Frank, this attack on Donna and Mike Hill was VERY unusual for this area, and it is a HUGE shock to all of us.

we're thinking it wasn't locals, who are peaceful, friendly Mayas.

it doesn't appear to be a political thing against "gringos" it was a robbery, by those who have nothing, to gain cash and valuables... so, more of a "class crime" than a hate crime.

Donna and Mike were very well-liked by locals, gave good jobs, and helped put local kids through school. they had a real estate business, and were subdividing a property, and building... so there were lots of workers.

the local police have taken all their employees into custody, and it appears the criminals were after the Saturday payroll.

regarding protection, yes we have some, and so were VERY upset to read that it was their OWN gun that was used against them.

*sigh*

Kay, I hope your right and that it was an isolated incident. Just in case, you do have someone who has your contact info right? It doesn't hurt to have one designated person who knows your contact info for the Embassy should one ever need it. I don't mean to sound so paranoid but when you live in a secluded area it doesn't hurt. We even have that in place here in the US in case we cannot be contacted after a certain period of time.

Hugs to you all.

That's a good idea, Sandy. I really like the thought of an emergancy contact like that.

US Embassy info, and my personal contact information just sent to Frank & Deb, Sandy & Jim, tkrik, and Finny... via PM.

thanks kay ... now to a lighter question ,,,, how are the babies ... duck, goats, chickens, ... how was the last trip to farmer's market?

thanks kay glad i didnt offend with the PM, I say do what the chicago cops do shoot first ask questions later

Vonnie not sure if I said congrats before, been a bit worried about our jungle friend, so now where are you located north of mad town or did you come farther south trying to figure how long its gonna take to get up there once u are settled in deb wants to view your quilts

fin tk and everyone else I hope your day is a good one

(((((Kay and "Woodsman"))))))

I am glad to see that you are being proactive. Please stay close and stay safe. I am sorry that you have to endure this and I am sorry to hear of your friends.

I know it sounds trite but if there is anything I can do on this end, please tell me. It is yours.

Be careful.

Kay thanks for the info. Wow! This is the 6th killing in a week? Do they think it's bandits or not sure right now or what? It seems, according to the police, they really can't say right now. I also read the US advised Americans to not visit Belize back in 06 and just raised the advisory in 07. I wonder what they will do now.

No matter what, please be careful. I would be crapping my pants. From the way I read the reports, it isn't just Americans being killed so I can only imagine how on alert you all are. Hugs.

now, Sandy !!

"crapping my pants" is NOT an expression we MS'ers use metaphorically, dear.



yeah, all hell's breaking loose here, people freaking out all over, canceling vacation plans, avoiding certain roads...

I'm EXHAUSTED from being so tense.

the State Dept. hasn't issued a warning yet, like they did before when bandits struck.

many people are chalking this up to Guatemalans crossing the border to do these raids, and nobody knows if they're connected, but it seems *not* at this point.

Deb, all my babies are well... we've been moving all the nesting mothers one by one to the nursery enclosure this week.

one mama duck built her nest under a TIRE leaning up against a tree.

we've been calling her Tyrolea, lol...

we had to coax her out from under the tire, and carefully take apart her nest, and place it into a box, and put it back under the tree, and hope it met with her approval.

we sat out on chairs and waited for an HOUR, to make sure mama would go back and sit on her eggs inside the nestbox... sheesh, silly moms.

the circle pattern of woven mango leaves was a work of ART that she obviously spent much time and effort to create, so we didn't want to just plop her eggs into a hay pile, she might not *accept* them.

then, tomorrow, we can close the nestbox, and carry her to the nursery.

oh, and Gwynny's almost better, so we let her out of the porch, so she could swim in the pond... her neck's still all stiff and sore, but better freedom than being cooped up, right?

I sure hope we made the right decision there...

Carolina, thanks for caring, dear... me and "Woody" are trying hard to be calm here... thanks for the support!

Deb, we skipped going to market at dawn this morning... that's the last place the Hills were seen alive, and speculation is that they may have been followed from there, or the bank (a few blocks away)

Frank, you be a good boy, okay? if only so Trish and San don't have to spank you...



Finny, thanks for being my friend !!

yes, yes Frank ... you did ... thanks a ka-zillion to ..to you and everyone!! the suitcase experience is soon ending ... and then it'll be setting up house for quilting, painting, school ... oh, yeh - and my knitting machine! going to make slippers this christmas!! (hint, hint)

yes, our little jungle friend is DEFINITELY needs our attention ... Kay, remember to breathe ... take one of those choco-morsels (they're GONE already???)