Interesting day

Good evening friends and family,

Of course the high point of the day was picking up Keanna, seeing her little face light up knowing her Papa was on time and there for her. We drove to MacDonald's for a snack (happy meal) and spotted Steve's car. She was so excited to get to see her daddy that she stayed with him at Strawhat and I went for the Happy Meal. We enjoyed lunch together and I was impressed again with how many people Steve knows as customers came in to order Steve knew many of them. Our local Strawhat is under new ownership and what a big improvement. Its worth going there again.

After lunch we drove to Keanna's house, picked up her music homework bag and then drove to my house where I went to work and Keanna picked up her eating, 5 or 6 huge strawberries, crackers, a jello cup. That girl can put it away. She created a great picture for me, took her time until she had it the way she wanted it. Once I completed my report we went to the park where she played. Soon it was time to leave for Brentwood and the music class. After buying her a cookie that looked like an egg I left for the club. I actually did not care to get soaked so I took a nap in the van. Once the rain stopped I headed in and I looked longingly at the spin class sign up. I did not understand it so just skipped it. As I entered the workout area I decided to just go up the stairs to the spin room, a room with about 30 bikes mounted on the floor and facing the front where a very positive Kim sat on her bike with a microphone on her cheek. I peered into the room through the glass door and was about to leave when she waved me in. She got off her bike, found me a bike, adjusted it to fit me and then talking all the while told me to take it easy. Soon we were spinning, riding and for the next 40 minutes or so I entered spinning hell. We never stopped spinning and were told to stand up and pump, that was beyond my ability so I just sat on a horribly uncomfortable seat and tried to keep up. The towel was soon soaked, my glasses were soaked, the bike was soaked, my shirt was like rain had fallen. The pace was amazing and for a while I thought my heart would probably just throw in the towel and quit but it did not quit. Every few minutes I would peek at the clock on the side wall and just pray that it would be over, I considered stopping and walking out while I could still walk yet I kept spinning. Well I'm writing to you now loyal reader to you know I survived. Will I got back, you bet, my goal now is to be able to hold my own with the many other riders who all were obedient and leaned forward when they were told to, adjusted the tension ever tighter and stayed with the driving beat of the music and Kim's relentless browbeating. She is not only not hard to look at but also an outstanding teacher and leader.

After we finally stopped I was amazed to discover I could still stand up and the ground did not shake. Lets just say I walked through the weight machines, tossed the towel and drove directly home. I did not pass Starbucks or anything else. I've been in the recliner for 2 hours catching my breath. All in all a great experience.

This morning I met with Jim Edwards, my doctor and we went over the recent blood tests. While there were some less than ideal signals most of the reports were very good. Vit D was low and a friend recently supplied me with just the right bottle of pills to solve that. My cholesterol was an amazing 96 and my bad cholesterol was within the proper range but my good cholesterol was low. My A1C, a long term look at the blood sugar levels was up, 7.1 this time from 6.5 last time a year ago. PSA was very low which is good.

I had taken logs of blood sugar sticks and also records of many blood pressures over the past month. Jim took everything into account and then made some changes in my medications, one move from Crestor to a less expensive one will help financially. He also gave me samples of a brand new drug that is given sub que, the needle is so tiny you don't feel it. This drug helps draw down blood sugar levels and instead of prompting weight gain this one actually enhances efforts to lose weight. I'm excited about that one. Jim also pointed out that there is a difference in the actual levels of omega 3 delivered between the brands that are sold as prescriptions and the ones sold by CostCo and CVS. I checked my bottle this evening and it only delivers 300 mg of omega 3 yet is sold have having 1,000 mg. That was very good information to know. My time there was well spent.

So today I've survived the doctor's office, the spinning class, Keanna's visit and the writing of an appraisal.

I have to close tonight with the perfect ending to a busy day. I know from checking on line banking that I had about $1,400 toward the house payment that had to be made today which is $2,518. I've been waiting for payment from Capital One for over two weeks with nothing being deposited to my account. This evening there was an email informing me of payment for 4 appraisals which is being direct deposited into my account. I now can make the house payment. Living this close is very unnerving but also a real faith builder. I've done nothing to deserve His help but I certainly appreciate it deeply and constantly.

Love to all,

Tim

A long but safe day

9: pm. Home at last. Ken dragged me out into the cold this morning to walk, well actually he asked me if I would like to go and I said yes. At first it was very windy and cold but it got better as we walked and talked.
Once I was back, had breakfast and a shower I loaded up and left for Livermore. As the Yamaha Golf Cart center neared suddenly the rain began to fall. The manager was kind enough to lift the batteries out of the back of the bug and I asked about a replacement cushion for the rear seat of the golf cart, amazingly they had one on the shelf which they sold to me for just $25.
I then dialed the GPS in for Hollister and began the trip. It promised an arrival time of 11:30 and it was very close. I inspected the empty house, shot 8 comparables and then left for Jason and Jo's place at MBA. In a few minutes I was at their front door and Timothy ran out to greet me. He was having a good day with his mother and after a few minutes I left for my next appointment in Lodi.
Now I'm home and very ready to head to bed. I see that I have a Doctor's appointment at 8 in the morning which I'm looking forward to. Then I'll probably run over to Concord to do a driveby and then back to pickup Keanna at school.
While I've driven about 300 miles today I'm thankful for a safe day and one with all kinds of weather, from driving rain to sunshine. Its a beautiful time of the year with everything green, flowering and giving off tons of pollen, lovely for us hay fever sufferers.
So good night all,

love

tim

Varied tasks

Good evening
As I'm heading to bed I thought I would bring you up to speed on my day. First to Vacaville to see a nice little place, then to CostCo for cat food, mundane stuff, then home to work for awhile, then off to Weight Watchers where amazingly I've lost yet another pound. Now its 8 lbs down. I really don't deserve it.
Then to the club to watch Keanna in her swimming lesson and Kallie running, playing, eating Cheerios and smiling a whole lot.
Then home to do some heavy lifting. The batteries, all 6 of them needed to be transferred to the bug so I could get them back to the Livermore company to honor my word. While I was in town I picked up a 3 dollar device that lets you grab batteries and lift them. They are very very heavy and would break your foot if they fell. Well the device worked perfectly on two of the batteries but the other 4 had a different terminal which did not stick up enough for the device to get a hold. What to do, lifting the batteries with bare hands was out of the question for me, just two heavy. So what to do. Using two nails as pins I devised a way to make the lifting device stay connected the battery, it worked and all 6 batteries are now safely loaded in the back of the bug for delivery tomorrow morning. I think I will just keep going then to Hollister to do an appraisal that came in today and then hurry back for a dinner appointment tomorrow evening which I do not plan to miss.
I must say the bug sure drives nicely now with its new tires and quieter engine. It starts rapidly now and seems to run perfectly.
Now off to bed since neighbor Ken has decided that we should walk in the morning at 6 am. Too early!
Love to all,

Tim

Rested

Hi

I'm just home from driving back in the motorhome from MBA. Along the way I stopped to see Ron Wing, Irene's husband. We lost Irene Jan. 26 and Ron and I have been able to have a couple meaningful times when we can talk. Tonight was one such night. He took his son Eric and me to Hometown Buffet and we all ate like there was no Weight Watchers, yikes. We were able to share important stuff and just had a good evening.

This morning Jason and I walked Timothy and my dogs to the beach. It was a splendid morning, not a bit cold and clear. During the day we tackled several projects. With a fresh charge in the newly installed batteries Jason took Timothy and me on a ride around campus. The golf cart performed perfectly in spite of Jason's horrific driving, who taught that boy to drive? Mmmm. While we were out we toured the administration building where Jason's classrooms are located. During spring break a dedicated individual has been painting and after 4 coats of paint has the walls and ceilings of the hallways beautifully white. The ceiling had not been painted since the building was constructed many many years ago. They are doing many updating things to the halls and entry which will bring the building up to date.

Jason then planted me on his riding lawnmower and I mowed his huge yard, besides putting the wrong gas in the tank and popping off a belt my work went smoothly. He has a very cute little compressor and we managed to get all his tires, car, golf cart, bike, bike trailer, all of them to the correct levels. He repaired the recliner which had lost a nut, we fixed the windshield on the golf cart, we were awesome in the repair department.

Finally this afternoon it came time to unplug from the house, button down all the loose stuff in the motorhome and drive home. Oh how I hate to drive out from MBA. Sometimes it feels like driving out of heaven and back to earth.

Yes, the trip to MBA has done its refreshing magic once again. I want to thank Jason and Jo for their generous hospitality, for sharing Timothy in so many ways and for providing a safe haven to visit once in awhile to settle the tumult of life just a bit.

Love

Tim

PS What fun to share photos of family and especially Kidos.

A Great Family Day

Dear Family and Friends,
What a beautiful day? I slept in until almost 8:30 this morning, amazing really. Then I had some breakfast and watched a bit of 3ABN which varies from good at times to very boring. Using the little shower in the motorhome I prepared for the upcoming day expecting we would be going to Sabbath School. Plans changed as Timothy slept in very late, a rest he really needed. Jason and Jo decided we would go to Monterey and enjoy the sunny day. Jason prepared a great picnic lunch and we drove down. Finding a parking place nearby we ventured into a really enjoyable kids park where Timothy enjoyed going down a slide that is composed of a series of rollers, he loved it. He also like the maze and other play structures. Then we went to a really terrific newly created park which serves as an access point for divers wanting to enter the ocean. We found a picnic table and ate our lunch which seemed to taste even better in such a stunning spot with Monterey Bay on one side and a vast expanse of lawn on the other. Afterward we walked around for a little bit and then headed home.
Once home we all took needed naps including Timothy who slept for over 2 hours. Jason and I puttered around after he woke up and this evening we have the golf cart running again. The new batteries worked great and now it is ready to go and to sell.
Once again this evening it is cold and in spite of having the furnace on I'm sitting in shorts at the table as I write and I'm cold. The dogs are ready to go to bed and are carefully watching me for cues as to when to run to the bed and jump up.
What is really exciting around here is the great news that Jason and Jo are going to make Timothy a big brother! Timothy called me last week to tell me the news and we are all very excited, well Jo is not quite so excited as she gets to endure the side effects of the whole process.
As I sit here this evening if I strain to hear I can detect the sounds of the surf which is a few blocks away. In the morning we will head to the ocean for a nice walk.
I'm certainly hoping your day was great too. I'm reminded that the Sabbath is a time to recharge our batteries, God knew what we needed and in the same manner as my new cell phone battery which arrived on Friday in the mail is now fully charged and working great. Without the chance to recharge we run out of emotional energy, with a huge dose of nature and family today I'm feeling much better about life again.
So I'm sending love to all,

Tim
ps I'm sure enjoying the new ipod that Marilyn sent. What fun to learn how to make this amazing device work. Jo is a good teacher as she has one too.

Catching my breath at MBA

Dear Family and Friends,
I'm writing to you this evening from the motorhome, it is parked by the ocean at Jason and Jo's house at Monterey Bay Academy. If I try hard I can hear the breakers on the shore and otherwise there is a huge wall of silence, what a place to recharge ones emotional batteries.
I had hoped to get away fairly early this morning from home but one thing after another kept popping up to block my progress. A MLS board I needed to access to complete a report suddenly was blocked and the tech people did not solve it until late this afternoon. I had a mini battle with my bank, conditions kept coming in and I was stressing over whether I should make the trip or stay home and work. A friend called at a crucial moment and the advice given was right on so I loaded up the coach and hit the road.
I decided to try to obtain batteries for Jason's golf cart we had given him years ago. Its batteries had failed and I hoped I could purchase some used ones. I had no idea of helpful the manager would be. He took me to a pallet that had 6 batteries sitting on it. He said they were about a year old and were still good. He charged me $100 for the 6 when they are usually at least $25 each. He loaded them in cardboard boxes and sat them on the floor of the motorhome. What a blessing.
Then I was able to locate a place nearby that sells propane and since I was on empty I was able to purchase 13 gallons or pounds. finally I was on the road.
When I arrived I found Nikki and the girls were here visiting, the kids were playing and sharing nicely. Eventually we discovered that we were hungry and Jason and Jo guided us to a nice Italian place in Santa Cruz. What fun to share time with my precious people, the kids enjoyed their dinners, the adults talked, it was good. Well worth the trip just to be together like this.
After we returned to MBA Jason guided me in so I could park sort of level. Then we put these little egg crate leveling squares down and instantly the motorhome was perfectly level. Its rare to get it this good.
I am anticipating that you will have a blessed weekend.

love

tim

It was beautiful

Dear Family and Friends,
This morning I drove to Stockton to conduct an inspection for a bank, the one funding the construction of the home. I was not prepared for what I found. The contractor met me at the street and the home was nearly completed. It backs to the Stockton Channel and has a direct view of Mt Diablo from the center kitchen window. The home was what the term high end really means. From the carefully installed solid wood doors to the $100,000 of tile work to the 4 bathrooms filled with marble, everything was perfectly done. The detail that went into this home was really amazing and the contractor was very proud of his work. They are a few weeks from completing the home and it will be masterpiece when completed. So I shot dozens of photos of the details, emailed them to the lender and come some day I'll get a check for $50 for my troubles but it was worth it this time just to see a home like this. Our mansions in heaven must be like this one.
Although I've hardly coughed at all today my chest has pain and heaviness. It may be from the workout at the club but it sure is no fun. Every movement comes with great effort.
This evening I drove over to Mountain House to inspect what they call a condo. It is really a very nice property and is going out at $205,000. Nice thing about this order is I've already been paid for my work on this one.
This evening I brought the motorhome home so I could load it and prepare for a trip to see Timothy and his parents. Part of me just feels to tired to even think of loading up but I know trips there are always a lift. I'm very tired of being ill, of feeling poorly and frankly I'm depressed. By doing all the work to keep the company thriving I now do what the accountant used to do, the phone person and the writer. I don't have any time to keep up with the house and all that goes with that. I long to attack the garage, locate Nikki and Jason's old toys, throw trash away, long to get the house painted, long to get a stone in place to mark Nan's grave site, long to knock down the tall grass and weeds and so the list goes.
Along with challenges I also want to be reflective of blessings that come nearly every day. I get to set my own hours, its basic, if I'm awake I need to be working, I get to live by Willow Lake with its geese, ducks, fish etc. Money is still coming in to cover the basics but every month the tax bill gets higher.
I hope your day has been more positive.

love

tim