Penny Palace

Penny Palace

Friday, December 29, 2023

Luckee Dog


 

Hi Penny Pals-

It's me -- Bailey!

 

To my Frends across dee United States and in udder Kuntries - TANK You fur dee loving notes and stuffed toy you sent me.  I appreciate my toy and often sleep with it because it represents all your love.  It's trulee amazing how just a few weeks ago I was a discarded lonely little soul and now I have frends around dee world!  What a miracle!
 

It has bin six weeks sinz I flew to Atlanta.  Shur glad I am not freezing in dat walnut orchard in California.  Mommee Michelle is reely nice and spoils me.  Uncle Dennis and Aunt Suzie were in California and helped me git to dis new home.  Day come over periodically to visit me 'cause day luv me too. 

I like dat Thanksgiving Day stuff.  Lots of food and family.  Turkee meat prepared for me shur beats scrounging for scraps in trashcans and around farms.

 

I got a brand new deluxe wire enclosur. (Maybee because I chewed out of the first one?)  I don't believe it was because I was good.  I tink it's because I've been naughty.  Mommee seems to get upset when I pee or poop on her sofas or INSIDE the house.  She pees inside the house, so why can't I? Not fair!




 










I was not too excited about my Christmas gift -- surgery for a hysterectomy and microchipping.  Momme spent a lot of bucks on that.  It wood have been much cheeper and I wood have been jest fine with a new toy or chew stick.

 


 

 

 

Tankfulee my Aunt and Uncle brought me a stocking full of goodies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Everee kid likes to hear bedtime stories. Mommee does not need to read me make believe stories 'cause she has been an active firefighter here in Atlanta for 25 years!  She has received many awards, is now a Fire Chief, and has plentee of exciting stories to tell me.  Doesn't she look impressive in uniform?  I am shur proud to be her fur baby.

 

 




It is my New Year’s wish fur each of U dat your household be as full of Luv as mine is.

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Bailey


 

 

 

Wednesday, November 15, 2023

It's A Wonderful Life for Bailey

 Hi Penny Pals-


Last week I wrote to you about a little abandoned doggie which Doc and I met on a walnut farm at an Airbnb in Tracy, CA.  It was amazing how many people were touched by that story.  There are a lot of kind-hearted dog lovers in this group.

 





This morning I mailed a package to Little One at her new home in Atlanta.  The package contained a stuffed toy and a Love Letter -- a compilation of your comments. (Attached if any of you want to read that).

 

Are you anxious to hear what has happened to the Little One in the past week?  It is Wonderful!

 

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Last Wednesday morning (one week ago) Doc and I kissed the little doggie goodbye and left her in the care of her new human mommy, Michelle.  That afternoon she was taken to the vet to check on her condition.  




 







For the next few days Little One was bathed, pampered, fed, and loved.  It turns out Michelle's Brother Dennis and Sister-in-Law Luzie were traveling with Michelle, so Little One quickly won over all their hearts.




 

Little One obtained her Travel Carrier, Certificate of Health (required 'boarding' pass for her) and her ticket for Delta.  She was Ready to Fly!



 

The new family has given Little One the name Bailey because "We initially saw her sleeping on a bail of hay.  (Bail-Hay) = Bailey"

 

Late Monday evening the Family flew from Sacramento to Atlanta.  Bailey evidently was quite a good passenger.  She arrived in her new abode around 7 a.m. Tuesday and was quick to settle in to her new surroundings.





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Hi Folks-

 

It's me, Bailey.  Mommy has gone to werk 2day, so I hav sum tym to tank all of U.  

Ms. Tina sed you all has bin sending your luv and bin Celebrating dat I got a familee now!


Last Wednesday (1 week ago), I kissed Ms. Tina and Mr. Doc goodbye.  Day helped me connect wid my new mommy Michelle. 



Dat day Mommy Michelle tuk me to de vet.  Dat was not so fun.  De vet sed I had 2 much sun expsur and I needed sum good feedin.  No Kidding!  I could have told dem dat and saved dem de medical fees.

 

For de next few days, I got to know Mommy Michelle, Uncle Dennis and Aunt Luzie.  Uncle Dennis has a real nice lap to keep me comfortable and warm.

 


On Sunday I got a bath, then wee went fur a car ride to meet my new Grandmother.  That was fun.

 

Monday night wee went to an airport.  I had no idea what dat was.  I was put in a soft carrier thingy.  Luckily I am kinda cute, so it was OK when I would peek out now and then.

   

 





 

 

 

Den wee went in dis big tube where der wer lots of people all crammed togeder.  My Mommy Michelle held me and Aunt Suzie sat next to me, so I was not afraid.

 




 

 

Day said we were flying from Sacramento to my new home in Atlanta.  Dis is what I saw when we arrived around 7 a.m. Tuesday morning.  Beautiful Fall leaves everywhere!






 

An hour later Mommy had to leave for werk.  I had lots of new things to explore.  By the time Mommy came home at lunchtime to check on me, I had established the front porch, front yard and big sofa as MY territory.  Der is a fence around de yard, so now I don't need to worry about coyotes attacking me.

 

 





 

 

When Mommy came home from werk she was pretty tired so I let her lie down on my sofa wid me.  Dat was nice snuggle time.

 

 



 

I tink I am going to like dis new place.

It's gonna be A Wonderful Life

 

Bailey

 

 


 

Thursday, November 9, 2023

Happy Tail


This story is for all of you who like Happy Tales ... and Wagging Tails.  Dog Lovers will "get it".  Others won't or will question my sanity.

 

It's a long story, so read it when you have a few minutes to really savor it and enJOY the details leading to the conclusion. (Great bedtime story).  It would not be as "Miraculous" if I just jumped to the Conclusion immediately.

 

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This past weekend Doc and I drove the 370 miles to the Sacramento area in order to spend time with his brother.  I booked three nights at an AirBnB cottage because it was less expensive than the typical motel and I thought a farm stay might be more fun.

 

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Sunday Doc and I were sent driving directions to the Farm as well as instructions "not to feed or pet the abandoned dog" we might encounter.  Sure enough, when we arrived, this little soul was there to greet us.  It was very skittish, but yet excited to have visitors.  I obeyed instructions and did not feed or try to touch the little one.





 

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Monday Morning Doc and I were greeted with the bleating of goats rather than an alarm clock.  That was fun.  As I exited the cottage, the little doggie came flying across the field just bounding with joy!  It was difficult to refrain from petting it or feeding the obviously hungry little thing.

 

Late Monday evening the doggie was there to greet us when we returned to the Cottage.  So difficult to resist the cuteness.  It just needed some love -- and food!  The sound of coyotes in the distance was not comforting.

 

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Tuesday morning I was again greeted by the little ball of joy when I emerged from the Cottage. Heartbreaking to realize that someone had probably dumped it.  

 

Tuesday evening Doc and I met the Farm Hosts.  They said they have seen many animals dumped in their area.  I told them how loving this little doggie seemed to be.  The hosts gave me the go ahead to feed it and pet it!!!  Doc and I immediately went to a store and bought some dog food. Yippee!

 

When I set down a container of food for the little doggie, it warily grabbed the container and ran off to devour it near where its friends the goats were.  Then it came back.  It let me pet it and do some belly rubs!  It was a SHE.   

 

Our hosts had mentioned that the lady in the other Cottage was also wanting to feed and pet the doggie. Yay!  Another dog lover.

 

 

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Wednesday morning I fed the little doggie, then stroked her and said prayers over her asking for God's protection of her and that somehow she would find the love and family she deserved.  I had tears as I left her.  I left the remaining dog food at the door of the other cottage in hopes that the guests there might get the hint and feed the little fur ball.

 

The woman next door came out while on a phone call and yelled, "Thanks!  We got the food!"  I felt compelled to venture over and speak with her.  We spoke of the doggie’s sweet spirit and desire to be loved.  She asked if I could take it home?  I asked if SHE could take it home?  Unfortunately she lives in Atlanta Georgia.  However ... she had already casually checked airline prices to transport a little doggie!!!  WHAT?!?!  I had just sent a prayer a few minutes earlier for the little soul to find a "Forever Home."  Could this really be an answer to that prayer?  It seemed impossible.  It would take a miracle or two to make all this happen.

 

The woman and I continued talking.  In addition to a plane ticket, the doggie would require a vet check, shots, a bath, leash and collar, a transport cage, and more.  That would cost hundreds of dollars.  Plus the woman had only one more week remaining on her vacation so she would need to scramble to make all this happen. 

 

The woman was unsure what to do.  It is a 10-15 year commitment as well as a considerable expense to adopt a fur baby.  It should not be an impulse decision.   Suddenly I blurted, "If I pitched in $xxx would that help in making your decision?"  She laughed!!!!  Evidently, she had been thinking of making that same offer to any other persons/guests on the farm if THEY would adopt the little pup.


I provided the woman with my contact information and asked her for hers.  She wrote "Michelle ...... on Woodland ... in Atlanta"  No way!  Do you recall the recent Gnome Home story I sent you?  The tenants who seem to be an answer to our prayers?  That "perfect tenant" is named Michelle - on Woodland Drive!  Is that another coincidence?  Answer to prayer?  Godwink?  It appeared that God was confirming that the little doggie was meant to go to a new home with Michelle in Georgia!


 

 

I had tears as Doc and I drove away.  Tears of JOY knowing the little doggie might have a new home and tears of sadness knowing I would probably never see her again.

 

It was a long drive home for Doc and me.  The final hours were in stop and go traffic, but my heart was soaring!  Michelle kept sending photos.  Doggie in the car on the way to the vet.  Doggie getting weighed in at the vet.  Doggie going back to the cottage.  Doggie getting a bath.  Doggie snuggling with her new family at bedtime.  






 



Infinite JOY!

 

 

 

Conclusion: God cares about every creature and can make the seemingly impossible POSSIBLE!

 

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Gnome Home

WOW!  It's been months since I wrote the last Tale from the Penny Palace.  Time flies!  There have been lots of great stories during that time, but I get too busy to dedicate a few hours to writing a Tale. 

This is a fun story, so I'll carve out the time tonight to share it with you.

 


Earlier this year Doc and I made the decision to sell off our Arizona rental house and use the funds to buy a place closer to us so that we could manage it ourselves.  At that time Doc began searching for replacement properties.  He found one he REALLY liked, in the Cottages community but we were months from being ready to make a purchase.  At the time he said, "I like it. I think this one should be ours!"

 





 

Several months later (after we sold the AZ house), we began looking in earnest for local properties to buy.  The market within 25 miles of us is crappy!  Very expensive and run down!  Doc looked -- The Cottage was back on the market!  It had fallen out of escrow twice since he had first seen it. 

 

It was quite an ordeal, but eventually we obtained it. The house was even ready to rent!  (By normal people's standards).  But you know Doc and I are not 'normal'.  We put in new kitchen lighting, a new dishwasher, new kitchen sink, new water heater, new toilets, new windows, and cleaned the place from top to bottom - including the P-traps! 

 

After three weeks of intense work, it was ready to rent - by OUR standards.  We had three open houses and only one family showed!!  We could not believe it.  We just kept praying and asking God for the 'right' tenants.

 

Last week we were scheduled to meet two interested family on Thursday afternoon.  We drove out to meet them and the first one did not show!  Instead, the other family showed up early.  We were surprised.  We spent 90 wonderful minutes with them!  We fell in love with them and they with us (or so they led us to believe).  They had looked at 31 other properties and none met their needs.  They were praying on their side because they had only two weeks before needing to be out of their current home.  Our Cottage was just what they were looking for!


After reviewing the potential tenant applications and background reports, Doc and I concluded this would be a Win-Win situation for all parties involved.  So yesterday we met with the family to do a walk through of the house and provide them with the keys.

 




It gets even better.... earlier this week I had a 'nudging' to put Gnomes in the house to welcome the new family.  So weird!  Two days ago even though we were crazy busy that day, I insisted that Doc stop at a crafting place so that I could purchase some gnomes!  I put a gnome Welcome note on the front door and bedroom doors, gnomes in the kitchen and living room and other places.  I hoped the new family would be okay with my playfulness.  They were more than okay. 'M' collects Gnomes!  She could not believe it when she walked up to the front door and saw the Gnome Sign!




Today 'M' wrote to me: "I absolutely love Gnomes 

I got so happy when I walked in and saw them."

 

So was that COINcidence?  Answers to prayers on both sides?

Gotta love God's sense of humor.

 

  

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

A Miracle Mile

 Each day there are so many things to be grateful for.  We just need to recognize “The Miracles”. 

This evening around 5:30, I looked out the window and noticed what a gorgeous day it was.  (I had been working indoors all day).  I said to Doc “Sure wish you liked to walk.  I have not walked around the neighborhood since April.  It would be so nice to go out together right now”.  Doc replied: “I’ll go with you!”  Miracle #1

 

Once on the walk, I was enjoying the weather, the birds, the flowers...  Suddenly Doc stopped me saying “Shiny thing in the gutter!”  No way!  In all the years, I have only ever found two coins in this neighborhood.  Today’s coin was a 25¢ piece.  WOW!  (25 is my favorite number).  Miracle #2.

 

I teased the Penny Angels, “That was impressive!  Since Doc found a penny and a nickel earlier today when he went shopping, you just need to produce a dime for a ‘Hit-for-the-Cycle’”.  Within a few more houses Doc quipped, “Look what is in front of us”.  It was a dime!!!  Miracle #3.

 

Three Little Miracles in One Short Mile.

 

If you are open to it, in every mile of your day, there is something good to be discovered.




Friday, June 2, 2023

Back in the USA

As Doc and I have travelled around the world we’ve come to agree with the old saying “There’s No Place Like Home” – especially when it comes to coin finding.  Tanzania, Canada, Australia and other places just do not provide the same opportunities as the USA does.

 

Doc and I spent the month of May in Australia.  We were told it would be practically IMPOSSIBLE to find coins since essentially no one uses cash any longer and pennies were withdrawn from circulation in 1992.  For the first week Down Under Doc and I did not find a single coin.  I then asked for Angel assistance in a few circumstances (such as at airports) and came home with 18 coins.  Not bad, but not very much for an entire month.  We saw many more kangaroos than wayward coins.

 


Once Doc and I returned home, we spent the first two days around the house just unpacking, doing laundry, working in the yard, paying bills, etc.  Finally, on Day #3 we ventured out to do work at our rental house and run some errands.  We found 14 pennies, a nickel, and a dime.

 

On Day #4 Doc went grocery shopping.  He came home with 3(P), 3(N), 2(D), 2(Q).  That’s TWO complete Hits for the Cycle!  That’s pretty rare now-a-days.  (A Hit for the Cycle is one each the four basic coins – P, N, D, Q)

 

So in just two days we found 26 coins.

 

It’s good to be Back in the USA.

Friday, April 28, 2023

Late Easter Bunny

This morning Doc and received a phone call that a dear friend of ours had passed away during the night.  Of course I went straight to my computer to send out the announcement to friends and co-workers who knew this day was coming.

 

As I was typing and trying to focus, my dog Liesel was making unusual whimpering noises.  It was as if one of her toys was under the sofa or something, and she was determined to have it.  I was not to be bothered with her at that time.  Then Doc hollered that Sheila (his dog – Chihuahua) had a gopher in her mouth and it was still squirming! Liesel was demanding to have that new furry toy.

 

Suddenly there was a new Urgent Matter to attend to.  I ran into the kitchen yelling at Sheila.  “LEAVE IT!”  “DROP IT!”. Finally she complied.  I managed to get both dogs into the laundry room before heading back to the kitchen. Racing thoughts here:  “Ugg!  Gross!  The poor thing.  I can’t let it suffer, but I dread the thought of killing it.  How did a gopher get to be in my kitchen?  Doc, you are the male in this situation – YOU deal with it!  How am I going to get it out of here?  Get a shovel from outside?  How will I kill it?”

 

I took a deep breath and grabbed some paper towels.  The furry creature was still wiggling and dragging itself across the kitchen floor.  Oh Lord.  I did NOT need this today.  I somewhat shut my eyes and scooped up the fur ball.

 

When I dared to look at the animal to see the extent of its injuries, I realized it was a tiny scared bunny!  The hind legs seemed weak, the fur was slobbered on, but there appeared to be no puncture wounds!

 

In ONE MOMENT my entire attitude was changed because I had more facts and understanding.  When I realized the TRUTH about the situation, it became a totally different mindset.  Instead of “This is miserable, how will I kill the gopher?” it was now “The poor little bunny, how can I help it?”

 

How often in our daily lives are we faced with situations where we jump to conclusions, then operate out of FEAR and Dread versus Understanding and LOVE?  Once we see TRUTH, we have the opportunity for a much different experience.

 

What a lesson! 

                                                       

 

P.S.  The tiny bunny was gently carried to the flower garden outside.  I watched it stagger a little, then tentatively hop away into the plants.  JOY Moment.