This has been an interesting Sunday. First the walk which went very well. Then breakfast which this morning had links, oatmeal, egos, banana. Then off to help a friend moves boxes and furniture. Home again about 5 and began to work on appraisals, then a load of washing and once again enjoyed getting the clothes dried in ONE cycle of the dryer, I'm still in owe of that as for many years its taken two to four cycles before the clothes are finally nearly dry. Oh the energy I have wasted in the process!
This evening Lois and Ray invited me over for banana bread which was perfect and now I'm back ready to go to bed. Tomorrow will have to be a intense work day as I have things that are stacking up now. Am I complaining? No way, I'm reveling in having work in this terrible time for America where so many have lost their jobs or been cut way back. I'm thankful for the blessings I received. And while I'm on the subject of thanks.
When ever I reflect on the past few years I am struck with how many times friends and family came to the rescue. As Nan's condition worsened she had just one request, I'd like to see everybody. I let that be know and in 24 hours family and friends came to be near her. While I slept on a little cot in her room Sharon slept in our portable reclining yard chair and Dana made frequent trips back and forth to home. Nikki and Jason came as often as they could and Jan made the trip from Denver, a little earlier David and Jo had come out too. Irene came to visit as did Pam and George and Yvonne, Art and Connie, Dolly came to pray and dozens of friends and family were with us through phone calls and emails. Sometimes I hear people who have gone through the same process of losing a loved one and they have horror stories of negative comments, bazaar behaviors. I have only positive memories of how well we were supported and cared for. Our beloved pastor Jim came and nan shared her heart, Mary from travel came, Sylvia came.
I have known an experience that few will ever know, I have been humbled by it, lifted through it, guided and blessed. While Loree kept the business going with Steve's help I was freed to be with Nan as often and as much as we wanted. If one has to face such a death sentence one could only hope and pray for such a support group. From George and Yvonnes perpetual box of Sees Candy in the room to their always being there during surgery to wait with us to the patience of my clients who understood and were supportive.
So I am grateful for the support of Barbara in Texas, Aunt Ann in Oklahoma, John and Karen in Denver. Then there is Marilyn, dear tender hearted Marilyn who helped in ways that no one else could have, days, weeks, months she shared life with Nan and never shrank from anything that needed to be done. If you take anyone of the many who helped out of the equation it would have been harder to cope, to care and to help Nan. You all were there over and over again and because of you Nan never felt lonely or forgotten. Instead she knew she was supported and surrounded by love and compassion. Truly you helped ease the pain of what was eventually to happen.
So a huge heartfelt thanks to all of you for your part in this chapter of our lives. You were there and I'll not forget every.
love to all,
tim
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Kallie's first Sabbath School
Dear Family and Friends,
Last evening Keanna had a sleep over. I think when I wrote she had finally fallen asleep and she was up early this morning. She made fast work of her breakfast and then we drove to the Tracy SDA Church where we all went to Sabbath School, It was Kallie's first time I think and she was enjoying the walking experience. She ventured all over the room and smiled as she cleared the felt board, explored the back drop for the program and observed the other kids. Keanna came with us today too and enjoyed the program. I've included a photo I shot with my phone of Kallie at the craft table with teacher Kim and Nikki. It was a very enjoyable morning having my girls there.
We next went to Olive Garden but took a bit of time as Kallie had fallen asleep and needed some rest. She was missing her morning nap which she never misses. She woke up in a pleasant mood for Olive Garden and they are probably still cleaning the floor after she got finished. The food was great and Keanna ate everything in sight. After lunch we each went our own ways as Keanna had a birthday party for a little boy who lives across the street. He is part of a very very nice family, is polite and all boy, always riding his bicycle, his dirt bike or anything with wheels. It is amazing to see he and his brother with their riding outfits on riding their 50cc dirt bikes. Here are these two little guys just blasting along over hills and trails.
Late this afternoon after resting for awhile I ventured into the motorhome to try to solve some little problems. A cupboard door which would not stay closed, a drawer that Nan always used for her personal stuff had broken away from the wall, its support system and it was hanging crooked and useless for about the last year. When I opened it today I found nylons and other things left by Nan, it was a catch your breath moment. Then when I ventured to the next project, repairing the collapsed floor in the closet which I use for a pantry I found yet another strong reminder, two night gowns that she loved. These finds brought back pleasant memories of our travels in the motorhome, usually to Jason and Jo's home but sometimes to LA to city of hope medical center or Tahoe for campmeeting or Homewood to Lammerdings cabin. Nan was a great traveler, she would settle in with drinks for both of us and a book ready to load for us to listen to while we traveled. She would hop up and go get snacks and I can even remember when she made grilled cheese sandwiches as we drove down the freeway, that one was a little wild and I can't recommend it. She would sit in the front passenger seat with a pillow on her lap so the dogs would not hurt her and both dogs were usually on her lap. Nan did not know how to nag and for those of you who either do nag or get nagged at, well you should consider stopping it. Its unpleasant and wastes a lot of good caring time. Nan would be on the phone to Sharon or Dana or one of the kids and would just be happy and contented to be on the road yet again. Last Thursday was the one and a half year point since losing Nan. In some ways it seems like a very long time ago and in other ways it still seems almost unbelievable that she is not here generating joy and happiness.
While I was cleaning out the bottom of the closet I found a beautiful sweater, perhaps even a sweater dress still in the QVC package. Oh how they loved her. It was yet another reminder of how she lived. Ready for anything, cold or hot, winter or summer.
Our weather is wonderful right now. We have been cool for days and no warming trend is expected for several days. I tend to think of it as being a blessing, less expensive since little AC is needed and its easier to work in the cool weather.
So as I head to bed tonight I do so with happy current memories, talks with Jason and Jo and little conversations with Timothy, longer talk with Art, spending time with the girls and friends at church, catching up with Ray and Lois who came over as I was finishing up in the motorhome and now planning to walk in the morning with Ken. I always enjoy talking to Jerry too in Weed.
Got to say our Creator knew what He was doing when He also created a Sabbath, tonight there was beautiful music from Loma Linda on the dish, no work related stresses today, just family and rest.
So I'm sending love to all,
Tim
Friday, June 5, 2009
At last its Friday evening
Dear Family and Friends,
Another week winds down, its has been interesting! High points include the family coming to visit, Keanna coming for a sleep over, being able to pay some bills this week, having safety on the roads and getting to talk with Jason and Nikki several times this week over the phone, having Keanna become a first grader.
It has been very interesting to see how the Lord blesses in spite of how faulty this recipient is. My moods swing back and forth and I wrestle with keeping the faith sometimes losing it all together yet His blessings continue. Not that things are easy, I would not want to convey that impression but when I take a moment to ponder the challenges others face then I'm more content.
This evening as I've fed Keanna her pasta, popcorn and apple juice and she has played her new VSmile game and we've had a chance to read together, say our prayers and tuck her in about 5 times I'm reminded of how blessed I am to have the three little ones in my life. They make sense out of the noise of life.
This evening Lois invited to feed me at Subway and Nikki brought Keanna and Kallie and met us there. Kallie let me hold her for a bit and then she settled into my arms acting as if she could just go to sleep. When we fed her some went into her mouth, some ended up amazingly on the floor! She was just smiling and watching everyone and enjoying life.
This evening as I read to Keanna I purposely changed words as I read and she quickly corrected me each time, it was a game and she was very good at it.
I write about my three kidos and in no way mean to diminish your love for your kidos, but these are mine and they are what I know, they are so important to me and remind me of happier times, of carefree times when our kids were little and Nan did all the work and I got all the fun. Well with her gone I end up doing more than I would have otherwise but that's fine. I love grabbing Kallie or taking Keanna by the hand, helping with Timothy so his folks can slip away for a bit.
As I write tonight there are people in our friendship circle that are hurting, discouraged, lonely and send my best hopes and thoughts to them. These are not easy times for most of us, for many of us they will get better, for some they will worsen before they get better yet there is an eternal answer for everything and its found in our Lord. Somehow He will make sense out of everything someday and we will understand better, this is my hope.
Please enjoy your time together with your loved ones and do your best to touch, encourage and build this weekend.
love to all
Tim
Another week winds down, its has been interesting! High points include the family coming to visit, Keanna coming for a sleep over, being able to pay some bills this week, having safety on the roads and getting to talk with Jason and Nikki several times this week over the phone, having Keanna become a first grader.
It has been very interesting to see how the Lord blesses in spite of how faulty this recipient is. My moods swing back and forth and I wrestle with keeping the faith sometimes losing it all together yet His blessings continue. Not that things are easy, I would not want to convey that impression but when I take a moment to ponder the challenges others face then I'm more content.
This evening as I've fed Keanna her pasta, popcorn and apple juice and she has played her new VSmile game and we've had a chance to read together, say our prayers and tuck her in about 5 times I'm reminded of how blessed I am to have the three little ones in my life. They make sense out of the noise of life.
This evening Lois invited to feed me at Subway and Nikki brought Keanna and Kallie and met us there. Kallie let me hold her for a bit and then she settled into my arms acting as if she could just go to sleep. When we fed her some went into her mouth, some ended up amazingly on the floor! She was just smiling and watching everyone and enjoying life.
This evening as I read to Keanna I purposely changed words as I read and she quickly corrected me each time, it was a game and she was very good at it.
I write about my three kidos and in no way mean to diminish your love for your kidos, but these are mine and they are what I know, they are so important to me and remind me of happier times, of carefree times when our kids were little and Nan did all the work and I got all the fun. Well with her gone I end up doing more than I would have otherwise but that's fine. I love grabbing Kallie or taking Keanna by the hand, helping with Timothy so his folks can slip away for a bit.
As I write tonight there are people in our friendship circle that are hurting, discouraged, lonely and send my best hopes and thoughts to them. These are not easy times for most of us, for many of us they will get better, for some they will worsen before they get better yet there is an eternal answer for everything and its found in our Lord. Somehow He will make sense out of everything someday and we will understand better, this is my hope.
Please enjoy your time together with your loved ones and do your best to touch, encourage and build this weekend.
love to all
Tim
Thursday, June 4, 2009
All quiet
Good evening,
As I write the house is deathly quiet, not a mouse, dog or cat is stirring....... you see the family all went home! Last night every room was filled with laughter and conversation, some enjoyed the back deck and "smoked", others sipped hot mochas and observed the fish tank. It was a great evening. During the night we were struck with a highly unusual event, a lightning storm accompanied by hail, lots of it. I was sleeping soundly in the motorhome and suddenly tapping noises started on the roof and a minute later it was a roar as hail pelted the motorhome, it crossed my mind that motorhome roofs are not very strong, Starr made a quick retreat under the covers and Lady just cowered. Then the thunder began to resound and the lightning lite the sky. It made for a short night.
This morning my phone alarm woke me to walk and I remembered my tennis shoes were safely put away in the closet in the master bedroom where Jerry and Donna slept. So I did the 3 miles in my street shoes and so far there does not seem to be any ill effects other than some soreness on the bottom of my feet.
We all enjoyed a breakfast of belgium waffles and fresh strawberries, orange juice and good conversation. Then it was time for the group to begin the drive to Weed, a 300 miles trip and I was slated to see a local property at 10. Just a few minutes ago I confirmed that they made it fine and are already unloaded and relaxing in their comfortable home.
This afternoon I met with two ladies who order appraisals. They had been asking for a lunch time when we could put faces behind the phone calls. We had a really nice time and shared war stories from the loan business. They are both lovely ladies and it was enjoyable to make new friends and commiserate over the sorry state of the business in general and the new rules we all have to live and work with.
After lunch I drove to a house to do an inspection. The first impressions were so bad. The front yard was 5 feet deep in weeds and thistles, cats were going through the garage cans, I thought oh no! But when I used the lockbox and made entry I found a different story. All the walls were freshly painted, the carpets were decent, the heating and cooling systems worked and the property was really decent, all of this nearly 1,700 sf for $110,000. Who says California real estate is expensive? Not so any more.
Now I'm back home and I'm going to be in bed by 9 pm. I'm tired, sleepy and need rest, lots of it.
How is your life going these days? Are you enduring now that we have a world where 1 out of 6 checks being written are being written by a government agency, wow that is scary, who is left to pay the bills, well you know the answer, anyone who is having an success, tax them to cover the rest. No wonder Microsoft is going to move more jobs overseas if the new tax measures go through. When will this madness stop? The government cannot spend money it does not have, someone somewhere has to say NO and let normal market forces work this out.
My friend, the weekend is coming, wonderful news!
love to all
Tim
As I write the house is deathly quiet, not a mouse, dog or cat is stirring....... you see the family all went home! Last night every room was filled with laughter and conversation, some enjoyed the back deck and "smoked", others sipped hot mochas and observed the fish tank. It was a great evening. During the night we were struck with a highly unusual event, a lightning storm accompanied by hail, lots of it. I was sleeping soundly in the motorhome and suddenly tapping noises started on the roof and a minute later it was a roar as hail pelted the motorhome, it crossed my mind that motorhome roofs are not very strong, Starr made a quick retreat under the covers and Lady just cowered. Then the thunder began to resound and the lightning lite the sky. It made for a short night.
This morning my phone alarm woke me to walk and I remembered my tennis shoes were safely put away in the closet in the master bedroom where Jerry and Donna slept. So I did the 3 miles in my street shoes and so far there does not seem to be any ill effects other than some soreness on the bottom of my feet.
We all enjoyed a breakfast of belgium waffles and fresh strawberries, orange juice and good conversation. Then it was time for the group to begin the drive to Weed, a 300 miles trip and I was slated to see a local property at 10. Just a few minutes ago I confirmed that they made it fine and are already unloaded and relaxing in their comfortable home.
This afternoon I met with two ladies who order appraisals. They had been asking for a lunch time when we could put faces behind the phone calls. We had a really nice time and shared war stories from the loan business. They are both lovely ladies and it was enjoyable to make new friends and commiserate over the sorry state of the business in general and the new rules we all have to live and work with.
After lunch I drove to a house to do an inspection. The first impressions were so bad. The front yard was 5 feet deep in weeds and thistles, cats were going through the garage cans, I thought oh no! But when I used the lockbox and made entry I found a different story. All the walls were freshly painted, the carpets were decent, the heating and cooling systems worked and the property was really decent, all of this nearly 1,700 sf for $110,000. Who says California real estate is expensive? Not so any more.
Now I'm back home and I'm going to be in bed by 9 pm. I'm tired, sleepy and need rest, lots of it.
How is your life going these days? Are you enduring now that we have a world where 1 out of 6 checks being written are being written by a government agency, wow that is scary, who is left to pay the bills, well you know the answer, anyone who is having an success, tax them to cover the rest. No wonder Microsoft is going to move more jobs overseas if the new tax measures go through. When will this madness stop? The government cannot spend money it does not have, someone somewhere has to say NO and let normal market forces work this out.
My friend, the weekend is coming, wonderful news!
love to all
Tim
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Family in town, very nice!
Dear Family and Friends,
This evening my house is filled with family, its great. Suzie, Cindy, Jerry and Donna all tucked away in their rooms for the night, so much nicer than an empty house with just me and the dogs. I'm sleeping in the motorhome which is parked in the driveway.
We went to Olive Garden in Tracy this evening and Steve graciously loaned me the van so we all got to travel together. The service was excellent and the food tasted unusually good, could it be the company?
Earlier today Ken and I walked and I wrestled with a recalcitrant phone line this afternoon. I did some basic moving of clutter to less obvious places, hosed down the deck and pretended to be working but didn't get much done for the day.
Now its past time to be asleep.
Life throws strange things at us. Out of the blue I got a call from Marriott today. I own a time share down in Palm Desert at a beautiful location. I've never used the week I am entitled to each year, wasted it so far but every month I attempt to find enough money to pay the $190 payment. I have it nearly paid off now and it is rumored to be worth nearly twice what I paid for it several years ago. Today a nice lady called to say that Marriott is celebrating their 25Th year and to help people out they will take 25% of any late payments away as a discount to help all owners celebrate. I did the numbers and since I owed three payments it was quite an amount they were willing to wipe out just to get me current. So I went for it. In the process I'm a lot closer to having the property paid off and I partly did it with their money. Then AT&T called about my cell phone service. In the process of discussing it I learned that my contracts are up and that I'm entitled to an upgrade, not sure what that means but I will be looking into it. Internet unlimited usage is $15 a month and texting is $5 a month for a whole lot of text messages. So more things to think about. Then the house line quit working. So I called ACN and a very knowledgeable lady helped get the phone working again but in the process I discovered that I still had the router that was used for Vonage in the line. Since that makes no sense I have removed it completely and now the phones lines seem to work a little better. So it was a day of getting on my back and sliding under the desk, then back up again. Each time the room would spin for about 30 seconds, not a good feeling but having the phone working again, well that is nice enough.
Tomorrow morning after we have breakfast I'm set to see a house located on the lake at 10 am. After traveling all over this week it will be very nice to enjoy a local inspection. Then later in the day I'll have a late lunch with a couple ladies I work with on a regular basis, they are loan brokers. That will be fun to put a face with a voice, I'm not so sure of myself but I'm going through with it just for the experience, they have been asking and asking.
I certainly hope to see more business come in. I'm nearly out of orders and the one management company that was ordering, well nothing this week. I wonder what happened.
OK, time to crash.
Have a good night, morning.
love to all
tim
This evening my house is filled with family, its great. Suzie, Cindy, Jerry and Donna all tucked away in their rooms for the night, so much nicer than an empty house with just me and the dogs. I'm sleeping in the motorhome which is parked in the driveway.
We went to Olive Garden in Tracy this evening and Steve graciously loaned me the van so we all got to travel together. The service was excellent and the food tasted unusually good, could it be the company?
Earlier today Ken and I walked and I wrestled with a recalcitrant phone line this afternoon. I did some basic moving of clutter to less obvious places, hosed down the deck and pretended to be working but didn't get much done for the day.
Now its past time to be asleep.
Life throws strange things at us. Out of the blue I got a call from Marriott today. I own a time share down in Palm Desert at a beautiful location. I've never used the week I am entitled to each year, wasted it so far but every month I attempt to find enough money to pay the $190 payment. I have it nearly paid off now and it is rumored to be worth nearly twice what I paid for it several years ago. Today a nice lady called to say that Marriott is celebrating their 25Th year and to help people out they will take 25% of any late payments away as a discount to help all owners celebrate. I did the numbers and since I owed three payments it was quite an amount they were willing to wipe out just to get me current. So I went for it. In the process I'm a lot closer to having the property paid off and I partly did it with their money. Then AT&T called about my cell phone service. In the process of discussing it I learned that my contracts are up and that I'm entitled to an upgrade, not sure what that means but I will be looking into it. Internet unlimited usage is $15 a month and texting is $5 a month for a whole lot of text messages. So more things to think about. Then the house line quit working. So I called ACN and a very knowledgeable lady helped get the phone working again but in the process I discovered that I still had the router that was used for Vonage in the line. Since that makes no sense I have removed it completely and now the phones lines seem to work a little better. So it was a day of getting on my back and sliding under the desk, then back up again. Each time the room would spin for about 30 seconds, not a good feeling but having the phone working again, well that is nice enough.
Tomorrow morning after we have breakfast I'm set to see a house located on the lake at 10 am. After traveling all over this week it will be very nice to enjoy a local inspection. Then later in the day I'll have a late lunch with a couple ladies I work with on a regular basis, they are loan brokers. That will be fun to put a face with a voice, I'm not so sure of myself but I'm going through with it just for the experience, they have been asking and asking.
I certainly hope to see more business come in. I'm nearly out of orders and the one management company that was ordering, well nothing this week. I wonder what happened.
OK, time to crash.
Have a good night, morning.
love to all
tim
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Lunch with the Pedens
Dear Family and Friends,
This morning started with a brisk walk in some rather cool air. A few minutes into the walk raindrops became a downpour so we hurried up and found a tree for shelter. After just a few minutes the rain had stopped and there was that wonderful fresh smell when rain reaches the earth.
After breakfast I continued work on putting things in order and then drove to Stockton to meet Roger and Carol at the new Olive Garden. After a very nice lunch we continued our time of sharing right to their rental and then they were gone. What a blissful time it is when you get to relax with genuine friends. These are wonderful people with deep faith, strong convictions, enormous talent and abiding friendships. It was a great time!
Feeling a bit melancholy I drove back to Discovery Bay to continue to work on appraisals. Later in the day Nikki called to see if I could help with Keanna who needed a quick ride to her dance class in Brentwood. Since meds awaited me in Brentwood I quickly agreed and enjoyed our drive as she filled me in on the field trip to Micke Grove Zoo with her class and her mother who took the day off. After seeing her safely into the dance studio where dozens of little dancers were milling about in the hallway I drove over over to Longs, now CVS and picked up 3 of the 4 meds I expected. Then it was back to the pizza parlour to pick up the $5 pizza special for Ray and Lois. We enjoyed the good food. Then it was back to the house for some serious attention to clutter that has grown in my bedroom and a bit of trash collection. In the morning I'll do even more to get ready for the GUESTS, Jerry, Donna, Cindy and Suzie. We will have some fun tomorrow night!
I just fed the fish and you can almost see them skitter about in their freshly updated water. The 4 snails I purchased are really going to town on the algae too. Some efforts do pay off rapidly. This evening I've had a chance to talk to my close friends and had a call from out of the blue which was rewarding. A 31 year old lady to has worked in loans for some time is moving to a new company soon and was offered her choice of appraisers. She remembered that at our company we always went out of our way to do the right thing, to listen, to respond and so she wanted to know if I minded her referring me to her new loan bank, well actually I think its a great idea but it was nice to be remembered as someone who cares and has done good work.
Now its past time to be asleep. One would think that it was like the impossible dream to actually be in bed before 10 pm. No matter how much I plan and try its always 11 and getting up at 6:15 makes for a night that is too short.
So I send my love to each of you this evening and I'm relishing the short term memories of time spent with Roger and Carol today.
love
tim
This morning started with a brisk walk in some rather cool air. A few minutes into the walk raindrops became a downpour so we hurried up and found a tree for shelter. After just a few minutes the rain had stopped and there was that wonderful fresh smell when rain reaches the earth.
After breakfast I continued work on putting things in order and then drove to Stockton to meet Roger and Carol at the new Olive Garden. After a very nice lunch we continued our time of sharing right to their rental and then they were gone. What a blissful time it is when you get to relax with genuine friends. These are wonderful people with deep faith, strong convictions, enormous talent and abiding friendships. It was a great time!
Feeling a bit melancholy I drove back to Discovery Bay to continue to work on appraisals. Later in the day Nikki called to see if I could help with Keanna who needed a quick ride to her dance class in Brentwood. Since meds awaited me in Brentwood I quickly agreed and enjoyed our drive as she filled me in on the field trip to Micke Grove Zoo with her class and her mother who took the day off. After seeing her safely into the dance studio where dozens of little dancers were milling about in the hallway I drove over over to Longs, now CVS and picked up 3 of the 4 meds I expected. Then it was back to the pizza parlour to pick up the $5 pizza special for Ray and Lois. We enjoyed the good food. Then it was back to the house for some serious attention to clutter that has grown in my bedroom and a bit of trash collection. In the morning I'll do even more to get ready for the GUESTS, Jerry, Donna, Cindy and Suzie. We will have some fun tomorrow night!
I just fed the fish and you can almost see them skitter about in their freshly updated water. The 4 snails I purchased are really going to town on the algae too. Some efforts do pay off rapidly. This evening I've had a chance to talk to my close friends and had a call from out of the blue which was rewarding. A 31 year old lady to has worked in loans for some time is moving to a new company soon and was offered her choice of appraisers. She remembered that at our company we always went out of our way to do the right thing, to listen, to respond and so she wanted to know if I minded her referring me to her new loan bank, well actually I think its a great idea but it was nice to be remembered as someone who cares and has done good work.
Now its past time to be asleep. One would think that it was like the impossible dream to actually be in bed before 10 pm. No matter how much I plan and try its always 11 and getting up at 6:15 makes for a night that is too short.
So I send my love to each of you this evening and I'm relishing the short term memories of time spent with Roger and Carol today.
love
tim
Monday, June 1, 2009
45 mpg, its a guy thing!
Dear Ones,
This has been a day of diverse tasks and accomplishments. Ken and I walked our 3 miles, then I worked in a bit and left on time at 9:30 to drive to Newcastle. I miscalculated and arrived early! So I shot comps first and then inspected this nice little ranch on a hillside with barn, garden area, large garage with an in law, panoramic view of distant hills. It was a perfect day. Driving all the comps for a ranchette property can take some time. The GPS is a huge help and found every property no matter how small the road. Then I found the downtown area of Newcastle which is a few blocks in size. My discovery of the day was a small store with a huge variety of things, all cute, all unusual, all country and all were left in the store. I have enough yard sale items without buying more to add to the stack. They did have a nice deli and made me a cheese sandwich on multi grain bread, wow was it good and along with a coconut and strawberry smoothie the meal was perfect.
I left this small mountain village and traded the peace and calm for a loft property located in walking distance of the capital building with all the noise and traffic of the urban area. That stop only took a few minutes since I've already measured the buildings and know the basic scoop on the property.
I headed home and noticed that I was approaching 500 miles on the current tank of diesel. Yet as I drove home the gauge hardly moved and I reached Discovery Bay before the warning buzzer sounded and the yellow warning light lite up. All in all it was 571 miles which yielded a mpg of over 45. That felt nice even though the costs of the fuel are on the rise. Knowing I have wonderful guests on Wednesday evening I have prepared a brief list of things to do. This afternoon it was edge and mow the lawn, change water in the fish tank and make a bank deposit. When I opened the mail I found to my shock and delight 5 checks and I had brought one home from the ranchette. So I deposited these 6 checks along with the two I already had and it was the largest deposit in over a year. With payroll to cover, both vehicle payments behind and Blue Cross coming up soon the money will soon find a home, yet I was humbled and thrilled to see several checks for appraisals I did months ago, loans are finally starting to close!
This evening I found a 5 gallon bucket in the garage and a tube to syphon with and drew out 25 gallons of fish tank water 5 gallons at a time. I lugged each bucket to the street as the sale water would kill my growing things. The I started to put fresh salt water in 5 gallons at a time. Mind you each 5 gallons is about 40 lbs and I can feel it. Between edging next to roses bushes and working on the fish tank I have about 4 open bleeding spots on my arms and hands. I'd actually prefer to keep the blood inside where it does the most good.
Now the tank is clearing and I was even able to use the new scraper and get some of the brown algae off the glass. Its a start at least.
Tomorrow's list will be a challenge but the thrill of having family here is well worth it.
Tomorrow morning I'll drive up to Sacramento to meet Roger and Carol who are arriving to visit their children for a few days. Since they have a few hours between arrival and when the kids all get home from school I'll get to have lunch with them and do some catching up. These are the dear people that Nan loved to visit in North Carolina and she and Carol were regulars at Dollywood in Pidgeon Forge TN. They drove night and day to Boston to be with Nan after her surgery and to give her a lift, it was an act of kindness I'll never forget and it touched Nan so deeply she never forgot either. It will be great to just see them and feel the warm embrace of a most valuable thing, friendship.
So good night my friends and family,
love to all
Tim
This has been a day of diverse tasks and accomplishments. Ken and I walked our 3 miles, then I worked in a bit and left on time at 9:30 to drive to Newcastle. I miscalculated and arrived early! So I shot comps first and then inspected this nice little ranch on a hillside with barn, garden area, large garage with an in law, panoramic view of distant hills. It was a perfect day. Driving all the comps for a ranchette property can take some time. The GPS is a huge help and found every property no matter how small the road. Then I found the downtown area of Newcastle which is a few blocks in size. My discovery of the day was a small store with a huge variety of things, all cute, all unusual, all country and all were left in the store. I have enough yard sale items without buying more to add to the stack. They did have a nice deli and made me a cheese sandwich on multi grain bread, wow was it good and along with a coconut and strawberry smoothie the meal was perfect.
I left this small mountain village and traded the peace and calm for a loft property located in walking distance of the capital building with all the noise and traffic of the urban area. That stop only took a few minutes since I've already measured the buildings and know the basic scoop on the property.
I headed home and noticed that I was approaching 500 miles on the current tank of diesel. Yet as I drove home the gauge hardly moved and I reached Discovery Bay before the warning buzzer sounded and the yellow warning light lite up. All in all it was 571 miles which yielded a mpg of over 45. That felt nice even though the costs of the fuel are on the rise. Knowing I have wonderful guests on Wednesday evening I have prepared a brief list of things to do. This afternoon it was edge and mow the lawn, change water in the fish tank and make a bank deposit. When I opened the mail I found to my shock and delight 5 checks and I had brought one home from the ranchette. So I deposited these 6 checks along with the two I already had and it was the largest deposit in over a year. With payroll to cover, both vehicle payments behind and Blue Cross coming up soon the money will soon find a home, yet I was humbled and thrilled to see several checks for appraisals I did months ago, loans are finally starting to close!
This evening I found a 5 gallon bucket in the garage and a tube to syphon with and drew out 25 gallons of fish tank water 5 gallons at a time. I lugged each bucket to the street as the sale water would kill my growing things. The I started to put fresh salt water in 5 gallons at a time. Mind you each 5 gallons is about 40 lbs and I can feel it. Between edging next to roses bushes and working on the fish tank I have about 4 open bleeding spots on my arms and hands. I'd actually prefer to keep the blood inside where it does the most good.
Now the tank is clearing and I was even able to use the new scraper and get some of the brown algae off the glass. Its a start at least.
Tomorrow's list will be a challenge but the thrill of having family here is well worth it.
Tomorrow morning I'll drive up to Sacramento to meet Roger and Carol who are arriving to visit their children for a few days. Since they have a few hours between arrival and when the kids all get home from school I'll get to have lunch with them and do some catching up. These are the dear people that Nan loved to visit in North Carolina and she and Carol were regulars at Dollywood in Pidgeon Forge TN. They drove night and day to Boston to be with Nan after her surgery and to give her a lift, it was an act of kindness I'll never forget and it touched Nan so deeply she never forgot either. It will be great to just see them and feel the warm embrace of a most valuable thing, friendship.
So good night my friends and family,
love to all
Tim
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