FMJ - Day 337

February 28: One penny found by Ajay at the Taco Bell on Cochran St.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This month: $2.44
2007 Finds: $29.41
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $213.38 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.79 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 313 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day 336

February 27: 26 cents found -- a quarter and a penny. The find was made at the Ranch Simi Park playground in the woodchips as Ajay was involved in a serious game of Monkey.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.26
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
This month: $2.43
2007 Finds: $29.40
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $213.37 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.78 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 303 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day335

February 26: Found a single penny. Actually, Ajay found it at his school. NOt much more to report.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This month: $2.17
2007 Finds: $29.14
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $213.11 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.52 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 294 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day 334

February 25: Found 11 cents -- a dime and penny. The penny was found at the ARCO station on Madera Rd. The dime was found at the Camarillo Outlet Center while shopping at Adidas.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.11
Bottles & Cans Collected: 16
Running Stats
This month: $2.16
2007 Finds: $29.13
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $213.10 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.51 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 284 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day 333

February 24: Ajay's birthday trip to DisneyLand was the event of the week... I talked my wife into letting the kids and I get annual passes. Maya and Ajay are Disney fanatics.... just can get enough of the Mouse and his cadre of wallet emptying friends.

Coin Finds: two coins - a nickel and penny. The nickel was found near Star Tours. The penny was found just under my car's door upon returning to our parking space to leave totally over-stimulated and exhausted by Disney.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.06
Bottles & Cans Collected: 1
Running Stats
This month: $2.05
2007 Finds: $29.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.99 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.40 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 268 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day 332

February 22: Found 7 cents -- a nickel and 2 pennies. First find of a penny occurred at Jack in the Box at the corner of L.A. Ave. and Yosemite Ave. Next, I found a nickel at the Simi Valley Post Office. Then, finally, a penny at my spot for lunch -- Chicken Bowl on L.A. Ave.

Recycling Update: We turned in $10.45 worth of Bottles and cans.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.07
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This month: $1.99
2007 Finds: $28.96
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.93 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.34 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 267 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day 331

February 21: Found twelve cents. First find was in the morning at Mr. Henry's Donuts Plus on Erringer Road -- a dime and a penny. Mr. Henry makes the best donuts in Simi Valley and that's not only according to me; that's according the my friend, Mr. Jimmy, who been eating his donuts more than 20 years. I found a penny along my afternoon walk. Mr. Jimmy is one of Simi Valley's most prolific tennis players -- he's a singular spectator sport whenever he's on the court.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This month: $1.92
2007 Finds: $28.89
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.86 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.27 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 265 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 330

February 20: Found a dime in the afternoon. The find occurred at the ARCO gas station on L.A. Ave. in Simi Valley.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This month: $1.80
2007 Finds: $28.77
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.74 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.15 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 255 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 329

February 19: No Finds. Nada.

Happy Birthday to Ajay! 6!

February 18, 2007: Today was Ajay's 6th Birthday! What a time we had! Ajay's uncles, his mommy and Mayma really hooked this kid up with all kinds of Star Wars action figures, spacecrafts and the Lego Star Wars Playstation Game. He's a Star Wars Nut! Ajay has watched the episodes 1 - 4 so many times that he can't recite with proper inflection all the characters lines. I'm just amazed by this. Anyway, Happy Sixth Birthday To My Number One Fan and The Best Son a Dad Could Have! GO AJAY!

Change Finds for FMJ - DAY 328: Absolutely None!
Bottles and Cans Collected: 3 Donated: 12

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This month: $1.70
2007 Finds: $28.67
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.64 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.05 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 244 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 327

February 17: Found a dime and 4 pennies. My first find of a penny happened at breakfast at Jack in the Box on Tampa Ave. in Porter Ranch. I stopped there after my loss in the first round at the Northridge Valentine's Day Tennis Tournament. 6-1, 6-1 -- so far, I'm 0-8 in the tournament play in the Men's Open Singles Division of the SoCAL USTA. I'll win a match this Spring -- I can feel it.

At Topanga Mall in Woodland Hills, an evening trip, we found a dime and 2 pennies. Dinner at In-N-Out Burger in Porter Ranch -- found a penny.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
This month: $1.70
2007 Finds: $28.67
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.64 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $673.05 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 241 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 326

February 16: Found just one dime. It was found at the 99 Cents Only store on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
This month: $1.56
2007 Finds: $28.53
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.50 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.91 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 235 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 325

February 15: Founding 14 cents -- a dime and 4 pennies. The found pennies came from the ARCO gas station on L.A. Ave. The dime was found Topper's Pizza.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This month: $1.46
2007 Finds: $28.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.40 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.81 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 220 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Days 323 & 324

February 14: NO FINDS! I have thrown myself into a pitched battle since the Feb. 12, 2007 with the Simi Valley City Council over their passage of a new Municiple Code banning all "footed" street vendors on public property or in the public right of way. They have trampled on the 1st and 4th amendments and I intend to stop them!

Here's letter to the editor of the Ventura County Star which was published in today's paper. It can be found at this link: http://blogs.venturacountystar.com/vcs/letters/archives/2007/02/vendor_law_unam.html#more


February 14, 2007 - Vendor law ‘un-American’

I attended the Simi Valley City Council vote on the new street vending restrictions. I stood up and voiced my opposition to the proposed statute. Also, I e-mailed Mayor Paul Miller. The City Council heard our objections and, with little debate, moved quickly to pass the street vending ordinance in unison.

As a business person — currently not operating — I find this decision appalling, as it restricts individual freedom and the pursuit of happiness as defined in the U.S. Constitution.

It seems that this council and mayor are governing by the "Not In My Back Yard" philosophy of public administration. How can they move to shut down the microbusinessman — the guy risking his precious savings to shoestring a business venture? I find this un-American to its core. When the pioneers moved from the East to settle the vast open empty lands of the western United States during the early 18th century, who do you think brought in the goods? Peddlers on wagons, that's who! A vote against the street peddler is a vote against the heritage of the West!

I find this move by the council to be offensive, restrictive and anti-competitive. Just who is this council protecting? It certainly isn't the consumer or our neighbors who might desire to open a microbusiness by getting their feet wet on the streets!

The council stated publicly that they're 100 percent pro-business — seems that's only as long as you’re rich! Forget trying to lift yourself up by your bootstraps in Simi Valley! It not welcome in the back yard!

— Andy Bulles, Simi Valley

Here's some other relevant news about this situation:

Simi votes to ban street vendors

Officials say ordinance will keep city clean, while critics say it goes too far

By Karin Grennan, kgrennan@VenturaCountyStar.com
February 14, 2007

This is the last Valentine's Day that people will be able to buy flowers from street vendors in Simi Valley.

The City Council voted 4-0 to approve an ordinance banning sidewalk peddlers from selling flowers, food or any other goods despite protests from several residents Monday night. Councilwoman Barbra Williamson was absent.

The statute, which will go into effect March 15, also prohibits mobile vendors from parking in one spot for more than 10 minutes before having to move at least 500 feet. A provision lets property owners allow vendors on their land after a temporary use permit has been issued by the city.

Seven people at the meeting urged the council not to adopt the ordinance. They said enforcing current licensing requirements would keep out any illegal operations, while the new rules would prohibit law-abiding people from starting and running small businesses.

"I think that anybody that doesn't have a license shouldn't be selling," said Norman Tuers, who operates the Hot Dog Hot Rod for special events at Home Depot. "If they have full licenses and they comply with everything you people ask, then they're just people trying to subsidize their income and make a living."

Don Rubenstein said the vendor ordinance is the latest instance of the city bullying people in recent months. He said other actions included kicking homeless people out of Arroyo Simi and making it illegal to post signs and run a medical marijuana dispensary.

" ‘The Not-in-Simi Valley,' ‘Not-in-My-City' attitude truly scares me,'' Rubenstein said. "Not everyone has the money to open a storefront. Chasing them away is just being a bully."

Council members countered that the ordinance will make the city a better place. The statute claims that sidewalk peddling results in littering, trespassing and traffic hazards.

"It has nothing to do with oppressing the poor. It has everything to do with proper planning," Councilman Steven Sojka said.

Steven Lane said the 10-minute limit would put his hot dog stand and other mobile vendors out of business and threatened to sue if the council approved the new rules. Another speaker, Andrew Bulles, vowed to help fund the lawsuit.

Councilman Glen Becerra questioned the city's staff about the possibility of lawsuits resulting from the ordinance and asked whether extending the time limit for mobile vendors would make the city less susceptible.

"I think we will be sued regardless," City Attorney David Hirsch said.

"I very much support this law," Becerra said. "I just want to make sure we can defend it as well as possible."

AND ANOTHER:

Simi Valley forcing street vendors out

Critics say plan would oust law-abiding sellers

By Anna Bakalis, abakalis@VenturaCountyStar.com
February 11, 2007

Steven Lane has a health department sticker saying his hot dog business is up to code. A city license and tax certificate have been issued. He's even had his fingerprints taken.

All his permits to operate a mobile hot dog stand are in order.

But unless he can find a private property owner who will let him occupy a small space, he's out of luck to operate in his hometown of Simi Valley.

The city plans to ban all street vendors and sidewalk peddling — that means no flowers, no food and no goods of any kind.

Included are mobile vendors, which will have a 10-minute time limit to stay in one place before having to move at least 500 feet.

This new ordinance is meant to send a message that "peddlers" are not welcome, said city officials.

That includes Lane, who spent $2,000 in city and county fees to bring his hot dog business into compliance so he could move his business from Ventura to the city where he lives. One month after the proposed city rule is passed, Lane's permits will be null and void.

The Simi Valley City Council is set to vote Monday night on the ordinance. If approved, it will go into effect 31 days later.

"There are so many illegitimate vendors in Simi Valley," Lane said. "I see them every day. And I've tried to do everything by the book."

Lane could operate under a provision that says property owners may allow vendors on their property after a temporary use permit has been issued. But first, Lane would have to find a willing property owner.

In the past five months, vendors have been increasing their presence in the city while shopkeepers have been crying foul, saying street sales are taking away business by offering cheaper products to consumers who otherwise would shop indoors.

According to the city, peddling also encourages littering and trespassing on private property and could increase risk of personal injury and vehicle accidents. The ordinance says vendors invade personal privacy when they are parked for a long time in front of a person's home or business.

Council members said it is a quality-of-life issue.

"The city of Simi Valley has evolved greatly over the last 10 years," said Councilman Glen Becerra. "We're not the way we used to be, and the law needs to reflect the city we've become."

It is Becerra's hope that Lane "will go to an adjacent community that has a more lenient peddler law."

But the reach of the Simi Valley ordinance — offering no chance to operate with a permit or designate a spot where vendors can go to set up shop, however temporarily — doesn't sit well with one local specialist in urban politics.

"This seems like a really broad ordinance," said Jose Marichal, an assistant professor of political science at California Lutheran University.

"On the one hand, all cities feel this pressure to maximize sales revenues, so you can understand it," he said. "On the other, they're saying, ‘These people matter more than these people.' "

He said Simi Valley should find a "least intrusive remedy" to try to satisfy all sides involved.

"An outright ban is not the least intrusive remedy," Marichal said. "This doesn't seem like it would pass constitutional muster."

Other cities address peddling but rarely ban it, some officials say. Usually a permit is an option.

Oxnard has long had an issue with vendors operating illegally, and it has policies to address them, said Dirk Voss, code compliance manager for the city.

"It's definitely a public nuisance," Voss said. "They come from out of town, mostly."

In Oxnard, peddling is illegal if workers don't have the proper permits or if their permits have expired. And permits are not issued for corn or fruit carts, Voss said.

Similar to Simi Valley, Oxnard vendors and peddlers can be seen mostly on the weekends and on holidays. He said they sell mainly items such as fruit, pirated CDs and corn.

And then there are flower peddlers, who become more numerous on weekends and holidays, especially Valentine's Day, Mother's Day and Mexican Mother's Day, Voss said.

"I think for the most part, people are aware of what they are buying," Voss said. "For a lot of people, it's a convenience factor."

Simi Valley officials could not provide an estimate of how many peddlers or vendors set up on any given weekend.

Flower peddlers are plentiful on weekends and holidays, said Jeanette Rohal, owner of Simi Valley Florist on Los Angeles Avenue. She said some shoppers might think twice before buying a product that is sold illegally in the city.

"I've seen lines of people waiting on corners on Valentine's Day," Rohal said, adding that on any given weekend day, driving along Los Angeles Avenue she can see at least five flower vendors along the strip.

She said her flower shop has been around for 40 years and is well established. She and other flower shop owners interviewed said they don't feel threatened because vendors offer a lower-quality product.

"I didn't like it, but I didn't feel there was anything I could do about it," Rohal said.

If you go

The Simi Valley City Council is scheduled to take a final vote on the peddling ordinance Monday. The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road.

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Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 54
Running Stats
This month: $1.32
2007 Finds: $28.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.26 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.67 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 217 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 322

February 12: This morning, I ate breakfast at Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave. and found a penny. Then, tennis with Danny at Rancho Simi -- found a nickel on court #4. Ajay found a penny exiting Tommy's Hamburger's where we made a stop for French fries.

Maya had Jr. Olympic volleyball try-outs today. While waiting, Ajay and I found a penny in the parking lot at their school. Our last find of a penny was made at ARCO on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.09
Bottles & Cans Collected: 22
Running Stats
This month: $1.32
2007 Finds: $28.29
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.26 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.67 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 163 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 321

February 11: 3 pennies found. First find of 2 pennies was made at Fatburger on Cochran St. The final penny was found in a parking space at Kohl's on Tapo Canyon Rd.

Recycling Update: $12.35 was received from our trip to the recycling center.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 28
Running Stats
This month: $1.23
2007 Finds: $28.20
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.17 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.58 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 141 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $701.44

FMJ - Day 320

February 10: A penny was found at Carl's Jr. at the corner of Yosemite & L.A. Avenues. In the afternoon, we went to Cerritos to drop Mayma back at her home. I had lunch at Weinerschnitzel on South St. while Mayma, my wife and the kids ate at Jay Bharat Restaurant. Found a dime and penny at lunch. Next, we made our way to Pacific Land Tile & Marble to pick out new floor tiles for Mayma's kitchen and bathrooms. There, Ajay found a penny. A stop at ARCO on Norwalk Blvd for more cheap gas (price is now $2.39 for regular.) Found a penny near my pump.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 10
Running Stats
This month: $1.20
2007 Finds: $28.17
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.14 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.55 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 113 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 319

February 9: Found a single dime at the Baja Fresh on Tapo Canyon St. in Simi Valley. Ajay is credited with this find.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.10
Bottles & Cans Collected: 4
Running Stats
This month: $1.06
2007 Finds: $28.03
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $212.00 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.41 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 103 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 318

February 8: 2 dimes, a nickels and 7 pennies were found on this day. In the morning, I found a penny at the ARCO station on L.A. Ave. In the afternoon, I drove with the kids to Cerritos, CA to pick-up their Mayma for a visit. Found 2 pennies near the Jollibee restaurant on Norwalk Blvd. Then, another stop at an ARCO for cheap gas to fill-up the tank... found a dime and another 2 pennies (gas price - $2.31 for regular.)

An evening time 10 minute stop at the Rancho Simi Courts to hit on the backboard on Court #8. Again, I find coins on that court.. this time, a dime, nickel and 2 pennies.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.32
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
This month: $.96
2007 Finds: $27.93
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.90 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $672.31 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 99 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 317

February 7: Found a dime and 4 pennies. Find #1 occurred at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts on Court #8 -- a single penny. Find #2 happened at the Chicken Bowl on L.A. Ave. -- a penny inside the restaurant and 2 pennies near my parking spot. Find #3 - At the Costco in Simi Valley -- a dime by the snack counter.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.14
Bottles & Cans Collected: 33
Running Stats
This month: $.64
2007 Finds: $27.61
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.58 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.99 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 88 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 316

February 6: Karate Jeff and I played 2 sets of singles tennis this morning. After that, a set of doubles with Dan and Rick. Jeff and Rick are former professionals. Rick won the Burbank Open in the mid Seventies. Why I start off with this? I played some very solid tennis... much better than even I expected of myself. My two-handed backhand was rock solid on the return of serve. I was running much faster and many more shots were hitting the lines. What did I do differently? I took a green tea tablet and green tea gum. Usually, I'm not into supplements. Thought, it might help to jump start my weight loss. The holidays and the move were real set back. Now, the we're settled I'd like to resolve my weight issues. Need to lose 20 pounds. I'm not an expert, obviously... but, I do feel the "green tea" had something to do with my performance. I'll try it again tomorrow and see if the effects are the same.

We made two finds today. Find #1 -- a 2005 Mexican 10 centavos coin. Worth about a U.S. penny in currency translation. It was found at Stater Bros. grocery store late last night by me on our way home from Cerritos, CA. Find #2 -- a penny at the ARCO station on Madera Rd. Find #3 -- a penny in the gutter along Royal Ave. I was checking out a house for sale. $579,000 for a 4/2 Ranch built in the 1960's. And, it needs updating. I'd pay no more than $400,000 for it. Let's see what some fool is willing to give away for it.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 14
Running Stats
This month: $.50
2007 Finds: $27.47
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.44 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.85 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 55 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 315

February 5: No finds for me. Nothing to report.

FMJ - Day 314

February 4: Today was a perfect day. Temp 74! Sunny! Slight breeze... absolutely gorgeous! We went to Santa Monica and ate at Jinky's Cafe on 2nd St. We found a single penny along Third Street Promenade shops. My daughter went to a store that was selling everything in the store for $15. She found a knitted hoodie sweater and a skechers jacket. Retail total... $103.00. Paid only $30! Good Deal! Topper's Pizza in Thousand Oaks for supper... found a penny outside on the sidewalk.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
This month: $.48
2007 Finds: $27.45
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.42 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.83 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 41 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 313

February 3: An evening shopping excursion to Topanga Promenade mall produced a dime and two pennies for the FMJ fund.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
This month: $.46
2007 Finds: $27.43
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.40 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.81 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 33 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 312

February 2: Last night, a trip to La Crescenta, CA about 31 miles away for business meeting yielded 21 cents in the form of a dime, a nickel and 6 pennies. The first find was a dinner stop at Del Taco on Foothill Blvd. -- found 2 pennies. Upon returning to Simi Valley, I stopped at the Shell gas station on Yosemite Ave. -- found the rest of the coins near the vacuums.

**Thought, I'd add this picture of our fully packed Windstar from our crossing of the U.S.A.... I think the trailer was rate for 2400 pounds. I had 3500 pounds in there at least. Lots of tech books and video equipment. That's the Biscuit in his crate. He slept whenever the car moved for 5 minutes or more... otherwise, he barked up a storm! 2802 MILES -- Door to Door!

This morning, a "power" walk produced 15 bottles and cans. Yes indeedy, feel more powerful already. Out and about, Chipotle for lunch. I haven't had a Chipotle Burrito Bol since moving from Virginia in Sept. 26, 2005. I haven't really missed it. I still don't see what everyone is raving about... to wait in line for upwards of 15 minutes for beans and rice and some grilled veggies... why that's just plain crazy. Luckily, the line today was only 9 minutes. Also, no coins found there... I won't be greasing their fingers anytime soon. (Found 9 more bottles this afternoon.)

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.21
Bottles & Cans Collected: 24
Running Stats
This month: $.34
2007 Finds: $27.31
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.28 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.69 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 26 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 311

February 1: Maya spotted a dime at her school in the afternoon. I found a penny at the ARCO on L.A. Ave. At Wendy's, we grabbed 2 pennies from the floor beneath our table -- an unwitting donation of sorts.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
This month: $.13
2007 Finds: $27.10
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $211.07 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.48 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 2 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09