Day 1a (Let the Treasure Hunt begin!)

There is no escaping that fact that I will most CERTAINLY have some fun on this trip and some might even suggest that taking such a long trip might be somewhat “selfish” of me. Indeed, having ~40 days to motor around on a motorcycle (though I will be working some of this time) is certainly a great opportunity, so to “give back” to the ones who will be impacted by my being away (wife, son and daughter), I have concocted a little game for them (the rewards will abound!).

Below is a listing of “hints” for eight treasures that I have hidden around the house. If I know my family well enough, and I think I do, these surprises (all welcomed mind you, no pretend spiders, etc… - though that would not be a BAD idea) will be uncovered on or about (+/- 3 days) the dates as listed*. They are spaced ~6 days apart and we’ll see how close I am with my estimates as a couple dates were really tricky to pinpoint. It is important to note, however, that only the most helpful of children will “uncover” all the treasures!

[* if perchance a prize is NOT found within the estimated due date, and if no OTHER prize was found out of "sequence," I'd consider giving additional hints!]

Let the HUNT begin (though you should NOT waste your time searching, they will find YOU)!! Once I am informed of their discovery, the treasures will be listed below as well.

NOTE: because all of this has ALREADY taken place, I have retained the listing of prizes and dates found below

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Hint #1:

On day 1, after the dog barks, a ball will bounce!
[will be found on Day 1 (5/8)]
<< found on 5/8 - new ball for dog left in dry dog food bag>>

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Hint #2:

When you rest your weary bones, the Candy Fairy will appear!
[will be found on Day 1 (5/8)]
<< found on 5/8 - Candies left under their pillows>>

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Hint #3:

When mom has scraped the bottom of the barrel, she will find the fruits of her labor!
[will be found on Day 6 (5/14)]

<<found on 5/13 - gift card to Applebees, hidden at bottom of laund. basket>>

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Hint #4:

After you have already decided, the phantom will provide a new choice.

[will be found on Day 9 (5/16)]
<<found on 5/16 - movie gift card hidden in DVD player>>

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Hint #5:

On this day, digging deep will reveal arrows and coal

from which a new life form will emerge

[will be found on Day 15 (5/22); note: THIS IS THE BIGGEST TREASURE]

<<found on 5/21 - gift cards (Aeropostal & Kohls) and video game ("Spore") hidden in bottom of dry food food bag - I'm batting 1000 right now, all treasures found as expected!>>

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Hint #6:

Caring for God’s creatures is a noble task.

[will be found on Day 18 (5/25)]

<<found to the DAY!!! - gift card to Barns and Noble - hidden within the jug used to add water to the fish tank>>

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Hint #7:

When all the machines fail, S. Atir will provide the much needed energy.
[will be found on Day 24 (5/31)]

<<found on 5/30 - gift card to Rita's Ice hidden with the gas can to fill the lawn mower; do I know my family or WHAT?>>

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Hint #8:

If you only rely on 3 washes, you'll never see your Aunt.
[will be found on Day 29 (6/5)]

<<found on 6/3 - gift card to Aunt Anne's Pretzel shop - taped to the back of the dish deterg. box - those who know the "3 washes" joke, will NOW get the hint>>

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Hint #9:

The end is near, so break bread with your friends and enjoy!

[will be found on Day 36 (6/11)]

<<found on 5/30 - gift card to Friendly's - hidden in a bag of bread in the freezer; oh well, this was a tough one to predict as there were 4 loafs of bread in the freezer when I left; but so far, 7/8 is NOT bad! Do I know my family or WHAT?>>

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THAT'S IT!!! All treasures were found within the expected window and MOST were found within 1-2 days of when I thought they would be!

I think i know my family pretty darn well!