I Made It To Knoxville!

O.K. I left last Thursday (9/6) at about 3 Pm in the afternoon. I drove that night as far as Winnemuca, NV. Beginning mileage from Red Bluff was 262480 on the Volvo (don't worry Volvos go forever!). I stopped briefly to gas up in Reno. The next morning (9/7) I started out at 6:00 Am and drove until 7:30 Pm when I stopped at Laramie, Wyoming. The mileage that day was 262868 to 263449. I stopped and gassed up in Elko, NV. On Saturday (9/8), I drove the width of Nebraska, stateline to state line only stopping for gas in North Platte, Neb. and Percival, Iowa where I spent the night. Mileage that day was 263449 to 264248. Sunday, I started out at 6:30 Am to drive through Missouri and Kentucky, only stopping for gas in Boonville, Mo. and Paducka, Ky. I spent the night last night somewhere near Hopkinsville, Ky. Mileage for Sunday was 264248 to 264885. I arrived in Knoxville today (9/10)ending mileage 265185. I booked a hotel online and when I arrived it is on Knoxville's eastside. I took everything of value out of the car. I went to Wal-Mart to buy clothes for my interview tomorrow. It's bedtime in Tennessee. Good night.

It rained a little this evening and 50 % chance of showers in the morning.

-Norm

I'm On My Way

Last Friday was my final day at the Opportunity Center. It was happy and sad all at the same time. We partied all afternoon and then it was time to say our final good-byes. My staff are the greatest and they put together such a great event!
That evening we left for Joshua Fest! As always it was an incredible weekend filled with incredible bands. It was also a great distraction after leaving the O.C.
I left yesterday around 3:00 Pm for Knoxville. I drove for about 7 hours making it as far as Winnemucca, Nevada . This morning I awoke about 5:30 Am and started driving again at 6:00 Am, grabbing a sausage biscuit and coffee at McDonald's. My driving day ended at 7:30 Pm in Laramie, Wyoming. I decided to get a room and am staying here at the Travel Inn. It appears that the University of Wyoming is having a football game tonight and all alumni were invited, which meant rooms were kinda scarce and it's a Friday night. My biggest concern before I left Red Bluff was the Volvo. I am thankul that it has been running great and no problems! This confirms what I felt like God spoke to me earlier, that He is going before us and making a way. I trust Him to do just that.
Thursday was a sad day. I woke up early to meet the movers. Tina brought the girls by for final hugs. I cried and Hope did to. I'm really going to miss my family. After all the car stuff I left my family in Red Bluff head for our future.
Weather today in Wyoming, about 80 degrees and clear BIG skies. I refuse to "Cowboy Up" while I'm here.

Leaving Laramie......

-Norm

Joshua Fest 2007

We are on the verge of being out of our house. Escrow is supposed to close this week and then we will move in with friends for a short time. I will be heading to Tennessee the week of Labor Day.
Speaking of Labor Day weekend, we won tickets to Joshua Fest! We had talked about going but with the move to Knoxville, hadn't been planning on it. As I was driving I heard an announcement on Effect Radio about a contest. I signed up online last week. We received an email on Monday that we had won two free tickets and a camping spot. We are going up on Friday. My last day of work in on August 31 and then it is off to JFest. What a way to end it!!!!
We still have a few things to take out of the house. We are down to the "essentials". Pretty much food, clothes and tolietries. Oh yea and the t.v.'s because they are important. It is kinda weird to walk in and see the place empty.

Weather today-100 degrees and humid.

Holding Pattern-House Sale

Well it appears we are in a holding pattern with closing escrow. The auction company called on Monday asking if we heard from an appraiser? No one had contacted us regarding this until yesterday. The appraiser came today to make sure the house was still standing. It is a good house and we just wants the money.

This has been a difficult week. Yesterday I broke the news to my clients that we were moving and that next week would be my last. It has been sad. I am relied on so much. I would like to take most of them with me, but that would be impossible and not practical. Emotionally I am tired so this holding pattern might be a good thing for this evening.

It all seems surreal. Like it is not really happening. I know it is and reality will eventually hit me. This will all be good, it's just the adjustment that is difficult. Thankfully it is going a little slower than we expected.

Weather today 91 degrees with 41% humidity. that seems to be the big concern about our move-the DREADED HUMIDITY.

Time to eat, so I must go.

-Norm

Times Are Changing

WE SOLD OUR HOUSE!!!! One week ago our home sold at auction. I thought that was pretty stressful. We did not have a starting price or minimum bid. We had no idea how much ourhome would go for. I am happy to say we did well. We will be signing all the paperwork on Monday and we must be out by Friday. Two week escrow!

I gave my notice at work. It is very difficult to be quitting a job I absolutly love. I submitted my letter and then told each of my ten staff members individually. They all had different responses. I am really going to miss everyone.

We are looking to rent a home in Knoxville. It is difficult because we have a dog and cat, neither of which the girls will let us get rid of. Once there and I get a job, we will be able to purchase a house of our own.

Speaking of a job, I had a phone interview on Friday and I thought it went well. Unfortunately, they needed someone right away, so they hired someone already in the area. There are a number of job opportunities available in that area. I have already had a couple call and ask me to come in once we get there. I think I will get a job fairly soon.

We had a yard sale today today. It was difficult seeing stuff go. Knoxille will be like starting over.

We are all doing well with these changes but it seems we have a number of obstacles, finding a house and a job. I know these are the big things, but we know God will provide. We should not doubt. He has spoken to us that he is going before us!

I think we will all be feeling better once we find a place on the other end and we are on the road. It could be a couple weeks for those.

Weather has been hot and dry. 104 today.

We must remember "Get Out Of Here"

-Norm

From The Realtor To The Auctioneer

Well we took our house off the real estate listing and are going to have it auctioned. We have had listed for nearly four months with no walk throughs or any real interest to speak of. We need to get going with this Knoxville move so we decided to have it auctioned.
We signed the contract on our 20th anniversary on June 27. The auction company started getting the advertising in place and we scheduled our first open house. The first of two was last Sunday and a ton of people showed up. We were very suprised at the turn out. A number of bid packets were given out as well. Our second open house will be this next Sunday and the auction will be on Friday, July 27. One month after we decided to do this. Employment looks very promising as far as employment in Knoxville. We have also been pricing houses and like very much what we've seen. Our family is very excited. It's kinda scarey at the same time!
There are only two things I am requesting at our new house, a garage and a hot tub. With getting the house ready I have realized I need a central place to put tools and home repair things. I currently have them in a few places. I want the hot tub because have talked about getting one for along time and if we don't do it during this big move we may never do it.
I am also looking foward to being debt free. I am suprised at how much of our income goes to debt. I am expecting lower wages in Tennessee, so not carrying debt will help out alot. We are also looking at eventually starting a business. Tommorrow we will be meeting with a lady to discuss our plans. She is a former owner of a type of business we are looking at starting. I appreciate her insight and am looking forward to this meeting.
I believe that is all the news for now.
Weather today was rainy and cooler than it usually is this time of year. It is a fantastic break from the hot weather we usually have.

-Norm

It's My Birthday!!!

What a great day it has been! I went to work today even though in years past I have taken my birthday off. I had some paperwork to turn in and a meeting to attend this afternoon. When someone has a birthday it is tradition for them to wear the "Goofy Hat" and a huge pair of orange of orange sunglasses. Today it was my turn to wear them. It is a fun tradition.
When I arrived home this evening Tina and Hope were starting the BBQ. Tina had made a very spicy seasoning and a bleu cheese sauce for the steaks she had bought. It was all incredible! We had dinner outside on the deck. After that we went to the diversion dam to walk and be together. On the way home I noticed the lights were on at the bandstand at the river park. The community band hosts weekly concerts each Monday night during June, July and August. Tonight was the first of the season. We went and saw some of Hope's friends from her school who play in the band. It was a great way to end the day! I am so blessed.

Weather today-chance of showers all day and about 85 degrees. There was a south wind blowing on the way home. What a great ride.

-Norm

Busy Schedule

What a busy time it has been lately! This week seemed more packed then most. Wednesday night was Open House at Vista. It was well done. The theme for the evening was Renassanse. Hope and the Vista band opened the evening. They sounded very good.
Thursday evening was Open House at Jackson Heights. It started off with a hot dog dinner sponsored by PTA. The remainder of the evening was spent in Grace's class and with teachers coming to Tina and I to say good-bye. When began getting involved at Jackson Heights I prayed that God would use us there. On Thursday night the Glenda (the Office Secretary) came up and gave us hugs. She then told us that we were a "God Send" to the school and thanked us for all we have done. I thought back on that prayer that began 8 years ago. He did use us there and will continue to until we move. I have grateful to be used.
Friday evening it was early to bed. On Saturday and Sunday I was parking gate director for the Nitro Nationals Drag Boat races here in Red Bluff. Both days I had to be there by 5:00 Am with parking starting at 6:00. The spectator gates opened at 7:00. Tehama County Search and Rescue parked the cars and we collected money. I came home on Saturday and fell asleep.
Sunday afternoon we were done at 3:30 Pm. It felt good to go home. It was 90+ degrees both days. I came home and mowed the lawn. I think I will eventually have to get a new mower. Our old one is barely hanging on. After the mowing I set up the sprinklers and came inside to take a cool shower. I fell asleep last night with the water still running. Tina woke up at 3:00 Am and shut it off.
Today has been spent getting up late and going to Tina's parents. Her aunt and uncle were up from Stockton so they had a barbeque. The girls and I went over. Tina hurt her back on Friday and has been down all weekend. It feels good to have the Boat Drags behind us. That will probably be the last time I will do that. I had a good crew and he laughed quite abit.


Weather today was great. I barbequed hot dogs for dinner (twice). The dog ate the first batch and a few pieces of tri-tip after I set them on the counter. I was not happy. We have had a couple people interested in our house. As our agent says "it only takes one". Tina has finished school and the girls have two more weeks left. I hope it doesn't take all summer.

-Norm

PTA Appreciation

Last Monday evening was the final JHPTA meeting of the year. I had taken Hope to audition in L.A. so I wasn't able to make the meeting. When we arrived home, there were a number of gifts and boxes on the living room floor. Hope asked "What are these boxes"? Tina said JHPTA suprised us with a moving/appreciation party and gift cards. She said it was a nice time. I read the comments and couldn't help but think about the changes and improvement that have been made by a small group of parents. I remember my first meeting, we met in a kitchen and there were five about of us there. About 45 minutes into the meeting someone finally acknowledged me and asked me who I was. Later on as President, I vowed to not let this happen to anyone else and make these meetings more family friendly. Board Meetings were held at Burger King so the kids could play while we met. We led this group for four years and helped make the school a better place. Playground equipment, a marquee sign, enclosed bulleting board, reflection arts program, addressing school safety issues just to name a few things. Our children's lives were enriched through our involvement. It feels good to be noticed and appreciated. While I was at the school the other day, Grace and I went to the playground. We climbed on the equipment but what I enjoyed the most was my ride on the swings. This was something we thought kids should have. Through a matching grant from WalMart we accomplished this goal as well. The ride sure felt good.
Weather today: 85 degrees and beautiful. I love this time of year because you never know what your going to get. This weekend looks to be clear and in the lower 80's. I see a scooter ride shaping up for later on today.

-Norm

Los Angeles In A Whirlwind

Earlier this week Hope, Grace and I went to Hollywood. Hope recieved a casting call to audition for the new American Girl movie. We left home at 3:30 Am on Monday and arrived in Hollywood at about 11:30. Once there we went to an information table in front of the American Girl store. We had about 3 hours before they would start taking the J-Q group. The lady said we should get in line about 1:30. We went to lunch and got in line to wait at about 1:15. The line was already about 2 blocks long with the A-I group. At about 230 they by and seperated out the two groups. They started taking girls from our line at about 3:20. It seemed to go pretty quick after that. The audition part took about 10 minutes, then we had to wait until 8:00 pm to hear whether Hope will have a call back. We decided to stay in the area until 9:00. We went to Beverly Center, the largest mall I think I've ever been to. About 8:45 we still hadn't got a call. We were all very disappointed. At this time, we decided it was time to head home. I drove for about 2 hours until we reached a rest area and parked. Next thing I knew it was 7:30 Am and we were being awaken by a Rest Area worker emptying a trash can near our car. It was a long ride home, thankfully Hope was in better spirits.
On the way home I was thinking about dreams. We really do not have any control over what our children's dreams are. We bring them into the world and they are our dreams. As they grow they also develop dreams of their own. We assist them with acheiving those dreams. This is a little of what I did this weekend. I got to be the dad helping my child get a little closer to her dream. I guess that is one of my dreams as well.

Weather today: I rode the motorcycle yesterday and today with just a sweatshirt. It has been great weather! Not to cool and not to hot. Beautiful.........

-Norm

Big Work News

I returned to work today. Before I had even climbed out of the car this morning, I had a group of clients greeting me and welcoming me back to work. There were hugs all around! Once inside I caught up on all the behavioral issues, production status, and how all my staff were doing. I Following that it was up to the front office to let them know I was back. I went into the Manager's office and she said she wanted to let me know she had gotten the Director's position. I am very excited for her. She will be in charge of the entire County Department of Social Services. It is the largest department and the most employees in the County. That is a huge responsibility. I wish her well. I was asked by a few people if I would be applying? A huge no! It would take me away from the clients I serve each day. Besides, we are making plans to head to Knoxville. Our plans are bigger than here.
Tina went and got the air conditioner on her car fixed today. She is gone to school this evening so I haven't heard how things went with that. Well, that's all the news for now.

Weather today: Very, very, very windy. Chilly and some sprinkles.

-Norm

Sick At Home

On Sunday morning while listening to the pastor I started feeling sick. It was not because of the message but because I was catching a cold. I came home from church and have taken it easy ever since. I did not go to work yesterday or today. While at home I have been doing alot of sleeping and watching DIY Network and HGTV. I really like these two networks. With our house up for sale, it is giving me some ideas about what to look for in Tennessee.
Well, Tina took her car in the other day to have the air conditioner serviced. For $120.00 she had the freon topped off and it was working fine until Saturday. We had to go to Chico and it was about 85 degrees. It was then we learned the A/C had stopped working. I came home early on Friday to sign some payroll papers for the Round Up Association. They told me at that time I could expect a check on Monday or Tuesday. I checked yesterday and it was not ready. Today Tina took the car into Bob's and they told her it would be $200.00 to fix the A/C. Wow! About 1:30 today I received the call that a check was ready. Tina went a picked it up and when she came back, the check was twice as much as we expected. We have enough to pay for the A/C. God has provided! We will also be able to buy our Disneyland tickets! I am also feeling better but still coughing occasionally.
Weather today: It rained quite abit today and we'll be having thunderstorms for the next few days. I think I will be driving the car for the rest of the week.

-Norm

Spring Break For Cowboys

What a busy weekend! On Friday morning I had to be in Redding early to attend the Christian Businessmen's Commitee Leadership Breakfast at the Holiday Inn. It was great! A customer had purchased an entire table and invited us to go. The keynote speaker was Joe Kemp, former San Fransisco 49er. He delivered a very challenging message. Following breakfast I visited a couple of my crews and went back to the O.C. to review timecards. I left early that day.
I received a call a few weeks ago about my interest in parking cars at the Red Bluff Round-Up. My answer at that time was I'd have to check with PTA. At our monthly meeting it was confirmed PTA was not interested. They found another group to park cars and I was asked to supervise and teach them how to do it. We were responsible for the front lot at the Tehama County Fairgrounds. I had coordinated parking at the monster truck nationals and the rodeo as well. I know how to coordinate both front and back lots.
I arrived at the fairgrounds on Friday at 12:30 Pm and the crew started showing up at 3:30. We parked cars until almost 8:00. On Saturday is was extremely wet weather and very windy making it a pretty nasty time. Sunday was quite abit dryer, but parking cars difficult while trying to dodge all the puddles. We started at 10:30 and ended at about 2:00 on both Saturday and Sunday. When we finished I went inside the rodeo grounds to releave Tina of her ushering duties. By the time Sunday evening arrived we were both pretty tired.
I am taking the rest of the night off. Grace and I went for a very long bike ride tonight, that was the only thing I had planned.

I think tomorrow I will mow the lawn.

Weather: a fantastic day. The ride to work today on the scooter was a little chilly, but the ride home this evening was great! I received a few waves from riders going the other direction.

-Norm

It's Listed

Well, we are finally in position to list our house. We chose Cynthia Allen from Culp Diversified Properties. We listed it on Friday. Tina and I have been scoping out homes in Knoxville. We found one that is over 2,000 sq. ft. and almost half the price of what we are asking. It looks beautiful in the pictures. We will be able to pay off debt and our home here. I have found a few jobs that look similiar to what I am doing now. I am getting the resume packet together. It is all so exciting.
On Thursday on my way home I was stung by a bee. I was riding the scooter and had gloves on. The bee went under the strap on my glove and stung me on my right hand. It swole up and I had to go to the doctor. They gave me antibiotics. Today it is finally looking better but it is still itchy. I think I am allergic to bee stings. Definately something I am going to watch out for.
This week we are going to Yosemite. I haven't been there since I was a kid. We will be staying just outside the park. Everybody here is on Easter vacation. I am taking Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off. It should be alot of fun! This is our last California attraction we have been wanting to do.
Jimmie Johnson won Martinsville today!!! He rocks!

Current weather-75+ degrees and beautiful. We need rain and that may happen this week.

-Norm

The Pirates Are Coming (again)

The Second Flood of 2007

We arrived home from Disneyland last Saturday. We pretty much took Sunday off but did go see Bridge to Tarabithia. It was very sad, not your fairytale Disney ending.
While we were away a guy from our church repaired the ceiling in the back bathroom and replaced the laminate flooring in our hallway. It was nice to come home and have it all done. On Monday night I climbed into the attic to measure to see how much insulation I needed to purchase. I got the measurement and put the ladder outside. I leaned it up against the house just outside the sliding glass door.

Tuesday morning just after I got to work Tina called stating there were puddles of water in the kitchen. I left immediately to fix whatever was going on. I discovered the water spicket for the washer was leaking and the tub to the washer also had a slight leak. I also think a hose was leaking. I have since replaced the water spicket and fixed the leak. I went back to work.
When I arrived back that evening Tina asked if I left the water running in the back yard. I hadn't, so I went to look. The ladder I had leaned up against the house had been blown over by the wind and hit the outside water spicket. Water was spraying up toward the eaves of the house. I shut the water off and called Richard (the guy who fixed the bathroom and flooring). He came over and capped it off. I couldn't believe this all was happening. The washer water spicket was still leaking. I later replaced it with Tech-tite spicket. It works well.

This weekend we went to Sonoma and San Francisco. We went to take a look at Grace's mission. We all worked on the Sonoma Mission, so we all went to see it. It was a great weekend away. We did wine tasting in Sonoma and toured the mission then we drove up to Rohnert Park to spend the night. On Sunday we went to a couple cheese factories and purchased a bunch of Brie. Excellent! Then it was on to San Francisco. Lunch at the Boudin Bakery at Fisherman's Wharf. We purchased some sourdough bread and took a drive down Lombard Street. The city was very beautiful on the way out and the weather was perfect. Hope and Grace put their feet in the water down by the wharf.

It was time to start home.

Weather today: 68 degrees and beautiful. Unfortunately most of my day was spent inside.

-Norm

Our Last Day

Sadly, it's our last day at Disneyland. We have gone on every ride icluding the Tower of Tower and Screaming Over California . The Tower of Terror is a ride that we could only go on once. If I would havedropped one more time I think I would have lost the soda I had before the ride. We did ride Space Mountian, Pirates of the Carribean and the Haunted Mansion about three times each. Last night we went on both tracks of the Matterhorn. It was great even in the rain! Today, we will ride everything we can. The park is open until Midnight and we will be staying until it closes.

Weather today: 58 degrees and partly cloudy in southern California.

-Norm

L.A. Here We Are.....

We are here at Disneyland! We left home on Friday evening and headed to Santa Cruz staying at the Ramada. It was nice. On Saturday morning Tina and I headed for the Salvation Army to buy some clothes and shoes. We also took the girls to Marianne's Ice Cream. Tina went there when she was a little girl. We spent a good portion of the day at the Boardwalk. While Grace and I were riding the Tilt-a-Whirl, I threw up. It was so embarrasing. I ended up tossing my shirt in the garbage. We drove to Santa Maria were after a long search we finally found a hotel room. Sunday morning we got up and started our drive to L.A. We are finally here! On Sunday night Tina and I went to a local Wal-Mart. We found a Disney section with stuff half the price that we would pay i the park. We scored two t-shirts, a coffee mug, autograph book, and a few bags for the girls.
Yesterday was our first day at Disneyland. We went on quite a few rides. The Dream Parade was great! The fireworks were incredible! To complete our day we got dinner at In-n-Out right down the street from our hotel. Day was at Disneyland was a dream come true.

And Away We Go......

Soon we will be heading off to Disneyland! We will be spending five wonderful days at Disneyland Resort. We will also be going to the Boardwalk in Santa Cruz. A week full of rides, motel rooms, and time together as a family.
Well, the house is on the mend. We are going to have to replace some sheetrock in the back bathroom and the laminate flooring in the hall. Fortunately, our insurance will cover these expenses. Last Friday night I spent quite abit of time in the attic pulling out all the old insulation. Saturday we drove to Sacramento to purchase the new flooring. Sunday was a day of rest. Tina and I went to the movies and Long John Silver's for dinner. I had Monday off so after I took the girls to school I dropped the car off a Bob's Tire. They are doing some front end work and replacing some sensors. While they had it apart they discovered the seals were leaking. They also needed to replace a part. The part alone is $500.00 and it needed to be ordered. They will be doing this work tomorrow.
The reminder of Monday was spent painting and trying to rewire a light and wall switch. Still working on the switch. This has got to be one of the most frustrating things I have done in awhile. I really don't like electrical work.
Alot has been going on and we have been very busy. I will be the Case Responsible Person (CRP) at work tomorrow. Everyone else will be at trainings. I need to be there early so I must go to bed.

Weather today was a mixed bag. Cold this morning, cloudy later in the day with sprinkles. Warmed up to a balmy 55 degrees. It was pleasant this evening.

-Norm

I Fixed It....

A couple weeks ago the timing belt snapped on the Volvo. I have been riding the scooter back and forth to work since then. I now have put over 10,000 miles on the scooter. I researched how to replace it on the internet. I also tried to find a book but there wasn't one available in town. There are a couple great places to find Volvo repair info on the internet. I started this project yesterday and ran out of daylight and steam. I put the new belt on and put most of it together. I hopped in and turned the key but it didn't start. I was a little disappointed. But I will try again tomorrow.
Today following morning worship I came home and started back at it. At about 2:30 this afternoon I climbed in and it started!!! I had to take everything apart again and checked the Top Dead Center (TDC) marks. I also had to take the #1 plug out the find TDC. I think I was 180 degrees out on my first try. I called Steve and he walked me through some troubleshooting. It works and it sure feels good to have it done. I did it myself! Tina and I took it for a spin to the store. All's well!!!
We are going to dinner this evening with the Greer's. They are going to Haiti this week and we are celebrating the return of the Volvo. This should be fun!!!

Weather today about 55 degrees and beautiful. No rain in sight, but we are now ready for it when it decides to.

-Norm