END OF FEBRUARY STATS

Here are the monthly stats for February 2007.


End of Month Stats:
Total found this month: $2.44
Average Amount Found per Day: 9 cents
Stock Held:
15 shares/PEI Worth: $648.75
19.377/GRT Worth: $536.74
Stock purchase cost: $717.11 (includes reinvested dividends & interest)
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $468.38
Undeposited funds still in JAR: $48.67
FMJ Savings Account: $9.38
Interest Received YTD 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Total Dividends Received: $100.35

Net Worth of the FMJ Fund: $1,243.54
Bottles & Cans Fund: $711.89

FMJ - Day 338

March 1: 42 cents found -- a quarter, dime, nickel and 2 pennies. The first find of a penny happened at the Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave. While picking up the kids from school, I found the quarter, dime and nickel. At Citibank on Cochran St., I found another penny.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.42
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3
Running Stats
This month: $.42
2007 Finds: $29.83
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $213.80 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $674.21 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 3 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $711.89

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

It's the End of the Month!

Here are the stats for January 2007:

End of Month Stats:
Total found this month: $26.97
Average Amount Found per Day: 87 cents
Stock Held:
15 shares/PEI Worth: $640.50
19.377/GRT Worth: $547.59
Stock purchase cost: $717.11 (includes reinvested dividends & interest)
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $470.98
Undeposited funds still in JAR: $46.23
FMJ Savings Account: $9.38
Interest Received YTD 2006: $1.77
Dividends 2006: $34.30
Total Dividends Received: $100.35

Net Worth of the FMJ Fund: $1,243.70
Bottles & Cans Fund: $689.09

Total Value of both funds: $1,932.79

FMJ - Day 310

January 31: Found a penny at the Public Storage on L.A. Ave. It was quite a find as the coin was lying behind a fire hose stand pipe at the entrance to the elevator. The interior of the building is dimly lighted with florescent tubes. Today, I emptied our first storage bin which we acquired for all the stuff that was brought along the cross-country trip I made towing a U-Haul trailer with our Ford Windstar. ** The picture was taken somewhere in Tennessee on September 28, 2005.

Shopping at Trader Joe's on Cochran Ave. -- a dime and penny were found exiting the store on the sidewalk.

We did our recycling today: $9.75 to add to the fund.

It's the end of the month and time for those stats... I'll post them tonight.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.12
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $26.97
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $210.94 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.35 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 500 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $689.09

FMJ - Day 309

January 30: Found 4 pennies. Penny #1 found at Jon's Market on Cochran Ave. The other pennies were found at In-N-Out Burger on Stearns St. in Simi Valley.

FMJ - Day 308

January 29: Found 62 cents -- 2 quarters, a dime and 2 pennies. At the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts in the morning I found a penny near the backboard on court #8. Before tennis, I went for a walk and found a dime in the street at the corner of Royal Ave. and Erringer Rd. Also, found a penny in the parking lot.

Found a quarter on the floor of Chicken Bowl on L.A. Ave. where I dined at lunch. Ajay and I took a long walk after school and found a quarter on the grassy strip along the sidewalk on First St. just before The Meadows (a swank development built several years ago. Quite posh!) Ajay and I also picked up bottles and cans on our walk.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.62
Bottles & Cans Collected: 14
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $26.81
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $210.78 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $671.19 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 494 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $679.34

FMJ - Day 307

January 28: Found 2 pennies. First penny find happened at the Marshall's in Downey, CA while at the cashier. The second penny came from a gas stop at ARCO at the corner of Norwalk Blvd. and Artesia Ave. in Cerritos. Gas price: $2.19 per gallon.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 25
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $26.19
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $210.16 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $670.57 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 480 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $679.34

FMJ - Day 306

January 27: We found 1 nickel and 35 pennies. At Alpert's Furniture, Ajay picked through the rubble again of their fountain... I guess they don't want corroded pennies otherwise they'd have gathered them up in the past week. His score -- 1 nickel & 31 pennies. A stop at CVS in the Sycamore Plaza on Cochran Ave. -- found a penny. Dinner in Valencia, CA at Wahoo's Fish Taco -- Ajay found 3 pennies. We went to Homemaker's Furniture, one of the largest furniture stores in SoCal, located in Santa Clarita. About 160,000 sq. ft. of furnishings. They were having a "moving liquidation sale".... seems with the new housing market in turmoil a lot of furniture retailers are getting pinched. Also, I hear that the Chinese are flooding (dumping) the furniture market. Sofa sets, end tables and chairs are a plenty! Even Ashley Furniture is making their wares in China. That's got to hurt in North Carolina.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.40
Bottles & Cans Collected: 29
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $26.17
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $210.14 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $670.55 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 455 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $679.34

FMJ - day 305

January 26: We found 2 pennies at the Del Taco on Cochran Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 6
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $25.77
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $209.74 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $670.15 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 426 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $679.34

FMJ - Day 304

January 25: A stop for hotdog and fries at Wienerschnitzel on L.A. Ave. with the kids... found a nickel. After the dogs, the kids and I went for a walk down and around Patricia St. We found 2 nickels and 4 pennies along the way.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.19
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $25.75
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $209.72 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $670.13 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 420 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $679.34

FMJ - Day 303

January 24: An afternoon trip to Albertson's on Cochran Ave. yielded a quarter, dime and a penny. One penny was found at the Wells Fargo ATM adjacent to the Albertson's.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.37
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $25.56
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $209.53 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.94 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 411 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $679.34

Recycling Update.

January 24: Ajay and I went to the Wood Ranch Recycling Center for our first turn-in since the move into our new house... It's nice to have a garage again to keep our bottle and can horde. I've reused a large box from our move to contain our daily collection. Our trip returned173 bottles and cans for cash received in the amount of $11.05 bringing our B&C fund to $679.34 since Oct. 2005.

FMJ - Day 302

January 23: Found 5 pennies at 7-Eleven on Cochran St. in the same plaza as Dan's Racquet Sports. After school, the kids and I went to Albertson's on Madera Rd. -- found a dime.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.15
Bottles & Cans Collected: 7
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $25.19
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $209.16 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.57 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 403 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 301

January 22: Found a dime and a penny at Carl's Jr. on Madera Rd. Ajay and I walked about 2 miles as we retrieved our Mercedes from our old place's parking lot. We parked the car near the kids school so I can drive it home tomorrow morning and safely place it in our new garage. We're officially all moved out from the old place. Seems like a whole new world in the new house. I have this view from our backyard of the entire expanse of Simi Valley... I've never had a home with a view before... Views are something priceless. You'll never know there value until you have one.

Along our walk, we found two very "driven over" pennies. Still identifiable.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.13
Bottles & Cans Collected: 13
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $25.04
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $209.01 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.42 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 396 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 300

January 21: Two days of furniture shopping and we come across a remodeling liquidation sale at Alpert's Furniture in Newbury Park. We found the most perfect sofa, love seat, 2 Asian flair chairs, ottoman and coordinating pillows. It's a tan colored sueded micro-fiber on the couch and love seat with Ebony wood chairs with a dark red fabric with muted brown circle prints. The ottoman is also covered with the circle print fabric. It's funny how you shop and shop with nothing really striking the right cord. Then, in the last place you'd expect... Vwalla! This sofa set is just our style... contempary lines, asian flair, earthy colors.

Best thing yet... not made in China. Made in America! North Carolina!

Ajay found 7 incredibly corroded pennies at Alpert's. The store had an old fountain in the entrance way that they were dismantling. Ajay found the pennies in their rubble.

A trip to Ralph's in Thousand Oaks for groceries yielded a dime and three pennies.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.20
Bottles & Cans Collected: 2
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.91
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.88 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.29 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 383 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 299

January 20: 2 pennies found at the In-N-Out Burger late in the night as we made a restroom pit-stop while returning from our day in Cerritos with family doing our part to support the American economy by furniture shopping... didn't buy anything. Maybe tomorrow.


Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 14
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.71
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.68 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.09 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 381 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 298

January 19: 2 pennies found during an evening fueling stop on Yosemite Ave. at the Shell station next to the McDonald's.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 30
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.69
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.66 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.07 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 367 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 297

January 18: Ajay found a penny at this school. We'll add it to the next day's results.

FMJ - Day 296

January 17: Move is finished... almost. Still need to empty our public storage... OUCH! We rented a 17 foot truck... filled on 2 trips. Third trip it was 2/3 filled. How did all this stuff come out of one two bedroom apartment? It defies the laws of geometry and physics.

Found just 2 pennies at Carl's Jr. on Yosemite Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 9
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.66
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.63 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.04 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 337 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 295

January 16: Found a penny in the morning while returning the Uhaul. In the afternoon, 4 pennies were found at Jack in the Box at Yosemite and L.A. Aves.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.05
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.64
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.61 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $669.02 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 328 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 294

January 15: No finds.... second day of moving. Got telephone installed, turned on gas and electric.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $0.00
Bottles & Cans Collected: 3 (donations not included)
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.59
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.56 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $668.97 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 323 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 293 New Home report.

January 14: We received the keys for our new home today. Doing the U-Haul self move for this segment of our move. The 15 months in an apartment while our house was on the market until its sale has been quite bitter sweet... Sweet part was it provided a quick answer to our initial housing concerns and the bitter part has been the confined space with two kids and a dog named Biscuit. Still, I think it was what we needed as it totally readjusted our thinking towards space needs. We learned through practice to be better users of space. Coming from a 4100 Sq. ft. east coast house to a less than 1000 sq. ft. two bedroom apartment was a challenge... we survived and endured.

Our new home seems like a palace at 2600 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths and a 3 car garage. Its view of valley is breath-taking! We're about a third moved in as of this evening. Now, I can get all of my big comfy furniture out of storage... Yippee!

Upon opening and inspecting the Uhaul truck this morning, I found a quarter and a penny in the cargo area... so, much for the last user sweeping the truck clean. For that, I got the opportunity to pick it clean!

The kid's Uncle Nicky made an unusual appearance to help with our move. He's normally not a player at activities that involve manual labor. More unusual was his donation of water bottles. I thanked him for his support and contribution to the cause.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.26
Bottles & Cans Collected: 5 (donations not included)
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.59
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.56 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $668.97 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 320 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

FMJ - Day 292 ** MOVING **

January 13: A penny was found at Jack in the Box on Cochran Ave. at breakfast. Target in Simi Valley-- we came across a penny. Our final find -- a penny -- was made at the ARCO gas station on Madera Rd. RECYCLING: $2.90

** We're in the process of moving this weekend to our new hillside digs with a view of the valley. I won't have online access Monday thru Thursday. I'm getting DSL at the new place.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.03
Bottles & Cans Collected: 8
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.33
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.30 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $668.71 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 315 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $668.29

Twenty Dollar Bill found on FMJ - Day 291

January 12: Lunch time at Tommy's Burgers on Madera Rd. I spotted a $20 as I was walking across the parking lot. It was folded and standing slightly upright in a grass area at the end of a row of parked cars. Quite a find.

A promised after-school trip to Chuck E. Cheese's in Thousand Oaks with Maya's friends and Ajay, brought the FMJ a quarter. The kids found it in one the game machines.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $20.25
Bottles & Cans Collected: 12
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $24.30
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $208.07 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $668.68 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 307 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $665.39

FMJ - Day 290

January 11, 2007: Two pennies found at the Rancho Corrales Apartments while jogging this morning. $7.05 was received from our recycling.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 28
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $4.05
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $187.82 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $648. 43 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 295 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $665.39

FMJ - Day 289

January 10, 2007: A single penny found at the Jack in the Box at Yosemite & L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.01
Bottles & Cans Collected: 41
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $4.03
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $187.80 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $648. 41 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 267 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $658.34

Dividends!

Yesterday, I received in the mail my 4th quarter dividend check from Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust (PEI) in the amount of $8.55. Like clockwork, it comes every three months.

2006 Dividend Report
This check: $8.55
2006 - Year total: $34.20
Running total for fund: $100.35
Amount of dividends reinvested: $91.80
Other Timely Stats
FMJ Savings account balance: $8.55
Non-deposited FMJ Funds: $23.29
Value of Stock Holdings: $1,118.96

As of today, the Found Money Jar is worth: $1,150. 80

FMJ - Day 288

January 9, 2007: Found 13 cents -- a dime and three pennies -- at the Plaza at Simi. I had lunch at Panda Wok... cheap, tasty and quick. The kids wanted to go to Wendy's on L.A. Ave. for chicken Nuggets and a Frosty when they returned from school... we found six pennies there.

Hey, I found a single sterling silver "semi-hoop" earing at the ARCO last night... I didn't post it as I didn't think it was real. Today, I found the "925" marking on it. I've got a box that I keep these finds in... one day, I'll weigh it and sell it off as "scrap silver." It will get added to the "fund" upon sale.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.19
Bottles & Cans Collected: 15
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $4.02
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $187.79 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $648. 40 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 226 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $658.34

FMJ - Day 287

January 8, 2007: I found a penny this morning at the ARCO station on L.A. Ave. Also, found a penny in the evening at the same ARCO. Recycling News: It's official, the CRV went up by a penny... that's a 25% raise for our collected bottles and cans. Collected 66 today in my travels.

Made a stop at the recycling center and Ralph's on the way home. This turn-in garnered $5.25 for our troubles.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.02
Bottles & Cans Collected: 66
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $3.83
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $187.60 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $648. 21 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 211 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $658.34

FMJ - Day 286

January 7, 2006: Early in the morning, Biscuit's dogwalk provided a penny. Also, an unknown neighbor's late night party whose friends must be litterbugs provided 7 bottles and cans along the walk. Then, a grocery bag full of beer bottles left at the curb -- 19 more or, 26 in all. After the walk, I went to Ralph's to fetch the Sunday paper and some soda. This made an opportunity to do a recycling turn-in of the weekend's collection... received $2.60 for this trip.

Our afternoon was filled with pure indulgence... Lunch at the Exotic Thai Cafe in Camarillo, CA. It was our first time there... absolutely delectable. It won't be our last. I found a penny on the way out to boot. Then, on to Ventura Beach. We stopped at McDonald's for a pre-beach bathroom break -- found 2 pennies. IT WAS A BEAUTIFUL 72 degrees on the beach. We all walked the beach... Ajay and I played Jedi knights with his lightsabers. Afterwards, my wife and I chilled in our beach chairs as the kids played soccer and dug a sand fortress. About 5:00 P.M., it got a little chilly. So, we went to the Pacific View Mall... My wife and Maya shopped... Ajay and I went on a coin hunt. We found 3 dimes, a nickel and 5 pennies.

Dinner was enjoyed in our car at the In-N-Out Burger in Camarillo. Nothing like listening to good ol' 80's music and downing a chocolate shake. As for In-N-OUT... It's very cheap and they have the best burgers... better than any burger I've had during my 37 years on the East Coast. "Real MILK" Shakes, too! Not like the syrupy concoctions found at Roy Roger's, BK or Mickey D's. I found a nickel and 4 pennies in the In-N-OUT.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.53
Bottles & Cans Collected: 38
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $3.81
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $187.58 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $648. 19 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 145 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $653.09

FMJ - Day 286

January 6, 2007: Lots of finds... #1 -- a nickel while vacuuming our Explorer at the new California Speedwash on Madera Rd. #2 -- 2 Canadian Quarters found in a L.A. Times box on Weyburn in Westwood Village. We had lunch at Jerry's Famous Deli -- Ajay made this find while walking to the deli. #3 -- 9 pennies tossed about in a tree bed along Weyburn. #4 -- a penny in another sidewalk tree bed along Broxton St.

In the evening, we were in Cerritos to visit with Uncle Joe, Aunt Pratima and "Mayma." The kids stayed at their Uncle's house while Mommy and I went browsing at Cerritos Mall. Found a dime and a penny in the disney store. 2 pennies in KB toys. A penny near Auntie Anne's Pretzels. A penny near Great Khan. A penny in Hallmark. A penny near Banana Republic. 17 cents in all at the mall. Leaving Cerritos, I needed a soda for the road... stop in Stater Bros. Grocery and scooped a dime on the way out.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.42
Bottles & Cans Collected: 25
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $3.28
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $187.05 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $647.66 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 107 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $650.49

Bottles & Cans!

January 6, 2007: Got up early this morning. Thought I'd get a head start on the day. So, I first went to turn-in our cans... much to my surprise, the automatic return machine was giving 5 cents for each small container and 10 for each large one. Did the CRV go up? I hadn't heard anything about the container tax being increased after January 1st. Maybe it has... Usually it's 4 cents and 8 cents....

Anyway, for today only, I guess we have a 25% raise... Collected $4.85 for the B&C Fund.

Stats
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $650.49

FMJ - Day 285

January 5, 2007: Finds so far: 4 pennies at Del Taco on L.A. Ave. A quarter along Biscuit's afternoon walk in Wood Ranch.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.29
Bottles & Cans Collected: 23
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $2.86
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $186.63 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $647.24 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 82 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $645.64

FMJ - Day 284

January 4, 2007: As the kids are still out of school for winter break, I took them for the day to Valencia, CA for parks and shopping. We all had a craving for Popeye's chicken for lunch and stopped at the one on Erringer Rd. in Simi Valley. Found 4 pennies there.

A stop at Starbuck's on McBean Parkway in Valencia... found a nickel in front of the store. Ajay found a quarter in a USA Today box near the Starbuck's. At Heritage Park, we watched a couple of high school football players practice passes and receptions, and a funny thing happened... One of the boys had a younger brother who enjoyed playing pranks on his big brother. Seems the big brother had this pouch for keeping his wallet, coins, keys and cellphone. He left it on the bench under his sweatshirt. The younger brother decided to try to swipe it. Upon snatching pouch, the kid spilled the contents of the pouch. The older brother raced over to pulverize the kid, but luckily the little guy fled before "getting it." Bills and coins all over the sidewalk. The older brother only bothered to pick-up the bills and left the coins. I watched this incident from about 50 yards away as my kids and I were practicing soccer dribbles and passing. After our play, we found three quarters, a nickel and three pennies under that bench.

After the park, we went to McDonald's on McBean Parkway for an early dinner. I found a penny next to our parking space. Passing the vending machine for The Signal paper, I found 2 quarters. Ajay found a penny in the restaurant. Our last find -- a stop for gas at the ARCO on Lyon's Rd. -- in the rain -- and I found a penny near the pump.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $1.70
Bottles & Cans Collected: 18
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $2.57
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $186.34 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $646.95 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 59 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $645.64

FMJ - Day 283

January 3, 2007: So far today, there hasn't been a coin find. 12 bottles and cans were collected along daily stops. Maybe tonight? Nope. No more finds.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: Zilch.
Bottles & Cans Collected: 12
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $.87
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $184.64 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $645.25 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 41 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $645.64

FMJ - Day 282

January 2, 2007: Found 70 cents today. After lunch, the kids and I decided they needed some scooter riding time. As we live in a hilly section of Simi Valley, I took them to an older neighborhood in the basin of the valley. I walked while they did their scooter ride. During the walk, I found 2 quarters, a dime and 4 pennies.

Played tennis at 3:30p.m. with Danny C. at the Wood Ranch courts. The kids kept to their scooters in the park. "They love them some scooters, they sure do." Later, they desired some Dairy Queen on Madera Rd.... Hotdogs and Ice Cream. Found a nickel on top of a table outside the DQ and a penny in the parking lot.

Today's Stats
Day's Finds: $.70
Bottles & Cans Collected: 11
Running Stats
2007 Finds: $.87
Since FMJ Blog Inception: $184.64 (March 28, 2006)
Total Found for FMJ Fund: $645.25 (since 1-1-2000)
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 29 for the month.
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $645.64

New Year's Day 2007!

January 1, 2007:

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S to all my fellow found money hunting bloggers! May the finds be with you!

An afternoon daytrip to Laguna Beach to celebrate Aunt Anju's 60th Birthday and Uncle Joe's Mom's 80th Birthday. The whole family got together at Las Brisas Mexican Restaurant overlooking the beautiful beach. Even though we imbibed a little too much New Year's Eve, somehow we found plenty of reserve tolerance to down a few Margeritas and coronas. The coconut flan was my favorite.

Found a penny along Biscuit's morning walk. A penny was found crossing a parking lot in Laguna. A fueling stop at a Slauson Blvd. Mobil gas station off the 405 and I found five pennies resting on the ledge under the cashier's window. Evening time, we stopped at Topper's Pizza. Ajay found a dime in the game room.

At 9:45 PM, my wife asked for Yoplait Lite yogurt... that meant a run to Wood Ranch Shopping Center for Ralph's and an opportunity to turn-in our bottles and cans from over the weekend... collected $5.96 for the B&C fund.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.17
FMJ - Total Found: $644.55 (since 1-1-2000)
Since Blog Inception: $183.94
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 18/18 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $645.64

Last Day of 2006... FMJ- Day 280.

December 31, 2006: Our finds for today were of numerous incidence. Everywhere we went we found coins. This morning, while walking Biscuit, I found 2 pennies. A second walk and I found a nickel. Lunch at Subway on Tierra Rejada Rd. in Moorpark. Ajay found a penny on the way in. I found a nickel and a penny on the way out. The kids now love going to the driving range. We parked ourselves there for another 90 minutes this afternoon as Mommy went shopping at The Oaks Mall. We found a dime and 2 pennies at the Von's Grocery store on Tierra Rejada as we fetched some after golfing candy. Evening time was Blockbuster Time -- Rentals and bought some Playstation 2 games for the kids -- "SCOOBY DOO!, Gran Turismo 3, & MLS 2006 for them. Wanda Sykes's "Sick & Tired" and The DaVinci Code for us parents. Found 2 pennies in the Blockbuster on Moorpark Ave. in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.28
FMJ - Total Found: $644.38 (since 1-1-2000)
Since Blog Inception: $183.77
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 13/523 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $639.68

End of Month Stats:
Total found this month: $9.84
Average Amount Found per Day: 32 cents
Stock Held:
15 shares/PEI Worth: $590.70
19.377/GRT Worth: $517.56
Stock purchase cost: $717.11 (includes reinvested dividends & interest)
Excess Value of Stock Over Cost: $391.15
Undeposited funds still in JAR: $19.26
FMJ Savings Account: $0 (Cleared out to make GRT purchase.)
Interest Received YTD 2006: $.94
Dividends YTD: $25.65
Total Dividends Received: $91.80

Total Net Worth of the FMJ Fund: $ 1,127.52

FMJ - Day 279 $5 bill found.

December 30, 2006: Big Day! This morning, I attended a "moving sale." This poor chap lost his job in construction and was in a big hurry to down-size. He had a very nice set of golf clubs... Arnie Palmer driver, pro-tour woods and irons with new Ping grips, newish style golf bag in blue. "How much for the clubs?" I asked... "$75!" says the man. "I've got $40 on me," I say back. He looks around at all the others in attendance and realizes that the 40 or so Amigos from below our southern border scavenging his belongings probably can't offer more and, most likely, aren't the golfing type and grudgingly replies... "sold." Whipped out the cash from my wallet... I had more in my pocket but he didn't need to know that. Needless to say, the kids and I spent the better part of the afternoon at the driving range. FUN TIMES!

We did make finds... sure did. First find was two pennies at the Jack in the Box on L.A. Ave. Stopped in after tennis this morning. Next find made with the family at IN-N-OUT Burger... a quarter and a penny. Along Biscuit's afternoon walk, I found a nickel.

In the evening, we all went shopping at the Topanga Mall in Woodland Hills, CA. Ajay and I scooped up a folded $5.00 bill from near the Panda Express. We also found a dime and six pennies in other places the mall. As we were leaving the mall, I spotted a gift card for a major retailer dropped in our path. I picked it up wondering if it had any value. A few cents left on it... maybe. Too curious to leave it alone... I stopped by this place on our way home and asked a clerk to check it for me... $30.00 available! Hmmm. I didn't actually think it was worth anything. Well, "Gift Cards" have owners and they begin somewhere and need to end somewhere. And my moto in life has always been that honesty is the best policy. Wouldn't be fun knowing that someone out there was short a Christmas gift. As much as I would love to add it to the FMJ fund... I will turn it in on Tuesday when I return to the mall.

On the bottle and can collecting front, today was also very fruitful. A neighbor left a large bag full of cans - 59 to be exact. Then, I found a case of 12 spent Corona's plus a few soda cans near the yard sale guy's house. 4 bottles at tennis. 4 during shopping and... a few more along the way. 90 in total.

Today's Stats
Finds: $5.49
FMJ - Total Found: $644.10
Since Blog Inception: $183.49
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 90/510 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $639.68

FMJ - Day 278

December 29, 2006: This mornings trip to Wood Ranch Shopping Center yielded a quarter from underneath a newspaper box and a penny from the floor of Subway. In the afternoon, I went to The Hat. Known for its world famous pastrami dip, I fully engrossed myself in gastronomic delight. There, I found a penny. Late in the night, I found a penny at the ARCO on L.A. Ave.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.28
FMJ - Total Found: $638.61
Since Blog Inception: $178.00
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 32/420 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $639.68

Last Recycling Turn-in for 2006!

December 29, 2006: Well, the year of 2006 is almost over. What a year it's been. Between settling our new California residence, completing our move, buying new cars - 3 cars since December of 2005 - and now a move to our new rental house in January, 2007. Busy... very busy. I'm really ready to simmer down and devote time to enjoying the peace. All signs point to a slowing of the housing market now. For sale inventories are way above any historical norms... the sales pace is slowing eventhough there's been lower interest rates and a slip in prices. Looks like we've got some more downturn in the national housing market with all these exotic low-payment ARM loans recasting to higher rates in the spring of 2007. For all these reasons, my wife, a 20 year veteran of the housing finance industry and I think we'll rent for another year. Why buy a house that will fall in price over the next year, or two. I'm quite content in our decision and we've been homeowners for the last 18 years. I still own some properties back east and residential lots here in California. So, I won't feel like I'm missing any boat should the market bounce back in the interim. Houses I've been watching here in Cali are now about 10 to 12% off their highest asking prices. I feel they need to fall another 10 to 15% to make a buying decision more comfortable. Maybe 2008.

Earlier today, I went to the Wood Ranch Recycling Center to make our last 2006 return of our CRV bottles and cans. We received $5.80 for our last trip. Also, found some coins. Report them tonight.

Afterwards, I went to the Subway sandwich shop and used a meal ticket that I won at the kids' school Harvest Festival auction. Paid $5.00 per ticket... It would have cost me about $6.79 for the steak and cheese I devoured in about 5 minutes. I won 4 meal tickets for Tommy's Hamburger's and 4 for Subway. Paid $40.00 in total... the meals I'll eat with them would cost me about $55.00. I guess I did alright in the auction. Also, won a one month Gold's Gym membership for $20.00... might need it to work of the Subs and Burgers.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $639.68

FMJ - Day 277

December 28, 2006: While investigating a possible real estate investment, I found a dime and six pennies scattered in a parking space behind a "condo" apartment building on Patricia Ave. For some time, I've been watching sales of condos on this property and might buy one as a rental should the prices drop lower... The prices have dropped about $50,ooo.oo for these units since we moved to Simi Valley in October of 2005. Currently, they're asking about $309,000 for a 2 bedroom... still high, but one will becoming up at a foreclosure sale soon. I'll watch the sale.

In the evening, we ventured out to the Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks, CA. Right away, I found a penny near our car prior to starting the drive. At the mall, I watch a teenager chuck three pennies he received at the pretzel stand. He laughed and scoffed at receiving the pennies... "worthless," says he. Thanks, say I.

It's was an unusual day for collecting bottles and cans... seems they're all over the place. I picked up 43 bottles and cans along my errands and dog walks today.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.20
FMJ - Total Found: $638.33
Since Blog Inception: $177.72
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 43/388 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $633.88

FMJ - Day 276

December 27, 2006: Six pennies and one game token found. At the Simi Valley Target, I found two pennies. Burger King on Cochran for Lunch... found a penny in the parking lot. Albertson's on Madera Rd. for groceries... found a penny and the token on their change counting machine. We went to see DreamGirls this evening at the Pacific 21 Stadium theater on Winnetka Ave. in the San Fernando Valley. (Movie Review - The film was a hokey musical with long drawn out scenes... I give Eddie Murphy the MVP award for propping the film up.) After the movie, we made a stop at Walgreen's on Lassen Ave. -- found two pennies near the film counter.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.06
FMJ - Total Found: $638.13
Since Blog Inception: $177.52
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 18/345 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $633.88

FMJ - Day 275

December 26, 2006: A single quarter. It was scooped while standing in the concession line at the Regal Theater on Tapo Canyon Rd. The kids are with Grandma for the week. My wife, I and her Aunt and Uncle played a round of golf this afternoon. The mice are away and the cats are going to play.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.25
FMJ - Total Found: $638.07
Since Blog Inception: $177.46
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 12/327 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $633.88

Christmas 2006!

December 25, 2006: We found 18 cents in the form of a dime and eight pennies. The dime was found along Biscuit's morning walk. Apparently, puppies were a big Christmas item this year... puppies everywhere. Next find, 3 pennies in near the soda machines at the Simi Valley Wal-mart. We celebrated Christmas in Cerritos were their entire extended family... A last minute gift purchase at Walgreen's in Cerritos -- penny was found. During our 1:00 A.M. drive home, I needed to make a "wake-up leg stretch" at the Porter Ranch Towncenter... just to get some fresh air and wake up for the last 16 miles of our trip -- don't won't to fall asleep. While walking off a little "road drift," I found 4 pennies scattered about the sidewalk near the Wal-mart.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.18
FMJ - Total Found: $637.82
Since Blog Inception: $177.21
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 19/315 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $633.88

Christmas Eve!

December 24, 2006: Thought I'd post early as the we going to my sister-in-law's brother's house in San Marino, CA for a Christmas Eve get together... Egg nog and marsala baster turkey! Don't ask... let's just say that we have a gourmet cook in the family. It'll be delicious. This morning, I made a run to the recycling center for a pre-Christmas turn-in. We received $8.20 for the B&C fund. While collecting the cash at the Ralph's Market a donation of 54 cents was left in the cashier's automatic change shoot. The prior customer decided to spread some Christmas cheer, I suppose. Thanks.

Toy's R Us in Porter Ranch... found a penny at check-out. After visiting with the Anvekars , we made a late-night stop at the Shell gas station on Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena and I found four pennies while waiting for the drunk lady ahead of me stumble through ordering "cigs" and "caffeine-free soda." Concerned about caffeine intake... what a hoot!

Merry Christmas and Good Tidings to All!

Today's Stats
Finds: $.59
FMJ - Total Found: $637.64
Since Blog Inception: $177.03
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 10/296 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $633.88

FMJ - Day 272

December 23, 2006: Another day... another penny. Found a single penny at 99 Cents Only on Tapo St. That's it.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.01
FMJ - Total Found: $637.05
Since Blog Inception: $176.44
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 3/286 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

FMJ - Day 271

December 22, 2006: A single penny was found in the parkint lot of Wood Ranch Restaurant in Moorpark, CA. Wood Ranch is a BBQ place... You gotta try their Tri-Tip! One of my wife's employees gave her a $50.00 gift certificate for Wood Ranch so we decided to use it last night. About 20 minutes into our delicious dinner, a young couple maybe mid twenties sits down in the booth behind us. They have a baby... about two months old. So, young and just getting started in their life together. I can remember those days of... NO MONEY! SO, when our bill came their was about $11.00 left on the card. I decided to spread the Christmas cheer... laid the card down on their table and told them to use up the balance towards their meal. They were very appreciative. My wife and I gave smiles, wish them luck in parenthood and told that we how much we thought their little baby was a cutey. During the time after they sat down... I pretty much reflected in my mind all the financial struggles my wife and I had been through early in our marriage... grad school for her and starting my business. Man, I don't know how I would do it all over again... so, glad I don't have to. It's nice to be at a time in one's life where need of money isn't an issue... of course, there's still a desire to have more money but I don't feel as if I'll ever have a situation where there's no money available. After selling my business, I safely parked the lump sum in real estate income investments and bank certificates. No worries... I'm conservative and safe.

In the afternoon, I took the kids to visit at their Aunt Anju's house in Cerritos. A good place for them to be while my wife and I Christmas shop Saturday. MERRY CHRISTMAS! "Uncle Kunal," my wife's cousin gave the kids a couple bags of cans for the B&C Fund.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.01
FMJ - Total Found: $637.04
Since Blog Inception: $176.43
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 6/283 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

FMJ - Day 270

December 21, 2006: 2 pennies found. At the ARCO gas station on L.A. Ave., the first penny was scooped. An early dinner at Del Taco brought us the second penny.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.02
FMJ - Total Found: $637.03
Since Blog Inception: $176.42
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 15/277 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

FMJ - Day 269

December 20, 2006: We found four pennies. At 99 Cents Only, I found two pennies while at the check-out. Then, a penny was scooped before entering the Edwards Theater on L.A. Ave. The kids are officially on winter break as of today... We saw Rocky Balboa... Best Movie in the theaters. Our fourth penny was found on Biscuit's afternoon walk.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.04
FMJ - Total Found: $637.01
Since Blog Inception: $176.40
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 19/262 this month
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

FMJ - Day 268

December 19, 2006: Christmas shopping at Topanga Mall. Man, was it busy. The line at The Gap was 30 deep. Last minute people. We found 75 cents in the form of 5 dimes, a nickel and 20 pennies as we were finding those right gifts... My wife has 7 direct report underlings (managers) at her office and a total of 55 peons who work under them. She's spendings $100 for each manager or director who reports to her and $10 on each of their people. That's $1,250.00 out the door and her company won't let her expense any of it... she's a caring boss, I'll tell you that. What the best Christmas gift you've ever been given by a boss? What would you expect this year? Just wondering.

Today's Stats
Finds: $.75
FMJ - Total Found: $636.97
Since Blog Inception: $176.36
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 35
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

FMJ - Day 267

December 18, 2006: A single penny was found near a cash register at the Simi Valley Best Buy while purchasing some gifts for Maya's friends back in Virginia. Also, I decided to do the mycokerewards.com today. Got a total of 12 points. NEAT! Thanks to Jim at One Coin At A Time for introducing me to this very cool coke rewards site.

Today's Stats
Finds: $..01
FMJ - Total Found: $636.22
Since Blog Inception: $175.61
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 13
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

Recycling Update.

December 18, 2006: The kids and I got up early to get them to school... on the way, we made a stop to drop the bottle and can cache for recycling... turned in $5.20 worth of slips.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $625.68

FMJ - Day 266

December 17, 2006: No finds. Thanks to Aunt Anju for the large donation of her bottles and cans she gave today. Also, picked up 15 bottles and cans in our travels.

FMJ - Day 265

December 16, 2006: 2 dimes and 14 pennies found while shopping at the Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks, CA. It was brisk in the mall today... seems everyone wants to get Xmas over with as soon as possible. Rush, Rush.

In the evening, Movies! Ajay and I saw Unaccompanied Minors... Maya and mommy saw The Pursuit of Happiness. Lots of pratfalls and laughs for Ajay and me. Maya cried during their movie... CHICKS!

Today's Stats
Finds: $.34
FMJ - Total Found: $636.21
Since Blog Inception: $175.60
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 7
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $620.48

New Investment for the FMJ Funds.

Today, I swept the savings account that holds cash from FOUND MONEY JAR... as there was $520.46 in the account that is what I invested. Through a brokerage account with BuyandHold.com that I maintain for these special situations, I purchased 19.377 shares of Glimcher Realty Trust (Symbol - GRT) at $26.85 per share.

So, here are the investments comprising the FMJ Fund.

PEI 15 shares
GRT 19.377 shares

Total value of these two holdings: $1,100.10
Total cost including dividend reinvestment: $717.11

Dividends expected for 2007: $71.40

By this time Dec. 2007, the FMJ Fund should cross the $1,300 mark. Keeping them crossed!

$1 Bill Found! (Special Report.)

December 15, 2006: (Updated) Insomnia ruled the morning as I awoke at 5:10 A.M. Biscuit was also awake. So, I decided that I wasn't going back to sleep and maybe a 2 mile dog walk was just the cure. We walked all over Wood Ranch. When I'm on these walks, I will take a few plastic shopping bags in pull-over's pocket for I'm ready for bottle and can picking. Found 8 along the walk.

Money finds:
For quite sometime, I've had my eye on a penny lying at the intersection of East Country Club Dr. & Madera Rd. Unfortunately, it's usually too busy to stop there to pursue retrieving the coin. But, not at 5:45 in the morning. Done and Pocketed!

At the Wood Ranch Shopping Center, I spotted something green resting near some bushes Biscuit was sniffing... low and behold, a single dollar bill.

This early morning dog-walking... quite fruitful!

Today's Stats
Finds: $1.01
FMJ - Total Found: $635.87
Since Blog Inception: $175.26
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 15
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $620.48

FMJ - Day 263

December 14, 2006: A single penny found as Biscuit was taking his morning stroll. Our Mexican grounds crew here in Wood Ranch was out in force this morning... raking, blowing, gathering the leaves... and while not actually picking them up, blowing them atop my cars. THANX! They drink beer and hardly work... don't know what they actually do. Can't someone stop this immigration insanity! I'm feeling like Don Quixote right now... gotta hit the hay.

Today's Stats
Finds: 1 cent
FMJ - Total Found: $634.86
Since Blog Inception: $174.25
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 14
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $620.48

FMJ - Day 262

December 13, 2006: 5 pennies found. 4 were found near the vacuums at the Mobil station on Cochran Ave. 1 penny was found at McDonald's on Tapo St.

Today's Stats
Finds: 5 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.85
Since Blog Inception: $174.24
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 11
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $620.48

Recycling Update!

December 12, 2006: Late night drive to the Ralph's in Wood Ranch... turn in the recycling slips for the last few days. $5.20 added to the B&C Fund.

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $620.48

FMJ - Day 261

December 12, 2006: Having lunch at Carl's Jr. on Cochran Ave. with two of my tennis buddies and ... a lady walks by dropping a penny. She looked at it... whinced and continued on. I reached down and said to my buds, "Looks like a donation." Cracked them up.

Found another penny while walking through a neighborhood across from the kids school. It's just gorgeous outside today... sunny and 74 degrees. Ajay and I cleaned up the neighborhood on our walk.. finding 2 bottles and 4 cans.

Today's Stats
Finds: 2 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.80
Since Blog Inception: $174.19
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 10
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 260

December 11, 2006: 2 pennies found today at the Alliance Gas station on the corner of Patricia & L.A. Ave. Today was rather boring as it rained last night causing the tennis courts to be too wet for play. Also, Ajay was not feeling well this morning and stayed home from school... I hate sickness... my poor little dude is very congested. I think he's better right now than as he was this morning. May be one of those 24 hour bugs... I'm hopeful.

I had Chinese food last night... I'm craving it again. Two nights in a row... I must have some winter blues, or something!

Back to the diet tomorrow!

Today's Stats
Finds: 2 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.78
Since Blog Inception: $174.17
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 8
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 259

December 10, 2006: 2 pennies found while shopping at the Target in Moorpark.

Today's Stats
Finds: 2 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.76
Since Blog Inception: $174.15
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 3
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 258

December 9, 2006: My wife's company had its Christmas Party on Friday evening... Let's just say it was like living scenes from the T.V. show -- The Office. The kids were at their Uncle Nicky's house in Santa Monica for the night and stay through this afternoon so Mommy and I could have a sweet peaceful lunch at Magianno's in Woodland Hills and go to see the new Bond movie. We love Daniel Craig as Bond. Can't wait for the next Bond episode.

Found a dime in the theater parking lot. Found a penny in Westwood at Falafel King. Found a penny at Ralph's in Wood Ranch.

Today's Stats
Finds: 12 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.74
Since Blog Inception: $174.13
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 12
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 257

December 8, 2006: 2 pennies found at In-N-Out Burger on Stearns. That's it!

Today's Stats
Finds: 2 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.62
Since Blog Inception: $174.01
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 4
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 256

December 7, 2006: A dime was found this morning at the Rancho Simi Tennis Courts. It was dropped between courts 2 and 3.

Today's Stats
Finds: 10 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.60
Since Blog Inception: $173.99
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 14
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 255

December 6, 2006: This morning, while walking Biscuit, 2 pennies were found in the parking lot near our home. After that, a stop at ARCO on L.A. Ave. and I find a dime laying next to the gas pump. Very good day for bottle and can collecting... seems we have a lot of litter bugs in Simi Valley. Little do these people realize just how much money they're leaving when tossing their CRV bottles and cans to the ground. I won't help them in knowing... Tire basura... mis amigos!

Today's Stats
Finds: 12 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.50
Since Blog Inception: $173.89
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 28
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

Recycling Update.

December 6, 2006: Last night, I made a quick run to the Ralph's in Wood Ranch. Using the automated recycling center I was able to turn-in another dollar's worth of cans and bottles. Collected cash on all slips from the last few days... add $4.60 to the pot. Also, I picked up 7 more cans that were left around the recycling machine. FREE MONEY!

Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $615.28

FMJ - Day 254

December 5, 2006: Found 3 pennies. Walking past Jack In The Box on L.A. Ave., I found a single penny which had been left at the curb. In the morning, Biscuit's walk produced 2 pennies.

Last night, we recycled our weekend collection, and then some... netted $3.60 for the fund. Didn't cash the slip as yet. So, I will add the amount to the fund when I make my next run to the grocery store.

Today's Stats
Finds: 3 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.38
Since Blog Inception: $173.77
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 12
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $610.68

FMJ - Day 253

December 4, 2006: Three pennies found while shopping in Moorpark. At Albertson's, I found a penny lying beneath the CoinStar machine. Then, I found two pennies that weren't beside each other in the parking lot in front of the Best Dollar store.

Last night, we did a little Christmas shopping at The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks. We found a nickel and four pennies.

Today's Stats
Finds: 12 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.35
Since Blog Inception: $173.74
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 16
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $610.68

FMJ - Day 252

December 3, 2006: Fire, Fire Everywhere! Got up early this morning to the news that Moorpark, CA, a town about 4 miles from us, was quickly coming under threat from a blazing brush fire that started overnight. With wind gusts of 60 miles per hour, the fire quickly consumed its first 1000 acres of brush. I went to Moorpark College and drove up the hilly culdesacs in the neighborhoods adjacent to the school -- gt a view of rampaging fire from about 2000 yards at about 9:00AM. By 10:00AM, the fire was declared "out of control" and a "voluntary evacuation" of the neighborhood was issued by the Ventura Co. Fire Department. I hurried down the hill and quickly scadattled! (More Later.)

Afterwards, a little breakfast at Del Taco in Moorpark... a penny was found under my table. Then, a stop at the Ralph's in Wood Ranch and... I find a dime in the change shoot of the USA Today paper box and two pennies on the sidewalk.

Also, collected about a dozen cans walking along the hilly streets near Moorpark College.

Today's Stats
Finds: 13 cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.23
Since Blog Inception: $173.62
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 15
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $610.68

FMJ - Day 251

December 2, 2006: A dime, a nickel and sixteen pennies were found while on a shopping jaunt at Glendale Galleria.

Today's Stats
Finds: 31 Cents
FMJ - Total Found: $634.10
Since Blog Inception: $173.49
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 5
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $610.68

Thanks... Pepsi!

A few days ago, I lost money in a non-working Pepsi machine here in Simi Valley... a whole buck. I called our local Pepsi bottler to report the machine's bad behaviour. Yesterday, I received coupons from Pepsi for "FREE PRODUCT." I sent 2 coupons for any 2-litre Pepsi Product and 2 coupons for 20 oz. Aguafina . Needless to say, I promptly cashed them in! I drink quite a lot of sodas... so, the coupons were really free money for me. Upon payment for the 2 Pepsi, 2 Aquafina (and I also bought a Propel Fitness Water and 2 Diet 7-UPs), I only paid $1.06. I had a buy one - get one free coupon for the 7-UP... the cashier gave credit for the $.169 full price even though the 7-up was on sale for $1.00... he also "doubled" a coupon. So, 4 large bottles of soda and 3 waters for $1.06 including tax and CRV deposit. I'll get 48 cents back when I return the bottles. WHAT A DEAL!

Of course, there is still the matter of the lost $1.00 in the machine... so, I paid actually $2.06 in all.
If I had to pay for it without the coupons... $9.47 with my Ralph's Club card. My savings... $7.41!

FMJ - Day 250

December 1, 2006: Well, no finds yet. We did make a stop at the Wood Ranch recycling center and received $2.24 for a stash of bottles and cans from the trunk of the Mercedes. I cashed in yesterday's slip and today's for $4.16 to add to the B&C fund.

Today's Stats
Finds: Zilch
FMJ - Total Found: $633.79
Since Blog Inception: $173.18
Number of Bottles and Cans Collected: 6
Bottles & Cans Return Fund: $610.68