Today is December 30th

I've just awoken on New Year's Eve morn and realized that we've succumbed... the seduction of the ages... this night owl has become a very early morning riser and consequently, by 9PM, I've fallen asleep in my chair....  precisely what happened yesterday...

I awoke with a start and realized for some insane reason, that the email with the attached new price addendum had lost it's very important attachment.  The PDF was lost in the ethernet!  So, knowing that this was probably an early closing day for the bank, 5AM found me scrambling to make sure the negotiator had everything he needed. The buyers were traveling & 3 hours ahead, the seller was also traveling in this time zone & had connectivity problems, tho' he was finally able to email the digitally signed doc very late at night.  Oh no!  A new HUD-1 was needed too?  Way too early for the title officer, Michelle, to be in so, I redid the numbers and penciled them in.  Wouldn't you know that the email program didn't like the PDF & kept refusing to send it? The bank's fax number had been disconnected too. I finally found a way to trick the system by sending a jpg doc instead.  Ha! Tim, the negotiator, had a heart!  Murphy's law had been operating big time and at 8AM after hours of struggling with technology shenanigans, he laughed with me in a reply email.  I expressed desire for coffee, patience and a deep breath but Tim needed a typed HUD-1 (closing statement usually rendered by the title co.).  So, thank God, by 8AM, Michelle's assistant was in and redid the HUD-1 and after a review, Chase had everything they needed.  It was 9AM now and I felt like I'd done battle and could only hope for the best.  After a protein drink and some coffee, picked Marilyn up and we went to Harkin's Slough for a walk with nature... observing birds and ducks at play was an amazing way to calm down...  then, off to exchange T's sweater gift, market for a few food basics, CVS for meds and back home.  No word from Chase so,  I closed out my business for the day and the year.  It was 4:30 PM and I wanted a movie marathon... "Top Gun" was in process so, I watched the ultimate dog fight and then, hooked on "The Fugitive".  Time for a few roll ups with freshly made guacamole and it was time for a Netflix movie:  "Conviction".  By 9PM, I was fast asleep in my chair.

Tom was playing at the Crow's Nest and T & I were in bed and asleep by the time he started his set...

what happened to the night owl?

Eyes closed and I was watching that movie in my head....

Today is December 29th

I've lost track of days...  ever have wifi issues?  ai yi yi!  The last few days were a freak show but thank God for Allen & T!  Between the two of them, they were able to get the wifi working again and T got the booster to re-start.  Yahoo!

I've been trying to take my online classes - for renewal of my Real Estate license - 45 hours worth and so far, I've found every reason to dodge it, including my wifi issues... I hope to do a little each day but if today is an example... I'll be cramming like I did in college...

Anyway, Tues. after making a stab at the first module, Agency and being bored to tears; I shared a sip & a nosh with Lila et al and a toast to our dear friend, Anne Bailey.  Wed. was another day of fighting with the bank over the short sale's price and trying to explain it to the buyers, who are frustrated... just as frustrated as I am.... finished the day with a ride over Hecker Pass to Morgan Hill.  GPS routed us to Watsonville Rd., stunningly gorgeous horse ranches & vineyards to the downtown area to celebrate Cathy's birthday.  We ate in a little Italian deli that Cath had discovered on the main drag and what a find!!!!  Delicious food and great company

Carla, Cathy, Tracy & A

Today after a quick trip to the eye doctor and a dilation;  I was given a reprieve... Yahoo!!! Nothing imminently threatening to my retina, so I took a deep breath and a sigh and decided to let it go....  Home to change and meet Pat & John for a drive up the coast to Half Moon Bay for the Anne Bailey service.  A beautiful home on the top of a mountain with ocean views, tho' hard to see with the fog...  I kept searching for Anne 'cause she would have enjoyed the gathering... I wanted closure... hearing stories of Anne's life and truly celebrating her.  Her daughters were very strong... their mother's girls.   May she rest in peace...

Today is December 26th

Christmas Day dawned cold, clear and crisp as we walked along the shore...  Tracy remarked upon our stroll up the bluff towards home,  “ I didn’t think I’d make it to see this Christmas” as I bit back tears..  it’s been a very long year of pain, anguish, terror, fear and moments of sheer joy as we fought this damn disease and Christmas day was one of pure rejoicing...  We are so blessed. 

As we listened to songs of Christmas, we unwrapped our presents and wrapped ourselves with love... the whole day was one of deep feelings as we joined some of our extended family at the Whitnicks to break bread and relax... 

Tracy, Deb, Di, Tina, Mike & Gary

T, A, Di, Tina, Mike, Gary

Today was a day of rest... reading, crocheting, munching and watching “The Pat Tillman Story” got us both fired up enough to cheer the Saints roust of the Falcons right out of the park...  and then, the phone rang... A dear friend, Anne Bailey, has passed away  and I’m in shock... I can’t believe it... she suddenly took ill at Thanksgiving and it was thought she’d had a stroke... after a month at Dominican, she was transferred to Stanford for Christmas.  She died today.  She was a vibrant, lovely spirit with a very big life... she traveled extensively and was so warm and genuine...she made me feel good to be around her.  She offered help continuously this past year because she cared deeply for Tracy.... I’m so sorry I wasn’t able to say goodbye....

Once again, carpe diem reaffirmed...

Bless you all and good night....sweet dreams...

Christmas Eve, 2011

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.... ready or not?

After our full day yesterday with another trip to Stanford.... we're both exhausted... the suspense was unbearable as we waited for T's lab results and thank God, his counts are inching back up... it had been a worrisome week with T resting most days after our walk on the beach... and me worrying about him... so, while we waited for results, Sandy stopped by with several other nurses that hadn't seen T in quite awhile; we'd already seen Holly, the concierge; each & every one were amazed at our handsome man's return and phenomenal progress.  Stories were swapped and we realized once again just how far T's come.  So finally, T was given another round of chemo and we were on our way wishing one and all a very Merry Christmas!!!

Today after a walk on the beach;  I started wrapping until the Niners game started against the Seahawks.  Then, the two of us screamed our bloody heads off until the Niners beat 'em in a nail biter...  Yahoo and we called it a night.... tomorrow is a big day....

Today is Thursday, December 22nd

What another amazingly glorious day on the coast!!!  We walked on the beach and reveled at the beauty of the seascape...  while Riley chased every bird touting his ownership of the beach...

I thank God for the beauty that surrounds us...

I thank God for my mate and the love of my life, Tracy...

I thank God for the feeling that I will always be taken care of...

I thank God for my friends and family...

We ended a glorious day on the coast with dinner with Jim & Linda at the Shadowbrook... I relished the memories of our wedding day as we enjoyed the dinner we shared...

Life is what we make it...

Love to all and to all a good night!!!

Today is Wednesday, December 21st

What a gorgeous day on the coast... clear and crisp as we strolled the beach...Tracy, Riley & I enjoying the beauty of the day... I need to hold on to that feeling no matter what...  Nothing else matters....

Lots of movement as I work with the negotiator to try to work through the bank's objections, assuage the buyers who are in a precarious position since they must sell their home in order to buy this one and placate the seller who is losing his home... who ever expected it to be easy?  At least we all seem to be moving forward hopefully, towards the same end...

Granada is in contract!!! Yahoo!!!  The sign is back up... I wonder if the same idiot who took down the stop sign at the corner of Granada & Townsend decided to take down the new sign?  What would you get out of knocking down posts?  Only that demented soul could tell us but he does it in the dead of night....  the zombie... santa's gonna bring him coal for Christmas...we hope...

The only thing that's really worrisome is T... he's trying very hard but he spent the day in bed today and yesterday after our walks on the beach... I think our trip to Stanford on Friday will be very interesting...  please keep sending clean clear nurturing white light to wrap our boy...

sweet dreams....

Today is Monday, December 19th

Today is Johnny's birthday and I hope to celebrate with him someday soon!  We celebrated Jan's birthday last evening with dinner at The Pointe.  Great gathering!!!

The weekend flew by as I made the transition to Sereno Group.  I am evolving and it feels sooo good.  Biz is booming too!  Gillian made an offer and so sweetly wrote of her love for the home,  she may very well get it.  An offer was made on Granada Dr. even as someone vandalized the new Sereno sign.  We had word today that Brian's new home will actually become reality in 45 days!  All I'd like to see?  in writing...

Life is good and T seems a little better... with his first haircut in over a year, he is rolling with the punches, but as always it''s up and down... sometimes in the same day...  Today was a great day for both of us!

The Niners beat the Steelers!!!!  and in our T- Shirts we cheered them on...

Check out the gorgeous holiday arrangement my new broker sent me..

I'm a happy girl...

Today is Friday, December 16th

Today is a big day!  I've finally made a very hard decision.  I've left my brokerage, Bailey Properties, and moved over to Sereno Group after 8 amazing years!  Bailey Properties was a great ride and now I'm ready for a change... hopefully, a wonderful change...  Life is what you make it and when the opportunity knocked, I answered the door...

Last few days have been chock full of stress, elation, meeting new folks and decisions...  and then, we went to Stanford today.  Thank God, for Bruno and his tempered treatment.  T has had some pretty low days the last couple weeks including night sweats and his bout with shingles...poor guy... so, scaled back on the dose of Methotrexate and next week we'll see about the next IV Vincristine treatment.   T's numbers are lower than they'd like to see so, reduced chemo is what the doctor ordered, as Bruno boards a plane to Brazil for the holiday... and we thank God we will celebrate another together.

Today is Wednesday, December 14th

Christmas is coming and I'm living up to the old joke....totally unprepared...  it's crept up on me while I've been preoccupied with business and T...  I guess that's a good thing but I'm stressing cause I yearn for balance.

 Monday evening due to a senior moment?  I forgot about my book club Christmas gathering...  thank God, Pat called me when I didn't show.   It had disappeared from my iPhone calendar and I don't know why.   After visiting with Linda & Jim, T'd grilled pork chops wrapped in bacon, steamed broccoli and apple sauce and we were settling in after  clean up, when the phone rang... I'd just clean forgotten..  lots of details as I negotiate with the bank and other realtors.  The big upset was I'd been looking through a cloud over my left eye since early evening.  When I left Pat's & all our revelry,  I turned my head, & saw a weird flash.  I thought my eyes were tired... too long a day wearing contacts?  Anyway,  yesterday, the same cloud was over that eye and after talking about it with Marilyn, I called several eye doctors and was able to see Dr. Ray immediately.  It meant missing my clay play but I knew it was important.  Dr. Ray confirmed that I should watch it and be sure that in broad daylight, no flashes.  If I see that flash during the day, go immediately to an eye doctor.  Come back in 2 weeks for another exam.  ai yi yi..... so tired of the doctor apt. dance.  Altho' I really enjoyed meeting Dr. Ray... lively discussion of real estate and politics which made the wait for dilation fun... tho' the outcome is a big ?  I've decided not to stress... just keep it in the back of my mind...

So, this morning, I'll take time to play with clay before my meetings start.  It's shaping up to be an awesome week...
Double click the link below for a laugh....
Gotta love it!!!

Today is Sunday, December 11th

Playing catch up... Yesterday met with the buyers of Angora and showed several homes... one was so stunning... I enjoyed touring it.  After, Deanna & Gary stopped by and we ordered a pizza delivered and then, Jan & Tom stopped by... everyone was pretty tired so, we chatted for awhile and called it an early night.

Today I met with the Seller of Angora and we have a deal!!!  Now I just hope the bank agrees...  Came home in time to watch the niners nail biter and even tho' we had our T- shirts on,  they lost!!!! Can't believe it!!!

T is better... thanks for the incoming white light!!

Today is Friday, December 9th

T's been kinda punky and I've been deep in thought.  I think it may be time to make a change.... The last few days have been a blur of activity.  Lots of follow up with deals in process... Brian's deal looks like it may very well close at long last.  Looks like I may have 2 offers on Angora and Granada has several buyers circling.  Lots of showings on Amos' home and I'll be happy to close a few this month....

T is getting stronger every day... thank God!   It's a day by day thing and the white light helps....

Today is Tuesday, December 6th

It's been a weird couple days.  Niners clinched the division for the first time in 9 years!!! Yahoo!!!  Of course they did...we had our T shirts on.  Great open house at Angora Lane on Sat.  I have 2 new clients interested in writing an offer on Angora Lane.  Yahoo!!!  Also, several people are interested in Granada Dr.  So, biz is good.  My concern?  My honey... T has been down all weekend...  His shingles are very painful and uncomfortable and I'm just plain scared.

I've forgotten what it feels like to be scared about him being ill.  I almost forgot he was ill.  I'm remembering...

Yesterday, I went over the hill to see my client's Palo Alto home and check on my San Jose listing after the storm... little did I know my rider was broken into a million pieces and the Brokerage sign was lying on the ground with a corner cleanly broken off.  It was a simple process to fix it... find a store with super glue and make the tear go away.  That was it...

Today was a day where I got to play with clay... painted glaze on Oscar... ran home, showered and changed and met my client at Angora Lane.  On to the Bailey Christmas party...  and then, home to my honey...  good night all...  keep that white light surrounding us please...

Today is Sunday, December 4th

Twenty two years ago today, we lost Daddy to a prolonged illness.  I was working for Apple, living in DC at the time and altho' I hopped on a puddle jumper;  I didn't make it home in time to say good bye.  Daddy had been in a beautiful hospice facility in Branford, Ct. for about a week.  I had gone home to Ct. for Thanksgiving and seen that Daddy's care was about to kill my Mom.  She wasn't able to sleep at all & was running ragged because of Daddy's needs.  She was exhausted & becoming frail.  I called their Doctor and insisted that she needed relief and Daddy was ultimately transported to hospice.  He was 78, not really cognizant of his circumstances any longer.  His body had been just plain wearing out but he died of an aneurism.

Dad & Mom were married 44 years and together as a couple 49 years.  They waited until the Second World War was over to marry on November 26th, 1945.

Mom & Dad 11.26.45

  Mom was 33 when Johnny was born, 36 when I was born and 37.5 when Cenz arrived.   Daddy was two years older than Mom.  So, they played catch up as they started a family with 3 kids in 5 years.  All of Mom's 4 siblings did the same so, there were always lots of cousins around and family gatherings were huge and full of fun, food and music.  Grandpa Saggio played the mandolin, the guitar and a 'squeeze box' and we all sang.... Mom's twin, Aunt Etta, had twin boys, Paul & Vinny (Johnny's age) and Bobby was my age.  So, I loved and was always comfortable being surrounded by boys.  As children we spent our summers together on the West Haven shore of Long Island sound.

At 16, Uncle Johnny taught me how to drive an automatic on his big Oldsmobile 66.  He was patient and easy and I learned in the parking lot of Eli Whitney school.  I started to learn to drive a stick on Johnny's gorgeous white MGA with red interior; poor Johnny.  I was 16, he was 18 and we were Italian hot heads... I know I ground those gears mercilessly in order to learn that delicate balance.  I remember being stuck on a little hill near our house... I couldn't get the clutch and the gas to balance so, I could stop on the hill & we screamed at each other until I jumped out of the car and walked home.  What Johnny & I learned was that I needed to take standard driving lessons on someone else's car, so I did...  I loved my Johnny but we butted heads a lot growing up as most kids do.  He was just old enough to be too cool to hang with a kid sister.   When I graduated from high school and bought my dream car, my '64

Summer '67

British racing green with yellow racing striped TR4, my cousins taught me how to tune it up.  They were car guys.  Paul had a Morgan and Vinny had an XKE ( or vice versa, after all they were identical twins).  I had convinced my parents that I was responsible enough to handle all the expenses; found an insurance co. to insure my car as a compact car (if my family switched over too, ai yi yi ) and never mind that Johnny had crashed his MGA, since no one had been injured.  Daddy was putty in my unrelenting hands.... anyway, I was Daddy's girl.  I learned to love football and baseball 'cause that meant I would spend time with Daddy.  As a child when I went to my monthly orthodontist visits to adjust my retainer, Daddy always took me and we'd go to Hasselbach's, the old fashioned New Haven ice cream parlor, for a hot fudge sundae.  I also loved to go with Daddy to watch him play tennis at the Yale courts on Sat. mornings.  Those were special times for me and what I choose to remember as I reflect on  my Dad....for he was conflicted, plagued by a chemical imbalance which was never properly diagnosed as what we call bipolar today.  What a waste... but when he was functioning he had a tenor voice that was astounding, a love for education and big embracing arms that made me feel so safe and warm... I loved being with him and I miss the essence of him so.  I think he & T would have gotten along well after they sniffed each other out... I wish they would have known each other.

Wow... didn't expect to write about any of that...  interesting how our minds work.  I awoke from a deep sleep and knew I needed to write....  Jim, I wanted to use the word penultimate but all I can think of next is sleep...which is elusive...

Tracy was so good Friday... he was energetic and happy.  Did I jinx him?  I remarked that he was doing so well even at his nadir.  It seemed within a few hours... he was feeling really punky... aching and queasy.  So after a restless night, he spent Sat. morning in bed and basically, rested most of the day.  I came home from my open house, wanting to make a cream of broccoli soup but I realized that would have been for me.  T needed something much more bland so, in went the chicken pot pie - his choice.... a long way from an Italian dinner shared with Gary & Deanna in Saratoga which we reluctantly canceled.   An early evening, and here I am awake in the middle of the night.  Oh well... life is good.  T is here. Have a laugh... I just found this photo...

Hamden High Twirler

Keep sending the white light to surround our T, please.

Today is Thursday, December 1st

It's the first day of the holiday season!   Oh how I adore this season... really it started the week before Thanksgiving...  I think back and forward and relish the fact that we've overcome and we're here now....

Life is for the brave and the caring few who would try to live at all costs...

I am thankful for the breath I take every morning and that my husband, my T, awakes next to me and asks, " will you walk with us this morning?"

I am thankful for the puzzles I see in every corner of life and seek to resolve...

I am thankful for the family and friends who trust in us and share their time with us...

I am thankful for your prayers... which keep my love alive... and in good spirits with his quick wit...  don't hesitate to call... he's here and he loves you all...

Today is Wednesday, November 30th

I'm a very tired girl... packed fun & work into the last two days and now I'm ready to unwind.  Life is sooo good.  Walked on the beach this morning with my boys after I'd talked to my Aunt Etta, my Mom's twin, who just turned 98... sounds just like my Mom so, I like to listen as she rambles... She's still living in her own home in West Haven, Ct. and luckily no longer drives.  She cooks and cleans & keeps up with her grand children & plays bingo twice a week at the senior center ( which she helped establish).  She's an inspiration.  Also, called my great niece to wish her a happy birthday.  Arwen turned 6 yesterday.... also, spoke with my long lost cousin, Vinny... Oh family, my family...

Then, set to work & finished Tracy's Virgo girl... kind of an Impressionist piece that will need to be fired & then?

Virgo for T

Showed property this evening until about 7:30... now I know why I don't like to show property when it's dark... hard to see the lockbox... let alone find the places...  I'm lucky to have avoided a suddenly stopped car on E.Cliff Dr. & a terribly lit area in a townhouse parking lot.  Home to my honey, comfort food prepared by T and glad to be here...

Today is Monday, November 28th

I'm a pooped girl.  It took a lot to get out of bed today... had a weird cramping/sharp shooting pain in my leg yesterday after my open house.  Silly me... I'd worn my red spike heel boots to show property on Sat. & ended up walking a fair distance in them... felt like I was walking on my face (mom's expression works sooo well) by the time we left Pajaro Dunes.  Luckily, I had a pair of flats with me... but by the end of day yesterday after doing the stairs multiple times at the open house... I was in physical pain.  So, I massaged my leg and took a muscle relaxer and went to bed early.

Today I've been fielding calls and doing work follow-up.  But I'm ready for a movie...

I've included a Youtube that I think is one of the funniest videos I've ever seen.  Have fun!!!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Today is Saturday, November 26th

It seems like I take the opportunity to write every other day lately... oh well, that's the way it is sometimes....  Yesterday was a day where I just wanted to rest but we were very glad to make Michael's surprise 60th... a gathering of the tribe to celebrate a very special friend...

Today was a full on work day...starting with showing 2 homes in La Selva Beach and one in Seacliff and then, an open house at 118 Granada Dr. - 5 groups through and followed by a trip to Tuscany to enjoy this wonderful weather with Linda & Jim, Mike & Grace...We're in bed early this evening because we're both exhausted but satisfied...leftovers were the order of the day and we ate 'em up!

Happy trails....

Today is Friday, November 25th

The sky is an amazing shade of pink, purple and blue this morning as we awake.  Thanksgiving was a celebration of love, family and great food!!!

Our Thanksgiving prayer:

For the blessings you have bestowed upon this family,

For all the days we've had together and all the days to come...

For all the joys and sorrows that bind us ever closer

For the trials we have overcome!

And for teaching us that we can do no great things - only small things with great love!!!

Amen

We are happy, satisfied and full.  Our dinner was a presentation of great cooking skills!  Di made a Martha Stewart corn bread pudding that was outstanding and a green bean salad with crunch and Di made the gravy upon arrival...  Deb made a sculptured cherry pie and mmmmm pumpkin mousse (I managed to save a whole one to savor over the weekend) and T & I worked in concert to stuff the turkey's orifices with an apple, cranberry, sausage cornbread stuffing and our family's traditional cranberry orange sauce and a pumpkin cheesecake with praline sauce.  What a feast!!!  We managed to check in with our families and prepare the feast and feel the love across the country...  Our neighbors joined us for dessert and brought a pumpkin and blackberry pie (made by Cathy Sy) and Ryan played a few tunes for us on his guitar and soprano sax.  He's a talented budding musician...  I even crooned a cappella as much of our wedding vows "Someone to Believe In"  as I could remember...

The only downer on the day was the broadcast of the Niner game... how could they do that to their fans?  Only the NFL channel carried it and tho' I thought of signing up for one day,  we made other arrangements... Bina & Sean left the TV set for us and after everyone left we walked over only to see the last seconds of the game...  big brother, John Harbaugh, with his Ravens beat up on his little brother, Jim and his Niner team....  oh well... we loyal fans had been denied access so our team paid the penalty... 16-6 it must have been a nail biter...

We thank God for another day, another year and the chance to do good....

Mike took photos so hopefully, they'll send them soon....

Today is Wednesday, November 23rd

We are soooo grateful!!!  Thankful for a new lease on life.

It was a long day at Stanford...Tracy's counts were a little down but he's doing well over all!!!  I felt anxious and excited and fearful as the first Doctor arrived in clinic, Dr. Wen-Jen.  We hadn't seen her in 8-9 months and she remarked on how well T looked.  T can now have his teeth cleaned; not a deep cleanse but at least a surface cleaning.  A little thing to most of us; but a big thing to welcome T back to the land of the living.... when Bruno arrived we were ready for him.  T will remain on one IV Vincristine for at least this month & next, plus Dexamethasone & the Methotrexate as he's doing well on this protocol.  No need to disrupt the status quo over the holidays and I am so sincerely thankful on this the eve of our 16th wedding anniversary...

I look back and realize we've come a very long way.  We're still discovering things about each other as we continue to grow.  Yesterday, after my sales meeting;  we played with clay.  T was so caring as I worked at sculpting his Virgo figure.  I have a lot of work to do on the piece but I at least have the basics done.  T worked on a face... a beautiful face and it was amazing to work side by side creating something out of clay.... I love the feel of the clay in my hands as I shape and pull and work at it.  It was a different mix of artists, the Tuesday group, and astounding to absorb what they do.  Each time we learn a little more about each person and their art and Tuesday's group is very unique.  Looks like when we can't make it on Wed., we'll be able to play with clay on Tues. and that's a very good thing.  Oscar & Riley were fired last evening (sounds so ominous)... can't wait to see how they came out!

16 years ago, the 23rd of Nov. fell on Thanksgiving.  I was very excited and hardly able to contain myself as it was the eve of our wedding.  Johnny & Shar had arrived safely and we shared a delicious Thanksgiving dinner at Jayne & Andre's home.  Mom blessed us and we were ready.  It was a warm, brilliantly sunny day and our roses were in full bloom.  The limo arrived to carry Mom, Shar & I from our home in Los Gatos to the Shadowbrook and as we crested the hill,  I saw my life unfolding... full with the warmth of being loved and surrounded by our loving family & friends.  I'd waited all my life for the love of my life, Tracy. ... now we were to become man & woman joined in love.... true partners and head over heels ....  Our future was so bright and our path had begun...

Every day since his death, I'd worn a large gold crucifix on a leather chain that I'd gotten for Cenz while we were in Italy.  I loved it and since Cenz had always worn it, I'd felt him close.  On this my wedding day, I'd worn it as usual and when I began to change in our private lounge; I removed it and never saw it again.  I panicked & Mary Lou, the wedding planner, had the sink drain taken apart and we looked everywhere but I never saw it again.  My intention was to put it in my bustier to have Cenz close, but he had decided to take it back and release me into Tracy's arms forever more.  I know it's strange but how else would you explain the disappearance of his crucifix?  We, Shar, Mom & I were the only ones in the lounge and yet, the crucifix was gone....  Mom calmed me down and the rest of the day unfolded slowly and beautifully.... into a day to remember forever with a sunset  walk on the beach

T & A 11.24.95

Monday, November 21st

Football, football and more football all weekend until we skidded to a halt.  We finally gave up tonight as the Patriots were shellacking the Chiefs... couldn't watch anymore... BUT the Niners are now 9 and 1!!!!   Our T-shirts are getting a workout!!!

Organized my open house schedule for all 3 listings for this holiday weekend; got a price reduction on Granada Dr. to $674,999 and sent out a complete package of disclosures & inspections to a prospective buyer.  Busy work day as I checked in with the bank on my short sale and checked in with clients.  Tracy & I picked up our turkey and T went back to bed... he's pretty punky... had a cold sweat last night and I'm going to monitor him very closely tonight and tomorrow.  Hot tea and a protein drink was all he could handle sooo send in that white light to surround our boy, please...

Today is Saturday, November 19th

Aw man... Cal just lost to Stanford 31-28...next year we'll get that axe back!!!

What a day!  Sunny but cold...I held 104 Angora Lane open and met a new client and we may have an interested buyer... sometimes I really enjoy meeting new clients and today was one of those days...  at the end of my gig, I was ready to go home to my honey & get warm... the excitement built as I neared our door and saw the lights on and T's blue bomber parked in it's usual spot outside the garage...  Riley & T greeted me with a kiss and a hug and I finally relaxed...  home at last...

 The sound of the rain pelting the skylights will put me to sleep...Sweet dreams...

Today is Friday, November 18th

I awoke this morning, dreaming of my lion and hoping I'd put enough holes in his cheeks and jowls... wouldn't want him to blow up when he's fired!  I started thinking of a whole series... first a Virgo so, we'd have matching heads for our home... T, the Virgo (creative, loving, nurturing soul) and yah, me, the Lion (leading the way as I protect my Virgo).  I'd love to do all those astrology figures... mmm food for thought...  I kept laughing as I sculpted Leo and that's what life is all about.

We've come so far in the last year.  We've survived and we're thriving. It truly is amazing to me.. I finished Carla's gift of "Lost & Found" by Jacqueline Sheehan yesterday.  Tracy had urged me to read it and from the moment I started consuming it; I felt catharsis.  I sobbed and sobbed (all day I fought back tears)... grieving for Rocky's loss and identifying with that terrible feeling of ultimately, not being able to save her loved one.  I know I'll re-read it after I've passed it on to Marilyn & Jayne.  I couldn't get out of bed until I'd read it through yesterday & on top of my bad hair day, caused me to be late to meet Marilyn for our Board tour...ugh.  Somedays are just like that.  We viewed a lot of homes and were stunned by the beauty of Tony's new Laurent listing.  I pictured the UCSC Chancellor living there and entertaining hordes of intelligentsia.  What a majestic view of the coastline and our city!!!  Transfixed we walked through the home and dreamed of being invited there for an evening of fun...  Thursday is another favorite day as Marilyn and I get to kibitz as we work. Vicki was missing yesterday but she will rejoin us after the holiday.  We work & play well together and the conversations are pretty interesting...and not to be repeated.  What is said in the car, stays in the car.  Hee hee!

Our Tracy is doing better all the time altho' he's plagued by these stinging pains in his feet.  T just acknowledges them and moves on...never dwelling.  Today we'll take a walk around the neighborhood and then, maybe later if the weather holds we'll walk to our beloved Hidden Beach to let the hound out...

Have a peaceful and fruitful Friday!!!

Today is Wednesday, November 16th

I'm playing catch up as we roll into our week... Tuesday after our Sales Meeting and tour, I collected T and we did a Costco run... what a difference a year makes.  This is the 2nd time in 13 months that Tracy has been inside Costco.  I do believe he enjoyed rounding up our staples & having a hot dog & lemonade as Riley waited patiently in the car.  We dropped our bounty off and immediately went to the beach to enjoy the sunshine...and Riley ran and ran and ran... have to admit, he is slowing down just a wee bit... but we won't tell him...  Home for some phone work.  Then, Jan, our angel, came by to rework our bodies thru massage and we settled in for the evening.

Today, Wednesday, has become my favorite day of the week.  After our walk & some phone work this morning, T & I headed over to Betsy's to play with clay.  We missed our day last week due to my new San Jose listing & a trip to Stanford; so we were both craving our clay play.  I can't explain how wonderful it feels to create with my hands & my heart in such a warm & loving environment.  We both decided on a new piece today and I actually completed the sculpting.  Tracy's is a face that is truly gorgeous (didn't get a photo cause T had wrapped it up).  These pieces all have to dry now and that will take awhile.  Then, they are fired in the kiln and then we get to glaze or paint or shellac or whatever the piece speaks to us.  Oh Boy!!!

My Leo, the Lion

My Oscar, the Otter

T's Riley boy

 I'm amazed at how satisfying the process is.  I'd been feeling major suitcase envy but somehow this new avenue is filling me up.  We even took Riley by when we broke for lunch.  Everyone loved our boy as we do.  He'd had a bad morning.  Something scared him and he literally had climbed up to the head of the bed & perched above our heads.  We finally calmed him down but an extra walk was in the cards.

I have a rant coming... 60 minutes did a piece last Sunday on Congress which has totally blown my mind.  I'll have to collect my thoughts and words in order to voice it, but it's coming.... and so's Christmas...

Today is Monday, November 14th

Life is amazing... Sat. was a day for enjoying friends.  Started out with meeting Deb at the Summit and then, zooming down the hill to Jayne's where we hooked up with Carla & Jayne and started our trip to Max's of Burlingame for Gina's baby shower... what an amazing party with lots of gals and a gorgeous young mother to be...  I enjoyed seeing Deanna, Lori, Pati, Jennel and Carmel and chatting with the rest of Gina's extended family.  Beautifully done and a wonderful celebration... afterwards the fab four returned to Jayne's & immediately on to the Summit with Deb to pick up my car & crest the hill...home to yet another party at Grace & Mike's catered affair at their home on Granada... the weather had held and the group was enjoying the garden and the spectacular eats and I got to relax with our neighbors and artists...  T had moseyed over earlier with Jim & Linda and I was happy to join them... finally, we sauntered home to put our feet up...

Sunday brought a day of meeting and greeting and a hard decision... we'd worn our old 49er t-shirts for 6 straight game wins... last week I'd even not changed my shirt until the last minute to go to my open house.  Sunday, I had no choice... How could I take the chance of screwing up the streak?  I had an open house at 104 Angora Lane and my clients were nice enough to put the game on for me and I WORE the shirt... never had I ever been so casual as to wear a t-shirt to an open house but today I did it and I'm so glad I did!!!  The niners won their 7th in a row...  do I hear Super Bowl???   it was soo fun to meet and greet while the game was on and I even heard from one visitor that it was refreshing!  Jaime & his wife came in as I was opening up ( it was Jaime's 3rd visit of the week) and after his wife had seen the home, they decided to write an offer with me representing them.  We agreed to touch base after I closed up.  I also had Lisa Cardoza, my go to mortgage broker call him for a pre-qual. It was an amazing day and I went home to write the offer and email it.  I  spoke with Jaime several times and we agreed to meet in the office today to go over the details... all was well and Larry was ecstatic!  Dinner and an early bedtime completed the day.

Today after a disturbing call from the negotiator on Brian's deal ( he's insistent that it's no longer a HAFA deal & that we have to come up with more money for the 2nd; I insisted on seeing the details in writing) & subsequently speaking with both Larry and Jaime... I went to meet Jaime at the office.  We spent an hour & a half going over the details of the offer and the short sale process.  We then agreed to meet again at 3:30 to collect the signed offer (from he & his wife) and Larry was going to come by at 5.  At 3:35, Jaime called with bad news... his wife had cold feet.  I was going to list their home immediately and they simply weren't ready for that big a change.... many phone calls later to apprise everyone of the news... I went home, took a walk with my honey & Riley and promptly at 5:00, T made me an outstanding lemon drop while he sipped on a margarita, ate dinner & watched the Packers trounce the Vikings and soon, showered and relaxed we retired to watch Antiques Roadshow and call it an early night....  Just another day in the life of a Realtor...

Today is Veteran's Day, 11-11-11

Wow! What a conundrum!!! Can you imagine 11-11-11? and not think something amazing is going on?

Thursday was a full on work day. Brokers Tour and I had 104 Angora Lane on too... so, it was a chance to meet and greet 20 plus agents & 3 prospective buyers... Lots of talking and winking and enjoying what we do... I'm a happy gal and I'm feeling like I can make a difference...

Today was Veteran's Day and I'm amazed by the heroism of our soldiers. Through so many centuries, the reality remains the same. So many citizens sacrificed their lives for us... Viet Nam rings particularly hard with me... I can remember thinking that if my brothers went I would demonstrate everywhere to keep them safe...Now it's not even the draft that entices our young..I'd like to know what the percentage is of young people that are enticed by the prospect of doing the best for their country... how could we treat them so shoddily?

Anyway, today as the rain poured down.. I decided it was the day to call my clients and what a great day to keep in touch... it felt soooo good!! I'm so glad that life has allowed me the time and energy to keep in touch... I also acknowledge that I'm not delving into stuff at all...protective measure? who knows?

Dinner with Jan & kim, Gary & Deb at Rio Del Mar Mexican and at last accepting my fate... I'm a a happy girl loving living here in Rio Del Mar....

Today is Wednesday, November 9th

Tues and Wed have been a blur... Tues. started with my Sales Meeting and guest speaker, Carole Radoni who expounded on the Bay Area Real Estate market and gave us a few feel good moments... our market is always better than most of the country due to our silicon valley influence.... funny, she spoke of a new method to purchase investments by leveraging stock prior to an IPO ... sounds like another derivative scheme to me and I would have liked to debate a few other points with her .... but it sure was interesting...  I was able to put 104 Angora Lane on the Bailey tour and had great response from my team.  Cathy Sy next to mend my body and then, a little food shopping and hours at the office... working the short sale (I had to re-submit the authorizations again to another number yesterday) and worked Brian's escrow... home to my honey and a break.

Today, Wed. started with a walk, oatmeal & coffee & a jaunt over the hill to meet Amos & execute the listing agreement etc..  While Amos & I chatted, Tracy took multiple photos and a video.  When we had talked it all thru, we loaded up & headed for Stanford... While T had his labs, I went to Subway for T's favorite Meat Combo, circled back to pick him up and finally travel back home unfortunately, too late to play with clay.  Yearned for a nap but the gardener decided he needed to blow the leaves across the street for an hour...so, back to the office to deal with my listings....

Short sale scenario revisited... I submitted the whole package, 109 pages with the Seller's name & loan # on each page and fully indexed twice... one package to the 1st and one package to the 2nd last Fri.  Yesterday, I was told that I should have ignored the advice I received on Fri. and submitted the Authorizations to another fax.  So, I re-submitted the Authorizations to the new fax # yesterday.  Today, I was told that they hadn't received the Hardship Letter & the Listing Agreement and oh, by the way, they still didn't have the Authorization because it would take days to get into the system... ai yi yi!!! Patience is the order of the day... and tenacity...

I'm gonna rest my weary eyes... sweet dreams...

Today is Monday, November 7th

After a great weekend, we took it easy today.  With the sun, we strolled around the neighborhood with our Riley, chomping at the bit to go to the beach again even tho' Jogger Judy took him for a run this morning at 7:30AM.  Home to the papers and after fresh squeezed OJ, coffee and a protein drink, our T went back to bed.  I took his temp which was normal and hugged & kissed him and left him to rest and sleep.  He remained in bed all day... I kept checking on him all day... he's fine just spent.   I stayed home and worked out of my home office cause I didn't want to leave him.  The nadir and the new chemo may take a toll on our boy.... he rallied enough to cheer his beloved Chicago Bears on Mon. night football and eat some chicken soup with pastina... our boy is my hero.

We are truly blessed... keep that white light coming please...

Today is Sunday, November 6th

What an amazing last few days... The winter is here and we added an hour to our day this morning... It's been raining on & off since Thursday & it's ok. Nothing a rip roaring fire can't cure... As we walked the neighborhood we relished that it wasn't raining YET and returned home for breakfast and the papers... & then, I was off to 118 Granada Dr. for an open house...

The last few days I've felt very thankful for everything... Tracy's health, Riley, the wonder dog, living here on the central coast, having my family and friends very much involved with our lives and having a purpose where I get to interact with all kinds of people all the time... the Niners coming back and getting to rant and rave at will... what more could I want?

When I returned home yesterday after the open house, I was trying to figure out what to make for dinner and I guess I was thinking out loud... T was apparently listening and all of a sudden... I smelled grilling onions... T made these wonderful burgers with lettuce, tomatoes and grilled onions on Italian bread and the dinner question was done. It was such a good thing... I had had a small accident with the trim on the Master Bedroom window as I adjusted the shades. My wrist was hurting and I was trying to ignore it. We both called it an early night.

Today we walked the neighborhood and returned home to breakfast and the niners in an early game and what a game!!! We kicked butt in DC and I kept debating on changing my shirt until the bitter end. After all, we've worn these niner shirts continuously since the first game we won. Never let it be said that we're superstitious tho'! So, I waited until the end of the game to change for my open house at 104 Angora Lane. Next week, I'll just wear my niners shirt to the open house. I met and greeted 16 groups today and it was a pleasure!

Looks like we're getting some action and I'm hoping a couple offers soon on both listings!!!
It's gonna be an early night...

Today is Friday, November 4th

Catching up... Thursday was jammed packed with Brokers Tour, then, dental cleaning and on to "A Taste of Santa Cruz" where I was a Silent Auction monitor and basically, had fun hawking the prizes until it was time to sample all the delightful munchies and sip some wine... A wonderful event that raised some much needed funds for the Santa Cruz County Housing Foundation. What a giving community we live in!!! We are blessed... this event was very successful and all the feedback I've heard was positive...

In between activities and meetings I've been assembling Short Sale paperwork on the one hand; hounding the listing agent et al for disclosures on Brian's deal; checking out possible 1031 prospects, arranging for carpet cleaning etc for Amos' home and spending time with my honey.... I'm a happy but stretched gal feeling her strengths....

Today started with an LGR meeting where we discussed the Vacation Rental policy and it's effects on our community and the water desal issue and various other interesting issues... a lively meeting... on to the office to finish the Short Sale package and submit it. Home for lunch with my T and Riley and on to Larry's Meadow Ranch beauty to do my visual inspection as T took all the photos and a video... We're ready to fly... also may have found a short term rental solution for my client.... solved lots of puzzles today...love to fit all the pieces together just right.

Winding down I decided it was time to watch the "goodbye to Steve" video...what a phenomenal tear jerking tribute to Steve which gave me pause, many smiles & yes, tears... even a little regret? that I didn't seize the opportunity to work directly for him when I may have had the chance... timing is everything, it was very early in the making of my life with
T and I chose a different path... who knows? I may have stretched my soul and learned to value my personal life more than a professional path for the first time in my life... T was definitely worth it. Before I met T, my business path had always been more important altho' I always tried to have fun... When I met T, I realized I yearned for balance...my regret was for the timing, missed opportunity to learn from the best... a little bit later in our relationship; I would have realized that T would have grounded me enough to attempt it all... but then again, who knows? It could have been a total bust! Everything happens for a reason and it's been a good run so far. Days like today, where T & I work together so fluidly, reinforces the reason I made my fateful decision not to go for it back then. T is my soul mate and I truly have come home... I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything if it meant I'd lose the love of my life so, regrets? nah not really...I relish the fact that I had the opportunity to work for Apple again and again and learned from every stint the value and power of being my best... We'll all miss his future vision and contributions but we've evolved because of our brush with the best....

T is feeling kind of punky tonite... the onset of his nadir so, we'll be taking it easy this weekend... my love deserves a rest... Sweet dreams....

Today is Wednesday, November 2nd

104 Angora Lane

I'm baack!!!  Been super busy and it's fun... just have to catch my breath...  Yesterday was the first day of November, full of promise and hope...  I'm learning to balance work and play and boy, that's a good thing....  Managed to spend some time enjoying the view from Capitola while eating a Gayle's wrap with Marilyn...Back to the office to list an Aptos Meadow Ranch Beauty that will hit the market by Fri. latest..  First open house will be this Sun. 2-4PM.

Next stop T's Wellness exam and then, on to see our Watsonville tenants and dinner at the Wooden Nickle.  A very long but fruitful day...

Wednesday, started with a 40 min. call to Blue Shield to point out an error with the letter they sent us touting the fact that as good corporate citizens "committed to high quality health care at an affordable price" they had "pledged to limit our annual net income to 2% of revenue collected... and to give back any excess to our customers and community.... As one of our eligible customers you will receive a one-month credit based on your dues/premiums as of May 2010."  Our monthly premium is $1046 and I expected a credit of $1046 but instead Blue Shield chose to issue a credit of $317.21 which makes no sense whatsoever.  I pointed out this material fact to the customer service gal and then, after a very long wait, to the manager, Rain.  Rain then, informed me that the intent of the letter was not what was clearly written and the $317.21 credit was correct BUT I could appeal the process which takes 30 days to guess who?  Blue Shield!  Now isn't that appealing?  This conversation was conducted civilly with a person whose native language was NOT English.  So, my next step is to contact Sam Farr, the Action Line and the papers.  Of course, I paid the premium as stated because, we can't go without medical insurance.  Blue Shield meanwhile is getting a lot of great press for "doing the right thing" even tho' they're actually NOT!

So, next stop was a Grievance issue at the board.... and then, on to play with clay... my otter now has adorable paws ( thanks to Tracy) and ears... he'll be drying for awhile...  great fun!  2 of  the artists lived in DC in almost the same time frame as I did....and turns out we all have the same political views... how refreshing!!!  Made for some stimulating conversation!!

Then, off to the office to copy docs for the new file and I've played catch up ever since....

good nite to all and sweet dreams.....

Today is Tuesday, November 1st

I sent this email to the Super Committee today:

Please remember that the 99% are the guts of this nation... We are the populace. We fight the wars, produce the food, perform the services that are the backbone of this nation and we vote after all. Don't cut the 99% - TAX the 1%.

The best way to reduce the deficit is to close corporate loopholes and tax the 1%, and polls show this has the overwhelming support of the public – even including millionaires.

It's time for Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and Big Oil to pay their fair share.

Hands off the 99%. No cuts to Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. We didn't cause this economic meltdown. We shouldn't be the ones to foot the bill for getting us out of it.

The Occupy Movement has it right!!!
Contact your Congressperson, Senators, Speaker Boehner and the President!!!!  Please!!!!

Today is Halloween!!!

Sunday was a day to remember!  Gorgeous day on the coast and watching the 49ers with our tried & true niner T-shirts proved fateful!!! The niners beat the pants off Cleveland and oh what a joy it was to watch!!!  For the first time in years, I'm almost afraid to say it.... but we do believe the niners will go all the way!!!   

After the game, we strolled over to Sean & Bina's Pumpkin Carving Party...

Sean & 1 of his creations

Bina, the Gorgeous Witch

Suzanna & Miz Ruby Slippers

Tracy's is SF 49ers front & center

It was a great gathering of gorgeous creatures diligently working up some creative designs and noshing away...  What a treat to be able to share our favorite holiday with neighbors and friends...  Tracy's pumpkin now adorns our front entry and will welcome our trick or treaters this evening...  We have lots of candy for the costumed bell ringers.  Such a treat to enjoy!!! Just one year ago, Tracy had been released from the hospital and was unable to greet our tiny visitors...  what a difference! 

Bless you all... and carpe diem!!!

Today is Sunday, October 30th

Friday was an amazing orchestration of events.  The inspectors did me a favor and went all the way to Redwood City from Santa Cruz, the only day they were available, Fri.  It worked into our day at Stanford perfectly and Brian's home is standing tough.  Altho' the prospect of actually getting the home inspected looked dismal for awhile.  The lockbox had mysteriously vanished and no one was answering my calls.  Finally, the owner responded and came & unlocked the bedrooms & garages and the inspections proceeded. We're now more convinced than ever that it's the right home for him.  The hard job will be  getting the listing agent to do her job but we're on our way....From there we rolled to Ikea in E. Palo Alto to pick up the key for Amos's San Jose home from Jon, his tenant, ( he works in Foster City & had forgotten to leave the key) and then straight across the tony tree lined University Ave. to Stanford.  T's labs were done quickly so, we grabbed a salad & sandwich outside in the sun beside the Lucille Packard Children's cafeteria and finally, went on to Bruno's clinic.  The anticipation of seeing Bruno always gives me agida (acid stomach for an Italian) and today was no exception.  Thankfully,  Bruno came in with a smile.  T's counts are holding.  His white cell count was 3 and he's had a good month.  The test he'd taken last month to discover whether he had an errant enzyme that caused havoc with chemo turned out to be true.  So, T will stay this course of Vincristine by IV once a month and 5 tabs of Dexamethasone for 5 days and this month, an additional 18 tabs of Methotrexate every 7 days.  We joked about the fact that he'd be taking almost 2 dozen pills ( 1 short) and he'd better eat with them or suffer a queasy stomach.  Bruno was his charming self and remarked on how well T looked.  When I said, " he hadn't killed him yet ", Bruno said "No, but you almost killed me" ...  and we all laughed...  Being T's advocate didn't make me exactly popular but it sure got results.  I wouldn't and couldn't change cause I become the Momma Bear when it comes to my love.... and Bruno et al beware....  Janell met with us after and explained she'd be gone for 6 weeks for surgery on her leg and gave us alternative physician assistants to contact in her absence.... T will return for labs in 2 weeks and then again on the 23rd for treatment & Bruno's clinic.

Relieved and pretty exhausted, we left the campus in search of a hardware store to make copies of Amos' key.  The app, 'Around Me', is invaluable when searching for something like that... whahoo...  10 min. later we were on our way to South San Jose, near Hellyer Park.

4130 Sacramento Ave.

Amos' home looks great!!!  The paint colors are terrific and I just love the red door.  The carpet cleaner, On the Spot, was on his way so, we put the contractor's box on the hose bib; put up the sign and assessed what needed to be done before we put it on the market.

Phew!!!  Now all we needed to do was drive home in rush hour traffic.  We took the southernly route and wound our way down to Gilroy on 101 and then, across 152 through the leafy gentle curves of Hecker Pass by the closed Mt. Madonna Inn to Watsonville and finally our Rio Del Mar haven... one more mandatory stop at CVS for T's meds and my flu vaccine since T had been given his at Stanford.  I was truly spent when we arrived home but rallied enough to make mashed potatoes and veggie burgers and then, we both collapsed on the couch.

Saturday was another gorgeous day on the coast.  We walked the neighborhood and came home for scrambled eggs and coffee and T swallowed all 23 pills...God love him!  I kept feeling like I needed a nap but the balmy weather and a chance to meet and greet was on the way...  As I put out my open house sign on Rio Del Mar Blvd and Sumner, a pick up truck slowed down... as the fella held up his coffee in salute to me, he sang "Walk like an angel"  and I have to admit,  I smiled and strutted just a bit...  made me feel young again and just a wee bit sexy as I forgot all about my feminist roots....

The open house was very slow which allowed me to spend time with each visitor, neighbor and perhaps the next buyer...  I crocheted and listened to jazz from my iPhone and thought about the risotto we were going to assemble when I returned home....  My honey and I are a brilliant team in the kitchen.  I sipped Moscato (Shar had left some) as I stirred the risotto and kissed the last two days goodbye...

We are blessed....

Today is Friday, October 28th

OMG!!!  Yesterday after saying goodbye and safe travels to Johnny & Shar,  rolled into my work day.  Broker's tour including my honey sitting in 118 Granada while I ran to see a few homes.  Amazing to have T's help....  Saw a home that's newly listed in Rio Del Mar that is priced way too low.   Nothing I can do about it but grouse about people underselling the neighborhood.  The afternoon had me playing poker again with the listing agent on Brian's deal.  Long story short this agent doesn't have a clue and has dropped the ball... hopefully, we can get it back on track.  Inspections are scheduled today at 10AM and then, we go to Stanford for T's monthly meet with Bruno et al and treatment.  Afterward, on to Amos's home in South San Jose to check it out for listing coming very soon.

It will be a crazy but I hope fruitful day!  Keep on truckin'...

Today is Wednesday, October 26th

We've been trying to relax a bit while I handle the work load.... it's been very fun to have Johnny & Shar here for a visit.  Monday & Tuesday were work days but we managed to have some fun too... Shar & I had pedicures and went to Cafe Rio for their Mon. night Burger & Beer for $10 and home to a very berry Gizdich pie.  We enjoyed it!

Tuesday after my sales meeting, Cathy Sy adjusted my twisted body ( it is getting better!  Cathy says the tension is starting to leave and she's able to get in to my frame more easily) and then, we took a ride along the coast to the North... and ended up in Pescadero at Duarte's for their world famous cream of artichoke soup.... pretty good... wonder how it changes with the artichokes that are in season??....  home for CSI and an early night while I groused about the listing agent on Brian's deal.  I do believe we can make this work!

Today was a day of work and then, we all relaxed on the back deck soaking in the warm rays of this gorgeous weather....  Tonight we'll celebrate Tom & Gary's b'days on the patio at Bittersweet Bistro... it will be bittersweet indeed...  since Johnny & Shar leave very early tomorrow...

Today is Sunday, October 23rd

Shar

Shar & Johnny 

Tracy, me, Shar & Johnny

The weather has been unbelievably balmy... hard to believe it's October!!! How could this be?  We actually went to Monterey yesterday and people were remarking on how unseasonably warm the Central coast was.  After strolling through the Monterey Arts & Crafts Fair at the Post House (found a hand beaded case for my iPhone 4S);  we wandered down to Cannery Row for a Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae ( one item knocked off Johnny's bucket list ).


 Sunday found us down at the beach with our feet in the water as the Riley dog chased his ball continually plunging into the surf. Why not?  No football worth watching...

Hidden Beach Beauties

We've never seen it sooo crowded at Hidden Beach.... there were many surfers & swimmers escaping the heat in the gentle surf... almost made me want to jump all the way in... another day perhaps...

Today is Friday, October 21st

We jammed packed the last two days and we're holding on...Thursday was tour day & Marilyn & I went until lunch and then, I saw a couple homes on my own and went to meet Larry. We have a plan of attack for his short sale. By Wed. latest, we'll list his home and hope the Short Sale Gods smile down upon us. On to have my hair colored and shaped & home to welcome my brother Johnny & Shar, my sis. Immediately, we started preparing dinner and got down to the business of enjoying each other as all good Italians do.. we ate and talked and ate and talked....

Great news finally today! Brian's Short sale purchase was finally approved and we received it in writing. YAHOO!!! Amazing thing... I looked up paint samples online at Kelly Moore to help Amos pick colors to paint his home in order to create better curb appeal. Amos is in Hawaii and his home is in San Jose.... and it will soon look fantastic and will attract a wonderful buyer!!!

Today, we had a 2 hour Santa Cruz County Assoc. of Realtors board meeting with exciting strategy to discuss... I was very glad to be a part of it... after, I went to the office to schedule inspections for next Fri. and get Brian's escrow rolling. Man, I'm glad after 6 months, the banks have finally decided to accept the deal.

Home to my family and a walk to Betsy's to see our sculptures and then, we made a trip to Dr. Wu's office so, we could get to the bottom of T's sore throat. A little scare but, they mobilized quickly, blood test, exam and history and a heavy duty antibiotic later and T was able to enjoy the halibut dinner sans stuffed clams (more for us)...mmmmmm sometimes I so crave all the seafood I grew up with... stuffed clams, fried clams, lobster, scallops but tonite helped a whole lot. Shar put a small cooler in her suitcase with Alaskan halibut (caught by Johnny) and stuffed clams...boy what a great dinner.... the rest of the evening we were setting up facetime accounts so, we could talk to Jayne & Lou and ultimately anyone with a facetime account. Oh Boy!

Now this tired girl is going to finally shut my eyes and dream of wonderful adventures....

Today is Wednesday, October 19th

Indian Summer is still with us...  Yesterday, Tuesday, was a work day (Sales meeting & escrow work) combined with some play... rather than sit anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop on Granada,  T & I watched  "Limitless"  with DeNiro & Bradley Cooper...pretty good flick and then, it was our best TV night.. NCI & NCI Los Angeles and Unforgettable... since we missed "The Good Wife" last Sun.... didn't want to miss Zeva & the boys... so, we kept on escaping until I checked my email about 9PM and the bad news was finally here.  The buyer bailed on Granada.  My clients are not happy and would like to punish the buyer for being stupid & wasting a month by keeping her deposit.  Unfortunately, I don't think that will happen.  So, the good news is the carpets look fantastic!  The stain is gone and the house is staged and ready to go!!!  The bad news:  it should have closed yesterday...  so, I get to sell it again...  Oh well... this time it will be a great buyer who loves the home and can't be without it!!!

Now today made up for yesterday... After our walk this morning, I played catch up with several clients and then, Tracy & I started working with clay... OMG!!!  I love the feel of molding and shaping clay.. it's amazing to start with a lump of clay and mold it into an otter!!!! and Betsy is an inspiration!  She encourages me to try and it feels like I belong...like I was meant to do this... I love my otter... he'll need a name but wow!!! I can't wait to continue working on him.  He needs to dry and I have to hollow out his body so, he doesn't shatter in the kiln...next week.  So, afterwards, Larry called me and decided he wants to short sell his home... so, I went to the office to put together all the paperwork and we'll meet tomorrow afternoon to list his home... I hope the Short Sale God will smile down upon us and grant us his wish...  we'll see,,, the Trustee Sale is scheduled for Nov. 7th which is a very tight timeline.  One can only hope...  Amos's house will be ready to go by mid - to late next week.  There you go... zero to three listings in no time....  Now if only Brian's deal would get on track...

Went & picked up all the fixins and T & I worked an assembly line to concoct eggplant parmigiana!!  So, one meal ready to go for Johnny & Shar, who arrive tomorrow.
OK, I'm a tired girl now and I wish you all good night...

Today is Monday, October 17th

This is our SUMMER!!! The last few days have been sooo gorgeous!!! We've been walking in the morning and today & Sat. we walked our Hidden beach to Rio Del Mar and the Riley boy can't believe his luck!!! It feels so good to be enjoying our little corner of the world...

Riley & T poised to play

Awwww

Go for it!

Jumpin' Jack Riley!!!

Got our fingers crossed that we get good news by Wed. that this deal is gonna work and this weather lasts long enough for Johnny & Shar to enjoy...

Two more movies of the boys at the beach... which I can't seem to upload right now....
but I'll figure it out...  sweet dreams...

Today is Sunday, October 16th

An amazing day!!! Beautiful warm sunny day on the coast made our neighborhood walk so fun and everyone was out enjoying it... chatting with folks along the way and feeling blessed that we are here.

Home for breakfast and an incredible nail biting 49er vs Detroit game in Detroit and

WE WON!!!! The Niners are now 5 and 1 and we've got to wear our T shirts every week from now on... Patriots and the Bears won too!!!

It was a serious slug fest day and I'm so glad we were able to enjoy it! The Discovery Channel did a tribute to Steve which I'm glad I didn't miss BUT somehow I forgot "The Good Wife" !!! Here's hoping it will be on Hulu or something very soon...

Here's hoping the buyer's agent on Granada gets a little bit better at communications... I don't think I can take a whole month of this...

Blessed are we...

Today is Saturday, October 15th

That Harvest Moon has continually awakened me in the middle of the night this week... Last night it was 4:00 AM and my eyelids were at half mast and there wasn't any sleep left for this weary soul...

So, I was determined to resurrect one of the back up offers on Granada Drive. I sent emails to both interested parties before I went to sleep last night. Unfortunately, both had become involved in other properties. That's what happens when too much time elapses... Next when I awoke at 4AM, I let the confused buyer go and forgave her. She was so scared and wary. My first phone call of the morning was to my go to carpet cleaner, On the Spot. I arranged for Tom to meet us at the house at 10:30. Then Greg, the Seller, called. He said we needed to give the buyer more time... extend the escrow so, she could sell her Menlo Park home, because it was the 'right' thing to do. I love my clients!!! Long roller coaster story short...we're back in escrow. Keep the faith!

So, stay true to your soul and stay centered. I helped to stage the home this morning and clean up..there's your full service Realtor working hard to help my clients... and lo and behold after a wonderful day that found Tracy and I walking our beloved Hidden Beach this afternoon... gazing at the dolphin and a huge sea lion playing in the surf...we find ourselves back in the good graces of the escrow Gods.

Two more essential details: I neglected to mention that yesterday after my 2.5 hour sojourn at the title office I went to the Capitola AT&T store at the Mall for my reward. I waited about 20 min with a lot of excited folks to get my iPhone4S!!! Yahoo!!! I'm just discovering how truly wonderful it is!! I can actually make phone calls from my house in all the areas that I couldn't before AND I love Siri, my new assistant. I've used it many times today.. make an appointment, call a client, check the weather, check stock prices. I love that it understands me the first time I say something!!! Secondly, I stopped on the way home from the beach to see Betsy today and very soon, T & I may begin working in clay... oh boy!

This evening T and I worked together making dinner like we used to... sipping wine, T assembling the add ins and me working the risotto until our dinner was ready to enjoy... I love days like today!!! Peace and serenity surrounds our beloved home...

Today is Friday, October 14th

Sometimes all the hard work and best of intentions just don't pan out.  The last two days I've been noodling through a vague sense of unease.  My intuition kept gnawing at me and I just didn't want to listen.  It started with lots of excuses why the buyer's agent wasn't communicating....jury duty, field trip with 70 kids... hmmm but you have a phone.... so, when I still hadn't heard that the financing contingency had been removed last night... I persisted with hope and best intentions and spent many hours molding chocolate.  Keeping my mind off the puzzle at hand, focussed on the fashioning of roses, shells and all sorts of figure lollipops in dark, white, green & lavender chocolate.  It's tedious work but with enough light, very creative... and at last my psyche was calm.

Today started out with our neighborhood walk & evolved with multiple phone calls to chaos.  There was a solution to the dilemma and we persisted in figuring it out to the buyer's very deep appreciation.   It took all day and both sellers, my broker and escrow officer to come up with a viable solution for all concerned.  All day long we proceeded to work on every angle.... At 7:30 this evening, the buyer's agent called to cancel the contract!!!  She cannot buy a house at this time due to a nasty divorce.  So, after I fell off my chair;  I got back up and tried to resurrect either of the 2 previous offers.... So far that's a bust but time will tell....

Relax and enjoy!!!

Today is Wednesday, October 12th

What a gorgeous warm day on the coast!!!  We were determined to enjoy it and after meeting with my clients at 118 Granada Dr and fielding many phone calls... we were off!!

Tracy & Riley reveling in the surf

An otter and some dolphin played in the surf as Riley chased his ball relentlessly...

The sun took it's toll and we're all tired puppies this evening....

Check out this beautiful flower arrangement Cathy sent me

Cathy's thank you flowers

Not often that my clients appreciate the work I've done for them... Cathy does!  It's so wonderful to be appreciated!!!  Now I'd just like to see Bri & Angela happily start their life in their new home.... first things first.... next step: inspections as soon as we receive the written approvals.

Sweet dreams!