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Concerned Citizen and a Serial Entrepreneur wrapped in a progressive democratic soul longing for us all to get along.

Saturday, December 31, 2011

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....

Thursday, December 29, 2011

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...

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

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...

Saturday, December 24, 2011

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....

Thursday, December 22, 2011

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!!!

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

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....

Monday, December 19, 2011

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...

Friday, December 16, 2011

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.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

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!!!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

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!!

Friday, December 9, 2011

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....

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

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...

Sunday, December 4, 2011

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.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

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...