What a great season, fall.

Dear Family and Friends,

The weather is so friendly now, not too hot nor too cold, just right. Our walk in the early morning is not only dark but chilly, then comes dawn and eventually the warming of the sun as it moves into command of the day.

This morning I took time to pick tomatoes and what a harvest. They taste perfect especially the little cherry ones, just right for the eating at the vine. Even Starr wanted to try one. Breakfast was oatmeal, very ripe banana, two pieces of vege bacon, all so good. Then it was time to work and after a little row with the bank I decided it was time to get out into the field. So taking the already researched files I proceeded to do three local inspections. You got to know times have changed when the first house is selling for $129,000, the second for $134,000 and the last one, a 2,200 SF beauty in a beautiful new development is going out at $305,000. These are bargain prices, just amazing and there are dozens more in each of these markets waiting for buyers at these excellent prices. Let me share this, they are very easy to appraise at those prices which is a nice change. All day I looked forward to dinner out this evening. Nikki had proposed it earlier as we did not have a chance to have our normal lunch on Saturday. She was heavily involved in the twins sale all day. So this evening we drove to Tracy and had a nice quiet dinner. I've discovered they offer whole wheat pasta at Olive Garden. I'd like to tell you that it is just as good, well not really but it was not bad and along with a huge salad the meal was probably pretty healthy. To save money Nikki and I both settled for water with a lemon. I've included some photos we took at dinner and just before dinner. The clear ones that are visible are ones Nikki took.

After we returned to the Shipley home I then headed to Brentwood where a check was waiting for one of the homes I inspected today. In these times checks are like drops of blood, very vital to keep going, the business alive! Thank you Lord for checks. Tomorrow I must talk to the IRS in anticipation of the call I have to make to them on the 10th. I'm trying to pull everything together so an agreement can be made for monthly payments with the kind folks at the IRS. It will be another important step in getting a handle on the splintered finances I have been attempting to work with for the past 10 months.

There is a local business person who has been very helpful to me (us) for the past few years. Jerry Becker owns the Mortgage Market, a very respected company with several offices and has given our company appraisal work for the past 20 years or so. He consistently pays his bills, is honest and fair to everyone involved in the business and has been a great help to me in the past year. These are hard times and people like Jerry survive them because they take care of people year after year in a fair and honest manner treating them with respect.

As we speak Art and Connie are in the air returning from Hawaii. They will arrive sometime tomorrow and will be very tired. They have had a wonderful trip including a tour of a sugar cane plantation today. I'll be glad to have them back safe and sound.

One of my newer clients in on a sad mission this evening. Her father is in very poor health, in the hospital actually and she has had to leave her business and fly to the south to be with him. Her name is Linda and she and her day need our prayers tonight.

On the 26th of this month a GIST walk will be held in San Jose to generate funds for GIST research. Every dollar raised in this walk will go directly to the research departments of the various GIST centers in Portland, New York, Boston. I have been asked to speak to the group that will be there on the night before at a special dinner. While I'm honored to be asked by Irene I'm considering if this is something I can be of assistance to. I feel like there are many more inspiring speakers on the subject so I will ask God of His guidance in my decision. I would like to invite any of you who live near or far to come walk for the cure. Nan once flew to New York and walked with her walker the 3 miles around a little lake and thanks to your generosity raised nearly $10,000 that year. I will be linking the website about the walk in the coming days and where donations can be sent for those wishing to help in this very special cause, dear to the hearts of this family. If any one you would like to fly in I can meet you at the airport, I have guest rooms for you, something to consider. A nice weekend in California with cool weather, great people and a worthwhile cause.

So its time to sign off,

Sending love to all

Tim

calm work day

Hi
I know boring, a calm work day, but sometimes boring is good, I hope so because I have been boring most of my life, never cut classes when I was in school, never did drugs, never went drinking, never went on "spring break" to some place exotic, just worked.
Today has been a quiet day of doing loads of wash, how many things can a single guy get dirty? Seems like a lot and I notice some of them are wearing out, I now throw anything away that has holes in it, underwear, soxs, in the trash when the holes start showing. Thanks to being in Boston for all that time and both Roxanna and Dana supplying clothes for me I'm deep in soxs and shorts, t shirts and sport shirts, plenty!
So while I am sitting here at my computer working the washer and dryer are about 5 steps away so I can multi task a bit. Ken and I walked at 6:30 this morning, then I showered and make breakfast of scrambled eggs, a thin slice of my toast, two sausages (vege) and orange juice. It was a great breakfast and lasted well. At around 1:30 I opened a can of sliced green beans I bought on sale, microwaved a boca burger, then did the same to the green beans and had a nice lunch. I pretty much kept myself writing on appraisals today and during the day 4 new orders came in. This evening they are all set up and researched, three have lock box codes so no appointment is needed. I'll got tomorrow and see all three properties since they are all nearby. Praise the Lord and all pay within the next two days! That might help with various payments.
Art just called and he and Connie are on their way to dinner. This is their last night there, tomorrow they fly home which will be a long trip for them. Art says they have had a blast there, this evening they were walking the beach and swimming in the ocean, rough work huh?
So things are on course here and I'm holding together pretty well. Sure appreciate the prayers and kind words and emails that last few days. It has really been a huge help to me.
So good night my friends and family,

love to all

Tim

Kallie discovers McDonalds!

Dear Family and Friends,

This afternoon Keanna was munching down her little happy meal when something new took place, Kallie began to follow her nose and perked up with interest. Not that you feed anything from McDonald's to babies that are 4 months old, but she did notice the odor so Nikki caught the cue and this evening Kallie is trying her first food. Of course it is mostly milk and she seems to be spitting out most of it but its still a big day in our family life.

I've included a couple photos I took yesterday afternoon when Steve had me watching the girls for a few minutes. They were shot with my phone so they are not that clear but I think you can still see what I saw, two very beautiful little girls having fun, loving life.

This has been a very long day. Outside it was just perfect, the sun and weather were excellent but important files beckoned to me at my desk. So this morning I took stock and decided to deal with the relo first. Amazingly it has taken all day to complete. My computer is gradually growing slower and slower in its ability to access MLS data, photos and such. Then there is this problem with the kitchen being so nearby and having such a limited supply of anything decent to eat or drink. I've eaten up my entire tomato supply, raided the non fat cottage cheese, drank water, mocha, 16 ounces of water with a shot of lemon in it and some orange juice.

A couple nights ago I discovered some great tasting little sticks in a pettridge farm metal can, they tasted so good. Today I was talking to Sharon and she said she has some of them too but she went and spoiled it, she asked me to check the date when they expire, I was shocked to see they were to be eaten before July of 2004, yikes.

So I'm glad this bleak day is over, weekends without Nan are no fun at all. I was talking to God, sort of begging really, no personal emails were coming in and I just sort of wanted to talk to someone, in a minute or two the phone rang, it was Art calling from a catamaran on the ocean near Kihea, He and Connie were on a snorkeling outing, had been to one island and loved it and were on their way to yet another island for more. It was so good to hear his voice and to connect to someone so far away but so special. He was amazed that he could get a signal while out on the open seas and soon enough the signal died but what a nice moment. I've also talked to Sharon in Texas and Shawn in the hospital, Nikki and a couple of clients today. All I wanted to do was go play, for me that means cleaning a corner of the garage or the fish tank or hooking up the TV Steve and Nikki gave me, just something with a bit of fun connected.

This evening I heard a big noise at the door of the office and it was Loree. She was here fresh from the horse ranch with boxes of files that needed to come back to the office. It was great to see her, it was cute watching her work with her spurs still on. Now there is something you don't see every day, your personal assistant and book keeper wearing spurs! There is really no one else in the world like Loree and she always amazes me.

Well another week is here and I'm not ready. I still have several reports to complete on my desk. I'll be very glad when Jean, the magic report writer returns from her mission trip to Hawaii. She is a huge help to me.

This evening I've heard from Carol in N. Carolina. She and Roger are going for a day trip to Dollywood tomorrow. Like she says whenever she goes Nan comes to mind. Nan loved Dollywood and what is not to love, the music is great on several different stages, the craftsmen are at work creating art, cabinets, wagons, all kinds of beautiful things, quilts, baked goods and you can question them as they work about how and why. Water runs over and around the different buildings creating rivers and streams, trees and flowers grow naturally all around. It is a beautiful place to visit, nothing like it anywhere else really. How Nan would love to be there tomorrow but alas her journey on earth is ended.

A question arises for many facing the loss of a spouse after years of marriage, what is to become of me? Some people solve the question by running out and getting married quickly, for some that might be the right thing to do, not for me though. Others just sort of drop out of society and wither away, some move forward in denial while others seem to take stock and in spite of their feelings they go through motions of normalcy. Have you considered what you would do? I think I've taken just about every route at one time or another except for getting married. For me to consider moving forward I feel I need to have my financial feet on the ground firmly and my mind settled.

I enjoyed hearing from Laurie Dunston this weekend. What a courageous path she is on at the moment, pursuing a master degree all the way on the east coast. Got to respect that kind of zeal of knowledge.

Well my friends, I wish you well,

sending love to all

Tim

10 months today

9:05 and I'm watching a little CSI Miami. I love that town, beautiful setting, great buildings and of course on the show only beautiful people, I don't quite remember it that way though. We sailed from there once on a cruise and enjoyed the city a lot the night before.
Today's highlights, walk with Ken and Lady the dog, attend a bit of the Tracy Church service before learning it was communion, I can't handle the feet washing portion of the service. Many years ago Nan and I introduced the idea of couples washing each others feet and it became some nan and I enjoyed very much, it was a special time each quarter. I've not been able to bring myself to go through that service again since losing her. It was already a troublesome day, 10 months ago I lost Nan as her breathing just stopped and then it was so quiet. I'll never even get close to forgetting that moment for the rest of my life. The most profound loss and defeat I've ever experienced. After all of the miracles, the heroics by so many fine medical people, some of the best in the world to then let her slip away, horrible, gut wrenching. Yes I'm still here and I did have one of those special opportunities this afternoon. I was eating alone at Olive Garden, enjoying soup and salad and Steve called to see a few minutes. So I drove directly there and held Kallie and fed her and listened to Keanna as she worked with a word matching game and kept herself busy playing. Before long Steve was back from his errand and then I left to drive to Lodi Memorial Hospital where Shawn is recovering from surgery. While still in some pain his recovery is on track and if all goes well he will be going home on Monday to recoup. I had a delightful time visiting with him. On the way home I stopped in at Marie Calenders and had steamed veges. Then I came home to just take it easy. This evening I've been working on Quickbooks Pro, trying to get it up to speed and reconciled. Tomorrow is a very important work day with many appraisals to complete and email out.
A new letter from the IRS that arrived today was a bit shocking. It confirmed that I face a new tax bill for the year 2007 for over $9,000. At this point in my life that seems like a huge amount of money. When news like that arrives it sort of throws my emotional state for a loop for awhile. I appreciate the words from friend Roger, be patient, you did not get into this situation overnight and you won't get out of it fast either. How I long for the day when everything can be paid on time, when there won't be so many things to pay and when I can make a better living with adequate appraisal work.
I want to believe that Nan would approve of most of the survival things I have done over the past 10 months. I've worked hard, I've cut spending by hundreds of dollars, I live on a cash basis now and I'm not going into debt deeper in any way. Medical bills are under much better control than in the past and most are about paid in full. A new PG&E bill for $1,000 was a bit of a shock, not sure how that happened.
I'm sort of hoping for a normal month to come along, one without massive car repairs, or huge IRS payments, or large DATA bills which happen once a year, NORMAL would be nice for a change.
I know sometimes it just seems like I am playing the victim. Mostly I don't feel that way and often I'm actually quite happy. The highlight of my work day is getting to meet homeowners, people who are often in a jam or coping with a recent loss and trying to listen to them and render help. There are so many people who just don't have anyone to listen at all. I'm amazed by what I hear in grief group about the families of the people that are there. Many people facing cancer or who have lost someone feel their families are pretty worthless when it comes time for support. That has been so shocking to me as my family extending from cousins to daughter and son have been perfect, just right, they don't try to smother me and they don't forget I exist either, just right and it was so special to travel to Texas and feel so welcomed there by Joe and the family. I sometimes wondered what would happen if I lost Nan, would I also lose her family? Well that has not happened. That is really precious to me.
So for now I'll say good night, take care, enjoy your Sunday, yes even you too Art while you rough it in Maui. Poor thing.

love

tim

Life, the great adventure!

Dear Family and Friends,
Well here we are once again at the Friday night point, another week in the books. How was your week? A success, a challenge, some of both?
Ever wonder how God feels when Friday night comes around, what a load is on His shoulders because He loves in a selfless manner we will never understand, He actually cares for all the right reasons. How He must long for the day when sin is fully understood, dealt with and in the history books, meanwhile we are in the middle of it all.
What is life really about, I mean life when one is 60 years old and a lot of roads have already been traveled....
Where do we go from here? Day after day in a search for meaning and accomplishment, its often very good, sometimes dull and occasionally really tough. All in all it is worth it. Out of the drudgery comes moments of pure joy, they center around family, Timothy talking on the phone as he walks about the house, Kallie smiling as she sees her pappa, Keanna creating games demonstrating her brilliance, springing great moments of joy and pure fun.
Friends, Ken - my walking buddy, Art - my counselor and daily phone call buddy, even from Hawaii, clients - keeping things interesting, kids - totally supportive, friends from afar - emails of counsel and support. Life is well worth living in spite of the ongoing intensity of the daily grind. I will tell you this, I'm almost never bored or stuck with hours of empty time with nothing to do, a blessing yes and I have no trouble sleeping, none whatsoever.
I'm thinking of people facing tough times, Irene with GIST, Shawn in the hospital recovering from surgery and so many more.
We are never short of people who need prayer.
May God bless you this weekend with the rest you need, physical, emotional, spiritual!

love to all

Tim

Almost there

Dear Friends and Family,
10:28, eyes are very sleepy, this will be short and sweet.

Grief group was interesting and moved better tonight, it was mildly helpful to me but I think very helpful to others which makes it worthwhile. The treats were great, one member of the group is a baker and brings some amazing treats nearly every week, that helps.

Ken and I walked this morning and as of now I've walked 10,909 steps today on the little pedometer Sylvia is letting me borrow. I've spend most of the day preparing appraisals, emailing them out, taking phone calls. This afternoon was pretty amazing. As I mentioned last night I was a bit short in covering the house payment I made Monday evening, about $1,300 short to be more exact. Well today $450 came in the mail and the appraisal in Stockton for a beautiful duplex paid $600, I discounted it considerably due to the circumstances of the owner. That along with the $375 I deposited last evening brings a grand total of about $26 in the black now once I get these new checks deposited. I'm amazed when I stop to think about it all. Am I out of the financial woods? Well not since tomorrow or the next day Blue Cross will place a demand into the account for nearly $800 for the health insurance payment and that is not yet covered, yet I cannot help but sigh a big one of relief for today's events.
The duplex was extra beautiful, granite counters, top notch appliances and features. Way nicer than a typical duplex and the gentleman I met there was a delight. A real believer this guy has just come through some pretty severe heart surgery and is working on recovery now. He was really a joy to meet and share some good news with. I tell you, meeting the people is the greatest joy of this job. I just wish I could make a living meeting people, just can't think how that could pay the bills.
Aunt Ann, Nan's Aunt who lives in Oklahoma wrote giving me some bread advice today which I can't wait to try. She is such a dear person and so exciting, always reading, learning, loving and praying, oh that I could be more like her with some real depth and character. I also heard from Dolly, the dear lady who with Howard taught Nan and me the appraisal business so long ago. She has just traded her various RV vehicles in for a new motorhome that sounds wonderful and now she is just back from a long trip she made half way across the country. She has more adventure in her than most people and another one that knows how to pray and touch people's lives.
I heard from Roger and Carol this evening and sorry to say they still have not had any decent amounts of rain and they need it so much where they live. Also gas supplies are still very tight there in North Carolina. What challenges we face as we live our lives from day to day yet how precious is the Lord's love. I am realizing that I have periods in my life where I'm just lonely. I'm not complaining and I'm not sure that being lonely is all a bad thing. This afternoon I heard from Art and Connie who are in Maui and I was struck by how much I miss having Nan to travel with, to share sunsets with, good meals, concerts, drives.
Once again the van is coming in handy. Nikki has it this evening and its filled to the roof with items for the twins sale that she takes part in every year. Started years ago by mothers of twins getting together and trading things it has grown into a huge event where thousands of items are sold and the lines of buyers are blocks long at the opening. It is an amazing event and carefully planned and organized days before so everything goes smoothly. Nikki helps behind the scenes and is able to sell many items there every year and buy others at a special rate since she is a helper. So the van is jammed with items tonight to be delivered tomorrow to the sale site in Livermore. At the end of the month Jo and Jason are going to use it to travel with friends to LA and I know Nan would be thrilled to see it used for the family.
This afternoon as I was taking the middle seats out I scraped my arm against the rear of the front seat and suddenly I discovered quite a bit of blood flowing down my arm. Not sure why I bleed so easily now but it took quite awhile to get it stopped. Sort of gets ones attention. Keanna sure noticed because after her tumbling class today her teacher came to look at my arm, Keanna had told him about my bleeding. She has such a tender heart.
Its now officially time to head to bed and before many more days its time to change the sheets. When they begin to stand alone I know its time for a clean set.
Well tomorrow is another hard work day and I am so thankful to have work to do. Some of the new programs voted in a month ago in congress and signed by President Bush are kicking in now and I'm starting to see work due to these programs. I sure hope they help the people that need them.
Well my friends, I'm sending out good vibes to all of you. Take time to verbally let the ones you treasure know you do. Go out of your way to express your love.

love


tim

Living on the high wire.......

Dear Family and Friends,

8:37 and another day passes into history, my crowning achievement today is a very nice loaf of bread, other lesser items include a finished appraisal, comps checks for half of Modesto, purchasing a little exersauser for Kallie, $20, Ebay, shot comps for two appraisals, watched as the senate spent my money and that of Kallie's, Keanna's and Timothys. Walked the normal 3 miles, had dinner tonight with Ray and Lois, talked to Art who is roughing it in Maui and kept checking the bank online to see just how bad it was getting. Seems every time I check another automatic payment for data, medical bills, fuel has come through driving the balance even lower. Last night I paid the big house payment online, fortunately it takes 2 days to clear and that means tomorrow I need to locate about $1,200 more dollars to deposit. Interesting times and then by tomorrow night I need to pay the local MLS board $640 for the yearly access fee and of course the next day the health insurance is coming through, just $786 or something like that. Just when I think I'm catching up along comes another tsunami to engulf my feeble efforts. I know some money is in the mail heading my way, will it be enough? we will soon see.

You know after months of living on the edge or even over the abyss one begins to grow sort of numb, almost past the point of really caring what happens next. When the Honda rep calls and begins to threaten it no longer causes panic, just a calm response, I'll send that next payment as soon as I can, no sooner and when the collection agency calls tonight about a mere $500 hospital bill and expects to be paid on the spot I just tell him no, not going to happen anytime soon. I think what I am saying, I could use your prayers in a special way right now as I try to work my way through yet another challenge. Fortunately I'm busy, very busy and in time that will mean some extra income. I've very thankful that I'm feeling well, that I have plenty to eat, a cool place to sleep, my little doggies to keep me from feeling so alone, daily phone calls from the world's best kids and of course my precious loaf of freshly baked bread.

I wish I could crank out work faster than I do, that I could charge more or collect more. GMAC mortgage just stopped making loans and with the demise there goes thousands of dollars unpaid that I'll never see. It happens, its a part of owning a business.

I have enjoyed hearing from Laurie Dunston who now lives on the east coast and is facing daily money challenges too as she bravely pursues her career, I love hearing from my blog friend in Benicia and one of these days I will meet her, what a friend she has turned out to be.

I could wish that something happy might happen more often. I had a bright spot this evening as I dropped a file for Steve. Keanna was outside with large pieces of chalk drawing pictures on her driveway, her themes are mom and day, grammy, Jan, Sharon, Marilyn, Dana, the sky, the dogs, the grass. Great stuff. I've included a photo I shot of her in action.

So good night my friends and family,

love to all,

Tim