As I was running this morning, as I do every day, I spotted a silver coin on the ground. I picked it up thinking that it had been a while since I had found any lost change. I used to regularly run across pennies, nickles, and even an occasional quarter that someone had dropped, and always considered it good luck. (See Post #183). As I read the back on the coin, it said “One Dollar,” and I put it in my pocket for closer examination once I finished my 3.1 mile route. It turned out to be a Hong Kong dollar, worth only thirteen U.S. cents, but still a unique discovery.

Last week, I reluctantly sent a sport coat to Goodwill that I had made in Hong Kong years ago. I had spotted a flowery, red silk cloth in the window of a tailor shop during my visit and insisted that it be used as the lining for a new coat. It was a bit too flashy but reminded me of a leather coat that I once had from Mexico with a yellow silk interior. The hidden fabric made me feel like a bird ready to spread its colorful wings. The next day I had a custom-fitted, double-breasted, gray silk sport coat with a hidden lining that was the envy of everyone at the convention. I thought it looked best inside-out, but haven’t worn it in years. In our effort to down-size, hopefully someone else will find it appealing. 

 The sport coat was a bargain in Hong Kong dollars, and finding one this morning took me back to that trip. I’ll be making several more visits to Goodwill this week in our attempt to squeeze 2,000 square feet of living space plus a garage into a 1,000 square foot apartment. Once we get everything moved and see how crowded it feels, we’ll probably eliminate a few more items from our possession. We’ll enjoy our new neighborhood, even at the expense of giving up some of our valuables. I just wish the cost of living downtown was in Hong Kong dollars!