An Update for 2011 Fall~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

Well some of you and especially you my Dear Sweet Fram, have asked me for any specific updates, and if I've attended any Gun Shows.

On the Gun Show front, I am sorry to say I have not.

Things at work have been very hectic and very crazy on the European front, the stock Market, the economy in general, with all it's crazy fluctuations, that I had a hard time even taking one full day to go to a gun show and I'm feeling very, VERY deprived.

Even when I was on a vacation trip with Baby Sis(yes we did go to Disneyland), I had to use my laptop and the wi-fi service to stay in touch with the office. Fortunately my clients have gone with my suggestions to be conservative and moderate and go for slow growth.

But if I didn't take some time away from things, I think I'd have a nervous breakdown.

Right now I have to be constantly on top of things, so no more trips for a while, I'm staying "close to home" so to speak.

Since most of my clients are older, I've been able to steer them into things that will keep their investments solvent and aid them in their retirement years. My younger one's are more the risk takers, but I constantly tell them, don't invest more than what you can afford to lose.

And the volatility of the European market especially with Greece is a constantly fluid situation.

Joe is exhausted and frustrated with the situation in Oakland the "Occupy Oakland Crazies" as he calls them. Of course the Mayor is making things worse by not being decisive on the situation.

When the violent agitators were smashing things, some of the police force were injured, far more than what the newscasters let on. Joe is very proud of Phil Tamagi for getting out his shotgun to protect his building---More than ever we need to protect our 2nd amendment rights against Anarchists whose only intention is Chaos and destruction.

And the "Occupy Oakland" group is not helping either, when anyone from City Hall asks the alleged spokespersons for "Occupy Oakland" what do they want? No one has an answer, no one is coming forth with demands or ideas.

With that I would tend to view this situation as non-productive, it is just a rant to let out frustrations about the jobless market and I have agree that the bailouts that were done on the banks because of the untenable mortgage situation and loans at inflated values is the result of basic "Greed", but also greed played upon the greediness of the people.

And I even mean the working person, the desire to have one's own house at any cost, the white picket fence, the two-plus children and the 3 car garage and the cat and the dog. What happens? Everyone suffers including the cat and the dog.

But the worse of it is outsourcing jobs over seas, again greed, and the demand for cheap goods, everyone wants the huge screen T.V.'s their Ipods, cell phones with ridiculous apps.

We need to be a nation of builders again, we need to stop outsourcing work, we need to bring the jobs back and we need to be realistic about the cost of goods. Stop being a throw-away nation, we did it to ourselves.

We do need to look at the tax code but I know too many people who rely on their tax refund to help with paying their property taxes, so some of those tax breaks do need to be kept, a flat tax is totally inequitable it will put more burden on the poor. And some of those tax proposals expounded by some of the Republican candidates will put a double tax on the purchasing of goods, so that one will be paying a state tax and a federal tax; for example if one pays a 10% state tax on goods, there will be another 10% federal sales tax on top of that so you'd be paying 20% on a product.

Lillian has been saying to me "better to vote back in the Devil you Know, than the Devil you don't know." I'm inclined to think that way too.

But I'm keeping my decisions fluid, and I have to admit I'm over simplifying an extremely complicated problem. But frankly where would I start? I'd start by bringing the jobs back to the United States and making the corporations be penalized for outsourcing. But in doing so, it would wake up the people to the value of goods and it most likely make them slow down in wasteful spending.

I would seek to give tax breaks and incentives to small businesses, and mandate to all financial institutions to stop the foreclosures and work with homeowners to create affordable mortgages to keep them in their homes, investors will not get the returns they'd like to have but they will get something.

And the people will need to be re-educated into how to live more wisely. I'd also look at why other countries have a better health programs than we do, a better education system than we do and seek to implement them.

But the people, the investors, the "banks", and Corporations all need to be aware that they cannot have their cake and be able to eat it too.

I do not see this improving over a short period of time, this is going to take at least a decade to turn it around and show signs of improvement.

What what also has me concerned is new sources of power and I mean electric, gas etc. and also new ways to get fresh water, we need it for food, we need it for our health, we cannot waste it and we are. We need to look at making the earth well again to create an environment that will generate water sources, instead of dust bowls.

Alright Sweet Things---I've done my rant. I don't have answers and I maybe viewing things wrongly, but we as a nation need to start somewhere. The attitude of the liberal love generation is not working, we need the "can-do" attitude of the greatest generation when we were facing WWII.

And Mayor Quan's 1970's attitude and flip-flopping is not working. But neither is "Occupy Oakland" they are not giving answers or demands, they have created another "Hooverville", and many of the destructive ones are not from Oakland, but from out of the city and out of state, some are professional agitators.

O.K. you want to work, then start sweeping streets, pick up garbage, recycling, painting over graffiti walls, cementing broken sidewalks, cleaning sewers and toilets, take old, dilapidated buildings and rejuvenate them to make them habitual and usable; you'll be doing it for minimum wages but it's a start. See about going to school and learning a trade, not everyone can be a doctor, lawyer, or a glib politician, we need people who are mechanics, plumbers, electricians, craftsmen. And it will show you're willing to work, and not just demanding a handout.

Joe is sleeping right now, he is exhausted, much of the police resources are going to monitoring the "Occupy Oakland" group, he has his 25 in. He's been so frustrated by what the Mayor has done and not done, by not working with the former police chief and the programs he wanted to implement and she is not being supportive with her current one. He's started looking at other places to work, it will mean his leaving the Bay Area, it may mean my leaving the Bay Area, but we shall see.

Frankly Joe said that maybe De LaFuentes or Perata would have been the better Mayors for this troubled city and that the voting process for Oakland is more harmful than good. That is should be overhauled so that the better candidate with the highest votes win.

Heather is here right now, she is just so frustrated with Occupy Oakland, she had to have Lillian drive her to college by avoiding all the downtown marches and vandalism, she couldn't take the buses because of all the disruption.

And she's mad at some of her teachers who instead of teaching classes have joined the protests, thereby costing her a chance to complete her degree, she's has gotten some of the other students together and have informed those teachers that if they do not hold extra classes to help them that they will sue them and they have a lawyer who is very good and will do it "pro bono" (well I did tell him I would pay for some of his expenses).

She told me that she doesn't care if she's a "starving artist" she will find and get a job, she doesn't need the 2 and a half story house, white picket fence, 2 and a half kids, 3 car garage, a BMW and a cat and a dog (although she is a sucker for soft brown eyes and flippy-doddle ears), and she can buy a gently used, pre-owned car. She will not give up.

Heather said to me "Those people are cowards, they don't have the guts and determination to get out there, there are ways to avoid living in one's car, they just didn't look, they didn't accept the fact that sometimes you have to give up something to gain something more important, many of them fought to keep an overly expensive home, instead of reassessing their situation and being realists."

I like her attitude, she may not have it all right about things, even I'm not sure I have it right either, but in looking at her I saw a determined "Scarlet O'Hara" who was so down, that she grabbed a rotted carrot to eat and threw up and from that moment own she swore she would never be hungry again.

We all need to be that way.

As for me? I have clients who trust me and I have to protect them. I have a man that I love, sleeping in my bedroom, exhausted, that I need to be supportive of. I have a college student and a dear sweet and feisty old lady who need a sounding board and a friend. I have a family and friends who are doing their own best in difficult times, to love and cheer on. And from all of them I receive their love and friendship that energizes me to keep going.

Until later, Kisses Sweet Things

Fall is Here....

Hello Sweet Things,

Did all of you see that fabulous moon in the Autumn sky and on the Autumn Equinox too, I could feel an energy that was almost primeval, I even felt like howling at the moon like a wolf.

I received so many postings inquiring as to how I am doing, I could not ignore them.

I won't be posting as much, life has become so busy for me, that to take a little time to breathe is precious.

I'm still with the same company, an upgrade in position, plus a raise and I have an assistant, very nice young lady whom I'm going to mentor.

Joe and I are still doing fabulously, we get together as often as we can, given our crazy schedules. And when they don't quiet mesh he works on his jeep. I warned him about not getting grease on my carpet.

Lillian took a fall, the good thing no broken bones, thank God for thick carpeting, but she insists on living independently yet. Her sons have looked into those alarm things you wear for just in case. A very good idea.

This last Thursday evening I took her to see "The Man who shot Liberty Valance" on classic film night at the theatre. There is something about seeing a film on the big screen that one is familiar with, you discover subtle nuances that the director is trying to get across. That in the end, I wondered --- Did the John Wayne character really shoot Valance as he said he did, or did he just say that so the Jimmy Stewart character could go and do the good that he could do? We only have just the one man's word.

Joe says I'm thinking too much like a forensic detective. I don't think that's a bad thing.

I did talk to Lillian about her situation, but she is determined to have her own way, I can't argue with her, just do my best to keep an eye on her.

My family is doing just fine, had a chance to visit them in August, and go to my country house during the 4th of July weekend. I feel a little sad because I can't visit it as often as I would like, but my caretakers are taking very good care of it and Buddy the dog, patrols the grounds and rounds up the goats.

The funny thing is when I'm there and going over paperwork in my "office" he curls up at my feet. We think he's guarding me.

There has been a few weddings there which helps bring in a nice income to offset taxes and maintenance. The historical society still prefers to hold their smaller meetings at my house, I don't mind, keeps it in use.

Right now I'm planning a nearly week long trip into the wine country, I'm thinking of re-stocking my 'cellar' with some special wines, and just enjoying the fall season.

It seems like every 4 weeks or so I need to get out of town, just to decompress and to make sure I'm not missing out on life, just living, just being alive!

I find that more and more I enjoy the changes of the seasons, and all the little things it brings, this morning I woke up early, and enjoyed the play of the changes of colors in the morning sky, of the blues, pinks and golds, the promise of the heat that the sun will bring, the play of the light on the Bay waters, the feel of the slight breeze on my skin. And a indefinable scent that tells me it's Autumn, I wish there was a way to bottle that scent and uncork it when needed.

The demands of work has me putting in longer hours, but I have an excellent team and I try to think of any possible problems. The higher ups did get upset with me because I took a little longer on making a decision but I told them that I felt I didn't have all the facts at hand and I was right, saved us a lot of money.

Lillian said I should get a housekeeper or maid, to ease my work load at home, I told her that I wasn't sure if I could find one who would understand the living arrangement that I have with Joe, bold woman that Lillian is she said that she had one in mind who doesn't blush at anything.

Her name is Esperanza, she comes to Lillian's house and does cleaning, laundry etc. and some cooking for her, I talked to her and we've worked out an arrangement, since Lillian is right next door, so I won't have to be concerned with cleaning house and doing some errands like picking up dry cleaning and such. Nothing heavy just to keep me ahead of things. Esperanza is happy because she needed another 'client' and this works perfectly. We talked about all the business arrangements, since she is self -employed she takes care of her own business needs. So I don't have to worry about that.

So many changes have been happening to me, to my family and friends. I'm doing well, just so very busy. But I have noticed a lot of changes here where I live and where I work, many not good, stores closing, more homelessness, people driving their cars in a way that is unsafe and a rudeness among young people and those who have a false sense of entitlement, who seem to be drifting and a demand to protect their own space.

But at the same time I've also noticed especially among the professionals and service people, more courtesy and consideration, a trying to understand another's problems.

Joe says that although some crimes are down, there are others that are rising that is not being reported out there.

I have a feeling or sense of desperateness, greater anger, and disregard for people and property, I would guess the best way to describe it is an evil selfishness----yes, evil selfishness---that is what I'm feeling, but I refuse to allow it impact me in a negative way. I still enjoy my city, for all its grittiness, it manages to capture one's imagination.

I'll still walk it's fog swept damp streets, the haziness of it's neon signs, as I wrap my trench coat tighter around me to keep out the Bay cold, as fog horns sound in the night. It's time to prowl again, perhaps not as often, taking in it's ghosts, it's memories of mysterious nights, fog enshoulded buildings that seem to appear and disappear, as if moments of time overlay the areas, and once again hunt for "the black bird, Mr. Spade."

But now I must go, things to do, places to go.

Kisses sweet things and to you too Sweet Fram.

A Litte Catch Up~~~

Hello Sweet Things,

I had last weekend my relaxing spa treatments, and a gun show to see, I'll post about that later tonight perhaps.

It's been warm and wonderful all this week, promises of spring, and now this is the weekend of the first day of Spring and guess what~~~~ It is cold and overcast, oh yesterday was sort of nice, but I could see the cloud cover.

Ran errands, got in touch with my Folks, made plans to go and stay with them over the Easter Weekend.

And have been shopping for a new cell phone, it will be a burberry, but I have to decide between the Curve or the Bold, and given that I'm going to need it to keep in touch with work mostly, it is going to have to be the one that will give me the most power, apps, battery life, work e-mail contact---so I seem to be leaning towards the Bold. But more investigation.

But those tiny, tiny buttons!! I need a stylus just to be able to push them, my purse is turning into a brief case.

I'm having Frank (who is much, much better) and Joe and several of their friends over this evening, it is the one year anniversary of the death of those 4 police officers who died last year, a major tragedy, we've all be contributing to the education fund for their children.

So out comes the portable fire pit, and plastic cups for wine and beer, although I think more beer than anything. It will be a small group, many of the other officers have to be on duty or have other memorial services to go to.

I'll have the Dirty Harry DVD's ready to go or the Lethal Weapon series, maybe the latter, we shall see, and I know some of them will be sleeping it off in my living room, so sleeping cots and blankets ready.

The sun keeps trying to break out, I hope it succeeds.

This has been a month of contributing to charities, The Oakland Museum Fund raiser, Girl Scouts (cookies---back to the gym), Boy Scout pancake breakfast, Firemen Pancake Breakfast (more gym time), Muscular Dystrophy (my boss needs to be bailed out---trust me it's a fund raiser), and with thinking of purchasing some new electronic equipment for work, to use at home, a possible tax right-off. Considering that I do use my home office to do some of my work at home, on weekends, in the evenings----I'm going to have a nice chat with my Tax man, have to work it out and more book keeping involved.

So the beer is chilling, the fire pit is ready, finger food waiting to be heated, I just miss Lillian, she is still not fully up to par, but from what her son told me she'll be home after Easter.

No one is going to be here until after 6 p.m. so I'm going out for a walk or a drive I'm not sure which, just to keep my head clear.

I'll post about my spa adventure later Sweet Things---I had invited Linda to join me for one later afternoon and evening and was treated to a revelation----poor thing. But that will come later.

Until Then, Kisses Sweet Things.

Changes and Buying Things~~~~

Well Sweet Things, I’m back.

And I think I need to ‘splain myself.

I had remarked to dear Sweet Fram things about change and moving and such, and it seems that I received inquires here on my blog, from Mean Kitty and others, as well as a question by Fram, why was I moving or changing?

Well Sweet Things, it’s not so much moving as it is investing. My own home is almost paid off, and with interest rates being so low I began thinking (gently encouraged by Fram---you little devil, you ***smiling ;)*** ) that purchasing property would be a good thing about now, of course it depends on where and how one purchases it and for what reason.

I am of the belief that things will take a turn for the better, of course first the stock market has to improve then the economy and then finally joblessness will start going down ward and when that happens, spending goes up and so does the interest rates.

But now is a good time, as much as I would like to buy in Santa Cruz or by the sea, the values haven’t gone much lower in the areas where I prefer, but there are some areas where one can find bargains.

I took a few days off and went into the Gold Rush Country having made an appointment with a reputable and well recommended real estate agent to look to purchase some property, Fram you are right, the time is perfect now with the much lower interest rates and although it’s harder to get a home loan one can still find them.

I had been looking for a while in listings in the Sierra Foothills, granted with drought conditions and worries about wild fires perhaps the Sierra Foothills is not the best area to buy, but it is the most affordable. And I was looking really for a place to both rent out for vacation rentals and make an income with as well as an investment that will increase in value (as all things must) and eventually make a profit from should I decided to sell when the time is right. Or given that I can be a bit of a “changeling” eventually move to if I should decide to just ‘chuck it all’.

And if I should decide to do the latter I can always rent out my home here in the Bay Area and make an income from it as well.

I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, and now is the time to make my move to purchase.

This last weekend, I narrowed it down to two properties, both were very, very affordable, and fortunately both were and are handled by the same agency.

So I bought both!

Alright Sweet Things, why both---well I just couldn’t make up my mind!!! Simple as that!

The first property is in Merced, yes, at the gateway to Yosemite, a very simple ranch style board and batten house, two bedrooms 1 ½ baths, rustic but with modern plumbing, on one full acre, currently it’s being rented by a family that has resided there for the last 8 years, the husband was out of work for 6 months and finally got another job, they had hoped to buy the house but were not in a position to, but I talked to them and we’ve agreed to continue on with the lease that is in place (I’m over simplifying) they have kept the place up in great condition, and they plan to continue to live in the area until they are in a position to buy their own place, but that may take time and I know from the previous owner that they are excellent tenants so I’m not in a rush to have them move, and I don’t think they are in a rush to leave.

The second property, well this had a sad story which I was able to give a happy ending, the agent put me on to it. It’s within a short walking distance to a historic gold rush town (sorry, I do need to keep the location private) lovely old Victorian built mid 1870’s, owned by the same family since then, but now the people who own it made the mistake of taking out a very high interest HELOC to do repairs, well repairs done but they were only paying the interest on the HELOC and were planning to renegotiate the terms but the husband was stricken with congestive heart failure, and is now on disability, the wife works and they are able to make the interest payments, but they were not in a position to re-negotiate, they were having a hard time paying the outstanding medical bills and were afraid they were going to lose the family home.

I talked to them, they are both in their early 50’s and have no children, so when they die there will be no one to inherit the house, but they are also afraid of being out on the street, they agreed to sell me the house for the cost of the HELOC plus a little extra to pay off the balance on the medical bills, and in turn would pay me rent and keep up the place for me.

And with the much lower interest rate the amount of the rent will cover everything and it’s more affordable for them, they no longer have to worry about insurance, property taxes, the painful HELOC or medical bills and they know that the house with the original furniture will go to someone who will appreciate it when they pass on and they can live there for the remainder of their lives. They’ve also agreed to keep one bed room and full bath just for my use when ever I plan to stay there when I want to get away from the Bay Area.

I had wondered about why they didn't consider a reversable mortgage, but it turns out you have to be 62 and older to do that, they were too young. And they were worried that the house would be torn down and modern condos put up. Just would not do.

So with what it would cost me to buy a house in the Bay Area in poor condition, I’ve been able to negotiate purchasing two income properties in very good condition, with the income from both to cover the payments, insurances and taxes, plus a bit extra to cover other things, and have two very good tenants residing in them.

Of course I’m over simplifying, the whole process is more complicated, but that’s it in “a nut shell”. So the changes for me was thinking and purchasing income investment property, a greater financial security, looking towards the future and a place to go to should I feel the need.

But that will not stop my “foot-looseness”, if I want to just get up and go for a weekend I can, I have to admit that going into the Sierra Foothills, with flowers blooming, and all that fresh greenery was very refreshing, seeing different places, talking to different people, feeling a different pace of living. It is a start.

I don’t know if in the end I’ve done the right thing, but something tells me that I have, so if one is going to think or do changes, one has to start somewhere, right or wrong, one does have to start somewhere.

And Fram, thank you for the compliment on my changes in writing style, I know that this is not like the other two, but…well…one does have to try things and see what works. And I am glad that in some way my Web Log encouraged you to do your own, I do enjoy reading yours as well.

Now it’s a very warm evening, and I’m tired from driving, but Lillian is coming over later with Coffee Ice Cream, and I cannot resist Coffee Ice Cream, with walnuts. Mmmmmmm.