Here we are stuck in Phoenix with no Spring Training baseball or even sports on TV, plus it’s Friday the 13th. I was looking for a more positive sign this morning and happened to stumble across it on the sidewalk. I was returning to our hotel on the final leg of my 5k run and found 13 gleaming pennies in my path. I see them as “Pennies from Heaven” (See Post #183) and always pick them up. Naturally, in these troubled times, the first thing I thought of was the filth and germs that were now on my hands. I couldn’t wait to find some soap. Hopefully, I didn’t wash any of the luck off of them in the process. 

It’s been a long time since I found that many pennies in the same place. The other day I found one on the streets of Portland, a rarity considering all the homeless in that area. In our old neighborhood, I used to find abandoned change on the streets all the time. It always signified a prosperous day with angels in heaven looking out for me. While I was still working, it meant a good sale was coming my way. In retirement, I can only hope that it portends that my 401k losses will soon start to rebound. Oddly, I am excited about finding pennies when I’ve lost thousands over the past few days! Instead, I’ll try to focus positively on friends and family that are my personal angels. I immediately think of my mom and dad, four grandparents, Grant, Dennis, Sally, Bob, Eleanor, Zanna, and Garry – thirteen friendly ghosts that are top of mind. I miss them all and appreciate the copper reminders that they sent me this morning. 

The remaining six friends from our original Spring Training group met for dinner last night at The Arrogant Butcher. Most of us appropriately ordered comfort food – meatloaf over mashed potatoes. There were originally 13 of us that planned to make the trip. Those that didn’t come were obviously more responsible. As justification, my wife and I had friends living in this area that we wanted to see, so we considered it worth the risk, as opposed to sitting home in our apartment. Today, instead of baseball we’ll go to the Mecum Auction and look at cars we can’t afford. Another long-time friend from Indianapolis who’s involved with the show happens to be here, so we’ll take advantage of some free tickets. Tonight, we’ll have sunset appetizers with another couple we met in Indianapolis. In all, we’ll certainly make the best of a bad situation. 

We brought a case of wine with us as part of our luggage allotment from Alaska Airlines. This has already helped ease the pain of viral threats, massive closings, and stock losses. I was just glad to see some sunshine this morning and temperatures in the upper 50’s. This opposed to the drizzly 30’s that typically greet me every morning this time of year in Portland. Additionally, I didn’t have any dog responsibilities and the sidewalks were actually level and smooth as I comfortably fulfilled my daily running task. Things are looking up and it’s all pointing in favor of a lucky Friday the 13th thanks to 13 “Pennies from Heaven.” 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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