Day #650 - Rainbow

This morning I asked the Penny Angels if they would like to do something special for Day #650. On Day #50 when I asked that same question, I found a loose diamond in a parking lot and thereby dubbed it “Diamond Day”.

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This morning I worked on various calls and things for the new house. By 3 PM it was time to get out for a little while. I stopped to pick up a gift I had ordered for a friend. It started out as somewhat of a ‘gag’ gift, but it turned out so beautiful, I was amazed! Nice.

Next I stopped to investigate a business which had caught my eye for the past year. Turns out they are only open for tours on Tues and Thurs from 3:30 - 5:30. I arrived at 3:28 today, not knowing their schedule when I stopped. Coincidence? Maybe. I had a great 20-minute tour and most likely will use their services

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The next stop was for floor coverings. I was ‘nudged’ to check out a certain store. I browsed through some of the displays and was looking at the vinyl sheet goods. A sales associate, Ruben, came over to assist me. I had not found a penny there, yet felt ‘nudged’ to tell him about Penny Tales and “Tina’s Ark”. It was weird. I kept telling him more and wouldn’t shut up. I surprised myself!

I found a style of vinyl I liked, but was disappointed that it didn’t come in

a lighter color. So I looked in another line of product. Guess what? One sample piece stood out from the others in this new book. Yup, it was a lighter shade of the other pattern - filed back in the wrong book. Coincidence?

Ruben left the room for a moment and brought Bruce over to me saying, “I have to leave for an appointment, but Bruce deserves to hear your story - tell him too!” I was silently thinking, “You have got to be kidding! I figured he was anxious for me to shut up!”

I told Bruce about Penny Finding and Tina’s Ark. Then we talked about Scientists who Believe and all sorts of things. We had a great time. I wonder if Noah had a budget to worry about. Right now my budget allows for about half the house to “get floored” the way I’d like it to.

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As I was leaving the flooring store, I said out loud, “Hi Penny Angels, could you send a penny which I could share with Bruce and Ruben as confirmation of this story?” Within 5 minutes as I hopped out of my truck at the next stop, there was a penny. I called back to the flooring store to share that story. (Coin #1)

I had actually made that quick stop strictly to use the restroom, but then decided one penny was not enough for today. So I went into the Michael’s craft store asking the Angels for one more penny in order to get 2¢ worth for today. I found the penny at the register. “Thank you Penny Angels”.

Then, just before I reached the exit door, I found a nickel! My first thought was, “You just ruined my 2¢ story by adding that additional coin. You didn’t need to do that!”

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I walked out to my truck (Pippy) and looked up to see a magnificent rainbow! Those are not real common in the LA area and remember a few days ago? The weather was well over 100 degrees with less than 10% humidity. What are the chances of a rainbow today?

As I was driving home I mentally ’connected the dots’: three coins totaling 7 cents (both spiritual numbers), Tina’s ark, a HUGE bright rainbow …. Wow

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Here’s another Coincidence …This morning I got one quote on stucco work for the new house, but said I wanted a second one. Just now I was typing today’s first draft of the Penny Tale and the doorbell rang. I thought it was a neighbor, so I opened the door. It was a salesman for replacement windows. (It is obvious that we have the old, aluminum drafty windows which barely function). I told him I was not interested in new windows. He replied, “Well then what about stucco coating?” Huh? Another coincidence?

There are a few more really neat ‘coincidences’ today, but that is enough writing!

Total: 3 Coins P 2), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.07 + one rainbow of infinite value

Day #649 - Rain Walk

Doc began the day with breakfast and a dime from McDonalds (Coin #1).

I drove Doc to campus today before running my errands. But of course we had to stop at Starbucks. We got coffee, 2 pennies and a quarter. (Coins #2-4). As we were driving away Doc said, “We just need a nickel to Hit for the Cycle”.

At school I checked my emails and found this message from a co-worker:

On my hike up from the parking lot this morning I was thinking about all the coins that would go unfound with your not being around and how there should be piles of them soon. The Penny Angels must have thought I was right as I found a nickel in Center Court underneath the stairs near the glass case. I thought how appropriate to find one of those hard-to-find nickels in "Tina's Activity Center". It was probably meant for Doc, but he'll need to get here earlier to retrieve anything there now.

I had to laugh. What timing!

I did pass by the vending machines twice to check for coins. On the second visit I did not see any coins and was leaving, but said, “Penny Angels, c’mon … I KNOW you have one here. Show me.” And there suddenly was a dime where I had already looked several times! (Coin #5)

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This afternoon was our bi-weekly Play Time with the nieces and nephews. First we went to a library for some reading time, then the kids wanted to go bowling. Jaime (who is 3) is a little young for bowling yet. So she and I went Penny Finding. Last week was the first time she went along on a Play Date - she found a penny. Today was her second time out with us - she found a penny and a nickel! (Coins #6&7) The girl is a fast learner. We found those at the 7-11 store where I also claimed a penny and a quarter. (Coins #8&9). We shared the story and a Penny Card with several people in the store.

There were afternoon thundershowers as Jaime and I were out walking, so the two of us got wet as we giggled in the rain.

Next we were adventurous and all went for Chinese food at a nice, nearby restaurant. We each tried new dishes. That was fun.

Of course the next thing they wanted to do was to go to Chuck E. Cheese’s! Yuck. I dread that place on the best of days. We walked in this evening and the place was packed! There were at least 20 people in line at the register, every game was occupied by several children, the broken machines ate our tokens, the place was littered with trash and the noise level was deafening. Thankfully Ashley found one penny there. (Coin #10).

Even Doc could not handle the crowd tonight at CEC. He went next door to the CVS pharmacy and found 3 pennies (Coins #11-13).

The drive to the kids’ house was quick, so we had a few extra minutes before our 8:30 PM curfew. We managed to squeeze in a Flashlight Walk home. Those are always fun.

On the way home Doc and I did some grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s. One Penny there. (Coin #14).

Total: 14 Coins P (9), N (1), D (2), Q (2) = $0.84 Hit for the Cycle

Day #648 - Home Working

Home Working is different than “Homework”. This takes self discipline!

This is the first week where school is back in full swing and Doc is off to teach classes. My first “real” day of working at home.

Finally got Doc out of the house by 10 AM so that I could begin making calls and working on things. Full speed ahead. But it was difficult not to get side tracked by laundry, the pile of stuff I brought home from Cal Poly Pomona last month, the mail pile by the door, the fridge drawers which needed wiping, etc. I did lots of on-line and phone call research regarding aspects of the new house. Good progress on a few fronts (school fees, landscaping requirements, framing details, door schedule, etc.)

By 4 PM I was burned out. Temperatures in the house were becoming quite unpleasant plus there was no way to find today’s penny in here. I headed out to run errands. No coins at the sewing machine shop or the lighting store. So I went to Target strictly to find coins. Two pennies in the food area. (Coins #1&2).

Target is too pricy for me to shop, so I went to the 99¢ store. Collected a penny there (Coin #3) and a new toy for Norman.

Needed to stop for petrol on the way home - it had been 26 days since I last fuelled the truck. I was searching for coins and the attendant asked if I had found one yet today. Yup, there was one right in front of the register! (Coin #4)

Total: 4 Coins P (4), N (0), D (0), Q (0) = $0.04

Day #647 - Hot Head

I was concerned that by being on Leave of Absence from school, I might have difficulties finding the daily coins. Cal Poly Pomona provided so many areas for Finding (vending machines, parking lots, food court, bookstore, etc.). Today when I went to school I found zero coins on campus, but I did find coins elsewhere.

In this morning’s errands I went to two banks and the post office. Popped in to the grocery store just to look for coins. Found one penny under the change counting kiosk and when I kneeled to retrieve it, I spotted a penny 8-10 ft. away under the photocopier. (Coins #1&2). Outside the store, I looked under an occupied bench. Nothing spotted. When the man stood up and left, there was a quarter where I couldn’t see it originally. (Euphemism for under his backside). (Coin #3).

At the hardware store there was a dime, then a penny next to my truck in the parking lot. (Coins #4&5).

No coins on campus, at the blueprint shop, or at the architect’s office.

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House Progress

Today I met with the architect, spoke with a potential contractor, met with a potential plumber, worked on drawings, doors lists, etc.

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This evening Doc asked me about today’s Penny Finds. He had not found any at McDonalds when he went for breakfast. He doesn’t like it when he doesn’t have a coin find (Penny Fever), so at around 9:30 PM he headed to McDonalds again. A penny at the first window, two pennies between windows, and a dime when getting his order. (Doc Coins #1-4).

Total: 9 Coins P (6), N (0), D (2), Q (1) = $0.51

Record Temperatures today. (113 F in our backyard).

My brain is fried. No lessons other than: Try to Keep a Cool Head

Day #646 - Hard Stuff

Yesterday we dealt with Easy Stuff. Today we dealt with Hard Stuff - concrete.

We awoke at 5:15 on a Sunday morning. Uggh. Took 3 alarm clocks for that. We had promised son, Brian, that we would help him pour concrete today. Did not know that temperatures would be over 100 degrees when we set that appointment!

We stopped at McDonalds for breakfast and coins. I didn’t see any coins, so I went walking while Doc waited at the window for his order. Didn’t find any coins at two fast food places, so at KFC, I said, “Please Penny Angels, one for Merril” (Since KFC is one of her favorite places). And I immediately found a penny in a parking spot. (Coin #1).

Meanwhile Doc collected his egg McMuffins plus a dime and a nickel! He said I overlooked them! (Coins #2&3). I guess they were meant for him.

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We arrived at Brian’s house precisely at 7 AM as promised. For the first hour we hauled all the gear and bags of cement up the stairs and into the back yard. By then, we were all exhausted. At 8 AM we began mixing concrete. 25 batches. (That amounted to about 2/3 cu yd). Good practice for our Deer Creek house? I figure the driveway on that house will take 62 cu yds - that does not include the house foundation, garage slabs, patio, etc. Yikes! We will not mix that ourselves.

We poured the slab, finished the surfacing, cleaned all the tools, got the yard back in shape, and left their house feeling totally exhausted, but good about what had been accomplished.

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McDonalds stop on the way home. Burger for Doc; dime and three pennies for me. (Coins #4-7). As we were driving away from McDonalds, I was voice recording that coin find. Doc pulled into traffic when I said “Coin!”. So he made a U-turn and we went back for it. I had to wait for several cars to pass (one of which ran over the penny) before I could rescue the poor little guy. (Coin #8).

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Tonight Doc is preparing for his lectures, while I am preparing things for the architect and subcontractors. Sure to be an exciting week ahead.

Total: 8 Coins P (5), N (1), D (2), Q (0) = $0.30

Day #645 - Favorite Things

My favorite number is 25 and today is the 25^th of the month. So many wonderful little things, not sure where to begin. The song “My Favorite Things” from the movie Sound of Music comes to mind.

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New House Stuff:

People keep asking me WHY we are building a house when in today’s market you can buy a house for less than half of the cost of building one. Answer: Spiral Staircase.

Spiral Staircases - that’s what started this whole house building project! For nearly 30 years I have dreamed of having a spiral staircase in my house. The Iron Shop used to be near campus and just “called to me”. The business has grown and moved several times, but I can see those staircases through the showroom windows as we drive past them on the 10 Freeway.

Now, just where can you find a One Story House with a Spiral Staircase?

Then throw in a few additional conditions such as a raised floor (versus concrete slab), in a nice neighborhood, 4 bedrooms, a fireplace which looks outdoorsy, and within 30 miles of school. Do a search and tell me how many results you find on that.

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Yesterday the architect emailed and said we needed to finalize the details of the spiral staircase. It had been several years since I had visited the Iron Shop and I had been wanting to go back there. Her prompting was all I needed to go.

I hate doing much of the repair work around our current house and today we needed to do sprinkler repairs - again. So I asked Doc if we got the sprinklers done by 10 AM could we pretty please drive out to the Iron Shop? I was hoping that might motivate him. He didn’t care at all.

I woke up at 7 AM (without an alarm) and was motivated to get those sprinklers working. At 8 AM I was getting anxious for Doc to get moving too! By 9 AM I was getting grumpy. He Finally began working with me. Then we had to run to the store for parts. L Fortunately Doc spotted a Median Find penny on the way, so at least that “action item” was done for the day. (Coin #1)

We did get the sprinkler system working - at 10:01. The power of a goal!

While we were working on that project, our neighbor who is a plumber, drove up. I had been wanting to talk to him for 3 weeks and this morning I focused on him responding to me. It worked!

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We headed for the Iron Shop. Doc stopped once again at Starbucks for coffee. We drove away from there with: 1 coffee ( to keep Doc happy) and one nickel, two dimes and one quarter to make me really happy! (Coins # 2-5).

The visit to the Iron Shop was definitely worthwhile. We found out some technical details which mean a minor modification in our current plans. And we found that prices had not changed since we got the first quote several years ago. Yipee!

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Since we were in the area, Doc wanted to go shopping for pants at the Big and Tall Men’s store. Every 2-3 years he will buy a few pairs and agree to retire his pants with the duct tape on the pockets. We found a penny while shopping there. (Coin #6).

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That was it as far as coin finding for today, but lots of other good things happened. We had a nice lunch at Old World Deli where we spoke with Cosmo who has built his own house. He always encourages us.

When we got home, there was a check at my door. I had been somewhat expecting it in the near future, but surprised to see it so quickly.

I thought to myself, “It would be really great if the wall decals I ordered last week, would arrive today …” They did! These decals are for the NEW house. I know I don’t even have permits yet, but I am beginning the decorating …

My ‘planning ahead’ really frustrates Doc sometimes. “You don’t even have a foundation and you are thinking wall murals”? I told him, “I gotta know what color paint and what style doors to order and those are based upon the décor of each room. The Aussie room does not get the same doors as the garden bathroom, etc.” Plus, the decals were being discontinued and marked down from $60 to $20.

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This evening I even cooked a meal! (It has been quite a while). Cooking is defined as mixing more than three ingredients, using a pot or pan, and using either the stovetop or oven. We had dinner and a glass of wine! It was a really nice day.

Total: 6 Coins Found P (2), N (1), D (2), Q (1) = $0.52 Hit for the Cycle

Day #644 - Nickel and Dimed

This morning Doc and I headed out to run a few errands. His first stop, of course, was Starbucks. The line was long, so I hopped out of the van and walked next door. I spotted a penny at the McDonalds window, but there was a continuous line of 5-7 cars and no chance to run between the cars. (Foregone) I searched in the convenience store, but didn’t see any coins in there. So I did a SingSong. “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out to play, come out to play, come out to play”. There was a penny as I emerged from the store. (Coin #1)

Doc still had not emerged from Starbucks, so I searched the gas station pumping area. Nothing. The line at McDonalds was still really long. I was feeling devilish.

Conversation with the Penny Angels:

“The penny in response to the SingSong was cute. Well done. That was fairly easy”.

“Now I challenge you to show your stuff. If you are so good at this game, then create a break in that long line of cars so I can retrieve that penny”

I looked back at the window. There were 5-6 cars.

“Didn’t really think you would do it”

I began walking back to Doc and the Van.

One car after another left the McDonalds window in record time. Then there was a break! The break in traffic lasted and I claimed the penny! It was awesome! (Coin #2)

I returned to the van and hopped in just as Doc was receiving his cup of coffee. I said, “With this long of a wait, you had better at least get a few good coins.” He gave me a hand signal - two coins. Then he looked down next to the van and spotted two more coins on the curb! That was a dime and three nickels. (Coins #3-6).

Very unusual to find nickels - let alone 3 of them!

It made it all the more interesting since earlier this month I wrote the 3 Quarters story. A co-worker said sarcastically: “I predict you will next find 3 nickels on one day”.

I stopped to get a battery for a remote controller. Doc went next door to the grocery store to test his blood pressure, collect a penny by the registers, and a nickel by the soda machine. (Coins #7&8)

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This weekend the temperatures are expected to be over 100 degrees, so it was time for us to get that new wall air conditioner working. It took hours and hours this afternoon and was not a good project for marital harmony. Suffice it to say that when we finally got it working, we definitely needed a ‘cool down’ in several ways.

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I was aching from the activities of the past week so at 7:30 PM I told Doc I was going for a 1-hr Chinese massage - with or without him. He dropped me off at the spa while he went grocery shopping. He collected two pennies at one of the stores. (Coins #9&10).

After an hour he picked me up and we went to Stater Bros. grocery store where Doc spotted a penny through the window before entering the store. It was behind a change counting machine and it was a very tight squeeze for me to get back there. Was concerned that Doc might have to pull me out of the wedged position! The Penny Angels made it more worthwhile by placing three pennies back there! (Coins #11-13). There was an additional penny at a check out lane and then right in the middle of a white, wide walkway on the path to the deli section! Bold as can be! (Coins #14&15).

We paid for our groceries and were leaving. I found a nickel and Doc simultaneously collected a dime! (Coins #16&17).

We quickly walked next door to the bank. We stopped outside the pizza place and I said “I can feel there should be a coin around here”. There was a dime under a bench just outside the store. Then a penny under a second bench. (Coins #18&19)

Total: 19 Coins Found P (11), N (5), D (3), Q (0) = $0.66

Talk to the Angels. They like to play with you.

Day #643 - Held Up

Today was the first day of classes. Doc had several hours of lecture. I was concerned that I would experience withdrawal symptoms. (I am very passionate about the classes I teach and the events I coordinate). However, the desire to build this house supercedes the desire to be working with the students right now.

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Doc found two pennies at McDonalds when getting breakfast on the way to school. (Doc #1&2)

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I spent the morning at home with various calls and chores. Had hoped to be out of the house by 10 AM, but finally made it at noon. Told the Penny Angels they needed to put coins in my path please because I didn’t want to go off looking.

Found one penny when I stopped for the bank. (Tina #1)

The second penny was found when I stopped at the 99¢ store. I was actually ‘nudged’ to walk through the drive through window at the fast food burger next door. There was nothing at the window area. I checked the outdoor dining tables. Still nothing. So I said, “Penny Angels I can feel that there is a coin here and you ‘nudged’ me to come over here. So show me the coin”. I looked down to see a shiny penny about 3” from my shoe! (Coin #2).

The third penny was found at the Office Supply place. (Coin #3)

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I met my mom at 2 PM to drive her out to San Bernardino for her dental appointment. It was good to “plug another hole in her mouth”. Should make eating much easier now.

On the way home she wanted to purchase a lottery ticket. So we stopped at 7-11. I found two pennies under the counter (Coins #4&5). A customer paying for their item received 1¢ in change. Tony, the cashier pointed his finger at the customer and said, “Give that lady your Penny!” The customer did! I didn’t know what to do, so I gave a Penny Card and a brief explanation. The next customer received 2 pennies with his change and was talking on his cell phone. Tony again pointed his finger at the customer and said, “Give the Lady Your Pennies!” Yikes! I hope that wasn’t on a surveillance camera! The customer didn’t understand, so Tony repeated the order two more times. The customer finally complied.

I can just imagine these two customers going home and saying, “I was Held Up at the 7-11 tonight!”

Those three pennies are definitely not legitimate finds, but they did make everyone laugh.

Legal disclosure: PennyFinders does not advocate Hold Up Acquisitions!

Total: 7 Coins Found P (7), N (0), D (0), Q (0) = $0.07 + 3 Coins “Contributed”

Day #642 - Boys' Day

I woke up to find this email from Sasha, a taxi driver in Russia:

Hеllo Tina,

I read penny tales every day too. I am in the bed now but before falling asleep I checked my email box…. printing a small encouragement to you.

What a fantastic way to start the day!

The song from Disneyland “It’s a Small World After All” comes to mind.

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Today I played “catch up” on numerous items while Doc went off to the LA County Fair for a “play date” with son and grandson.

I was let out of the house for a few minutes this morning to run to the dry cleaner, drop off some sketches at the architect, and then pick up our new window air conditioner from WalMart. It has been several months without an air conditioner upstairs, so we finally ordered a new one. There was a penny in the doorway as I entered the store and then a nickel by the cash registers. (Coins #1&2) Gosh, it seems I have found quite a number of coins in doorways - symbolic of new doors opening for me?

This afternoon I did all sorts of things; putting away files, paying bills, organizing my backpack from work, etc. Then a contractor dropped by for a few hours to discuss framing and doors and windows and all sorts of things.

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Meanwhile Doc was playing and eating his way through the County Fair. Sounds like he had a wonderful time on the Big Slide and eating Cheese on a Stick paired with Dogs on a Stick and getting over 12,000 steps on his Pedometer.

He found numerous coins (Coins #3-10)

1P Entry to Animal Petting Area

1P At the Pig Races

1P Outdoor Furniture Display

1P Giant Slide

1D Ticket booth for rides

1P By smaller slide

1P found by Grandson Ethan while eating his Hot Dog on a Stick

1P In the Shopping Building

Sounds like the boys had fun!

Total: 10 Coins P (8), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.23

Day #641 - Stalemate

This morning we had a great conversation with a potential roofer. We also received the new truss designs - absolutely awesome and a bid which was favorable (and less than the conventional boring framing)!

At 2 PM we had a meeting with the architect. We outlined our plan of action to prepare documents and reports for the City. She is saying 3 weeks to get everything ready for Round 2.

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Doc claimed a quarter at Starbucks on the way to school. (Coin #1)

Today was the second day of the Fall term. The day began with a College of Engineering All Hands Session. Conditions this year look a little less bleak than they did last year at this time. Many people asked why I was in attendance since I was on leave. “Caring” is not directly attached to a paycheck. For Doc and I, the College and students are part of our lives and who we are. We aren’t there solely for the income.

After the meeting, I found my 2¢ worth within the Student Union. (Coins #2&3)

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After our session with the architect, we had a Retirement function back at school. Met a Penny Pal there. He said he reads Penny Tales EVERY day! Wow! I said that yesterday was Day #460 and I couldn’t believe it -- we would soon be at Day #500. Then I realized, “NO! Yesterday was day #640!” Each night I merely add one digit to the count. It sounded so different when I said it out loud to someone. Holy Cow! SIX HUNDRED and FORTY DAYS!

As we left the event at 7:30, Doc NEEDED a coffee. So he stopped at the Chevron gas station. As he was driving through the pumping area, he exclaimed “Penny!” So I hoped out to fetch it. He pointed, “There is another one!” He went inside to get a coffee and a third penny. I found a penny outside the door. (Coins #4-7).

When Doc emerged, he walked away from the van. I walked over to him and told him to scoot his backside into the car ‘cause we needed to get home! He stood in place. I told him to “move it!” He stood still. We were at a playful “stalemate” -- and looked down to see a penny between us.

Thought: When you do something with “Heart and Soul” it makes such a difference. It can be teaching, house building, pumping gas, or cleaning toilets. Passion is infectious.

Total: 8 Coins P (7), N (0), D (0), Q (1) = $0.32

Day #640 - Silliness

Today was the first day of the Fall term at school. The day began with a University wide gathering and welcome by the president. Next was a Service Recognition ceremony for long-term employees. After three hours of sitting in those sessions I was in sincere need of a restroom.

While in the restroom I was talking to the angels (silently this time so as not to disturb the other guests). “Good Morning Penny Angels. How are you today? Where will you plant today’s penny?” As I reached for the toilet paper, there was a shiny penny on the floor. (Coin #1) I was laughing! Cute! (No photo attached). The Penny Angels were being silly today.

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I found two pennies near the vending machines at the Bookstore. (Coins #2&3).

This evening I had dinner with two friends to celebrate a birthday. There were three pennies between my van and the door of the restaurant. One for each of us? (Coins #4-6).

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Must go prepare a memo and review house plans again. Tomorrow Doc and I have a meeting with the architect to outline our next steps on this project.

Stay tuned!

Total: 6 Coins P (6), N (0), D (0), Q (0) = $0.06

Day #639 - Poolside

This morning I hopped out of bed eager to finish the pond painting project (and get it over with)! I approached the pond with paint and brushes - only to find 1” of water at the bottom of the pond. I hadn’t thought about turning off the sprinklers last night. So for the fifth time I sucked water out of that pond.

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Doc decided the delay was the Penny Angels way of giving him a coffee break - so off we went in search of coins and coffee. I suggested a quick walk through “fast food alley”. As I walked around the various eatery parking lots, I probably looked like a bag lady in search of food. My clothing had holes and stains all over them, there was mud on my chest (from dog paws), my hair was unkempt, and the shoes where really pathetic. Oh well, I found my penny at KFC. (Coin #1). Doc found a dime at the 99¢ store parking lot in front of the van (Coin #2).

The line at Starbucks was long, so while Doc waited, I searched for coins at the nearby gas station. Doc collected a penny and a nickel under the pay window, then a penny in front of the van. He used Sparky as a “chick magnet” to divert the attention of the cashier. (Coins #3-5)

We returned home to work on some other projects. Doc read the instructions on the Pool Paint. It said not to apply in direct sun. Doc was reading the Sunday paper and spotted a sale on shade canopies at a local discount store. Off we went to buy one. The first store had run out of the canopies, but Doc found a penny at the soda vending machine. (Coin #6).

We ventured off to a second store to get the sought-after shade canopy. Also got a penny in the coin return of a soda machine and a penny which had been waxed into the floor. (That’s what pocket multi-tools are good for). (Coins #7&8).

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By the time we returned home and worked on new house designs for a little while, the pond was shaded and we didn’t need the new canopy! I painted the pond edges under the rocks while Doc painted the walls of the pond. We were laughing at our “Sunday afternoon in the pool”. There was the final unpainted patch where Doc had been standing. He climbed out of the pond then laid on his belly to paint that area. I lay next to him to hold the paint tray. We were laughing saying “Our Sunday afternoon and we are literally Laying Around the Pool”!

Total: 8 Coins P (6), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.21

Day #638 - Saturday Chores

This morning son Brian and his Fiancee Celeste came to our house for our monthly work session on the 1938 Chevy. While the guys mounted an overflow tank for the radiator, Celeste and I worked on the waterfall stream bed. It’s good to do some manual labor to balance the paper pushing and computer work.

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Doc and Sparky began their day with breakfast and a nickel from McDonalds. (Coin #1).

Celeste and I moved rocks and drained the pond. While the pond was drying, we drove to an auto parts store to buy a light bulb for the burned out brake light on the van. I figured that was my only time out of the house for the day so I asked the Penny Angels for a coin at that stop. (Also so Celeste would see how Penny Finding works). As I was paying for my merchandise, there was a dime on a bag of Doritos below the counter. (Coin #2).

Meanwhile Doc and Brian went to the hardware store for a needed tool and a dime. (Coin #3).

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After Brian and Celeste left, Doc said we needed to go out because how could I write Penny Tales without a Penny today? I objected, and told him that nickels and dimes were perfectly acceptable instead. He insisted.

Doc cruised through the high school parking lot where he finally found a very run over penny. (Coin #4) I told him we were good to go home now. He insisted that I needed to find a penny.

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We headed to the bank to deposit a check. I searched for pennies on my way to the door of the bank. Finally spotted one - through the window of the pizza store next to the bank. I walked in, smiled at the customer waiting for his order, bent down at the guy’s feet, and just smiled as I collected the penny. He said, “Lucky Penny?”. I replied, “Sort of. And Day #638 of Penny Tales” I gave him a Penny Card and left. (Coin #5). Mission accomplished.

Doc met me at the bank door and asked, “Were you even looking for coins as you walked over here? How could you have missed these Three?” (Coins #6-8) Then, as we returned to the van, Doc proceeded to show me where he had found each of the pennies along the way. In one instance he had found a penny to the right side of the walkway. At that point I had been looking to my left at the new restaurant which is almost ready to open.

Thought: How often are our goals or answers easily within our reach, yet we do not see them? Sometimes we merely need to turn our heads to find what we are seeking.

Total: 8 Coins P (5), N (1), D (2), Q (0) = $0.30

Day #637 - Ultrasound

At 5:30 this evening Doc approached me and declared, “It is time for you to get off your butt, get out of those pajamas, and get out of this house for a while!” From the time my feet hit the floor this morning, until he made me quit, I had been totally consumed with New House Stuff.

There were calls to Edison for power service, emails on insurance, calls on various potential subs, research on drop down staircases and numerous other actions.

The main focus today was the ceiling / roofing design. There were at least 30 emails back and forth with a truss designer - a Penny Pal in Yuma, AZ who has been part of this building team for several years now. He had some innovative ideas for the Grand Room which even got Doc excited!

Note: This is not really Doc’s dream. He could take it or leave it. When asked earlier this week if Doc would rather build this house or a solar car, the question had not even been fully asked before Doc answered with “Solar Car of course!”

My response: “We spent a decade building 3.5 of those solar cars. Time for the house now”.

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At 6 PM we headed out. Just a few moments into our journey we almost got sideswiped - on my side of the car! The Penny Angels were there to protect us.

I wanted to placate Doc and have dinner with him, but then get right back home and work more on the house stuff. He went cruising for pennies. He drove the high school parking lot, but didn’t see anything. So he insisted we get out and walk! He searched the parking stalls while I headed to the skateboard park.

I carefully looked at the approach to the skateboard park. Nothing. I slowly walked the entire perimeter looking carefully at the planters, table areas, etc. Nothing. I was leaving and declared out loud, “Penny Angels I know there is a penny somewhere here. Show me.” Within 2 seconds there was a penny to my right side in the planter under a bush.

I picked up the penny and said, “Thank You for that”. And then there was a penny in front of me! I picked it up, said, “Thank You Penny Angels for your 2¢ Worth”, turned to look behind me, and there was a third penny! As I was exiting the skate area, there was a penny in the approach area - but I had already looked there!

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Doc and I decided to be adventurous and try a new restaurant; nice Asian dinner. (It helped that we had a discount coupon for it). Of course we discussed the house the entire time! Then we went grocery shopping since the fridge was really empty. One nickel at Trader Joe’s.

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This house is like my ‘child’ to which I am giving birth. Pregnancy can be really uncomfortable at times and it stays with you 24 hours a day - no escaping it until delivery time.

Here is the equivalent of my ultrasound. Each of those lines represent a unique truss. Isn’t it cute? That is the result of today’s work.

Total: 5 Coins P (4), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.09

THREE Quarters

Food for thought:

On June 6, Doc and I attended a workshop by Charles Filius. He is a medium. It was an exercise in developing the intuitive/spiritual side vs. logical side of our brains. Charles gave reading to each of the six persons in the workshop. With each of the other persons, he felt the presence of a departed energy and was able to provide information which seemed to be accurate for those persons.

When Charles got to me he did not feel a departed presence. His first ‘vision’ was of 3 quarters for me. “Either 3 quarters on Consecutive Days, or consecutive years on them. But something says 3 Consecutive Quarters is important. THOSE WILL MARK A VALIDATION POINT FOR YOU. You will know you are on the right track at that point.”

That ‘insight’ was one of several and I dutifully wrote down notes to see if any of the ‘weird stuff’ would ever occur.

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Reminder: Tuesday (two days ago) was the day we presented our project plans to the two City Committees and got approval. Tonight as Doc and I were driving to our radio interview, we were commenting on the coins we had found today.

“Do you realize we have found quarters for THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS?” How unusual. And this Third Day marks the one year Anniversary from when we closed escrow - how special. And Tuesday would have been the first day -- a major milestone with the City approvals”. Wow. That is really weird. “Come to think of it, we Found THREE QUARTERS on that Milestone Day as well.”

Then we remembered the ‘vision’ of three quarters that Charles had for me and I went home to read my notes… (see above).

So what does that do to the logical side of YOUR brain?

Day #636 - One Year

New House Information:

It has been one year since we closed escrow on the new Deer Creek property. This week (after 4 months of reviews) we acquired the City’s OK to proceed with our proposed plans. We may now work on the detailed construction drawings. Doc says it is like a 1-year-old baby. We were crawling along and now we are taking shaky initial steps.

This morning a contractor unexpectedly called us and asked if we would be interested in talking to him. He had been referred to us by our Landscape Architect. He came over and we spent 1.5 hours reviewing our project. As he departed he said, “I will have you a Bid in two weeks or at the most, three weeks”. That would be really nice. We currently have 4 sets of plans out for bid. It has been 7 weeks and so far we do not have any bids in hand. It is frustrating since we need to begin the loan process, yet we need project cost estimates first.

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Nuts and Bolts of today’s Penny Finds:

Doc found one penny, a nickel and a quarter when he and Sparky went for breakfast at McDonalds. (Coins #1-3)

At 5 PM we headed out for our scheduled on-line radio interview. We stopped at McDonalds for a snack plus 2 pennies and a dime. (Coins #4-6). So Doc got a Hit for the Cycle at that McDonalds today.

Then we stopped at a gas station for fuel - and another nickel! (Coin #7) Plus I shared the Penny Finding Story and Penny Card with the cashier. A quick drive through Starbucks for a dime and ANOTHER nickel! (Coins #8&9). Then one last penny at the grocery store after the radio interview. (Coin #10)

WHY don’t Penny Angels work on Earthly Time Zones? I was asking for 3 nickels on Tuesday, not today. That would have made a TRIPLE Hit for the Cycle on that day.

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Radio talk:

A Better Way to Build

Topic Tonight: Building your Dream House with Guests Doc and Tina Shelton

Total: 10 Coins P (4), N (3), D (2), Q (1) = $0.64

Day #635 - Family Time

Isn’t it amazing how much control our minds have? I am not a morning person, so I usually set 3 alarm clocks on days where it is important for me to wake up early. This morning as I was going to bed at 2:30 I set only one alarm (so as not to bother Doc so much) and said, “Body wake up at 6:30 AM). At 6:27 I peacefully woke up, looked at the clock, shut off the alarm and quietly slipped out of bed. Doc never noticed.

Oops! I just realized I have been answering emails and it is now 7 AM. I have fed the dogs, but not had my breakfast. (The dogs have gone back to bed). I now have only 5 minutes to eat, shower, comb my hair, get dressed and get my gear out the door! Talk to you later tonight …

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It is now later tonight. Where do the hours go each day?

I was out the door at 7:05 AM to take mom to the dentist. That task took until after noon. Ran home to respond to emails and take care of some action items from yesterday’s busy day.

This morning Doc went to the bank, then watched concrete being poured at the grocery store. That got him all excited about concrete at our new house. He found 2¢ inside the store (Coins #1&2). Then he went to WalMart where he found a dime in the dirt, then 4 pennies and a dime inside the store. (Coins #3-8). The Rookie has gotten really good at this game.

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Doc suggested McDonalds for lunch before we headed out for the rest of the day. The line at McDonalds was long, and I had not found a coin yet today, so while Doc placed the order, I searched the adjacent self-serve car wash. I got my penny. (Coin #9)

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This afternoon was our “Play Date” with the nieces and nephews. For the past few years we have been taking the two twin boys (now 9 yrs old) and Ashley (now 6 years old) for bi-weekly “Play Dates”. This was the very first time for little Jaime (now THREE) to go out with us. She is all growed up.

We picked up Oma Karin (my mom), then met the kids at 4 PM. Doc had planned to take them to a local park and I had packed balls and bats, some snacks, a Frisbee, etc. That is Not what the kids wanted. They wanted the mall!

Two hours at the mall. Our first stop for everyone was the bookstore. We walked in the doorway and immediately spotted two shiny pennies. We were off to a good start! (Coins #10&11). Then the two little girls went to Jump ‘n Jammin with Oma Karin. At 70 years of age the old lady was still jumping in the inflatable house with the kids. (But she refused to do somersaults).

Brandon and I went exploring. We found two pennies in front of an eating place. (Coins #12& 13). Then, toward the end of our mall time, he found a nickel and penny at an eating place. (Coins #14&15).

Nicholas wanted personal time with Uncle Doc. A man was stepping on a penny. When he stepped aside, Nick rescued the trampled coin. (Coin #16) Doc found a nickel and penny on a table top. (Coins #17&18).

At 6 PM we met up with the ladies. We were waiting for them to get their shoes on. Brandon and I were standing by the bike rack when he looked down and realized there was a quarter between his two feet. Sure glad it wasn’t a snake! (Coin #19).

Brandon sat on the curb to wait. I thought, surely there is a coin somewhere in that dirt. Brandon exclaimed, “Here’s a penny!” (Coin #20)

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By now everyone was hungry, so we headed for the Souplantation for dinner. (All you can eat buffet is a good thing for growing boys). We sat down for dinner and realized Jaime’s sippy cup was in the car. I went out and fetched it, along with a penny in the parking lot. (Coin #21).

Most of us were already out the door when Jaime exclaimed: “Penny!” as she pointed to the coin on the chair at a nearby table. (Coin #22). What a quick learner. Success on her first night out!

The Newest member of Penny Finders!

The kids begged to go to Chuck E Cheese. I told them they would have only 12 minutes there. They each played 2 games and I collected two wayward tokens.

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We dropped off the kids at 8:40 PM and then headed for the fire station. My brother is a firefighter. He called this morning to say he had his first set of house plans and we were anxious to see them. He and his wife bought property in Tehachipi 10 years ago. They met with a builder / architect last month and now have their first concept drawing. He was excited. Is house building as contagious as Penny Fever?

Total: 22 Coins P (17), N (2), D (2), Q (1) = $0.72 + 2 Chuck E Cheese tokens

Hit for the Cycle

Day #634 - Proposal Accepted

After 4 months of revising our proposed project plans to please the various City agencies, today we received the OK to proceed. We may now develop detailed construction plans.

Our focus was totally on the new house, and the Penny Angels were encouraging us throughout the day. I had the opportunity to share the Penny Finders story with at least a dozen people.

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This morning Doc’s first stop was at Kaiser for an A1-C blood test. He didn’t find a coin there, so he stopped at a self-serve car wash to look. He found a penny there. (Coin #1).

The layer of dust on my pickup truck was really thick and I have a considerable drive tomorrow morning, so I headed to the car wash. Handed over the keys and then wandered the lot for coins. Found two pennies. (Coins #2&3). While waiting I went next door to get some birthday balloons. Found a quarter and a dime. (Coins #4&5) Doc says I should not be rewarded while buying gifts for another man!

I returned to the car wash to pay and collected a dime in the waiting area. (Coin #6)

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Although the focus was on the new house, we made a quick trip to Cal Poly Pomona. I did clear out of my office by the end of August - except for my computer. Today I went back for that last item. It was sad to see my former office shut down.

Doc needed a ‘snack’, so a quick drive through McDonalds. He got a burger, I got a quarter and a dime at the window, then a penny in a deep puddle. (Deep puddle diving). (Coins #7-9).

Doc and I headed for our meeting with the City. Just as we arrived in the parking lot, a call came in regarding potential renters for our Duarte townhouse. Eeks! Not a good time to talk, but that is important too!

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At 3 PM we had our session with the Technical Design Committee. More details about the house on the Special Bulletin for today.

We were out of the meeting by 3:35 and then had some design time in the lobby with our architect. There was no sense driving all the way home, so we went for lunch/dinner. Then we had 45 minutes with our son at his office. (He also looked at Doc’s cut finger and determined that stitches were not needed). Then we went to Lowe’s for some pond paint (Thursday’s project).

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At 7 PM we had our session with the Design Review Committee. Lots of fun. I passed out several Penny Cards and told them the story. We now have completed the planning phase of this project and have the OK to proceed. More details about the house on the Special Bulletin.

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After that we went out to the new property to just enjoy the moment. On the way back to the freeway Doc stopped at 7-11 for a beverage (really to hunt for coins). I collected a penny, dime and quarter from under the counter plus a penny outside near our van. (Coins #10-13). Doc found two pennies in the gas pumping area (Coins #14&15) along with a plastic dime.

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We stopped at the grocery store for some ice cream. No coins. We were having fun. We stopped at 7-11 to tell Tony about our day. He was on the phone. A customer was at the counter standing on a penny! Of course when he walked away, I took the penny. And the one from under the chips rack also. (Coins #16&17).

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We were still hoping to find a nickel, so just before getting home I walked through the KFC drive up window. No nickels, merely 4 pennies and a dime (Coins #18-22)

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Total: 22 Coins P (14), N (0), D (5), Q (3) = $1.39 + one plastic dime

I can’t help but wonder about this Penny Finding streak. How long will it last?

Is the lesson “One Day at a Time?” Like the manna from Heaven?