Saturday, April 30, 2005

Today I found 34 cents . . . 1 dime and 24 pennies. I also got Mark McGwire (the teaser from last night) to sign a baseball for me. Obviously, the Mark McGwire autograph does not count towards the daily totals.

Very briefly, my finds of the day were nine cents (all pennies) at the Kwick Kar Wash, four cents at another car wash, 10 cents (all pennies) at Sonic, one cent in the road at a traffic light, and 10 cents (one dime) at a Starbucks drive-thru.

Last night some baseball autograph sources told me that Mark McGwire, retired St. Louis Cardinal and 500 home run club member, would be at a local golf tournament. Bailey and I decided to go check it out. We ended up getting a parking space directly next to Mr. McGwire’s car, and there we waited for him to come out.

When Mr. McGwire appeared Bailey became so excited (you will have to read his blog for his side of the story) that he set off the panic alarm on his car. Mr. McGwire, clearly a bit concerned, promptly got into his car and drove away for about 10 feet. Three minutes later, after the swarm of golf course security descended upon us, Bailey was able to shut off his panic alarm. I had calmly walked over to Mr. McGwire, still laughing from the experience, and had gotten a baseball signed. Bailey joined us and also got an autograph. An associate of Mr. McGwire gave Bailey a hard time about the panic alarm, but as we both got the autograph it did not matter. All in all a good day.

______________________________

April Monthly Report:

This month I found 438 pennies, 10 nickels, 45 dimes, 16 quarters, and one gold dollar.

Total Found: $14.58
Change Cycle Days: 3
Dollar Days: 3
Monthly Low: 11 cents
Monthly High: $2.09
Daily Average: .486 cents

Totals for the day: 34 cents
Race Totals: $48.07

Friday, April 29, 2005

Today I found 38 cents . . . 1 nickel, 1 quarter, and 8 pennies.

I didn’t have to work today so I decided to take a short drive, park my car, and walk to the post office for stamps. I walked down Louetta Road and found one penny by the side of the road. As there were an appalling lack of sidewalks I had to walk through some parking lots and I found four cents at various locations. Six cents (one nickel & one penny) greeted me at a Shipley’s doughnut drive-thru. Crossing the street after searching a car wash I spied a quarter on the ground. I retrieved it and managed to avoid the oncoming traffic. Driving home from the Astros game I stopped at Cheveron and found two cents, one in the parking lot and one inside the gas station convenience store.

Today the Astros squared off against the Chicago Cubs. It was a great pitching match up: Roger Clemens vs. Greg Maddux. It was only the fifth time since 1900 that two 300 game winners faced each other. The game was one by Mr. Maddux and the Cubs, 3-2. On the autograph front I managed to get 15 Cubs to sign a team ball that I started. Notable autographs included Derek Lee, Todd Hollandsworth, LaTroy Hawkins, Ben Grieve, and Joe Borowski.

Tomorrow I am already planning for a big autograph day, but my target is not a current baseball player. This, as they would say on TV, is a tease. Tune in tomorrow for my report.

Totals for the day: 38 cents
Race Totals: $47.73

Thursday, April 28, 2005

Today I found 62 cents . . . 1 nickel, 2 dimes, 1 quarter, and 12 pennies (the change cycle for the second time in a week).

I had to take several co-workers to Hempstead, TX this morning and none were very keen on change searching. Thus, to ensure that my coffers were filled I had to get an early start. Prior to meeting with my co-workers I stopped at a car wash and found 10 cents (one dime) and a Taco Bell drive-thru next door where I found six cents (one nickel & one penny). I also found four cents at a Chinese restaurant drive-thru, marking the first time I have ever found change there.

In the afternoon business took me to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and on the way out I found one cent under a vending machine. I had just returned to my feet when a well known judge who I knew walked by and greeted me. Not sure if he would understand the race I’m glad I was standing.

In the late hours of the afternoon I went to Sonic with John, my retired co-worker, for ice cream. I searched for change three times; once before ordering, once while waiting for our order, and once after we had finished eating. I found a total of 41 cents (one quarter, one dime, & six pennies).

Totals for the day: 62 cents
Race Totals: $47.33

Wednesday, April 27, 2005

Today I found 67 cents . . . 2 dimes, 1 quarter, and 22 cents.

Today was one of those sad days where I actually had to go into my office. On the way into work I visited a Sonic I had neglected for some time and promptly found 29 cents (one quarter & four pennies). A Taco Bell drive-thru next door gave up 11 cents (one dime & one penny) to the cause. In the work parking lot I found one cent while walking from my car to the office.

After work parking lots contributed to the day’s finds, one cent at Willowbrook Mall and one at a nearby KFC. Three cents were found in the parking lot at a Chevron gas station, two by a vacuum cleaner and one by a gas pump. Next door there was a Whataburger where 14 cents (one dime & four pennies) were waiting for me in the drive-thru. My final stop of the evening was at the reliable Kwick Kar Wash, a place that I have left idle for too long. Obviously, the Kwick Kar Wash was bitter over the neglect, as I was only awarded seven cents (all pennies) for my scavenging efforts.

Totals for the day: 67 cents
Race Totals: $46.71

Tuesday, April 26, 2005

Today I found $2.09, hitting for the purest of all change cycles by finding 2 nickels, 5 dimes, 1 quarter, 1 gold dollar, and 24 pennies. One of the pennies that I found was a 1940 Wheat Penny. I also found a rubber bouncy ball. Sadly, the rubber bouncy ball does not count towards the day’s totals.

On my way to Hempstead, TX, a drive that I have grown to love because of the change finding opportunities, I checked in at a local car wash and found 14 cents (one dime & four pennies). A nearby Taco-Bell drive-thru added 12 cents to my totals (one dime & two pennies). Another car wash, also in the vicinity, offered me 29 cents (one quarter & four pennies).

Returning from work this afternoon I took a different route and visited an Arby’s drive-thru where I found 12 cents (one dime & two pennies). Sonic again provided me with my monster find of the day, a gold dollar. At first I though it was a token of some type and was going to happily add it to my Not Change Cup. Upon closer inspection I discovered that it was destine for greater glory. This was the first gold dollar of the change race and I was pleased to find it.

Continuing home I spied another car wash and unearthed 19 cents (one dime, one nickel, and four pennies). The nickel and dime were by a vending machine on the ground and the pennies were scattered about. It was at this car wash that I found the rubber bouncy ball, which will indeed be added to my Not Change Cup.

I swung into Kroger to check a coin sorting machine. On my way to the store I was attacked by a crow, who actually flew into my back. At first I though it was an accident, until it returned to take a swipe at my head. Perhaps I was too close to a nest, or perhaps it wanted the change that I was collecting. I may never know. The coin machine was empty, but I did find a penny under a vending machine by the store doors. My final stop on the way home was at Randalls, a local grocery store, where I found two cents. One cent, a 1940 Wheat Penny, was in the change sorting machine while the other was on the ground by the machine.

In the evening I went grocery shopping and I found a nickel by the check out line. On the way home, not having eaten dinner, I stopped in at Sonic for half price burgers (a special they run every Tuesday). While waiting for my order I did some change searching and found 15 cents (one dime & five pennies).

Totals for the day: $2.09
Race Totals: $46.06

Monday, April 25, 2005

Today I found $1.34. 3 dimes, 3 quarters, and 29 pennies.

It was a gray day in Houston, TX and I hoped that would not set the tone for my change searching. Obviously, it did not. I stopped at a car wash that I had been frequenting quite a bit and found 12 cents (one dime & two pennies). I always like finding a dime early because that way I don’t have to worry about breaking 10 cents for the day. I stopped at another car wash located at FM 1960 & 290 and found 19 cents (one dime & nine pennies). I have found that the best time to find change at car washes is Sunday night / Monday morning, as there are more people who use car washes on the weekend. More people equals the possibility of more lost change.

On my way home from Hempstead, TX, where I spent the day working, I stopped at a gas station by 290 & FM 2920 and found four cents. Two cents were in the parking lot and two cents were inside at the base of the counter. My monster find of the day came at Sonic where I found 74 cents (one dime, two quarters, & 14 pennies). The silver was spread out but the pennies were all by the exit, obviously discarded by a customer who did not want pennies. I have found lots of pennies by the same exit once before, so I’m guessing it is a frequent customer, or multiple customers that discard pennies at this location. In the evening I found 25 cents (one quarter) by the base of our apartment complex washing machines.

Totals for the day: $1.34
Race Totals: $43.97

Sunday, April 24, 2005

Today I found 52 cents. . .3 dime and 22 pennies. I also found a key to some type of lock and a pink bead of some type. Sadly, the key and bead do not count towards the daily totals.

I had intended to drive to Round Rock, TX this morning to go visit a friend of mine who pitches for the Astros AAA baseball team, the Round Rock Express. However, plans fell through and I had to cheer myself up by finding change.

I had my first find of the day at one of those car washes where people do everything for you. However, since it was Sunday and it was closed I was free to search undisturbed for change. I found seven cents (all pennies). Another car wash yielded three cents and a parking lot next to it turned over 13 cents (one dime & three pennies) The dime was so battered and worn that at first I though it was just a piece of gum stuck to the ground. I am glad that I examined it more closely and found that my initial hypothesis was incorrect.

The leisurely fast food circuit was next and I found two cents in the parking lot at Shipley’s donuts, 11 cents (one dime & one penny) at Taco Bell, and 12 cents (one dime & two pennies) at Arby’s. No day would be complete without a visit to Sonic, so visit I did. I found three cents in parking spaces. My final find of the day was a Citgo gas station where I stopped for gas. I found one penny on the ground by a gas pump.

The key and the pink bead were found at the first and second car washes that I stopped at, respectively. The key is about the size that would go into a heavy duty lock and the pink bead caught my eye because it is several different florescent shades of pink. Both new treasures will be deposited into my Not Change Cup.

Totals for the day: 52 cents
Race Totals: $42.63

Saturday, April 23, 2005

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

This morning I stopped at some of my preferred change finding locations. I found one cent at a car wash, one cent at a Jack in the Box drive-thru, and one cent at a Taco Bell drive-thru. I also discovered one cent in the middle of the road at a stoplight along Cypresswood Dr. As the light was red I was able to retrieve the penny with little fanfare or disturbance to the traffic patterns.

My big find of the day was at a Sonic where I found 16 cents (one dime & six pennies). The dime was cleverly hidden on some white cement and I almost didn’t notice it. In the afternoon I was returning home and I spied a penny on FM 1960. Again, the light was red so I was able to salvage the lone penny with little effort.

Totals for the day: 21 cents
Race Totals: $42.11

Friday, April 22, 2005

Today I found 23 cents. . .2 dimes and 3 pennies.

In the first few minutes of the morning I drove my co-worker Stephanie home from the Astros game. We had stopped at a local bar and on the way home she wanted Starbucks. As I drove through the drive-thru after placing her order I spotted and retrieved 21 cents (two dimes and one penny).

I spent Friday evening with Bailey at a basketball tournament and on the way home I had to stop at the post office to mail two packages. One package was to my friend Dean, who lives in Anna, TX. He was receiving six signed baseballs that I got for him in Spring Training. The other was to my friend Patti, who lives in New Jersey. She was receiving various CVS items that I got on a recent shopping trip. At the post office I found two cents, one in the parking lot and the other under a stamp machine.

Totals for the day: 23 cents
Race Totals: $41.90

Thursday, April 21, 2005

Today I found 29 cents. . .1 quarter and 4 pennies.

This morning I stopped at Sonic for breakfast and I found three cents as I waited for my breakfast sandwich to be delivered. Afterwards I went to a nearby carwash and found 26 cents (one penny & one quarter). The penny was on the ground by a vacuum cleaner and the quarter was on the ground in some grass.

I attended the Astros game in the evening and saw Andy Pettit pitch a very nice game. My very quiet co-worker Stephanie attended the game with me, her first Astros game. She enjoyed the $1 hotdogs and got eight autographs of her own (although since I got her the ball and told her names I will claim some credit for her success).

The Astros won 8-7, despite the fact that our very reliable closer Brad Lidge gave up a three run bomb in the ninth inning with two out. On the autograph front I got some more Brewers, none very notable. Nevertheless, I ended the two game series having obtained signatures from 21 of the 25 players. Not a bad take for two days.

Totals for the day: 29 cents
Race Totals: $41.67

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Today I found 20 cents. . .1 nickel and 15 pennies.

On my way to an appointment this morning I found single pennies at a Taco Bell drive-thru, a car wash, a Shipley’s donut drive-thru, and a Sonic. A tad later in the day I found 14 cents (one nickel & nine pennies) at another car wash. On my way home from the Astros game I had to stop at a post office and I found two cents under a stamp vending machine.

The Astros beat the Milwaukee Brewers tonight 6-1. Sadly, this is not impressive since they are the Brewers. I got 14 of the 25 Brewers to sign a single baseball for me and starting pitcher Ben Sheets signed a single ball for me. Notable autographs, besides Mr. Sheets, include Jeff Cirillo, Lyle Overbay, Junior Spivey, and Carlos Lee.

In the ninth inning Junior Spivey was called out on a very strange play, which the umpire botched. He went absolutely ape and had to be restrained by several coaches. After the game I saw Mr. Spivey leaving the ballpark and asked him to comment on the play. He was in a much better mood by this point and spent the next 10 minutes explaining his version of the play, complete with showing me his leg where he believed the ball had hit. Nice guy. Too bad he plays for the Brewers.

Totals for the day: 20 cents
Race Totals: $41.38

Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Today I found 40 cents. . .1 dime, 1 quarter, and 5 pennies.

In the early hours of the morning, under the cover of darkness, I went to my favorite lost change grounds, the Kwick Kar Wash. There I was rewarded with 39 cents (one dime, one quarter, and four pennies). On the way home from the Astros game I found a penny on the ground at Cheveron, where I stopped to fill up with gas.

The Astros managed to win a game today, 5-3. From what I have been told by people in the know I was shown on TV in the crowd on multiple occasions in the early innings from my acquired seats (acquired meaning I was sitting in them despite the large discrepancy in the value of my actual ticket verses the value of the seats I was occupying). On the autograph front I managed to add to my team ball with six new additions. Notables include Tim Hudson, Marcus Giles (admitted steroid user), Mike Hampton, and Rafael Furcal (admitted drunk driver).

Totals for the day: 40 cents
Race Totals: $41.18

Monday, April 18, 2005

Today I found 18 cents. . .1 dime and 8 pennies.

Today was one of those days where I was busy at work doing nothing but paperwork. Not a fun day. However, I had the chance to stop at the Kwick Kar Wash in the morning and found 16 cents (one dime & six pennies) and the Sonic right next to it where I found four cents.

In the evening Bailey and I attended the Astros game. They played the Braves and Roger Clemens matched up against Tim Hudson. It was one of the best pitched games I have seen in a long time, with both starting pitchers throwing a shutout. Clemens went seven innings and Hudson went nine. Had Clemens won he would have moved into sole possession of 9th place on the all times win list. Sadly, the Astros lost 1-0 in the 12th inning.

On the autograph front I managed to get 10 Atlanta Braves on my team ball. Notable autographs include Adam LaRoche, Chris Reitsma, Eddie Perez, and John Thomson. However, my best autograph of the night was getting Tim Hudson to sign a single ball for me after the game. I saw Mr. Hudson as he was leaving the stadium and heading to a local bar across the street. He graciously signed, showing that his arm had just a little bit left in it for the night.

Totals for the day: 18 cents
Race Totals: $40.78

Sunday, April 17, 2005

Today I found 82 cents. . .2 nickels, 4 dimes, and 32 pennies. I also found a Mexican 20 cent piece and a polished piece of rose quartz. Sadly, the Mexican coin and the rose quartz do not count towards the daily total’s.

I met my friend Susan this afternoon for lunch and afterward she graciously agreed to do some change searching with me. Susan is a natural change finder, and I’m convinced that if she were to get into this race, even so far in, she might give Bailey an myself a run for our money.

While searching for change we stopped at a car wash and I found 12 cents (one dime & two pennies). A Taco Bell drive-thru and a Shipley’s doughnut drive-thru each contributed a penny to the daily total’s. At Sonic I found 13 cents (one nickel & eight pennies). Five of the pennies were stuck in a crack in the parking lot and had to be forcibly removed with my car key. Two other car washes each yielded rewards in the form of five cents (all pennies) and 13 cents (one dime & three pennies). Single pennies were also found in the parking lot at Randalls, a local grocery store, and on the sidewalk outside of a Mexican restaurant.

Later in the afternoon I returned to CVS to use some more coupons. While out I found a single penny in an apartment complex next to Bailey’s residence; 28 cents (two dimes & eight pennies) at a Starbucks drive-thru in The Woodlands; five cents (a nickel) on the floor at Kroger, a local grocery store; and one cent in the parking lot of my apartment complex.

Both the Mexican 20 cent piece and the piece of rose quartz were found at a local car wash. The Mexican coin was on the ground by the front vacuum cleaners and the rose quartz was on the ground in the back. Both new found items have been deposited into my Not Change Cup, which currently holds all types of treasures that I have discovered while searching for change.

Totals for the day: 82 cents
Race Totals: $40.60

Saturday, April 16, 2005

Today I found 71 cents. . .1 nickel, 3 dimes, 1 quarter, and 11 pennies (the fabled change cycle).

I flew out of Baltimore at 7:30am and touched down in Houston, TX at approximately 9:30am local time. B.W.I. continues to hold the distinction of being the worst airport in the world, security wise, in my book. Their idea of making sure you don’t get injured on a plane is to make security lines so long you miss your flight. Brilliant.

Back in Houston I drove home but stopped at a Taco Bell drive-thru and was greeted by seven misplaced pennies. An Exxon gas station afforded me the opportunity to add an additional three cents to my daily totals. Lunch was had at Boston Market this afternoon, and before I went in I checked the drive-thru and found five cents (one nickel) on the ground.

In the evening I ventured up to Bailey’s neck of the woods to redeem some CVS coupons that he had told me about. I got about $35 worth of items for .26 cents. Not bad, since on the way up I stopped at an Arby’s drive-thru and found 20 cents (two dimes) and I found 36 cents at the CVS (one quarter, one dime, & one penny). The quarter and the dime were on the ground by the customer side of the cash register and the penny was in an isle of the store.

Totals for the day: 71 cents
Race Totals: $39.78

Friday, April 15, 2005

Today I found 20 cents . . . 1 dime, and 10 pennies.

Sadly, for complex reasons I did not make it to New Jersey this evening. I had hoped to give Brian a run on his own turf, but it was not to be. However, finds were made and are presented. This morning I found 2 cents at a Crown gas station by the vacuum cleaners, four cents at a British Petroleum gas station by vacuum cleaners, and two cents at another Crown gas station by (you guessed it) the vacuum cleaner. My big find of the day was at an Exxon gas station where I found 11 cents (one dime & one penny) on the ground. The dime was hidden quite well on a white parking space line and it took a good eye to find it.

In the afternoon I met my former track coach at Towson University (formerly Towson State University) for lunch. While waiting I found one penny by the Towson Center, the university athletic facility. I also found out that I am, to this day, on the top ten list for the field event that I competed in. Since I never realized I was that good this was quite the pleasant surprise.

In the evening I attended an Orioles vs. Yankees game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles won 8-1. I got there too late for autographs, but it was still a fantastic game. Little things like this game remind me how lucky I was to grow up in Baltimore. Last year I didn’t miss a single Houston Astros game and I can say without reservation that there was not a single regular season Astros game that matched the intensity of tonight’s game. The reasons are vast, but not once did the fans of Baltimore try to start the wave, everyone was standing and cheering with genuine passion, fans knew what they were talking about, and there was an electricity in the stadium that has never been in Houston. It was good to come home.

Totals for the day: 20 cents
Race Totals: $39.07

Thursday, April 14, 2005

Today I found 71 cents . . . 1 dime, 2 quarters, and 11 pennies.

I was sure today was going to be the day my streak of 10 cent finds came to an end. I had no car and was relying on the metro to get me around Washington, DC today. As it turned out, this was a great benefit. First thing this morning I found two cents at the Silver Spring metro stop. One penny was outside by a newspaper box and the other was inside by the card machine. Arriving at Union Station to meet a friend I found another two cents by the card machine. Inside the station at the food court I found a dime by a pretzel stand and a quarter in the coin return of a vending machine.

While walking around DC with my friend I spied a penny on the ground on the sidewalk and two cents in dirt by some parking meters. Unlike Jennifer this friend, Bev, supports my change finding efforts and was very excited with each find that was made.

After the Washington Nationals baseball game I found 29 cents in the stadium (one quarter & four pennies) as I was leaving. The Nationals won their home opener, and Livan Hernandez had a one hitter going into the 8th inning. Notable autographs for the day that I managed to obtain were Mark Grace, Shawn Green, Jim Lemon (old Washington Senator’s player), and Jack Kemp (former football quarterback and vice-presidential candidate).

Totals for the day: 71 cents
Race Totals: $38.87

Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Today I found 23 cents . . . 1 dime & 13 pennies.

I was flying to Baltimore this afternoon and I had a busy day so there was not a lot of time for uneventful change searching. I stopped at the Kwick Kar Wash and found seven cents (all pennies) and the Sonic next to it where I found two cents.

I ate lunch at a hamburger stand where I found one penny laying on the ground by the counter where customers place their orders. At the airport my flight was delayed, which I hate, but I found change, which I like. I found 13 cents (one dime & three pennies) at the food court in Terminal E.

Tomorrow I will be in Washington, DC for the Washington National’s first home game. I’m hoping for a good autograph day and a good change day.

Totals for the day: 23 cents
Race totals: $38.16

Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Today I found 26 cents. . .1 dime and 16 pennies. I also found a token of some type. Sadly, the token of some type does not count towards the day’s totals.

This morning my co-worker Jennifer and I had to give a seminar. On the way to meet Jennifer I stopped at three different car washes and found a total of 10 cents (all pennies). Jennifer and I ate lunch at The Woodland House, an all-you-can-eat Chinese buffet. When leaving the restaurant I spied a penny by the exit. I exited my car to retrieve the shiny prize. Jennifer was less than impressed with my change finding prowess.

In the afternoon I took my car to Wal-Mart for an oil change. While waiting I walked across the street and found 11 cents (one dime & one penny) in the parking lot at Whataburger and four pennies in the parking lot of Arby’s.

The token of some type was found in the middle of the road while I was driving on FM 1960. Initially I though it was a quarter and since the light was red I decided to retrieve it. It was not a quarter. The token has an eagle and the words "no cash value" on one side and a star and a horseshoe on the other. The token will be deposited into my Not Change Cup.

Tomorrow I fly to Baltimore and on Thursday I will be in Washington, DC for the Washington National’s home opener. I will also be in Trenton, NJ to visit a friend. I look forward to all the change finding adventures that I’m sure to have.

Totals for the day: 26 cents
Race Totals: $37.93

Monday, April 11, 2005

Today I found 77 cents. . .2 nickels, 2 quarters, and 17 pennies.

On my way to work this morning I stopped at the Kwick Kar Wash and identified six cents (all pennies) that had been lost. As it turns out I had a morning meeting that had been moved up 15 minutes so I was a tad late for it, but six cents richer.

On my way home from work I stopped at Shell for a drink and found three cents on the walkway outside the cashiers booth. I also unearthed one cent in the parking lot of Sterling Bank. I had stopped there to adjust a box in the trunk of my car and as I was getting ready to leave I though I saw a penny in the parking lot. I parked and got out, but it was a false start, nothing more than a piece of gum. I had gotten back into my car and then I saw a real penny, one space over. This time my efforts were rewarded.

My final stop of the evening was the post office where I had to mail some bills, letters, and a package for my friend in Hawaii. I decided to check under the stamp machine and found a penny. Upon closer inspection there was a lot more change. When all was totaled I had retrieved 66 cents (two quarters, two nickels, and six pennies). Had I found one more cent I could have purchased a two ounce stamp. Cool.

My final find of the evening was one penny in the parking lot of my apartments. I found it while I was walking to check my mail. I attribute this find to Daylight Savings, as it would have been dark several weeks ago and I would not have found this penny. Thus, I should offer a special thanks to Benjamin Franklin who first proposed Daylight Savings in 1784 and to the US Congress who passed daylight savings legislation in 1918, and later amended it in the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. 260a). Thanks, guys!

Totals for the day: 77 cents
Race Totals: $37.67

Sunday, April 10, 2005

Today I found 26 cents. . .2 dimes and 6 pennies.

On my way to the Astros game this morning I stopped at the car wash by my apartment complex and found 13 cents (one dime & three pennies). At the stadium I found 11 cents outside by parking meters (one dime & one penny). The dime was laying at the base of a meter that I parked next to and the penny was at the base of another meter across the street. On the way home I stopped at Sonic and found two cents in two parking spaces.

There were not many notable autographs for the day. I got Brad Ausmus, our current catcher and former Gold Glove winner, and Aaron Harang. Aaron was quite nice and actually came over to me and asked to sign my team ball. I had called him the other day and he had told me he would sign later but I never saw him again. He apologized for not signing the other day and squeezed his autograph onto a very full ball. Nice guy. The Astros won again. I don’t think it will last.

Former President George Bush was at the game today and almost got him to sign a baseball for me. However, the strategic location which I chose to wait at proved to be the place that he did not exit. Thus, I was not rewarded for my efforts. That’s ok, since I have gotten him before.

Totals for the day: 26 cents
Race Totals: $36.90

Saturday, April 9, 2005

Today I found 33 cents. . .1 dime and 23 pennies.

My first four finds, and only finds, of the day came in the immediate hours of the morning. On my way back from the Astros game I stopped at Cheveron to fill up with gas. It was 12:01am and I went to the McDonalds drive-thru, which was quite hustling considering the hour, and found 5 cents (all pennies). Wondering how fast I could reach 10 cents for the day I went to the Kwick Kar Wash and found 11 more cents (all pennies). It was now 12:19am. Before I reached my domicile I went to Boston Market and unearthed three cents (obviously all pennies) and Burger King where I discovered 14 cents (one dime & four pennies).

Bailey and I attended the Sunday afternoon Astros game, which the Astros won in the 9th inning, and a good time was had by all. Notable autographs for the day included Wily Mo Pena (a stud outfielder who never gets much playing time), Danny Graves, Ryan Wagner (a flame throwing pitcher who actually got the loss tonight) and Ramon Ortiz.

Totals for the day: 33 cents
Race Totals: $36.64

Friday, April 8, 2005

Today I found 13 cents. . .1 dime and 3 pennies.

All my finds came this morning on my way to work as I stopped by a car wash and found 11 cents (one penny and one dime), at a Sonic where I found one cent, and at a Taco Bell drive-thru where I found one cent.

I attended the Astros game this evening with Tara and did well in the autograph department. I set my goal of obtaining 14 signatures for the day and I hit it right on the head. Notable autographs for the day include Jeff Bagwell, Austen Kearns, Sean Casey, Brad Lidge and Brandon Backe. Tara obtained a Jeff Bagwell for herself, as well as a Brandon Backe and Luke Scott, who got his first major league hit tonight, a tripple to center field. Well done Luke!

Totals for the day: 13 cents
Race Totals: $36.31

Thursday, April 7, 2005

Today I found 58 cents. . .1 dime, 1 quarter, and 23 pennies.

I have become haggard over the past scattering of days, as change has been hard to come by. I was ready for an easy day, so I stopped by the Kwick Kar Wash and was compensated with 19 cents (all pennies) that were scattered about the ground. At the Sonic next door I spotted one penny, which was added to the morning totals.

On my way home from work I went to the Sonic where I saw the manager yesterday. No manager today, but I did find three cents (all pennies) on the ground in various locations. Two were in parking spaces and one was in the middle of the parking lot.

For a long time I have speculated that the drive-thru at Starbucks would contain a wealth of lost change. First, a cup of coffee costs about $10 there so there is a lot of money exchanging hands. Second, those places are always busy. Well, today I saw a Starbucks that wasn’t busy so I paid a visit. There greeting me, like a long lost friend, was 25 cents (one quarter). I was pleased.

My final find of the day was 10 cents (one dime) which I spotted while walking to go check my mail. It was a bicentennial dime, which made me think that it hardly seems fair that quarters got special treatment in that year but the dime did not. Nevertheless, the dime is special to me so that’s all that matters.

Totals for the day: 58 cents
Race Totals: $36.18

Wednesday, April 6, 2005

Today I found 13 cents. . .all pennies.

What a wonderful way to start the day, change searching at Sonic. However, today was a little different because the manager came out to ask me what I was doing. He told me he had been watching me for several weeks and had thought I was homeless at first since I was picking up change, but then saw me in a suit and tie one day so he began to wonder. He told me he was curious as to what I was doing, and the only way to find out was to ask me. I explained that I collected coins, not a far stretch, and that Sonic had been good to me in the past. I asked his permission to continue and he told me he collected coins as well and it would be ok. Five pennies later I left Sonic.

I also found four cents at a car wash, one cent at a Starbucks drive-thru, one penny at a Shell gas station, one penny at a Taco Bell drive-thru, and one penny by a change sorting machine at Randalls (a local grocery store).

The Astros won their first game of the season today, an afternoon game that was enjoyed by a quite small crowd. I managed to spot Lou Diamond Phillips in the stands, and had him sign a baseball for me (my first celebrity autograph of the season). All in all, a good day.

Totals for the day: 13 cents
Race Totals: $35.60

Tuesday, April 5, 2005

Today I found 11 cents. . .all pennies.

Some days the change comes to you and some days you go to the change. Today, I had to go to the change. I found the 11 cents at 11 different locations. There were the usual drive-thru restaurants, parking lots and gas stations. And of course I found one cent at Sonic. All pennies were in not the best of condition, but they have a new home now.

Today was opening day for the Houston Astros. In what I fear will become all too common we lost the game in miserable fashion. The only redeeming quality was that through various clandestine methods I was able to eat hot dogs and ice cream for free.

I was also awarded cash today for my come from behind third place victory in a NCAA basketball tournament pool. Bailey was in this pool with me and he finished well behind me. I should note that Bailey actually knows basketball and I do not. However, in the end I was victorious. Just like in change racing, some people are winners. . . .

Totals for the day: 11 cents
Race Totals: $35.47

Monday, April 4, 2005

Today I found 49 cents. . .3 dimes & 19 pennies. I also found a Namco Arcade token. Sadly, the Namco Arcade token does not count towards the day’s totals.

My first find of the day was 12 cents (one dime & two pennies) at a Taco Bell drive-thru. De ja vu. My second find of the day was 12 cents (one dime & two pennies) at a Taco Bell drive-thru (a different one, of course).

In the evening on the way home from work I stopped at Sonic and found eight cents (all pennies) and three cents (all pennies) at a car wash. I had to go to the grocery store to purchase provisions and I stopped by a McDonalds drive-thru and was rewarded with 10 cents (one dime). At Randalls, a local grocery store, I found two cents stuck up against the side of a coin sorting machine. It took a good deal of effort to dislodge the stuck coinage, but it was well worth the effort.

At Kroger, another local grocery store, I found one cent in the parking lot and at a Boston Market drive-thru I found another penny. The penny from Boston Market was a 1953-D wheat penny. It will be deposited into my wheat penny/silver dime bag for storage.

The Namco Arcade token was also stuck up against the edge of the coin sorting machine at Randalls. I though it was a nickel and was somewhat disappointed to learn that it was not. Nevertheless, it will be deposited into my Not Change Cup, contents disclosed in part yesterday.
Totals for the day: 49 cents
Race Totals: $35.36

Sunday, April 3, 2005

Today I found 20 cents. . .all pennies. I also found a Canadian penny. Sadly, the Canadian penny does not count towards the day’s totals.

Today was an all around bad day so I’m surprised that I even found anything considering the mood I was in. However, finds were made and are thus documented for posterity. Four cents were found in the parking lot of Kroger, a local grocery store; two cents were found outside of a Shipley’s Doughnuts store; and two cents at the drive-thru of a Taco Bell.

In the afternoon I went to the Astros final preseason game of the year. They lost, but that isn’t why my day was bad. I found one penny outside the stadium in the road (which was blocked because of the game, which made retrieving the Lincoln quite easy). Driving home I spotted another single cent in the road and was able to retrieve it due to the fact that I was stopped at a red light. Another single penny was found in the parking lot of Wells Fargo, a local bank where I stopped to use the ATM machine. The penny was between two parking spaces and was badly battered.

My final finds of the day were made at Sonic where I found five cents and the Kwick Kar Wash, which is right next to Sonic, where I found four cents (two of which were stuck together). The Canadian penny was found in the parking lot of the Shipley’s Doughnuts store. It will be deposited into my Not Change Cup, which is home to various assorted foreign coins, marbles, tokens, and a yellow bouncy ball.

Totals for the day: 20 cents
Race Totals: $34.87

Saturday, April 2, 2005

Today I found $1.03. . .6 dimes, 1 quarter, and 18 pennies.

Several weeks ago I developed the premise that once the professional baseball season starts my change totals will decline significantly. Last year I attended every home game for the Houston Astros, so this takes a good deal of time. Well, I stand by that prediction, but it might not be so. Baseball started today, in the form of a pre-season game at Minute Maid Park, and my totals were good. My new prediction is that the change I find during the baseball season will pay for my entire season of parking (I do very creative parking) so we shall see about that.

This morning I did some good old change searching at some local fast food establishments. I found seven cents (all pennies) at a Sonic, 40 cents (four dimes) at a KFC, two cents (both pennies) in a Taco Bell parking lot, and 11 cents (one penny & one dime) at an Arby’s. On my way home I stopped at a car wash and found three cents and I went to a Shell gas station and found two cents in the parking lot.

On my way to the ballpark I stopped at Race Trac, a local gas station, for a drink and found one penny in the check out line. After the game, which the Astros lost 3-0, I found one penny in section 124, approximately two rows back from the dugout. On my way home I stopped at What-a-Burger for some dinner and found 37 cents (two pennies, one dime, one quarter) in the drive-thru when I was getting my food.

Totals for the day: $1.03
Race Totals: $34.67

Friday, April 1, 2005

Today I found 15 cents. . .1 dime and 5 pennies. I also got fooled on an April Fools joke by Bailey.

I found two cents this morning at a KFC drive-thru, once cent on the ground at a Shell gas station, one cent on the ground in a parking lot by Academy Sports & Outdoors, one cent at a car wash, and 10 cents (one dime) on the ground at another Shell gas station.

So this evening I get home to find out that Bailey has found $22 in change (dropped rolls of quarters) at a local bank. It was posted in his blog on the Internet so it had to be true. I was not pleased with him keeping coins that I felt he should have turned in. Alas, it was all an April Fools joke and I fell for it. Is it possible that the Internet has let me astray?

Oh well, at least I can go to bed knowing if I forward e-mails to five people I will get a gift certificate to Border’s Books, that it is possible to wake up in a bathtub with no kidneys, when reaching for gas you can get stuck with a needle and get AIDS, some kid in Germany who has cancer will get a nickel for every e-mail that I forward, and not forwarding e-mails will bring me 10 years of bad luck. Then again, after today I just don’t know.

Totals for the day: 15 cents
Race Totals: $33.64