of drips in the driveway, drips of oil. Yet when I just checked the oil three times it appears to be at the full mark. Ray brought over a white cardboard sheet which we placed under the car, in the morning I'll check for drips and try to determine where the leak is. This was not the outcome I expected or wanted.

This morning I had the high honor of taking Ms Keanna and Ms Kallie to Sabbath School. They both enjoyed their programs very much. Keanna was especially touched by the need for some little children who attend classes somewhere in Africa that have no uniforms to wear.

I had hoped to drive to Lodi to see the Wedgewood Trio in concert this afternoon but with so much uncertainty over when the car would be fixed I decided to just stay at home. It all worked out OK and I hope the oil drips are a minor problem with a quick fix.

Tomorrow I have an appraisal here in Discovery Bay at 10 and then on in Novato at 2:30. I also have to do follow up work on two other properties so I hope the oil drip can easily be solved.

After attending the Financial Peace class at the church I had managed to put $1,000 aside in a saving account for emergencies, well it just got spent, yet it was a blessing to have it when it was needed.

My desire is that your weekend is going well for you, that you are getting to spend quality time with your family, that your honey do list is ready for tomorrow and that you have time to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Love to all

Tim

Not such a good ending

I'm finally home thanks to Ken, my neighbor and walking buddy. I nearly had to walk home, that is from Walnut Creek, about 30 miles away.
This morning I drove down to do an appraisal for Irene Wing's home for the estate, Ron, her husband had asked if I could do it and I was very pleased to help him. After the inspection we went to lunch and had a really meaningful time sharing war stories about living alone and adjusting.
Mid afternoon I left San Jose and headed to Walnut Creek, I drove through intense rain showers at freeway speeds and arrived a few minutes early for the inspection. It was tense as not all the people in the house wanted me to be there. Afterwards I selected 8 comparables and began to drive to them for my photographs. When I shot the last photo I discovered that the oil light was flickering on the dash. Oil is one thing you do not mess with as the engine can be destroyed in seconds without oil. I checked the oil and there was none showing on the dip stick. When I had it changed a week ago my contact at Speede Lube had told me the plug was not so good anymore but appeared to be holding for now.
I limped over to a service station and purchased a quart of Mobil One. After pouring the quart in nothing showed on the dip stick. I happened to look under the car and found the oil, it had poured right through onto the asphalt, there was no plug there at all. The station was closing its service section but the owner stayed, checked around and located an oil pan which he will put on tomorrow and then we will hope that the engine was not destroyed and worth the $600 price tag for the pan.
So there I was sitting in my car at 6 pm, about 45 minutes from home. The car rental company had closed at 6, Steve had both girls preparing them for bed, Nikki was at the twins sale until 9:15 or so, Ray was with his mother in San Jose. I checked in with Ken and he was willing to stop his work and drive over to pick me up. So I ran over to Applebees and had a sandwich. Now I'm home and Ken was a life saver.
Now there is the business of getting back to the car tomorrow but I'll be concerned about that tomorrow. Right now I'm just glad to be home and I just hope the Lord will watch over my little bug as it sits out in the parking lot all alone.
Now as I look back these are my thoughts. The plug could have fallen out at any point today, when I was in heavy traffic in San Jose or in the rain as I came through Pleasanton on the freeway. It waited until I had shot my last photo, that was a blessing and to end up at a place that can fix the car and even put a new head light in, well that is a blessing. Do I have the extra money this is going to cost, well not really.
Love to all,

Tim

A Musical Feast

Just back from the an evening with the Stockton Symphony and it was incredible. How long has it been since you spent an evening immersed in the power and majesty of a full orchestra? Find one near you and go, you will not be sorry. What a difference between listening to a CD or evening watch a DVD of a concert and being there live.
This evening my friend and I enjoyed the world premiere of Fanfare for Brass Ensemble, op 102. It was loud, almost atonal and very exciting, just lasted 4 minutes. Then it was Shostakovich and Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major, op. 107. The guest cellist was in his 20s and from the bay area. He was incredible and the music was very complicated and modern. Then came the Tchaikovsky, Symphony No. 5 in E minor, op 64. This Russian composer created a piece of work that was exciting, powerful, melodic and intricate. For those of you who think you might drift off to sleep if you went to hear an orchestra, well I doubt many people slept much during this exciting number.
The conductor is Peter Jaffe and he gave a short lecture at 7:30 explaining in depth what we would be hearing in the concert. He is funny, a perfect public speaker and very good pianist as well.
All in all it was an enchanted evening and the evening along with having the opportunity to have Keanna visit this afternoon has made for a high day.
This morning I raced off early for Lodi where I inspected a home for Chevy Chase Bank. Then I raced back so I could be at the school at 11:40 when Keanna was released. I made it with time to spare and was glad to see her. We visited McDonalds and then picked up her bike at her house. We ate our lunches in her park, drove to my house, biked and hiked to my park where she played some more.
We came back home where she took care of herself and I went to work to create the report for the home that I had inspected this morning.
Now I'm very ready for bed since it is turning midnight. I'll just say this, magic is good.

love

tim

A long day of continuing education

Good evening
Steve and I left for the meeting this morning at 6:45 and I thought it was to be held in Dublin. The bug would not start so I quickly switched to the van which has no gps. Steve knew thought that the meeting was at the Double Tree in Livermore which is about a half hour away so we arrived very early for our meeting and were rested when it began.
USPAP is the most boring class available to appraisers, all of us agree, but it is also the most important to us and is required every two years. It constantly changes and it is the bible we base our appraisal creation upon. Our teacher who lives in upper New York turned out to be a very good communicator and he knew his material. He could talk for long lengths of time about very specific legal parts of the material without ever looking at his notes. He took constant questions and never failed to have the answer. In short it was a very good 7 hours in spite of it not being side slipping funny or amusing in any way. Steve and I both learned things. The room was full with more than 50 appraisers who had each paid $209 to be there so for the company offering the classes it was worth it.
Once I got home Nikki appeared with the girls and for the next hour she sorted toys for the upcoming twins sale. This event happens twice a year in Pleasanton at the county fair grounds and it is huge. The girls have learned that old toys get sold and new ones appear, they no longer throw any fuss about it. Nikki waked through the toy corner and found the items that might sell. I got to enjoy the girls and tried to keep Kallie safe and sound in my dangerous house. We had a blast. I love it when you've given her a glass of juice and she wants more, you look down and here she is with closed fists hitting them together or on the side of her glass, Papa, more please.
Tomorrow morning will find me in Stockton to do a quick appraisal and then back to pick up Keanna at school at 11:40, an early release for the inmates. We'll hit McDonalds and then the park, I'll work some and she will do her homework and watch a Clifford the Big Red Dog from the DVR. Then tomorrow night its the symphony, that will be great, can't wait.
I just want to mention that it would be good to remember to pray for each other in these challenging times.
People caring about people is one of the most wonderful gifts of life.

Love

tim

Gliding through life one day at a time

Dear Family, Friends and cohorts,
Well here I am writing early tonight so you can all get your beauty sleep for a change.
I've noticed in life that we move from one set of routines to the next. At the present I'm trying to shift to foods with less fat and calories and yet find some satisfaction. I am so busy with keeping up with the orders that I rarely think much about what to make next, I just slip into the kitchen, open doors and whatever jumps out, I eat it. I know its a very careless plan but the trick is to keep no bad foods in the house. I must say the steel cut oats were just great this morning. I added a bit of ground up flax seed which I can not produce since I discovered how to use the coffee grinder. They add a nice flavor.
This morning I wrote an appraisal that was due and then left for San Pablo where I did a driveby inspection and then drove back and wrote it. Once completed with that one I left for Oakley where I had another driveby to see. Then it was time to find diesel since I had 572 miles on the tank and the little yellow light was blinking at me. It took almost 13 gallons so I got over 44 miles per gallon. I'm not sure why that gives me so much pleasure but it does. Sort of like beating the system. Now I'm set for trips to Lodi, San Jose, Pleasanton and where ever I need to go.
This evening I would love to just settle in and watch a bit of TV but there are reports that need attention.
Tomorrow Steve and I will attend a USPAP appraiser conference in Pleasanton and get 7 hours of needed credit toward our continuing education requirement. These things do not come cheaply and this time we have to buy a $70 book, one can't attend the class without buying the book, extortion is what it feels like and no Steve and I cannot share a book, bummer.
I am happy to report that the coughing plague has about abated. I've only had a couple minor sessions today and it feels so good to be moving on.
So now I'm going to go wrestle something up to eat and then settle in for some serious work yet tonight.

Love


Tim

A chilly day, a great day to work in the office

Dear Family and Friends,
Its 9:40 and this has been a pretty good day. Ken dragged me out of bed this morning with a promise to walk at 6 am. Do you know how early and how dark it is and how cold it is? I dressed quickly to avoid frostbite and headed out. George, my big yellow kitty, was at the front door to greet me and reached up to get petted. He purred as Ken stumbled out his front door. We walked and talked and before long were around the circuit.
I sat down and started to write an appraisal that was due. Once it was completed I set to work on the next one. For breakfast my steel cut oats were steaming in the cooker and this time I used the coffee bean grinder to grind up the flax seeds.
For lunch I remembered that tonight was weight in at Weight Watchers so I cut up Romaine hearts, chopped up a tomato, added a few olives and microwaved a few pieces of vege chicken strips given to me by a friend. I chopped up the chicken pieces and then used a non fat dressings. My lunch was delicious and then I had 32 oz of ice tea from the powder. Imagine my delight to be told at weight watchers that I had lost 2 lbs. Can't say I deserved it but I'll take it and try to do better next time. I'm told I have to journal every bit I take and for some reason that seems like such a huge step.
I've been cutting way back on dairy and trying to eat large amounts of free foods, foods like tomatoes that have no calories. It seems to be working.
How nice it is during the day to have friends call and chat.
So at the end of a busy and productive day I send my blessings, rest easy my friends. You really are a special bunch.

love

tim

The yardwork can wait

Oh I had the best of intentions, get out the weed eater, the lawn mower but sadly they remain quiet tonight, forgotten by the demands of work.
We walked this morning in the sunshine and it was great. Then after breakfast I napped in my chair for a bit, must have been the walk. Finally I decided to face the day, drove to Vacaville and this time I found the address for the subject, shot my photos, drove to Mountain House and did a full appraisal and then drifted back home.
This evening I made some quick dinner and then started on an appraisal that was due on Friday. Its now completed and sent to the lender. Feels good to have it gone. I used 8 comps to tell the story and it seems like the value was pretty well supported.

Now for all of us a new week of work is at hand. What does our loving Heavenly Father have in mind for us, how does He want to use us to help people, support the sad and lonely, lift the broken.

So to all I say, lets do it, as well as we can, as fast as is reasonable, as economically as possible and always finding ways to do it better.

Love

tim

Kallie and Keanna to Sabbath School

Greetings,
This morning was spent in driving the girls to Sabbath School at the Tracy SDA Church. Nikki and Steve had them all ready to go, dressed so cute. We arrived on time and Keanna went to her program and I didn't hear from her again until it was over. I took Kallie to Sabbath School where Kim was in charge today. Diane was at the piano. They both do such a great job with the program. Kallie loved it from the minute we arrived. She took part in everything, loved all the motions, songs, stuffed animals, treats and I loved just watching her. It was pure heaven.
Nikki had given permission for them to each have a happy meal so that is what we did. Kallie managed her meal very well and just loves to dip her chicken pieces in sauce . When we got home her apple juice was gone, the chicken was gone and so were her french fries. Keanna watched a movie on the little DVD and had her food gone also. So at about 11:40 I turned them back over to their parents, drove home, made a lovely lunch of some leftovers and then snoozed in the recliner for hours. Around 4 I got up and drove to Lammerdings to deliver 4 boxes of Girl Scout cookies they had purchased from Keanna. Then I drove to the airport to pick up a friend and now I'm back home. What a beautiful relaxing day and the kidos are such a blessing to my sometimes cold heart.
At this point I'll tell you, I'm sleepy and headed for bed.

Love


tim

What a day this has been.

Dear Family and Friends,
Thanks to Lady for her guest blog last night.
This morning the alarm woke me from a very chilly night, about 34 degrees. I came down and managed to write an appraisal between 6 and 8 this morning. With that one emailed to the lender I turned my attention to breakfast, shower and getting on the road. Lois had loaned me her IPOD and it took a few minutes in the driveway to figure out how to make it work. I enjoyed the book all day and it helped the 260 miles I drove today to pass smoothly. I first drove to Novato by using Highway 4, then the Richmond parkway to 580, then San Raphael bridge past San Quentin to 101. I went up 101 for a few miles to the Novato exit and used surface streets to reach the property. What a fun place it was located up a narrow road and surrounded by forest and hills. The owner was a sea captain and he talked freely about being on the sea for 6 months and then home for a few months.
Once I left Novato I was well behind schedule and headed for a first, a little condo in Vacaville that is in public records but I never could locate the actual building. I found all the comps, the street but no 2001 on the street. One has to cut his losses eventually and keep moving so I left for Hayward, you know the one where I've been there twice before. Today someone was home and he was so nice. With that one under my belt I started to walk the comps which are all located in the complex. It turned out to be a huge complex with ups and downs to climb. Finally I made it back to the car. The Mountain House agent never called back so I headed to Tracy to have an oil change. My car was begging for fresh oil.
Once the oil change was completed under the watchful eye of a little guy who has done my car for years I left and decided on a snap decision to have dinner at Olive Garden. It was great food as usual.
Once I came home I built a fire and have enjoyed just sitting for the past hour.
Tomorrow I hope to be able to take both Kallie and Keanna to Sabbath School. I'll have to listen to my Financial Peace lecture on the CD but Kallie has not been to SS in over a month so I think its time.
There is much to be thankful for as this week comes to a close. For hundreds and hundreds of safe miles driven, for work and for some payment, for a chance to see all my little kidos this week and their parents and to get to talk to special friends.
Love to all

tim

Guest writer

Hi

I'm Lady, I've lived in this household for the past 11 years and share space with Starr the spoiled pug. I'm a dignified Scottish Terrier and patrol the back deck, barking when I need to to let the world know my opinion. My master is a pretty good guy, he drops treats when I beg real hard and usually remembers to keep my food bowl filled. Things must be a little better lately since I've noticed that there are 3 treat bags now when there used to be just 1 and it was usually empty.

This morning I knew something was up when master let me and Starr go out into the garage and then into his funny little black car. There were lots of dropped food items I was able to clean up for him and it was fun to watch out the window and see cars go by. We drove for about 30 minutes and then we stopped. He hooked me to a lease but Starr had to stay, she was not happy about that at all. We walked into this big store where every isle had stuff for dogs and cats and into a white room where master handed me over to some nice people in white clothes. I got to stay there all day and oh what fun I had.

First they put water all over me and got lots of dirty water as a result. Then they rubbed something into my skin, they brushed my teeth and then they started clipping my long matted fur off, they just kept clipping until I felt a chill. When they got through they put a white bandana around my neck and tied it. Then I waited and waited for master to come. I wondered if he had forgotten about me. Finally I heard his voice and then he was leading me out the door to the car. I met so many nice doggies that were there to get the treatment too. We rode home and I just rested.

When I got home Starr had a fit, she wanted to know where I had been, what I had seen and did it hurt? Now I'm just taking it easy and getting used to my new look. I've included a photo master took of me this evening so you can see what I look like now. Master must really love me because I heard him say, $58 real loud.

So thats what's happening here at the mustard household. I see that he has washed our blankets and sheets so our bed is going to be all clean tonight. Oh yes did I mention that Starr and I get to sleep on his big bed with him. I heard him tell Starr that someday we might have to move to our own little beds but for now we are enjoying watching him put on his Darth Vader mask each night which helps him sleep quietly.

We must be doing better as I hear master talk on the phone more now and he sounds very happy. He is gone a lot during the day doing something he calls work but Starr and I are always at the door at night to welcome him when he finally makes it home. He says it is the best thing to happen all day, to see us so anxious and happy that he is home.

So this is Lady and that's how it is.

Dry run

Hi

This morning I headed out to Hayward once again to try to see the right property this time. Armed with fresh research data and my lock box key I found the property. Imagine my shock when the lock box was empty, no key. I had driven an hour counting on access using a key that was not there. So I scrambled over to the office in Castro Valley since I was told by phone that I could obtain one there. Turns out the listing agent was home sick today and had the file with the key with her. At that point I was out of time and patience so I just drove back home and worked until it was time to pick up Keanna at school

From then on the day got better. Keanna is communicating more and more, is learning rapidly at school and is amazing in general. We did the McDonalds stop, went to a book fair where she picked up some books she liked and then came back home so Papa could turn out a report and she could do homework, play on the computer and eat a bit of popcorn.

As the day wound down suddenly a thunder and lightning storm hit and scared Keanna with its intensity and volume.

I delivered her to her music class with rain pelting the windows and wind buffeting the car.

Once Keanna was settled I decided on a whim to drive to PayLess Shoes. While I was there I found a very decent pair of shoes for daily wearing, some new soxs and a long shoehorn to help the new shoes slip right on. Then it was on to Winco for steel cut oats and a few other items. Then home to enjoy some left overs that tasted better than anything I could possibly create. Then I settled in to finish a report, email it out, write another one and now I'm very tired, head is splitting due to constant coughing and I'm heading to bed.

Love to all,

tim

Measuring in the rain, fun stuff.

HI
Brief version tonight, I'm very tired, coughing constantly and ready for bed.
Stockton - measure the house in driving rain, shoes instantly leak, feet very wet, car heater feels great.
Drive to Hayward - east coast lender gave me the wrong address, wasted visit, lender admits mistake - have to go back in the morning
Drive to Boulder Creek - measure little dump in the rain, property backs a roaring river of brown water, find 8 comps on the narrowest little roads in the state but got to talk to Nikki while I was searching, that part was good.
Drive to see Timothy, Jo and Jason - we eat at Fresh choice, great salad, fun time
Drive home through fog and rain, talk to friends on the way, thats the great part of the trip
Now home.
Ken says we walk at 6 in the morning.
Thanks all folks, I'm off to bed.
Just thankful to be home safe, warm and dry and to have work. Life is good in spite of all.

love

tim

A rather busy day, all good!

Dear Family and Friends,
As I write this evening my desk is buried in papers for a property I inspected this morning in Citrus Heights but I wanted to stop and take a moment to broadcast the blog while some of you are still up. I never want to be the reason you are not getting your rest!
Ken and I walked this morning in 44 degree temperature. Then a very hot shower catapulted me into the day. I had steel cut oats ready and they were good as usual. I left for Citrus Heights as soon as I could get prepared and had a stress free drive. The property was rough, the carpets were terrible, a window was broken out, the water supple was leaking into the street, the attempts at painting inside were pretty juvenile and there are lots of things that need attention. The home was taken through a trustee's sale in January and now the bank needs guidance as to what it should be listed for and what needs to be done to bring it to market. That is where I come in.
I had the honor of dining with Barb and Gerry Lammerding today for lunch at the Old Spaghetti Factory in Roseville. We had a grand time and then it was back to work. After finishing the process of shooting the comps I headed home and arrived here at 3:45. I started work on the appraisal but had some conditions that had to be dealt with first. Once they were emailed out I turned to the appraisal at hand. But lingering in the back of my mind was the desire to give Weight Watchers a try. I had discovered on line that there was a meeting in Brentwood at 5:30 so on impulse I left the work where it was safe on my desk and drove to the meeting.
Walking into a Weight Watchers meeting is a pretty big step for me and as I expected there were quite a few hefty women there all chatting and knowing the ropes. But as the evening progressed I really began to catch the spirit. This was not a program about going hungry, it was about learning to satisfy hunger with better ideas. And oh did the ideas fly as people shared what they were doing.
Once the meeting was over I then drove to the club and did a full workout, the first is about a week due to my being ill. I could feel the tension in muscles that were not happy to be pushed that far but it was worth it.
Now I'm home and settled in to complete the appraisal. As you can see it has been a huge day, it has some of everything, travel, good friends, work accomplished, personal items attended to and plenty of good exercise both morning and night. It has been really great to be able to talk to special friends during the day, what a lift that provides.
Good night my friends and family,
love

tim