Goodbye To February!

Today we found 1.76 in change and 79 bottles and cans.

It seems only fitting that we end the month of February with a bang! We really poured it on with our totals the last week to ten days with some impressive numbers, and it showed, both in the money totals and with the bottles and cans amounts. It does look as though our run, after Thursday, might be temporarily interrupted due to a major snowstorm heading our way late Thursday night and into Friday. It looks like March will be coming in like a lion!

Money Talk – We really had a tough time getting things on the money scene today. During my run to the bank and to do groceries, I came up empty. Michele also struck out at work. On our run we also scored a big fat zero. We finally broke through on the evening walk, but even that didn’t come easy at first. The usual suspects like the rite aid parking lot, Main Street and the high school failed to produce. Luckily for us we still had the car wash, which paid huge dividends with 1.69 in change (6 quarters, 1 nickel and 14 pennies). All but one quarter was found in, around and on top of the vacuum islands. The aforementioned quarter was found on the ground in one of the self-serve bays. The remaining 7 cents of the walk came for the 7-11 parking lot (1 nickel and 2 pennies). All three coins were on the ground in one of the parking spaces.

Over and Out!

Money Totals for 2007 – 25.84
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 338.83

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 16,153 – 807.65
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 26,175 – 1,308.75

Got Milk?

Today we found 1.52 in change and 86 bottles and cans.

I know I don’t mention this enough, but the best part of this money finding venture (apart from the free money of course) is the unknown. I’ve seen all types of interesting items, those valuable in some way and those that really aren’t (monetarily). It’s a treasure hunt of sorts and that’s where the real enjoyment comes in, never knowing what’s around that next corner, on that next stretch of road ahead. Looking back at it now, I’m glad I decided to start this adventure. Every day I help save the planet a little more (which is a good thing), while taking full advantage of all the free items (currency, recyclables, etc) there for the taking. It’s a win-win situation and I’m truly glad I did it.

Money Update – The car wash once again provided the big hammer with regard to our coin finds. While perusing the premises with amassed a total of 1.51 (6 quarters and 1 penny). 4 of the quarters were on the ledge area of a vacuum station. One quarter was also near by on the ground with a penny. The final quarter was in the coin return slot of a self-serve bay wash. The final penny of the evening walk was recovered in the 7-11 parking lot on the ground.

We also picked up a couple of Harris Dairy milk bottles. Harris is one of the few environmentally conscious dairies in the area. They made the choice some time ago to use glass only bottles for their products. Because of that choice they are available for return. The smaller bottles, like the ones pictured here are worth 75 cents a pop, while the larger ones are worth 1.25. So far we’ve run across about a half-dozen or so, but we’re always on the lookout for more!

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money Totals for 2007 – 24.08
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 337.07

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 16,074 – 803.70
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 26,096 – 1,304.80

Have Mug, Will Travel!

Today we found 78 cents and 68 bottles and cans.
Monday was a busy one for me. First, it was down to the recycling center with a truckload of returnables where I pocketed 53.10 for the fund. In another week to 10 days I figure I’ll have another full load ready to go. I also had a couple of errands to take care of in neighboring New Hampshire. Then, after returning home, I hit the post office and then went for a run. An evening walk rounded things out for the day.

Money Talk – All of our coin finds came via the evening walk. We started things off with a penny on Main Street. Then, at the car wash, we struck gold with 77 cents (2 quarters, 1 dime, 2 nickels and 7 pennies). All of the coins with the exception of the dime and 2 pennies were found in and around the vacuum areas. The other 12 cents were found in the self-serve bays. We also picked up another New Hampshire token and a set of 4 travel mugs still in the box (see pic). Another item for the yard sale in the spring!

Over and Out!

Money Totals for 2007 – 22.56
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 335.55

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,988 – 799.40
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 26,010 – 1,300.50

Thoughts Of Spring!

Today we found 99 cents in change and 115 bottles and cans (again, weird).

This was definitely the nicest day we’ve had in February. It was the kind of day to be outside, enjoying the weather and getting a little taste of spring. Sure, we’re still dealing with winter, but every day a little less.

Money Report – Sunday’s money journey was filled with many discoveries. On my run in the afternoon I started things off with a dime. I found on Main Street wrapping up my run. About an hour later, Michel and I took Lexi for a long walk, and while doing so we came up with 62 cents. Our first two coins were heading up Mill St (1 quarter and a penny). We also found a penny on Riverbank, a penny on Dorsey and 6 pennies on Pine. At the depot we snagged 2 pennies by the phone booth, and at Sweet Creations (bakery) we added another 22 cents (2 dimes and 2 pennies). We also recovered 4 pennies on Sherburne to round out the totals.

The remaining 27 cents came via the car wash (1 dime, 2 nickels and 7 pennies). All the coins were found scattered about near the vacuum areas. We also snagged a boatload of bottles and cans for the second day in a row, plus another cd case.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 21.78
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 334.77

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,920 – 796.20
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,942 – 1,297.30

Counting Down!

Today we found 29 cents and 115 bottles and cans.

The countdown is on with only 5 days left in the month of February. I won’t be sad to see this month go, as it’s been one of the coldest on record for Maine. The average temp has been around 16.5 degrees with 15.6 being the all-time record. Let’s hope March comes in like a lamb.

Money Update – Michele snagged 6 cents on her walk this morning with Lexi (1nickel and 1 penny). The nickel was found on Main Street, right in front of the village consignment shop, while the penny came from Mill Street. On our run, we recovered another 12 cents (1 dime and 2 pennies). The first two pennies were found on Frost Street, and the dime was picked up on Merrill Street.

The evening walk netted us another 10 cents (all pennies). First, we found 2 pennies on Main Street, and then a penny in the rite aid parking lot. At the car wash we found another 4 cents scattered about near the vacuum stations. We also found 2 pennies in the 7-11 parking lot and one cent near Luigi’s. Bottles and cans were also at a premium.

Over and Out!

Money Totals for 2007 – 20.79
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 333.78

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,805 – 790.25
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,827 – 1,291.35

Show And Tell: Part 3!

Today we found 37 cents in change and 38 bottles and cans.

Tonight’s point of interest focuses on Springvale/Sanford’s finest. That’s right, law and order!

Sure, I know a few of the officers who are really good guys, but don’t get on the wrong side of them or you’ll end up like this guy!

They’ve got all the new tech toys and hip vehicles, too. Just check out that 70’s ford van, it’s old school.

They also have man’s best friend, er…um…man’s best friend unless you’re concealing any illegal substance. Good old “Colt” here just sniffs out the drugs,

“Kroger” and “Spike” carry out the heavy leg work with the take down.

One interesting note concerning their website. While browsing through the different areas I noticed a link for “help us take a bite out of crime”, and when I clicked on the link I got the “under construction” with a guy sleeping in his chair. How appropriate!

Money Talk – Things got off to a rather slow start today. The first find came during my run in the afternoon where I found a penny on Allen Street. On the evening walk, which by the way was a cold one, we found another 33 cents (3 dimes and 3 pennies). One of the dimes and the three pennies were found near the vacuum areas while the remaining 2 dimes were found in the one of the self-serve bays. The final 3 cents were found at Wendy’s. We stopped in for a bite to eat after the movie theater was evacuated due to a can of mace that was released into the air.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 20.50
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 333.49

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,690 – 784.50
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,712 – 1,285.60

Lock And Key!

Today we found 91 cents in change and 38 bottles and cans.

On the verge of a couple of below normal days ahead, we decided to take full advantage of the milder weather. With everything from a walking, to our daily run, and even a visit to the Sanford/Springvale historical museum, nothing was off limits. The museum was definitely the highlight though. The building itself was bought from the city by the historical society and then was completely renovated both inside and outside. It’s a great source of information for both communities and I highly recommend a visit if you’re ever in the area.

The Money Report – Once again Michele started off the scoring with a penny she found during her morning walk with Lexi. She found it while heading up Main Street. In the afternoon, while on her run, she found another 24 cents (4 nickels and 4 pennies). She found a nickel and penny on her up Mill Street, and then on Sherburne she snagged the remaining 18 cents.

In the late afternoon we decided to take a lexi for a walk. This time we started from Hannaford’s supermarket, about 2 miles from our house. We do this once in a while for a change in scenery as well as a different area to peruse for money. For the sake of time, I’m not going to recount the voyage. We were able to secure 30 cents in change though (1 dime and 20 pennies). A short time later I hit the car wash and found a quarter sitting atop one of the vacuum islands. The final coin was found during a trip to Hannaford’s after visiting the museum. The dime was tucked under one of the checkout counters. In addition to all of our change finds today we also found a 10mm box-end wrench and a Hodge padlock with two keys. There were also a fair number of bottles and cans, not to mention coke and other promotional caps for redemption.

Money totals for 2007 – 20.13
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 333.12

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,652 – 782.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,674 – 1,283.70

Cold Steel!

Today we found 97 cents in change and 24 bottles and cans.
Wednesday was another success in our coining adventures. Michele recorded the first coin of day on her walk with Lexi. She found a dime in the rite aid parking lot. A little later, during our run, we also found a penny on Main Street, and a really nice hunting knife on the side of the road next to the museum (see picture).




In the afternoon, we decided to go for a long walk with our little girl. During our venture we recovered several coins. First, we found 2 pennies in the rite aid parking lot, then a penny on Pleasant Street. At the depot we found another 7 cents (1 nickel and 2 pennies), while at the high school we snagged 54 cents (2 quarters and 4 pennies). Heading up Main Street we picked up 8 more cents (1 nickel and 3 pennies), and finally, at 7-11, we found 2 cents on the ground.

Over and Out!

Money totals for 2007 – 19.22
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 332.21

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,614 – 780.70
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,636 – 1,281.80

Terrific Tuesday!

Today we found 1.00 in change and 64 bottles and cans.

It seems we weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the nicer weather as most everyone else was out there, too. Michele was out running a few errands, and in the afternoon we joined my cousins for some lunch, followed by a lengthy visit. It was a productive day to say least and we’re looking forward to the even warmer temps tomorrow.

Money Report – We had an excellent day in our coin finding efforts on the roads of Springvale/Sanford and other points west. Michele got things going on the morning walk with Lexi. She found a quarter on Allen Street. A little later, after having lunch at the Good N Plenty, I found another quarter in the paper return slot.

The rest of the action came via the evening walk. First we found a dime at the intersection of Oak and Main. Then at the car wash we found a total of forty cents (1 quarter, 2 nickels and 5 pennies). The quarter and 5 pennies were found in and around the vacuum areas while both nickels we recovered from the self-serve bay areas.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 18.25
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 332.24

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,590 – 779.50
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,612 – 1,280.60

Close To The Vest!

Today we found 7 cents in change and 14 bottles and cans.

We decided to forgo the walk as it was just too brutal outside. Thank goodness this is the last of the real cold days as I am beginning to feel like an Eskimo. I’ll take a little of that early spring weather now, please!

Money Report – Michele did attempt to take Lexi for a walk this morning but the biting wind and bitter cold forced them to turn back after a short distance. She was able to retrieve one penny while she was out there though. She found it at the rite aid parking lot on the ground. The remaining 6 cents (1 nickel and 1 penny) came from the car wash. The penny was found on the ground near one of the vacuum bays while the nickel was found during an inspection of the self-serve wash areas. I also found a pretty nice women's fleece vest and a pair of sunglasses. Someone must be cold tonight!

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 17.25
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 331.24

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,526 – 776.30
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,548 – 776.30

Keeping An Eye On The Ball!

Today we found 28 cents in change and 12 bottles and cans.

The sun was out again today though it wasn’t quite as pleasant as yesterday. We had a light wind, which has been picking up steadily as the day has progressed. After tomorrow it looks as though we might have a little clear sailing ahead of us. A late February thaw and no major storms are on the horizon.

On The Money Front – All of our coins finds came on the evening walk with Lexi, and all 28 cents (1 quarter, 3 pennies) came from the car wash. Each of the 4 coins were found scattered about on the ground near the vacuum areas. I also picked up a super-sized super-ball. In addition, I also came across a Jose Cuervo bandana, which was lying on top of snow bank. It’s a pretty cool design.

Over and Out!

Money totals for 2007 – 17.18
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 331.17

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,512 – 775.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,534 – 1,276.70

Two Days and Two Totals!

It nearly felt like spring outside today, ok, maybe not spring, but after 3 days of arctic chill, 32 degrees felt almost balmy. Tomorrow is supposed to be nearly the same which won’t hurt my feelings any, and after one more day (Monday) of the bitter cold weather, the turn for a warmer temps begins. We do have a possible 2nd nor’easter that may play out by mid-week if the track is right. I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it, meanwhile, give me that strong February sun.

Money Talk – Here’s a roundup of the last couple of days.

Friday – We found 21 cents in change and 16 bottles and cans.

Michele found a penny while at school to start the scoring. The other 20 cents was found at Hannaford’s in the parking lot. As I was getting out of the car I spotted a dime on the ground. I went over and picked that one up and then noticed a second dime not too far from it.

Saturday – We found 30 cents in change and 54 bottles and cans.

All of the finds came via the evening walk with Lexi. Once again it was the car wash that bailed us out. I found 3 dimes in and around the vacuum areas. The rest of the walk of turned out to be profitless, but Lexi sure appreciated the exercise after being housebound for the last 3 days.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 16.90
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 330.89

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,500 – 775.00
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,522 – 1,276.10

Digging Out!

The winter storm has come and gone, finally. Things started to wrap up last night but didn’t really stop until the early morning hours. I’d say we got at least 10 or 12 inches, but it’s hard to determine due the high winds blowing around the snow into large drifts. As you see by the pictures it’s a winter wonderland!






Money Report – The last couple of days have been real interesting. With the heavy snow and bitter temps, it made it difficult in our change finding ventures.

Wednesday – We found 0 change and 0 bottles and cans. It started snowing pretty heavily in the early morning and came down steady all day. The only time we left the house was to shovel.

Thursday – We found 5 cents in change and 40 bottles and cans.

After the final cleanup from the storm I took a quick drive down to the car wash. I found one nickel in the self-serve bays on the ground. I also snagged a tidy little sum of bottles and cans as well.

Over and Out!

Money totals for 2007 – 16.39
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 330.38

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,430 – 771.50
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,452 – 1,272.60

Batten Down The Hatches!

Today we found 12 cents in change and 21 bottles and cans.

We are on the eve of a Northeaster or Nor’easter for all of you nautical people out there. According to the weatherman it looks like it’s going to be a real doozy, too! They’re predicting anywhere from 6 to 18 inches in our area (Southern Maine), while farther inland areas will receive jackpot totals of two-feet or more; some areas might even hit 30 inches! Then add in a gusty wind for whiteout conditions and you have yourself a classic blizzard scenario. The shopping has been done; the wood is stacked and ready. Now all we need is the storm.

Money Talk – It looks like the majority of the people were focused on the upcoming storm because there weren’t too many coins to be found today. During a trip to Demoulas for some pre-storm grocery shopping I found a lone penny in the parking lot. The remaining 11 cents was recovered at Hannaford’s picking up a couple of last minute things (1 dime and 1 penny). The penny was found in one of the aisles and the dime was spotted near the exit door of the store behind a stack of baskets.


Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 16.34
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 330.33

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,390 – 769.50
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,412 – 1,270.60

Show And Tell: Part 2!

Today we found 22 cents in change and 32 bottles and cans.

Tonight’s entry features our hometown baseball team, the Sanford Mainers! The team is made up of collegiate players, most of whom play for division 1A schools. The summer league itself consists of 12 teams covering 5 states: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. All of the players who travel here stay with host families. League officials feel it gives them a sense of belonging, both for the players, and for the community. The Mainers were knocked out in the semi-finals last year, but were league champions in 2004. It’s a very entertaining brand of baseball for all ages.

Money Report – Sadly, we said goodbye to the last of the good weather. A cold arctic front has moved in and the wind has really picked up. We made the best of it though in our on-going search for stray coins and any other interesting items that we’re always on the lookout for. Michele made her mark early in the day finding a nickel while at school. The remaining 17 cents were recovered on the evening walk. The first of our finds during our trek was a penny that we found on Main Street. At the car wash we added another 15 cents (1 dime and 5 pennies). 4 of the pennies were found around the vacuum stations. The dime and the last penny were found on the ground in the self-serve bays. The last penny was found in the parking lot of the 7-11.

Over and Out!

Money totals for 2007 – 16.22
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 330.21

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,369 – 768.45
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,391 – 1,269.55

Land Shark!

Today we found 50 cents in change and 35 bottles and cans.
We finally got a little melting going on as temps reached near the freezing mark. Sure, it was only brief in nature, but it was welcomed with open arms, especially in light of the forecast for the next few days. More bitter cold is on the way starting Monday afternoon through Tuesday, and then we have the possibility for our first really significant snowstorm, one that could be an all-day event!


Money Report – We tried to make hay while this slightly warmer, drier weather lasts. In the afternoon I took Lexi for a walk while Michele did a little vacuuming. Lexi gets all hummed up when it’s running, thinking it’s alive and wanting to play, barking and carrying on. So, to avoid that confrontation we hit the pavement. While out there I found 15 cents (1 dime and 1 nickel). The nickel was found in the rite parking lot on the ground and the dime was snagged in the Nasson College parking lot.

A little later on, Michele found one penny during her run. She picked it up on Mousam Street as she turned for home. The final 34 cents came during our evening walk. With the exception of one dime that was found in the self-serve bay, all of the other coins were found in and around the vacuum station islands scattered about the ground. We also found a neat camouflaged shark sitting on one of the islands, along with a compact disc holder as well as a handy screwdriver (see pictures). More items for the yard sale!

Cap Update – I was supposed to do this a couple of days ago but I got sidetracked. Currently, the coke cap promotion stands at 2,556 points, while the power aid promotion stands at 816. I also noticed a new game that is currently underway. Dr. Pepper is running a promotion for cash prizes. I think that contest runs until the end of March.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 16.00
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 329.99

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,337 – 766.85
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,359 – 1.267.95

Show And Tell! Part 1!

Today we found 63 cents in change and 38 bottles and cans.

For the next few nights, I’ll be showcasing some of the local area highlights in our quaint little village. A collection of topics that will give the causal reader an idea of just what life’s like in our booming metropolis.

So I was surfing the net earlier this evening and I came across the Springvale/Sanford website. I found some of the information interesting. They highlight most of the area attractions (see picture), and go on to paint a wonderful picture with words. You know, that warm and fuzzy feeling one tries to convey, something like, “Come to Springvale/Sanford, the way life ought to be! My thoughts on this subject? I think they need to freshen up their website a little, not to mention adding some photos of the scenic areas that make up most of this area. It’s a good start but definitely a work in progress. In the photo collage: left to right, the gazebo at Gowen Park (nice area), Wentworth Statue (I think), downtown Sanford, and the Public Library building.

Money Update – We were out and about today as finally, the wind died down and temps inched up. Even though it was only a few degrees warmer than the previous 3 or 4, if felt like it was about 20 degrees warmer because there wasn’t that bitter wind chill to go along with it. That combination seemed to be the key as it lead to a profitable day in coin finding. Michele started things off on the early morning walk with Lexi. She found one penny on Payne Street. A little later she found a second penny while running an errand at Mardens. The big payday came our evening walk. First we collected a penny from the rite aid parking lot, then and found an additional 60 cents at the car wash (4 dimes, 1 nickel and 15 pennies). All of the coins were spread out on the ground in the various vacuum bay areas. Cha-ching!

Money totals for 2007 – 15.50
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 329.49

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,302 – 765.10
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,324 – 1,266.20

Warming Trend Ahead!

Today we found 56 cents in change and 47 bottles and cans.

It looks as though we’re finally going to get a slight warm up, word has it that this pesky low is moving on out. The problem is that there’s another one coming in right behind it to take up residence. In the interim we’ve got 3 days of slightly warmer temps and little or no wind. That means that we’ll donning the running gear for some miles tomorrow and layering for the walk later on. We’ve had cold streaks before but this particular one is the longest I can remember in quite some time.

Coin Update – Things seem to be looking up on the money finding front. Michele was the first to strike gold with a quarter find at school. It was wedged neatly behind a door, kitty-corner to a locker. Nice snag eagle eye! The rest of the action came via an evening drive down to the car wash, which totaled up 31 cents (1 quarter, 1 nickel and 1 penny). The quarter was found atop one of the islands for the vacuum bays. The penny and nickel were collected in the self-serve bays on the ground.

Sidebar – I’ll be updating cap totals tomorrow for both the coke and power aid promotions.

Money totals for 2007 – 14.87
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 328.86

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,264 – 763.20
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,286 – 1,264.30

When Will It End?

It’s day number 4 of the brutal winter weather. We’ve got a low-pressure system parked up in Canada and it’s not moving anytime soon according to the weatherman. What does that mean? Well, for starters, it’s means that things around this neck of the woods aren’t going to be improving temperature wise anytime soon. It’s like the movie groundhog day, I wake up and it about 20, give or take a degree or two accompanied a wind-chill that cuts you to the bone. I guess we should feel somewhat lucky as the folks up in Oswego are getting hammered with lake-effect snow, 8 feet and counting with more on the way! Yikes!

Money Report – All of our coin finds came via an evening drive down to the car wash. The six pennies were found in and around the outside vacuum bays if you can believe it. Not the scenario I had played out in my mind. Nevertheless, I’ll take them.

Over and Out!

Money totals for 2007 – 14.31
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 328.30

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,217 – 760.85
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,239 – 1,261.95

A Couple Of Cold Days!

The last couple of days have been pretty chilly to say the least. We haven’t done any runs or walks over the past 3 days with the exception of an abbreviated morning walk that Michele did with Lexi, toughing it out so that she could get a little exercise in. Unfortunately for us, things look to be status quo for at least the next couple of days with below normal temps and windy. Winter is really making up for lost time.

Money Report – Here’s the update for the last two days.

Tuesday – We found no change and 17 bottles and cans.

Try as we might, we weren’t able to find any coins. I did take a drive down to the car wash and also to Hannaford’s to pick up a couple groceries but we came up empty.

Wednesday – We found 4 cents in change and 15 bottles and cans.

We had a little more luck than the previous day. I found the first coin while getting gas at Cumberland Farms. It was a penny on the ground right near the gas pump, nice and convenient. Later in the evening I took a drive down to the car wash and was able to pick up 3 pennies. All of the coins were in or around the self-serve bays.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 14.25
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 328.24

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,189 – 759.45
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,211 – 1,260.55

It’s Cold!

Today we found 7 cents in change and 19 bottles and cans.

Man oh man was it a brutal day! Temps never got above 12 and the wind has been whipping pretty good, making it feel downright frigid. Needless to say, both walks were postponed due to the weather, but I did drive the one-mile down to the car wash to check for money. Michele had found 6 cents at school in the halls earlier in the day (1 nickel and 1 penny), and then I brought up the rear with a single penny I found while at the car wash. I had 4 layers on top and 2 on the bottom as I searched around. It was the old quick hit-and-run with my trusty llbean headlamp, then I high-tailed it for the Rodeo!

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 14.21
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 328.20

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,157 – 757.85
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,179 – 1,258.95

Hunkering Down!

Today we found 36 cents in change and 16 bottles and cans.

Sunday was a good day to stay indoors when ever possible. We’re in the midst of a cold snap and today was the start of it, with a brisk wind added on for good measure. Tomorrow will be the worst day and then a very slow warm-up after that over the next couple of days.

Money Report – All of our coins finds came via the evening walk, and the entire 36 cents was found at the car wash (1 quarter, 1 dime and 1 penny). The quarter was near the vending product area while the dime and penny were found on the ground next to one on the vacuum bays.

Over and Out!

Money totals for 2007 – 14.14
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 328.13

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,138 – 756.90
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,160 – 1,258.00

It's All White!

Today we found 53 cents in change and 10 bottles and cans.

The scene outside the house today resembled one you see on those Christmas postcards in the store, a landscape coated with a fresh batch of powdery white snow. And for a little while it was pretty warm, too, with the strong winter sun bearing down on us—that is before the wind kicked in. From that point on the temps started going downhill and will continue that way for at least the next 3 or 4 days. By Monday, temps will only get to about 10 or 12 degrees. It makes me cold just thinking about it, but we’re a hearty bunch and we’ll deal with it just like any other winter.

Money Update – We continue to slug our way along in the quest for change finds. Our first coin of the day, a penny, was found at Hannaford’s, during a morning run to pick up some creamer. While at Walmart we also found a penny, it was near the entrance to the store. The final 51 cents came on the evening walk. Once again the car wash came to the rescue with 2 quarters and a penny. One quarter was found in the slot for the dollar-bill changer, the other quarter was found on the ground near the car accessories area, and the penny was found on the ground near one of the vacuum areas.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money totals for 2007 – 13.78
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 327.73

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,122 – 756.10
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,144 – 1,257.20

Before The Storm...

Today we found 17 cents in change and 28 bottles and cans.

We were out beating the streets on a Friday before the predicted arrival of snow that was scheduled to start falling sometime around 7 pm this evening. Michele found one penny while at school to begin the festivities. The rest of the coins were found on our evening walk. We snagged one penny in the rite aid parking lot. Then, at the car wash, we recovered the remaining coins, a total of 15 cents (1 nickel and 10 pennies). All of finds were scattered throughout the vacuum bay areas on the ground. Shortly after finishing up our walk the snow started coming down—right on cue, leaving us with 5 inches of fresh new powder. Tomorrow should be interesting.

Money totals for 2007 – 13.25
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 327.24

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,112 – 755.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 1,256.70

The End And The Beginning…

Well we’ve made it through one month of winter and slipped quietly into another, albeit a shortened one. I always think of February as the last gasp of the cold weather, a month
of continuously longer days that begin to chip away at it’s icy grip, finally breaking the seal that signals the warmer days ahead, just not soon enough for my liking.

Coin Update – Here’s the rundown for the last couple of days

Wednesday – We found 16 cents in change and 6 bottles.

The evening walk proved to the game saver. We found one penny in the rite aid parking lot, and then at the car wash we came with another 14 cents (1 dime and 4 pennies). Three of the pennies were found in and around the vacuum areas, while the remaining dime and one penny were found close to the automatic wash area on the ground. At the 7-11 parking lot we though we’d found a dime but it turned out to be a fake coin, I just love those, but we did pick up one additional cent on Main Street at Luigi’s.

Thursday – We found 17 cents and 54 bottles and cans.

The evening walk once again bailed us out, averting a shutout. This time though all of the coins came from the car wash (2 nickels and 6 pennies). Each of the coins were found scattered about in the various vacuum bay areas on the ground.

Money totals for 2007 – 13.08
Money totals since Jan. 2005 – 327.07

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 15,084 – 754.20
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 25,106 – 1,255.30