A Joyful Ten Days of Family

My Family - Keith, Sarah, Jacob, and Elizabeth (Beti)

Memorial Day weekend 2012 in Hermitage, Missouri

                                                                      Keith and Beti

I'm still smiling as I think of the joy of having so many family members here at my house around Memorial Day at the same time! It was a special time I will always remember and cherish beginning with my brother Ed arriving here on Thursday May 24, 2012 on his Harley. He comes here every year about this time and also sometimes in August enjoying the long bike ride from Iowa.

When Ed arrived, Keith and I were still in Osage Beach running errands with a trip to Lowe's, Missouri Furniture, WalMart grocery shopping, and a nice lunch at Applebee's. Ed had the opportunity to take a nice nap and be ready to go when we got home. We all then enjoyed a lovely evening at The Harbor on Lake Pomme de Terre for dinner on the outdoor floating dock. This is one of our favorite places close to home:

http://www.harborcampgroundandmarina.com/

Earlier in the week, I had purchased a new airbed online from Amazon that Ed was going to be the first to try out. It is an INTEX Queen, Pillow Rest Raised with built-in Electric Pump for about $45. After four nights, Ed had given it a high recommendation and said he may purchase one also to keep ready for all his grand children's visits.

Friday was a work day for Keith so Ed and I had a whole day to ourselves. We drove around Hickory County where I showed him the Master Gardener's projects I have been working on including the McCarty Senior Center Garden/Greenhouse and Settler's Village in Wheatland. We also checked out Lucus Oil Speedway and the Hickory House to see all the preparations for the weekend while we make up our minds. Then we drove to Osage Beach so Ed could see the end result of all the new highway changes since his last year's visit. Sad to see our favorite Happy Fisherman's Restaurant was now closed after 35 years. The strip at Bagnal Dam stayed the same and Ed wanted to check out his favorite coin shop. After ice cream at Andy's Frozen Custard, we came home and ate an early dinner at The Harbor again. There was live music as we enjoyed the sunset on the water.

It was early enough to check out the Hickory House activities. We went inside and had some pop while we waited for the outdoor concert to feature The Kentucky Headhunters. We stayed outside the enclosed "paying" area but were close enough to see the band smile. They were very entertaining and one of Ed's favorite bands he sees every year. They did not disappoint! Afterwards, we walked across the highway where we had parked and Ed saw a classic car that had parked next to us. He struck up a conversation with the owner who lives here but is from Sioux City, Iowa! Needless to say, we were there a little longer. It was a good brother/sister bonding day!

Jacob had begun driving to Missouri from Virginia early Friday morning. We had no idea he would be here before noon Saturday. He let himself in our house sometime around 4 am Saturday morning. It was all I could do not to wake him when I woke up and saw his car in our driveway that morning! It had been 14 months since I had seen him. But I knew he would not sleep long as Missouri Furniture was delivering a new sofa a few feet from where he was sleeping downstairs about 7:30 am. Everyone was up early and we drove to Stockton for lunch at Bongos downtown and then a stop at the Hammons Emporium for black walnut ice cream. This is where black walnuts are processed and is an interesting business:

http://www.black-walnuts.com/

After Keith treated us all to a good Italian meal at Bongos, we drove home and we all took naps so we would be refreshed for the exciting races that evening. It was my treat to take everyone to Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland which is only a few years old and growing every year. This large track is only 5 miles from our home. I had asked Ed if he was impressed and he said, " Beats a casino in a cornfield." We all had a great time.

http://www.lucasoilspeedway.com/

Sunday was the best day ever! Our daughter and son-in-law, Brian and Sarah, arrived late the night before.  It was a wonderful reunion in a relaxed atmosphere. It was the first time all the family had seen our new lower level remodeled and our landscape. We enjoyed each other's company for dinner. Keith had smoked a turkey breast and we had healthy brats to go with it as well as potato salad and many fresh vegetables from our garden. Then we all relaxed and watched about 75 photos on the new TV downstairs from the Zipline Experience the previous weekend in Branson (see my blog post in Outdoor Activities). The rest of the day was relaxing and enjoying each other's company. Sarah and Brian left for their home that evening.

                                                                Jacob and Mario (Wii)

Sarah and Brian figuring out the photo display using the Wii and new TV

Ed, Keith, Jacob, Sarah

                                                                Brian, Sarah, Jacob, Ed

                                                     Brian, Sarah, Jacob, Beti, Keith

So Monday morning came and Ed left for home in Iowa. Then Keith left for work. So Jacob and I had a productive morning utilizing his financial advisor skills. By late morning, Jacob checked his messages and found out he had a great opportunity to expand his client potential and scheduled a meeting in Kansas City. It was productive. The rest of the week went by too fast. Keith was off Wednesday and Thursday and we all enjoyed the time we had together. During this time Jacob was able to secure reservations for a December 2012 wedding at The Red Fox Inn, Middleburg, Virginia. Such an exciting time and so happy to be there when this important event is planned. I'm sure his fiance, Cora, is feeling the love we all have for her so many miles away while deployed in the service. We were also able to share her good news that she got promoted!

                                                      Jacob and his new Honda Accord

Jacob in his Merrill Lynch shirt after a day working in Kansas City

Keith and Jacob at Panera Bread Osage Beach, Missouri with Lake of the Ozarks in the background

Beti and Jacob at Panera Bread Osage Beach, Missouri

Friday morning, Jacob left to see Brian and Sarah and help with their Relay for Life event that day and evening. Jacob left for home in Virginia Saturday morning. The house is now empty again but our hearts are full...and I'm still smiling!!!!!

USPAP - National Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice

All certified appraisers are required to take a 7-hour USPAP Update course each renewal cycle (2 years) which updates them on changes made to the USPAP document.  I completed the course online May 7th and 8th for 2012.  This was the first time I took a course online and found it to be very satisfactory.  The course available from McKissock is the only AQB-approved online provider of the 7-hour 2012-2013 USPAP Update course.  It is also available in a LIVE classroom setting.  I believe they are a good source for other appraisal courses but have not had any other personal experience with McKissock.

This course was a multimedia experience, with video explanations from Appraisal Standards Board members, video case studies, narrated chapter summaries, interactive student polling and learning games, and practice exercises to maximize learning while fighting tedium.  I found it to be a pleasant surprise in learning which gave me confidence in mastering the concepts sometimes not complete in regular "face time" classroom settings where all you have to do is show up and sign the log and get credit for the course.  The price of an online course is similar but without the expense of gas and travel time.

For more information for this USPAP course and other appraisal courses from McKissock:

www.McKissock.com

For a comprehensive Real Estate Appraisal Curriculum for qualifying education and continuing education approved in Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas and Oklahoma I recommend Lowman & Co. which provide the best LIVE classroom setting:

www.lowman-co.com

The following are some of the highlights from the USPAP course I took online from McKissock which began with what USPAP changes are based on.  These includes suggestions from appraisers, users of appraisal services, the ever-changing needs of the marketplace, written or oral public testimony on proposed changes and periodic review of existing standards and other materials.

There was a review of the general structure of The Appraisal Foundation (TAF) which is not a government agency and has no enforcement powers.  There are 26 members but you cannot join as a member.  Its sponsors include organizations representing appraisers and users of services.  It is basically a private educational foundation.  Since 1987, there are four boards:  Board of Trustees (BOT), Appraisal Standards Board (ASB), Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB), and Appraisal Practices Board (APB).

1.)  Board of Trustees (BOT) which is the governing body that exercises all power and functions of TAF except for the authority delegated to ASB, AQB, and APB.  BOT is responsible for funding all the boards as well as appointing their members.

2.)  Appraisal Standards Board (ASB) exercises all authority over subject, style, content, and substance of USPAP and performs all functions of TAF with respect to establishing, improving, and promulgating USPAP.  They may also issue "other communications" which don't change USPAP such as Advisory Opinions, Frequently Asked Questions, and USPAP Q&A's. Agenda is based on items suggested during prior year.

3.)  Appraisal Qualifications Board (AQB) established education, experience, and other criteria for licensing, certification, and re-certification as identified by FIRREA as the source.

4.)  Appraisal Practice Board (APB) was created in 2010 as guidance to assist appraisers in issues related to recognize valuation methods and techniques.  It utilizes panels of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) in developing guidance.  This is all voluntary with no force behind it.  Some of the early examples were in guidance on how to handle seller concessions and guidance on appraising in changing markets.  This new board raises the question, "recognized by whom?"  In my opinion and experience, it may take years to establish credible guidance from the SMEs as issues are challenged through the courts.  It is in an infant stage at this time.  It is only as strong as the client who orders the appraisal and their ability to hire an appraiser to comply with their guidelines...a highly manipulative strength which has the potential of misleading value.  Without careful oversight, this board and its issues could muddy the otherwise clear waters finally established since the Federal Financial Institutions Reform Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA) was established in 1989 after the Savings and Loan Crisis of the 1980's resulted in the Savings and Loan Bailout Bill.  That was the catalyst for the government to draft standards.

Since 1993, USPAP compliance was required by another federal law - Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (The Uniform Act).  Also, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) published Circular A729 which recognizes USPAP for federal agencies, HUD, IRS, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Worldwide ERC. 

The next part of the USPAP course concentrated on the steps needed to make changes in USPAP.  The five steps are:

1.)  Drafts are developed and submitted for public exposure.
2.)  Comments are solicited and received during a specific period.
3.)  Comments are analyzed and reviewed.
4.)  Additional exposure drafts may be issued and comments sought.
5.)  Changes finalized at a public meeting.

Then the course goes in much detail concerning changes made to definitions and exposure time.  Much addition concerns issues related to the newly established concept and practice of an Appraisal Management Company (AMC) which have gained strength in recent years and has increased as the independent experienced appraisers decrease.  The AMC is the so-called middle-man between the mortgage lender and the appraiser.  As long as the appraiser knows the intended use of the appraisal, the AMC does not have to disclose the identity of the mortgage lender.  The AMC can also request their name be left off the appraisal report if the client (mortgage lender) includes their name.  It is my observation that a game of hide-n-seek can now be made so it is not clear as to who is named in the appraisal report which could lead to legal questions about whether the appraiser truly knows the "intended use."    Hopefully, as the current market turns into a more stable market, the intended use of the appraisal will become more defensible.  Market Value has many definitions.  A certified appraiser cannot accept an assignment without a clear intended use of that appraisal report and the appropriate market value defined.

The exposure time reporting is explained in more detail but is only required to be reported when it is a component of the value definition.  Marketing time is not required by USPAP, however, it may be an assignment condition by a client.  Some appraisal terms needed additional explanation and so USPAP was revised to include more information on the effective date, extraordinary assumption, and hypothetical condition terms.

Further clarification and revisions were also made separating the Record Keeping Rule as part of the Ethics Rule.  Any violation by the appraiser of the Ethics Rule had the highest violation.  It was decided that clerical errors made in record keeping should not be considered an ethical violation so it stands as separate rule for 2012-13.  Other miscellaneous changes were made in Standards 7&8 taking out the phrase Highest and Best Use.  In Advisory Opinion 21, Advocacy is not allowed as the appraiser must be independent, impartial, and objective.

The rest of the USPAP course concentrated on relevant current issues and review.  Much was reviewed with more detail concerning Scope of Work Rule.  The bottom line is that the Scope of Work decision is the appraiser's alone who must be able to support any exclusions.  An appraiser must withdraw from an appraisal assignment if relevant information is not available because assignment conditions limit research opportunities unless the appraiser can modify assignment conditions to expand the scope of work to include getting the information or use an extraordinary assumption about such information if credible assignment results can still be developed.  My state appraisal work in 2009-10 was in direct conflict with this current USPAP update due to time restraints, budget cuts, and new management policies.  Hopefully, the new manager will find the appropriate flexibility to get the job done right and in a reasonable time while following USPAP guidance for 2011-12.

Finally, the remaining topics in the course were very relevant and useful.  The final two chapters were "USPAP in the Real World - Examples and Discussions" and "In the Real World Examples of Everyday Appraisal Issues."  This is where it all came together.  I mastered it well and printed out my certificate.

This USPAP course was my final 7 hours needed for Continuing Education requirements.  The requirement is 28 hours and I had gotten 21 hours before I retired from my state position 12/1/2011.  Before June 30, 2012, I will go online and pay  the required $300 to renew my General Certification License for the State of Missouri.  It will be good until June 30, 2014. 

Right now, I have no plans to seek employment in the appraisal field and likely will go to an inactive status for 2014-15.  This status can be reactivated when I complete another 28 hours and pay $300 again should I want to continue.  So far, I have not seen enough changes in the market to show confidence in the real estate industry.  I don't think it is fun anymore; 30 years is probably enough anyway. 

Zip Line Canopy Tour - Branson, Missouri

My daughter, Sarah, and son-in-law, Brian treated me to an action adventure in Branson, Missouri!  This was a golden opportunity not to be missed and I am so fortunate and thankful they invited me.  It is one of those times in life you don't over-think and just go with it and I am sure glad I did!  Best of all was sharing the exciting experience with them.  I am so lucky!  This was their second time so I had some very helpful first hand experience to guide me.  Of course, it wasn't until about the 3rd or 4th zip line when I felt I really knew what I was doing and could relax and enjoy the ride with confidence.

The adventure began at ground school where guides Justin and Dakota taught us everything we needed to know about ziplining when were were only inches off the ground; the so-called "bunny line."  Then we continued when we felt ready with an ATV ride to the first of seven zip lines where we ascended a 65 ft. spiral staircase, then soared from tower to tower and navigated three rope bridges.  There was also a guest center in a 2000 square foot building where guests can watch all the action.  There are several area zip lines.  The Adventure Ziplines of Branson is one of the best and safest.  It has a double cable for added security.  The longest zip line is a quarter mile long.  More information can be found at:

www.AdventureZiplinesOfBranson.com

Here I am with my daughter and son-in-law at the end of the last zip line.  I know for sure my smile stayed with me long after we left.  The provided equipment included the helmet and harness. The one glove was the only means of breaking and that is done by placing the gloved hand over the bare cable and pulling down (in a pull-up motion) using the strength in your arm rather than griping the cable to slow down.  The other hand is holding the hook-on clip which secures you and your harness to the cable.  This is where the steering is done as you turn opposite the direction you want to go.  By crossing your legs, you go straight most of the time. 

Here I am high above the treetops!

This is near the end when I am coming in for the final landing.

 Brian in his "Look Ma, no hands"  position

Here Brian takes it upside down!

Sarah can go upside down for fun!

Here Sarah is in great form as she makes her final landing.

The adrenaline rush lasted all of the 3-hour tour!  I wanted to take away more to keep as much of this experience as I could so I purchased the photo CD which included about 150 pictures of our group.  There were four other people in our group but Sarah cleaned up the CD later so we were left with the best 75 photos that included us three.  I also got the T-shirt :)









Fly-Fishing on Lake Taneycomo

Mother's Day 2012 included an afternoon on Lake Taneycomo fly-fishing near the dam with my daughter, Sarah, my son-in-law, Brian and their neighbors, Terrilynne and Rawney.  No one caught any fish on this trip but any day fishing is a good day!  We had a great home-cooked meal before we got to the sight and nice weather all day.  The trout were just not biting today.  We'll be back!

     Fashion Star!

Sarah is sun-proofing Brian

                                                                            Brian

                                           Sarah on shore with Beti and Brian in the water

 

Beti changing her mind...again!

                                                                        Beti casting

                                                                 Terrilynne and Beti

Master Gardener Activities - May 2012

The first community project I participated in was the Master Gardeners Plant Sale at the McCarty Senior Center in Wheatland, Missouri on May 1, 2012.  What a great way to celebrate May Day!

McCarty Senior Center Parking Lot facing Highway 54 in Wheatland, Missouri

All the plants for sale were grown by Master Gardener members.  Some from their own yards and gardens but most were grown in the Master Gardener's Greenhouse  located behind the McCarty Senior Center.

The plants included Vegetables, Annuals, Perennials, Ground Covers, Herbs, and Container Arrangements.  The prices ranged from $1.00 to $4.00 per pot with some special items priced as marked.  Over $2000 in sales were made on the first day in 4-5 hours!

My job was to be available as needed with the seasoned Master Gardeners in the lead with their previous experience.  Some of the things I did to help was to unload the plants from the flat bed trailers used to transport the plants from the greenhouse, price label using color-coded dots on each pot and any arrangement of plants in groups as instructed by the seasoned Master Gardeners.  As the customers began coming around, I was there as needed to hand out brochures about the pricing and available plants.  I answered questions about the different plants as best I could and found a seasoned Master Gardener to help with answers I didn't know.  Many of the customers also needed help carrying the plants.  The last half of my time there was spent at the check-out table helping track the numbers of customers, types of plants purchased, how the customer heard about our sale and any requests for plants we did not offer for next year.

Most rewarding were the smiles on all the faces on such a beautiful May Day as people plan and anticipate wonderful plants for their home gardens!  I'm not sure yet how the money will be spent but I will be attending monthly meetings to learn about ongoing projects that benefit our community.  A useful website for specific projects can be found at:   http://www.extension.missouri.edu/hickory  Go to the University of Missouri Extension Master Gardener then click on Current Projects.

The following Monday we had our final training and then On Thursday May 3rd, we graduated.  A nice potluck lunch was attended by all members and guests at the pavillion located at the Pomme de Terre Dam Office.  It was a beautiful day with a brief spring storm. 

 

My husband Keith is located on the right

Here I am receiving my Certification

 Our graduationg class

The lady with the pointing finger is to be my Mentor, Nancy Johnson, who is also my close neighbor

Master Gardening Buddies:  Beth Benanti from Bisbee Acres, Elizabeth Pearson from Hermitage, and Beth Nicholas from Bolivar.

I am very happy to receive this certificate and name badge

On Saturday May 5th, we had the final Plant Sale.  This time we kept the plants in the greenhouse and set-up the sale to the rear of the McCarty Senior Center.  As an added bonus, the Senior Center was hosting a Relay for Life Craft and Bake Sale which helped to bring more people to our sale too.  It was a very busy place!

Master Gardener Greenhouse located behind the McCarty Senior Center in Wheatland, Missouri.  I am fortunate to live only 5 miles away which will be close for me to help as needed.  The garden project is my favorite as I will find much reward in helping to produce fresh vegetables to be used in the Senior Center's meal program.  The money saved on their food budget can be used to offset the increase in prices.  Also, it is very satisfying to be a part of growing food about 100' from where it will be consumed!  About a week later, the gardens were all planted.  I helped by planting four of the raised beds with peppers and tomatoes.

 Here I am inside the greenhouse getting ready for the final sale.

The Vegetable Garden

  The Wisteria Arbor where we set-up to check out the plants purchased.  It was a good day!

A couple weeks later, Master Gardener's got together to work on the already established gardens and landscaping at the Settler's Village located in downtown Wheatland in the park one block off Highway 54.  The cabins were built years ago by another group using the old logs from various actual log cabins in the county in the same style and manner of construction.  It attracts a large crowd each September where craft venders and various activities are held for the public. 

Our task as Master Gardeners is to maintain plants that will be at their best in September.  On this morning, I did much of the weeding and others did the flower planting.  I will help with the watering as needed.