PENNY TALES

Day #1,139 - Manifesting

2012-02-01T20:57:00.000-08:00

Several pennies found today. The first one was on my way to the Penny Palace when I stopped to look at some stained concrete. (Getting ideas for my concrete driveway path). Doc found three pennies later at the 7-11 store. This afternoon when Doc and I went to get the cooktop from the appliance store we found a penny. Then one more at Home Depot. At Home Depot I did not find any coins inside the store. As I walked to the car I said, ,”Look Angels, I am requesting you provide one penny while I am here. Just because I feel like asking”. Within moments I had my penny which was just a few feet away from the car. Doc actually drove the shopping cart over the penny! (Coins #1-6)

At the jobsite: A major section of concrete was poured for the driveway! The painters showed up unexpectedly and did prep work on the baseboards. The solar tube guy installed the last diffuser. I applied two more sheets of decals in the garden bathroom.

Total: 6 pennies

Day #1,138 - JOY Moments

2012-01-31T23:55:00.000-08:00

Doc was definitely back on board today. He was at the jobsite by 7:00 a.m. while I went off for a mammogram. Definitely NOT a JOY moment, but completing it was. After my appointment, I stopped to see the progress on Rental Property #2. All the demolition is completed and the contractor has begun the wiring modifications, wall framing, and even some cabinetry.

At the Penny Palace there was plenty of commotion. The stone mason completed the patio cantilevered stone. JOY Moment. The upper waterfall was tested and the splashing sound was wonderful. JOY Moment.

The concrete crew poured the remaining patch of backyard pathway. JOY Moment.

The gutter team installed all the downspouts. JOY Moment. Hopefully the water from the next rainstorm will go nicely into the runoff system and dry ponds.

The countertop guys installed six counters and five sinks. They look fabulous! JOY Moment. Plus Francisco was able to use the leftover 3” scraps for an area we thought we needed to tile.

The countertop guy was cutting in the laundry room and the dust set off the smoke alarm system. Very loud and very annoying - until I changed my attitude to say Thank You for this opportunity to test the system under ‘friendly conditions’ and know that it works so well. A JOY Moment to realize another system is now functional.

In the dining room I was planning to edge the countertop with wood. It would work, but I just did not have the “it’s Right” feeling yet. I was going to settle for an A- on it. Then Francisco presented an idea which “clicked”. JOY Moment.

At sunset, Concrete Rick and I were standing on the patio admiring the back yard. One by one the dawn/dusk lights came on around us. It was a neat experience. JOY Moment.

After dark when almost everyone else had gone home, I was standing on the patio enjoying the total silence. Then the automatic sprinklers came on! JOY Moment. I had never seen (or heard) them run before. I cautiously headed onto the pathway to explore. I said hello to each sprinkler head. They were all operating perfectly and spraying into the planter areas. I walked around the entire pathway without getting wet! Definitely a JOY Moment.

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At 6:30 I finally locked the gates. Before getting on the freeway, I stopped at the 7-11 store. I hopped out of the truck with a SingSong, “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out to play, come out to play …. by the LIGHT of the silvery moon.” There was a woman between me and the front door of the store. She was chatting on a cell phone, so I maneuvered wide to give her space. That caused me to walk around a wide column and right onto two pennies on the pathway - by the LIGHT! JOY Moment. I scooped them up and noticed they were warm. How strange on the cold sidewalk. From the warm hands of Angels? There were no other people near that spot. I immediately said, “Thank You so Much for Your 2¢ Worth Tonight”. At which point I spotted a dime! JOY Moment. Then one more penny. (Coins #1-4)

Lesson: It PAYS to say Thank You.

I was not really interested in any more coins, but the ‘nudging’ said to go ahead inside the store. I immediately spotted a penny near the counter. I purchase a piece of beef jerky and was able to collect that penny - along with a dime near it. (Coins #5&6).

As I was walking away, I spotted another penny, so I dove for it and the other penny nearby. (Coins #7&8) While I was reaching under the counter I spotted the edge of a silver coin. That one would take the full length of my arm with my nose nearly touching the floor. I did not want to look like a total weirdo and be nearly face-down on the floor for one silly coin. Easier to just ignore it and leave. No one would know that I left it there. But I took a deep breath, closed my eyes and stretched out on faith. I got to the truck and opened my hand to look at the coin - it was a Susan B. Anthony DOLLAR coin! JOY Moment. (Coin #9)

Lesson: Bigger rewards generally take more stretching than we are comfortable with.

Lesson: Other people may see us as strange when we are reaching for things they do not see or understand.

Lesson: Sometimes we need to close eyes and ears to the things around us and just leap out on faith.

When I arrived home around 7:30 p.m. I just wanted dinner and to take care of a few dozen Action Items from today. But Doc said he was willing to assemble the final three seashell blocks. So we did that until 9:30. JOY Moment when those were completed.

Total: 10 Coins P (7), N (0), D (2), Q (0) + $1 = $1.27

Doc found his penny for the day when he went to Carl’s for lunch. (Coin #10)

Note from Wikipedia: Although it is round, the Susan B. Anthony dollar is intended to convey an 11-sided appearance, from the 11-sided rim bordering the edge of both sides. The reverse commemorates the Apollo 11 moon landing with an image of the mission insignia. The 11 sided shape matches the Apollo 11 Goodwill Messages that enclosed a silicon wafer left on the moon.

Day #1,137 - Mrs. Noah

2012-01-30T21:43:00.000-08:00

Doc does not understand WHY I need to build this “ARK”. He is terribly uncomfortable with the magnitude of it. I don’t have answers, I just know I need to do it and each component needs to feel ‘right’ and settled. I wonder how Noah did it.

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There was a full crew in the yard today preparing for the next concrete pours. It was good to be on site to adjust the placement of the various areas because concrete would be really difficult for Doc and I to move later.

The back yard water lines were reconnected, the three sets of stairs to Doc’s garden were formed, and other prep activities.

The patio was saw cut with a diagonal layout 4 ft. on center. Looks nice.

HVAC Brian stopped in to say hello, Neighbor Craig came over, and Landscape Rod was on site to check on the progress.

I worked with Project Manager Daryl to compile the list of touchups for the Painter. Then I applied a wildflower border decal in the garden bathroom.

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I relish the quiet time in the afternoon when everyone leaves and the house is quiet. The kitchen faces West and the setting sun creates a nice glow.

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On the way home from work, I stopped at a 7-11 store to look for a coin. I hopped out of the truck and did a SingSong. “Penny Angels I have no time to play, no time today, so please just make it happen”. Between the truck and the door of the store, I found a quarter! I said, "but a penny would be nice for PENNY Tales". I did not even have to take a single step. A tiny edge of a dirt-coated penny peaked out from under a concrete parking barrier. (Coins #1&2)

The next stop was the tile store to pick up the kitchen counter edge tile. I also used the opportunity to go dumpster diving again for pieces to place in the tile stream. Cut my hands, but found a whole case of new tile among all the broken pieces. Hopefully it will be a good color to coordinate with the others.

I came home, ordered wall caps for the patio wall, paid some subcontractor invoices and other related stuff.

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This morning I asked Doc to pick up my order of kitchen faucets and return some pieces on his way to the jobsite. Of course he made a slight detour for coffee and a nickel at Starbucks. (Doc Coin #1). Once at the jobsite, I wanted his assistance in determining what to do in the two entryways, the planters, the walkways, the gates, etc. More decisions than he wanted to deal with. He was grumpy and irritating me as I was trying to concentrate on that bathroom decal, so I asked him to bug off. He went home.

This evening Doc went out shopping. When the going gets tough … the tough go shopping! He collected a penny at the 99¢ store. Next he went to the grocery store. He found a quarter in an empty aisle. He said to the Angels, “Just need a dime.” At check-out he found a dime! Then one more penny at the coffee vending machine as he was leaving the store. (Doc Coins #2-5). That gave him a Hit for the Cycle all on his own. We have not found one of those in a long time. Maybe the Angels were trying to tell him something. “All is well. Trust.”

When Doc got home this evening, I had made a sign for him: “THANK YOU for being Mrs. Noah”. That made him laugh. Hopefully he will be back on board tomorrow.

Total: 7 Coins P (3), N (1), D (1), Q (2) = $0.68

Day #1,136 - Helping Hands

2012-01-29T23:55:00.000-08:00

I think the Penny Palace is becoming a tourist attraction. Today some out-of-state friends were visiting and wanted to see the house. Their last visit was in July, so many changes since then.

We met the VandeGriffs for breakfast. I had hoped we would find a coin while we were with them and we did - on the floor by the cash register. (Coin #1) They were going to pay for the meal, but Doc said, “Let Tina pay since I think she is planning to put you to work this morning …”

After a 45-min tour, it was time to get to work! We have shared numerous memorable activities with the VandeGriffs in the past. (such as hiking the Grand Canyon together). Today was another fun activity. They helped hang the wallpaper border in Doc’s office. With a ‘transportation’ theme, the paper was representative of the many years we spent together working with the solar car student teams. It was great to have extra Helping Hands because the 15 ft. long border kept slipping down the wall. When they left, Doc and I were inspired enough to finish hanging the remaining small pieces before heading home at noon.

This afternoon we tackled many projects around the house (laundry, cleaning, yard work, bills, rental property issues, travel agendas, etc.) Doc even cleaned out the van and took it for a wash. Three pennies found at the car wash. (Coins #2-4).

We had a 5:30-6:00 meeting regarding an upcoming trip. Then we were off to the bank and to Michael’s crafts for more glue before the store closed at 7 p.m.

We did our standard 3-store grocery tour. One penny at store #1; four pennies at store #3. (Coins #5-9). We rushed home so we could assemble another two seashell blocks this evening. We are now over half way done with those.

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Spending time with long-term friends is always enjoyable. Sharing conversation over a meal is pleasant, but I like to do things together which provide more memorable and lasting experiences.

Total: 9 Pennies

Day #1,135 - Clean Ups

2012-01-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

We witnessed another beautiful sunrise on the way to the Penny Palace. That is too many early mornings in one week.

We stopped at Subway for breakfast sandwiches, but they did not open until 7 a.m. So Doc and I walked over to the McDonalds instead. Doc found two pennies and I found one in the parking lot. (Coins #1-3)

By 7:05 we were working with Tile Bob and Tony. They were putting down the plywood underlayment for the kitchen countertops. Bob had a “better than the standard” idea for the high countertop. It was the installation method I had hoped for, but other persons said that was not typical. Tile Bob also mentioned that I could either pay his time to RedGard the counters, or I could do it myself. I had no idea what he was talking about, but if it would save a few bucks, then I could probably learn it. (See video).

Concrete Rick power-washed the patio. Doc says, “I don’t get it. We paid extra for the color additive, then more for it to be blasted away to leave a worn look?” The “acid wash” finish does complement the stone inlay. The powerful stream of water however, resulted in a really big puddle in the Master Bedroom. Good thing Doc and I were there to Clean Up the floors otherwise there would have been significant damage.

Tile Bob left at 10 a.m. and Handyman George arrived a few minutes later. We worked on the tile base for the Garden Bathroom; a little Clean Up to what I had already done. George completed the Aussie bathroom base and a little Clean Up caulking. Doc headed out for coffee and bagels. (He needed to Clean Up the leftover cream cheese from yesterday’s bagels). He found two pennies at the grocery store. (Coins #4&5).

Doc and I spent the afternoon Cleaning Up the Penny Palace. There were pebbles, sawdust, and debris throughout the house from all the activities. There was concrete in the grand room, electrical clippings, cut tile, trash and just general dirt. We were expecting afternoon guests.

At 4 p.m. the Rotunni family (friends and colleagues) arrived. Their last visit was in September, so there have been many changes since then. Son, Kevin’s favorite part was the visit to the dungeon. After the tour we enjoyed a delicious Italian meal. The food was great and we had no trouble Cleaning Up the various plates of food on the table. John is also a devoted Penny Finder and when we entered the restaurant he was bragging that he would outfind me in quarters this month. The whole evening I was quietly hoping to find a coin just to ‘cap off’ our delightful time together. As we exited the eatery, Doc found a shiny Quarter. Perfect ending to our date! (Coin #6)

When we arrived home at 8 p.m. Doc proposed that we go out - to the garage and begin working on those seashell blocks for the Aussie bathroom. I told him I was not interested in his offer. I had a dozen other things to do this evening. He would not take ‘no’ for an answer. There are two blocks now setting up overnight.

Doc has now retreated to the Man Cave leaving me to Clean Up all sorts of unfinished chores.

Total: 6 Coins P (5), N (0), D (0), Q (1) = $0.30

Day #1,134 - No Mercy

2012-01-27T23:25:00.000-08:00

Today there was a gorgeous, angelic sunrise as we approached the Penny Palace. Things were looking great for the patio concrete pour. We exited the freeway and started up Haven Ave. The winds got stronger and stronger …. by the time we reached the house, the gusts must have been 50-60 mph. Not good at all. Santa Anas according to Wikipedia “The original form may have been an Anglicized version of the Spanish,

Satana's winds, from the Spanish vientos de Satán ("winds of Satan").

At 7 a.m. the concrete crew was desperately trying to prepare last minute details before the concrete truck arrived. The winds would not allow that. The gave the crew No Mercy. Every time the crew taped off a section of the house, the winds would immediately rip off the protection. I think the crew finally gave up on the idea and tried to be extra careful when pumping.

When the 14 cu. yds. of concrete arrived, it was all hands on deck. The winds were blowing the concrete overspray on waterfall stones, the bridge and other places we didn’t want it. Twigs, leaves and the recently-placed planter mulch were blowing and embedding themselves in the fresh mix. Not nice. Not the finish we wanted on the patio.

Landscaper Rod was there to oversee his part of the pour. He suggested an acid wash finish on the patio whereas Concrete Rick had planned for a broom finish. I was undecided which way to go. Rod said “Hop in my car and I will show you a nearby residence as an example”. The owners were not home, but that did not stop Rod. He took us in the backyard and showed us an immaculate patio, pool, spa and plantings. I liked the acid wash finish, but also respect Concrete Rick’s opinion. Thus I said, “Penny Angels, how do I choose?” I remember laughing and thinking, “Don’t be silly and expect a penny just sitting here in the middle of someone’s pristine yard!” We walked out the gate and in the driveway was a penny! Rod walked over it, but I pointed it out to him. He accused me of planting it. Doc came to my assistance saying, “No she did not. And there is another one behind her now!” (Coins #1&2).

Inside the Penny Palace there was also plenty of activity. Countertop Francisco dropped in to pick up the templates for the sinks. The Slagle brothers hung the café doors in the bathroom, installed the baseboard in the loft and cut the opening for the oven. The electrical team placed a box in the arbor, installed the oven, adjusted light sensor sensitivities and occupancy sensor time delays.

At 1 p.m. I met with Iron Jim regarding the driveway gate and the upstairs railing. A few nights ago the railing design finally “clicked” in my head and I was able to create a sketch for review. It has to do with our “Hart and Sol” theme as well as Pennies (of course). It looks very feasible! Yipppee!!

By 2:30 Doc had reached the grumpy-hungry level. So we headed to Jack’s. The drive up line was very long and I was tired and impatient. Doc suggested I hop out of the van and walk over to the 7-11 store to search for coins while he was in line. I looked at Doc and said, “I don’t want more coins today! That just means I have more to write about tonight and quite frankly I don’t want to see any more coins today!” Then I turned away from him and stared out the window in protest. There was a penny next to the van! Dog gone those Angels. No Mercy! (Coin #3)

Total: 3 Pennies

Day #1,133 - Decisions

2012-01-26T23:10:00.001-08:00

Today it seemed like there were so many decisions to be made: tile colors and style, walkway outlines, concrete color, boulder placement, lighting placement, tile cut locations, flooring layouts, cabinet stain, door styles, cabinet hardware, floor tile, countertops, moldings, concrete saw cuts, and on and on. The number of questions and decisions was somewhat overwhelming.

8:00 a.m. Placed order for kitchen counter tile at tile store

8:30 a.m. Stopped at 7-11 store for banana and two pennies (Coins #1&2)

8:45 a.m. Met with Finish Carpenter

9:15 a.m. - 6 p.m. At job Site

Handyman George worked on the Grand Room belly band, the tile pedestals under the topiary trees, and the tile base in the Aussie hallway.

Electrical team ran wiring from garage to lawn shed, from house to driveway gate area, and installed a line to the Arbor.

Concrete Team was finalizing details for tomorrow’s pour and continuing the preparations for the driveway.

Landscape Rod was on site to check on things before tomorrow’s concrete pour.

Flooring team completed the upstairs solid wood planking! Now all the flooring in the house is in place -- except for my tile stream.

I was having difficulty keeping up with all the questions and decisions, so at 10:30 a.m. I called Doc and ‘politely requested’ that he come to assist. (Read between the lines there). He stopped at Starbucks on his way over. One penny in the parking stall next to where he parked, then a dime as he came back out of the café. He must have walked right over it when entering the store. (Coins #3&4)

6:30 p.m. Doc stopped for dinner on his way home. A penny spotted when going through the drive-thru, then a dime spotted as he was retrieving the penny. (Coins #5&6)

7:00 p.m. Meeting with contractor for Rental #2. I chose kitchen cabinets, kitchen counters, tile flooring, laminate flooring, bathroom vanities and counters, plus more. All in 30 minutes! So why has it taken me months of investigation and planning to make similar material decisions for the Penny Palace?

Total: 6 Coins P (4), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.24

Day #1,132 - UFO

2012-01-25T22:21:00.000-08:00

Three different trades were working at the Penny Palace today. The concrete team was putting in formwork and rebar for the Patio pour. They also created formwork for the Dungeon entryway and for the slab under the HVAC unit. The Slagle Brothers created the shelving for one of the Master bedroom closets and for the garage. The flooring team finished the new wood insert area upstairs.

A few other beings were on site as well. Doc and Sparky dropped in for a little while. Doc delivered the 5 bathroom sinks, the laundry sink, and the corresponding faucets. Project Manager Daryl came to check on things. HVAC Brian stopped to check on the formwork for his slab.

At noon Doc headed to CPP to do some work. He stopped at McDonalds for some burgers and a penny.

After leaving the Penny Palace at 4 p.m., I went to the cabinet shop to resolve the issue about the oven cabinet opening. There was one round UFO (Unidentified Found Object) of some sort in the dirt. It is a very dark brown color. Could it be a slug? Foreign Coin? Not sure. I need to go wash it to find out what it is …… I left that soaking while I continue this Penny Tale.

I was hungry so went into the grocery store for some beef jerky. No coins there. There was a self-serve car wash near where I had parked Pippy, so I wandered over there. I didn’t have much luck at first, so I did a SingSong. Found a penny right away. I said, “Angels, only ONE penny today?” and immediately I found a second penny. To which I said, “Thank you for your 2¢ Worth!”

Let’s go see about that soaking disc … It is a quarter! That is a surprise. Didn’t think quarters could turn such a dark brown.

Total: 4 Coins P (3), N (0), D (0), Q (1) = $0.28

Day #1,131 - Popping

2012-01-24T23:55:00.000-08:00

This morning we met Handyman George at 9 a.m. We spent the morning working with him to install the microwave (which had a significant shipping dent in it) and the range vent hood. Doc said we must ‘test the system’ so he pulled a bag of microwave popcorn from his backpack and a few minutes later we were all enjoying hot popcorn!

Doc made a quick run to Home Depot and returned with a power cord for the vent hood plus two pennies (Coins #1&2).

At noon we made a quick run for the Tuesday 2-for-1 taco special. I had just been telling George and his wife Anna about Penny Finding when I nearly stepped on a penny which was in the grass next to George’s truck! (Coin #3)

Project Manager, Daryl brought a guest, Hal to the PP. Hal is in the construction trade and very much liked the things he saw at the PP.

There was one landscaping guy on site today. He was power washing the boulders and rocks along the stream. One electrician was working today. He was connecting all the wiring for the phones and internet, de-bugging some non-working outlets, and trying to install an oven which was way oversized for the cabinet opening.

After the Penny Palace, Doc and I headed out to Rental #2. We were driving two vehicles at the time, so we parked Pippy. Doc arrived first and ‘guided’ me to an available parking spot. I had a very strong thought “For fun, guide me into a spot with a penny!” As I was turning into the spot, Doc had me pause so he could retrieve a penny which was there! We were both surprised. (Coin #4).

We went to Rental #2 to select the roofing material. There were large piles of carpeting, cabinetry, and stuff outside the house. Much demolition occurred today.

Next we stopped at the Fixture Shop to pick up the four sinks which were ordered yesterday, two additional sinks, and the six faucets for them. Progress!

Tonight there are various letters to write (Homeowner’s Associations, etc.) Management Companies to respond to, subcontractors to schedule, glitches to resolve (the kitchen oven does not fit into the cabinetry), creative things to design (the upstairs railing) and friends to help (letters of assistance, editing, etc.)

Life is Good - things are Positively Popping!

Total: 4 Pennies

Day #1,130 - Night Moves

2012-01-23T23:02:00.000-08:00

This morning we met with the contractor at Rental Property #2. When we were initially considering purchase of the property, we did a preliminary estimate of repairs that were needed. Today we fleshed out and increased that list of fix ups.

Before meeting with the contractor, Doc stopped for a coffee and a dime. (Coin #1) After meeting with the contractor, we stopped for another coffee and three pennies. (Coins #2-4). Then we went next door to the Walgreens Pharmacy for diaper pins. They did not have any! Don’t people use diaper pins anymore? We did find a penny there. (Coin #5)

Since I could not find appropriate hardware at Home Depot, I thought diaper pins might work for the needed light fix. Since I did not find those pins, I went to a fabric store and obtained some large safety pins. We shall see how those work.

We went to the Penny Palace at Noon. I had planned to work there today, but it was very cold and raining. I went home instead. Doc had planned to spend the afternoon at Cal Poly Pomona. However, too much coffee and fast food seemed to disagree with him. He claimed that his recliner and the TV were the needed medications.

This evening around 7:30 Doc decided it was time to make his move. He would FINALLY go outside and cut the pieces for the shell block molds as promised. Of course he wanted me to be out there working with him. Although I was glad to finally get his help, being outside in the dark and cold (46 F) did not excite me. Why couldn’t he cut the pieces in the afternoon when we had sunlight?

Total: 5 Coins P (4), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.14

Day #1,129 - Paradise

2012-01-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

This morning Doc took me to Paradise … Cafe. He was there to eat. I was there to do our weekly planning session.

At Rental House #1 Doc did a walk-through with the contractor while I broomed overhead dirt and cobwebs out of the garage trusses. Yucky. Then we met with a potential renter. We liked him and hopefully that arrangement will begin February 1.

Doc and I stopped at a 99¢ store on our way home. Doc wanted a calendar. I searched and searched for a coin. Nothing. I said, “Look Angels, with all this trash and stuff there MUST be a coin here”. Behind me and way under a counter, was a quarter! Yesterday I told Doc we hadn’t found a quarter yet this month - something was amiss.

We arrived home at Noon and Doc headed for his man cave and the football games. I was just getting started on some tax stuff when an email from the Phantom Plumber arrived. “I am on site now, do you want to come out and discuss things?” Needless to say, I grabbed my gear and headed to the Penny Palace. Plumber Bryan had installed the tub and shower fixtures.

After leaving the Penny Palace, I stopped at Home Depot for lumber and supplies. Then Michael’s Crafts for the bonding agent to create the Aussie Seashell Blocks. By 7 p.m. I was home, hungry, tired and grumpy and Doc was asking me “What’s for dinner?”. He could eat dog food as far as I was concerned.

Tomorrow morning we have an on-site meeting with the contractor for Rental House #2. Documents need to be prepared tonight for that new project.

Total: 1 Quarter

Day #1,128 - Counters from Heaven

2012-01-21T22:40:00.000-08:00

Remember last week we obtained a quote on the four bathroom countertops? I was very discouraged by the price. I asked the Penny Angels for assistance. Thursday we visited a slab yard and discovered pre-fabricated quartz countertops. I could not believe that 3 of the 4 samples we brought home looked great with our decor! Today we spoke to a fabricator. The cost for using this material with installation is about 40% of the previous quote. Yippee! Thanks Angels for helping with that search.

This morning at 8:15 we met the contractor working on Rental #1. He has almost completed the work. Tomorrow we will show the house to a potential renter.

At 9:30 we stopped at Home Depot. Seems to be a daily ritual. Then Doc wanted a coffee and mid-morning snack so we visited McDonalds. We each found a penny in the drive-through. (Coins #1&2)

It was cold and rainy at the Penny Palace today. The Landscaping guys did some clean up work and removed their tools from the Lawn Shed. Guess that means they are mostly done. Doc and I conducted both interior and exterior checks of the house to see how the rain was affecting things. Inside everything seemed to be dry. Found some areas which may need some additional gutter work outside. And I discovered a turtle in the yard! (See video).

Doc and I came home to work on end-of-year finances, tax prep, and other small tasks. Then at 2 p.m. we headed back to the Penny Palace. Met with a countertop fabricator. That went really well. So well that we decided to use the quartz in the laundry room instead of the laminate we had planned to use!

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On the way home we went grocery shopping. Three pennies inside and one outside of Store #1. Three pennies inside Store #2. (Coins #3-9)

This evening I have just sent emails to order the countertops and the bathroom sinks. CPP!

Total: 9 Pennies

Day #1,127 - Garden Angels

2012-01-20T23:55:00.000-08:00

This morning Doc and I stopped at Lowe’s to pick up the wood flooring planks for the Loft area. I checked in at the service desk and was told to bring my car to the doorway. After waiting for quite a while I finally enquired and was told the product was waiting for me at the other side of the store. Grrr…

Doc demanded his coffee before he would do anything else. While waiting at a red light, Doc collected a median find. Then at the convenience store, I found a penny and a nickel. (Coins #1-3).

Project Manager Daryl was waiting for us at the Penny Palace. He helped off-load the flooring and then we reviewed the current status of the various projects. At one point Doc and Daryl were up on ladders. For just a few moments today, I let them think THEY were the Higher Management. After that, it was business as usual. LOL

While fetching something from the van, I found a dirt penny in the yard. (Coin #4).

Those four samples of quartz we got yesterday? Three of them look great! And they are much cheaper than the other quotes I had. Plus, Doc and Daryl both liked them as well! Tomorrow we meet with a fabricator to see his costs.

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This morning our Landscape Architect (Rod) asked me to stay on site for a few more hours. He said no looking in the back yard because the Garden Angels had a surprise for me. They were just finishing their “wrapping” of it. I literally walked backwards when I had to go out to the garage so that I would not see the yard.

Around 2 p.m. Rod said I could look in the yard. The stream had Arizona pebbles in it, filler stones were placed attractively, and there were PLANTS! Doc and I had not planned to put in plants until well after we moved into the house. (Maybe a year from now). Rod put in several small trees and numerous shrubs. He said those were a gift for us. He also had the irrigation lines hooked up to a timer and said everything would be watered on Mon, Wed, and Fridays! WOW. See photo. Rod looks more like Santa Claus than an Angel.

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After work, Doc and I stopped for lunch. I went next door to the CVS Pharmacy to get Doc some distilled water while he waited outside. There was a penny as soon as I walked into the store. As I passed the photocopy machine, there was a nudging: “Check the coin return”. Tina:

“I do not like sticking my fingers in the coin returns”. Nudging “Do it”. Tina: “Doc usually does that, so I will do it on his behalf”. There was a nickel there! Nudging: “Check Again”. Tina: “C’mon once is enough”. Nudging: “Try again”. There was a second nickel!

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The next stop was the lighting store. I needed to modify one light fixture. As I hopped out of the van, I found a penny - good omen. Inside the store I asked the Assistant Manager for ideas to correct the problem with the light. She told me it was not possible. I again explained the situation and said I thought it could be remedied. She disagreed. She did give me a business card for a lighting repair man. His business was 30 miles away! I did not like that option so I asked the Angels for assistance. Immediately Maria was brought to the front desk and within moments she had the light disassembled. She said employees were not allowed to alter lights, but she could instruct me as to what needed to be done. She gave me the necessary threaded rod, the verbal instructions, and her good luck wishes. Thank You Angels!

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

This evening Doc and I have been doing a few things for the rental properties. Oh yes, we closed escrow on Rental #2 this morning! Tomorrow morning we meet with the contractor for a walk through of Rental #1. Sunday morning we are to meet with a potential renter for it.

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

Lesson: Rather than getting “frustrated” (the nicer way of phrasing it), keep asking for assistance throughout the day. It is truly amazing the results you will get. There have been a number of manifesting stories this week. Too many to write about. Sure makes me smile at all those “COINcidences”.

Total: 8 Coins P (5), N (3), D (0), Q (0) = $0.20

Day #1,126 - Appliances

2012-01-19T23:55:00.000-08:00

Got a call at 7:30 this morning that some of the kitchen appliances would be delivered around 8 a.m. (They were ordered at Thanksgiving time). I grabbed my gear and was off and running. By 8:15 the boxes were nestled in the garage.

The flooring guys installed the remainder of the Dining Room flooring. The only flooring left unfinished is the wood planking in the loft.

The Landscaping crew applied concrete to the lower pond and continued who-knows-what more.

Doc and I visited a stone slab yard. Hundreds and hundreds of granite slabs; from blacks to purples to reds. We are not planning to use any granite, but it was fun to look. We did find a few pre-fab quartz countertops and have brought home four samples. Anxious to see how they look at the Penny Palace.

Doc mentioned that we needed a coin for today, so he stopped at a gas station. He obtained a dime and a coffee there. Then we cruised the Park and Ride lot to look for coins. I found a Sit-N-Find penny.

Today the monies were wired to escrow for Rental Property #2. Tomorrow the keys should be ours!

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

Day #1,125 - Nice Things

2012-01-18T23:55:00.000-08:00

When the new year arrived, I promised Pippy she would get cleaned. (Nice Thing). I figure she deserves a bath at least once every six months for all the dirt she deals with. This morning after I took my shower, I took Pippy to the Car Spa. While waiting, I did a Singsong to the Penny Angels. Found two pennies in the finish-cleaning area. (Coins #1&2).

At the Penny Palace the flooring guys placed the cork underlayment in the dining area and then placed half the laminate flooring. Finish Carpenter David installed heavy duty door stops on the two main entry doors. Those should be effective in keeping the doors from damaging the walls. (Nice Thing). The landscape team was putting wire mesh and concrete in the bottom of the upper two ponds. Now we will be able to walk in those. I applied a decal to the Garden Bathroom wall. (Nice Thing) It looks like a window box and is above where the toilet will be.

This evening my friend JJ (who currently lives in Texas) was in town. (Nice Thing). I was anxious to show him the Penny Palace since he has been hearing about my dreams for 15 years. As usual, he was running late for our appointment, so I used the extra time for errands. One penny at the paint store, one penny at the party supply store, then a dime and penny at Target. (Coins #3-6).

After dinner (a Nice Thing) JJ and I headed to the Penny Palace. He said the Penny Tales photos of the fireplace don’t do it justice. It is better in real life. Then we went outside to see and listen to the stream. (Nice Thing).

Since I bought dinner and there is no such thing as a ‘free meal’, I asked JJ to install the Penny Pendant light (he is a former electrical engineering student). It took us several attempts, but we finally got it in place. I forgot to buy candelabra lightbulbs, so we could not illuminate it! However, it is attractive even without being lit.

Total: 6 Coins P (5), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.15

Day #1,124 - Streaming

2012-01-17T22:50:00.001-08:00

After six weeks of moving boulders, surveying final grades, trenching for pipes, placing liners, installing pumps, camouflaging equipment, building bridges, channeling water flow, mortaring stones, dumping dirt, adding topsoil, laying trails and more, we now have a running stream at the Penny Palace!

Today I was only expecting the Landscaping crew to be working on site. However, Sparky (our Chihuahua) came to visit and made things happen!

The Slagle Brothers showed up and installed more baseboards, shaved tight doors, installed a wall cabinet in the garage, re-hung closet doors and more. That was a nice surprise.

David and Carlos from the electrical team were on site all day. They put on cover boxes, hung light fixtures, found electrical boxes hidden under drywall, and conquered at least half the remaining action items on the two-page list Doc generated last Saturday.

I spent most of the day dealing with the various people on site as well as arrangements and deliveries for later this week. Doc set up the tile saw and cut pieces (quoins) to be glued on the bathroom walls to create the illusion of a building exterior.

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

This afternoon we were asked to do a walk through with the contractor at Rental House #1. We created a list of 20-30 remaining items for him to complete so that we can get this unit finished.

This evening we signed and FAXed documents for Rental House #2 which is now scheduled to close escrow on this Friday.

Doc came home totally exhausted today and pretty much “checked out”. I took a one-hour break and got a much-needed quick haircut. The stylist said it had probably been six months since she had seen me, I must be really busy. No kidding.

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

Oops! Almost forgot the Penny Finding part.

Three pennies for me when Doc stopped to get his coffee on the way to the Penny Palace this morning.

Total: 3 Pennies

Day #1,123 - Holiday?

2012-01-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

There was no incoming mail in our mailbox today, so I think it was a holiday. Not the case at the Penny Palace.

On the way to the Penny Palace we stopped to pick up Subway breakfast sandwiches. While Doc ordered the food, I wandered the parking lot. I collected a dime in a planter and a nickel where rainwater was running off the buildings.

At the jobsite the landscaping crew continued their work. Doc took two pictures from the Master Deck. One shows the back yard (with rocks and pathways). The other shows the front yard. Nothing there. Yet the front yard landscaping is what is required by the City for Permission to Occupy!

The flooring guys began laying the wood planks upstairs in the library. The electrical crew ran the wires from the garage subpanel to the backyard for the waterfall pumps and controllers.

This afternoon Doc and I visited a lead we had for bathroom countertops. I thought the quote I got last week was too high. The quote today was twice last week’s quote. This is not good.

We next visited an office supply store to get clear wrap materials. I want to package up some of the leftover tiles and get them into storage. I’m tired of moving them back and forth to get them out of the way.

A quick stop at Target yielded our penny for the day and an additional nickel.

Escrow was supposed to close last Friday (the 13^th). The bank FINALLY submitted their papers on that day so that we could OPEN escrow. Tonight we signed additional papers for the bank and now we expect to close THIS next Friday.

Total: 4 Coins P (1), N (2), D (1), Q (0) = $0.21

Day #1,122 - Technical Difficulties

2012-01-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

I both love and hate computers. I’m sure many of you feel the same way. When things work, the computer is a great tool. When there are glitches, it is sheer torture and I want to destroy the device.

I spent the day working on household tasks and tax preparations. At one point I merely needed a mortgage statement for last year. Should be a simple print out. I tried for 30 minutes to log into the Bank of America portal to get the statement. Hard copies of those statements are no longer mailed. Finally I was able to reach a consultant on a chat line. I spent 30 minutes with him. He was able to get me access. When I questioned why I was able to get into the account last week, but not this week, he said, “Technical Difficulties”. No kidding.

By 6 p.m. I had enough paper pushing for one day. I headed to the grocery store. One dime, one penny and some trail mix for dinner.

Doc spent the entire day at son Brian’s house in enlarging the access opening under the house and strengthening some of the floor joists. He did bring home a rose from their garden, said he was burned out and then retreated to his mancave with the TV.

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

Day #1,121 - Date Night

2012-01-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Some household chores this morning, then off to the Penny Palace. Doc stopped for his coffee at a convenience store. I collected two dirt pennies which I spotted as I hopped out of the van. Then a dime and penny inside the store. (Coins #1-4).

At the Penny Palace we did some cleaning, looked at the options for wall cap stone, tried cutting and breaking tile pieces for my stream, and various other little things. Then we worked on the P-shaped foam for the bathroom ceiling. We cut, sanded and painted it (first coat). It should work nicely.

Son Stephen had some garage cabinets and a laminate countertop which he no longer wanted. The price was right (free) so today we took those and placed them in our garage.

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

We locked the Penny Palace gates around 4:30 p.m. and headed out for a Saturday “Date Night”.

We first cruised the stores along Tile Row in Upland. No, not inside the showrooms. We went Dumpster Diving in the alleyways! I collected quite a nice haul of tiles. Hopefully some of them will work for my broken tile stream.

Next we visited the lighting shop. Last night when Doc was there to get son Stephen’s order, he saw a light he liked and wanted to show me. I didn’t really want crystals on the chandelier. Time for negotiation. To me, crystals just don’t go with the rustic theme of the house.

We made a quick dinner stop for a sandwich and some chili (which should make for a memorable time later tonight) . Found a penny on the sidewalk. (Coin #5).

Next it was Home Depot. I found a really pretty penny there. (Coin #6) I bought one piece of base molding for the Penny Palace garden bathroom and Doc bought two pieces of trim for the rental house. Dutch treat on our date! (Such a wild Saturday night).

Now we are home to gather up tools and supplies for our next wild work session

Total: 6 Coins P (5), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.15

Day #1,120 - First Trees

2012-01-13T21:57:00.000-08:00

Today I was expecting the Landscaping Crew and the Flooring Crew. The power company was performing some maintenance in the area, so there was no power to the house from 1 a.m. until early afternoon. The flooring guys set up their equipment and then said they would resume on another day when there is power.

The landscaping guys kept going. They were working on the stone inlay, the rock swale on the South side, and putting mortar to secure the stream edge rocks.

This afternoon I needed to remain at the Penny Palace until I was sure the Porta Potty got serviced. It is several days overdue and I wanted it cleaned before the holiday weekend. Finally around 3 p.m. the pump truck arrived.

I was also waiting for a delivery of some P-shaped foam for the garden bathroom.

For 3 hours I had time at the Penny Palace without anyone else interrupting my thoughts. So I used that quiet time to put together the topiary trees arrangements near the front door. A few glitches during the installation, but they turned out OK after all. The first trees on the property (not counting the common area out front).

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

On the way home I stopped at Michael’s Crafts for spray paint, then Big Lots for trash cans, a new dog bed, etc. No coins or the desired paint at either place. But I was asked about my Penny Pendant in one store. Next, I went to Target. One penny there.

At 7 p.m. Doc was called out to assist son, Stephen with a delivery. When getting off the freeway he collected a median find dime.

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

Day #1,119 - More

2012-01-12T22:30:00.000-08:00

Today more boulders were moved around, more dirt added, more flooring laid, more tile cut, more grout sealed and more stuff cleaned!

Friend Mandy paid a visit to the Penny Palace and glided up and down the staircase.

On the way home from the jobsite I stopped at a grocery store. One penny just before I walked into the store, another penny as I was paying for my items, then a dime as I was walking to the exit. (Coins #1-3)

Doc found a dime at Target where he went for batteries, one penny and lunch at Jacks, plus four pennies when he stopped for his afternoon coffee. (Coins #4-9)

Total: 9 Coins P (7), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.27

Day #1,118 - Metered

2012-01-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

There were 19 guys working on site today and it seemed like each one of them needed attention in one way or another. (And that doesn’t count the ones on the phone). There were things happening in every room!

When I arrived, I noticed the big dumpster out front had been emptied this morning. Great! Within two hours, I had it filled again with all the trash from the garage. That was one of the first items completed.

I had been expecting the Landscaping Crew and the flooring crew today. Did not expect all the others.

Jesse was mixing concrete and adding additional block to the patio seat wall. He also hauled off the scaffolding and leftover piping which created more space in the garages for other people to work.

The Slagle brothers appeared around 9 a.m. and spent the day cutting and installing many feet of baseboard moldings. That got more material out of the garage.

The flooring guys put down the laminate in the Family Room and Doc’s office.

The solar tube guy installed the diffusers.

Sometime in the afternoon a new neighbor dropped in to ask if she might see the house. She was very gracious and the exchange left me totally re-charged. Yesterday I was exhausted and very much in need of just such an “Angel” visit.

Around 3 p.m., two trucks and three guys from the power company arrived. They were here to pull the wires from the street to our electric box and then install the meter! Yesterday when I called Edison, I was told they would send us forms which needed completing, then we could order the meter and would have it several days after that. Someone else told us it could take a few weeks due to the recent wind storm activities.

As of 4 p.m. today we have an official, operating Edison electric power meter! I got to "throw the switch!" The subs immediately noticed the increased available power when using their equipment.

At 5 p.m. I walked the perimeter of the Penny Palace. It was fun to have each motion detector light activated as I walked past it.

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

When driving home, I realized I had no coin finds today! I detoured to a grocery store. Found a dime just after entering the store. I got some fruit and stood in line to pay. I said, “Penny Angels, I need a PENNY please.” Within moments I found another dime. Again I said, “Penny Please. Dimes don’t count as pennies”. I purchased my items. The change due was $1.24 The cashier gave me $1.25 (unusual to do at that store). Does that count for the requested penny?

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

At 8 p.m. Realtor Adrie arrived. We needed to sign more documents for Rental #2 (Paint Bucket). The bank still has not signed the documents needed to open escrow. And escrow is supposed to close Friday? Plus, one of the documents had the wrong Property ID number on it!

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

I had the entire Penny Tale written for today and ready to post. Then Doc handed me a penny saying, “I found it when I stopped for coffee this morning and had forgotten about it”. Grrrr….

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

Day #1,117 - Peso?

2012-01-10T23:55:00.000-08:00

This morning we tried to get to the jobsite early, but emails and calls needed attention. When we did arrive at the jobsite, Rick had moved several rocks around and was already taking his backhoe home! The landscapers continued working on the yard.

Doc and I moved all the “stuff” out of the family room and his office. The flooring guys finished laying the vinyl flooring in the Master Bedroom and were going to glue down the underlayment in the next two rooms.

At 12:50 Realtor Adrie called to say the Bank had an additional form they wanted us to sign ASAP could we meet her in 30 minutes? We did that, then Doc and I parted ways. He went to turn in beverage containers at the recycle center while I went to the post office, three tile stores and Lowe’s.

I finally ordered the additional wood flooring. When paying for my order, I spotted a dime in a closed check out line. The coin was way beyond my reach so I was using all sorts of things near the cash register in order to get to it. A cashier asked if I needed help. Sort of, but I couldn’t ask someone else to get my coin. I did finally manage to obtain it. (Coin #1).

When leaving Lowe’s I said, “Hey Angels. Do you remember the morning when we found two pesos here? Those coins were pretty - gold and silver. Want to do anything interesting like that today?” Within a few minutes I found a gold and silver coin! I thought it was a peso again. (U.S. Value of 7.3¢) Then realized it was a Euro (U.S. Value of $1.28). That is 17 times more valuable. Good job Angels!

I next collected two dirt pennies in a planter.

Doc found his penny for the day when he was redeeming his voucher for the recycled bottles and cans.

Total: 4 US Coins P (3), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.13 + one Euro ($1.28)

Day #1,116 - Monopoly

2012-01-09T23:21:00.001-08:00

Today felt like a game of real-life Monopoly.

This morning when I awoke and tried to brush my teeth, there was no running water. I was reminded that Doc shut off all the water to the house because we discovered a leaking sprinkler line yesterday. I think it is time we move on to our new house. We have been fixing this one now for 30 years.

This morning on the way to the Penny Palace we stopped for Subway breakfast sandwiches and coffee. While Doc got the food, I wandered the parking lot - retrieving two pennies and a dime. (Coins #1-3).

This morning at the Penny Palace we worked with the electrician in placement of more lighting fixtures: laundry room, dungeon, fireplace accents, etc. The landscapers continued placing stones and doing their stuff. Flooring guys were laying the floor in the Master Bedroom.

The City inspector toured the house and gave it his blessing. We may now request the Edison electric meter to be installed. At noon we went to City Hall to file the necessary paperwork (and pay the fees).

At 12:30 we met with Handyman George at the rental house. As we exited the freeway, Doc claimed a median penny. (Coin #4) George will lay sprinkler lines, topsoil and grass seed by the end of this week. Work is continuing inside the house to make it rent ready.

Handyman George agreed to come over to our current house and assess our sprinkler problem. In one hour Doc and George dug up the valves, solved the problem and had the dirt back in place! That was wonderful. Instead of Doc and I spending half a day wrestling together in a mud hole, Doc was George’s assistant while I was inside working on emails and other incomings. Much better for the marriage.

Bank of America FINALLY completed their side of the paperwork for rental property #2. (It has been a month). The contract originally said we are to close escrow on the 13^th. That gives us merely 4 days to conduct all our research and our “due diligence”. Dealing with the big banks is so frustrating! The rooms in this second house were each painted different and bold colors. The realtor said, “It look like someone used leftover paints here.” Thus I have nicknamed it “Paint Bucket”.

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

Day #1,115 - Searching

2012-01-08T23:49:00.000-08:00

A nice Sunday morning. We tried a new restaurant for breakfast and our calendar / planning session. Then we visited the rental house to check on it. A fence has been built since our visit yesterday!

I spent 4-5 hours working on end-of-year finances and tax preparation. I could not find one particular property tax form. I was sure I had put it in the “to be paid later’ file. I searched off and on for a few hours. Finally asked Doc to help me locate the document. He went through some files with no results. He said, “the fastest way for us to find it is if I get on line and print out a duplicate. Then you will find what you are looking for.” Doc spent 20-30 minutes obtaining a copy of the on-line tax statement. As it was coming off the printer, I opened the file I had searched numerous times, and there was the envelope I was seeking! Manifested.

After all that frustration, I needed a break. So we took the doggies to get their nails trimmed. Norman had his nails cut and was impatiently waiting for brother Sparky to get his nails trimmed. So I walked Norman up and down the aisles of the pet store. We found a nickel in one aisle! (Coin #1)

Went home to work on more bill paying and chores. By 7 p.m. getting hungry. Headed to the usual three grocery stores. Penny at each of the first two stores. (Coins #2&3). At the third store five pennies and one dime. (Coins #4-9)

This evening I was again searching for something. Couldn’t find it until I asked Doc to go room-by-room through the house with me. Then it was right in front of me.

Thought: I hate wasting so much time in searching for things -- and it makes it worse when they are in obvious places. I guess we go through much of life that way -- searching for answers that are obvious or right in front of us. Why don’t we see them?

Total: 9 Coins P (7), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.22

Day #1,114 - Waiting List

2012-01-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

This morning on the way to the Penny Palace we stopped at the rental house. The concrete looks great! We stopped at the lighting store for more lights. I think I have been there every day for two weeks.

At the Penny Palace Doc worked with George and Jose to clean out and prepare the detached garage. Son Stephen has a countertop which he no longer wants. Free is a good price, so we will take it. George also repaired numerous drywall areas and caulked around the outside of the house where the wood meets the stucco.

After we left the Penny Palace and before getting on the freeway, Doc needed a coffee. A 7-11 stop yielded the horrible brew for Doc and three pennies for me.

I dropped Doc at home where he spent the next 3 hours in his man cave. I went to another appliance store in search of a cooktop. I finally gave up trying to find one with the features Doc and I wanted. I made a decision and placed the order. The sales rep said, “We are currently out of stock on this item, but we have 35 on order which will arrive this next week. You are #45 on that waiting list”.

Total: 3 Pennies

Day #1,113 - Short

2012-01-06T23:55:00.000-08:00

Short on Time + Short on Sleep = Short Penny Tale.

This morning concrete was poured at the rental house. That was exciting!

2 Pennies at the gas station. I had a ‘nudging’ there might be a penny under the car next to mine. So I waited for it to drive away. Sure enough - a shiny, new-looking penny there!

Penny Palace: Landscaping, lots of electrical work, flooring in Aussie room finished, flooring in my office finished, spindles on spiral staircase, caulking, cleaning.

Errands: Home Depot, lighting store, Sears. 5 more hours shopping for a cooktop with no results.

Other: “No Go” on one of the three properties on which we submitted offers (Doc’s favorite one).

Total: 2 Pennies

Day #1,112 - Motivation

2012-01-05T11:55:00.000-08:00

When you have a ‘yucky’ task to complete, what do you use as motivation? I hate painting, so I have been procrastinating on the painting of the bathroom wall. Today I made a vow that I would not use the Porta Potty until that wall had been painted. Every time one of the subs asked me to do something, or I was tempted to detour to other action items, I remembered that things would get very uncomfortable if I did not get that wall painted! So by noon that wall was finished. Plus, while I was painting, the Waste Cleaning truck arrived and performed its weekly service, so the facilities were freshly cleaned. An added bonus.

Yesterday I spoke with the flooring installer to see when he might be able to start on the cork and laminate floors. His crew began this morning! I met him at the jobsite at 8 a.m.

The landscaping crew continued their efforts.

Doc took care of many errands this morning. He made stops at the bank, medical clinic, plumbing shop, lighting shop, storage unit, Home Depot and more. Plus he checked in at the rental house. The concrete team began working today. They demolished the existing driveway and patio, cleared the back yard, tore down the fence, and constructed the formwork for the new concrete pour. Wow!

Around noon, our student Chenski was taking his father for some medical appointments, and stopped by the Penny Palace. That was fun.

By 4:30 this afternoon I had my fill of the Penny Palace. I could take no more. So from 5-9 p.m. I went shopping for the cooktop. We need that as we move forward with the tile countertops.

Doc remained at the Penny Palace when I left. Son Stephen arrived with Grandson, Ethan. They helped Doc install the handrail which came with the spiral staircase kit. It goes from the center pole across the landing. Next will be the install of the remaining spindles.

There was an outdoor sports shop next to one of the Appliance stores I visited, so I wandered over there to look for new boots. (One of my current boots cracked even more today). Shopping for shoes is a horrible chore. After trying several pairs, I was ready to give up. I tried on one last pair. And they were comfy! When I looked at the price, it was an exact multiple of $25 - another good sign. I bought the shoes and walked out of the store. It was dark outside, but there was a shiny penny in my path! (Coin #1) Back to that old joke that “you can’t find pennies in the dark!” I had forgotten about Penny Finding today. Thanks Angels.

The next stop was Home Depot. No cooktops of interest there, but one penny. (Coin #2)

No desirable cooktops at the next store either. So at 9 p.m. I went home to eat lunch.

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

This morning Doc collected four pennies while running his errands. One at the bank, one at McDonalds and then two at 7-11. He said one of them was in the planter when he arrived at the store. After buying his coffee and starting the car, he spotted a penny on the sidewalk. So he stopped the engine and went back for the penny. (Doc Coins #1-4)

Total: 6 Pennies

Day #1,111 - Sturdy Boots

2012-01-05T00:43:00.001-08:00

8:00 Post Office

8:10 Starbucks - one penny (Coin #1)

8:15 Long red traffic signal. 7-11 on the corner. I hopped out of van, went inside, collected a penny and was back in the van as Doc made the right turn. (Coin #2).

8:30 Storage Unit

8:50 Medical doctor’s office. Routine physical exam plus examination of left toe which has been hurting for 7 months now. I’ve been keeping it taped and wearing my sturdy boots for 6 months, but the pain is not getting any better. X-rays said yes, something unusual there. Could have been a fracture. “Keep wearing those sturdy boots”.

11:00 Bank inspector Alex on site. He is such a pleasure to work with. Student at a local college who wants to transfer to Cal Poly Pomona for Architecture.

11:20 Answer painter’s questions and get paint for Aussie room soffit.

11:40 Work with electrical guys. Three guys working all day.

12:00 Interface with Landscape architect and his latest updates and questions.

12:15 Sturdy Boot Failure. After 15 years of service which included hiking the Grand Canyon and being worn every day for the past 9 months, one of my work boots finally came unglued. Not good timing. Duct tape to the rescue.

12:30 Planning session with Tile Bob and Daryl. Finalize plans for countertops and back splashes so I can calculate, then obtain needed materials.

2:30 Electrical guys said if we would get the track light fixtures today, they could install before leaving. Urgent dash to lighting shop.

2:45 Stop for petrol, one dime and 7 pennies. (Coins #3-10)

3:30 Lighting Shop

4:00 Back to jobsite to work with electrical guys

4:30 I was wondering how to move scaffolding out of the Aussie room. Once again HVAC Brian must have picked up on that thought, because he and daughter Serenity arrived at the front door just as Doc and I began moving the long planks. Brian seems to “COINcidentally” appear many times just when we need a third set of hands. Thank You Angels for transmitting that request.

6:15 Lock up gates

6:50 Stop at Irish fish and chip shop

7:30 Arrived home to find Chenski on the doorstep. He was one of our solar car team leaders 20 years ago and now lives out of state, so we do not see him very often. I did not have time for idle chit-chat, so I put him right to work in trying to fix my boot! Then Doc saturated the poor guy with videos of the Penny Palace. Like watching someone’s vacation videos.

9:30 Chenski left. Doc and I began dealing with emails, termite reports, counter offers, insurance bills, 1031 exchange documents, lighting timers, fix up work, today's video, etc.

Thought: Having a firm foothold throughout each day makes for less agitation to the body each night.

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

Day #1,110 - Sleeping In?

2012-01-03T22:41:00.000-08:00

This morning on the way to the jobsite, we made a quick stop. Doc went into the Subway store to purchase breakfast and his coffee while I looked for coins and snacks at Trader Joe’s. No coins found. I looked in the planter beds while walking over to the grocery store. No coins outside. No coins in the store either.

I was walking back to my pickup truck in the drive area of the parking lot thinking there would be no coins there. I said out loud, “Look Penny Angels, what’s up this morning? Why no coins? Are you sleeping in? Are you hung over from the New Year’s celebrations? Or maybe you are tired because you were keeping lots of drunk people from hurting themselves over the weekend? Wake up!” Instantly there was a shiny penny in my path. I was laughing. So I said, “So you ARE awake? Good Morning to you!” And instantly there was a second penny!

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

At the jobsite, there was a full crew working on the backyard landscaping. Two guys were working on the interior electrical fixtures. The plumbing fixtures have arrived at the shop and need to be picked up. Some of the kitchen appliances should ship tomorrow from back east.

On the way home from the jobsite I stopped at Home Depot for supplies. One penny there.

Then I stopped at the lighting store to order more fixtures. One penny there.

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

This afternoon Doc went to Cal Poly Pomona to teach a class for a colleague who is still out on holiday. Doc collected 2 pennies and 2 burgers at McDonalds on his way home.

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

This evening the physical therapist said I was recovering quite nicely from that impact with the concrete last week. Only a few minor adjustments needed and the bruising is pretty well gone.

Doc’s 2¢ worth: “With such a hard head, and so much padding elsewhere, there shouldn’t be too much damage!”

Total: 6 Pennies

Day #1,109 - Football & Food

2012-01-02T19:11:00.000-08:00

The first of the year is one of Doc’s favorite days … non-stop football and food. While he enjoys those activities, I pay bills and try and get our financial and rental papers in order.

This morning son Stephen called. He wanted Doc/us to meet his family somewhere to have breakfast. Doc actually agreed to leave his TV and go out to eat! I had already eaten some yogurt and figured two hours of quietness in the house would be very welcomed, so I stayed home. After breakfast they went to Starbucks and then came back to the house. So for the next 1.5 hours I entertained grandson Ethan. (Nice way of saying he is high energy and I tried to keep him from getting into too many things). I had him stamping and sealing all the bills I had been paying.

By 4 p.m. I needed to get out of the house. Took a 1-hour break to go to the bank and the post office. Drove through the high school parking lot. Didn’t find any coins and was ready to leave. I said, “Hello Angels. I guess the high school lot is Doc’s turf. He often finds coins here, but I generally do not”. Just then I spotted a penny! Thanks Angels.

This evening I am doing more research on appliances for the Penny Palace and preparing the worksheets / task lists for the upcoming week. Should be another busy one.

Total: 1 Penny

Day #1,108 - Hello 2012

2012-01-01T23:55:00.000-08:00

What did you do to begin the new year?

Today Doc and I went to the Penny Palace. On the way he stopped at Starbucks while I walked around the nearby closed Chick-fil-A area. I searched carefully three times around the drive up window and approach. Finally I said, “OK Penny Angels, I just know there must be coins here. Show me!” Instantly I spotted a very shiny penny wedged into a corner under the stone veneer on the building wall. As I found a tool to pry it out, I spotted a dime also under the stone veneer below the drive up window. I was laughing. I said, “OK Angels, so you like SingSongs”. Then I shall do another one. I did and immediately spotted a penny in a planter bed. So I did another SingSong and found another penny! By then, Doc was in the van and ready to leave. (Coins #1-4).

At the Penny Palace, I painted the garden bathtub area. I hate painting and was quite grumpy as a result. Doc stayed out of my way by cleaning up trash and working on a 4-page list of things for the electrical crew. Then he went for a coffee. He also collected a dime and three pennies. (Coins #5-8). Guess the score is tied today.

Total: 8 Coins P (6), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.26

We spent a little time on the spiral staircase in trying to shore up the temporary handrail and cutting it to length.

Son Stephen stopped in at the Penny Palace on his way home from work. He offered a laminate countertop which he was going to discard. OK, that will save us a few hundred dollars. Let’s just hope it’s not purple or something horrible.

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

When it comes to Penny Finding people sometimes make comments like, “So at the end of a year, you’ll have $3.65. Whoopee. What’s the big deal?”

To me, it’s not the Money which Matters, it’s the Messages attached to the coins.

For those of you who do like the data …

Since Day #1 of this Consecutive Penny Finding streak, the Penny Angels have provided:

10,070 US Coins P (7500), N (593), D (1477), Q (500)

How unusual that the number of pennies and quarters are exact multiples of 500.

With paper money and dollar coins, the total found is $453.84 which does not include all the foreign coins.

Day #1,107 - Goodbye 2011

2011-12-31T21:47:00.000-08:00

It seems we were just experiencing the panic of Y2K and now eleven years have already passed. This year has been very busy and there have been so many wonderful “COINcidences” along the way.

The morning began by writing and mailing checks for Federal and State income taxes. Not the funnest thing to do. After that Doc needed a coffee so we stopped at Starbucks where he found a penny next to the van. (Coin #1)

We spent a few hours working at the Penny Palace. Doc steadied the ladder for me so I could paint the ceiling over the garden bathtub. He was really tired after that, so he found a large piece of cardboard for a mattress and a roll of paper towels for a pillow and took a nap. While he snored, I tried to figure out how the heck to produce the Aussie stream from broken tiles.

On the way home we stopped at a grocery store. Very busy tonight. I found 6 pennies and one dime. (Coins #2-8) As we were driving away Doc asked if I had two dimes. I replied, “No, just one. But you are driving past one right now!” So he pulled aside while I ran back and fetched that dime. (Coin #9)

We stopped for a quick Mexican counter meal. Doc found another dime - in the men’s restroom. (Coin #10)

Once at home, I unpacked the groceries and started the laundry while Doc took Sparky for a drive. They went to CVS Pharmacy where Doc got some decongestant, a penny and a nickel. (Coins #11-12).

Now it’s time to pay the subcontractors and put our Penny Palace December receipts in order. Then we will log in the December Penny Finds. After that, Doc wants to begin 2011 tax preparations. He is already getting nervous about how much we will need to pay in 3.5 months.

Total: 12 Coins P (8), N (1), D (3), Q (0) = $0.43

Day #1,106 - Wound Up

2011-12-30T23:55:00.000-08:00

Doc and I began the day with getting routine blood tests at our Doctor’s office. Since we had fasted for 12 hours prior, Doc insisted upon going to breakfast. He has been wanting to try a new restaurant which opened earlier this year. He was happy to get his way and I was happy to find today’s penny as we left the diner.

By 9:45 a.m. we were at the Penny Palace. We were delighted to have guests Laura and Cos visit this morning. They even brought us lunch from their deli. They built their home ten years ago and could appreciate the construction process. They have been encouraging us over the past ten years and were thrilled to see our dream becoming a reality.

Today the Landscaping crew again were the only ones working at the Penny Palace. Two pallets of sandstone were delivered early this morning as well as a truckload of decomposed granite for the trails and dirt for the planter areas. The crew mortared stones in the stream, began laying the stone on the stairs, hauled and compacted the D.G. in the walkways and continued making progress.

At 1 p.m. Realtor Adrie came to take us property shopping again. We signed documents two weeks ago for Replacement Property #2. It seems the bank asset manager has been on holiday and has not processed our papers so we can proceed into escrow. We have a deadline of Jan 4^th to have our exchange properties identified and are getting nervous. Thus, today we went out touring and investigating again. We looked at six homes and felt that three of them had potential. We collected ten pennies and three dimes during that four-hour tour.

The year may be winding down, but our activities certainly are not. We are Wound Up!

Total: 14 Coins P (11), N (0), D (3), Q (0) = $0.41

Day #1,105 - Course Corrections

2011-12-29T23:55:00.000-08:00

Today the Landscaping crew were the only ones working at the Penny Palace. They were putting mortar around some of the waterfall stones and creating the berm on the south side of the property. As I walked around the yard I realized the main pathway was headed toward the wrong destination. It was leading straight to the door of the tool shed! If that were a guest house, a pool house, or something similar, then it would be OK to have the path lead there. But I don’t want to lead people to fertilizers and lawn equipment. Time for Course Corrections. I pulled up the edging material and used some paint to redefine the path.

Thought: New Years is a good time to stand back and see if the path we are currently traveling needs any adjustments? What is our destination? Are we on the right path to get there?

Doc woke up this morning with a “hangover” (congestion and a sore throat). He stayed home all day and rested with the doggies.

This afternoon Doc and I drove out to Replacement Property #1 to check on this week’s progress; doors and windows in, progress in kitchen, bathrooms, garage. Next week concrete work. Looking good.

We stopped for dinner and groceries. Found a dime and a penny.

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

Day #1,104 - Concrete Kissing

2011-12-28T23:55:00.000-08:00

The day began by wakening my mom to get her moving. She didn’t appreciate that. Doc and I took her home at 7 a.m. and were ready to tackle a very ambitious agenda for today.

Of course Doc had to get his Starbucks coffee. I got a quarter and he found a penny. (Coins #1&2)

At 8:15 a.m. we met at the Penny Palace with the vinyl flooring installer. He took photos and will file the necessary documents for our claim of defective material.

At 9:15 we ventured forth. Two pennies at the gas station where we stopped for petrol. (Coins #3&4). At 9:30 we were at the paint store. I waited for the paint to be mixed while Doc went to McDonalds for a snack and a penny. (Coin #5).

At 10 a.m. we met with the Realtor, Home Inspector, and a contractor to conduct an inspection of Replacement Property #2. Looks like that one is going to need a new roof, kitchen, and bathroom remodeling.

At noon we visited a possible Replacement Property #3. That one looks like it might not need much fix up at all. Found a penny upstairs in a closet. (Coin #6)

Next we stopped at a soils yard to pay for the materials which the landscaper has been purchasing. Doc wanted lunch and was proposing Jack in the Box, Del Taco, Carl’s etc. Then we spotted the Avocado House, a quaint little café and had a very enjoyable meal there. Would recommend that to anyone living or visiting the Chino area.

We were headed to a stone yard just down the street from the café. Doc and I told the sales rep what we were seeking. He showed us several possibilities. Doc and I Both liked the same one! Wonders never cease. That meant we did not need to drive 30-40 miles to go see the additional stone yards on our agenda for today. We took home some sample pieces of the stone to see how they will look on the patio next to the house.

We then stopped at a cabinetry shop to see their products. They provide pieces to assemble your own cabinets. Somewhat like IKEA furniture with more options.

Back to the Penny Palace to drop off the paint and stone samples. By 5:00 p.m. we were off to the lighting store to pick up our most recent order; interior fixtures. Doc stopped for a coffee at a 7-11 store. I found a dime there. (Coin #7).

In the parking lot I tripped on a concrete block and ended up Kissing the Concrete. I don’t recommend it. The dirt is low-calorie but doesn’t taste or feel very good. I spent much of this evening on the sofa with ice packs rotated between numerous bruised, scraped, and punctured areas.

At 9 p.m. Doc made sure I was set with my ice packs and one Canine Caretaker. Then he and Sparky headed out for dinner. He asked what I wanted. I told him nothing - including no more coins to write about. They returned with their California burrito and one dime. Now they are in bed while I am still writing!

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

Day #1,103 - Staying Home

2011-12-27T20:45:00.001-08:00

Construction Manager / General Contractor is a tough role sometimes, but that is easier than the role of Caregiver. Sincere Appreciation goes to all those people who provide such services. One day in this role and I am ready to get my boots on and get back out to the construction site.

Today my mom needed some medical procedures performed, so that took priority over the Penny Palace. (Not too many other things do). I am not a morning person and would rather go to bed at 4 a.m. than wake up at that hour. By 5 a.m. Mom and I were on the road. By 5:30 we were at the hospital. By 7:30 a.m. the procedure was successfully completed and she was in the recovery room. While she was still under anesthesia, the doctor came in to give me the assessment. He concluded with, “I met your mother briefly one time. I have the feeling she will not be a very cooperative patient. Thus I suggest ….” Now just how did he discern that after only one brief encounter with her? LOL

On the way home from the hospital Mom and I made a stop for some groceries (some chicken noodle soup, grapes, etc.) Upon entering the store I said. “Penny Angels, I am not likely to leave my house for the remainder of the day. If I am to have a coin today, it’s got to be here.” During checkout at the self service station there were two pennies underfoot! (Coins #1&2)

The remainder of the day was spent in tending to my patient.

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

Son Brian came over this morning to ‘deliver’ my Christmas present. New sparkplug wires for Pippy have been sitting by my front door for a month. Not a job I am confident in undertaking. So today Brian installed the wires as well as new sparkplugs for Pippy. That is much better than getting any more doodads.

Then Brian and Doc headed to the Penny Palace to give Brian a chance to try out the new spiral staircase. Doc collected one penny at Starbucks. While on site, Doc coerced Brian into fixing the front fence. Doc reported that both the electrical team and the landscaping crew were working today.

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

One of the reasons for building the Penny Palace is to have sound deadening doors between the family room (Doc’s Turf) and the main area of the house (Tina’s turf). For Doc, TV is a relaxing device; for me it is an irritant and feels like torture to hear the offensive commercials and shows. It’s the equivalent of breathing second-hand smoke.

Tonight Doc has the TV going in one room and my mom has one going in the main area of the house. There is no escape! Penny Palace take me away ….

Total: 3 Pennies

Day #1,102 - Pole Climbing

2011-12-26T23:05:00.000-08:00

A spiral staircase always seemed like a neat thing to have. It’s been on my wish list for 20 years. Today it went from dream to reality.

This morning I was planning to stop at Home Depot for some lag screws and other supplies. Instead I was ‘nudged’ to go to Lowe’s. I thought the fast food diner next door was closed, so I walked over to the drive up window. Found one penny under the window, one drowned one in a puddle and one in a crack. I thought, “that will do for today”. So I turned and headed back. The sun gleaned on something in the dirt planter. A shiny penny! I picked it up and spotted another, and another, and there was another, and another… I kept ‘mining’ for pennies until a car drove up and ended the magic. I returned to my truck, grabbed a little bag, and counted the coins. There were 24 coins in my hand. I said, “WOW Angels! A coin mine! Too bad it wasn’t 25 coins since that is my favorite number. Hey, I bet you can get me one more special coin to make the 25. After that car pulls away, I’ll go back over there if you will provide one more coin”. I walked around to the driver’s side of my truck in order to lock my door. There in front of me was a penny! The 25^th one as requested. Plus it was a Wheat Penny dated 1946! I had asked for a special coin.

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

I spent 45 minutes in Lowe’s trying to get everything on the shopping list. And one penny as I was leaving the store. (Coin #26)

Meanwhile Doc went to McDonalds for breakfast and four pennies. (Coins #27-30)

At the Penny Palace the landscaping team was mixing and pouring concrete all day. They formed the base level for the stone pathway and steps.

The plumbers spent the day installing the hot water tank, a pressure regulator for the house, and all the shut off valves under the sinks.

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

The spiral staircase came with an installation manual plus an instructional DVD. Doc and I carefully reviewed both - several times. The manual sketches show a man and a woman methodically (and seemingly easily) assembling the staircase. The video shows two guys doing it in a matter of hours. All I can say is “BULL!” It took Doc, Daryl, HVAC Brian, his father Ed, me, plus 3 of the landscaping guys pulled in to help. That center pole was long and heavy. At a critical moment, one of the guys said, “We just need to keep the pole straight and guide it gently into the hole.” To which someone else quipped, “That is the goal of most Guys!” Which had us all laughing.

By 5:30 p.m. we at least had the treads in place and a temporary plastic handrail. I was excitedly climbing around the center pole. The rest of the spindles will take another day of work at a later time.

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

I was exhausted and went straight home to start cleaning house and dealing with incoming emails. Doc stopped at a grocery store for dinner, a dime, and a penny. (Coins #31&32).

Thought: Sometimes dreams take a lonnnnnnnnng time to become reality.

Total: 32 Coins P (30), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.50 (which is 25 x 2)

Day #1,101 - Christmas at the PP

2011-12-25T21:56:00.000-08:00

This morning we went out for Christmas breakfast. Doc collected a median find penny as we exited the freeway. I found two dirt pennies in parking lot planters at the restaurant. (Coins #1-3)

At the Penny Palace we cleaned and prepared things for the upcoming week. There was much debris from the electrical guys and finish carpenters. The particles were getting ground into the sheet vinyl flooring, so I cleaned and put down sheets of cardboard for protection. Doc and I sorted and prepared all the pieces for assembly of the spiral staircase.

HVAC Brian was passing the Penny Palace and noticed the open gate. So he, along with his sister and daughter came in for a visit. They brought a Santa for décor plus lots of hugs and good wishes. A very nice surprise.

On the way home Doc and I were going to stop at the grocery store for dinner, but it was closed. Thus we went to McDonalds at the other side of the same shopping center. Two dimes collected there. (Coins #4&5)

Doc and I don’t get Christmas gifts for each other or really for anyone else. But earlier today Doc said we should have at least gotten gifts for our three ‘canine kids’. I told him to keep quiet and they would not know it was Christmas. Tonight when we arrived home from the Penny Palace there was a bag of gifts on our doorstep -- a squeaky toy for each of the doggies! Talk about manifesting!

Total: 5 Coins P (3), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.23

Day #1,100 - Lit Up

2011-12-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

My Christmas wish was to have the Penny Palace Lit Up. It was tonight!

Yesterday I logged in the daily coin finds for December. I noted to Doc that we had zero Hits for the Cycle this month. How unusual. I told him we should make it a goal to find one. Today we did!

This morning a quick stop at the bank yielded the paper currency we needed as well as a penny and a nickel. (Coins #1&2) Our next stop was a Contractor’s supply store where we spent quite a bit of time looking at various cabinetry options for the two garages. Don’t want to spend too much on those cabinets, but also don’t like the cheap quality ones we have been finding elsewhere.

By late morning Doc was hungry so we made a stop at Jack in the Box. I found a penny there. (Coin #3).

Our major objective today at the Penny Palace was to paint the staircase pieces. It took longer to prepare the work area and clean the pieces than it did to paint them.

At 4:30 I told Doc we needed to wrap up because it was getting too dark to work. He replied, "Well then flip a light switch!" Oh Yeah. I forgot! So he and I ran around the house lighting up one room after another. It was pretty funny. Like kids in a candy shop having a blast! It was fun to have the Penny Palace Lit Up for Christmas Eve.

On the way home before getting to the freeway, Doc needed a coffee. I spotted three coins, but another customer got to one of the coins before I did. I think it was a nickel. I collected a dime and a quarter. (Coins #4&5 which made a Hit for the Cycle today!)

Total: 5 Coins P (2), N (1), D (1), Q (1) = $0.42

Day #1,099 - New Wheels

2011-12-23T21:50:00.001-08:00

Today we got a new set of wheels! And Pippy helped me transport them to the Penny Palace.

A year ago when I was investigating windows for the new house, I discovered a load of teak wagon wheels in a warehouse. They were each of different sizes, hubs, spokes, etc. I’ll bet they have some fascinating stories of their travels through Thailand. I wanted one of those wheels for the front yard of the Penny Palace and vowed I would be back to the store at a later date. When Shirlee (from Australia) was visiting us in July, I took her to see the wheels. Turns out she has always had a fondness for wagon wheels! Perfect. She helped me choose a special one to put on hold until we were ready for it at the Penny Palace. Shirlee also left a Christmas note for Doc when she left.

This morning Doc and I decided to go get my wagon wheel. Just before leaving, we opened the Christmas note from Shirlee. It contained instructions and the funds for Doc to also get a wagon wheel. We had such fun obtaining our wheels. When we arrived at the Penny Palace and offloaded the wheels, we found a Penny in the bed of the pickup truck! A symbol that the Angels were assisting in that transport?

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

On the way to the Penny Palace we stopped at the Plumbing supply store to get a 50 gal. hot water heater. Plumber Bryan informed me last night that he wants to work Monday. I should have supplies ready for him. Does he realize that not only is it a weekend in the next two days, it is also Christmas? Does he realize most businesses are closed those two days?

At the Penny Palace Doc and I off loaded things, then prepared to paint the staircase pieces. After laying a few treads down, we realized the loft area was too dusty and dirty to paint. So we chiseled, swept and vacuumed. We will let the dust settle tonight and then try again tomorrow to do the painting.

Realizing that stores may be closed tomorrow, Doc and I headed for a stone yard to look for flagstone or quartzite for the back yard bridges. The yard was so large, we were taken from spot to spot with an electric cart! It is so difficult when the pieces are in crates to tell what will look good in our back yard.

Doc wanted to stop in at the new rental property and check on today’s progress. We were in two separate vehicles, so I told him I would meet him there after I made a small detour. I stopped at a 7-11 store for a piece of beef jerky plus two pennies and a dime. (Coins #1-3).

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

At 7 p.m. we met with our Realtor and signed more paperwork for the purchase of Replacement Property #2. That one needs considerable repair work. When we toured it a few weeks ago, the realtor said, “It looks like the occupants used leftover paints from elsewhere and randomly painted the rooms.” Thus I have nicknamed it “Paint Bucket”.

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

Day #1,098 - Gusting

2011-12-22T23:55:00.000-08:00

The Santa Ana winds were very strong and gusting again today. Glad our roof was designed for 100 mph winds.

Yesterday we called the City and requested an electrical inspection. I wanted to have power between Christmas and New Years. By noon there was no sign of an inspector, so I called. The outgoing message said the City offices are closed from today thru January 3. Bummer.

The landscape crew arrived early this morning, but decided it was too windy to work. Two electricians were working today. Although I had the exterior light fixtures ready for installation, for some reason the guys chose to stay indoors and work today. The Slagle brothers came in to complete a few items. In two hours they installed 5 medicine cabinets, all the door stops I had purchased, some doors locks, and the rest of the pantry shelving! Those two guys are awesome. Tile George dropped in to say goodbye. He is headed to Mexico for 10 days. He thoughtfully set up his tile saw for me to use while he is gone.

I did the usual stuff like cleaning, trash hauling, kibitzing, decision making, etc. By 1 p.m. all the subs had gone. Doc headed to help son Stephen acquire and install some new bookcases. I headed home for laundry and other household chores. At 7 p.m. I realized I had not been to a home improvement store yet today! I grabbed my shopping list as well as return items, and headed forth. One penny found (using a business card to unwedge it) at the checkout stand.

Doc collected one penny during his morning Starbucks run and then a dime at his McDonald’s lunch stop.

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

Day #1,097 - Pippy Performs

2011-12-21T23:11:00.000-08:00

Pippy performed admirably all day today. For being 19 years old, she is still good-looking, a hard worker and sought after by many men.

This morning the first stop was at the Fixture Shop to obtain our order of 5 medicine cabinets and the kitchen sink. That was a full load for Pippy.

Doc headed in the opposite direction to get a crown put on his tooth.

I arrived at the jobsite at 10 a.m. to find a full Landscaping crew at work. Two guys were working on the installation of electrical fixtures. One guy was caulking the edge of the wall tiles. One guy was hauling and moving more dirt! It was a busy place again.

At 2:30 I left to meet a concrete subcontractor at the new rental house. We are considering pouring a concrete patio and driveway.

After that I was hungry for lunch. Made a quick stop at a different 7-11 store for a piece of jerky -- plus 3 dimes and two pennies. (Coins #1-5). One penny at the gas station while fuelling. (Coin #6)

Doc headed to the City Building Department to get the needed permits for the replacement windows and garage door being installed.

My next stops were at Home Depot for light bulbs and then the Lighting Shop to pick up the 33 exterior light fixtures. Pippy was again loaded to full capacity.

The guy at the lighting shop suggested I take surface streets versus the freeway. I ended up traveling through a construction zone and took a wrong turn which got me off roading for a while. There was heavy oncoming traffic. There was no way to go in reverse to get back on course due to the barriers and the traffic behind me. Thus I asked Pippy and the Angels for assistance in getting out of that predicament. I finally found a spot where the dirt berms were navigable and there was a break in the oncoming traffic. Hit the accelerator and asked Pippy to ‘haul her backside’. She did.

In the past few weeks I have had at least 4 guys ask if I would sell Pippy to them. Not a chance.

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

Day #1,096 - Santa Visits PP

2011-12-20T22:56:00.000-08:00

Today the tile crew was grouting the majority of the Penny Palace floor tile and had taped off access to many areas. Imagine my surprise when I came inside from the back yard to find Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus standing in front of the fireplace! Did they come down the chimney?

Today the ‘ants’ were busy again.

The tile crew was grouting the floors.

The finish carpenters built the shelving for the walk-in Pantry. Those will be sooo functional.

The grading guy moved rocks, stones, boulders, gravel, and sand. Then he brought in another load of dirt!

The landscaping crew carried rocks, and moved rocks, and placed rocks and probably even cursed rocks.

The electrical crew hung wall sconces, and pulled the wire from the main house panel to the two sub-panels.

The stucco guy came by to assess the water penetration issue.

The roofing guy added diversionary measures so the water runs off further from the house.

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

This morning I stopped at Home Depot on the way to the jobsite. Got eight light fixtures and one penny. This evening on my way home, I stopped at Home Depot to exchange one faulty fixture and collect a dime.

Doc retrieved a penny and a quarter while getting Mexican food his way home.

Total: 4 Coins P (2), N (0), D (1), Q (1) = $0.37

Special Day - 3 Year Anniversary

2011-12-20T06:59:00.000-08:00

Take a moment and reflect … WHAT have you done EVERY SINGLE day for the past three years? (Other than the automatic bodily functions such as breathing, blinking, swallowing, etc.) Food intake (and outtake) is a choice which most people choose to make daily. What else have you done?

It’s pretty incredible that for three years (1095 consecutive days) the Penny Angels have provided a coin of some sort in my day. To me it’s symbolic of a few things:

— There is a force which we can’t always ‘see’ or ‘hear’, but it is there

— Spirit is with us EVERY day - even on the days when we don’t care or want it

— Small things add up

— Little things can bring JOY in people’s day

— A penny is worth 1¢ no matter if it is polished and ‘pretty’, drowned or mud-clad

— No two coins (or people) have traveled the same path to get where they are; each one has a story

— Believe in COINcidences

Here’s a 30-second video to show you the Penny Palace as it looks today.

Day #1,095 - Busy Ants

2011-12-19T23:55:00.000-08:00

When you were a kid did you ever have one of those ant farms? You could watch the worker ants carry loads, create tunnels, and work all day long. That is how it felt at the Penny Palace today. Workers were going back and forth in every direction and creating something wonderful.

The tiles guys were grouting the brown and grey edge tiles.

The finish guys were installing locks, adjusting sliders, and placing hardware on doors.

The cabinetry guys finished their installations.

The garage doors were installed.

One electrical guy was installing ceiling cans and lights.

The roofers came to reinforce the troublesome valley area.

One landscaper roughly laid some stones on the steps to see if I like them.

It was non-stop activity until 5 p.m. when we locked the gate.

I stopped at a tile store for some grout, then Doc and I took some of the leftover tile from the Penny Palace and left it at the new rental house. One bathroom currently has 1”x1” pink tile and the other has lavender tile. That is not going to rent very well in today’s market. The contractor was working there today and said someone has already inquired about renting the unit. Yipee!

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

Next we stopped at Home Depot for more door hardware and some lighting fixtures. I found a penny just within the entrance door.

Doc found his coin (a dime) this morning when he went for coffee. He said it was right in front of him on the condiment counter where he was mixing his morning concoction.

This evening we signed a counter offer for Replacement Property #2. We don’t go to shopping malls to do our Christmas shopping, we go to the Real Estate office!

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

Day #1,094 - Maintenance

2011-12-18T23:44:00.000-08:00

Our current house has been somewhat ignored while Doc has been teaching this quarter and I have been passionate about the Penny Palace. Thus, today we did some maintenance and TLC on the Pomona house.

Of course we had normal household chores such as laundry, mail sorting, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc. to do this weekend, but we also managed to do a few additional things. For instance: the baking soda package in the freezer is supposed to be changed every 3 months. The last time I changed it was November -- of 2006. Five years ago! The furnace filter is supposed to be changed every month. That one was only 4 months overdue. Doc adjusted the front door lock. Now I can actually unlock the door without having to set down everything I am carrying and then put full shoulder force on it. Nice!

At 4:30 p.m. we ventured out of the house. Our first stop was at the storage unit to fetch the three ceiling fans to be installed in the Grand Room of the Penny Palace. Next we visited our three usual grocery stores: Penny at Store #1, Penny at Store #2, 3 Pennies at Store #3. (Coins #1-5) A quick stop at the Office Supply store yielded a notebook (to set up my file on the new Rental House), one dime, and one penny. (Coins #6&7)

Tomorrow will mark three years of daily consecutive penny finding.

Total: 7 Coins P (6), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.16

Day #1,093 - Wedding Pennies

2011-12-17T23:55:00.000-08:00

The first appointment this morning was with a contractor at the new Rental Property. We closed escrow yesterday and today he was tearing out the windows and doors.

I made a quick stop at Home Depot to get bungee straps to wrap the wedding gift. I found two pennies and a dime in various places. (Coins #1-3). Then, I went next door to the office supply store for a roll of packaging paper (gift wrap). One penny there. (Coin #4)

I was planning on ordering the 33 exterior light fixtures for the Penny Palace on-line. Our electrician suggested I ask the local lighting store if they could match or beat the on-line prices. As I drove to the store, I asked the Angels to assist with this aspect of the project. I found a penny as I walked into the store - good omen. (Coin #5). The sales rep took my shopping list and was able to beat the on-line prices, plus I had a merchandise credit there from 4 years ago when I had paid for some design services.

While I was running those errands, Doc headed to the Penny Palace. He was surprised to find my floor medallion made from tile pieces of the various other tile projects.

This is the view Doc captured from the window in the Master toilet. It almost looks fake!

Cabinet Frank finishing the decorative molding around the cabinetry. Two guys were working on electrical items. Grading Rick stopped in to assess conditions for continued work on the patio and yard.

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At 1:30 Doc and I headed out to attend a wedding ceremony for Hui, a former student and Engineering Council Officer. The church service was followed by an 8? Course Chinese dinner at a restaurant in Orange. Since there was some time between the ceremony and reception, Doc sought out a Starbucks -a coffee for him and some planning time for me. I collected a penny outside in a planter bed and two pennies inside the store. (Coins #6-8). Hui is an avid Penny Finder and Jesse proposed to her using a trail of Pennies. At the reception, I slipped a penny on the chair of the bride and groom before they arrived. Hui had fun with that when they went to be seated. Hui included a penny, crystal and chocolates in her bag of favors for each guest.

Total: 8 Coins P (7), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.17

Day #1,092 - Crazy Weather

2011-12-16T23:55:00.000-08:00

Yesterday there was rain, snow, hail and freezing temperatures. Today I was using the air conditioner and trying to stay balanced in 60-70 mph winds! Crazy weather.

We had two semi-deep ponds in the yard due to runoff and melted snow.

Roofer Bill arrived promptly at 9 a.m. to review the Dining Room Puddle issue. Monday he will install some diverter metal on the roof to see if that will eliminate the problem. Stucco Tommy will also come out Monday to investigate stucco integrity.

There was plenty of activity at the Penny Palace. The tile team was laying the medallion and entryway tiles. We decided to switch to 16” tiles vs. 12” tiles so that meant a mid-morning run to Home Depot for more tiles. Before I left, I painted the medallion ‘pennies’ so they could dry while I was gone.

The cabinetry guys were working all day. They asked if I had knobs or pulls? Yes. And several styles of each of those! I placed the appropriate hardware in each drawer or cabinet before I left. Hope our doggies will like their new feeding station.

Electrical Stan dropped in to deliver some of the garage light fixtures. We did a walk through of the house to update my “shopping list”. I compiled it in January before we even broke ground!

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I left the jobsite at 4 p.m. Stopped at the store for duct tape. I just KNEW I would find a coin in that store. I felt it when walking in. Four pennies and a dime in various places before leaving the store (Coins #1-5).

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Doc spent the morning at Cal Poly Pomona working with Dad Watson regarding the solar car project. They compiled artifacts to take to the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) Museum to go along with the solar car, Intrepid II, which was taken there last week.

This afternoon Doc dealt with utility and insurance activation for the new rental property. We closed escrow today and repair work began this afternoon. Those are activities I would typically handle. It’s nice to have a partner who can ‘sub’ for you.

This evening we made a quick trip the hardware store (to fix a broken shower handle), then to the grocery store where Doc claimed a dime (Coin #6). Next we met son Brian and his fiancee, Celeste for Brian’s birthday dinner. Nice meal and one penny in the waiting area. (Coin #7)

We all went back to Brian’s place where Brian and Doc spent 1.5 hours with flashlights underneath the house. They were devising ways to shore up the flooring, move dirt, and possibly add a concrete slab under there. Doc’s hates spiders so I was surprised he stayed down there in the dirt so long.

Total: 7 Coins P (5), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.25

Day #1,091 - SNOW!

2011-12-15T23:51:00.000-08:00

A neighbor said it had been 13 years since the last snow in our new neighborhood. Today the snow line fell to approximately 10 houses south of us. There was no snow just down the street, but it was a different story at the Penny Palace!

This morning when I arrived on site, HVAC Brian and his friend were ‘modifying’ that protrusion of vent pipe. That way the cabinet installers won’t need to cut a notch in the molding.

It was a gorgeous morning and the Landscaping guys were busy preparing the patio steps.

The tile crew was laying more tile - including the Penny Rug.

The power company (SCE) engineer dropped in. He had not seen the house since the first month when we merely had concrete forms. He enjoyed seeing the blueprints come to life.

At noon I left to get tile grout, caulking and the tile medallion. I stopped at a craft store to get glitter paint for the backsides of the glass medallion pieces. Found 3 pennies there (Coins #1-3). I then went to the tile store and picked up the grout and the medallion. It is comprised of various tile pieces from other parts of the house. The tile store did not have caulking, so it was suggested that I go to Home Depot or Lowe’s. But I was told not to leave the medallion unattended in the back of the pickup truck. Someone might just decide they would like it for a Christmas present.

I called Doc to “Medallion Sit”. He rushed over and met me at Lowe’s. While waiting in the parking lot for his arrival, I found a Penny. (Coin #4). Doc called me en route to tell me he was on his way. Just after calling me he collected a Median Find Coin. A quarter! (Reward for coming to my rescue?) (Coin #5). Doc stayed in the parking lot while I went into the store. He found two pennies while wandering around. (Coins #6&7).

As we drove toward the Penny Palace, the skies got darker and darker. Rain, lightning and thunder began. I pulled over and transferred the bags of grout into Doc’s van. We proceeded. When heading North up the main street toward the mountains, the rushing water was scary. I began wondering if the water was deep enough to sweep Pippy’s tires off the street.

As I turned the corner into our Deer Creek development, I noticed a little bit of white stuff on the street. Being from Southern California, it took me a few moments to realize what that was. As I kept driving it got deeper and deeper. I’m not sure Pippy has ever seen snow before. We took it slowly and carefully the rest of the way to the Penny Palace. I parked, but did not dare get out and wade in the ankle-deep freezing, rushing water. Parked on the other side of the street and wondered what to do. There was a 3” blanket of snow all around!

Finally I got up the gumption to forge across the streams and snow. I wanted to get to those cameras inside the house so that I could capture this scene for you.

Doc and I checked out the interior of the house. We found significant water seeping across the floor of the dining room. Not good at all. We ventured out into the freezing rain to try and divert the water cascading off the roof in that area.

I was so cold and miserable! I was wondering how to get the heavy medallion from across the street, through the ice and snow, and safely into the house. HVAC Brian appeared again! He just dropped in on his way home from work! Why? “Because the Penny Palace makes him feel good and brings him good luck!” He and Doc carried the medallion inside.

After a few hours of numbing coldness, I told Doc I was heading home with or without him. My icicled toes were ready to crack off. I asked the cabinet installers to lock up and I left!

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Tomorrow we close escrow with our Exchange Property #1. Thus we are scrambling to get insurance and other last-minute details. A contractor is scheduled to arrive tomorrow and begin the necessary repairs to get that unit rent-ready.

We are also working on counter offers for Property #2 and a few other issues.

Life is exciting!

Total: 7 Coins P (6), N (0), D (0), Q (1) = $0.31

Day #1,090 - Pleasant Company

2011-12-14T23:55:00.000-08:00

This morning I visited the Fixture Shop to place the order for the finish plumbing items. That included items such faucets, toilets, some of the sinks and more. Thank goodness I had my “Shopping List” 95% complete due to several previous visits with the sales rep and plenty of on-line research. Finalizing the order still took 1.5 hours!

I arrived at the jobsite around 11:30 and found two homemade tamales waiting for me. (Compliments of Tile George). Nice welcome. Then at lunchtime his wife brought homemade burritos. Pretty nice to have subs spoiling me! Plus we have such fun working together.

My objectives today at the Penny Palace included working on tile details and cleaning the door tracks for the patio doors so they would slide better.

Jeff, the solar installer said we passed the City Solar Panel Inspection this morning. That is good news.

The tile layers, cabinet installers, and landscapers continued doing what they are supposed to be doing.

There is a minor glitch with an exhaust pipe being in the way of the cabinets. I called HVAC Brian to ask if he could drop by in the next few days and take a look at it. Within the hour he arrived and said by tomorrow morning the issue will be resolved. Nice.

Grader Rick arrived at 4 p.m. and shoved more dirt around.

Doc visited the site after being away for several days. He was pleasantly surprised. The cabinets sure change the feel in the heart of the house.

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After work, Doc and I parked Pippy at the nearby 7-11 store. Doc bought a coffee, while I dove under the counter for 3 pennies, a nickel and a dime. (Coins #1-5) Next we drove out to the area where we are considering buying those investment properties. Wanted to get a feeling for the area after dark. We had dinner out there at a local grocery store. Tasty meal.

In reflecting upon today, what stands out is the Fantastic people who were at the Penny Palace. There were three great guys and one gal working on the tile, 5 guys on landscaping, 2 guys installing cabinets, the solar installer, the City inspector, the HVAC guy and his friend, the grading guy, and Doc! Nice to be in such Pleasant Company.

Total: 5 Coins P (3), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.18

Day #1089 - Rainbow

2011-12-13T22:51:00.000-08:00

I once again left Doc, Dundee and the other Dogs home to grade Final Exams while I headed for the jobsite. I have a feeling they were all “Working like a Dog” today. (Which translates to: eat, poop, nap, stretch, nibble, watch TV, sleep, watch birds, fluff blanket, pee, sleep, greet Tina when she comes home). LOL

The first order of business for me was to rake those prickly balls which have fallen from the Liquidambar trees. It has been like walking on a layer of marbles each time we walk to and from our vehicles parked at the street - very annoying and dangerous.

Then it was time to get to work

The tiles guys were doing more of the detail work

The landscapers were moving rocks, pressure testing the supply lines and filling dirt areas.

The cabinet guys (father and son team) were installing cabinets

Painter Jr. was painting interior closets and other small items

The solar panel guy dropped in to say he had requested City Inspection

Neighbor Craig came over to check on things.

Numerous phone calls regarding the floor medallion, construction insurance, appliances and more.

Project Manager Daryl called in this morning. He was very frustrated because he had spent much of the morning looking for a wayward document. I immediately sent a quiet request to the Angels: “Please open Daryl’s eyes and let him ‘see’ what he is searching for”. Within one minute Daryl said, “The document is right here in front of me! I have looked here several times!” COINcidence?

Mid-morning I headed to the paint store for supplies. While waiting for the paint colors to be mixed, I took Pippy next door to the gas station for some fuel. There was a shiny penny as I stepped out of the truck. (Coin #1) I was satisfied with that, but ‘nudged’ to look in a nearby planter bed. My reply, “No thanks Angels. That area is full of trash, mud, chewed gum, cigarette butts, etc.” If there was a coin in there, I certainly wouldn’t want to touch it. There were four coins - so dirt coated I couldn’t positively determine their denominations. (3 pennies and one dime after Doc washed them). Two more shiny pennies as I returned to the truck.

There was much progress (CPP) at the Penny Palace today. As I was leaving this afternoon, there was a spectacular rainbow overhead. Nice.

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Doc claimed one dime when he and Sparky went for their morning coffee.

This evening we have received counteroffers on two of the properties we are interested in. We are not prepared to accept either of those offers.

Total: 8 Coins P (6), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.26

Day #1,088 - Streams

2011-12-12T22:40:00.000-08:00

When I left the house very early this morning, Doc said he would meet me at the jobsite after he woke up, ate, showered, and got ready. I returned home at 6 p.m. and he still was not ‘ready’.

The tile guys put in a very full day. It was dark when I finally made them stop! They cut and placed the dark border tile, and started filling in some of the specialty areas.

The cabinet guys unboxed half the items and moved them into appropriate rooms. As Frank and Jacob toured the house, Frank ‘pettted’ the picket fence tub walls. I just had to laugh. Everyone pets that wall!

No landscaping work today. Too wet outside. Rainwater did collect in the stream bed and did look pretty impressive - a peek at what lies ahead.

Today we had streams of water. However, I really didn’t want them this soon. There was a stream from the driveway area down the backyard pathway. There was rain water streaming from the roof into the gutters as planned. However, there are no downspouts yet, so the water was staying close to the house and creating almost quicksand conditions. (Which I verified by stepping ankle-deep in some of it). Thus, I was out in the rain trying to create makeshift water troughs using a combination of plywood, broken roof tiles, rain-gutter remnants and stones.

The recycled countertop planking material was delivered today. I am soooo anxious to open that crate! The delivery driver was not used to driving such a large truck and just missed hitting the roof by 2 inches! Whew! Then the pallet jack got stuck in the mud, so we were out in the rain trying to get 506 lbs. of material unstuck.

I climbed up onto the scaffolding to finally remove the Star Template from the ceiling of the Aussie guest room. I was thinking “if something happened while I was up here, no one would know”. Just then I got a leg cramp and wanted to scream in pain. Made me wonder how I was going to safely get back off the scaffold.

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By 5 p.m. it was dark and I was tired and cold. Stopped at the grocery store for a can of soup. Two pennies when I walked in, three pennies and a dime while checking out, and a penny under the bench outside the store when leaving. (Coins #1-7).

Doc found a penny when he and Sparky went for coffee and cash this morning. (Coin #8)

This evening I am supposed to be working on the final order lists for sinks, faucets, and exterior light fixtures. Also insurance, termite report, fix ups, etc. for the new rental property which is in escrow.

Total: 8 Coins P (7), N (0), D (1), Q (0) = $0.17

Day #1,087 - Threes

2011-12-11T21:39:00.000-08:00

Today we went shopping - not for Christmas gifts, but for houses. We liked Three of them and over the next few days we will further investigate and make some decisions. We found a dime and a penny in the dirt by the driveway at the 2nd house we toured. We found 6 pennies at the 5^th house we visited. (Coins #1-8)

This afternoon we did some on-line research of properties and then Doc graded Final Exams. I made a trip to the post office and Target store. I usually try to stay out of any stores during the month of December, but we needed to obtain a wedding gift.

Before entering the store I was reviewing my printed out Gift Registry and not even thinking of pennies. Something caught the light of the setting sun and I was called over to a planter to investigate it. It was a penny. As I picked up that penny, I spotted another one a few feet along the walkway. The bride would be laughing. She is a daily Penny Tale reader. Her fiancée proposed using a trail of pennies. It was if the Penny Angels were leading me inside the store to obtain her gift! I found two additional pennies and two dimes before I began my shopping. (Coins #9-14)

The bride had registered for Three sets of dinnerware. I immediately found two boxes and asked the Angels to help find a third box. They did. Mission Accomplished.

While shopping for the wedding gift, I had 6 coins totaling 24¢. Walking back to my truck in the parking lot, I said to the Angels, “Please, just ONE more penny. That would make the magic number of 25¢ while gift shopping”. The Angels provided Three pennies instead of the One requested. (Coins #15-17)

Total: 17 Coins P (14), N (0), D (3), Q (0) = $0.44

Day #1,086 - Going Spiral

2011-12-10T23:34:00.000-08:00

This morning I visited 4 tile stores on the way to the jobsite. Needed grout, the last of the incoming tiles for the Medallion, and to pick up the tiles for the Penny Rug.

At the jobsite I found 12 persons working (to be read like the song 12 Days of Christmas): six guys landscaping; three Tilers tiling, two Painters painting and a person moving dirt in a Bobcat.

One of the reasons for building this new home is because I have always wanted a Spiral Staircase - on a 1-story house. Can’t find too many houses which meet that criteria. I was determined to order the Spiral Staircase today. Figured it would take a week. It is to be installed after the tile floor (which will be grouted Monday). I rushed to the Iron Shop to be there before 11 a.m. By Noon, the staircase parts and pieces were loaded into Pippy! After 20 years of visiting The Iron Shop and merely climbing on their display models, today I visited and finally bought one!

It was lunchtime, so I stopped at a sandwich shop to get some food for the workers. Found one penny there. (Coin #1)

When I returned to the jobsite, I wondered how I would offload the staircase pieces. HVAC Brian had decided to just drop by at that time, say hello, and drop off some home-grown grapefruit. “COINcidence” or perfect timing?

The rest of the afternoon was spent laying out tile, cleaning, and trying to catch up with some of my Action Items.

At 4 p.m. I shut down the house. As I went from room to room, I discovered at least a dozen pennies on window sills and other places. Someone is having fun with this.

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Doc visited a 7-11 store. He was going to park in one stall, but spotted a penny there, so parked in an adjacent spot and then collected the penny. (Sit-N-Find) He also found a nickel inside the store. (Coins #2&3)

Tonight I should log in my Penny Finds - I am 20 days behind on that task.

Total: 3 Coins P (2), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.07