had fun ? at Bens

it all depends on your defination of fun. you tell them ben im too tired to type :)

8th update, Wed., May 28

Ben,
I thinks it's time, if you have the time. Mitch just called and said that Chuck has a phone number now. His number is (916) 983-9780. From what Mitch said tonight, it sounded like Chuck was wanting to get in contact with you to ask about the retirement process. Chuck has the forms, but he's probably needing help with the process so it is expediated as quickly as possible. So, if you could contact him and possibly go with him to whatever office he has to go to, it would be great.
Jim

Family Reunion question

Illa and I are wondering WHO is camping besides us and our group ? Or maybe parking a trailer. From what I understand, it seems like everyone else is moteling ?!! We are in #21 and #23 F Loop as we stated before. Illa and I are going to try and camp for the full stretch, if our backs can take it. B.J. and his group and Teresa and her kids will camp full time. I am not sure if Dick is going to camp or what yet. I'll ask him if he makes it here this week !!

CHUCK CALLED !!!!

Imagine my surprise when I answered the phone and it was Chuck. He was calling from a pay phone via the phone card. He sounds good, and sounded like he had a plan, with Mitch's. He talked about things getting resolved, but some exasperation on how difficult the system is. Believe me, if were not for my wife and her paper savvy, I'd be right there with him. Anyway, he tried to get a hold of Ben, but the numbers didn't work. I gave him mine, last numbers ending in 0228. I told him I figured Ben knew how to negotiate the maze of the beaurocracy , he agreed and it made him all the more eager to get a hold of Ben. It was great to hear from him. Peter

im excited

and nervous at the same time.
Tomorrow i leave with a semi to do the sierra nevada run. Ill be gone for about 4 days and try to stop in Bieber to see the wacko brother. I mean Ben, and Illa.
Its been almost 2 years that ive done a run like this. I told my dispatcher that im going slow and easy. which is the key. The other drivers have been really encouraging and say i have the right attitude about the trip. and i appreciate that so much.
George is living with Doug at my moms place. they have 6 acres and are surrounded by at least another 400. so he has lots of room to do what ever cats do. they will keep him in for a couple of weeks to get used to where his food is and hopefully wont run away. they have kids so George will get REALLY spoiled.
that is all.
Dick

7th update, Chuck, Sunday, May 25

Mitch called again last night. It was pretty much all good news. Mitch had taken Chuck to the doctor on Wednesday and had already received the thyroid test results. His thyroid was functioning normally so any non-normal behavior can’t be attributed to any thyroid problems. The blood pressure pills that Chuck started last week are already having a positive effect. Mitch said that he’s already noticed a 50-60% improvement in Chuck’s attitude.

Mitch also took Chuck to the CAL PERS office and has started the retirement benefits process. The lady made it sound like it wouldn’t be a problem, but it would take a minimum of 90 days. She was going to send an application, so Chuck and Mitch can fill it out and get the process started. Mitch still wants him to get in to see the doctor that he was seeing before to get a mental evaluation. There is the possibility that he could qualify for some type of disability in addition to the retirement, and with that there may be some type of medical coverage. If I understood Mitch correctly, the PERS office said that medical coverage option must be initiated within 120 days of separation from the CDC, so, at this point he may not qualify for medical coverage. Anyway, Mitch is making progress on Chuck’s behalf and Chuck has been amiable to Mitch helping.

While the future is looking much better than three weeks ago at this time there are still pressing concerns; house mortgage up-to-date, house insurance, property taxes, utilities, and day-to-day living expenses. Yes, Chuck let himself get into this position, and, yes, it would’ve much better for all concerned if he hadn’t let his pride get in the way. If you can assist, here’s Mitch’s address: So, as you can see, Mitch is making progress on Chuck's behalf.

Mitch's address, if you can assist, or want to contact him, ANYTHING can help.
Mitch Davis
7951 Bellingrath Dr.
Elverta, CA 95626

Jim

Sandi update

Sandi says that the drugs in the hospital are better than was is prescribed after you get out. We got home last night about 10:00. She's been just trying to take it easy all day, and has been pretty sucessful at it, except for the cats. They think her stomach is now a trampoline. Either that or a springboard to jump up on the headboard. They manage to jump on her stomach at just the wrong time. Have you ever seen the Dukes of Hazzard show? THere's this one scene where the car takes off from a dirt ramp and does a horizontal pirouette before it lands. That's what the cats remind me of.

She can walk around, but she doesn't look real comfortable. Have you ever seen those 'power walking' ladies? You know, those ladies that swing their arms as they walk without their heads bobbing up and down at all, just a driven look on their face and their arms swinging wildly. I think it adds to their momentum, more of a full body workout. Anyway, that's what Sandi looks like when she walks through the house...just not quite as fast.

The doctor said everything went well and he expects her to have even more energy in about two months. Of course, the doctor didn't have the operation either. I have to give the doctor some credit, he's the one that delivered Andrew almost 25 years ago, and Andrew turned out great.

With high gas prices and all this is a good weekend for a staycation. Gas is $4.31 here in Crescent City. I guess we could take the ZAP, but between charging and all it would take us about 4 days to get to Portland. But the good news it would only cost $9.00 for the energy costs. Trade-offs, I guess what life is all about.
Jim

Justin and good news !!

Justin is graduating, everyone is invited. and put in our address too. It will be a the mealodey ball room June 3 at 7pm. or send cards to 4045 NE 216th ave , Fairveiw OR 97024. Justin will be the first to graduate from his dad side and my side.
Lueria requested I posted this information for her for all to see. I guess she thinks since I am retired I need more to do ?! lol
Actually, I am pleased to give this notice out. bg

6th update, Chuck, Tues., May 20

Mitch called tonight and gave me an update on Chuck. He was planning on taking the day off and picking Chuck up on Wed. and try to go to the therapist that Chuck had started therapy with or at least get an appointment. A diagnosis is necessary prior to going to CAL PERS and working toward getting a possible medical disability and/or medical retirement. He said that Chuck had 18 years in the CDC and 7 years in the Air Force. Mitch said that Chuck's high-blood pressure pills appear to working.

Mitch paid for the doctor's visits and tests so far to the tune of $400. There may be a point at which he may qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicaid, but Mitch felt for the immediate future he had to get Chuck in to see the doctor.

He has also contacted the attorney in charge of the foreclosure process and found the amount to bring Chuck's past-due amount current is $7,400. At his point he owes an additional $2,700 in past-due property taxes. Carlene, Mitch's sister, paid the $400 to get his electricity turned on again and $65 to get the gas turned on again. Forrest, Mitch's brother, sent Mitch $3,000 to put towards the house foreclosure. Sandi and I sent Mitch the same amount. He is to call tonight (Wed.) on what he found out today.

Chuck does have some type of 401K, I believe, that Mitch will try to get released even though there will be penalties for early withdrawal and will help to pay for part of the past-due amounts.

So, as you can see, Mitch is making progress on Chuck's behalf.
Mitch's address, if you can assist, or want to contact him:
Mitch Davis
7951 Bellingrath Dr.
Elverta, CA 95626

Jim

More good news

Sandi felt like she just did 3,000,000 sit-ups, but really she had her hysterectomy surgery this afternoon. Everything turned out well, just like the doctor thought it would. No problems. She is in her room and she has a pain pump. Her pain level is 4-5 on a scale on 10. At this point she'll be released on Thursday afternoon. She'll be off the rest of the school year. She is to be laying down or walking around. Minimal sitting.
She appreciates your well wishes, but doesn't want any flowers because of our cats.

Jim

for Jim

click title
and another
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpTXjxU3WLQ&feature=related

New (good) family news!!!

Now click the title.
I guess that's one way to build suspense. It's been a crazy busy week. Chuck's situation is weighing heavily on my mind. The thought that it could've been worse for Ben and his accident and how quickly things can change. The happiness for Susi. Andrew and Rachael are down because of not having secure jobs for next year, and that's because of the Calfornia budget crisis. The kids at school are ready for summer now that the testing is over. It's like trying to herd a flock of butterflies for 7 hours a day...without a net. I've had commitments every day after school. It has been unCrescent City-able hot. I had my colonoscopy yesterday (one 2mm polyp removed). Sandi's surgery is Monday. She's having hysterectomy surgery in Medford. I'm getting my hernia repaired June 4. Am I complaining? No, just venting.
Jim

5th update Chuck, Fri., May 16

OK, here’s the latest. Mitch called yesterday (Wednesday afternoon) and left a message on our answering machine telling us that he had convinced Chuck to go to the doctor. This may seem like a very normal thing to do, but if you understand anything about Chuck, it was a big accomplishment. Anyway, the doctor determined that Chuck’s blood pressure was “dangerously high.” 193/108. He did prescribe 3 months of high blood pressure pills. Unfortunately that doctor’s office did not do thyroid tests so Mitch made an appointment to take him in to another office at 7:00 Thursday morning.

Also, Mitch was able to talk to Cal PERS and it sounded like Chuck still may be able to get some type of medical disability. It is contingent upon getting a medical evaluation. Chuck agreed to go for the evaluation next Wednesday, I believe. It would be with he same doctor that had started the process a year or so ago. He believes that with documentation from the doctor, Chuck may qualify for a medical disability. Which leads me to information that Illa passed on; many mortgages have a clause whereby if a mortgage holder is deemed to have a medical disability their mortgage payments would be made similar to personal disability insurance. I don’t know the status of Chuck’s loan. Anyway, I’ll pass this on to Mitch also.

He has also made calls to Chuck's mortgage lender to see just where he stands on the process to stop the foreclosure. They were to call back Thursday.

So, as it stands, Mitch is making good progress, even though he is having to take time off from work. Chuck has quite a few bills that must be brought up-to-date and that is another thing that Mitch is trying to ascertain, just how much Chuck has that is outstanding. I beleive Lueria raised a good point. There are costs, and there will be costs incurred. If we all chipped in some I'm sure Mitch would put it towards solving this situation. He is doing all the legwork to try to take care of the bills. I'm afraid if too many people are involved in it physically, it will cause Chuck to rebell to the whole situation and not want to be helped by anyone. Mitch is a good conduit.

If you want to call Mitch, here's his number. 916-879-5296.

Are you sure this isn't FRIDAY the 13th. ??!!

Well, I left to head to Sac this morning on the bike. Illa stayed home. I somehow missed the road to Chucks and ended up in the foothills and since it was getting late returned home via Reno.
Just outside of Susanville I wrecked on the bike. I went straight when the road curved right !! Ended up about 25 feet higher than the road up a goat trail I took instead of sliding the bike. Needless to say, bike needs repairs now but not major stuff, things I believe I can do. I had my leathers and bucket on so I ended up better than I should have,
I guess 10 hours on the bike is for younger people. I got home and was BUSHED !! Fell asleep in no time flat. lol

wedding day

I'd like addresses .. had them somewhere! I realize most of you can't make it and it is fine. But ofcourse I don't want to leave anyone out out of the invite. So if you guys could provide addresses, that would be great. For those of you that can make it .. it's going to be an evening wedding. I have room at my homes for a few; Lili and Jess and Lisis can stay at my Springfield home. I have room for 4 or so at my Thurston home. I was going to change the date, but for the evening time we need to stay with Sat. night. I go to church Sunday .. etc. Sunday evening is out. So Sat. evening it is. My colors are red and purple .. my favorite ... and no gifts allowed. hope to see a few of you and if not we'll see you at the family reunion. Actually my Thurston house could house about 6-8.

4th update Chuck Sun., May 11

I talked to Mitch last night and again this morning. Mitch spent the afternoon at Chuck's house, most of it waiting for Chuck to arrive home. When I called last night he was still there talking to him and probing him for information. I did talk to Chuck on Mitch's cell phone and asked Chuck if he had car insurance. He was somewhat evasive and said that he had "to go to the bathroom" before I got a good response. Mitch said that he talked to a nurse friend of his and she said that Chuck was exhibiting the classic signs of depression. Thinking about it, his call to me last weekend was a cry for help, but it implied the fact that he had given up on holding on to his house and was looking at what happens next for him. But, it would be a shame to walk away from the equity he has in it. Mitch did say that Chuck became more like his old self as the evening wore on. The social interaction was good for him.

Come to find out Chuck has not been employed at the prison since around 2004. He was terminated because, in part, the fact that he was "verbally abusive with a supervisor." I'm sure here were more factors than that, but this is one. He had been prescribed medication for what Mitch believes was hyperactivity, but he stopped taking it. At what point? I don't know. It could have been lack of continued medical coverage, no money, or just stopped taking them because of he felt that they weren't effective. He had been going through medical evaluations at that point, but he didn't complete them. Does he still have the option to go through them at the CDC now? I don't know.

Chuck gave Mitch the impression that when he separated from the CDC he took the option of no continued medical coverage. Of course, he could be saying this to shut Mitch up, or realistically this could have been the option he chose.

There may be the possibility of VA benefits also since he was in the Air Force as well as the Reserves.

He did agree to go to the doctor, but I have an idea it was just to get Mitch off his back. He said that he would not allow Mitch to go with him. I told Mitch that I think that Chuck, if he would go, would not be upfront with a doctor. For that reason I encouraged Mitch to write down what he observes of Chuck's actions and give it to the doctor before the doctor sees him. Basically, documenting what he observes.

I don't know what Chuck has been living on, but I do hope that he didn't cash out any retirement that he had saved while employed. Also, I hope he didn't cash out any 401K that he had saved. He has mentioned to me that he had worked at the City of Sacramento Parks and Rec and at Wal-Mart, neither of which would have paid enough to support house payments. But, I can see that Chuck may do something like this since he probably wanted to sever all ties with the CDC.

As you can see, there are many more questions than answers, and Chuck is the only one privy to any information. Ben, I think that what you and Illa said about pursuing Chuck's records and possible options through your acquaintances at the CDC is a good idea. If you do go down there and can talk him into going to the CDC union office I'm that they would have records of his termination. Left up to Chuck I think that he would not pursue it, on the other hand it is something that needs to be dealt with.

Mitch talked with his sister, Carlene, today and mentioned some of the symptoms that Chuck is exhibiting may pointing to a thyroid problem. She must take medication for it. Of course, this is only her take on it, but she went through it. He has been diagnosed with it in the past and without the medication may be seeing the effects of not taking the medication. I'm not sure if it's hypo-thyroid or hyper-thyroid.

Peter, perhaps since you're pretty well versed on thyroid problems, maybe you could write him and try to convince him. If he hears the same thing from enough people this may persuade him to follow through and go to a doctor.

Jim

3rd update Chuck Sat., May 10

OK, here’s the latest that I’ve heard on Chuck. On Thursday I emailed my sister, Susan. I asked her where her son, Mitch is living. Mitch had stayed with Chuck for, I’m guessing 4 or 5 years after Mitch moved down to Sacramento. Mitch was married about 3 or 4 years ago. I thought he they had moved to Reno, but no, he was still in Sacramento. Because of the email to Susan or just happenstance, Mitch went over to see Chuck on Friday. He too was surprised at the difference since the last time he had seen Chuck. The last time Mitch had seen Chuck was about six weeks ago when Mitch had dropped by. At that point everything appeared to be pretty normal. Chuck was Chuck, quick with a response and had his views on things.

This time when Mitch visited Chuck didn’t have electricity or phone to the house. He was much quieter and Mitch said he was taking longer in his responses and appeared to be very forgetful. He was also unsure about Mitch’s questions. Of course this alarmed Mitch because it was very much unlike Chuck and after living with Chuck for all those years Mitch has a pretty good read on Chuck. Mitch was wondering if Chuck may have stopped taking a medicine that had been prescribed for him while was working at the prison. Mitch said that he had been treated while at the prison for a manic-depression “type” of illness, but he wasn’t sure what it was. This was one of the contributing factors to being released from the CDC.

Anyway, Mitch is taking the day off today and is going to go see Chuck and see if he can get more medical information from him. He does want to try to convince him to let him take him to a hospital for a medical evaluation. Of course in a situation like this, a person’s mind runs the gamut of possibilities; nervous breakdown brought on by stress or lack of prescribed medication, thyroid imbalance, who knows what else. It’s all supposition at this point.

Mitch and Forrest (Susan’s other son) have been talking and both are in agreement at what needs to be done based on Mitch’s visit. Both feel a real sense of duty to Chuck as he helped them and Susan’s family quite often with financial and emotional support. The first thing Mitch wants to do is get him to the hospital for an evaluation.

The second thing is to stop this foreclosure process but find out exactly how much is owed. Through talking with Chuck, Mitch did find out that Chuck made his last house payment in Nov. or Dec. of 2007. That means he owes somewhere between $6,500-$10,000. Mitch thinks that includes mortgage payment, taxes, and insurance. Chuck has been living in his house for, I think Mitch said, 18 years. So that means he has a lot of equity in it and it would be a shame to walk away from. He owes about $115,000 on it and the payments are around $1,000 per month. He doesn’t know how much he is behind in his power bill or if he has car insurance at the time. If he was paying for some type of medication and let it slide, that could be the reason for the lapse in everything else. This is just my subjective opinion though based on what Mitch told me last night, but Mitch did tell me that Chuck has always been VERY protective of his credit and very responsible for his bills. So, as you can see, it is a very complex situation.

Depending on what Mitch can find out today will dictate the next step. One option that Forrest mentioned is that he will contact the mortgage company and buy the house himself and let Chuck live in it while he gets on his feet again. That way the house will not be sold at auction. Maybe when things get better again, Chuck will be able to buy the house back from Forrest.

Jim

Confucius said: Girls are made of sugar and spice and everything nice. Boys are made of snakes, snails and puppy dog tails.

OK, I think something needs to be said about guys. Real men would rather be punched in the nose than have anyone feel sorry for him. Yeah, we get depressed, bummed, even sad sometimes. But it's the nature of a man to want deal with it as quickly (and quietly) as possible, then get on with the next challenge. Being fawned over, for a guy, is like being forced to wear Chanel No.5

Some guys are exceptions, like Ben, I think he loves it when you girls blubber all over him. NOT.

Hey girls, did you hear that Dick's got health issues? Peter

1/2 happy 1/2 sad

I am sitting on top of a beautiful hill at 9:30 at night freezing my tutu off! I am so excited because tonight was the end of another class and after the next Saturday class I will be 1/3 of the way through my college. I am waiting for Teisha to get out of class and then we can go home to a nice warm bed. Both of us usually get out at 10:30 but since this was my last class we had projects and finished early. Wahoo!

Parts of me are happy but then I think of Chuck and I am sad. I hate the idea of him going through this. He has been in his house for a good ten years hasn't he? Jim, you and Sandi are great to be there for him. The fact that he called shows that he knows that you two are there for him and he can count on you. Please keep us up on any news.

Well, I'm looking forward to seeing most of you at Suzanne's wedding. I am also looking forward to blogging more, talking about Global Warming and the Pacific Ocean Garbage Island and Big Foot and crazy people that hike along a mountain walk that could kill ya.

Hey Jim, are you going to dance with your wife at your sister's wedding? How about the Swim or the Frug or the Bunny Hop? You don't have to break dance or anything. You didn't dance with her once at your son's wedding. Hey, and speaking of weddings what is the news from Randy and Claudia...when will they get married?

Dick, are you going to dance with me at Suzanne's wedding? You can teach Jim a few moves! Ok - Ben, Illa you guys have to get Peter and Karen to Polka. Yep, this is going to be a great wedding. Start watching "Dancing With the Stars" and I will make sure to bring those footsteps we can glue on the floor.

OK =you all take care - more later Gi

The latest on Chuck.

He called this afternoon about 4:30. He was calling from a pay phone even though he had received the phone card and debit card I sent him. He said that his house has been in foreclosure since April 9. I don’t know if he has a 60 or 90 day foreclosure process. He kind of eluded my question, so I’m still not sure how much longer he has in his place. He did say that he was just contacted today from I think was a capital investment company that was offering him a ‘short sale.’ Evidently this is a situation where a capital investment company buys distressed properties from mortgage holders that have no other options. The usual practice is to offer the owner just enough to pay off the amount for what is owed to the bank with really nothing left for any equity that they may have in the house. The only ‘advantage’ is that the foreclosure is not noted on a person’s credit rating.

Just after Chuck called I received a call from a bank that had loaned us the money for my LASIK surgery two years ago. So, while I was not interested in any refinancing offers that they were calling about I was able to ask them so very poignant questions about Chuck’s situation.

He did affirm that he knows he does have options, but I’m not sure what he’s going to do. I don’t think he knows yet. I told him about the offers of the trailers by Peter and Karen, and Ben and Illa. I don’t know what he’s going to do about a mailing address if he loses the house.

I guess it’s a wait and see.

Jim

medical update

 Seems the doc is trying to figure out what is up with me ?!! I have gained weight, now at 185 lbs which he didn't except. Since I am not in pain and my weight is good, he took me off all meds for a while to see how I do. I still take the pain pills for when I over do work outside, but that is not a cancer pain as much as conditioning and the scar from the surgery. I still have the cancer but the doc says I am too mean and don't let it win ! lol It is nice to be off the cancer pills for a change. Maybe clean the chemicals out and get the feelings back in my feet instead of it always feeling like tingling all the time !! Illa and I are putting up fences around the yard getting ready for Teresa and the grandkids to visit for a month or so. bg

lueria or how ever you spell it

if you have your install disk for your mac. there are some programs on there that you can run to see if have bad files and repair them also. there SHOULD be 2 disk that came with your computer.  they should have gray labels on themif your running tiger for your os make sure they say tiger on them. 

Justin's Prom From Lueria

Him and Bethoney had a blast. They are going on 1 year and 1/2.  He is a Junior with 3 credits to go. 

Justin's Prom

We received a call from Chuck last night.

Last night, Friday, we received a call from Chuck. He sounded somewhat calm, somber and demure. First, he asked if our little apartment was available, so, that told me that something was up. He said that his home is going through foreclosure. I know that he's been having a stressful time since he got booted from the CDC about two years ago for being a 'whistle blower.' He hasn't really told me what, if any, retirement he ended up with. I get the impression, not much. I think he's run out of options with his house payments.
He was calling from a pay phone so he couldn't talk very long. So, he probably doesn't have internet either anymore. Below is a letter I sent to him this morning.

His address if you want to contact him:
Chuck Hooper
(email or call me)

May 3, 2008
Dear Chuck,
It was good to hear from you, but the news wasn’t happy. Anyway, thanks for calling.
When we talked it sounded like you weren’t sure about how much longer you had in the house. Of course, if it’s as little as two weeks, we have to do something fast. What, if any, choices do you have from the bank?

First, you have options; we’ve been thinking of buying some sort of travel trailer or small RV, so this may be the time for us to do that. We would offer you to live at our little apartment but a woman that did her student teaching with Sandi last year hasn’t landed a job yet and is staying in it for awhile. She may be leaving in a month or two, so that’s still an option. Second, have you contacted George about the ranch in Redding? The last I heard, Charlie is in Salem and George is living in town. Third, we could loan you some money to make a payment if you see your way in the future where it could help you hold on to the house, and not just put off foreclosure one more month.

Whatever you decide to do, know that we're here to help and will come down and help you move if it comes to that. We can rent a U-Haul and store it up here.

Call anytime, and especially after you get this. Let us know what we can do.
Love, Jim


Jim

jim - check out this science project for your kids

wedding date !

OK ...just wanted to let everyone know, we've decided to wed on June 21st. I'm not sure where it will be, our home or a chapel. I'll send out invites, but I understand the timing is not good !!