Day #1,276 - Move That Chevy!

It was Father’s Day and it was a great one.  The planned schedule for today was to meet son Brian and his fiancée Celeste for coffee, then drive the Chevy from Pomona to Alta Loma, then enjoy a BBQ lunch.  Things went beautifully!

Doc and I were slightly early for our 9 a.m. coffee rendezvous at the Coffee Klatch, so Doc detoured for a McDonalds drive-through sandwich.  I collected a penny while he collected food.

Father's Day Drive

We met for 30 minutes at the coffee shop, then I was anxious to get moving.  Since the Chevy had never ventured more than a few miles from home, I was nervous that there would be numerous ‘glitches’.  The guys inspected the car, Doc washed the windshield, and I did a quick check of emails.  By 10:30 we headed to the Penny Palace.  The Chevy made it the whole way without any glitches.  Even up the steep incline.  Yipee!

Koala Mascot in Back Seat

Brian and Celeste prepared a delectable BBQ lunch for Doc and me.  Brian insisted upon removing the wrapping from the oven - just because.  Then he attempted to show me what pots and pans are supposed to be used for.

At 2 p.m. the guys decided it was time for another coffee, so off we all went to Starbucks.   After that, Doc and I returned to the Pomona house for a few hours of work.  I really didn’t want to go back and work, but Doc insisted.  Then, when we got there, I cleaned while he spent half the time on the phone ordering his new television!  Thursday we had gone shopping and Doc had selected a 60” TV unit which he liked.  However, he wanted to get approvals of his advisors (Wizard and sons) before purchasing.

On the way home from the Pomona house we visited our typical grocery stores.  No coins at the first store, 2 pennies and a quarter at the second store, and one penny near the salads at the back of the third store. (Coins #2-5).

Total:    5 Coins        P (4), N (0), D (0), Q (1) = $0.29

Day #1,275 - Prepping

Assembling Shelves

The primary focus this morning was to prepare the rear garage for the arrival of the 38 Chevy.  So we assembled shelving and tried to shuffle some of the stuff so it was out of the way.

Supervisor Sparky

We made a call to the nieces and nephews for their birthdays.  Since they moved away we sure miss those bi-monthly play times we had with them for so many years.  We are looking forward to a few days with them in July.

Charging the Chevy

Around 2 p.m. Doc was getting hungry and we needed to get an additional shelf for the storage rack, so it was time to head out.  We were approaching Lowe’s when Doc noticed a local airport on the North side of the Lowe’s center.  He detoured into the airport grounds to investigate and search for a diner.  Sure enough!  There was Maniac Mike’s Airport diner.  Lunch was a fun and unique experience.

At Lowe’s we returned an item, got supplies and Doc collected one dime  (Coin #1).  Doc pulled into a 7-11 for a cold beverage (icee) and so I could get MY coin for today.  Got a penny and a quarter  (Coins #2&3).

Doc's Discoveries

We spent a few hours at the Pomona house organizing things and going through old papers - school records, insurance papers, property papers, bank statements, etc.

Checking EMails

On the way home we stopped at an auto supply place to get a drip pan for under the Chevy.  Then a stop at the new, huge thrift store which just opened.  Needed to find their hours for accepting donations.

Top Dog

We were almost home and realized we had forgotten to buy the additional shelf at Lowe’s this morning.  That was the purpose of going .  We made Trip #2 to Lowe’s and obtained the shelf, one dime at check-out and then a penny by my door of the van.  (Coins #4&5).

Total:    5 Coins        P (2), N (0), D (2), Q (1) = $0.47

Day #882 - Magical

The day was simply MAGICAL! There was progress, joy and laughter all day.

Doc and Sparky collected their penny and breakfast at McDonalds, then Doc and I headed for the jobsite. The insulation was FINALLY being installed. It’s strange. I brought some Penny Palace magnets to the jobsite today. I was ‘nudged’ to walk over and give one to the insulation guys. My logical side kicked in and argued, “You really think these guys are going to care about Angels? Don’t bug them when they are working. Do you think you’re going to just walk up and start talking about the Magic of the Penny Palace? Guys like that aren’t going to care about sappy stuff like found pennies.” How many times have we learned this lesson? Listen to the nudgings! Don’t use your reasoning. I went over to take pictures. I met Kerry from San Gabriel Insulation and 5 minutes later he had a Penny Card and Penny Magnet. He was sharing some ‘good news tales’ of his own with me!

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At 11:30 we met Truss Greg at the airport. He flew in from Wisconsin on his own time to see the construction site and ‘wrap up’ this project. From the moment we met it was hugs and Joy. He has been working with us for 4 years and it was good to finally meet him. Emails are OK, but nothing compares to hearty hugs, genuine smiles and just plain silliness together!

We stopped for a quick lunch, then were on the jobsite for our 1 PM meeting with Framer Danny and Project Manager Daryl. Great time going over the plans and framing details. We actually had fun taking measurements - like kids on a playground! Magic Moments.

Truss Greg is the one who proposed the addition of the window over the garage toilet. It has been dubbed "Greg's Dunny Window.

By 3:30, Greg’s work on-site was completed. He will now tweak the truss designs slightly and get those trusses into production. The trusses will take 7-10 days to manufacture, then they will be trucked in from YUMA. The trucking fees are actually less than California sales tax.

It was now time for coffee. Doc took Greg to Bad Ass Coffee as a change from Starbucks. Since I had not found a coin yet today, I wandered next door to the CVS Pharmacy. Found two pennies under the photocopy machine. (Coins #2&3). Now it was a challenge. The guys found a nickel at the grocery store. (Higher value than my 2¢) (Coin #4). Then Doc spotted a dime which I retrieved for him. (Coin #5). Greg was laughing at this silliness. Of course we all realized, “We still need a quarter!”

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We brought Greg to our current Pomona house and gave him the tour. Then Doc took him for a ride in the 1938 Chevy. After that, we had a really delicious Peruvian dinner and returned to the house to review more house design concepts.

At 8:30 PM it was time to head to the airport. Doc and Greg insisted upon a Starbucks stop. Doc asked which one to visit? My reply: “One with a quarter! We chose a Starbucks right off the freeway. Greg wanted to go inside to get his order and be able to add the condiments. I was a little disappointed because I wanted to use the drive through in order to look for coins. That Starbucks has always had 4-10 cars in line at the window. While the guys were ordering their coffee, I could not help but walk around back through the narrow drive lane. There were no cars there! Magic! Unbelievable! I saw several shiny dots and thought “liquid drops from engines, but might be a coin there.” I walked closer to discover a dime, then another, then another …(Coins #6-8). Headlights were approaching and I needed to get out of there before getting run over. But there were two more dimes and a penny! (Coins #9-11). Now the car was getting too close. I said, “Thanks Angels. I really wanted a quarter to show Greg how this works, but 5 dimes is not too shabby.” I turned to make my hasty retreat and there was a quarter under the window. (Coin #12) Magic!

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Greg flew into Ontario (15 minutes from the job site), but his return was from LAX. Uggggg. That place was very busy even on a Friday night. There was a HUGE line for luggage check in, but thankfully Greg had no luggage and already had his boarding pass. Within moments of entering the terminal we found the security area, he gave me a quick hug and disappeared! Magic.

Total: 12 Coins P (4), N (1), D (6), Q (1) = $0.94

Day #806 - Boys Night

Last night was Girl’s Night here; tonight is Boy’s Night. As a matter of fact, Brandon has gone to sleep while Nicholas is helping me write the Tale tonight.

This morning the girls woke up, ate heart-shaped waffles, then headed out to get the boys. We picked them up around 9:30 AM and headed for the Kidspace Museum in Pasadena.

Doc was grumpy. He had not yet had coffee, so we made an emergency stop at Starbucks. The kids all had hot vanilla steamers. The boys finished quickly, and I don’t drink coffee, so we headed next door to the grocery store where we found two pennies and one dime. (Coins #1-3).

We arrived at the Museum with plenty of anticipation. At the entrance Doc spotted a penny which 4 of us had already walked past. Then there was another penny. And another. We collected 6 pennies - one of which was a 1951 Wheat Penny. (Coins #4-9). Doc quipped, ”Just like our entrance tickets - 5 General admission and 1 Sr. ticket”. How funny. Coincidence?

We had a wonderful time at the museum. Took the girls home at 3:30 and then Boy’s Time began. On the way home Doc spotted a Median Find penny. However, it was on the freeway in stop-and-go traffic! Not smart to stop there. (Coin #10 - Foregone). Then we stopped at a grocery store for some fruit, bread, juice, and 2 dimes and 3 pennies. (Coins #11-15).

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Once at home, the first thing we did was to take a ride up and down the street in the ’38 Chevy. Needed to try out those seat belts which Brian had installed last week.

Then it was dinnertime. Doc wanted the HomeTown all you can eat buffet. The Twins wanted Chinese fried rice and lots of noodles. How to please everyone? I took them to a new place - Panda Garden Buffet. All-you-can-eat Chinese! Nicholas discovered the King Crab Legs and Brandon exclaimed, “I think I have died and gone to heaven!” It was a really fun dinner.

Back at home we invited cousin Jordan over and wrestled with him, played chess, learned Pente, assembled jigsaw puzzles, played outside and just “hung out”.

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Rental House Progress:

It has been another wonderful JOY-filled day. The new renters have been texting and emailing throughout the day and shared some really special moments with us. How blessed we feel to know these people.

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Penny Palace:

The plumber laid the sewer lines today. Yes, on a Saturday! This team is great.

Total: 15 Coins P (11), N (0), D (3), Q (0) + 1 foregone penny = $0.42

Day #800 - Safety Second

This morning Doc and son, Brian met at 7:30 AM for coffee. I walked the parking lot and Target store for a dime and three pennies. (Coins #1-4)

We then went home where Brian and Doc installed seatbelts in the 1938 Chevy since the original car did not have such gear. Doc said, “Safety First”. I replied, “Coffee First, Safety Second”. In 1.5 hours they had all five sets of seatbelts installed and they were off for round two of coffee.

Around noon Doc and I took a load of donation items to the Goodwill store. Doc was in the mood for new clothes, so he bought a new, used shirt ($4). We could not resist stopping at a 7-11 store on the way home. We collected a penny in the parking lot and then a nickel and 7 pennies under the counter inside). (Coins #5-13)

Couldn’t resist looking at the self serve car wash next door. A dime and penny there (Coins #14&15). Then a penny at a Mexican food place. (Coin #16)

Doc really wanted a quarter, so we stopped at another car wash. I looked in all the bays and only found one penny. (Coin #17) Doc walked up behind me and found a penny plus his quarter right next to the trash can where I had just looked! (Coins #18&19).

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Doc’s Priorities today: Coffee first, Safety second, Coffee third, Lunch fourth, Errands fifth, Coins sixth, Nap seventh. Newton’s Law of Motion comes to mind, “A body at rest stays at rest unless acted upon by an external force”. My priority today - to be that other force!

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This evening the wife of Grader Craig called. He has been at the emergency room of the hospital all day. Very serious pneumonia. Healing needed.

Total: 19 Coins P (15), N (1), D (2), Q (1) = $0.65

Day #758 - No Cup Holder

This morning son Brian came over to work on and drive the ’38 Chevy. It was his first time driving it beyond the street in front of our house. He and Doc drove the old car to Starbucks and I followed in the chase vehicle. Brian actually stepped on a penny (Coin #1) as he was ordering their drinks. Coffee for them, penny for me. Imagine - the old cars did not have cups holders! Where are you supposed to put your bottled water, designer coffee, or fast-food sodas?!

After Brian left, Doc spent the afternoon with football on the TV. I sketched some trim ideas for the Grand Room of the new house, tried to set some appointments for the upcoming week, and spent a few hours on tax preparations.

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This evening Doc insisted that we go grocery shopping. (I dread the chore). As we walked in, I spotted a dime at a closed check out lane while Doc simultaneously found a mutilated dime at the coin counting kiosk. (Coins #2&3).

Then I found a quarter and four pennies in another closed check out lane. (Coins #4-8).

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

Day #735 - Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the town, Doc and Tina were searching for coins to be found…

So much for my desire to stay out of stores in December. I think Doc and I were in at least a dozen today!

We had breakfast with son, Brian and his fiancée, Celeste. The objective had been for Brian and Doc to drive the 38 Chevy to breakfast, but that did not happen. Instead they went for supplies and then worked on the old car.

The heck with writing a story, let’s do it Engineering style.

Stop # …

1) Breakfast No coins

2) Auto supply store Motor Oil and hand pump

3) Grocery store Last minute food items, Doc 1 (N) at photocopy machine

I needed a coin, so Doc and I went for a drive. It was such a beautiful day

4) 7-11 Nickel and penny under the counter, 3 pennies in the parking lot

5) A stop at the Deer Creek lot where we will soon be building. A One-hour discussion with Shannon (owner of nearby lot who is framing his house right now)

6) Gas station Sticky penny while pumping gas

7) WalMart Doc wanted food bars. Two pennies in the store, One quarter when walking back to the van

8) Scrapbooking store Doc found a penny in parking lot while waiting for me

9) Chinese All You Can Eat Buffet

Doc said, “We need a dime to Hit for the Cycle”

10) Pete’s Upholstery. I went inside while Doc walked the lot to find his dime

11) CVS Pharmacy Just for fun - plus 2 pennies inside, a dime, a nickel in the photocopier, and three pennies outside. Doc was approaching his goal of 10,000 steps today.

12) Grocery store. Earlier today I forgot to get the potatoes! So we went shopping - AGAIN! Collected 5 (P) , 1 (N), 2 (D) at that stop.

I was not planning to go Penny Hunting today. I had planned a nap! Some of the shoppers we saw seemed pretty grumpy by the looks on their faces. A few of the “Finds” were pretty funny providing us with the opportunity to talk to people and share JOY.

Total: 27 Coins P (18), N (4), D (4), Q (1) = $ 1.03

Day #726 - Home Run!

This morning the owner of the auto shop called to say the 38 Chevy was ready for pick up. Doc and I hurriedly raced through a few errands so we could get over to the auto shop. (Same opening sentence as yesterday’s Penny Tale).

On the way to the auto shop we stopped for lunch. While Doc waited for our food, I walked around the parking lot. Found a dirt penny in a planter (Coin #1). Good. Then I noticed the restaurant had a drive up window. Found two pennies and a dime there. (Coins #2-4). Then a car was coming at me in the drive through, so I hopped out of the way and found a penny to the side of the driveway (Coin #5).

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The owner of the auto shop was happy to see us arrive - and even happier to see us leave. He wants this car out of his shop. Nearby business owners are teasing him about the car driving away, but returning on tow trucks. Yesterday’s tow truck driver said he would be giving the mechanic a piece of his mind by now. He didn’t understand. This guy is getting additional bugs out of our car which weren’t the reason we took the car to him. Today he took the carburetor apart, cleaned it, and didn’t charge us for any of that.

The Chevy made it’s way down Route 66. She turned many heads on her drive. Finally she was back home. As one Penny Pal wrote this morning: “The Chevy was enjoying all the attention at the shop. Why would she want to come home and be locked up in the garage with the dogs again?”

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We arrived home just after 4 PM and realized we had 30 minutes of daylight remaining and it was beginning to drizzle. Maybe we had enough time to get to the new property and determine which trees will need removal. We grabbed tools, tape, the grading plans and raced out to the lot. We marked off where the driveway will be. We knew one tree would need to be removed, but realized a second one would also need to be removed.

We measured the trees and then quickly drove to the City offices to submit the Tree Removal Permit Application. We were told it could take 2 weeks for approval and cost $500/ tree. Note: That is for approvals, not for the actual removal work. We submitted our form. The person helping us took our form to the back room for a very long time. Finally he emerged. We were fearful of what he was going to say. He said, “These two trees are 8” and 11” in diameter. Thus we have determined you do not need a permit!” Merry Christmas! That was sure good news.

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On the way home Doc and I stopped to have dinner to celebrate! The Chevy was home and there was no Tree Removal Permit Fee. Yipee!

Doc then insisted upon stopping at the grocery store to get HIS coin for today. We walked in the store and immediately found a penny on the floor. Done. (Coin #6)

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

Day #725 - Strike Two

This morning the owner of the auto shop called to say the 38 Chevy was ready for pick up. Doc and I hurriedly raced through a few errands so we could be at the auto shop by noon.

During our errands Doc made a quick bathroom stop at a grocery store where he collected a dime and I got my penny for today. (Coins #1&2). When we arrived at the auto shop I received an incoming call, so I stepped outside to talk. There was a penny at my feet. (Coin #3)

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Last Friday we drove 7 miles from the auto shop before we lost all the radiator fluid due to a faulty freeze plug. We were assured that problem was solved. Today we drove about two miles before the car started losing power. Doc parked in the lot of an office building and said the car felt like it was out of fuel. I hiked to a nearby gas station. They wanted $12 for the gas can, plus the price of gas. So I called the auto repair shop and went back to borrow one of theirs. We poured 2 gallons of gas into the tank and headed out. We made it to the nearest busy intersection when the car died. I put on hazard lights to warn other traffic. A police officer drove past, but he was transporting a prisoner and could not stop.

We called the Auto Club. When I called for service, the AAA operator asked the year of the car. I said, “38”. She said, “No, not your age, the year and make of the car please!” Good for a laugh. While waiting for the tow truck, Doc went for coffee at the Starbucks in the grocery store. He also collected a penny. (Coin #4) The car was loaded onto the tow truck and we were ready to leave. Doc pointed out a penny right next to our van! I had stepped there at least 5-6 times. (Coin #5)

So the Chevy is back in the shop. Perhaps a clog in the carburetor. Doc thanked the shop owner for letting us borrow the car for a few minutes.

We stopped for a nice lunch as our consolation prize on the way home.

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New House Progress:

We stopped at an iron works shop on the way home. Talked to the owner about the driveway gate for the new house. Other people had given us quotes which were 3-4 times our budget for that item. We had almost given up. Today Jimmy gave us a rough estimate which was right in line with our budgeted amount! Penny Angels at work.

Day #722 - Scrappin'

Doc spent the whole day grading Final Exams. In order to stay out of his way, I worked on our Chevy Renovation Memory Album. I was motivated to work on it because yesterday I took the album to the auto shop when we went to fetch the car. The shop owner really enjoyed seeing the album and was showing it to other people. The last pageI had scrapped in the album was for the year 2000. Today I scrapped years 2001-2005.

Here is a photo of Rose and Frances (plus their brother Angel). These are two of the four sisters who originally owned the Chevy back in the 40s. A third sister was Brian’s grandmother, Silvia. This photo was taken the day of her funeral.

This morning I searched for any Chevy photos I could find. I ordered prints on line for pick up at Target. This afternoon I headed to get the photos. As I hopped out of my truck I did a SingSong. Within moments I had a dime and a few minutes later I had my photos.

I stopped at the gas station for petrol. I opened the truck door to find a penny next to me.

Easy finds today.

I can hear Doc in the other room watching “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Guess he’s taking a time out from the grading.

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

Day #721 - Coming Home

New house stuff:

Calls and emails with the electric company, the grading contractor, a plumber, the electrician, a lumber supplier, etc. Then we dropped off the signed Instructions for Escrow to keep the loan moving forward.

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The highlight of today was to get the 1938 Chevy from the auto shop. We drove her around the block and there was no overheating!

Problem solved. We were excited. We went to the office to pay our bill. This is where we met Miss Bailey - 120+ lbs. of Irish Wolfhound. Laughter at the thought of her with our Sparky (11 lbs. of Chihuahua).

There were two coins on the desk of the owner. Doc pointed them out and the owner said, “Sure! Take those.” I said, “No. Not legitimate”. We stepped back after paying and in the doorway (where we had walked at least 5-6 times) was a penny! (Coin #1).

Thought: Reward for being honest.

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We headed down Route 66 excited about bringing the Chevy home. Doc pulled into a Starbucks in order to take a photo. I hopped out to find radiator fluid gushing from under the car. Appeared to be a sizeable freeze plug leak. We called for towing service.

While waiting for the tow truck to appear, I walked through the Starbucks drive-up to collect a dime and two pennies (Coins #2-4). Then I searched the grocery store; two pennies there. (Coins #5&6). At the Del Taco I found one penny by the pay phone. (Coin #7).

After 30 minutes Luis arrived with his tow truck. He was very young, but he had considerable experience with classic cars! He taught us a few things. As he was tightening the straps, I noticed a penny on the ground where we had been standing for at least 40 minutes. Gave me the chance to tell Luis about Penny Tales. (Coin #8) Asphalt coin. Doc meanwhile had walked over to Starbucks and collected a penny for HIS find. (Coins #9).

Took the Chevy back to the auto shop. Upon our return we were greeted by Miss Bailey. She was stepping on a penny, but graciously moved when I asked her for the coin. (Coin #10).

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It was now late afternoon so we stopped at the PepperTree restaurant for a consolatory lunch. Found a dime and a penny as we walked in. (Coins #11&12).

After that it was home for more exam grading and stuff.

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This evening I plugged in my new waterfall. A lost cricket chirped in my dining room. Then, I cut a Styrofoam block to test different end cuts for the rafter tails of the new house. So there was little white Styrofoam bits of “snow” all over our kitchen. It felt like we were camping out!

Total: 12 Coins P (10), N (0), D (2), Q (0) = $0.30

Day #719 - Flowing

One of the first incoming calls today was from the mechanic working on the 38 Chevy. Earlier this week he said he was going to pull out the engine to solve the oil leak. Today he called to say “problem solved” the car is ready to go home - and he did not need to pull the engine! Happy news.

The morning was filled with assorted phone calls and emails. Then Doc went to school while I headed for the Landscape Architect to pick up an elevation data sketch. After that I stopped at the post office. It was deserted and the clerk was playing on his phone! Nice surprise.

No coins up to that part of the day, so I wandered a few doors down to a little convenience store. No coins there either. I bought a wreath to hang from the grille of the 38 Chevy as we drive her home. My change due was $.64, but the cashier gave me $.65. I quipped, “Maybe that will be my Penny for Today”. And then I gave him a Penny Card as his penny. That started the discussion about PennyFinders and Penny Tales. The man was so nice. I could just “feel” goodness coming from him.

I walked out of the store saying, “Penny Angels I looked for coins as I walked in here and did not see any. Please provide one now. I would really like to share this moment with that nice man”. There was a penny! I ran back into the store to share the Joy. It was fun.

As I walked the few feet to my truck, there was another penny! I couldn’t believe it. I ran back into the store for more fun. I went back to the truck and then decided to be bold. I grabbed my camera and went into the store a fourth time. This time I asked the cashier’s name and if a photo would be OK. Ezekiel was so nice. He shared a bit about his life and how the store had somewhat fallen into his lap a few months ago. He felt “led” to be of service to the neighborhood by providing goods within walking distance for the locals. That is his current calling. Just a wonderful man

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New House

At 12:30 we met at the lot with the contactor (Daryl), grading guy, and electrician. It is becoming REAL now! Talking about the elevations, running the utility lines, placing the septic tank and so much more. Wow.

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At 4 PM we picked up the nieces and nephews for our bi-weekly play time. Time in the park, (you should see Doc on a swing), time studying spelling words and reading, time driving through an older neighborhood (the kids were looking at lights while Doc and I were looking at the interesting architectural features), dinner at IHOP and then 30 minutes at Chuck E. Cheese’s entertainment center.

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On our way home Doc was distraught because he had no coins for today. He stopped at the CVS Pharmacy to “check his blood pressure reading”. (Yeah, sure). We were walking in the main aisle of the store when he pointed and said, “there’s my coin”. I did not see it and almost stepped on it. He rescued the dime from being squashed.

There is so much more which happened today, but that’s enough. The papers from the Escrow company have arrived, so I need to go review those documents now.

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

Thought: Every person is called to “serve” in a different way. One person can provide milk at a convenience store, another can teach children, another can install septic tanks. J Each of us can make things “flow” better for the other people we encounter every day.

Day #697 - Still Wet

It is after 2 AM and I still need to pack all the gear for tomorrow’s demolition session and be out of here by 7 AM, so this will be quick.

This morning had the ’38 Chevy towed to an auto shop to have overheating problem resolved. Still have a goal to have that car drivable for Brian’s wedding next year. Had a photo for you, but that takes too long to download and upload and re-format and…

After escorting the tow truck and getting the Chevy “Checked In”, Doc and I stopped to check his mailbox. He found a quarter and I found a nickel next door at the CVS in the coin return of the copy machine. (Coins #1&2). Doc said, “Nice, but you must have a Penny for Penny Tales”.

Day spent on phone calls and researching our options for flood recovery actions.

Construction Loan documents arrived this afternoon just as I was leaving for the townhouse.

Traffic was surprisingly light and I made good time on the freeway. Had 10 minutes before my meeting at 7 PM with the Mitigation Services people. I remembered Doc’s comment earlier in the day. So I stopped at the nearest grocery store. A dime in the parking lot. (Coin #3) But that STILL was not a penny. I searched the check out lines inside the store. Nothing. I said “Penny Angels. Please. Play with me here. I am not going anywhere else tonight.” Then I spotted an old, dark penny which looked almost to be waxed into the floor. But I got it. Then I turned around and there was a beautiful shiny penny where I had just looked! Mushroom coin. (Coins #4&5)

Thought: Things are looking a bit drab right now, but turn around and they will be shiny.

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I did meet the Mitigation Services people at the townhouse. They took temperatures and moisture readings. Some of the walls are still wet. The walls are wet because the drywall and baseboards can’t be removed by that company. The asbestos testing came back with <1% style="mso-spacerun:yes"> Homeowners can do it themselves if they want. Thus, I asked the company to kindly remove their de-humidifiers (at $300/day) which were not getting the walls dried out. Doc and I will have a demolition day tomorrow and get the job done!

As I was typing this note, I just realized we Hit for the Cycle Today!

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

Day #689 - Gearing Up

This morning I took Pippy in for service. This third mechanic also performed a “free multi-point visual inspection”. Always good to get a few opinions (and price quotes). By early afternoon the mechanic called with his list of suggested maintenance items.

Pippy is getting new brakes and rotors, valve cover gasket replaced, new belts, new cooling hoses, air filter, etc. The mechanic asked if Pippy would be hauling any loads? Doc thinks he may want us to install the garden wall to save $1,000 or $2,000 versus having someone else install it. That would mean 12.5 pallets of blocks at 3300 lbs. each! That is 41,250 lbs.!

So I’m getting Pippy Geared Up to carry the loads. Wonder how I will get Doc Geared Up to haul his part?

After dropping Pippy at the service station, Doc visited the Starbucks at the grocery store across the street. I collected one Chuck E Cheese's token. Doc collected a nickel outside at the bottled water vending machine. (Coin #1)

Out next stop was an auto shop where we enquired about cooling system work for the 1938 Chevy. There was a 150-lb. Irish Wolfhound who greeted us at the door while the owner had gone next door. There was also a penny on a table. It was so tempting …. I did ask if I could take the penny and was told “Yes”. I traded it for a Penny Card.

Next we stopped at another grocery store so Doc could get some sausages for his lunch. I collected a penny and two dimes (Coins #2-4).

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New House Progress:

This afternoon we met with a contractor who gave us a bid for septic system, undergrounding of utilities, and rough grading. Turns out he is the son of someone we worked with at CPP for many years. It’s a Small World After All.

Total: 4 Coins P (1), N (1), D (2), Q (0) = $0.26 + one CEC token

Day #631 - Nudged

This morning I was “nudged” to call the guy back regarding the 38 Chevy parts. I had spoken to him last month regarding the purchase of some of our ‘no longer needed’ car parts. He lives in the Reno area, so he was going to have his brother-in-law (who lives in San Bernardino) get the parts from us. He said he would call me when he was ready.

I was “nudged” to call John this morning, yet argued back with the angels. “No, he said he would call me. I don’t want to be pushy”. But the nudging persisted, so I called. John answered and said, “Oh good! I lost your phone number and didn’t know how to reach you!” I told him I would be driving out to San Bernardino later this week and might drop off the parts. John called his brother-in-law who just happened to be working within 2 miles of our house this morning! By 11 AM the parts were sold off. (Which amounted to more than 1¢).

Lesson: Listen to the Nudgings

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Doc and Sparky got a nickel when they went for breakfast at McDonalds. (Coin #1)

At 11:30 AM Doc and I headed out to do errands. At the very first stop light Doc looked left and then hopped out of the van to collect his median find. (Coin #2).

At one of our stops, Doc was getting a replacement battery while I hunted. Found a dime under a Red Box video kiosk. (Coin #3)

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At the gas station the gal at the convenience store recognized “Penny Lady” and asked about finds today. I said I would go out to the gas pumps and look around since there were none found in the store. I found one within a minute or two. Then I was walking back to the van and found a second penny right where the first had been found. And when I picked that one up, there was a third one! (Coins #4-6). Another customer witnessed my two finds, so I told him the penny story and gave him a Penny Card. Shared JOY.

Of course I went back into the store and showed the cashier the three pennies. She smiled.

Total: 6 Coins P (4), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.19