Day #681 - The Yuckies

Today was spent getting things in order. There are piles and files laying in numerous places around my current house; some of which have been there for 2-3 years. Today I attacked a number of those “Do Not Want To Do It Tasks”. (the Yuckies). I was working on those types of tasks and Doc was grading midterm papers (student Yuckies). Plus Doc had a sore throat, cough and runny nose. (Definite Yuckies). So it was best today if we kept our distance from one another. (Nice way to say Bug Off!)

***************

At 2:30 I headed to the bank, post office, etc. to make some deliveries and get away for a little while. Although I bought nothing, I went into a grocery store just to seek a coin. I emerged with a penny. (Coin #1)

***************

I had dedicated today to dealing with STUFF. I wanted also to make some progress on the New House Landscape plans, but that would be the ‘reward’ when some of the other things were completed. (Which never happened. I fell far short of dealing with even half the STUFF).

Every hour I tried to conquer at least two Yucky tasks. At 9:15 PM Doc requested that I go out and get him some more cough medicine. I was not excited by that. I was working diligently and did not want to be disturbed. Also, it is Halloween and I did not want to go out driving.
But I obeyed.

After parking my van at the CVS pharmacy, I said out loud, “Okay Penny Angels, I am obeying my husband even though I don’t really want to right now. How about a reward for this?” The doors to the store opened; I entered. I saw numerous people standing there waiting to make their purchases. And a bright shiny dime in the middle of the dark blue carpeting! (Coin #2)

Thank You Penny Angels.

Total: 2 Coins P (1), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.11

Day #680 - Less Intense

Today was a series of errands and minor activities. Thank goodness for the break in intensity. Our first stop was at Starbucks for Doc’s coffee and my nickel. (Coin #1). Then a brief stop at the optometrist to pick up our new eyeglasses.

Next we met with a septic system contractor out at the lot. After speaking to us for a few minutes and assessing the scope of the project, he said, “Even though everyone is hurting for work right now, I’d rather not take this job”. As we drove away Doc said, “Wow, after just a few minutes of talking to you, the guy realized that he would rather not work with YOU!” Why do I continue to love that man? (Maybe because he will work with me - most times).

Doc needed to “make a stop” after our meeting, so we parked at the nearest shopping center. I searched for coins while Doc made his stop. In the discount shop the owner was very friendly and was working with a stack of neon colored price tags. I figured those would work well to label all my rolls of house plans, so I asked her the price of 5-6 of those. She replied “A Smile”. I gave Ety a Penny Card with a shiny penny on it. Told her about Penny Tales and ARKs. She smiled and asked to be included in the daily Penny Tales. JOY shared.

We visited three job sites to investigate erosion mitigation efforts, landscaping, and concrete work. Then we ran a few more errands and were driving home. As we approached a red light at a major intersection, Doc said, “I think that was a coin in the median back there.” Tina: “Honey, you are NOT going to run back there.” We were in the left-turn lane. Doc put the car in park, ran back the 15-20 feet, and returned with THREE pennies!{“ He was elated. (My Hunter).

The remainder of the day was spent primarily on grading midterm exams (Doc) and working on various aspects of the new house (Tina). Like maybe trying to find a septic subcontractor who WILL work with me!

Total: 4 Coins P (3), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.08

Day #679 - Signed On

This morning we met for an hour at our house with Daryl and two potential framers. We expect their bid next week.

Then we signed the official Agreement with Daryl to serve as our Project Manager/Contractor. You’ll probably be hearing his name mentioned frequently over the next year. As soon as he signed the Agreement, I put him to work -- for the next 5 hours! (And his contract doesn’t even begin until November 1). Some of you who have worked with me at school and other events, are probably laughing out loud right now.

At 5 PM Doc and I needed to get out of the house. We made a delivery to the architect’s office, then headed for the high school parking lot. Doc found a penny fairly quickly (Coin #1). I headed for the skateboard park area. Found one in the dirt as I approached the gate. The next one was very shiny and sitting on top of a trash can! (Coin #2). There were a few more in the dirt. (Coins #3-5). Then I spotted another one in the planter, but couldn’t reach through the railing. I had Doc crawl through the bushes to fetch it. He emerged with that penny, holes in his shirt, dried leaves all over him - and four additional pennies as well. My big, strong, hunter! (Coins #6-10).

Next Doc insisted upon a stop for cans of chicken soup and diet soda for dinner. At the grocery store he found a penny at the shopping carts before entering, then during check out I collected a nickel at the feet of the customer in front of me. Of course I gave her a Penny Card. (Coins #11-12). Smiles Shared.

Total: 12 Coins P (11), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.16

Day #678 - Submitted

This was the day we had been shooting for to turn in our plans (5 sets of 30 pages each) to the City for Plan Check. We wanted plans submitted by the end of October and the City is closed on Fridays, so that meant Today! It took Penny Angels and Human Angels to make all this come together over these past few days.

***************

I worked most of the night to review our documents and accurately fill out the required City forms. After 2.5 hours of sleep, it was off and running to the Architect’s office to get her the edits. Doc insisted upon stopping for coffee. While he did that, I searched the CVS Pharmacy for today’s coin. I said “Penny Angels, today is the big day. Please just get the penny finding done quickly because I’m really busy.” No coins found. I was leaving the store and for some reason at the doorway I glanced back. There was a penny under the stack of hand baskets! Thank you Penny Angels. (Coin #1)

Attached Lesson: Hindsight is Valuable

***************

We met with the architect and she agreed to make changes while Doc and I attended our meeting at school. By 2 PM Doc headed to his classes while I headed the 15 miles down the freeway to the blueprint shop. The architect had emailed the file and there were 10 big rolls just waiting for me. It was then 3 PM. I grabbed the roles and headed for the architect’s office. The goal was 3:30 and I was there by 3:27. Doing well so far. They stamped and signed all the pages, we assembled the structural report, the truss report, and the staircase calcs, etc.

I grabbed the mountain of papers and headed to my house. There I added the cover sheet, application, and tied it all together with an orange ribbon. It was now 4:15. My goal was for a 4:30 delivery. (The City offices close at 6 PM but might not accept new work after 5 PM). I arrived at 4:40. Whew!

At the City Center there were goblins and witches and fairies and ghosts and skeletons and spider webs… The employees had their children trick or treating the various stations. It was a very loud and bustling plaza. I should have taken a picture of all that. What a Celebration it was as I submitted our Plans! The whole Building was filled with joyous Pandemonium. It took about 45 minutes for Lenore and Jennifer (see photo) to process our project. I walked out of there having left behind 30 lbs of stuff (and a few hundred dollars).

***************

WE MADE THE GOAL TO HAVE HOUSE PLANS SUBMITTED IN OCTOBER!

***************

After that, I just had to drive by our lot. (It is just 2-3 miles up the same street). The weather again today was crystal clear and the mountains were incredible.

Craig, (retired contractor and our neighbor-to-be), walked over to say hello. He said he was preparing a Temporary Power Pole for us so that we could save money and not rent one during construction! What a thoughtful gesture!

I drove down the hill refreshed and super-charged. The sun was just setting. It was breathtaking. And the City lights were sparkling like diamonds.

***************

When I arrived home, Doc called from school to say he had several hours of work remaining, but was not feeling very well. He asked for a debrief of the day, but then said, the heck with it all, let’s go for dinner and Celebrate! So he came home and we went out to a new restaurant for some Chicken Noodle Soup.

On the way home, Doc insisted upon stopping at the grocery store to look for a coin. He said a solo penny was not good enough. So he collected a penny as we walked in the store. Then I got 3 dimes and a penny at check out. (Coins #2-6)

After that, I spent the rest of the night preparing for tomorrow’s meeting with a potential framer and our Project Manager.

Total: 6 Coins P (3), N (0), D (3), Q (0) = $0.33

Day #677 - Warp Speed

Last Thursday I turned in the paperwork to get our assigned new address. It has been less than a week and we have received the letter from the City saying we are officially located at: 5421 Canistel Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, 91737 (In case any of you want to do an aerial or street map view). Service at Warp Speed! They will notify all the agencies such as utilities, school district, tax assessor, post office, etc. I wonder if that means we will start getting junk mail now?

***************’

This morning I called the water company since we will need construction water when we begin grading the land. Based upon my first call to the water company in August, I was expecting about a one-month, up to $1,000 project. I spoke with Raymond, he said he would send someone out to the site to evaluate things. Before noon, Raymond called me back with his analysis! ”I personally went to the site. You already have a meter at the street, you just need to activate it”. I called Yvette in Customer Service and the meter was activated in a few minutes. Fee: $15 The Penny Angels are sure making things happen at Warp Speed!

***************’

This morning flew by. I was trying to get the documentation ready to submit plans by the end of the month. Since the City is closed on Fridays, that means TOMORROW! Warp Speed needed! I counted light fixtures, electrical outlets (137), researched horsepower ratings of the air conditioners, etc.

Then I drove out to the property to measure the distance to the water meter. Racing down the freeway (at warp speed) I noticed the day was absolutely gorgeous! The local mountains were so clear you could almost see every bush. The sky was incredibly blue and the visibility was endless. It was truly a breathtaking condition.

At the property I took a few measurements, then hopped back on the freeway (at warp speed) to make my 4 PM appointment with the nieces and nephews.

***************’

Uncle Doc was swamped at school, so today I went alone to fetch the kids for our bi-monthly Play Date. The kids and I headed down the freeway (at a rush hour crawl) to go to Cal Poly Pomona.

Once on campus, we had a blast! After checking in with Uncle Doc, we headed for a hike up the hill. As we approached the vending machines, I said, “I do not yet have a coin today, so we need to find at least one, OK?” We were all disappointed when we couldn’t see any coins at the machines. I said, “Let’s do our SingSong”. Ashley said, “I forgot how that goes”. “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out to play, come out to play, come out to play.” We got that far when we spotted our first penny! (Coin #1)

Then we headed to the campus Marketplace. There were two pennies and a quarter at the Taco Bell. (Coins #2-4) The students in line didn’t even move as we each dove among all the legs for our respective coins. It was hilarious! Then we spotted another two pennies in the eating areas. (Coins #5&6).

We hiked all the way up to the top of the hill on campus. We encountered four of my former students and club officers. What a special treat! As we headed down the hill on a different path, we spotted a penny at a bank of vending machines. We collected one obvious penny, then Ashley went down on her belly and emerged with a dime! (Coins #7 &8). Nick spotted a penny by the trash can (Coin #9). A few minutes later we approached another bank of vending machines. The two boys raced to beat each other over there to find coins. They found none. Ashley went down on her belly again and emerged with a coin - this time a quarter. (Coin #10)

Lesson: You need to go beyond your comfort zone for the larger rewards. Successful people do what others won’t stoop to doing.

Half way back to Uncle Doc’s office we encountered one of my students from last year. He was one who was very active in class and it was great to see him and hug him. He asked if he could walk with us to Doc’s office and then maybe to dinner. Kevin is a juggler and a magician. So the kids got a personal magic show!

When we arrived at the cafeteria, the student cashier did not know what to charge for kids. So he said, “Special Deal - free for under 10-yr-olds tonight!” I told him he just performed an ARK and gave him a Penny Card. The Penny Angels have been so good to us today!

At dinner Kevin taught the kids some magic secrets, told about his electromagnetic railgun, explained about the importance of resumes, taught how magic relates to physics and engineering and so many other assorted topics. Just what every kid needs to know!

There is so much more to tell you …

Doc got home shortly after 10 PM and we worked on the water plan and a few things before he called it quits. I have much to do before my 9 AM meeting with the architect, so must work at Warp Speed and say good night to you now.

Total: 10 Coins P (7), N (0), D (1), Q (2) = $0.67

Day #676 - Intended Receiver

Sometimes even though I am searching diligently for coins, the Angels intend for others to be the receivers.

The morning was spent on new house phone calls and emails. Then at 1 PM I had a meeting here at home with a cabinet designer and window rep. It was really good for them to see this house and the Aussie bedroom and the Garden bathroom, etc. That way I could say, “Pick this room up, stretch it a few feet, then plop it back down in Alta Loma”. It was a fun work session.

***************

At 4 PM I headed out to a different blueprint printing shop. I only had electronic files, so needed to try a new place. It was less than ½ mile back to the freeway, but there was this sign which said “discount flooring” so I just had to detour ….

I spent 30 minutes in the flooring place. I was leaving and the sales rep asked if I would be returning. I replied that I didn’t know since I had not found a penny there. J I told him I really needed one for today. Of course I gave a brief explanation and gave him a Penny Card. There was a young gal listening to the story as well. On the way to my truck I was searching for pennies. The gal saw me, so I playfully said, “Yes, I am searching for today’s penny.” I told her that many times just after I have shared the story, the Penny Angels will validate it by manifesting a penny. Laura replied, “You mean like this one”? as she pointed to a spot on the ground. (Mushroom coin)? I had just stepped there and searched in that area. I guess Laura was the Intended Receiver, not me! That was GREAT! Laura said she would now continue looking for pennies. Penny Fever is spreading!

That was great for Laura, but I did not have a coin yet today. I looked up at the freeway overpass and the cars were at a total standstill. I saw the big WalMart across the street and figured I might as well stop to get today’s coin. So I parked the car and did a SingSong while walking across the parking lot. “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out to play”? “On second thought, I’m going to up the request today. I don’t need a penny. I’d like to request something more please. I walked into the WalMart, passed a few cash register stations, collected my dime, and was out of the store in under 2 minutes. The Angels do listen!

***************

This evening I am working on more house stuff. I just called Doc at school (after 9 PM). He collected two dimes at Starbucks this morning. So the Penny Angels gave him more than pennies as well. I did say it was OK if they did not deliver a penny, but something greater.

Doc came home after 10 PM when I had just written the first draft of Penny Tale. He blew my story of all silver coins today. He stopped at McDonald’s on the way home and collected lots of calories and two pennies!

Total: 5 Coins P (2), N (0), D (3), Q (0) = $0.32 + one Manifested Penny

Day #675 - Keepin' Busy

Penny Days with numbers evenly divisible by 25 sure seem to be extra good days.

Woke up and started running hard this morning! Phone calls and emails non-stop. A GREAT call with a concrete subcontractor from 10:15-10:45 who gave us lots of advice. He suggested we call a framer which we then did. Met with that framer from 12:30 - 2:00. Wow! He gave us lots of good ideas as well. And I gave him a Penny Card in exchange!

Then Doc headed to school. I headed to the Habitat for Humanity ReStor to look for anything interesting (light fixtures, tile, bath fixtures, locks ….) That was my ‘break’ for today. I did a SingSong in the parking lot. There was a penny by the time I reached the cash register (Coin #1).

The next stop was Lowe’s to research entry doors, carbon monoxide alarms, laminate counter tops, faucets, etc. No coins there.

A door and window shop was the next stop. I found a really neat rustic bench made out of wagon wheels. Should have taken a photo of that for you. Wanted to get it, but not sure where I could store it.

I arrived home at 5 PM to assemble things for our 6 PM meeting with the Landscape Architect. Doc arrived home at 5:15 with a dime he had found outside his office. (Coin #2)

At the Landscape Architect’s office there was a penny next to his display board. It was a good omen. I did ask permission before taking that coin. (Coin #3) The front yard will look great with a wagon wheel and that rustic bench …. I’m anxious to share it with you.

Now I need to go work on some kitchen cabinet sketches. Good night!

Total: 3 Coins P (2), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.12

Day #674 - Connections

This morning was our monthly work session on the 1938 Chevy. Of course Doc needed to meet with son, Brian for coffee at the Coffee Klatch before they could do any work.

The two guys connected the overflow tank. Then they DROVE to a gas station actually fuelled the car! Wow. GREAT Progress!

Doc got 1¢ at the gas station, then 3 pennies at the auto shop when they stopped for gas additive. (Coins #1-4)

We had all dedicated the morning to work on the Chevy, but that went really quickly. So Brian then connected our new sprinkler controller, helped me figure out how to connect my laptop computer from school and other little things. GREAT Progress!

By 11:15 AM Doc and Brian needed another coffee, so it was off to Starbucks this time. I went along to see if we could get the laptop connected there. Yes, we did!

***************

I needed a coin for today, so Doc and I ventured next door to the CVS pharmacy where we checked our blood pressures and I collected a dime. (Coin #5)

This afternoon Doc graded papers, watched football, had guy time with the dogs, etc.

I worked on the planting diagram and some other things for the new house.

***************

At 7 PM we headed out for our usual Sunday night tri-store tour. At Trader Joe’s we were checking out when I noticed a penny near the cashier, Steven. He asked if we had found everything we needed. I replied, “except for that penny next to you which I would like to get”. (Coin #6) I traded him for a Penny Card and told him the Penny Finding Story. He smiled. He said, “I guess that really just shows How Connected we All Are”. How true. And moments after we spoke, I found a penny to validate his comment. (Coin #7) Of course I turned back and showed Steven. How many times has that’validation’ occurred as I am telling someone?

At the final store we found a penny as we entered, then two more pennies each in separate check out lanes. (Coins #8-10).

Total: 10 Coins P (9), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.19

Day #673 - Open Doors

Although almost all of the day was focused on the new house, I took two hours “off”. Once a year the City of Claremont has a Village Venture with hundreds of booths. So I decided to just forget about the new house for a little while. Of course, on the way to the Fair I did stop and investigate pricing on the cutting of the 100+ rafter tails.

When I arrived at the fair I said, “Hey Penny Angels, let’s get the coin finding out of the way so that I can just relax, OK?” Within the first 2-3 minutes of arrival, I found a Quarter! I enjoyed 1.5 hours of looking at everything, then decided I would rather get home and work on house stuff. (Coin #1)

***************

Meanwhile Doc went to McDonalds for breakfast, 2 dimes, and three pennies. (Coins #2-6)

Then he went to the hardware store to get a part for tomorrow’s 38 Chevy work session. Penny on the sidewalk. (Coin #7)

***************

At noon Doc and I headed to Murrietta (65 mile drive) to work with Annette a door “consultant” (sales rep). She was fantastic! Helped us select all 31? doors (I think almost no two are alike!) And she advised us on the elf door, dog door, and garage doors as well! We played with the displays - opening doors, sliding doors, turning locks, and having fun.

We worked with Annette until 5:45! (45 minutes after the store closed). Then we went for a nice dinner. Found a penny behind the van when we returned to the car. (Coin #8)

Today lots and lots of open doors!

Total: 8 Coins P (5), N (0), D (2), Q (1) = $0.50

Day #672 - Breaking Through

Almost the entire day was focused on the new house.

Doc found a coin this morning when he drove through McDonalds for breakfast (Coin #1). The we met for 2.5 hours with a potential HVAC subcontractor. We learned so much!

Doc and I spent the afternoon and evening comparing bids, working on the budget, and “negotiating” with each other. The goal was to somehow “break through” to a certain budget limit which Doc said he would not exceed.

***************

By 5:30 PM I was “breaking” and needed to get out of the house (or at least away from Doc). I headed for the grocery store / shopping center to look for coins. There was a penny under an outdoor bench (Coin #2).

I decided to walk a little further and venture over to the In-N-Out picnic tables. I began a SingSong. “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out to play?” and there was a penny. (Coin #3). I then began the return to my truck. Needed to cut across a grassy area and was going to walk where there was minimal slope. There was a ‘nudge’ to cross where the slope was steeper. I thought that was stupid, but I did it anyway. 99% of the area was covered with green grass - except a little patch with a round thing. The object was encrusted with ?. (Even after several hours of soaking, the crud remains). (Coin #4).

Meanwhile Doc “went for a hike” as well. He found 2 pennies in the high school parking lot. Another penny in front of his van as he was thinking about returning to work on that budget. (Coins #5&6). As he was leaving the 99¢ Store, he was thinking that he really ought to get back home and continue chipping away at the budget with me if we were going to make any progress. As he was opening his car door, he spotted a bright, shield penny shining up at him. (Coin #7). A good sign. He retrieved it, then went home with an adjusted attitude and renewed commitment to continue working together

***************

This evening we received the Front Yard Planting Schedule, so we were working on those edits as well.

By 10 PM we both realized that we had made significant progress and “broken through” some perceived hurdles - and met that budget goal as well! We were elated!

Total: 7 Pennies

Day #671 - Another Milestone

Yipee!! We submitted that Grading Plan today. I dropped it off with the Soils Engineer last night shortly before 8 PM. By 8 AM the signed sets were back in my hands. Wow! Overnight review service. I asked Roger for his invoice. He replied, “Not until I do something of significance for you!” (Roger is both an Angel and a Penny Pal).

I transported the Plans to the architect’s office by 9 AM. The Civil Engineer reviewed them, signed every page, and they were packaged to take to the City. This afternoon at 4:30 I submitted them to the City Grading Engineer! He said as far as he’s concerned, we could be moving dirt in a few weeks!

***************

This morning on the way to the Soils Engineer, I stopped at the store for flowers. Just a way to say thanks for the overnight service. The floor in the store seemed squeaky clean and I didn’t see any coins. As I was leaving I said, “Penny Angels it’s raining today and I am not likely to go out hunting. Please deliver.” Then I did a SingSong, “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out and play? And send a coin before I leave here today?” As I uttered that last word there was a penny under the photocopy machine by the exit door. (Coin #1)

***************

On the way to the Soils Engineer I wondered which aspect of the house I should focus on. I said to the Penny Angels, “Look, we really need to shave about $50,000 more off the current price estimates. Please help out with that.”

When I arrived home (within 30 minutes of saying that) there was an email. A contractor who was providing a bid approximately $50K less than our previous bids. I need to read all the details yet, but things are looking better! ….

***************

Doc arrived home from school a few minutes before 10 PM. He had collected a penny at Starbucks this morning, then a dime and a penny at McDonalds where he went for lunch (Coin #2-4).

***************

I gave Doc a 100 mph debrief of my day - and it took a long time!

Briefly: School from 11 AM - 1:30 PM for all sorts of things. Then from 2- 6 PM there was a meeting with the architect, a stop to research solar tubes, copies made, plans arranged, then a stop to pick up Mandy so that she could go along to the City and take this photo.

At the City we turned in the Application for an Address, then submitted the Grading Plan. We dealt with the Grading Engineer, Building people, the Engineering Department, and of course, the cashier. Major Milestone!

From 6 PM-11 PM there were calls, emails and follow ups on: Electrical, Funding, Septic System, Doors, Appliances, Cabinetry, Windows, Framing, the Encroachment Permit, Tree Permit, Building Permits, Landscaping, and lots of other details. So much to learn.

Total: 4 Coins P (3), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.13

Day #670 - Lost and Found

When Doc arrived in his office this morning he called home, “I figured I would be in class and too busy today to find any coins, but there was a shiny penny in my path from the car to my office. Then when I bent to pick it up, there was a second penny. Good start to my day.” (Coins #1&2)

I spent the morning on numerous house related items. Then this afternoon around 3 PM I headed out to research plumbing and bath fixtures for a few hours. I stopped at the gas station and found two pennies in the dirt planter. (Coins #3&4)

***************

This evening a friend called to say “Thank You”. I asked her “For What?” She is leaving Friday for her honeymoon so last night I typed a quick email: “Are you counting down the hours until your departure?” Around noon today she replied that she definitely was. She also said she had been searching for over a week for some misplaced papers and a second item. She was getting frantic about them. She asked if I might “ask my Penny Angels to help her find the items.” I said out loud, “Penny Angels, LP really needs to find those items. She is already stressed enough with work and getting things ready for the Honeymoon. Would you bring her peace and comfort right now? Also let her find those two items. She really does need to find those and besides, it will help her belief level (and mine) if this works. Please open her eyes to see those items”. Shortly thereafter the items were found - one in the car and one elsewhere. Coincidence? You decide.

Lesson: Just ask - it can’t hurt

***************

The architect and we have been working almost daily for the past four weeks on the Grading Plan. This evening around 7:30 we delivered it to the Soils Engineer for review and wet stamping. Keep fingers crossed that things look OK to him.

Later this evening we worked on the electrical plans and other details. Daily progress.

Total: 4 Pennies

Day #669 - 21

This morning Doc insisted that I keep him company as he drove to Starbucks to get coffee. I told him to take the dog instead. He took both of us. Doc got his coffee at the drive through window - plus one dime for Sparky and one dime for me. Doc said, “But you still need to get a penny or else it won’t be ‘Penny Tales’ tonight.”

This afternoon I drove over to Boomerang Blueprint for more copies. Remember yesterday I said that commercial complex really doesn’t have businesses where money is exchanged, so the chances of a coin are slim. Today when driving over there I said to the Penny Angels, “OK. Yesterday I found a Penny at Boomerangs right after I challenged you. That was pure coincidence. That can not be a direct result of my just saying it and it came true. If that were the case, it would happen again today if I asked for it.”

I parked my truck and walked the few feet to the front door of the shop. “See. I told you it wouldn’t happen.” I was waiting for my prints when a gentleman walked in. He said to me, “Hello YOUNG lady.” (I was the only one in the room, so I guess he meant me). “If that is your pickup truck parked outside, your headlights are on.” And then he left. I quickly went outside and turned off my lights. I was thinking how nice of him to perform that Act of Random Kindness (ARK). And as I returned to the door of the shop, there was a penny!

***************

The rest of the afternoon and evening were spent on new house related actions and investigations. There were several really positive “links” made. More progress.

Total: 3 Coins P (1), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.21

Day #668 - No Hiding

This morning after making numerous phone calls, I drove out to the print shop to get blueprints copied. The shop is located in a commercial center where there would be no reason for wayward coins to be in the parking lot. As I hopped out of the truck I said, “Good morning Penny Angels. There is approximately 50 ft. between me and the front door of the shop. I do not plan to go elsewhere today since I have a noon meeting with the electrician back at our house. If you want a story, you need to deliver now.” There was a shiny penny before I reached the door!

By 5 PM I needed to get out of the house. I took a break for a few minutes to investigate more flooring materials. On the way, I stopped to drop off the DVD Doc rented yesterday. I said to the Penny Angels, “I already have my story for today. I don’t want to write any more thank you.” I parked in the spot closest to the vending machine to return the disk. I fought Penny Fever and did not even look inside the store. I kept my eyes upward so that I could not possibly find any coins on the ground. I took the 10-12 steps, dropped the disk in the slot, returned to the van and reached for the door handle to open my truck. Dog Gone -- There were two shiny pennies at my feet! There is just no hiding from the Penny Angels!

Thought: The good news is - there is no hiding from the Penny Angels. The bad news is - there is no hiding from the Penny Angels. They were with me this morning when I called upon them, and they were with me this afternoon when I didn’t want them to be. Always with us. Call on them.

Total: 3 Pennies

Day #667 - 3x3

This evening I would rather go work on the floor covering designs and review the electrical plan for our meeting tomorrow with the electrician than to write today’s Penny Tales.

Let’s see …This morning Doc graded student quizzes while I followed up with some of the action items from meetings this week. I also investigated interior and exterior doors and some other house components.

This afternoon we spoke with a potential framer, worked on the toilet in our current bathroom, did laundry, etc.

This evening we went grocery shopping.

At Trader Joe’s - Doc got a quarter by the pumpkin display, then I found a penny in the check out lane and one at the threshold of the exit door. (Coins #1-3)

At Sprouts - I found a dime as we walked in. Doc found a penny in the chips aisle, then a quarter at check out. (Coins #4-6)

At Stater Bros. - there were three pennies in various places. (Coins #7-9)

Three coins in each of the three grocery stores.

Total: 9 Coins P (6), N (0), D (1), Q (2) = $0.66

Good night!

Day #666 - Flavorful

As our first project of the day, Doc and I planned to work on some plumbing at the Duarte rental. Then we remembered that this evening was the Mechanical Engineering Annual Kick-off-the-Year Potluck. So off we headed to the grocery store instead. Needed the ingredients for the dish we signed up to bring.

Doc headed into the grocery store. Since the In-N-Out Burger was still closed at that hour, I quickly walked over there. The area and picnic tables had just been washed down. But I managed to collect a penny, nickel, and dime in the area! (Coins #1-3).

At the grocery store when we were checking out, I collected another nickel, dime and two very shiny pennies. (Coins #4-7)

We did spend a few hours working on the plumbing project, then attended the Department Dinner. It was a really nice evening. The faculty have origins in many different countries, so the flavors of food on the buffet table were quite varied - and all delicious. Plus Doc collected a dime on the floor in front of the fireplace! (Coin #8).

Total: 8 Coins P (3), N (2), D (3), Q (0) = $0.43

Day #665 - 2¢

Doc and I needed to pick up our eyeglasses this morning. Doc stopped at Starbucks en route. While he was in line, I went out to the parking lot next door. Almost every spot had a parked car - except for one. That one had 2 pennies in it. (Coins #1&2)

From Noon - 5 PM we met with a Project Manager, then the rest of the evening was spent on loan documents, reviewing trusswork, reviewing plans, landscape elevation points, and Doc graded student quizzes.

Day #664 - Investments

I thought yesterday was exciting. Today is equally so.

Last month Doc jokingly said: “When the van odometer hits 100,000 miles, I think it’s time for my new car”. I replied, “When our stock account hits $XYZ, I think it’s time for my new house!” He asked what I meant by that, so I told him ...

Earlier this year I looked at our stock account and was not too excited. The balance had really gone down over the past several years. At that time I said, “Penny Angels if this account gets to $XYZ, then a) it would be a miracle and
b) it would for sure indicate that I am supposed to build this ark (house) and
c) I would stop doubting this project.

It would mean a 25% increase in the account balance.

This morning I checked our account … it hit that level today!

***************

This morning I vowed to call the rental management company and find out the status is of our vacant townhouse in Tennessee. I have put that off every day for at least a month. I opened my computer to look up the phone number and was greeted with the message: “

I'm so glad to tell you that we have an approved tenant to take possession on Nov. 1 Congratulations!

Manifesting in action! I hadn’t picked up the phone yet!

***************

At noon we met with our Landscape Architect to work on the Grading Plan to get it to the City. We met on campus between his classes. Afterward, Doc offered me a ride to my car. I told him I would walk down the hill and pass through the campus Marketplace for today’s coin(s).

I had searched most of the Marketplace and found nothing. Finally spotted a penny at the Taco Bell. It was surrounded by students so I was waiting for them to move aside. JR (my former office neighbor) walked up next to me. He said that he already had claimed a penny at the entry door and was now going to get MY penny! I immediately dove for it. (Coin #1). We were laughing and saying hello when a second penny appeared and I dove for it as well! (Coin #2).

JR said he was headed for the Student Union next. I told him I was happy with my 2¢ and was going home to work on the new house project.

I exited the building saying to myself, “JR has already found the penny out here, there is no ‘cents’ searching here.” Wrong! I immediately spotted a quarter, then a second one, then a dime, then two pennies! (Coins #3-7). There were three ladies witnessing my find, one of whom I knew. So I shared Penny Finding with the other two ladies and distributed Penny Cards, such fun.

Lesson: Do not assume things. The Penny Angels play by their own rules. They like to have fun.

When Doc arrived home at 10 PM this evening, he contributed his found penny to the count. During the breaktime of his second lecture he got a coffee and a penny at the vending machine. This brightened his evening and re-energized him for the final lecture hour.

Total: 8 Coins P (5), N (0), D (1), Q (2) = $0.65

<><><><><><><<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

This is an added story for those of you who like “warm fuzzies”.

Last night I was headed for bed around 2 AM. I was ‘nudged’ to turn the computer back on and type an email to one of the Penny Pals. I typed:

“You have been awfully quiet lately. You should still be sleeping right now, so I'm sending you a virtual blanket to wrap you with peace and love.”

Here is this morning’s response:

“Thank you so for the love, I really needed it. Last night I got home and I was just so tired. I was planning to call in sick. The way I was feeling I did not think I was going to be able to get out of the bed this morning, but.............. the alarm went off and yes I got up feeling refreshed! So thank you so much for that great healing you send me.”

Lesson: People need your TLC and caring. Everyone can send helpful thoughts. Do it while you are stopped at a red light, while you are waiting in line for your fast-food order, while at the car wash or getting groceries.

Challenge: Invest in 5 energy HUGs today.