Thursday, March 31, 2005

Today I found 21 cents. . .1 dime and 11 pennies.

I’m going to let the numbers speak for themselves today. However, for those that would like to know all of my finds were at two Sonics, two car washes, a What-a-Burger drive-thru, and the dime was found in the middle of FM 1960 at Interstate 45 (quite the accomplishment to get it while the light was red).

I would like to present some numbers that blew me away when I saw them, my totals for the month. This month I found $27.24 in the form of 674 pennies, 57 nickels, 84 dimes, and 37 quarters. The monthly total works out to finding almost 88 cents a day.

Despite what Bailey wishes me to believe I don’t think it is possible to maintain this amazing run. Several factors helped to make this last month perhaps a month that might never be repeated. First, I was in Florida for almost 10 days to start the month and had ample time to search for coins as I was on vacation. Second, I cleaned up on found coins while in Las Vegas, another time where I had copious free time during the day.

It remains to be seen if I can keep this up. I’m optimistic that I can, but reality dictates that I can’t. All I know is that I have a nice lead and time will tell if this was a fluke of a month.

Totals for the day: 21 cents
Race Totals: $33.49

Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Today I found 37 cents. . .1 dime and 27 pennies.

I’m starting to challenge myself a bit more lately, so I decided to wait until after work to start really looking for change. Don’t get me wrong, if it comes to me I’ll take it, but no searching until later (at least that was my plan for the day).

On my way home I stopped at Shell for gas and found 2 cents by the vacuum cleaner. I found 12 more cents (all pennies) searching a strip of fast food restaurants including Arby’s, Taco Bell, Burger King, KFC, and McDonalds. All change was on the ground in the parking lot or at the drive-thru.

I checked a car wash on FM 1960 and found 2 cents. I didn’t let the fact that there was a police officer cleaning his car stop me from looking. My final stop was two different Sonics where I found a total of 22 cents (one dime & 11 pennies).

Totals for the day: 37 cents
Race Totals: $33.28

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Today I found 48 cents. . .2 nickels and 38 pennies.

On my way to work this morning I did the standard swing by Sonic where I found 13 cents (two nickels & three pennies). At lunch I ate at Rocky’s Subs, home of one of the best Philadelphia Cheese Steaks in Houston, and found one penny on the ground in the parking lot.

On my way home I stopped at another Sonic and found 4 cents (all pennies) on the ground. My final stop of the day was the old reliable Kwick Kar Wash where I discover 30 cents (all pennies). That’s right, 30 cents, all pennies.

Yesterday I talked about the list of places that I boycott due to lack of service. There is one other place that I feel should be added to my boycott list. Jack-in-the-Box. I have never actually eaten there, so I can’t speak about the service. However, it seems like for many years someone would die every few months from eating rancid meat at this fast food restaurant. Thus, Jack-in-the-Box is on my list of places that I boycott, but it is for health reasons, not service related.

Totals for the day: 48 cents
Race Totals: $32.91

Monday, March 28, 2005

Today I found 49 cents. . .1 nickel, 1 dime, 1 quarter and 9 pennies.

I didn’t have to work today and ended up staying in most of the day. However, I met my retired co-worker John for lunch and then had some tasks to complete before going home. I stopped at a local car wash and found 3 cents (all pennies) and then went to the same Taco Bell/Long John Silver that I went to yesterday and found 30 cents (one quarter & one nickel). Right across from that was a Sonic where I found 3 cents (all pennies). A lady saw me pick up a penny and stated that she had seen it on the ground and had been thinking about picking it up. Lesson learned by her, act quickly when you see change or you never know who will get it.

I had to exchange some screws at Sears Hardware and since I didn’t have a receipt they insisted on all sorts of personal information. Neither the clerk or the manager was very nice so I will add Sears Hardware to my list of places that I will no longer frequent. Currently the list, made because of bad service or experiences, are Radio Shack, Denny’s, and Exxon. I did find one penny on the ground by the check out line at Sears Hardware, so it wasn’t a totally wasted trip.

On my way home I stopped at Shell gas station for a drink and found 10 cents (one dime) on the ground by the check out line. Back at the apartments I found one penny on the ground in the parking lot, the same spot where I had found change the day before.

Totals for the day: 49 cents
Race Totals: $32.43

Sunday, March 27, 2005

Today I found 51 cents. . .1 nickel, 1 quarter and 21 pennies.

Coins were scattered across the greater Spring, TX landscape like Easter eggs hidden for children. On a morning drive I found 6 cents (all pennies) at a car wash, 6 cents (all pennies) at a Wendy’s drive-thru, and 6 cents (all pennies) at another car wash. Since it is Easter I didn’t really feel like searching too much more, but it seemed a bit odd to end the day where my three finds were 666.

I proceeded to a Taco Bell/Long John Silver and found 26 cents (one quarter & one penny). Once back at the apartments I found 2 cents in the parking lot by my car. The other day a moving van had parked in that space and I speculate that someone moving out might have dropped the coins while transporting household goods.

In the evening while I took some refuge from Easter dinner (BBQ shrimp and rabbit) to the trash I looked downward found one nickel in a pile of dirt by a bush.

Totals for the day: 51 cents
Race Totals: $31.94

Saturday, March 26, 2005

Today I found 74 cents. . .1 nickel, 4 dimes, and 29 pennies.

This morning I went to the apartments next door to wash my car. I like to wash my car there because there is a vacuum cleaner that only costs 50 cents to use. Prior to going to the apartments I checked a car wash next to my apartment and found two cents. Preceding the cleaning of my car I checked in and around the car wash area, including the inside of the vacuum cleaner, and found 35 cents (three dimes & five pennies). I had always wondered how much change gets sucked into a vacuum cleaner, and now I have a general idea. I love research.

In the afternoon I met my friend Matt and his son at a local park. On the way back home I stopped at Sonic and found 27 cents (one nickel, one dime, & 12 pennies). Almost all of the change was by the exit and it was clear that it had just been thrown there by someone as they departed. It had been there for a long time, as evidenced by the scratched nature of the coins.

In the evening I stopped by a Randalls, a local grocery store, and found one cent by a change machine. I also found one cent at another Sonic and eight cents (all pennies) at another car wash.

Totals for the day: 74 cents
Race Totals: $31.43

Friday, March 25, 2005

Today I found $1.53. . .2 nickels, 3 dimes, 4 quarters, and 13 pennies (the fabled change cycle).

Work had me in Huntsville, TX again, so on the way back I had a lot of change spots to discriminate between. I stopped at a car wash and found 10 cents (five pennies & one nickel) and a Shell gas station just down the road where I found 35 cents (one quarter & one dime). The quarter was in a pay phone and the dime was on the ground in a parking space by the side of the building.

I stopped Randalls, a local grocery store, and found three cents, one penny veiled under a change sorting machine, and two pennies abandoned in the parking lot. A McDonalds netted me 15 cents (one dime & one nickel). The two coins were at separate drive-up windows of the same McDonalds. At Kroger, another local grocery store, I found 11 cents (one dime & one penny) that had been forsaken by their previous owners in different parking spaces.

Feeling happy with my totals I stopped for a late lunch, where I decided to dine at Sonic. Taking note from last nights observations I figured it was time that I gave them some money. I’m glad I did. I found 27 cents (one quarter & two pennies), all in parking spaces that I scrutinized while I waited for my order.

In the evening my friend Robert and I made another CVS run, where I acquired $43 worth of items for free, thanks to the coupons. On the way back to the apartments I stopped at a McDonalds and found one cent. We then went to Kroger, the local grocery store, so Robert could get beer. Jackpot. I found one cent on a coin sorting machine, 25 cents (one quarter) beneath the machine, and 25 cents (one quarter) by the wine section. It was a high-grade way to end the day.

Totals for the day: $1.53
Race Totals: $30.69

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Today I found 48 cents. . .1 nickel, 2 dimes, and 23 pennies. I also found a plastic quarter in some grass. Sadly, the plastic quarter will not count towards the day’s totals.

I was going to go straight to work this morning but I heard on the radio that their was an accident by my office that was delaying traffic. With that in mind I took a detour in an attempt to ferret out some hidden change. My first stop was a Taco Bell where I was promptly rewarded with 10 cents (one nickel & five pennies). I stopped at a nearby Sonic and found 7 cents (all pennies) and a carwash that I had never seen before where I found 5 cents (all pennies). Three of the five pennies were hidden in some mud, so I game myself a mental pat on the back for finding them. Also sitting in the grass was a plastic quarter that said "copy" across it. The plastic quarter will be deposited into my not change cup.

Driving home I stopped at Chevron to fill up with gas and I found 2 cents in the parking lot. I walked over to the McDonalds which is located next to the gas station and found 23 cents (two dimes & three pennies). One of those pennies was stuck in some tar and had to be removed with the pointed end of my car key. I heard the click of the gas pump right as I walked up, a wonderful feeling. My final penny of the day came in the middle of two lanes as I drove home. I was stopped at a light and saw the dull tint of copper. Having plenty of time I put the car in park, shimmed out, and retrieved the Lincoln. I was back in the car by the time the light changed.

Totals for the day: 48 cents
Race Totals: $29.16

Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Today I found 22 cents. . .1 nickel, 1 dime, and 7 pennies.

Today I had to drive to Huntsville, TX for an appointment, the home of our state prison. In the afternoon, still changeless, I stopped at a car wash next to the prison and found 3 cents. I had parked in a strip center nearby and found one penny on the ground as I was getting back into my car. There was a Sonic nearby and I went to it, but only found two cents. Not a good start to the day.

Things picked up slightly at lunch. I ate at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, where they make some of the best BBQ in Texas. As I was ordering my all-you-can-eat plate I spotted a penny on the ground. I offered it to the worker, figuring that in a church it is better to be safe than sorry, but she told me I could keep it. On my way home I stopped by a McDonalds and found 10 cents (one dime) and a Burger King where I found five cents (one nickel).

Totals for the day: 22 cents
Race Totals: $28.68

Tuesday, March 22, 2005

Today I found 62 cents. . .3 dimes and 32 pennies. I also found a 50 cent piece from Mexico. Sadly, the 50 cent piece from Mexico will not be counted towards the days totals.

This morning on my way to work I stopped at the old reliable Kwick Kar Wash and found 11 cents (all pennies) and the Sonic right next to it where I found three pennies. After work I did a fast food run and found 23 cents at McDonalds (two dimes & three pennies) and 10 cents at Burger King (one dime).

In the evening my friend Robert and I went out looking for coupons for CVS. They recently opened a store right next to my apartments and for the past two weeks they have been sending out coupons that offer great savings. For example, today I purchased $43 worth of items for $1.16. Well worth the effort of finding extra coupons that people have thrown out.

While scavenging I stopped by the car wash next to my apartments and found 13 cents (all pennies) and a Mexican 50 cent piece. The Mexican 50 cent piece will be deposited in my not change cup. Stopping for a break we went into a little Mexican store for come tacos. We emerged taco-less, as they had stopped cooking for the day, but I was one penny richer thanks to a find by the door on the way out.

My final penny of the day, and perhaps one of my best finds of this race, came in a trash can where I had looked for discarded coupons. Right on the top, facing me, was a mailing for a survey which stated "a penny for your thoughts" and had a penny glued to the inside. The penny was visible through some clear plastic. How sad that someone would throw away a good penny, but how happy for me to find it.

Totals for the day: 62 cents
Race Totals: $28.46

Monday, March 21, 2005

Today I found 23 cents. . .1 dime, 1 nickel, and 8 pennies.

My flight this morning from Las Vegas to Houston, TX left at 1:15 am in the morning and arrived in Houston, TX at 5:05 am. While boarding the airplane I found one penny by the gate. Once back in Houston I stopped at a Taco Bell drive-thru on the way to work and found 8 cents (one nickel & three pennies). The nickel was minted in 1942, somewhat old for a nickel.

Before getting into work I stopped at a Shell gas station for some Mountain Dew. As I paid for my purchase I noticed a penny precariously perched on a rack of candy by the register. The penny was liberated from it’s chocolate resting place and deposited into my pocket. Finally, at lunch I found 13 cents at Boston Market (one dime & three pennies).

Totals for the day: 23 cents (breakdown: 1 cent in Nevada & 22 cents in Texas)
Race Totals: $27.84

Sunday, March 20, 2005

Today I found $2.73. . . 6 quarters, 1 dime, 21 nickels, and 8 pennies. I also found two Canadian nickels.

Most of the day was spent gambling on basketball in Las Vegas, today being the last day for Bailey’s bachelor party. Although I enjoy letting a bit of money ride on the games I have found that I don’t have the stomach to sit there and watch the game that I have bet on. Thus, I spent a lot of time wandering around the casino and change searching today. In the Tropicana I also found two Canadian nickels in a slot machine. These nickels will be added to my not change cup.

Between time spent at the New York New York Hotel and Casino and The Tropicana I found $2.28 (five quarters, 20 nickels, and three pennies). Bailey had a 7:30 pm flight so I went to the airport with him. While at the airport I found an additional 45 cents (eight pennies, one nickel, and one dime). The pennies were scattered about on the ground, the dime was by a Continental Airlines counter, and the nickel was underneath some lockers.

Totals for the day: $2.7 (a new race record)
Race Totals: $27.61

Saturday, March 19, 2005

Today I found $1.72. . . 4 quarters, 4 dimes, 6 nickels, and 2 pennies. I also found a $1 token at the Tropicana. Sadly, the $1 token does not count towards the days totals.

Bailey went head-to head today and I’m not sure who the clear cut winner is. Here is how it breaks down 1. Change found (advantage me), 2. Number of lap dances (advantage Bailey) 3. Most money lost gambling in Vegas (advantage me) 4. Money won in Vegas (advantage Bailey).

All of my finds, less the two pennies, were at the Tropicana. The two pennies were found in penny slot machines at the New York New York, hotel and cassino. The remainder of the money, $1.70 was found in slot machines (four quarters, four dimes, & six nickels). I really don’t understand how someone can forget to remove their winnings, but apparently it is not as hard as I thought.

The $1 token was found in a slot machine at the Tropicana. I gave serious thoughts as to counting this as cash, as it is easily redeemable for currency in Las Vegas. Bailey agreed that this was basically like finding money as we were in Vegas. However, in the end I thought better of that idea. Nevertheless, the token will be deposited into my not change cup.

Totals for the day: $1.72
Race Totals: $24.88

Friday, March 18, 2005

Today I found 79 cents. . . 2 quarters, 1 dime, 2 nickels, and 9 pennies.

This morning my day started when the alarm went off at 4:30am. I had a 6:30am flight to Las Vegas for Bailey’s bachelor party. I guessed that change finding opportunities might be a bit tough, so before I went to the airport I armed myself with my trusty flashlight and paid a visit to the Burger King drive-thru where I found 2 cents. It’s nice searching for change under the cover of darkness, but that same darkness also makes it quite tough to ferret out hiding pennies.

Once in Vegas the change was not as hard to find as I had initially thought. I found two pennies at the airport and five pennies along the strip as I walked to our hotel. Additionally, I found that slot machines are an excellent source of change. At the Tropicana I found 70 cents (two quarters, two nickels, and one dime) all in slot machines.

Totals for the day: 79 cents (breakdown: 2 cents in Texas & 77 cents in Nevada)
Race Totals: $23.16

Thursday, March 17, 2005

Today I found $1.29. . . 2 quarters, 5 dimes, and 29 pennies (over $1 for the seventh day in a row).

I knew there would not be a lot of time for change searching today, as I had meetings most of the day. On my way to work I stopped at the Kwick Kar Wash and I found 49 cents (four dimes & nine pennies). One of the pennies was a 1957-D Wheat Penny. I also stopped at Sonic and found eight cents (all pennies).

At lunch, encouraged by several co-workers who wanted to see me in action, I went to a Taco Bell drive-thru and found 13 cents (one dime & three pennies). On my way home I stopped at Boston Market and found 25 cents (one quarter–a Louisiana state quarter), McDonalds where I found 30 cents (one quarter & five pennies), and I found four cents (pennies) in the parking lot at Kroger, a local grocery store.

At lunch my co-worker Carl suggested that I do a study as to how many coins I find face up verses face down, the theory being that based on luck more people would pick up a coin that was heads up verses heads down. My other co-worker, Jennifer, suggested that I find a way to have the government fund that study. Suddenly, I have a new found respect for both.

Tomorrow I join Bailey in Las Vegas for his bachelor party. I’m doubtful that the dollar days will continue, but it still promises to be an eventful weekend. If I can’t post there I will be back Monday.

Totals for the day: $1.29
Race Totals: $22.37

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Today I found $1.02. . . 1 quarter, 4 nickels, 3 dimes, and 27 pennies (over $1 and the cycle for the sixth day in a row). I also found a Canadian nickel. Sadly, the Canadian nickel does not count towards the days totals.

The entire day was spent in Conroe, TX, where I had an appointment. As much as I despise fast food drive-thru change I got a bunch of it this morning. At Chick-Fil-A I found 26 cents (two dimes & one penny), at Sonic I found 16 cents (all pennies), at Burger King there was 9 cents to be had (one nickel & four pennies), 32 cents at McDonalds (one quarter, one nickel, and two pennies), and at What-a-Burger I found 17 cents (one dime, one nickel, and two pennies).

On my way home from work I stopped at Randalls, a local grocery store, and found 7 cents (one nickel & two pennies) in a change sorting machine. One of the pennies was a 1939-S wheat back. There was also a Canadian nickel in the machine. The Canadian nickel will be deposited into my not change cup, although it is change, just not the United States variety.

Totals for the day: $1.02
Race Totals: $21.08

Tuesday, March 15, 2005

Today I found $1.55. . . 2 quarters, 3 nickels, 5 dimes, and 40 pennies (over $1 and the cycle for the fifth day in a row). I also found a fake nickel. Sadly, the fake nickel does not count towards the days totals.

This morning I was in Conroe, TX for an appointment. While waiting for my meeting to start I stopped by Chick-Fil-A to do some change searching. I found 53 cents (one quarter, two dimes, one nickel, and three pennies). Right next door was a Sonic Drive Thru where I found 17 cents (all pennies). This is also where I found the fake nickel, which looked like a real nickel but was made of plastic and said "copy" on it. In the parking lot of my appointment I found four cents (all pennies). At lunch I went to Randall’s, a local grocery store, for a sandwich and found seven cents (one nickel & two pennies) by a change counting machine.

On the way home I stopped at Starbucks and found 25 cents (two dimes & five pennies) in the drive-thru. I swung into a McDonalds and found 46 cents (one quarter, one dime, one nickel, and six pennies) in the drive-thru. My final find of the day were three cents at a dollar store in The Woodlands, TX where I stopped to purchase a larger container to hold all of my change.

Since starting to search drive-thru windows last week my change totals have increased exponentially but my satisfaction has decreased considerably. There is just something that seems less than pure about finding change at a drive-thru. Sadly, I believe that the drive-thru window is to me like crack is to a drug addict. I know it isn’t good, and I know I should stop, but I won’t. There is too much money to find and Bailey is showing no signs of slowing. All I can hope for is some satisfying finds mixed in with my drive-thru finds.

Totals for the day: $1.55
Race Totals: $20.06

Monday, March 14, 2005

Today I found $1.73. . . 1 quarter, 2 nickels, 9 dimes, and 48 pennies (over $1 and the cycle for the fourth day in a row).

I kept relatively good notes for today’s finds, but there were a lot of one and two cent finds. My biggest finds of the day were at a coin machine at Randalls, a local grocery store, where I found 66 cents (six dimes, one nickel, and one penny). I also found 47 cents at a Chick Filet (one quarter, two dimes, and two pennies).

The find at Randalls provided me with some real excitement. All coins were in the reject slot of a coin machine. Intermingled with the standard change were five silver dimes and a 1940 wheat penny. The silver dimes were the real find.

Bailey and I went to see The Steve Miller Band in concert tonight. The music was great, but the teenage boy that spent half the time dancing on his seat and the other half of the time making out with his girlfriend was the real show. Good times!

Totals for the day: $1.73 (a new daily record)
Race Totals: $18.51

Sunday, March 13, 2005

Today I found $1.36. . . 1 quarter, 2 nickels, 5 dimes, and 51 pennies (over $1 and the cycle for the third day in a row). I also found a Chucky Cheese token, a token for the Houston MTA, and a bouncy ball. Sadly, the last three do not count towards the days totals.

For the second day in a row there was just too much change to give exact locations for. The majority of it was found while I drove down FM 1960 from Houston, TX to Kingwood, TX. Finds were made in numerous fast food restaurants, gas stations, a dollar store, and two car washes.

I found both tokens at a car wash in Houston. The MTA token is very cool, as it has a star punched out in the center and it is good for one local fare. The bouncy ball was found in a paring lot at a strip center along FM 1960.

I went to the Houston Public Library book sale today. You were permitted to fill an entire grocery bag with books for $10. In addition to the books that I purchased I got a dictionary and a thesaurus. I was delighted, joyous, gleeful, blissful, and pleased. Whenever I see a dictionary I think back to my childhood and my dad. I was a terrible speller and whenever I asked him how to spell a word for a paper he would yell at me to look the word up in a dictionary. To this day I have no idea how to look up a word if you don’t know how to spell it. Funny what sticks with you all those years later.

Totals for the day: $1.36 (a new daily record)
Race Totals: $16.78

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Today I found $1.23. . . 1 quarter, 1 nickel, 7 dimes, and 23 pennies (over $1 and the cycle for the second day in a row–a new personal record). I also found a marble and a pearl looking button. Sadly, the last two do not count towards the days totals.

I wish I had kept better notes for the day. I had multiple stops today as I had to catch up on chores since I have been out of town for a while. My biggest find of the day came at a Taco Bell drive thru where I found one quarter, three dimes, and a penny. Finds in multiple denominations were also made while taking a morning walk, several fast food establishments, local car washes, and downtown Houston. I remember that I also found two dimes when I went to Race Trac to purchase a beverage since it was about 80 degrees in Houston today and I was quite thirsty.

I found the marble at a car wash this morning. It was very cool, having a swirl pattern in the center. The pearl looking button was found at a change machine in Kroger, a local grocery store. Both will be deposited into my not change cup.

Tomorrow the Houston Public Library is holding a book sale where you can fill a bag with books for $10. I need more books like a hole in the head, but something about an entire bag for $10 is appealing to me. Thinking about it I could take my change finds for the past month and get the books for free. But of course this would be out of the question.

Totals for the day: $1.23
Race Totals: $15.42

Friday, March 11, 2005

Today I found $1.25. . . 2 quarters, 3 nickels, 3 dimes, and 30 pennies (the coinage cycle).

This morning on my way to work I decided to swing by some fast food joints and do some drive thru checks. I was quickly rewarded with three cents at Taco Bell, four cents at Poppy’s, two cents at KFC, and four cents at Wendy’s. On the way to work I also had to stop at the post office and I found two cents on the ground, one by the stamp machine and one by the door when exiting. For good measure I stopped at Sonic and found a nickel and three pennies in the parking lot.

I ended up taking a late lunch today and walking across the street to the next building to get it. However, it was a good break. I found a quarter by the vending machines in our building and a dime by the vending machine in the next building. I also found a dime by the lunch counter when I went to pay.

On the way home I stopped at an Exxon and found a nickel. I swung into another Exxon and found three pennies. What I though were my final two stops for the day were at change machines in Kroger and Randalls, local grocery stores. I was rewarded with two pennies and a dime, respectively. The dime was sitting in the basket waiting to drop into the change machine. It took great dexterity to snare it without allowing the drop. I believe he will be much happier in his new home, my change cup.

My day was not over, however. In the evening my friend Robert and I went to an apartment next door to see if we could find some coupons for CVS. There is a brand new one that opened next to us and they have a ton of free stuff that you can get. We each ended up getting about $25 worth of stuff for free. At the apartments next door I found six cents (one nickel & one penny) by their coke machine and at a carwash next to it I found 31 cents (one quarter & six pennies). Overall, an excellent day.

Totals for the day: $1.25
Race Totals: $14.19

Thursday, March 10, 2005

Today I found 61 cents. . . 11 pennies & 2 quarters.

Last night while washing laundry I had spied two quarters wedged between some washing machines. Not feeling well I decided to wait and retrieve them until today, as it was going to take a bit of effort. I was rewarded this morning when they were still there. One quarter was a Michigan State quarter and the other was a bicentennial quarter.

At lunch today I found the 11 pennies. Three were found at Boston Market where I dined with Tara, three were found at a nearby McDonalds (one of which was covered in mint gum which had to be removed from said penny before it could be lifted), three were found at a Poppies restaurant next to the McDonalds, and two were found at Randall’s, a local grocery store.

I would have liked to hit some of my hot spots today, but for the second day in a row I am not feeling that well, so I was confined to searching the area where I had lunch. Tomorrow is a new day.

Totals for the day: 61 cents
Race Totals: $12.94

Wednesday, March 9, 2005

Today I found $1.05. . . 15 pennies, 3 quarters, 1 dime, and 1 nickel (hitting for the change cycle). I also found a token for the subway in Atlanta, GA. Sadly, the token does not count towards the days totals.

This morning I was not feeling well and wasn’t sure that I would even leave the apartments. However, by noon I was hungry and I went to a local Mexican eatery for lunch. I found one penny in the parking lot.

Since I was already out I decided to stop by and see Tara and bring her some oranges that I had acquired while in Florida. I stopped at a car wash and found 41 cents (one quarter, one nickel, and 11 pennies). The quarter was right by my car tire when I opened the door and I almost dismissed it as a piece of aluminum foil. I also found a token for the metro in Atlanta, GA at the car wash. I identify it as being from Atlanta as it has "MARTA" on it, which I believe is the train system in that city.

After a short visit with Tara I stopped at the Sonic in Tomball, TX and found 12 cents (one dime & 2 pennies). All were in parking spots and it is likely that when change was being returned to customers it had fallen underneath the car and had been forgotten.

My biggest find of the day was at Kroger, a grocery store. I found 50 cents in a pay telephone coin return. How someone forgets 50 cents, or why they had deposited an amount that would lead to a 50 cent return is beyond me. I’m just grateful for the found silver. My final find of the day was a single penny that was sitting on the floor in the laundry room. I found it when I went in to put what I had already washed in the dryer.

I discovered something interesting today that I will share with everyone. Apparently, when the Wisconsin state quarters were minted there were some produced with extra leaves on a stalk of corn. These defects are worth between $300-600. I searched all my state quarters and did not find a defect. There is an interesting article about the defective quarters, complete with pictures. It can be found at:

http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~53~2702614,00.html

Totals for the day: $1.05
Race Totals: $12.33

Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Today I found 41 cents. . . 16 pennies & 1 quarter.

My morning began at 3:30 am when I woke up to return my rental car that I had been using for the past 10 days. I arrived at the airport in Orlando, FL at 5:00am and had a 6:30am flight to Houston. I was grateful to Continental Airlines for the free first class upgrade, because sleeping in first class is much more comfortable that being stuck in the back of the plane.

I had to work today and was very tired. I wasn’t sure if I would find anything today, but on the way home from work I stopped at Chevron for gas and found a penny. With new found energy I went to the old reliable Krazy Car Wash and found seven cents (all pennies). I also found 3 cents at an Exxon on the way home, and 30 cents (1 quarter & five pennies) at the no name car wash by my apartments.

My apologies go out for not posting while I was on vacation. Sadly, I could not find Internet access in any of the small towns I was in. Now, I’m back up to speed and I think I will go sleep now.

Totals for the day: 41 cents
Race Totals: $11.28

Monday, March 7, 2005

Today I found $1.28. . . 33 pennies, 1 nickel, and 9 dimes. One of the dimes was silver, which was very exciting.

I had intended to drive to Jupiter to watch a two baseball games, but after a night of enjoying beverages with a friend of mine who is a pitcher with the Houston Astros I decided that I really did not want to do a lot of driving. I spent my final day of vacation in Kissimmee, FL watching the Houston Astros practice.

I found one penny at a Hess gas station, three cents at a Sonic, one penny at an A&W drive-thru, one cent at a no name car wash, one cent at a KFC drive-thru, 15 cents (one dime & five pennies) at a 7-11, 54 cents (four dimes, one nickel, & 9 pennies) at Krazy Vern’s Car Wash, five cents at a Chevron (all pennies) , four cents at a flea market, 21 cents (2 dimes & one penny) at a Circle K gas station, two cents at another 7-11, and 20 cents (two dimes) at an Albertsons grocery store.

The final dime of the day, by a change machine at Albertsons, was a silver dime. I did not know it at the time but it was the last piece of change that I would find in Florida. It was a good way to end my vacation.

Totals for the day: $1.28 (a single day record, to date)
Race Totals: $10.87

Sunday, March 6, 2005

Today I found 44 cents. . . 39 pennies & 1 nickel. I also got the mayor of Washington, DC to sign a baseball for me.

I had intended to drive to Vero Beach to watch a baseball game, but after all the driving of yesterday I decided to go to Viera and watch the Houston Astros play the Washington Nationals. The weather was beautiful, so I was happy.

I found 4 cents at an Exxon gas station, 3 cents at a Shell gas station, six cents (one nickel & one penny) at a BP gas station, three cents at a 7-11 store, four cents at a Citco in St. Cloud, three cents at a Marathon gas station, four cents at a no name car wash, two cents at a Race Trac, 10 cents at another 7-11 (all pennies), four cents at another Shell gas station, and one cent at Wal-Mart.

At the baseball game I saw the mayor of Washington, DC. He was surrounded by security, but for some reason they didn’t think a guy with no shirt walking up to the mayor was a problem. This is what happened:

Me to Security: May I ask the mayor to sign a baseball?
Security: What do I care.
Me: Ok, thanks.

I got to tell you, if I was the mayor I would want a little more than that from my security. That said, he was very nice and actually chatted with me for a bit. On the way out the security asked me if they could have the baseball. I had to decline the request.

Totals for the day: 44 cents
Race Totals: $9.59

Saturday, March 5, 2005

Today I found $1.06. . . 1 quarter, 7 dimes, & 11 pennies. I also found a token from "Boomers" that resembled a gold dollar that will not count towards the day’s totals.

Today was a lot of driving for not a lot of autographs. I started the morning at 4:30 am when I left Kissimmee, FL and drove to Viera, FL to try to obtain the always elusive Frank Robinson. Arriving at 5:30 in the morning I found he had already entered the ballpark. Next, I drove to Ft. Lauderdale to watch the Baltimore Orioles play the Washington Nationals. Finally, I drove back to Kissimmee for the evening. For the 430 miles that I drove today I only got three autographs. Not a good day.

I found 75 cents (one quarter & 5 dimes) at the drive-thru for McDonalds. The McDonalds lady did not seem to appreciate me picking up the change, but I figured it did not belong to anyone so it was fair game. Sadly, I did not get napkins or hot sauce with my order, and I fear my change grab might have played a role in this. I also found 25 cents (two dimes & 5 pennies) at a drive-thru for KFC, and the final six cents of the day came at a no name car wash.

The token from Boomers was also found at the car wash. I initially thought it was a gold dollar and was very excited. Sadly, it was not so it will be placed in my not gold dollars cup, but will not count towards any of the day’s totals.

Totals for the day: $1.06
Race Totals: $9.15

Friday, March 4, 2005

Today I found 36 cents. . . 16 pennies,& 2 dimes. I also found 3 marbles that will not count towards the days totals.

The entire day was spent in Kissimmee, Fl, where the Houston Astros played the Cleveland Indians. I have never been fond on Ohio so it was an added bonus that the Astros came back and won the game in the 9th inning on a hit by Chris Burke. Autographs were good and the weather was actually nice. This is what vacation is all about.

I found five cents (all pennies) at a KFC drive-thru, 18 cents (one dime & eight pennies) at a no name car wash, and 13 cents (one dime & three pennies) at a Sonic.

Very quickly I would like to note that I really don’t have animosity to the entire state of Ohio. It’s just that in high school I knew a girl who’s father was a real jerk and he had played football for Ohio State University. To make things worse the Cleveland Indians beat the Baltimore Orioles in the playoffs one year, and that hurt. Further, an ex-girlfriend who I am still annoyed with went to Ohio State University. Finally, it is pretentious to insist on putting "THE" in front of your school name. That’s just my two cents, sorry Ohio.

Totals for the day: 36 cents
Race Totals: $8.09

Thursday, March 3, 2005

Today I found 98 cents. . . 28 pennies, 2 quarters, & 2 dimes.

I spent the entire morning in Viera, FL, where again I did not get Frank Robinson to sign a ball for me. Later in the day I drove to Jupiter, FL where I watched the Baltimore Orioles play the Florida Marlins. In the evening I drove to Port St. Lucy to watch a Mets game that ended up getting rained out. I did manage to get a good deal of autographs today, so despite the rain I was happy.

I found four cents at a Chevron gas station, 28 cents (a quarter & 3 pennies) at a Pilot gas station, 30 cents (a quarter & 5 pennies) at a KFC drive-thru, 25 cents (2 dimes & 5 pennies) at a Steak n’ Shake drive thru, 6 cents (all pennies) at a Chevron in Jupiter, FL, four cents outside the baseball stadium in Jupiter, and one cent at McDonalds.

After a bad few days of autograph I managed to get a bunch of St. Louis players on their practice field. In a matter of 20 minutes I got Jim Edmonds, Scott Rolen, Matt Morris, Reggie Sanders, and a few others. I also caught a fly ball during the Orioles v. Marlins game bare handed. All in all it was a good day.

Totals for the day: 98 cents
Race Totals: $7.73

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Today I found 24 cents. . . 4 pennies & 2 dimes.

I spent the entire day Viera, FL, where I had driven the night before. The Washington Nationals (formerly the Montreal Expos) practice there. I was hoping to get their manager, Frank Robinson, to sign a baseball for me. No autograph and not a lot of change. To top things off it was a cold day. Boy, some vacation.

I found one penny at the hotel where I spent the night (although a friend of mine found $4.51 in his bed–which makes me think that the sheets had certainly not been changed the night before), 22 cents (2 dimes & 2 pennies) at a Wendy’s drive-thru, and one cent at a McDonalds.

Sadly, since I didn’t get any good autographs or lots of change this will be a short post.

Totals for the day: 24 cents
Race Totals: $6.75

Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Today I found 26 cents. . . 16 pennies & 1 dime. I also found a coin from Panama. Sadly, the Panamanian coin does not count towards the days totals.

I spent the entire day in Port St. Lucy, watching the New York Mets practice. Again, autographs were not that great. I also watched a Mets intersquad game and got Carlos Beltran to sign a baseball for me. Change hunting was not so good. All of today’s finds were in Port St. Lucy.

I found one penny at a Wendy’s drive thru, 11 cents (1 dime & 1 penny) at Citco gas station, three cents at Valera’s (a local gas station), and 11 cents (all pennies) at a Wal-Mart.

The coin from Panama was found at a vacuum cleaner at a Wal-Mart gas station. I’m not sure what type of coin it is, but research will be done and I will report back at a later date.

Totals for the day: 26 cents
Race Totals: $6.51