By: Alan Aptheker  The number of delinquent mortgage borrowers that missed one to three payments climbed in the first half of the 2011, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association  (MBA).   However, foreclosures have slowed, because the number of loans that are delinquent more than 90 days has declined. hence, more borrowers are paying late for a shorter period of time, and getting back on track with their payments within a three month period.   Why is this happening?  It's a result of cash poor homeowners getting hit with a one time, unexpected medical bill, or the non-existent holiday bonus or annual raise that simply did not come. Maybe a temporary cut in work hours is to blame. The MBA found that mortgage loans that are one…