Hi
This has not been one of the good days. Its been very long and started with an excellent walk in the beautiful morning. Then breakfast, then office. Spent an hour trying to work out phone issues, finally got the cell phone number for the phone I lost, 998 9855, forwarded to Nan's phone which is still working. Then worked through conditions that had to be met today, then did research for an appraisal gone bad in Mountain View, reviewer cut a value by $400,000 and they need a new driveby by morning so I do research and then leave, Loree came by and found money in the mail, prepared a deposit for business account, Wonderful!, thanks Loree. Then drive to AT&T store to get insurance to hand me a new phone, whoops, no I have to call a 800 number and wait for days for the new phone to arrive, wasted trip after all. Then to Mountain View, GPS tells me it is over a hour away, traffic makes it nearly 2 hours. Then find the addresses and a much needed bathroom, the problem with drinking a lot of water. Then realize that its too late to make last appointment of the day in Gilrow but phone number for the people is back in the office. So dear sweet LeAnn to the rescue. She comes over and finds the number for me so I can call and reschedule for Monday, then head home at the worst time of the day traffic wise, another 2 hours to come home, miss grief recovery group by an hour. Dogs were glad to see me and had a request list for me, treats please. Finally something I can do well, feed them treats. Feed the fish, have a tomato sandwich, then to the desk to catch up on emails, work requests, conditions. Now time to go to bed. Not much fun in this day at all. Yet God has kept me safe in my 5 hours on the road, kept me in decent health all day with no diabetic moments. New blue tooth is now mated to Nan's older phone and works perfectly. There are so many things I need to do, car is desperate for an oil change and wash, clothes need to be washed, value checks are stacking up, conditions are there, reports need to be completed and out, appointments to be made, yikes. If God is in the details then He is very near!
How was your day? I hope it made more sense than mine did. All day my phone kept ringing with calls from the nitwits that stole my phone, they can call out but when someone calls them back I get the call here. I offered a reward, finders fee if they would just return the phone but of course that requires too much brain power to think through. Well I had thought to upgrade my phone but of course I have 8 months to go on the contract before I can do that, meanwhile Nan's phone is offering an upgrade.
Tomorrow evening some peace will descend on this household as Keanna comes for a sleep over. We will do puzzles, read books, color and talk. How I look forward to some peace and quiet with my guest. Then to Sabbath School in Tracy and perhaps to Olive Garden with Bob and Carrol, the Whites and the Guptils. Thats more like living, something to look forward to.
So friends, thanks for listening to my tirade. Yes some days are better than other ones, I certainly hope so!
love from my house to yours and from my heart to yours,
tim
ps If my spelling has gone down hill well the blog will no longer let me do spell check and I can't find out where I turn it back on again. sorry.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Lost phone yikes
Dear Family and Friends,
This has been an interesting day which got more interesting this evening when I walked out of Red Robin, a burger bar where I like the Gardenburger, and left my cell on the table. In a few minutes I went back in to pick it up but the table was already bussed and the phone was gone. Of course the lady who cleared the table knew nothing about a phone, she looked so guilty, but who knows really. I walked around the entire place with my bluetooth turned on hoping it would beep indicating it had reconnected with the phone but of course that didn't happen either. I'm to call them in the morning but I hold no hope of finding it. Yes I do have insurance but that will not put all the dozens of phone numbers back in that I have collected of family and business contacts. Oh well it happened. Why was I there eating? I was there to pick up the atm card I had left there the last time I ate there about a week ago and sure enough the card was there and I have it back in my wallet.
Ken and I walked this morning and enjoyed a trip in cool air, beautiful skys and no rain. Then back to shower, make breakfast, settle in for drudge work in the office all day. One high point came when Loree dropped by for a bit to pick up files and other items. She hopes to be able to work more at the office to get caught up with filing etc. I like having her here, she is very good with the clients and always leaves a clean desk and is a big help.
This is a pretty challenging time right now in my business as lenders are really terrified that they might make a bad loan so they really rip up the appraisals we produce. Just makes it even harder to keep up doing new stuff when so much old stuff comes back to fix or explain. Yes I'm very grateful for work and I could always use more hours to get it done.
I reached Dana this evening and Jonathan continues to be in the hospital due to complications of a rupturing appendix. He is recovering but may have to stay there for several more days. Ron was staying with him tonight, Dana has returned to work but goes when she can to help out. His bowels need to unlock and start working again and until they do he gets no food and will stay at the hospital.
So first thing in the morning will be to talk to the cell phone company to see if they can forward all calls made to 925 998 9855 which is my cell to Nan's cell phone which happens to still be working and is 925 354-7677. I wonder how well my brain is working these days. I keep forgetting things, making mistakes and it is very frustrating.
Yet there are many things to be thankful for, you are one of them.
So good night my friends and family,
love
tim
This has been an interesting day which got more interesting this evening when I walked out of Red Robin, a burger bar where I like the Gardenburger, and left my cell on the table. In a few minutes I went back in to pick it up but the table was already bussed and the phone was gone. Of course the lady who cleared the table knew nothing about a phone, she looked so guilty, but who knows really. I walked around the entire place with my bluetooth turned on hoping it would beep indicating it had reconnected with the phone but of course that didn't happen either. I'm to call them in the morning but I hold no hope of finding it. Yes I do have insurance but that will not put all the dozens of phone numbers back in that I have collected of family and business contacts. Oh well it happened. Why was I there eating? I was there to pick up the atm card I had left there the last time I ate there about a week ago and sure enough the card was there and I have it back in my wallet.
Ken and I walked this morning and enjoyed a trip in cool air, beautiful skys and no rain. Then back to shower, make breakfast, settle in for drudge work in the office all day. One high point came when Loree dropped by for a bit to pick up files and other items. She hopes to be able to work more at the office to get caught up with filing etc. I like having her here, she is very good with the clients and always leaves a clean desk and is a big help.
This is a pretty challenging time right now in my business as lenders are really terrified that they might make a bad loan so they really rip up the appraisals we produce. Just makes it even harder to keep up doing new stuff when so much old stuff comes back to fix or explain. Yes I'm very grateful for work and I could always use more hours to get it done.
I reached Dana this evening and Jonathan continues to be in the hospital due to complications of a rupturing appendix. He is recovering but may have to stay there for several more days. Ron was staying with him tonight, Dana has returned to work but goes when she can to help out. His bowels need to unlock and start working again and until they do he gets no food and will stay at the hospital.
So first thing in the morning will be to talk to the cell phone company to see if they can forward all calls made to 925 998 9855 which is my cell to Nan's cell phone which happens to still be working and is 925 354-7677. I wonder how well my brain is working these days. I keep forgetting things, making mistakes and it is very frustrating.
Yet there are many things to be thankful for, you are one of them.
So good night my friends and family,
love
tim
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
2 months have passed
Dear Family and Friends,
Our dear Nan fell asleep in Jesus 2 months ago. I can hear her calling like it was yesterday, I can hear her saying, come sit with me, you look tired, I can see her on the phone with Dana or Sharon or Jan or Mary or Pam or Irene or Jason or Nikki or.............
Why she had to go I don't understand and we all miss her terribly. I've never known anyone like Nan in my whole life, someone so selfless, so courageous, so stubborn, so soft and lovely.
I think she would have been proud of my production today. On time to Manteca this morning after an early morning walk at 6:30 am with Ken, it was a beautiful morning, still, crisp, pale blue sky, blinking stars. Then back for a quick breakfast of shredded wheat and wheaties, orange juice and mandarin oranges. After Manteca a short drive up to Lodi for the second of the day. Older guy with a perfect older home, then a phone call asking if I could do a quick commercial inspection in Lodi, amazing since I was already in Lodi so I did that, had lunch of senior 2 egg omelet with spinach, then back home to work for an hour, then to Brentwood to see #3 for the day, a home that two years ago sold for over $600K is now in contract for $360K. Very nice place in good condition. Then to Oakley to shoot left over comps from yesterday, then back to Discovery Bay to vote no on all the stupid ballot propositions and yes to Romney, then home to make wheat spaghetti with whole tomatoes, cottage cheese and a huge salad with mushrooms.
I've just come back from the bank where I made deposits of todays checks, then to Nikki and Steves to drop things off and Nikki had found me some special peanut butter for diabetics and also some special little crackers for those times you need something.
My new blue tooth is working wonderfully. I fielded many many phone calls today, one from Dana which was really really sad. Jonathan had to have a surgery for a pendicitus (sp). His appendix had ruptured by the time they got him opened up. Dana had been up all night and was heading home for some rest. It sounded like he is going to come through fine but it also sounded like things were caught just in time. Jonathan needs our prayers this evening and for the next few days, surgery is serious business.
I am grateful for good weather today, it was so nice that I could measure and inspect in shirt sleeves, a real change from recent days.
So we move on having endured our loss for 2 months now. Nan was a great and wonderful part of all of our lives and living without her on a daily basis is just that living, nothing exciting, nothing wonderful, just existing for now and working every hour of every waking moment.
Thank you for your love which you express in so many different ways. Let me tell you, it is all good and it is all appreciated deeply by the family and by me.
love to all
tim
Our dear Nan fell asleep in Jesus 2 months ago. I can hear her calling like it was yesterday, I can hear her saying, come sit with me, you look tired, I can see her on the phone with Dana or Sharon or Jan or Mary or Pam or Irene or Jason or Nikki or.............
Why she had to go I don't understand and we all miss her terribly. I've never known anyone like Nan in my whole life, someone so selfless, so courageous, so stubborn, so soft and lovely.
I think she would have been proud of my production today. On time to Manteca this morning after an early morning walk at 6:30 am with Ken, it was a beautiful morning, still, crisp, pale blue sky, blinking stars. Then back for a quick breakfast of shredded wheat and wheaties, orange juice and mandarin oranges. After Manteca a short drive up to Lodi for the second of the day. Older guy with a perfect older home, then a phone call asking if I could do a quick commercial inspection in Lodi, amazing since I was already in Lodi so I did that, had lunch of senior 2 egg omelet with spinach, then back home to work for an hour, then to Brentwood to see #3 for the day, a home that two years ago sold for over $600K is now in contract for $360K. Very nice place in good condition. Then to Oakley to shoot left over comps from yesterday, then back to Discovery Bay to vote no on all the stupid ballot propositions and yes to Romney, then home to make wheat spaghetti with whole tomatoes, cottage cheese and a huge salad with mushrooms.
I've just come back from the bank where I made deposits of todays checks, then to Nikki and Steves to drop things off and Nikki had found me some special peanut butter for diabetics and also some special little crackers for those times you need something.
My new blue tooth is working wonderfully. I fielded many many phone calls today, one from Dana which was really really sad. Jonathan had to have a surgery for a pendicitus (sp). His appendix had ruptured by the time they got him opened up. Dana had been up all night and was heading home for some rest. It sounded like he is going to come through fine but it also sounded like things were caught just in time. Jonathan needs our prayers this evening and for the next few days, surgery is serious business.
I am grateful for good weather today, it was so nice that I could measure and inspect in shirt sleeves, a real change from recent days.
So we move on having endured our loss for 2 months now. Nan was a great and wonderful part of all of our lives and living without her on a daily basis is just that living, nothing exciting, nothing wonderful, just existing for now and working every hour of every waking moment.
Thank you for your love which you express in so many different ways. Let me tell you, it is all good and it is all appreciated deeply by the family and by me.
love to all
tim
Monday, February 4, 2008
Going to work again...
Dear Friends and Family,
After months of watching the fax machine, hoping against hope that an order would come through, well things are picking up again. It is hard to explain how low the sale prices are for the purchase orders coming through. In many cases the selling price for these bank owned properties is about 1/2 what they were worth 2 years ago. If one had a large amount of money right now to purchase properties and then wait it out for the next couple years there would probably be quite an increase. The lower interest rates are having an effect already, more people are beginning to qualify for loans that could not just a month or two ago but in that time the value of their homes has dropped as well.
I am the proud new owner of a new bluetooth earpiece and this one works perfectly, well that is until the wind blows. Both Art and Nikki confirmed this morning while I was walking the lake that when the wind blows forget trying to talk. Les Dunston suggested this type of bluetooth and his advice was sound. This one does not break contact, is clear and makes it very obvious when a call is coming in, like ear splitting. I've had lots of work calls today, some of which resulted in orders being emailed or faxed in this evening. It feels very good to have work again and to be back in business.
This evening I ask that you ask for God's guidance for Roger and Carol who are seeking some help for their Lakemont Cottage business. They have worked hard and long for years and have created a beautiful operation which people enjoy coming back to year after year. They are nearing that point in their lives where they would like to scale back a bit on their hours and responsibilities but when it is a small family owned business that can be very difficult. Please ask God to guide them as they move forward in getting some much needed help.
I still need your prayers too, I like to eat too much and while I am walking faithfully each morning I need to make more changes that I am finding very difficult to do. Habits die hard and new ones take awhile to form. Due to scheduling Ken and I are walking at 6:30 in the morning so I'm heading to bed soon.
So good night my friends..
love
tim
After months of watching the fax machine, hoping against hope that an order would come through, well things are picking up again. It is hard to explain how low the sale prices are for the purchase orders coming through. In many cases the selling price for these bank owned properties is about 1/2 what they were worth 2 years ago. If one had a large amount of money right now to purchase properties and then wait it out for the next couple years there would probably be quite an increase. The lower interest rates are having an effect already, more people are beginning to qualify for loans that could not just a month or two ago but in that time the value of their homes has dropped as well.
I am the proud new owner of a new bluetooth earpiece and this one works perfectly, well that is until the wind blows. Both Art and Nikki confirmed this morning while I was walking the lake that when the wind blows forget trying to talk. Les Dunston suggested this type of bluetooth and his advice was sound. This one does not break contact, is clear and makes it very obvious when a call is coming in, like ear splitting. I've had lots of work calls today, some of which resulted in orders being emailed or faxed in this evening. It feels very good to have work again and to be back in business.
This evening I ask that you ask for God's guidance for Roger and Carol who are seeking some help for their Lakemont Cottage business. They have worked hard and long for years and have created a beautiful operation which people enjoy coming back to year after year. They are nearing that point in their lives where they would like to scale back a bit on their hours and responsibilities but when it is a small family owned business that can be very difficult. Please ask God to guide them as they move forward in getting some much needed help.
I still need your prayers too, I like to eat too much and while I am walking faithfully each morning I need to make more changes that I am finding very difficult to do. Habits die hard and new ones take awhile to form. Due to scheduling Ken and I are walking at 6:30 in the morning so I'm heading to bed soon.
So good night my friends..
love
tim
Sunday, February 3, 2008
A Wintery Weekend
Dear Friends and Family,
I winding it down this evening after a full weekend. As you know Keanna came to visit, then I spent Saturday with Nikki, Steve and Keanna and today I rose to a warm home, yes the furnace worked again. I believe it has worked all day today. I have it set just above freezing on its automatic setback program. Brings the temp up to 67 at 6 am, then drops back to 62 for the day, then up to 68 for the evening and then back to 62 or so for the night. The device seems to work better now that it has new batteries, not sure how many years the old ones served but they were retired. Yet there are time when the air blows but there is no heat in it. Then I have to turn it off and start it up again and usually the hot air blows again. No a perfect system but oh so much better than it was.
I went back to the cell phone store tonight to take back the blue tooth device that only failed. The place was empty of customers, seems the super bowl was still on. Well on the advice of Les Dunston I moved up the scale a bit to a highly rated blue tooth which has noise cancelling built in. It will take the background noise or wind noise and wipe it out to one can hear the conversation taking place. Lets hope this one works or I'm not sure what to do. I've come to feel much more safe driving the beetle without having to hold the phone, shift, steer etc. Right now I don't know if the new device will work or not as it has to be plugged in to charge for up to 4 hours before using.
On the way home I went to the grocery store for a few things, you know $20 worth and spent $80. The little mandarin oranges looked so good and the tomatoes and the salad. Now I'm stocked for the week.
Somehow I managed to lose the atm card connected with my private checking account. That the one I use for fuel, food, eating out. So until a new card arrives I'm out of luck with that account and of course the business account has $2,000 one day and minus $35 the next. Its always a challenge to keep up with so many ways for the funds to be spent.
Steve came by today to pick up a file and we ended up talking about redoing the front yard. It badly needs new sod and some hedge and a new sprinkler system. Nice thing about Steve is, he is more than talk, he can make all that happen, he is amazing in his abilities.
I am about ready to place the stair chair on the market. I spoke to someone who asked that I hold it for a few days but that was weeks ago so I think I'll get it on craigs list and see what happens. I'd like to take that income, fix the van where it got dented once in a parking facility in Oakland and replace the very broken windshield, get it detailed and either sell it or keep it tucked away in the garage for when visitors come.
I walked this morning, it was clear sunshine but very cold at first, then the wind came up, the sun went away and then it was really cold but I made it around the 2.5 miles, then oakmeal, then off to see the local place that has to have a value by tomorrow. It was a lovely home, updated in every way and backs to the water, has a large deck and small dock. What a nice place and great people to work with. Then back to work in the warm office for awhile.
So life is like this, I'm alone unless I made an effort to visit with someone else, that is the huge difference between now and 2 years ago. Never alone, always Nan to talk with, to work things through, to just sit and watch TV together. Its a different life, one that has little joy unless you make the joy yourself. What good news to hear this evening that Jason and Jo were back from Vegas. Jason said they sat on the tarmac for 2+ hours waiting to take off from Vegas after the plane was already over an hour late to board. He and Jo had just gotten to the Leoni's where Timothy was staying and the super bowl was almost over by then. So even Vegas has problems getting planes in and out. Of course right now weather is a huge issue. My brother Jerry said that while he was home in Weed over the weekend they were hit by a blizzard with blowing snow and it really stacked up on the ground. He found snow by the tracks all the way down to Redding and piles of snow even slowed his trip back in its effect on some of the track functions. He was glad to be home and in his chair.
I am continuing to enjoy the fruit from the fruit basket Lori and husband sent. It is just so good tasting, like perfect. Thanks very much.
So another week is on us. Lets all do our best to make it a caring week, a quality week and a week that our spouses know we love them.
love
tim
I winding it down this evening after a full weekend. As you know Keanna came to visit, then I spent Saturday with Nikki, Steve and Keanna and today I rose to a warm home, yes the furnace worked again. I believe it has worked all day today. I have it set just above freezing on its automatic setback program. Brings the temp up to 67 at 6 am, then drops back to 62 for the day, then up to 68 for the evening and then back to 62 or so for the night. The device seems to work better now that it has new batteries, not sure how many years the old ones served but they were retired. Yet there are time when the air blows but there is no heat in it. Then I have to turn it off and start it up again and usually the hot air blows again. No a perfect system but oh so much better than it was.
I went back to the cell phone store tonight to take back the blue tooth device that only failed. The place was empty of customers, seems the super bowl was still on. Well on the advice of Les Dunston I moved up the scale a bit to a highly rated blue tooth which has noise cancelling built in. It will take the background noise or wind noise and wipe it out to one can hear the conversation taking place. Lets hope this one works or I'm not sure what to do. I've come to feel much more safe driving the beetle without having to hold the phone, shift, steer etc. Right now I don't know if the new device will work or not as it has to be plugged in to charge for up to 4 hours before using.
On the way home I went to the grocery store for a few things, you know $20 worth and spent $80. The little mandarin oranges looked so good and the tomatoes and the salad. Now I'm stocked for the week.
Somehow I managed to lose the atm card connected with my private checking account. That the one I use for fuel, food, eating out. So until a new card arrives I'm out of luck with that account and of course the business account has $2,000 one day and minus $35 the next. Its always a challenge to keep up with so many ways for the funds to be spent.
Steve came by today to pick up a file and we ended up talking about redoing the front yard. It badly needs new sod and some hedge and a new sprinkler system. Nice thing about Steve is, he is more than talk, he can make all that happen, he is amazing in his abilities.
I am about ready to place the stair chair on the market. I spoke to someone who asked that I hold it for a few days but that was weeks ago so I think I'll get it on craigs list and see what happens. I'd like to take that income, fix the van where it got dented once in a parking facility in Oakland and replace the very broken windshield, get it detailed and either sell it or keep it tucked away in the garage for when visitors come.
I walked this morning, it was clear sunshine but very cold at first, then the wind came up, the sun went away and then it was really cold but I made it around the 2.5 miles, then oakmeal, then off to see the local place that has to have a value by tomorrow. It was a lovely home, updated in every way and backs to the water, has a large deck and small dock. What a nice place and great people to work with. Then back to work in the warm office for awhile.
So life is like this, I'm alone unless I made an effort to visit with someone else, that is the huge difference between now and 2 years ago. Never alone, always Nan to talk with, to work things through, to just sit and watch TV together. Its a different life, one that has little joy unless you make the joy yourself. What good news to hear this evening that Jason and Jo were back from Vegas. Jason said they sat on the tarmac for 2+ hours waiting to take off from Vegas after the plane was already over an hour late to board. He and Jo had just gotten to the Leoni's where Timothy was staying and the super bowl was almost over by then. So even Vegas has problems getting planes in and out. Of course right now weather is a huge issue. My brother Jerry said that while he was home in Weed over the weekend they were hit by a blizzard with blowing snow and it really stacked up on the ground. He found snow by the tracks all the way down to Redding and piles of snow even slowed his trip back in its effect on some of the track functions. He was glad to be home and in his chair.
I am continuing to enjoy the fruit from the fruit basket Lori and husband sent. It is just so good tasting, like perfect. Thanks very much.
So another week is on us. Lets all do our best to make it a caring week, a quality week and a week that our spouses know we love them.
love
tim
Saturday, February 2, 2008
A Great Family Day
Dear Ones,
This evening has been an after glow for the wonderful time with Steve, Nikki and Keanna. As you know Keanna had a sleep over last night. She woke about 7 this morning, called for me and was ready to attack the day. We made breakfast early and she ate very well, then we put the puzzle together again. Then I showered, she dressed and we went to the park briefly but it was very cold and damp. We drove over to the kids house and then loaded up in Nikki's Pilot. She drove us to San Jose to a special Disney Program which was live on stage. It was aimed at kids Keanna's age and was very nice with a theme of finding music. Then we drove to the The Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch and were pleased to find only a 10 minute wait. The meal was excellent, service was slow, then we drove back home. We had a wonderful time discussing the state of the world as we each saw it and a bit about the near future as well. It was a precious time for me, to get to catch up with these special people who I rarely really get to spend time with, busy schedules and all. Keanna was a perfect guest this weekend. She cares for herself, picks up toys after playing, sits quietly when she is read to, eats and enjoys her food and is great for the puppies who think they are in heaven having someone more their size around. It is a huge boost to ones self image to be included in these younger lives.
Jason and Jo are in Vegas at a youth convention of some kind and Jason is representing MBA with a table and packets about the school. He had a nice evening planned with dinner and a very fun live show this evening, Mama Mia. Nan and I saw it several years ago and enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed seeing plays in the East End of London, ones like Miss Siagon and Lost in Yonkers. So I hope they enjoyed their evening.
Our weather has been reduced to nasty + this evening. Wind, rain and cold weather. When I got home I discovered the furnace had failed. It has worked on and off this evening but is still not really what I would call reliable. I'll have to let Rob know what is happening with it. Irene is lobbying for a new furnace and after 18 years on this one she is probably right.
Tomorrow morning, Sunday, I have a rush appraisal to do. The company is paying me a huge rush fee if I will provide an answer on value by Monday. So yes I will be glad to see it tomorrow in spite of the weather.
This evening as I snacked I watched a program on UFOs on the History Channel. Very interesting stories about sightings and physical evidence over the years and of course Roswell New Mexico where supposedly the government is keeping evidence hidden away. Who knows anymore what truth is about such things. Who can you really trust.
At lunch today we were talking about Mom and her sterling reputation, we agreed that a very nice thing about living with her was that you always knew where you stood, she was not coy, she did not play games of any kind, she was just straight forward and honest. In this world of confusion and games living with her was always a pleasure because the games stopped at the door, none were played around her. If she liked you, believed in you, trusted you then you were in her graces and she would do anything for you. How refreshing and how rare. I know some of you feel that way about your spouses and I hope you let them know what a pleasure it is to live with "real" people. Let them know today how you feel and how lucky you feel to have them care for you. Never put off expressing your thoughts for a "better" day or for a "better" time. Today is good!
That goes for letting your kids know too how you feel about them. I keep coming across families that are so proud of their kids, I think that is great, kids don't have to be always winning or the most brilliant but if they are hard working, honest and caring in their relationship they are real winners, let them know. If you would spend hard earned money to bail them out of trouble, what not spend that same money and energy enhancing their positive lives.
I want to thank Karen once again for putting the beautiful book together with photos of Nan's life. It is an amazing book and she said over 70 hits have been made as people looked into the web site about the book. It is really worth the cost as it lays out the pages of a beautiful life. I wonder if Mema has gotten to see one yet, just thought of that. That is Nan's mom and I'll bet she would enjoy seeing the book. Yes I know I need to get the DVD's of the services shipped out, needs to get on my list of must do events.
So I send my love tonight, live has sparkled this weekend because of very special family members!
love
tim
This evening has been an after glow for the wonderful time with Steve, Nikki and Keanna. As you know Keanna had a sleep over last night. She woke about 7 this morning, called for me and was ready to attack the day. We made breakfast early and she ate very well, then we put the puzzle together again. Then I showered, she dressed and we went to the park briefly but it was very cold and damp. We drove over to the kids house and then loaded up in Nikki's Pilot. She drove us to San Jose to a special Disney Program which was live on stage. It was aimed at kids Keanna's age and was very nice with a theme of finding music. Then we drove to the The Old Spaghetti Factory for lunch and were pleased to find only a 10 minute wait. The meal was excellent, service was slow, then we drove back home. We had a wonderful time discussing the state of the world as we each saw it and a bit about the near future as well. It was a precious time for me, to get to catch up with these special people who I rarely really get to spend time with, busy schedules and all. Keanna was a perfect guest this weekend. She cares for herself, picks up toys after playing, sits quietly when she is read to, eats and enjoys her food and is great for the puppies who think they are in heaven having someone more their size around. It is a huge boost to ones self image to be included in these younger lives.
Jason and Jo are in Vegas at a youth convention of some kind and Jason is representing MBA with a table and packets about the school. He had a nice evening planned with dinner and a very fun live show this evening, Mama Mia. Nan and I saw it several years ago and enjoyed it as much as we enjoyed seeing plays in the East End of London, ones like Miss Siagon and Lost in Yonkers. So I hope they enjoyed their evening.
Our weather has been reduced to nasty + this evening. Wind, rain and cold weather. When I got home I discovered the furnace had failed. It has worked on and off this evening but is still not really what I would call reliable. I'll have to let Rob know what is happening with it. Irene is lobbying for a new furnace and after 18 years on this one she is probably right.
Tomorrow morning, Sunday, I have a rush appraisal to do. The company is paying me a huge rush fee if I will provide an answer on value by Monday. So yes I will be glad to see it tomorrow in spite of the weather.
This evening as I snacked I watched a program on UFOs on the History Channel. Very interesting stories about sightings and physical evidence over the years and of course Roswell New Mexico where supposedly the government is keeping evidence hidden away. Who knows anymore what truth is about such things. Who can you really trust.
At lunch today we were talking about Mom and her sterling reputation, we agreed that a very nice thing about living with her was that you always knew where you stood, she was not coy, she did not play games of any kind, she was just straight forward and honest. In this world of confusion and games living with her was always a pleasure because the games stopped at the door, none were played around her. If she liked you, believed in you, trusted you then you were in her graces and she would do anything for you. How refreshing and how rare. I know some of you feel that way about your spouses and I hope you let them know what a pleasure it is to live with "real" people. Let them know today how you feel and how lucky you feel to have them care for you. Never put off expressing your thoughts for a "better" day or for a "better" time. Today is good!
That goes for letting your kids know too how you feel about them. I keep coming across families that are so proud of their kids, I think that is great, kids don't have to be always winning or the most brilliant but if they are hard working, honest and caring in their relationship they are real winners, let them know. If you would spend hard earned money to bail them out of trouble, what not spend that same money and energy enhancing their positive lives.
I want to thank Karen once again for putting the beautiful book together with photos of Nan's life. It is an amazing book and she said over 70 hits have been made as people looked into the web site about the book. It is really worth the cost as it lays out the pages of a beautiful life. I wonder if Mema has gotten to see one yet, just thought of that. That is Nan's mom and I'll bet she would enjoy seeing the book. Yes I know I need to get the DVD's of the services shipped out, needs to get on my list of must do events.
So I send my love tonight, live has sparkled this weekend because of very special family members!
love
tim
Friday, February 1, 2008
Keanna is in the house!
Dear Family and Friends,
Tonight Keanna is tucked safely in her room
in newly washed sheets and with her special pillow and blankets. Nikki brought her and made dinner for all of us, that was a very nice gesture and much appreciated by pappa. Then Keanna brought out some toys she enjoys and busied herself creating a hospital and the people that work there. Later she asked if we could do a puzzle. It has been years since I attempted a puzzle and this is one that Marilyn brought her from Sacramento. We had a blast putting it together and this kid is sharp, knows how to find the right pieces and make them fit. Then it was time for a story and sleepy land. Nikki had searched the house earlier to locate a night light that still burned, all had burned out bulbs but we found one in the bathroom. What a joy and what an incentive to get busy, do the wash, clean up the room for her highness. Tomorrow we are all doing something together that has to do with Disney, however beyond that I do not know, but if Nikki and Steve invite then I'm there.
Ken had a meeting so I walked by myself this morning. I've got to admit, it continues to be very hard work but so worth it the rest of the day. I no longer feel sluggish, have much more energy, less pains and have a more positive impression of myself. After a quick breakfast of bananas and oatmeal (in the bowl wes) I jammed some work out and then hit the road for nearby Rio Vista, a little town made famous by the whales that wander up the river away from the ocean. As I visited with the occupant I discovered to my delight that they are a Seventh-day Adventist Family who have links to people I knew in the Seminary in Andrews so long ago. The home was lovely and they homeschool two young sons.
Then to lunch at Subway, garden burger patty on wheat bread, nice! Then to San Ramon for a driveby, then home to clean and get ready.
I am having a very difficult time with my bluetooth, a device that hooks in your ear and connects wirelessly to your cell phone so you can drive hands free and yet talk. I've had one for a year which never failed but when I forgot and wore it into the shower it stopped working. So I purchased the same unit in a newer model from the same store. It failed repeatedly so I returned it and they kindly gave me a new unit which fails even more than the prior new unit. It now does not connect at all. I'm frustrated as I've come to rely on having this device, I can take calls while I am measuring a house, driving or anywhere, well at least I could before the most recent problems. I hate to be a pest at the AT&T store but it is not working at all. Ideas!
I have included a couple photos from this time last year. I enjoy seeing photos of Nan smiling and enjoying life. They also remind us of the tremendous care and love given by Mary and by Bob and Carrol. How precious are the memories of when these dear people would come and visit, rub Nan's feet or legs, talk quietly with her, laugh and cry. More often than not both mary and Bob and Carrol would see Nan weekly and how she looked forward to those visits, friends with only love in their hearts giving courage and compassion. We've had dozens of God's best who have given Nan and myself their time, their gas for travel involved, their words of cheer and I pay tribute to people who put legs on their best wishes. Thank you each and every one.
When I came home this afternoon the furnace had decided to take a brief vacation and was only blowing cold, cold air but after I turned it off and then back on again it once again warmed the home in a few minutes. While not perfect I am very thankful that Keanna does not have to walk around in a frozen house this weekend.
Jason and Jo are in Vegas, Jason is at a conference representing MBA and Jo is seeing vegas for the first time. They come back on Sunday and Timothy is visiting the Leoni's, the former next door neighbors who now live in San Jose. I can well remember the first time we went away and left Nikki with someone. It felt very strange, scary really yet we all survived it just fine and she learned to sleep through the night that weekend.
This has been a good week overall. Both Sylvia and I continue to go about the motions of living even when our hearts are somewhere else. Life right now does not have huge rewards but there are moments when it seems to start making sense again.
love to all,
tim
ps Thank you Art for your supporting calls, you are a great help!
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