Saturday, June 30, 2007

The First Annual “One Coin At A Time” Yard Sale!

As some of you might already know, we here at “One Coin At A Time” have been setting things aside that we’ve come across over the last year or so in preparation for selling those said items at a yard sale. Well folks, today was the day, although we had planned it a couple of days ago.

Even before we had set things up, people were stopping in droves. Being on a busy main road is good for traffic and we also had two other yard sales going on just down from us so it was a buyer’s paradise. From 7.45 am until 2 pm the buyers kept coming, and when it was all over, we had made over 150 in profits with at least 50 to 60 percent coming from found items. To say that the yard sale was a success would be an understatement. What I was more amazed with was the amount of “stuff” we sold and what we were able to get for it. Now we need to find more items for next year’s sale!

Money Report – Michele was out extremely early on her morning walk Lexi. While on her trek she found a total of 2 cents for her troubles. The first penny was found on Mill Street and the second on Main.

During the evening walk we added another 35 cents (1 dime, 3 nickels, and 10 pennies). As we headed out down Main Street we found a nickel and a penny. At the car wash we netted 27 cents, all of which was found scattered on the ground around the vacuum areas. At the 7-11 we found a penny in the parking lot, and we added a penny that found at the Cumberland Farms.

Sox Talk – On paper, this one looked like a sure win. Josh Beckett was on the bump with an 11-1 record against Robinson Tejeda who had been having his troubles. I guess that’s why they play these games though, as the Rangers, after being down 4-0, came back against Beckett and tagged him with his second loss of the year, 5-4. Boston did have their chances to score more runs off him, but lately, they just haven’t been finding that clutch hit they’re looking for. That said, the Rangers bullpen pitched exceptionally well, as did the sox pen. Here’s hoping for a bounce-back win tomorrow.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 117.46
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 500.45

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,674 – 333.70
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,911 – 1,695.55

Friday, June 29, 2007

Home Cooking!

Today we found 26 cents in change and 62 bottles and cans.

Sox Report – Tim Wakefield got the Red Sox home stand off to successful start with a well-pitched 2-1 victory. Once again though the sox bats failed to do any real damage; this time against Jeremy Wright who came in with an era well over six. I’ll take it though, as we needed this win.

Money Talk – There wasn’t too money loot on the streets today. Michele got skunked on her morning walk with Lexi. However, we did head out on the mountain bikes where we managed to pick up 10 cents, all pennies. The coins were found in a number of places but for the sake of time I’ll skip at this time. The evening walk added 16 cents to the total (3 nickels, and 1 penny). All of the finds came via the car wash mostly around the vacuum areas.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 117.09
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 500.08

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,632 – 331.60

Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 33,869 – 1,693.45

Thursday, June 28, 2007

A Day Of Rest....

Today we found 51 cents in change and 69 bottles and cans.

Well there’s no baseball to talk about today as the sox are back at home after having their hat handed to them by the Mariners. With only 10 games remaining before the all-star break, I really hope the boys of Beantown find a way to accumulate a decent amount of wins and close on the first half of the 2007 season strong.

Money Talk – Michele found single penny during morning walk with Lexi. The penny was found on Harris Street. We also found time in our busy schedule to fit in some grocery shopping. On the way back we stopped at a no-name car wash and picked up a penny.

The rest of the total was found on the evening walk. The first 48 cents (2 nickels, and 38 pennies) was found at the car wash. The majority of change was on one of the islands, however, we did find a nickel atop one of the change returns in a self-serve bay, and a few pennies scattered about near the various vacuum stations. We also found a penny on Main Street to complete the total.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 - 116.83
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 499.82

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,570 – 328.50
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,807 – 1,690.35

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Hook, Line, and Sinker!

Today we found 62 cents in change and 62 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – After what had been a successful road trip, turned out to be a disappointment as sox limped out of Seattle with their third consecutive loss 2-1. Sure, there were some positive points, one in particular was dice-k and his brilliant performance, but the bats were cold once again and failed to provide him with any real run support. And then there’s Joel Pineiro who coughed up a lead and ultimately took the loss. The team as a whole though looked tired and perhaps a day off and some home cooking will be just what the doctor ordered.

Money Report – Michele recovered a penny on her morning walk with Lexi. The said coin was found Pleasant Street. On her run a little bit later she also found a penny, this time on Bridge Street. The evening walk contributed 60 cents to the total (1 quarter, 2 dimes and 3 nickels). All of the coins were found at the car wash. The quarter on the ground near the vacuum areas and the dimes and nickels from a coin return at one of the soda machines.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 116.32
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 499.31

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,501 – 325.05
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,738 - 1,686.90



Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Letting One Get Away….

Today we found 54 cents in change and 90 bottles and cans.

Sox Report – While Kason Gabbard pitched well in his debut outing for the sox, this time he was not very good. In fact, he basically unraveled in the first inning allowing only one hit, but walking four men and hitting another which ultimately led to 3 runs and got the Mariners off and running. Manny Delcarmen and Javier Lopez gave up another 4 runs combined and when the crying was over the sox came up on the short end of an 8-7 loss. I’d like to give credit to the Seattle hitters, though, as they showed resilience after the sox came back twice to tie the score. Dice-k heads to the hill this afternoon in what looks to be a salvage win against Ryan Feierbend who sports a 1-2 record and an era over 8.

Money Talk – I think the recent hot streak we’re in (2nd day of 90 plus) has affected our coin totals. Michele did have some luck on her morning walk with Lexi coming through with 12 cents. She found a dime and a penny at the skateboard park and a penny at the high school. A little later she went out for her run and found a penny on Bridge Street.

The evening walk added another 41 cents to our total (1 quarter, 2 nickel, and 6 pennies). First, at the car wash we found a total of 33 cents. Most of the coins were found around the vacuum areas, but the quarter was found in a return slot and the nickel in the self-serve bay. We also found a nickel and two pennies on Riverbank and a penny in the rite aid parking lot.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 115.70
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 498.69

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,439 – 321.95
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,676 – 1,681.80


Monday, June 25, 2007

Seattle Blues....

Today we found 71 cents in change and 37 bottles and cans.

Sox Update – Coming off two successful road series I was hopeful that the sox might start this one off the same way. However, it was not to be as Seattle, with the help of well-placed hits early, took game one 9-4. To say that the Red Sox had multiple chances to win the game would be an understatement. They kept finding ways to run themselves out of the innings though, and with the less than spectacular start by Julian Tavarez, and later Mike Timlin, the Mariners had all the runs they needed. Kason Gabbard goes tomorrow night for the good guys against Felix Hernandez.

Money Report – The first found coins of the day came via an afternoon bike ride. First at the 7-11 I picked up 3 pennies by the phone booths and then a penny on River Road at the entrance to the YMCA. I also found a penny at cigarette city and beverage center (a variety store) followed by a quarter on Spruce, another penny on River and a nickel at the depot to arrive at a total of 36 cents.

On the evening walk we found another 35 cents (1 quarter, 10 pennies). The first nine cents came via the car wash. All of the coins we in and around the vacuum areas, and then, at the skateboard park, we recovered quarter and a penny near the benches.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 115.16
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 498.15

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,349 – 317.45
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,546 – 1,677.30

Sunday, June 24, 2007

Two Aces....

Today we found 1.28 in change and 97 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – This one had all the hype a baseball fan could ask for as 9-1 Jake Peavy went up against 10-1 Josh Beckett. Things went according to plan early as both pitchers shut down their opponent through the first two innings. In the third however, the sox continued to make Peavy work with long at bats from several of the Red Sox players, and it finally paid off as they broke through for 3 runs, the last coming on a bloop single by Mike Lowell that scored David Oritz.

The Padres did strike back in the fifth where they pieced together a leadoff walk, a single by Geoff Blum and a pinch-hit double by Terrmel Sledge. Beckett regained his composure though, and put a stop to any further scoring, shutting down the Fathers with eight strong innings. Jonathan Papelbon was then summoned from the bullpen and pitched a scoreless ninth to give the sox the series victory and fourth win in six games on the current 9-game road swing. Boston now heads north for a three game series against the Mariners.
Money Update – Michele was the first to break the ice with a total of 6 cents she found on her morning walk. First she found a penny on Mill Street, and then she found a nickel in the parking lot just across from the library on Main Street.

A little later we decided to go out for breakfast so we headed to the Sunnyside Restaurant for some grub. As we headed out I spotted a dime on the floor and scooped it up. We also needed to stop by Mardens, and while there picked up a penny near the checkout isle.

In the afternoon we hit the roads on our mountain bikes. We expanded the search from our normal areas and we’re handsomely reward coming up with 94 cents (1 quarter, 5 dimes, 2 nickels and 9 pennies). The coins were found in a variety of areas and for the sake of time and space I’ll omit them here.

The final 17 cents came via the evening walk. First, we found a foreign coin, a 2 ngwee from Zambia. It’s the first one I’ve ever seen and an interesting find for sure. We also snagged a dime in the rite aid parking lot. At the car wash we picked up 5 pennies near the vacuum areas, followed by a penny in the 7-11 parking lot and 1 penny on Main.

Over and Out!

Money Totals for 2007 – 114.45
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 497.44

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,312 – 315.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,509 – 1,675.45

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Striking Back....

Today we found 43 cents in change and 100 bottles and cans.

Sox Update – The Padres evened things up tonight with a 6-1 win over the hometown nine. I wasn’t real impressed with San Diego starter Chris Young (7-3). I had seen him pitch with Texas and the sox knocked him around pretty well when he was there. This time, however, even with a fastball that barely touched 90, and was for the most part straight as an arrow, the sox’ hitters couldn’t take advantage. Combine that with the light hitting Kahlil Greene’s two-homerun game, and that, my friends is a recipe for disaster, as the 6-1 final score would play out. So now it’s all even and tomorrow’s game should be a doozy with 10-1 Josh Beckett going up against 9-1 Jake Peavy.

Money Report – Michele’s early morning walk only yielded one penny, which she found on Allen Street. The rest of the loot came via the even walk. The 42 cents (1 quarter, 2 dimes and 7 pennies) was found at the car wash. All of the coins were scattered in and around the vacuum areas on the ground and atop the islands.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 113.17
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 496.16

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,215 – 310.75

Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,412 – 1,670.60

Friday, June 22, 2007

Setting The Tone!

Today we found 84 cents in change and 89 bottles and cans.
Sox Talk – Well, I wouldn’t have scripted him starting out walking the first three batters he faced, but after the dust settled and Padres had only scored one run, Matsuzaka shut San Diego over 6 innings. Dice-k was masterful as he dominated the Padres, overmatching the hitters. The relief staff took over after that along with just enough timely hitting from his offense to preserve a 2-1 win for the sox. Getting the first win here was key and hopefully sets the tone for news in games two and three.

Money Report – Michele had some luck once again on her morning walk as she netted a total of 27 cents (1 quarter and 2 pennies). She picked up a 26 of it in the Depot parking lot and then scooped up a penny on Mill Street. On the evening walk we added a total of 58 cents to the coffers. First, we found a penny in the rite aid parking lot followed by 50 cents (3 dimes, 1 nickel and 15 pennies). We also added 5 pennies from the skateboard park and 1 penny at Springvale Hardware.

Of special note, we came across a couple of nice looking bowls, possibly Japanese, at the car wash on one of the islands.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 112.74
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 495.13

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,115 – 305.75
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,312 – 1,665.60


Thursday, June 21, 2007

Rescue Chopper!


Today we found 1.02 in change and 90 bottles and cans.

Thursday was a day of many coins. Michele found 2 cents on her walk to start off the scoring. She found one penny on Main and one penny on Payne. A little while later I went out for a bike ride as I had to mail out a couple of packages at the post office. During my trek around town I came up with 61 cents (2 quarters, 1 dime, and 1 penny). I picked up the first 36 cents in the Junior High parking lot, then I found a pretty beat up quarter atop of the air machine at Cumberland Farms. I also come across a military type camouflaged kids hat with the words “Rescue Chopper” on it.

The evening walk added the final 39 cents to the total. We picked up a penny at the ssya field, 12 cents (1 nickel and 6 pennies) at the car wash, and 26 cents (2 dimes and 6 pennies) at the 7-11 on the ground in the parking lot.

Money Totals for 2007 – 111.90
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 494.89

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 6,026 – 301.30
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,223 – 1,661.15

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Bombs Away!

Today we found 38 cents in change and 61 bottles and cans.

Sox Update – The boys broke out the lumber tonight against journeyman Buddy Carlyle of the Braves. He found out pretty quickly, on the very first pitch in fact, that he wasn’t facing the Florida Marlins or Pittsburgh Pirates. J.D. Drew’s leadoff homerun was only the start of Boston’s power surge as they added 4 additional dingers from the likes of Coco Crisp, David Oritz, Manny Ramirez and Eric Hinske. The win secured the series win for the sox and gets them off to a 2-1 start of nine-game road trip, all the while gaining ground on the fading Yankees. Now we get a day off before heading into San Diego, which no doubt will be a tough series.

Money Talk – Michele nailed down the first 26 cents of the day during her morning walk (1 quarter and 1 penny). She found the one penny on Mill, and then spotted a really soiled quarter in some mulch near the church on Pleasant Street. The evening only netted us 12 cents (1 dime and 2 pennies). On our way out we snagged a penny on Main Street. Then, at the 7-11 we found another penny in the parking lot. Finally, next to Key Bank, we picked up a dime that was on the sidewalk.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 110.88
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 493.87

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,936 – 296.80
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,133 – 1,656.65





Tuesday, June 19, 2007

All Even!

Today we found 24 cents in change and 98 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – The Red Sox evened up the series at one against the Braves with a nice performance from Josh Beckett, now 10-1. The game stayed tight until the middle innings when the sox broke through against Tim Hudson to secure the victory. This was big victory for the sox, especially in light of the apparent shoulder fatigue that Curt Schilling is suffering after his loss. We need to keep this train rolling!

Money Update – Coins were sparse on the side streets and byways of our little town. Michele has some luck on her morning walk coming up with 6 cents (1 nickel and 1 penny). She found both coins in the Depot parking lot. The evening walk added the remaining 18 cents to our total (1 dime and 8 pennies). In order, we found a single on Main Street, 16 cents at the car wash, and 1 penny at Sweet Creations.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 110.50
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 493.49

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,875 – 293.75
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 33,072 – 1,653.60




Monday, June 18, 2007

Fighting Indians!

Today we found 63 cents in change and 74 bottles and cans.

Red Sox Update – No one said this was going to be easy, but from a personal standpoint I thought Curt Schilling would rebound from his last start. Instead he got cuffed around again by the free-swinging Braves in Atlanta last night 9-4. Schilling wasn’t the only sox pitcher the Braves took out their tomahawks on, it was pretty much right down the line. The one bright note though was Coco Crisp. He’s finally coming out of his funk as he had 4 hits including 2 homeruns. Hopefully Josh Beckett, who is also coming off a loss, will stop the bleeding and even the series at 1.

Money Report – Michele started the coin finding early with 2 cents on her morning walk. The first was found on Main Street, and then a penny near the haircutters across from the Library. The evening continued to be the mainstay contributing 61 cents (1 quarter, 2 dimes, 1 nickel, and 11 pennies). First we found an old penny on Main Street, then we snagged 13 cents at the High School in the parking lot areas. At the Car Wash we came up with a whopping 44 cents. The quarter was found in the dollar changer tray, and the remaining coins were found near the vacuum areas in the self-serve bays. The last two finds of the day were 3 cents at Springvale Hardware and 1 penny in the skateboard park.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 110.26
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 493.25

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,777 – 288.85
Bottle and Can total since Jan. 2005 – 32,974 – 1,648.70

Sunday, June 17, 2007

How Sweep It is!

Today we found 80 cents in change and 78 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – All the hype this weekend was on Barry Bonds, and finally, on Sunday he delivered with a homerun (number 748) that carried into the Giants bullpen. It was all in vain though as the sox completed the sweep of San Francisco. It was the middle of the order that did most of the damage today putting up nine runs and chasing Giant’s starter Matt Morris from the game after 4 innings. Now we head on the road for a tough nine game road swing with Atlanta, San Diego and Seattle. I hope the baseball gods smile favorably on us during this stretch.

Money Report – The coins were flowing on what was a beautiful Sunday. During Michele’s morning walk with Lexi she came up with 24 cents (1 dime, 1 nickel and 9 pennies). She snagged 12 cents at the skateboard park, 11 cents on Pleasant and 1 penny at the high school.

On the evening walk we added 56 more cents to the total (2 dimes, 2 nickels, and 26 pennies). The first 46 cents came from the car wash, all of which, with the exception of penny was scattered about in the various vacuum areas. One penny was recovered from the self-serve bays. Next we found 3 pennies on Water Street, then a penny at the skateboard park, 1 penny in the 7-11 parking lot and a nickel near the Library.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 109.63
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 492.62

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,703 – 285.15
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,900 – 1,645.00

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Bonsai!

Today we found 60 cents in change and 93 bottles and cans.

Sox Update – It was a real nail-biter today at Fenway today. Daisuke Matsuzaka matched up against Matt Cain in what turned out to be your old-fashioned pitchers duel. Cain only made one mistake, but that was to Manny Ramirez, and he took him deep over the monster to provide the games’ only run. Meanwhile, Matsuzaka nursed that one run lead through seven, turning it over to Hideki Okajima, and finally to Jonathan Papelbon in the ninth to preserve the victory. From a personal standpoint, I was never comfortable with the one run lead, and I felt we were lucky to slip by with the “W”. Message to the Red Sox batters: Get those bats going!

Money Report – Michele opened up the scoring with a total of 6 cents that she found during her morning walk. The first 2 pennies were found on Barbara, followed by 2 cents on Pleasant. She also picked up a penny in the Subway parking lot and 1 penny in the high school parking lot.

In the afternoon we headed to Portland to watch the Mustangs win the girls Class A State Title in Lacrosse. The ladies were down early 2-0 but came back to trail 4-3 in the first half. In the second half though, Massabesic was clearly the stronger team and wore down Brunswick and its dragons, going on to victory 9-7. We headed back to the high school to help them celebrate and while waiting, Michele and I took a walk around the grounds, coming up with 15 cents (2 nickels and 5 pennies).

The remaining 39 cents was found during the evening walk. At the car wash, we found 6 cents (all pennies), plus a nice kid’s baseball glove and a fully working handheld flashlight (see picture). We also picked up several New Hampshire tokens there as well. Next, heading up Main Street, we snagged a single penny. At Sweet Creations we found dime, followed by 20 cents at the skateboard park (2 nickels and 1 dime), a penny at the 7-11, and a penny in front of the Black Bear Café.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 108.83
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 491.82

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,625 – 281.25
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,822 – 1,641.10



Friday, June 15, 2007

Dustin To The Rescue!

Today we found 39 cents in change and 60 bottles and cans.

Red Sox Rap – It looks as though the light may have finally been turned on for this Red Sox team, one that had been slumping and still licking their wounds from the just completed Rockies thrashing by the Rockies. It did have the feel of past few games that the sox had been a part of, falling behind 2-0 in the first, but the bats and the pitching came alive and the home squad got a much needed win, regaining a game in the standings on the Yankees. Julian Tavarez pitched over and above the call of duty after a rocky first, and the top of the order carried the team to victory. Thank you J.D. Drew and Dustin Pedroia who had 8 hits combined with Pedroia a perfect 5 for 5. Let’s hope the rest of the offense lends a helping hand going forward.

Money Talk – Things started out well on this coin finding Friday. During my mountain bike run to the post office where I stopped to mail some packages, I found a dime near the counter. Then, on a short ride before heading back to the house, I found a penny on Grove Street. The evening walk added the remaining 28 cents to our total (1 quarter, 3 pennies). Most of the bounty came from the car wash where we picked up 27 cents. As usual, the coins were found in and around the vacuum areas. The other penny was found just off the sidewalk near the courthouse to complete the scoring.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 108.23
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 491.22

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,532 – 276.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,729 – 1,636.45



Thursday, June 14, 2007

Rocked....


Today we found 65 cents in change and 37 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – For the second night in a row the Red Sox seemed to be sleepwalking and the
Rockies took full advantage beating the sox and first time loser Josh Beckett 7-1. The sox
had their chances but never got the clutch hit they needed to get things going. Let’s hope the sox decide to wakeup some time soon, they’re too good a team to keep this up for very long.
Money Report – All of the coin finds were discovered via the evening walk. At the car wash found a total of 55 cents (1 quarter, 1 dime, 3 nickels and 5 pennies). All of the coins with the exception of one penny were found in and around the vacuum areas. The rouge penny was found in the one of the self-serve bays. The only other coin of the walk was dime that we found next to “Quarter Cuts”, a hair salon. On an interesting note, we found an Irving gift card on the ground. Now normally, I don’t expect there to be any balance, and in the past, those that we’ve found have had very little left on them if anything at all. This time, however, when checking the balance, we got the great news that there was still 10.00 dollars available. We have decided, however, not to count it toward our yearly total, though it will go to good use for us.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 107.84
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 490.83

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,472 – 237.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,669 – 1,633.45

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Rocky Road....

Today we found 78 cents in change and 79 bottles and cans.

What was a close game for 5 innings turned into a blowout win for the Colorado Rockies. Curt Schilling was far from perfect though he did battle, giving up only 3 runs through the first four. It was a flat changeup in the fifth that spelled disaster as it led to 3-run homer and ultimately a rout of the sox. The offense did have several chances to score runs off 1-5 starter Josh Fogg, but the combination of double plays and the lack of a clutch hitting once again put the kibosh on what were promising situations. Let hope the bats break out tonight.

Other Baseball News – Well it seems that the Yankees are on fire with their eighth win in a row. Now it would be foolish to say that no one expected this team to go on a winning streak, however, I think it’s a bit premature to say that they’re back in the race just yet. As I’ve said before, this staff is old and the starting lineup with the exception of Cano and Cabrera, aren’t exactly spring chickens. It also doesn’t help matters any that they’re without Jason Giambi and boast a bullpen that well, just hasn’t done the job.

While I give the Yankees credit for the current streak they’re on, which by the way has them finally over the .500 mark, I see it as a short-lived, nice try experience, that when the fuel runs out, they’ll return to the former kind of play that had, and still does have Joe Torre and Brian Cashman on the hot seat.

Money Totals – Once again the evening walk bailed us out. I was solo again as Michele was helping out with Lacrosse Team, which by the way, became the Western Maine Champs! The vast amount of coin was found at the car wash where I picked up 76 cents (3 quarters, 1 penny). The three quarters were atop one of the coin ledges on a vacuum machine and the penny on the ground nearby. I also snagged a penny at the intersection of Oak and Main on the way down, and a penny on Main Street during the trek home.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 107.19
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 490.18

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,435 – 271.75
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,632 – 1,631.60

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

A Win For Wake!

Today we found 11 cents in change and 148 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – Tim Wakefield had the old knuckler working as he mesmerized the visiting Colorado Rockies 2-1. As it turns out, he needed to be on his game because the Red Sox bats just haven’t been that potent of late. They always say good pitching will beat good hitting, I guess tonight was an example of that. Now if we can just win one of the next two, which should be doable, I’d be pretty happy, especially against their lineup which is loaded with .300 hitters.

Money Report – It was a real challenge in our coin finding ventures today. Michele scored the first penny on her morning walk with Lexi. She found the penny on Mill Street. On the evening walk we rounded up the final 10 cents (all pennies). We found one penny in the rite aid parking lot, one penny in the Cumberland Farms parking lot, 7 pennies at the car wash, and one penny in the Sweet Creations parking lot. Some days you get the bear; some days the bear gets you!

Over and Out!

Money Totals for 2007 – 106.41
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 489.40

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,356 – 267.80
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,553 – 1,627.65


Monday, June 11, 2007

Money Monday!

Today we found 2.05 in change and 30 bottles and cans.

We started the week off with a solid day of coin finding, though all of it came on the evening walk. Michele was busy with the fall sports signups at school, so Lexi and I headed out for the walk. We didn’t pocket any change until we hit the car wash. There we snagged a cache of coins adding up to 1.90, which was made up of dimes, nickels and pennies. Most of it was near one vacuum island, but we did scoop up a quarter in one of the self-serve bays. We also found a dime in the skateboard park and a nickel near the library to complete the total.

Cap Update – Our coke point total stands at 4496, currently. We do also have entries in for the Volvo, and the Samsung LCD TV so I’ve got my fingers crossed. In the current Pepsi promotion we’ve come up empty so far, but there’s still plenty of time left and caps seem to be plentiful. The Sunkist promotion has yielded 2 music downloads and 4 wallpapers so far. We’re hoping for one of the higher prizes, and in the Dr. Pepper promotion, we currently stand at a total of 12 points. These by far have been the toughest to come by.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 106.30
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 489.29

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,208 – 260.40
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,405 – 1,620.25

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Shut Down....

Today we found 52 cents in change and 117 bottles and cans.

Sox Update – First of all, I don’t like Randy Johnson. And second of all, I don’t like Randy Johnson when he’s on top of his game. I give the sox the credit though; they did work the counts and forced him out after six innings with a high pitch total. Unfortunately for them, they weren’t able to capitalize on the relievers, thus the diamondbacks came away with a 5-1 win. Still, after a tough start to the road-trip, they were able to win 3 of the last 4. A day off will be just what the doctor ordered, along with the Rockies and Giants, who come to Fenway starting tomorrow.

Money Report – Michele got us off to a nice start with 28 cents that she found on her morning with Lexi (1 quarter, 2 pennies). The first 27 cents was found at the skateboard park while the other penny was snagged on Sanford Boulevard.

During the evening walk we came up another 25 cents for the total (2 dimes and 5 pennies). First we hit the car wash and found 11 cents. After that we found 1 penny at the 7-11, a dime at Luigi’s, 1 penny right next to the courthouse and 1 penny a hannafords.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 104.25
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 487.24

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,178 – 258.90
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,375 – 1,618.75

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Nice Comeback!

Today we found 64 cents in change and 15 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – After being down 3-0 to the Diamondbacks as late as the 7th inning, the sox, led by their captain, Jason Varitek came from behind with some clutch hitting and stellar relief work by the bullpen, all the way up to the closer. Jonathan Papelbon put the finishing touches on an impressive win and made sure the sox would take at least 2-3 from Arizona. Dice-k goes up against Randy Johnson in the series finale.

Money Report – Most of Saturday was spent driving due to the committal for Michele’s father, Vaughn, so we were on the road at 5:30 am for the 4-hour trip. It was good to see members of her family, but unfortunately, we really didn’t have much time to visit, as we needed to get back and take care of the animals. During the trip, however, we did find a total of 11 cents (1 dime and 1 penny). We found the penny up in Millinocket, at the McDonalds, where Michele made pit stop. The dime was found at an Irving station when we gassed up.

Most of the remaining 53 cents came during the evening walk. At the car wash we snagged two pennies by the vacuum areas. We also found 2 quarters at the ssya field, near the concession stand. The final penny was found at Hannafords, where we stopped to pick up a few things for supper.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 103.73
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 486.72

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,061 – 253.05
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,258 – 1,612.90

Friday, June 08, 2007

A Cell Phone and Other Trinkets….

Today we found 70 cents in change and 177 bottles and cans.
Money Report – Michele started things out positively coming home with 4 pennies that she found while at school. Then, during the evening walk we added 66 more cents to the coffers (1 quarter, 3 dimes, 1 nickel, and 6 pennies). Not long into walk we came across yet another cell phone, this one, a Motorola that fully charged and with plenty of available minutes. We did notify the owner who was very happy to have it back. After that, our next find came in the form of currency at the car wash with a total 53 cents. All of the coins were scattered about on the ground in and around the vacuum station areas. Then, we picked up a dime in the Sweet Creations parking lot and a penny at Luigi’s. The final penny came during my run, in which I found a single penny on Allen Street. In addition to the money finds, I snapped off a picture of some of the less valuable items that we’ve found lately.
Sox Update – Josh Beckett (9-0) was once again strong as the sox finally broke out the lumber and pounded the d-backs 10-3. More importantly, the main characters behind the breakout were J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo, along with a couple of hits from Coco Crisp. That’s a good sign and I hope it continues. It’s Tavarez going against Owings in game two.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 103.09
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 486.08

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 5,046 – 252.30
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,243 – 1,612.15


Thursday, June 07, 2007

Nearly A No-No!

Today we found 23 cents in change and 98 bottles and cans.

Red Sox Report – Well, the losing streak is finally over, but the bigger news was how the sox did it. Curt Schilling pitched a real beauty and had his no-hit bit broken up with two outs in the ninth. Personally, I was hoping that he’d do it. At age 40, and with two other near no-hitters already to his record, these chances don’t come around that often, so to be that close, I’m sure there was some disappointment. Curt put the team first though and was happy to get the team back on the winning track. Now on to Arizona!

Money Update – All of the finds came on the evening walk with our little girl, Lexi. At the car wash, which is always a staple, we found 12 cents (1 dime and 2 pennies). The pennies were found near the vacuum areas while the dime was found in one the self-serve bays. We also nailed down a dime headed up Main Street. Michele came home with the last penny, which she found at school attending the awards ceremony for the graduating seniors.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 102.39
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 485.38

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,869 – 243.45
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 32,066 – 1,603.30


Wednesday, June 06, 2007

There's No Love In Mudville!

Today we found 1.69 in change and 78 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – The losing streak is a 4, following another tough loss to the A’s. The sox just haven’t been able to get many runs lately and it’s cost them, even though the pitching continues to be pretty good. Hopefully this power outage doesn’t go on too long, because Tito just about blew a gasket on a terrible call by home plate umpire Dan Issogna. It will be interesting to see how the character of the club holds up during this stretch, although they are healthy and do have plenty of veterans, so I don’t see any prolonged losing streaks for this team. Curt Schilling goes tomorrow afternoon trying to avoid the first 4-game sweep by the A’s since 1971!

Money Report – After a couple of days of rain, the coin gods decided to line the streets with loot for us. Michele nailed down 36 cents on her really early morning walk (she left the house at 4:30 for a rafting trip with the graduating class). She found a quarter on Pleasant Street, 1 penny on Mill and a dime on Bridge Street, near the Social Club.

After stopping by the post office to mail some packages, I took an extended ride on the mountain bike. While doing so I found a total of 13 cents (1 dime and 3 pennies). The dime was found in front of Luigi’s, 2 pennies were found in the rite aid parking lot and 1 penny was found on Barbara.

The evening walk added 1.19 to the cause (4 quarters, 1 dime, 1 nickel and 4 pennies). At the car wash I snagged 69 cents. All of the coins were in and around the vacuum areas scattered about on the ground. Then, I found another quarter in the sweet creations parking lot, and finally, near Key Bank, I found the final quarter on the ground in one of the parking spaces.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 102.16
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 485.15

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,771 – 238.55
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 31,968 – 1,598.40

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Today Has A Ring In It….

Today we found 23 cents in change and 22 bottles and cans.

We had some severe thunderstorms roll through the area this afternoon. At times it was deluge of water, with some nickel-sized hail mixed in for good measure. I had to pull over under a tree for protection, it was that bad. We did have some luck with regard to our coin finding though, and Michele came up with 11 cents that she found at school (1 dime and 1 penny). She also found a ring in the parking lot. It’s 10k with what we think is mystic stone, borders by smaller diamonds on either side. We’ll add to the list when we go down to the jewelers. During my run (before the front came through) I found dime near Luigi’s. I also found 2 pennies at car wash to round out the scoring.
Sox Talk – It appears as if the sox have started to cool. Last night’s loss to the A’s has made it 5 of 6 in the loss column. The one positive though is that the starters continue to pitch well and witnessed in the 2-0 shutout. Hopefully, the bats will wake up tonight and we’ll get back in the win column.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 100.47
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 383.46
Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,693 – 234.65
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 31,890 – 1,594.50

Monday, June 04, 2007

Wallet Number 5!

Today we found 45 cents in change and 39 bottles and cans.

For most of the day it rain came down pretty heavy. We were hit by the remnants of the tropical storm Barry which traveled up the coast to grace us with its presence. With that in mind, we hopped in the car and ran a few errands where we had some luck finding coins. On our way down to Mardens, a discount store that has everything, we decided to hit the car wash on our way down and found 9 cents (all pennies). Then, at Mardens, we came up with another 22 cents (2 dimes and 2 pennies). All of the coins were found near the checkout areas.

When the rain did stop, we headed out for a walk with our dog Lexi. That’s where we found another wallet. This one being number 5. It was near the atm machine and, among things like his license, and atm card, there was also 27 dollars in wet, cold, cash. While some people might be tempted to pocket the loot and heave the wallet, our policy has always been to return it to its own, intact. That’s what we’ll be doing with one, too, but it still amazes me that we keep finding them.

We have some coin finds, though, during our walk. First, we picked up a single penny on Pleasant, and then a dime on Main, followed by 1 cent at the skateboard park. The final 2 cents came via Michele’s morning walk. She found 1 penny on Mill and 1 penny on Payne.

Good Night and Good Hunting!

Money Totals for 2007 – 100.24
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 483.23

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,671 – 233.55
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 31,868 - 1,593.40

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Heartbreaker....

Today we found 7 cents in change and 43 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – It was a heartbreaker for the hometown nine this evening losing 6-5 to the Yankees. But despite Alex Rodriguez’ homerun in the ninth that ultimately gave them the win, it was the Yankees defensive gems that kept them in the game and allowed them to take the victory. Take away the catches by Cabera or Abreu, and the blocking of the plate by Posada, and the sox would have ended up winning. It’s that simple.

Money Report – We also found a measly 7 cents during our coin finding endeavors, 5 of which came on the early morning walk. Michele found one cent on Barbara and 4 pennies at the skateboard park. I was also able to snag one coin during my run, which was recovered on Payne Street. The final penny was found during a drive down to the car wash. It was a pouring rain early in the evening so we were unable to take our normal walk.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 99.79
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 482.78

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,632 – 231.60
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 1,591.45

Saturday, June 02, 2007

Get Ready To Rumble!

Today we found 17 cents in change and 82 bottles and cans.

Sox Talk – It was wild one at Fenway between the sox and yanks. While both pitchers at times pitched well, neither figured in the decision. It was a back and forth affair with plenty of offense from both sides. Finally though, the soxo were able to take control and come away with 11-6 win. The one scary moment of the game was the collision between Mike Lowell and Doug Mientkiewicz. While Mientkiewicz had to be assisted off the field, apparently there were no life threatening injuries. He has placed on the 15-day DL however with a mild concussion, cervical sprain, and a fractured bone is his right wrist. ESPN has tonight rubber game where Andy Pettitte takes on 8-0 Josh Beckett, weather permitting.

Money Report – Michele has been having good success on her morning walks and once again she hit pay-dirt, coming up with 3 cents. The coins were on Barbara, Witham, and Main. The evening walk added the remaining 14 cents to our total. First we found 8 cents (all pennies) from the car wash, then, coming up Main Street we found a nickel just off the sidewalk, and finally, at the skateboard park, we snagged a single penny on the ground.

Over and Out~

Money Totals for 2007 – 99.72
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 482.71

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,589 – 229.45
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 31, 786 – 1,589.30

Friday, June 01, 2007

Knuckling Under....

Today we found 75 cents in change and 81 bottles and cans.

We kicked off June with a nice little haul of coins. Michele christened the new month by finding a quarter on Allen Street during her morning walk. It was at the intersection with Pleasant Street in some sand. A little later, after our run in the afternoon we went for a short bike ride. During our trek we added another 22 cents to the cause (2 dimes and 2 pennies). In order, we found 11 cents at the depot, 1 penny on Lucerne, and a dime in Front of Luigi’s Pizza. The evening walk contributed the final 27 cents, all of which came from the car wash.

Sox Talk – Well, the opening game of the series with Yankees was a good one for 3 innings. That’s when the wheels came off for Tim Wakefield. It was painful to watch as he struggled with his control, and finally, Tito came out to get him. Such is the life of a knuckleballer. Captain Curt goes in game two against old nemesis Mike Mussina, and every time I hear his name (Mussina), I think of the movie Patton. It’s the scene where George C. Scott is pointing toward the Island of Sicily and an in particular to Messina to which he says in disgust, “Messina…Messina, Bill, that’s the key!” “If they’d listened to me we’d have already taken the damn island by now.” I think Terry Francona is thinking along the same lines.

Good Night and Good Hunting~

Money Totals for 2007 – 99.55
Money Totals since Jan. 2005 – 482.54

Bottle and Can totals for 2007 – 4,507 – 225.35
Bottle and Can totals since Jan. 2005 – 31,704 – 1,585.20