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 #1,388 - Wired Differently

No alarm clock this morning!  My body was quite sore and complaining, so it was good to spend a little extra time in bed.  Doc wanted to go out to breakfast.  I told him to open the fridge and look at all that leftover food!  How could he want to go out?  So we nibbled and then went out for coffee.  Doc is still congested, so we made a stop at the pharmacy store for cold medicine.  Doc found one penny there.

Two of the places we stopped this morning had blood pressure testing machines.  My reading on the first machine was so low I did not believe it!  I figured the device was faulty and took a reading at the second store.  It was similar!  Doc said “You are just wired differently”.  “For the past few weeks you have been running in the fast lane each day on only 4-5 hours sleep each night and your BP is the best it has been in the past year or two!”

Doc and I had our coffee and calendar review session.  We agreed to forego our typical Sunday night grocery shopping in consideration of the bags of leftovers in the fridge.  We did spend a few minutes walking around the nearby gas station.  I said, “Look Angels, I need to get home and work on the next event.  Would you please cooperate here?”  Instantly there was a penny nearby.  I picked it up and Doc pointed to another one near me.  I had not noticed that one.  I walked over to the air pump corner.  Carefully looked in that area. No coins.  I turned around to walk back to the van and there was a gleaming penny where I had just walked!

Shortly after we returned home, Plumber Brian arrived!  That was a surprise.  He was there to connect the filter to the ice maker.  That should be the last of his services.

This afternoon I designed and printed some Reminder Flyers for the Neighborhood Potluck.  Met Neighbor Donna at 4:30 to deliver the +/- 70 flyers. Good exercise walking the streets.

This evening was more clean-up and preparations for the next function.

Total:  4 Pennies

Day #1,384 - Value of Time

Laundry Countertop

This morning one goal was to find the Laundry Room counter.  The surface had not been seen since it was installed.  That was actually accomplished by 10 a.m.   Next I was going to work on the Aussie room, but I never made it that far.  There were emails and other things with which to deal.

The window coverings are to arrive Friday - nothing like the last minute. Our newly re-upholstered chairs are to arrive Friday as well.

At 1:30 p.m. I left the house.  First stop was the sign shop for the vinyl lettering (Scullery, Dungeon, etc.)  Then a quick stop at a home improvement store for more spray paint.  After paying for my merchandise I spotted a small portion of a penny peeking out from under a cabinet.  It had actually been painted when the cabinet was painted.  It took me about 5 minutes and various tools to pry it out of there.  (Coin #1) Doc noted that would translate to an income of 12 cents per hour! Two cashiers were witness to the comedy.  After that, a penny appeared on the floor as I was leaving the store.  (Coin #2)

I stopped at the Print Shop and then a few minutes at the Pomona house to fill the ponds.

Doc and Plumber Bryon

The next stop was a bulk supply store for all the disposable items (plates, cups, utensils, table cloths, napkins, etc.)  I did not see any coins while waiting in the check-out line.  I made my purchase and turned to look behind me.  There was a shiny penny!  Mushroom coin.  (Coin #3)

Phantom Plumber arrived at 5:30.  I had a list of 3 tasks for him.  Those took him maybe a total of 7-8 minutes.  He was here for 45 minutes.  That’s what is so great about this project. The subs are all fantastic people and we enjoy time with them.

On the way home from school, Doc stopped for gas.  After filling his tank, Doc was “nearly blinded” by a new penny shining in the sun in front of his van.

Got an email from Realtor Adrie.  Things are proceeding well with sale of Pomona house.  Buyer is requesting a two week extension on escrow to complete inspections and loan appraisal.

For the past two nights from midnight to 3 a.m., former student Kevin and I have been working on the Open House video.  Hopefully it is done now and tonight we can get more sleep!

Total:  4 Pennies

Day #1,383 - Pleasant Day

Doc was looking really miserable today.  He got up, showered, ate, and took a nap.  He went to school and said he was only able to lecture for about half his class periods.  He arrived home at 9 p.m. just totally wiped out.

Scholarship Recipient Jacqueline

Today I worked with Cleaning Maribel from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  I finally uncovered the flooring in the Dining Room.  Had not seen it since it was installed many, many months ago.

After Maribel left, I took care of a few emails and things, then showered, changed into business attire and got on the road in rush hour traffic. It was over 100 degrees today, so being out in the car was not fun.  Hot days like this make me seriously consider getting a newer car. (Please don’t let Pippy know that I said that.  She has been a faithful companion through 20 years of my escapades).

The highlight of today was the President’s Council Scholarship Dinner.  Each year 25 students are awarded scholarships established by various benefactors.  One of those scholarships was established in honor of Doc’s parents, Otto and Lois.  Doc and I have the honor of having dinner with the recipient and their family.  This year Doc was in class lecturing, so our student, Jacqueline and her family did not get to meet him.  I had a great time getting to know a little bit about the family.  Good people. Nice to see the scholarship go to them.

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Mushroom Penny

On the way home from the award ceremony, I realized the gas tank was running low -- and besides, I needed a coin for today.  So I stopped for petrol.  While Pippy was being fuelled, I searched around the gas pumps for coins.  None to be found.  I completed the transaction and said, “Look Penny Angels, I really don’t want to play around tonight.  I need to get home and continue working on the Open House events.  I KNOW there must be a coin nearby.  Show it to me please.”  I put my hand on the car door handle and looked down. There was my penny!  Manifesting.

Doc had found one penny when he stopped for a burger on the way to school.  Then he found a dime between his classes by the vending machines.

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

Day #1,380 - Saturday 7

Aussie Artifacts

Spent much of the day working on the Penny Palace Video.  We reduced Doc’s initial selected batch of photos down to 425 photos.  Tomorrow we will attempt to make them into a video with music.

This afternoon Gardener Raul mentioned that plants in some areas of our yard are dying and in other areas they are being overwatered.  So we spent an hour with him trying to figure out which sprinkler valves controlled which zones and then how to adjust the run times.  That was an unexpected detour.

Sprinkler Checks

Doc had a craving for steak, so around 6:30 we went for a buffet dinner.  I found one penny on the floor by the cash register.  (Coin #1)

We needed some supplies, so our next stop was at a home improvement store.  One penny in the electrical aisle.  (Coin #2)

Doc had a sore throat and was not feeling very well.  We stopped at the pharmacy store for some throat lozenges.  As we entered, I collected one US penny, then a Canadian penny.  There was third penny near the soda display.  (Coins #3-5)  I was standing in  the check-out line looking around.  No coins within sight.  I moved up to make my purchase and suddenly there was a gleaming penny a few feet away!  Mushroom coin (Coin # 6).

Doc likes the number 7, so I said, “we just need one more coin”.  When we arrived home, I noticed the penny which Doc had found earlier in the day.   That made 7 coins.

The highlight of the day was when we hung our prized boomerang award.

Total:  7 Coins        P (6), N (0), D (0), Q (0) + one Canadian Penny = $0.06 + ?

Day #1,320 - Adios Job

My official date for retirement from Cal Poly Pomona was June 30.  One goal for July was to get over to campus and “check out”.  Just like my students, I waited until the very last day to complete my assignment.

Turning in Keys

My “JOB related” portion of the day began at 11:45 a.m. when Doc and I met with a co-worker for lunch.  The waitress asked which table I wanted.  “That one across the room with the penny under it”.  (Coin #1).

Doc and I were on campus by 1 p.m. and for the next few hours I scrambled to turn in my keys, turn in my computer, sign out, change my contact info, etc.

At one point I was headed to meet JR who is also a Penny Finder and reader of Penny Tales.  I said, “Angels, I really must find at least one coin on my way to see him.  Please make it on his turf just to irritate him a little!”  As I dashed past the first bank of vending machines (my old stomping grounds), I didn’t find any coins.  I was going to head into the building, but was nudged to quickly check the second bank of vending machines.  I spotted a coin.  Yipee!  It was a dime.  When I retrieved it, there was a second dime within reach.  As I turned to leave, there was a nickel.  Total: 25¢.  My favorite number!  (Coins #2-4).

Wind Tunnel Models

At 3 p.m. I met Doc for our time in the solar car closet.  We spent the next three hours sorting through some of the memorabilia from our raycing days.  What to do with all the photos, trophies, awards, banners, posters, wind tunnel models, etc.?

Doc found a much run over penny in the handicap spot where he parked.  (Coin #5)

By 6 p.m. Doc and I were tired and somewhat discouraged at not knowing how to deal with all these precious items.  We quit for the day.  We stopped at a grocery store on the way home.  Doc said, “We need a quarter to hit for the Cycle”.  He found a Chuck E. Cheese’s token.  (It’s value is 25¢, but it is not a recognized form of international and official currency).  So close.   I found a penny.  (Coin #6)

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Doc just HAD to stop for a coffee.  I wanted to go home.  I found zero coins around or in the convenience store.  I walked over to the closed car wash and found a nickel. Doc spotted a penny.  Then I found a dirt penny, then another penny.  We were laughing.  Mushroom coins! I turned around and there was a penny in the mud-filled crack in the concrete.  Then Doc found one as well.  As we walked back to the van there was a dime.  Eight coins at that stop.  (Coins #7-14).

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Tonight I emptied my work satchel, vacuumed it out, and packed it away.  Haven’t used it in the past two years and don’t expect to use it again.

Total:   14 Coins        P (9), N (2), D (3), Q (0) = $0.49 + a CEC token

Day #1,306 - Boyz Day

Late last night on the way home from the circus we dropped the Girlz at Oma’s house.  Today was Boyz Day.

Bank Appraiser

I had wanted to keep our time with the Kidz totally void of any “work” related activities.  We have put in the paperwork for our new, permanent loan and this morning was when the Bank Appraiser could squeeze in a visit out to the Penny Palace.  I told him he had one hour (or less) to complete his work.  He arrived a few minutes before 8 a.m., said hello, and began measuring.  The two boyz awoke around 8:30 a.m. and when I went inside the house, they were already helping themselves to breakfast.  They are getting so grown up and they are a delight to host.  I had left them each a package of Angry Bird Pencil Erasers at their table place settings and they were delighted.  Their sister had mentioned how the boyz had been seeking to find those erasers where they live, but had not been successful.

Angry Birds Procured

The bank appraiser left at 9 a.m. and we were ready to start our day.  Doc and Nick headed for car dealerships to look at Corvettes and Camaros.  Brandon and I stopped at the post office to mail a parcel, then proceeded to Big Lots to investigate more erasers.  As we walked from my truck into the store I looked at my watch which read 10 a.m.  I smiled and told Brandon.  This is great.  People where I used to work are busy with their job activities and, now being retired, I am spending my morning with you!  His reply was precious: “So I guess you are One Happy Bird out looking for Angry Birds!”  Yes. I am!

Knowing that Brandon likes video game arcades, I took him to the Boomers play center for a little while.  On his very first game he hit the Bonus pocket for 50 tickets.  He was hooked.  He used his entire allotment of tokens on that game.  Then he redeemed his coupons for some tiny trinkets.  We had not found any coins yet in our day, so I detoured into a 7-11 parking lot where Brandon found a penny.  (Coin #1) 

All You Can Eat Buffet

We ventured into the Pegasus Hobby Store.  Brandon was awed at the thousands and thousands of model cars, trains, boats, planes and more. There were remote vehicles of every sort.  He declared that Nicholas really must see that store as well.

We met Uncle Doc and Nicholas at noon for an all-you-can eat buffet which everyone enjoyed.

Digging for Fossils

Dinosaur Appetizer

Then we discovered the Alf Paleontology Museum in Claremont just a few miles from our Pomona house.  It is world renowned and on a private high school campus.  I had never even heard of it until today.  The boyz had been asking about man’s existence relative to dinosaurs and this museum sure answered that question.  It was a great experience.

Next the boyz wanted to go to the Bass Pro shop to explore and do some indoor shooting.  Doc found his penny there.  (Coin #2).   I was having trouble walking through the huge store and wondering why my legs should hurt so much today?  Doc quipped, “Could a walk all the way around the Lake, followed by several steep nighttime laps around the water tower possibly have anything to do with that condition?”  I had forgotten about those.

The boyz wanted to hunt for more Angry Birds. We left Doc behind so he could take a break and get some groceries.  We got more erasers and were heading home when I was ‘nudged’ to pull over and look at a large metal dinosaur on display at a garden center.  We were looking at the artwork when Uncle Doc called. He did not get the motor oil as planned - could we stop and get some?  We just happened to be parked right in front of a huge, open 24 hours a day auto supply store which I had never even noticed before!  We bought the motor oil and as we emerged from the store I said, “I have not found a coin yet today”.  Nicholas responded, “Me neither.  I’m dry”. And instantly there was a penny by his foot!  (Coin #3)

We began driving home and I started talking to the Angels: “Look.  There is one more shopping center between here and the house.  I am going to pull into there and I expect you to do your part in delivering today’s coin”.  I parked Pippy and hopped out saying “I’m dry, I’m dry”.  In the next parking stall there was a dime and a penny.  Done.  We got back into the truck and headed home.  (Coins #4&5).  Doc had found an additional penny at the grocery store. (Coin #6)

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The evening was spent cracking Macadamia nuts, ‘hanging’ together, and watching the Daddy Day Care movie Oma Karrin had given them.  Such fun.

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

Day #1,272 - Reroofing

We received a “First Notice” of non-compliance from the Homeowner’s Association.  Our lawn shed (Dragon’s Lair) must have Eagle 3124 concrete tiles like the house, versus the asphalt shingles it came with.  When I called the HOA rep to say the pre-fab lawn sheds are probably not designed for the heavier loads, he said to strengthen the shed, remove it, or veil it so the roofing can not be seen.   Grrrr…

I continued my daily ritual of calling Charter Cable Service.  Each day I get to speak to a new rep who reviews my case, says they must talk to a supervisor, puts me on hold for 10-40 minutes, comes back and says either they or the supervisor will call me back later in the day, and then does seemingly nothing!

By late morning Doc and I were frustrated.  We took Norman and headed to the Pomona house.  Doc stopped at Starbucks for coffee and a very worn dime.  (Coin #1).  We worked at the Pomona house until around 4 p.m. before Doc insisted upon lunch. I found a penny there.  (Coin #2).  We next made a stop for some greeting cards. I found one penny in the store. (Coin #3) While Doc paid for our items, I searched carefully around the store entrance. Saw nothing. Doc walked out and picked up a penny which was right there in the entry!  Mushroom coin?  (Coin #4).

We took Norman and the stuff home to the Penny Palace.  My leg has gotten much better, but a Chinese massage for the aching shoulders and neck sure sounded tempting.  So at 7 p.m. Doc and I made a run for the massage parlor.  J  Found a dirt penny in the planter there.  (Coin #5)

The grocery store is right next to the Foot Spa, so of course we dropped in there to look for dinner.  One Penny  (Coin #6)

Just before 9 p.m. we were on our way home to the Penny Palace with dinner in hand and looking forward to some soup and crusty bread.  Renter of house #1 called to say she had our rent money, could we meet?  (It is the 13^th of the month, so, yes, we wanted to meet).  We turned around and headed back to meet with her.  We arrived a few minutes early, so Doc went in for a Starbucks coffee.  I walked the parking lot and collected a dime.  (Coin #7).  The renter arrived with her entire payment in $20 bills.  It felt like something from a TV action show - counting out small bills in a darkened parking lot.  She did have her daughter and sister with her plus a lovely plant to make amends for the late payment.

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

Day #1,266 - School's Out

Doc began his day having breakfast with his son and grandson.  He found a quarter outside the restaurant when leaving.  (Coin #1)  Son Stephen drove and paid for breakfast.  After eating they stopped at Steve's house to pick apricots.  Doc came home feeling quite good about the day so far.

At 10:15 we headed for the Pomona house.  Doc downloaded photos and video while I took the collected beverage containers to the recycling station.  Got one penny there  (Coin #2).  Doc's van was really dirty, and he kept saying it needed washing, but did not do anything about it.  So I stopped at a car spa.  Looked around the waiting area and found a penny.  (Coin #3).  I looked over that small patio three times carefully, then sat down to wait for the van.  Looked to my left and saw a bright and obvious penny!  (Coin #4)

I hurried back to the house with the van so Doc could be at school by Noon.   Today he gave his second Final Exam.  That means we are in for a very busy next few days as he works to get 767 pages graded.

For dinner we went to Sizzler.  As we were pulling away Doc said, "We didn't find any coins here".  As he backed the van out of the parking stall, I spotted a penny where we had been parked!  (Coin #5)

Hit for the Cycle

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

Note:  Doc does not like sorting and organizing stuff, so I asked him to do the vacuuming instead.  While cleaning the bedroom loveseat he unearthed 3 pennies, one nickel, one dime and one quarter!  A Hit for the Cycle!  But those do not count as 'real finds'.  Similar to finding coins in pockets or purses - the coins are already yours.

Day #1,244 - Progress

There was progress in many areas today and only a few minor glitches.

This morning I had an 8 a.m. meeting with the Gardener at Rental House #1.  I stopped for petrol on the way.  Was dismayed - no coins found.  I wondered if the Penny Finding would cease when we got City Sign Off.  That has not been the case so far.

The gardener and I were meeting to discuss the removal of a tree stump by the front door of the rental house.  Mr. Tran said he could not do that.  Rats!  I noticed the grass in the front yard was dead, whereas the grass in the back yard was very green. That called for further investigation….  One by one we activated the sprinkler lines and checked each head.  As I walked to the garage side of the house, there were 2 shiny pennies in the driveway.  A few minutes later I spotted another and another.  I carefully looked all around the driveway (it’s only three cars wide) and the alleyway.  All clear of coins.  I went back to the front of the house to check the next sprinkler line.  Back to the garage area where I found two more pennies?  Went back and forth another time and returned to find a dime and a quarter.  WOW!  How could they just appear like that?  While I was waiting for Mr. Tran to fix another broken head I glanced back at the driveway. There was another penny there.  I counted the coins in my pocket - eleven.  So I said “OK Angels.  You are so close.  How about one more to make a dozen for a Coin Mine?”  Within moments there were TWO more pennies.  (Coins #1-13).  I don’t know what you are thinking, but if I didn’t know ME like I do, I’d think this story was made up!

Putting Away the Stemware

At 10:15 I met Maribel to do some packing and cleaning.  We began at our current (Pomona) house and packed up all the crystal glasses and china plates.   We transported them to the Penny Palace.  We cleaned out cabinets and put things nicely away.  The glasses look quite pretty in the new cabinet.  It was great to return home tonight with all those empty boxes just waiting to be filled again.

Miguel Applying Stucco Sealer

Miguel and Serafin appeared unexpectedly this afternoon.  They sealed that latest wall on the patio; completing all their work. I will really miss those guys.

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Doc had an 11 a.m. meeting at the cabin with an HVAC guy to look at the furnace.  Doc stopped at the Starbucks at the base of the mountain for a coffee and his penny for the day.  On the way home, Doc and Sparky detoured to the Penny Palace for a quick visit.  Doc said Sparky was racing through the house until he spotted Doc's desk and the rolling black chair  (which is Sparky's chair).  Doc said he could see the confusion - Like "what is our chair doing HERE?"

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This evening I have cleared the cookware out of our oven.  We use the oven only 2-3 times a year, so for 30 years it has mostly served as an additional cupboard.  Hopefully that is about to change.

Total:    14  Coins        P (12), N (0), D (1), Q (1) = $0.47

Day #1,241 - Bland Day

Today was a quiet and Bland Day which was OK by me after yesterday’s turbulence.

This morning Doc wanted to go out for breakfast and a planning session. There was a penny in the parking lot as I stepped out of the van.  (Coins #1)  Great!  My Penny Finding was done for today.

We packed a load of small stuff and headed for the Penny Palace.  Spent 1.5 hours there moving things around, cleaning, and unpacking.  Sparky and Dundee practiced going in and out of the doggie door.  Neighbor Craig said yesterday a couple was walking past the house and spent quite a bit of time investigating the mailbox.  It’s great that people find it interesting.

This afternoon I logged in and totaled all the construction receipts for April.  Doc spent an hour placing the order for phone and internet service.

As we were getting ready to head to the grocery stores, our neighbor Jesse waved.  He had seen the moving truck yesterday and wondered what was happening.  He had never been inside our current house, so Doc and I invited Jesse and his wife to come in and look around.  Total chaos of course, but they seemed to enjoy the stories associated with the various aspects of the house and to see the room additions.

This evening Doc and I went grocery shopping at our usual three stores.  There was a dime and three pennies at the first store, a penny in the produce section of the second store, and at the third store (where we almost always find coins), I didn’t spot any coins.  So I sent a message to the Penny Angels, “For fun, I want to say I do not plan to leave this store until I get at least one coin!”  Within seconds I had a penny.  Then Doc found a penny just outside the door (where we had already looked on our way into the store).  (Coins #2-8)

It’s fun when the Penny Angels play with us.

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

Day #1,187 - More Specific

This morning on our way to the Penny Palace, Doc stopped to get a breakfast sandwich. I was doing a SingSong as we pulled into the parking lot, “Hey Penny Angels won’t you come out to play?” I spotted something shiny as Doc was parking the van. I hopped out to fetch a quarter. Great start for the day. (Coin #1)

Doc suggested I walk next door past the drive up window to look for coins. I had never found a coin at that establishment. As the financial disclaimers would state, “Past Performance is no indication of future results”. There was a dime waiting for me. (Coin #2)

We made a brief stop at Lowe’s so I could get a rubber trowel to grout the tile stream today. I was looking around the self-checkout area and did not see any coins. The young attendant asked if she could help me. I said I was looking for today’s penny. I looked down next to me and it was there! So I gave her a smile and a Penny Card in exchange for the coin. (Coin #3)

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When we arrived at the Penny Palace, two guys from the concrete team were moving rocks, scraping dirt, and laying the rebar. Tomorrow the concrete will be poured in front of the garage.

There were two Landscaping guys working in the back yard, They removed one 50 gallon storage tank and started digging to insert the 305 gallon tank. They encountered 3 large boulders so, for today, that project was halted. Instead they moved to the front yard to work on the irrigation lines.

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What did Doc and I work on today? Late this morning Project Manager Daryl came by. He and Doc drank coffee. Drywall Cesar visited. He had not seen the Penny Palace in several months. He was pleasantly surprised. The three guys went for lunch - taking my needed tools and supplies with them in the back of the van. I was trying to work and very frustrated!

When Doc returned from lunch we had only 2.5 hours remaining to work for the day before our 3 p.m. appointment. I made him do double-time to catch up from all his goofing off this morning. We were able to grout ¾ of the stream before we ran out of grout mix. I was hoping we would have enough powder because I did not want to buy another 25 lb. bag for just 1-2 lbs. No such luck.

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We locked up the Penny Palace and were headed to the tile store. Doc found a quarter out at the curb in front of the house. Nice. (Coin #4)

We stopped at an office supply store for the products we had ordered Sunday. As we were leaving Doc lamented, “We STILL need a nickel to get a Hit for the Cycle today.” A few minutes later we were stopped at a red traffic light and Doc exclaimed, “Coin!” He hopped out and dove for it. It was a nickel. He returned saying, “It was a NICKEL and I had my finger on it. But it was embedded!” (Foregone) So next time we ask the Angels for something, we need to be More Specific. We want coins which we can Collect, not just look at.

Total: 4 Coins P (1), N (0), D (1), Q (2) = $0.61

Day #1,162 - Rented

This morning Doc stopped at McDonalds for coffee and breakfast. There were 6-7 cars in the drive-through line so I hopped out of the van and walked through the self-serve car wash while waiting for Doc to get his order. I did not find any coins and was heading back to the van. I said (out loud), “So Penny Angels, are you sleeping in this morning or What? Where’s today’s penny. Wake Up!” Within a few steps I found today’s penny! I picked it up and said, “This one is coated with dirt and is pretty dismal looking. Can’t you do any better than that?” A few steps further there was a shiny penny. I was laughing. The angels were putting in their 2¢ worth for today. (Coins #1&2)

Rental #1 needed some final cleaning and touch-ups before we were to meet with the new renters this evening. So at 8 a.m. Doc and I, along with Handyman George and his wife, spent a frantic 2 hours trying to make everything ship-shape for the new occupants.

Then we headed for the Penny Palace. Doc visited Jack’s drive-up window for a mid morning snack. I found a penny in the planter on my side of the van. (Coin #3)

Daryl was at the Penny Palace when we arrived. We gave him a status report.

The painters applied the sealer coat to the back garage floor. That completes the 4-day process. We needed to now open the garage to let the sealer dry. Yesterday when driving home we realized - the garage doors have remote controls! Doc and I have never had a remote garage door opener, so that thought never occurred to us. We just needed to find the device.

Tile Jose came to run caulking around the sinks and counters. Grader Rick brought in a load of topsoil. He returned later in the afternoon and offloaded his backhoe.

The concrete team laid the outline for the front walkway. They laid it much farther out than Doc wanted, and “flowing” much differently than I wanted, thus some adjustments were made.

The tile stream inside the house wasn’t ‘flowing’ well either. Not much progress made today. I was not inspired by the remaining assortment of tile pieces and colors.

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We left the Penny Palace at 4 p.m. and hoped to have a few minutes for Dumpster Diving before our 5 p.m. meeting. I needed more tiles. We cruised the alleys behind the stores along Tile Row, but it appeared today must have been trash day - the dumpsters were empty.

At 5 pm. we met the Realtor and new Tenants at Rental House #1 to do the Move-In Walk Through. All went really well and they will move in tomorrow.

Afterward we and the Realtor met at the local Starbucks to finish signing all the documents. There was a Halal Grille next door, so Doc and I decided to be adventurous and try a new place for dinner. The cashier and manager were so outgoing and friendly. They were definitely proud of their product. Doc and I parked ourselves at at table. Doc haad eyes glued to the basketball game on TV while my eyes were scouring the floor. There was a penny under the table behind me! (Coin #4)

Since the café was empty except for one other occupant, I went back to the counter and pointed to the penny. I gave a quick summary of Penny Finding and provided the cashier and manager each a Penny Card. JOY shared.

Doc and I enjoyed our meal. There were some leftovers, so I went back to the counter for a foam take-home container. There was a dime on the floor there! I showed the cashier. She and I were both in disbelief. How / when did it appear? We had just been standing there a few minutes earlier. (Coin #5 - Mushroom Coin)

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Since we had not found any tiles in the dumpsters, we stopped at Home Depot in search of cheap, but complimentary tiles. We found 3-4 different ones. Then we found a case which had been dropped and half the tiles were already broken. The sales clerk said we could have those! Free is good. Thanks Angels.

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

Day #1,155: Rock-N-Counters

Today’s abundance of activity helped to make up for yesterday’s lack of it.

When I arrived at the jobsite at 8 a.m., Neighbor Craig scolded me for sleeping in and getting to work so late. Grader Rick had already done some clearing and hauled off the first load of rocks and dirt. I wasn’t sleeping, I was making calls and taking care of business!

By 9 a.m. the Slagle brothers were calling me about purchasing some supplies on their way to the jobsite. Today they installed those 3 countertops Doc and I had bought. Those are ‘temporary’ space holders until we can save up enough money for Phase II of the cabinetry.

The landscaping and grading crews were impressive this afternoon. What a difference when the boulders were taken from the mass pile and placed strategically along the future pathway. There are a few rocks which I have grown quite fond of. They have personality. Truly awesome to see the boulders being “nestled” into their new positions.

Doc got concrete stain and coffee on his way to the jobsite. Then he drove out to Riverside (battling traffic) to get more wall capstones. He returned with the stones and two pennies.

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This afternoon Doc and I locked up the jobsite at 4 p.m. He headed to pick up the order of garage floor epoxy which came in today. I headed to the tile stores for the tile order which had arrived.

The contractor for Rental #2 has made tremendous progress this week. Thus I drove to his house to deliver a payment. He invited me to see the back yard and meet his dogs. How could I resist that offer? He had a lovely waterfall, pool, spa, and patio. He also had built a pool room which he was anxious to show me.

The pool room had lots of windows and very few furnishings. A pinball machine was near the entry door. My immediate thought was “Pennies could likely be found by a pinball machine, but not likely here in someone’s house. Besides, you don’t just go into someone’s house and take their coins!” But I couldn’t help at least looking in that direction. No pennies noticed. As Hank talked to me about various topics, I looked around the room - especially around that pinball machine (several times). As we were about to leave I looked one final time. A penny had appeared there! Did wishful thinking make it happen?

I told Hank a little about Penny Finding and how pennies seem to manifest. As we walked across the threshold to leave the room, there were two pennies in the doorway!

“COINcidence?”

Total: 5 Pennies

Day #1,008 - Taping and Hosing

This morning we worked on edits to the package and plans for submittal to SCE for the solar system credit. Stopped at a copy center to run copies. While waiting for assistance, I searched the floors in the work area three times looking for coins. I completed my order, and while waiting to pay thought, “Penny Angels, I only plan to go to the job site and then home. This is your chance for today’s coin. Don’t blow it!” I paid for my copies, turned around, and there was a penny behind me! No other persons had come or gone during the time I was in the store. Mushroom coin. (Coin #1).

Doc and I headed for the job site. He had not been there for 5 days so was astonished at the changes. The drywall crew was taping and mudding today. I spent an hour watering the house. (The stucco contractor said it would be good to wet it again today).

We stopped briefly at son Stephen’s house. Doc found a penny where we parked. (Coin #2).

This afternoon I decided to head out to the paint store. Once the drywall is finished next week, it will be time for painting. I took along the samples of tile, flooring, fabrics, wallpaper, etc. Why can’t it be simple and just paint one color throughout the house? because that would be boring.

[Doc’s comment here]: “My wife can’t do anything just ‘average’.”

I just did not feel like going home and getting back to work, so I took an hour break. Went to the bed and bath shop to browse at pre-made curtains. They come 84” long for regular height windows and doorways. There was nothing available for our 8 ft. high windows. Yikes! Now what?

I did find a nice table cloth on sale. Tablecloths are wider than standard fabric bolts, and much less expensive when on sale than raw upholstery fabric. I can probably create four seat covers out of one $18 tablecloth. Found two pennies on the floor by the cash register. (Coins #3&4).

Total: 4 Pennies

Day #997 - Stuffed

A while back I bought an acrylic drawer organizer from Target and yesterday I finally got around to installing and filling it. It worked perfectly and I wanted more! So I went to our local Target yesterday, but they did not have any more. I went on line last night, none were even listed as existing. This morning I called the Target store where I had bought the tray and asked them how to acquire more units. Customer Service searched for the Bar Code and said the product did not even show on their computers. She called the floor manager, nothing. They said THEY could not help.

I was ready to hang up the phone, but quickly sent a request to the Angels, “Can you help here? These will be trays for the Penny Palace”. Immediately the Target Service rep said, “let me try something else … she did and the product showed on her screen!” She then called the department staff and was told there were 5 units on the floor! They are now “on hold for Tina” and tomorrow I will claim them.

Lesson: When mere mortals can’t help you out, don’t give up - ask for higher assistance.

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Today we expected the insulation company to begin working early, thus we left home early. Just couldn’t resist asking Doc to make a 1-2 minute detour past the closed KFC near our house. I quickly ran past the drive-up window and collected a quarter (good way to start the day), then two cents worth. I turned around as I was leaving to say “Thank You Angels” and saw a gleaming dime where I had just stepped! (Coins #1-4)

As Doc visited Starbucks for his coffee, I visited the Carl’s Jr. for 2 cents. (Coins #5&6)

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When we arrived at the jobsite, Raphael was unloading the insulation. Then he began stuffing the walls. We expected a crew of 2-3 workers in order to complete the job by tomorrow. Only one guy was working today.

Our special guest today was Sparky. He made his first official entrance through the Doggie Door.

At 9 a.m. we met with the solar rep Robert at his house. Yesterday the installer ran conduit at the Penny Palace in order to prepare things for our solar panels. Robert made the mistake of showing Doc the solar panels which are currently being installed on his house. I had to nearly hog-tie Doc to drag him away. The two of them were so excited about their new toys.

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Doc finally went to school while I did lots of follow up house stuff and sent out invitations for the Day #1,000 Champagne Tour.

Doc collected a penny in the roadway on his way home. (Coin #7 Sit-N-Find). Then we actually had dinner at home for a change. Nice. We were both stuffed.

Total: 7 Coins P (5), N (0), D (1), Q (1) = $0.40