Penny pinchers!

March 24, 2006 at 7:14 AM

My kids sat side-by-side, peering into a fountain lined in deep blue tile at the entrance to the Huntington Library and Gardens, a sunny place on a March day in southern California.

“I'm going to throw in my shiny penny,” said five-year-old Brian, producing the 2006 penny he had found back in the rose garden.

“I want one too!” said 8-year-old Natalie.

“Okay, okay, we can all make a wish,” I said, producing a penny for each of us.

I took my penny, made my wish, and threw it in.

The kids held theirs in their fists. They were looking at the other coins that had been tossed into the fountain, trying to read the dates.

“Look another shiny one,” observed Brian.

“You know it's a total waste to throw your money in a fountain,” Natalie advised. “I mean, what happens to it?”

“I think they give it to charity,” I said. “It's only a penny. I think a wish is worth a penny.”

“I'm keeping mine,” Natalie said.

“Yeah, I'm keeping mine,” echoed her brother.

“Oh come on!” I said. “If the penny helps you come up with a wish, it's worth it!”

But they wouldn't budge. They saved their little pennies. I guess their mother is too old for waiting on wishes, or saving pennies!

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on March 26, 2006 at 7:30 PM

The message hidden in the last sentence is you bought the Gag? Reminds me a little bit of a time I was going to buy a car that I was debating the practicality of with myself. My co-worker said "You're too old to be practical. Enjoy." Luckily for him, he's older than me:)

From Laurie Niles
Posted on March 27, 2006 at 7:16 PM

You are very perceptive Jim, but not yet!

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Penny pinchers!

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