Dear Family and Friends,
Everything does not always go smoothly no matter how hard you try.
Ken and I walked today, that went well. Then I came back to shower and have breakfast, that went well also.
Shortly thereafter I left for San Francisco. Upon arrival I found a house that was surrounded by businesses on every side. None of my comparables I had carefully researched were located on a business street and surrounded by businesses. I also found out that the 83 year old acupuncturist was from China, spends most of his time in China and was in fact leaving for the homeland tomorrow. He had conducted his practice from a little office in the house on the street level.
After regrouping I went across the street to a Century 21 office and the agent told me that if I would ask the computer a different set of questions I would find comparables that had both small businesses and were primarily single family homes. So that meant a return trip to San Francisco later in the week, not the greatest of news.
I next drove to Oakland where I started shooting comparables for the house I saw on Sunday afternoon. While I was shooting a phone call came in. It was Mark, the agent for the Novato condo sale. He was calling to inform me that I would have to cancel my appointment for Novato later in the afternoon since the bank that holds the mortgage had not yet accepted the offer. So another change in plans.
I reached in my briefcase for the inspection I needed to do in Tracy and of course the file was still on my desk at home so that meant instead of being able to drive directly to Tracy I would have to go home. So that is what I did, I drove home, picked up the file, called the builder and headed for Tracy. When I got to the house it was locked up tight and the promised key was no where to be found, was it to be yet another strike out? I called the builder again and he confirmed that there really was a little key hidden and yes that time I located it. The home is nearly completed and is very beautiful, work is coming along nicely. But when I called the lender to report in the phone just rang and rang, they had gone home early today, of course!
The evening turned out better. Nikki thumped on my winter and wakened me from a brief nap as I waited for them to arrive so I could see Keanna swim. After my heart stopped racing from the scare I went in and enjoyed watching Keanna in the water with her swim instructor.
Then it was time for me to face my machines and since I'm starting to get a cold that was a bit more difficult tonight than normal. I made it through and now I'm glad to be home and resting. I'm off to do a nasal wash and then go to bed. I just want to recover, not get worse. It happens.
I'm grateful to be home,
love to all
tim
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
There is something about winter.........
Dear Ones,
Yes there is something about the winter months, chilly, breezy, brown, dormant, clear night skies, warm fires, snuggling under blankets, yes there are many nice things about winter. Daughter Nikki and I have neither been really much in favor with summer, too warm, too wet, to uncomfortable and way to expensive to keep cool with modern AC systems. There is nothing quite like measuring a two or three story home that has been closed up for weeks, measuring it on a hot summer afternoon, the air inside and upstairs is muggy, smelly and oppressive.
So here we are in the early stages of winter, not enough rain yet but still no more AC bills and a legitimate chance to light a fire, that is if the do gooders don't come and shut you down! I know I hate the smoke too but I sure like the warm glow of a nice fire.
For the last few days wind has been upon my little house by the lake and speaking of the lake the geese and ducks are enjoying the waves and white caps. The winds seem to find any little opening and blast in bringing more fresh air than one might want. I'm prone to drinking mocha drinks and I even started the day today with decaf tea which was surprisingly good. It was some sort of apple and spice flavor and quite good.
After I cleaned up an appraisal which had been lingering on my desk I prepared for and then drove to Oakland to shoot comparables and see a little house. It did not feel all that safe to be where I was so I was careful and locked up each time I went in and out. I used my wonderful new ladder compliments of Ray and Lois and inspected the attic shooting a photo to document that I in fact had been there. This little house was a typical example of when an investor buys a house that is in shambles, I mean really rough. The investor usually has a team of helpers who each know their part and within weeks the house is clean, floors refinished or new carpets laid, walls painted, kitchen has new cabinets, granite counters, baths are redone and the house is reborn. At this point in time there are multiple offers bidding on such places and the prices are rising, the investor makes a good profit and for the first time a little family owns their own home. I see it every day and so for many people the american dream is becoming a reality but of course for this to take place it means another family lost their dream home to the bank and were forced to relocate into a rental or with family.
Tomorrow I head to San Francisco where I'll be working on Mission Street. In the afternoon I'll head over to Novato to see a little condo and then come back to visit the gym once again. It should be a good day.
So my good friends and wonderful family here we go again, into another week with opportunities to touch lives, make a living and find a way to make this old world better for someone.
Love
tim
Yes there is something about the winter months, chilly, breezy, brown, dormant, clear night skies, warm fires, snuggling under blankets, yes there are many nice things about winter. Daughter Nikki and I have neither been really much in favor with summer, too warm, too wet, to uncomfortable and way to expensive to keep cool with modern AC systems. There is nothing quite like measuring a two or three story home that has been closed up for weeks, measuring it on a hot summer afternoon, the air inside and upstairs is muggy, smelly and oppressive.
So here we are in the early stages of winter, not enough rain yet but still no more AC bills and a legitimate chance to light a fire, that is if the do gooders don't come and shut you down! I know I hate the smoke too but I sure like the warm glow of a nice fire.
For the last few days wind has been upon my little house by the lake and speaking of the lake the geese and ducks are enjoying the waves and white caps. The winds seem to find any little opening and blast in bringing more fresh air than one might want. I'm prone to drinking mocha drinks and I even started the day today with decaf tea which was surprisingly good. It was some sort of apple and spice flavor and quite good.
After I cleaned up an appraisal which had been lingering on my desk I prepared for and then drove to Oakland to shoot comparables and see a little house. It did not feel all that safe to be where I was so I was careful and locked up each time I went in and out. I used my wonderful new ladder compliments of Ray and Lois and inspected the attic shooting a photo to document that I in fact had been there. This little house was a typical example of when an investor buys a house that is in shambles, I mean really rough. The investor usually has a team of helpers who each know their part and within weeks the house is clean, floors refinished or new carpets laid, walls painted, kitchen has new cabinets, granite counters, baths are redone and the house is reborn. At this point in time there are multiple offers bidding on such places and the prices are rising, the investor makes a good profit and for the first time a little family owns their own home. I see it every day and so for many people the american dream is becoming a reality but of course for this to take place it means another family lost their dream home to the bank and were forced to relocate into a rental or with family.
Tomorrow I head to San Francisco where I'll be working on Mission Street. In the afternoon I'll head over to Novato to see a little condo and then come back to visit the gym once again. It should be a good day.
So my good friends and wonderful family here we go again, into another week with opportunities to touch lives, make a living and find a way to make this old world better for someone.
Love
tim
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Sabbath comes to a close
Dear Family and Friends,
Its early evening, a fire is burning and I'm watching the weather channel as it tells the story of 1993 flooding in the midwest. Its an amazing story, the power of water unleashed can be so destructive.
Rod did a great job with the sermon today in church in Tracy and afterwards I wandered around until I ended up at Olive Garden. I've not been there by myself for a very very long time. Today the service was perfect the salad tasty, the bread perfect just like Nikki and I like it, I ordered a lunch portion of eggplant so I ended up walking out feeling satisfied but not stuffed.
Once I arrived home I rested and watched the christian dish channels. Now its evening and I have a little fire burning and I'm watching the weather channel. For the young readers this is what you have to look forward to. Saturday night watching the weather channel. Exciting.
So for now I wish you a good week to come.
Love
tim
Its early evening, a fire is burning and I'm watching the weather channel as it tells the story of 1993 flooding in the midwest. Its an amazing story, the power of water unleashed can be so destructive.
Rod did a great job with the sermon today in church in Tracy and afterwards I wandered around until I ended up at Olive Garden. I've not been there by myself for a very very long time. Today the service was perfect the salad tasty, the bread perfect just like Nikki and I like it, I ordered a lunch portion of eggplant so I ended up walking out feeling satisfied but not stuffed.
Once I arrived home I rested and watched the christian dish channels. Now its evening and I have a little fire burning and I'm watching the weather channel. For the young readers this is what you have to look forward to. Saturday night watching the weather channel. Exciting.
So for now I wish you a good week to come.
Love
tim
Friday, November 27, 2009
Winding it down
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm just back from a relaxing (who am I kidding) evening at my club. Right now my chest feels like it has been torn apart, muscles are screaming.
I'm just home and its 10:35. For sure one pretty much has the entire club to ones self late at night. Yet this evening I had a very meaningful encounter.
As I settled in to do my reps on one of the machines the guy next to me sat down and began to pump some serious iron. I mentioned the empty gym and he commented on how good it was that I was there taking charge. In the conversation Nan came up and that opened something for him. He lost his dad less than a year ago and he says his mom who is 52 is in deep depression for the loss. We were able to talk a bit about loss and recovery and it was a worthwhile interlude in a night at the club.
The last exercise I do just kills, it is taking this stupid blue ball that is about 16 inches high, you sit down and then roll forward until you are laying on the ball keeping your balance with your feet which need to be firmly planted. Then you began to do crunches, 12 of them in a row all the while trying to not fall flat on the floor. By #10 it feels like your gut will rip open and #12 is really intense. The only time that exercise feels good is when you are done and you can put that ball away!
Ken and I pounded the pavement this morning and then I came back to find Jason and Jo up. Timothy was in his little pjs and was so cute. He has a wonderful temperament, pleasant, gentle and curious. He was eating his oatmeal and loving every bite. I made toast and Jason fried some eggs, he had found some decent coffee and we included wheat toast and OJ. It was a lovely breakfast on a cold morning. Then they began to load their things and left around 10 for home. I can't begin to tell you what lift it was to have them here at home, the house vibrated with running water, patter of feet, machines running, stair chair going up and down, Timothy loved that ride with his daddy. Jason and Jo are such bright people that one can't help but learn things by just listening.
It was with a few, well actually a lot, of tears that I watched them drive around the corner and then they were gone. As long as we live on this old messed up earth our lives are a series of hellos and good byes, its a pattern of living in a busy world but oh those hellos are so wonderful!
My dear Nikki decided to take full advantage of the sales last night so at midnight she was in Antioch at Toy R Us and then at 5 am this morning she was at Target. She managed to get everything she was hoping for but has found chances to nap today as a result.
Once Jason and family were on the road then I set to work and have written a couple reports, fixed others and made excellent use of the remaining coffee (decaf) and my time in the office. Once again checks have appeared so I will be able to make the house payment in spite of it being over $400 more since my loan reset this month.
So I bid you all a good night,
love
tim
I'm just back from a relaxing (who am I kidding) evening at my club. Right now my chest feels like it has been torn apart, muscles are screaming.
I'm just home and its 10:35. For sure one pretty much has the entire club to ones self late at night. Yet this evening I had a very meaningful encounter.
As I settled in to do my reps on one of the machines the guy next to me sat down and began to pump some serious iron. I mentioned the empty gym and he commented on how good it was that I was there taking charge. In the conversation Nan came up and that opened something for him. He lost his dad less than a year ago and he says his mom who is 52 is in deep depression for the loss. We were able to talk a bit about loss and recovery and it was a worthwhile interlude in a night at the club.
The last exercise I do just kills, it is taking this stupid blue ball that is about 16 inches high, you sit down and then roll forward until you are laying on the ball keeping your balance with your feet which need to be firmly planted. Then you began to do crunches, 12 of them in a row all the while trying to not fall flat on the floor. By #10 it feels like your gut will rip open and #12 is really intense. The only time that exercise feels good is when you are done and you can put that ball away!
Ken and I pounded the pavement this morning and then I came back to find Jason and Jo up. Timothy was in his little pjs and was so cute. He has a wonderful temperament, pleasant, gentle and curious. He was eating his oatmeal and loving every bite. I made toast and Jason fried some eggs, he had found some decent coffee and we included wheat toast and OJ. It was a lovely breakfast on a cold morning. Then they began to load their things and left around 10 for home. I can't begin to tell you what lift it was to have them here at home, the house vibrated with running water, patter of feet, machines running, stair chair going up and down, Timothy loved that ride with his daddy. Jason and Jo are such bright people that one can't help but learn things by just listening.
It was with a few, well actually a lot, of tears that I watched them drive around the corner and then they were gone. As long as we live on this old messed up earth our lives are a series of hellos and good byes, its a pattern of living in a busy world but oh those hellos are so wonderful!
My dear Nikki decided to take full advantage of the sales last night so at midnight she was in Antioch at Toy R Us and then at 5 am this morning she was at Target. She managed to get everything she was hoping for but has found chances to nap today as a result.
Once Jason and family were on the road then I set to work and have written a couple reports, fixed others and made excellent use of the remaining coffee (decaf) and my time in the office. Once again checks have appeared so I will be able to make the house payment in spite of it being over $400 more since my loan reset this month.
So I bid you all a good night,
love
tim
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Dear Family and Friends,
There are good days and excellent days. Today has been one of the really excellent ones. Just now we've been watching a bit of TV after a very full day with family. It started with my usual walk around the lake. We walked at 7 so there was full light of day but almost no traffic. When I got home Jason and Timothy were up in the kitchen and Jason was making breakfast. Soon Jo was cooking, baking and creating all kinds of good things.
We put Timothy down for a nap but he was too excited to actually go to sleep. He had enjoyed the Macy Day Parade and playing. When we finally decided that he would not sleep we headed over to Nikki and Steves where Keanna and Kallie greeted us. Roger and Jill were there along with Kevin and his daughter. We played, watched football and spend a lot of time in their beautiful back yard. Kallie especially loves to be outside and the kids played in the sand box, did the slide, rode little cars and enjoyed the beautiful day.
Suddenly it was time to eat and we all found our places at the long table, a table that strained under the bounty of so many wonderful things to eat and drink. Joyce's apple pie was there along with Mary's pumpkin pie, Steve's two turkeys and host of magic things created by Nikki and Jill.
After a nice time of eating and conversation it was time for desert and then a playing of Polar Express, a very enjoyable movie featuring the voice of Tom Hanks. Finally as little ones began to tire we loaded up and came home. Now this magic time is coming to a close and Jason and Jo will head home in the morning and I'll be back at work.
I am deeply thankful for my family, for each of their talents, contributions, personalities and love for each other. God has blessed me with wonderful people.
Love to all
Tim
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The family gathers
Dear Family and Friends,
As I write this evening Jason and Jo are cooking and baking in the kitchen, Keanna and Timothy are playing and the dogs are happy as clams. The home is warm with a fire in the wood stove, wood which came from Jerry and Donna's home in Weed.
Ken and I walked this morning in the crisp air and upon my return I came directly to the office and began work on conditions and then an appraisal for Carmel Valley. I completed that appraisal this afternoon at 1:20. That's how long it can take to get appraisals written these days with the new requirements. One just cannot be too careful in what is said, how it is said, making the right value decisions etc.
Mid day Jason called to say they were on their way. They left MBA early to avoid the traffic which gathers in the late afternoon. I was actually in the shower when they arrived after running the vacuum, cleaning a bit here and there and pulling two little ACs out of the windows in the guest bedrooms. Funny thing is happening to my body, with just a few workout sessions behind me I'm already much more capable of lifting heavy weights, bending and working than a few months ago. I feel more stable on my feet, I'm not falling asleep anymore during the day as I work, things are better!
And now I'm going to give it up for the evening. Ken and I are hitting the pavement at 7 in the morning and then I'll return to a day of joy with this precious family God has granted me.
Love to all and happy thanksgiving. In spite of so many things that are going the wrong way this is still a wonderful place to live, the USA and people are precious. May your day be special and enrich your life.
Tim
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Working out is really hard work!
Dear Family and Friends,
I'm just in from a workout session at the gym in Brentwood. I just carried my clothes in the trunk of the car and when I ran out of time doing appraisal work due to no light I turned for home. After working my way through a traffic maze I stopped at the club where I was greeted warmly by the front desk and went to work.
What starts to benignly at first turns into burning muscles by the last of the 3rd set of 12. Sometimes I think I can't finish but so far I've been able to. On some of the machines I've been able to increase the weight while others remain a huge challenge just as they are. After completing my round of the 8 stations I decided to take a peak at the racquet ball courts and I could hear from the distinctive sounds before I even arrived that games were going on. Due to the way the club is organized the walkway takes you by the courts at a level at the top so one can peer down and observe the game that is going on. In one court a lone woman was just practicing but in the other court a game of cut throat was going on. Cut throat is played by three players and one person serves but must defend his or her round by playing the other two players, then when the serve is lost the players rotate and then next steps up to play alone against the other two. It is a very lively game and loads of fun. However at this point I would not last even a few minutes, not in shape enough yet to tackle it but soon, very soon I'll be in there playing again. It is my favorite game since one gets such an excellent workout yet you don't waste your time chasing a ball like in tennis. This is intense and a wonderful way to gain exercise.
This morning Ken and I walked in some chilly weather and discussed carbs of which I know nothing, seems I need to but at this point all I know is they are bad, nasty, evil things that we all need to stay alive.
I cranked appraisals out this morning in my newly cleaned office and then left to do field work. On the way I made a deposit (yes, praise the Lord), filled up with diesel and drove to Concord to collect a check for work already completed, then to Richmond to see a nice little place and then it was getting dark so the rest of the planned day will have to wait.
For those of you considering starting a more vigorous exercise program I urge you to join me and take the first step. Club, walk in the park, go up and down your stairs, lift the remote above your head 50 times, whatever take the challenge.
And now I bid each of you farewell and good night.
Tim
I'm just in from a workout session at the gym in Brentwood. I just carried my clothes in the trunk of the car and when I ran out of time doing appraisal work due to no light I turned for home. After working my way through a traffic maze I stopped at the club where I was greeted warmly by the front desk and went to work.
What starts to benignly at first turns into burning muscles by the last of the 3rd set of 12. Sometimes I think I can't finish but so far I've been able to. On some of the machines I've been able to increase the weight while others remain a huge challenge just as they are. After completing my round of the 8 stations I decided to take a peak at the racquet ball courts and I could hear from the distinctive sounds before I even arrived that games were going on. Due to the way the club is organized the walkway takes you by the courts at a level at the top so one can peer down and observe the game that is going on. In one court a lone woman was just practicing but in the other court a game of cut throat was going on. Cut throat is played by three players and one person serves but must defend his or her round by playing the other two players, then when the serve is lost the players rotate and then next steps up to play alone against the other two. It is a very lively game and loads of fun. However at this point I would not last even a few minutes, not in shape enough yet to tackle it but soon, very soon I'll be in there playing again. It is my favorite game since one gets such an excellent workout yet you don't waste your time chasing a ball like in tennis. This is intense and a wonderful way to gain exercise.
This morning Ken and I walked in some chilly weather and discussed carbs of which I know nothing, seems I need to but at this point all I know is they are bad, nasty, evil things that we all need to stay alive.
I cranked appraisals out this morning in my newly cleaned office and then left to do field work. On the way I made a deposit (yes, praise the Lord), filled up with diesel and drove to Concord to collect a check for work already completed, then to Richmond to see a nice little place and then it was getting dark so the rest of the planned day will have to wait.
For those of you considering starting a more vigorous exercise program I urge you to join me and take the first step. Club, walk in the park, go up and down your stairs, lift the remote above your head 50 times, whatever take the challenge.
And now I bid each of you farewell and good night.
Tim
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