Day #1,389 - Active Angels

When I am busy working on projects or talking to people, I forget to take photos.  Sorry about that.

This morning I tried to catch up on some bill paying, emails, and other projects.  Doc had to go to school this afternoon for a Department Meeting and I needed to check on the Pomona house, so at 2 p.m. we headed out together.  Just before getting to the freeway Doc quipped, “Any coins out your window?”  Sure enough!  There was a run-over nickel.  (Coin #1)

When we arrived at school I was just going to drop off some of the “left behind” items from the party. But then I met one person I knew, and then another, then another… It was surprising how many of them said they might come to the Penny Palace Open House this weekend!  I left a copy of the event printed Program in each of the Engineering Departments for persons who might not be able to attend.

I was busy chatting with one faculty member and as we walked past the vending machines, of course I looked around for pennies.  He smiled and teased me, “Are you STILL doing that?  Do you have your penny yet today?”  “Yes, I am doing that.  No penny yet today.”  A moment later I kicked something and it rolled.  I though it was trash.  I glanced down to see a shiny penny rolling right up to the closed door of the room I was headed for!  (Coin #2) My colleague was astonished.  Me too!

I had dropped Doc off at 2:45 and was planning to retrieve him at 5:10.  I didn’t leave campus unitl 4:30 to run my errands!  There were so many people to “quickly visit”.  I finally made it to the bank and the Pomona house to fill the ponds.  Made a very short stop at the jeweler where Koko polished my Penny Pendant.  Each time he does, it tarnishes again within a few days.

Fortunately Doc had plenty of work to do on campus, so he was not too upset with me for being an hour late.

Since we were too tired to do our weekly grocer shopping Sunday night, we did it tonight.  At the first grocery store I spotted a penny in a check-out lane as I walked in, but there were too many people in between me and it.  I checked on it a little while later.  It was still there, but I still could not get to it.   I did find another penny - a mushroom one.  (Coin #3).  Of course Doc and I checked-out using that lane and finally did claim that penny.  (Coin #4).  I paid using a credit card, so it was not MY change sitting there in the chute.  Someone else did not bother to take their change - so I helped them.  I grabbed it and did not open my hand until we were out of the store.  There was a quarter, a dime, a nickel, and two pennies!  A Hit for the Cycle in my hand!  (Coins #5-9).  While I was checking out, Doc found a penny at the coin counting machine.  (Coin #10)

There was one penny at the next grocery store. (Coin #11)

By the time we arrived home it was 9 p.m.  We fed the dogs and had a quick dinner of potluck leftovers.  Doc was very tired but he still helped by sorting through the rolls of pennies I had obtained at the bank earlier today.  I need to assemble more penny cards for the next Potluck and needed more shiny pennies.

Total:  11 Coins        P (7), N (2), D (1), Q (1) = $0.52

Day #1,387 - Gathering #1

When that alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. I did not appreciate it.  My body was wanting more than four hours of rest.  By 7:10 a.m. the dogs were fed and Doc and I were out the door.  Doc visited Subway for coffee and sandwiches while I went next door to the grocery store for toilet paper.  We could not go home without today’s coin, so we took an indirect route back to the van.  We collected a nickel, then a dime in the parking lot.  (Coins #1&2) As we were driving away, I noted that we still needed a Penny for PENNY Tales.  Doc said, “Keep your eyes open as we are leaving the parking lot.”  I immediately looked out my window and spotted a very run-over penny!  Sit-N-Find  (Coin #3)

Chairs Finally Arrive

Maribel arrived at 8 a.m. to do last-minute cleaning.  She worked for 3.5 hours until she had to leave for a wedding.

The 17 re-upholstered chairs which were expected earlier this week finally arrived at 9 a.m.  They look great.

My mom arrived at 2 p.m. to help for the evening.  She insisted upon creating centerpieces, so she went though the house looking for things to use.  Major detour from my scheduled set-up times.

House Tour

Dinner Time

At 4 p.m. the first persons (of the expected 40) arrived for the Potluck dinner.  From then until 10 p.m. it was food, chatter, house tours, the construction video, and more food. 

Oven Instructions

I had posted a sign on the Oven saying “Still trying to figure out what this device is used for”.  So Greg and Terry showed me with their delicious tray of Baked Ziti.

ME Department Persons

The buffet table was set up in the Dining Room, coffee and tea at Doc’s Coffee Bar, beverages and appetizers out on the Patio, the punch bowl in the Family Room, and the dining tables outside on the patio and driveway.  

The weather was perfect and the City lights were visible in the valley.

In a nutshell: People liked the Penny Palace”. 

I’m glad we found today’s coins early this morning, because I never thought about Penny Finding the rest of the day.

Total:  3 Coins        P (1), N (1), D (1), Q (0) = $0.16

Day #1,371 - In Escrow

When I checked emails this morning there was a message from Realtor Adrie -- the Escrow Instructions would be ready by 10 a.m. When could we meet with her in the next three days?  Since we have an out-of-state guest arriving tomorrow and one the following morning, it needed to happen today. Doc needed to be at school by 12:30, so we agreed to meet Adrie at 11 a.m.

Doc had a (coffee) stop to make on the way to the meeting.  I also had several stops to make.  The Angels were really helping out.  They kept signals green when asked, and found very close,  shady parking spots several times for me. At the first bank when I hopped out of the truck , there was a penny. I was satisfied.  That took care of that issue for the day.  Moments later I found a dime in the lobby of the bank!  (Coins #1&2)

At the second bank, I emerged to find a penny near the truck. (Coin #3)

Sale Now Pending

We met Adrie at the Pomona house. It took about an hour to review and sign the escrow documents.  She said the only remaining action item (other than removing all the furniture, wall hangings, cleaning items, and other personal effects from the house) would be to get the Grant Deed notarized.  But that could be done any time in the next few weeks before escrow closed. 

Doc with Notary Tony

Doc said, “Let’s get that done today!”  I called ahead to be sure Banker Tony would be available and not out to lunch.  We rushed to meet him shortly after noon.  Adrie followed us.  We notarized the Document and she took the completed package to the escrow company.  A three hour turnaround time!  This sale is moving VERY rapidly.

As Doc headed to school he noted, “My goal was to have the house sold before school started. My first lecture is in three hours!”  Example of Goal-setting.

I stopped at a whole series of places and it seemed like the Angels were having a good time tagging along.  I fuelled Pippy, hand-delivered invitations, mailed bills, and more.  At the office supply place I let two gentlemen go ahead of me because it looked as though they were in a hurry.  One man was returning an item (lengthy process) while the other man was ‘hanging around’.  Since I had nothing better to do, I started up a Penny Finders conversation and gave him a Penny Card.  Shared stories and JOY.

While traveling to the next destination I was ‘nudged’ to shift one lane to the left.  As soon as I did that, a lady blew through the ‘right-turn-only’ lane and would likely have hit me had I still been in that lane.

Upon entering the thrift store I asked the Angels to help find appropriate items for my Elves.  I primarily wanted some black shoes.  I made several passes through the aisles and did not really find much.  So I asked the angels for creativity and imagination; to open my eyes and mind for ideas.  Emerged with black shoes, bedding (sheet, comforter, pillow), bowls, and a table, for the elves. Plus two pennies!  (Coins #4&5)

3 Weeks of Pennies to Log

Temperatures were near 100 degrees.  I was very hot and uncomfortable driving around.  I noticed a guy on a bicycle and wondered how he could even breathe in such heat.  Then I noticed he was also smoking a cigarette!  Crazy.  Guess he was not biking for health reasons.

I arrived home after a full work day.  Spent an hour on rentals of the tables, chairs and linens for the upcoming Open House events.  Spent two hours logging penny finds and catching up.  There was laundry to do, emails from Realtor Adrie with data needed, and more.

Doc did not arrive home from work until 11 p.m.  I dared not ask him to download photos or create a video tonight.

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

Day #1,363 - Home Cookin'

Lumber Hauler

Last night I was sooo very tired that I fell asleep on MY sofa at 11 p.m.!  Doc woke me at midnight to say he was heading for bed.  After that one-hour nap, I was recharged and cranked on various projects until 4:30 a.m.

This morning my goal was to make significant progress on the Penny Palace Walking Tourbook.  Doc had other plans … he wanted me to work with him in the detached garage.  He was determined to get the pile of long lumber pieces transported and stacked in the dungeon.

Sofas Delivered

By Noon I had to get working on the Walking Tourbook.  My goal was to get a rough outline in place by 2 p.m. to email to a friend for a basic review.  At 1:15 the La Z Boy truck arrived.  Doc’s recliner, sofa and loveseat were carried into place.  Hope he likes them.

George was one of the delivery guys. I thanked him for his delivery to the Penny Palace, gave him a Penny Card and gave him the very short version of ‘the story’.  He left and I went back to work.  A few minutes later he rang the doorbell and asked for a signature he had forgotten to get.  His comment, “And while I am here, you said you were an engineer and I have this idea ….”  I cringed at what he might say, so I asked the Angels for an open mind and answers if needed.  George told me his idea and we had a good brainstorming session for 2-3 minutes.  I think he was inspired as he left saying, “I have a feeling it was no COINcidence that we met today”.

Sofas in Place

Ideas for PP Walking Guidebook

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For the next two hours I worked on the Walking Tour Guidebook.  By 5 p.m. I needed a break!  I was expecting someone at 6 p.m. so I made a very quick trip to hand-deliver 3 invitations, take another batch for mailing, and collect three pennies.  (Coins #1-3)  I was back home within 30 minutes to take a quick shower and prepare my documents.

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My mom had some pork loins which were about to spoil, so she offered to prepare and deliver them to us.  Also to serve as a “Thanks” for making her stay here during those few days after her knee injury.  She prepared a real, home-cooked meal!  (A rarity in this house).  Of course it meant that the stovetop was dirtied.

Recliner Testing

Mom Makin' Dinner

Around 9:45 p.m. Mom and I ‘hit the streets’ to deliver the first of the Neighborhood Potluck Flyers.  That was a very foolish thing to do in the dark.  I forgot to take a flashlight and tripped on an entryway step.  Went down on both hands and knees. Ouch!

We did meet one new couple who said for sure they would be at the potluck.  They had not even opened their envelope yet!  I will consider that the first official RSVP.  Yipee!

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Doc collected one penny with his early morning coffee run, then three pennies during his lunch run.  (Coins #4-7)

Total:  7 Pennies

Day #1,347 - Working at Home

Penny Palace Guest

Today I resolved to get work done at home.  My office has become almost impenetrable as I have shifted things from other areas of the house to my area where no one else dares to go.

There were calls and emails regarding the solar panel energy credit, ME potluck invitations, Open House activities, mom’s knee, and more.

Rockin and Rollin

Chaz requested a photo of Doc and I to put into the Open House invitation, so I asked neighbor Gladys if she would come over around noon to take a few pictures.

The afternoon seemed to fly by.  Neighbor Craig had recommended the floor cleaning system which he uses at his house.  When I asked him more about his equipment, he offered to bring it over to show me.  The lighting on the house was different by that time of day, so we had Craig also take a few photos.

I have eyes for you

Neighbor Gladys called after 5 to say her daughter Natalie was good with a camera; could she come over and take a few photos for fun?  OK.  Natalie was great!  She did not just point and shoot.  She had Doc and I taking photos as if those were our engagement photos or something!

I took a few photos of the front of the house which Chaz had requested for the Open House invitations.

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At 7:30 p.m. I realized I did not have any coin finds for today. (How could I if I had not left the house)?  Doc wanted to get a chicken for his dinner, so I offered to keep him company on the trip.  I grabbed my purse and felt a slight nudging, “Take the camera”.  I argued back, “Nahh.  I will find a penny or two.  Nothing worth photographing”.

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We were a mile from home when Doc said, “Let’s stop at the carwash and get you a coin mine.”  (A coin mine is more than 12 coins at one location).  I did not want to be negative out loud, but I thought to myself, “Yeah, sure.  Your just gonna pull into the parking lot of the closed car wash when it is nearly dark outside and scoop up 12 coins.  Dream on!”

To save time, Doc let me hop out of the van by the wash area while he drove a little further to park the car.  The car door had barely shut when I found a penny.  I tried to signal Doc, but he was parking.  By the time he parked, I had found a second penny.  I signaled to him that we could leave.  His body language told me to keep looking.  At which point the sun shone on a dime!  Then the sun glistened on a penny.  That penny led me close to a planter area near the street.  Quite a way from where any customers would be or where washing activities would take place.  I spotted a penny in the planter; then another and another.  Doc came over to see what I was doing in the dirt.  Then he started finding coins too!  The sun was going down and it was getting too dark to see any more, so we headed back to the van.  I was counting the coins in my hand - 24 coins!  That means a Coin Mine for Each of Us!  That was simply mind boggling!

I said out loud to the Angels,  “OK.  You sure proved me wrong - and you DOUBLED it!”  Awesome.  Then I got sassy.  “But you KNOW my favorite number is 25, not 24.  If you are listening, then how about one more?”  Before I reached the van, there was an additional penny.

(Coins #1-25)

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This morning Doc found a penny when he went for coffee (Coin #26) and this evening we collected a penny at our second stop.  (Coin #27)

Total:   27 Coins        P (23), N (2), D (2), Q (0) = $0.53

Day #1,331 - Motivated

Doc headed out to son Brian’s house early today.  They drafted designs for a work area underneath Brian’s house.

As soon as Doc was out the door, I switched into high gear.  I had allotted one hour to work on the garage before it got too hot out there.  I was making great progress and actually spent nearly two hours out there.

Next I worked on some concepts for the Open House Invitations.  Trying to figure out how to cater to the 5-6 very different audiences.  I created an outline for the Open House Walking Tour program.  It is likely to be 20 pages or more!  There is so much to tell about the house and various components.

Around noon I began work on the FAMILY Room (Doc’s TV Room).  I moved bookcases, washed, polished, unpacked, arranged and more.  After two hours I was making tremendous progress and called son Brian to see if he could continue Babysitting Doc for a few more hours.  I wanted to finish the job and surprise Doc when he arrived home.

Doc arrived home totally exhausted around 5 p.m.  He had stopped at McDonalds for a quick snack and a quarter.  (Doc #1)  He walked in the house, turned on the TV, and pretty much checked out for the rest of the day.  He didn’t really notice anything of what I had done in his room and garage.  I was disappointed.

With the TV on, I could no longer work effectively in that room or on creative projects like the Open House printed materials.  Plus, I needed a coin for the day.  So I showered, changed, and left the house around 6 p.m.  I asked for any Designer Angels to come along.

I went to a craft / design center which had been recently recommended to me.  Huge store.  Got some ideas for the Grand Room lighting and for the Open House decorations.  When that store closed at 7 p.m. I went across the street to just browse through an interesting looking furniture store.  I wandered through the entire store and was just about to leave when I spotted it - a sofa for the Grand Room!  I sat on it, laid on it, pulled it away from the wall, and played with the cushions.   Thanks Angels.  I think I found the perfect sofa!

It was now 8:30 p.m. and I didn’t have a coin for the day.  I stopped at a 24 Hr WalMart for a few items (and to look for coins).  Surely there would be coins in such a busy store.  No coins as I went in and looked down each of the check out lanes.  None in the coffee station, McDonalds area, or pharmacy either.  Yikes.  I went about my shopping.  Tried on a shirt in the dressing area and found a penny there.  Actually it was near the foot of the attendant, so I traded her a Penny Card for the found penny.  (Coin #1)

The penny turned out to be a Canadian one.  I said, “Penny Angels, I’m not sure if I should count that one or not?”  Within moments there was a brilliant new penny in my path.  Then a second very worn looking penny a few feet further.  (Coin #2&3)

I could have the sofa delivered in two days!!  Wahoo!  One small (actually large) problem.  There are dozens of boxes and items in that huge pile on the Grand Room floor which has now been there for two months.  It is essentially all STUFF I haven’t wanted to deal with.  Don’t want to get rid of it, but also don’t know what to do with it.  It could continue staying there until it rots, however, I can't order that sofa until I can "mock up" the furniture placement of the room.  Thus, tomorrow that pile will be Conquered!!!

Thought:  It just takes proper motivation to go from "impossible" to "done"! 

At 9:30 I stopped for a quick meal.  Doc and I had noticed Wahoo Fish Tacos when we visited Home Depot recently.  Doc does not like fish, so I used this alone time to try a new place.  The food was quite good and I found one penny, two dimes, and a quarter there!  (Coins 4-7)

Total:   8 Coins        P (4), N (0), D (2), Q (2) = $073 U.S. + one Canadian penny

Day #1,324 - Shared Tips and Joy

Lawn Shed Beef Up

This morning was reserved for Handyman George.  When he comes over, things get done!  Within the first two hours George, his wife Ana, and Doc got those reinforcing brackets on the lawn shed.  They beefed up the walls and painted the new wood.

Hanging Doc's 2nd TV

Since Ana was helping the guys with the jobs I usually do (getting tools, lifting, fetching, cleaning, painting), I used the time to do some organizing in the garage.  That is not something I can hire out.  I also dealt with some uninvited guests in the kitchen (ants).

Hanging Copper Ceiling Fans

When the crew finished the lawn shed, they moved inside.  My “To Do” list said the ceiling fans were second priority.  Doc, George, and the three male dogs did not agree.  They demanded that the TV be wall mounted in Doc’s office before any other work.  Fortunately that job only took 15 minutes.

Ceiling fans were then hung.  The wiring was not quite as expected, so that took some figuring out.  Doc also realized that one of the problems was a low battery on his multi meter which was giving us invalid readings.

First Open House

At 2:30 p.m. I headed to the Pomona house.  Realtor Adrie was having an Open House from 1-4 today.  Let’s hope some of the guests turn out to be potential buyers vs. Look-E-Loos.

On the way home I stopped at the bank.  No coins.  So I walked next door to the grocery store, no coins.  Stopped at the 99¢ store and still no coins.  So I got serious with the Penny Angels.  “You are making this too difficult today.  I want to get home and create that new mailbox display, so please cough up a coin!”

Mailbox Display

I stopped at a closed car wash.  Immediately found one penny.  “Thank Angels”.  But I could not resist looking just a little further …  I spotted a shiny penny.  There were four car wash workers sitting at the back of the lot watching the crazy lady.  They could have been waiting for a ride home or just shooting the breeze.  I flashed them the found penny and a big smile, then went on my way. 

3 Amigos

I heard a whistle, but thought nothing of it.  Again I heard a whistle and turned to look back.  The older guy was beckoning to me, so I walked back to see what he wanted.  He was holding out a dollar for me!  I’m sure it was one of his dollars from his tips today.  I don’t speak Spanish so I gave hand signals to say, “Thanks, but no.  I am Penny Finding, not desperately seeking money.”  He offered me the bill again, which I refused while giving him a Penny Card.  I introduced myself, shook his hand, and asked his name.  I thought it sweet that Guillermo would offer a stranger part of his tips.

As I started to drive away, there was the “nudging”.  This week while cleaning out my purse, I found one of the $10 bills I had stashed in a side pocket for the Day #1000 Celebration where we were giving away $10 bills.  I was going to put it back in my wallet, but instead tucked it back into that separate pocket to be gifted.  So I pulled up close to the guys, left the engine running, walked up to Guillermo with my hands closed together obviously holding something.  I held out my hands to him and he opened his to receive whatever it was.  He had no clue, but was going on faith and trust.  I dropped the bill and turned quickly to leave.  (Hit and Run).  He gave a big smile and thanks.  Hopefully that will make for a GREAT story at dinnertime with his family tonight.

Doc found two pennies today as well.  One when he went out for breakfast, one when he went for lunch, but none when he went to get dinner.

I arrived home at 6:30 p.m. determined to get several projects completed tonight.  My “fun” project was the August Mailbox display.  I figured many people would be driving the neighborhood on a Sunday, so I wanted to get that completed for their enjoyment.  Other people decorate for Christmas.  I decorate in smaller chunks throughout the year.

Total:  4 Pennies

Day #1,315 - Meet the Neighbors

This morning Doc made his requisite stop for coffee.  I looked carefully around the check out area three times for any wayward pennies.  Saw none.  I shared briefly with the cashier about something Penny Finding related. She mentioned that she had visited my cute website.  Instantly I spotted a penny!  As I bent to retrieve it, there was a second penny and then a nickel!  (Coins #1-3).  As Doc and I walked out of the store, we each found a dirt penny as well.  (Coins #4&5)

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Doc insisted upon stopping at a 99¢ store for some bleach to pour in the back yard streams (at both houses).  I was not excited about the detour.  As we walked in, I spotted a penny in check-out lane #1.  The line was long, but I took note to check out using that lane.  I grabbed four quick items, put them in my basket, and headed to Lane #1.  There was no one there and the penny was waiting for me.  Doc was nowhere to be found.  I searched for him and then found him in check out Lane #4.  I told him he could stay there, but I was going back to Lane #1 to claim that penny!

Wallpaper Work

By now, quite a number of people were in the check-out line.  I watched anxiously as the customers ahead of me walked over the poor forlorn penny.  I had my $5 cash noticeably in hand to make my purchse quickly.  The man ahead of me was buying ONE item at a 99¢ store and he was using a card to make his payment.  I thought to myself “Isn’t there a minimum amount in order to use a card?”  So I jokingly said to him and the cashier, “Just add my items to his card as well.”  He replied, “Yes, do that!”  HUH??  I said, “No, I was just joking.”  He told the cashier to ring it up!  I handed him the $5 but he wouldn’t take my money.  By this time the rest of the customers were engaged in the fun.  The lady behind me was cheering “let him pay!”  So I gave Kevin a Penny Card and told him that  Penny Finders promotes Acts of Random Kindness (ARKs) and he just performed one!  I distributed a few other Penny Cards to the people sharing the joyous experience.  Such fun!  When I looked to retrieve that penny, it had disappeared!  I guess it had served its purpose in creating a moment of JOY.

Painting Under the Stairs

I did find another penny before leaving the 99¢ store.  (Coin #6)

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Today we spent a few hours working at the Pomona house.  I glued loose edges on wallpaper, took more items off the walls, and cleaned.  Doc washed and painted the walls under the staircase in the garage.

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Tonight Doc and I attended the Annual Homeowner’s Association Meeting and Dinner.  On the way, I dropped off some phone books for recycling.  As I hopped out ot the van, there was a very run over penny by my foot.  (Coin #7)

Raffle Winner

The meeting was such fun.  There was a raffle with prizes of wine, plants, restaurant vouchers and more.  When they got to the $50 Starbucks Gift Card, Doc said, “That one is MINE”.  Sure enough, we won the card!

Neighbors at the meeting had such really great comments about the Penny Palace.  “Oh YOU are the ones with the wagon wheels and creative mailbox!”  The positive feedback left me motivated to create the next mailbox display … and to get the house readied for the Open House in October.

Total:   7  Coins        P (6), N (1), D (0), Q (0) = $0.11

Day #1,305 - Circus

Cleaning at the Cabin

I had been teasing the kidz for days about tonight’s activity.  It would be at the Huge Staples Center in downtown L.A. where the Lakers and Clippers play.  Thus, the kidz were expecting perhaps a basketball or hockey game.  They were sure surprised when they realized it was the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Dragon Show.

After having breakfast at the cabin we headed back to the Penny Palace.  We ate lunch and did some other things (Doc tried out his new leaf blower) before we headed to LA at 3:30 p.m.  Of course Uncle Doc had to stop for a coffee before getting on the freeway.  He spotted a dime before getting out of the van.  Then a quarter and penny inside the store, then we found another penny outside.  (Coins #1-4)  We just needed a nickel and we would have a Hit for the Cycle.

There was a man standing outside the store wondering what we were doing.  So I handed him a Penny Card and told him we were Penny Finding telling him it was day #1,305.  He smiled and began walking toward his car when HE found a dime.  Penny Fever is contagious!

Doc Sucking Leaves

I had allowed 2 hours of driving time to get into LA in case we hit traffic, but it only took us one hour.  So we cruised the garment district, jewelry district, financial district and more.  We finally stopped for dinner at the Green Bamboo - a quaint little restaurant decorated with American sports memorabilia, serving Chinese Food, located in Little Tokyo in the heart of Los Angeles.  What fun.

Ashley found one penny before we entered the restaurant, so that was a good sign.  (Coin #5).  Our waitress was a delight and enriched our experience there.  As I paid our bill I gave her a Penny Card and told here we KNEW this would be a good place to visit when we found that penny on the way in.  She had a huge smile and said she collects pennies and always makes a wish when she finds them.  We wished each other Happy Penny Finding and then the gang departed. 

Just a few feet outside the restaurant door where Ashley had found that first penny we discovered another one, then another, then another, then I found that Nickel we needed!  Hit for the Cycle!  (Coins #6-12).  We all ran back into the restaurant; each of us holding the coins we had just found and we showed the waitress.  Such pure silliness and JOY.  Smiles all around (except for Uncle Doc who did not understand why we should waste time going back to tell the waitress).   Ashley even found two more pennies as we returned to the van.  (Coins #13&14).  One of the pennies is a 1954 “wheat” penny.

It took some searching around the sports center, but we finally found the proper parking lot.  It was a long walk for Uncle Doc to get to the entrance.  He was walking much slower than the excited kids.  That allowed him time to find a penny. (Coin #15)

The Circus performance of Dragons was incredible.  Five-year-old Jamie kept asking, “How do they DO THAT?”  I had that same questions.  There were incredible horse stunts, a lion and tiger performance, elephants, dogs, felines, zebras, mules and more.  Then there were the acrobatics, the motorcyclists on high wires, the trapeze artists … at the finale there were eight motorcyclists racing inside a very small ball.  Amazing.

Lesson:  What we are conditioned to believe as IMpossible probably IS possible.  That is true on various levels.

Total:   15  Coins        P (12), N (1), D (1), Q (1) = $0.52

Day #1,295 - Relative Terms

One of the first things I saw this morning was a coyote in the front yard.

Around 10:30 a.m. Doc and I headed for the Pomona house.  He stopped for a coffee where I collected a penny.  (Coin #1). 

Ready for Donating

We had left Pippy overnight at the Pomona house.  In all of her 19+ years that was the first time she had ever slept in our garage.

Doc and I spent an hour together in packing up some of the remaining items in the living room.  We gathered a load for the thrift store which Doc then transported.

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At 12:45 I left and picked up my mom for her oral surgery.  All went well and I even got a chance to share Penny Finding and a Penny Card with the receptionist when she inquired about my Penny Pendant.  By 3:30 Mom and I were out of there.  We stopped at a pharmacy to get her prescription filled.  I was being extra careful NOT to look for coins.  I did not want her to think that Penny Finding was more important than paying attention to her.  It was difficult not to glance around the store, but I was being really good about it … until the last minute.  As we were exiting the store there were 4 shiny pennies about 8 ft. to my left and I just had to pick them up.  (Coins #2-5).

Oak Stair Treads

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I took mom to her home.  She plopped into a chair in her carport and told me to leave.  I told her I could not because I signed the Doctor’s paper saying I would stay with her for at least the first 6 hours and that she was supposed to be watched for the first 24 hours.  She would not go in the house until I left.  So we sat there for a few hours.  Neither one of us was going to back down.  Finally an Angel Neighbor came over and agreed to take mom to her house until bedtime.  Then she would make sure mom got home safely.  We would call and check things in the morning.

Inspector Norman

By the time I got home this evening I was wiped out.  I did a few chores and was ready to write Penny Tales and then sleep.  Doc had other ideas …

At 8 p.m. Doc stated that we were going to undertake those staircase treads!  Uggh.  He said it wouldn’t be difficult.  “Difficult” is a relative term and I had just had enough “relative terms” all day!  Putting on oak stair treads seemed difficult to me at that point.  However, Doc does not often get highly motivated on his own, so when he does, it is prudent for me to “ride the wave”.

By 9:30 we only had two of the twelve oak steps in place.  At that rate it would be another 7.5 hours until we finished!  But we got faster and faster.  Steps #9 & 10 were “Quickies”.  When we got to steps #11 & 12 we had a good laugh when realized those would take considerably longer due to the needed “Floor Play”.  After much screwing around (7 screws on each tread) we finally had all 12 stair treads in place.  I was satisfied and exhausted.  I fell asleep for a few minutes on the floor in the middle of all the sawdust and mess.

Total:   5 Pennies