Slow day

Dear Family and Friends,
As I write this evening I do so with somewhat of a heavy heart, more of a concerned one. I've been scanning the days news and very little of it is good in my opinion. Today I had to use some dollars from money I had set aside years ago for retirement. I never expected to be touching it until I was long retired. It was a sobering decision but one that had to be made. Several lenders owe me money but as usual they take their time to pass it along to me. I did receive two orders today for which I am grateful. I've called both for appointments and actually went and did one this evening, its a driveby for an estate. I'm deeply grateful to local people who refer homeowners to me weekly for needed personal appraisals. Still nothing from the many management companies that I've approved with. One company LSI send out an information sheet today explaining their assignment policy. It was mind blowing. They will not assign an appraisal for a property that is more than 10 miles from my office address. For me that means I could possibly get work in Brentwood, Discovery Bay and perhaps Oakley. There has never been enough work to keep any of the local appraisers busy so we all travel to places we know well but are up to an hour away. I was shocked by this guideline so I expect nothing from LSI ever. How things have changed over the last years from a robust business with many opportunities to one where the phone almost never rings, the fax has not delivered anything in over a week and emails are all junk, no orders. It is shocking to discover how easily one transitions from being very busy to nearly closed, yet seem to keep busy.
Ray and Lois came over this evening for a bit and tomorrow I'll drive Marilyn to Sacramento to meet up with her sister from Oroville where she will visit for a few days.
How I enjoy hearing from friends and clients with their funny emails. Today has been no exception and several were just great, one from Sylvia tonight was really funny. I'll try to share it here if I can.
"This Ad Was Posted to Craig's List Personals:To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown Savannah night before last. Date: 05-27-09, 1:43 AM EST.
I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on my girlfriend, threatening our lives and me.You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings.I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.
First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment when I drew my pistol after you took my Jacket. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.My girlfriend had just bought me that Kimber Model 1911 .45 A CP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening.Obviously you agree that it is a very Intimidating weapon when pointed at your head wasn't it?I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from bare footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].After I called your mother, or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I Went and filled up my gas tank as well as four other people's in the gas station on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 150 gallons and was extremely grateful!I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go’s, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .. after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone.Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what's going on with that?Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target. The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.).In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.
Remember, next time you might not be so lucky.Have a good day!Thoughtfully yours,AlexP.S. Remember this motto. "An armed society makes for a more civil society!" "The future ain't what it used to be" Yogi Berra

Very interesting little posting!

Sending love to all,

tim