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
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Saturday, March 6, 2010
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
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
Friday, March 5, 2010
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
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
Thursday, March 4, 2010
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.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
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
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
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
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
Monday, March 1, 2010
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
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
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