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
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
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
Friday, March 12, 2010
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
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
Thursday, March 11, 2010
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
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
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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
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
Monday, March 8, 2010
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
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
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