now what do i need to do to get spanked by trish and sandy, oops i mean never mind

Hello to all. Wow Kay that is scary stuff. Please be careful....you
are in my prayers, you and your dh and friends.....

*gulp*

Oh my goodness! I did a little painting, took a nap, woke up and worked, and look at all that is going on with my NT friends!

Vonn - Way to go! What awesome news! I hope your move in this weekend goes smoothly. I am so happy for you!!! I could do the Snoopy Happy Dance right now but DD16 would think I lost my marbles. Oh heck, she already thinks that. LOL

(((Kay))) - Hang in there! I am sure the tension is quite high right now but please know that I am praying for all of you. However, you ate all the chocolate while I was sleeping? *sign* Well, I guess that's OK under the circumstances. I'll forgive you. LOL

I'm with Frank, I'll buy a new chick for Olivia and Auntie Kay's Wok Wok Jungle Farm should you ever decide to come back to the states.

Guatemalans are a tough group. When I was in nursing school I worked at a preschool at the school as part of my work study program. Another lady that worked there was from Guatemala. She told me about her life in Guatemala. and how he escaped. She escaped from a wealthy, very prominent, but abusive husband. She talked about her journey from Guatemala to the US with her daughter. Amazing story! She is lucky her husband didn't catch on and kill her before she escaped as well the guerrillas along the way.

OK - Happy thoughts for our Kay as laughter is the best medicine. So gather round, I made my deluxe cheese and crackers as well as star, moon, and heart shaped sandwiches. (Sorry this is long. Just trying help our Kay out with a silly story from my childhood)

Growing up with 9 brothers and sisters continually presents me, as an adult, with a variety of memories. Today I was thinking about the toys we had. Truly we did not have a lot of toys. We had the outdoors and my mom made us take advantage of it. (Now that I'm a mom, I think my mom took advantage of it. LOL)

As adults it is a good thing that we are all intelligent and my parents really enjoy it as conversations vary from boiler systems and boats (my dad was an engineer) to nutrition (my mom was a nurse) to nature, authors, composers, etc., etc. Both my parents are extremely intelligent as well and growing up we had similar conversations at the dinner table; only we didn't know as much then.

What got me thinking of their true intelligence today was the toys we had or more directly my brother who is a year younger than I had. He was and still is brilliant. So, incredibly intelligent. As kids, he was the one that would get bored in school and got quite "creative" with things around him. Now an smart parent, mind you I am saying smart instead of intelligent, would not buy their extremely bright and brilliant child a chemistry set, electronic set, Bunsen burners, etc. But my intelligent parents did. Yes, the basement almost went on fire a few times.

The oddest "toy", which really wasn't a toy, was some sort of electrical device that was our grandfathers. This thing zapped you and there were different setting on it. Well, my brother got a hold of it and took ownership to it. Whatever, right, NOT! He would go around during the night while we were sleeping and zap us. What were my parents thinking allowing this particular brother to have this device; the one who almost set the basement on fire, the one who blew up batteries because of the chemical reaction; the one who got suspended from school because he wanted to see if alcohol poured on the counter and lit with the Bunsen burner would really burn. (off the top of my head those are only a few incidents.).

I think tomorrow morning I am going to have coffee at my parents and question them about said brother and this "device." Did my parents really know he had it? They must have. Late at night in their room while we were all in bed did they crack up about the things he did? What were they thinking.

Just a little side note here: Said brother is the one that did all that neurological research. I kid him that it was his fault I had MS as he zapped me one too many times with that dang thing. LOL. We laugh about it.

Are you smiling yet Kay? I hope so sweetie.

another insight ..

remember?? my strategy?? the first place called - which is nice and about 15 miles from where I am now ... and called at 9am ... well, the 2nd place also called and left a message around 2pm ... when I called at 420pm - she was gone for the day ... so, I'll call in the morning.

do I stick with my strategy?? it seemed to work .. and I have no problem with it .. just that my friend 'wants' to know what the 2nd place has to say - because they are here in town (the view of the lake) ... she had a situation way back 20 years ago in this little town I'm going to - so, she's not real happy about it .. altho, she keeps saying 'it's not her decision to make' ...

I'm thinking that the cost comparison will be the same, and when the SSDI kicks in - it'll be the same for either, but MORE expensive at the 2nd one ...

I'm trying not to think of it .. and trying to not 'over-analyze' ...

keep the insights coming!! thanks all!

and Kay .. well, you're forgiven ... I 'figured' you wouldn't be able to hold out for too long!

Kay,

I just read about the tragedy there. It's really horrible, and now I'm also scared for you. I hope you'll keep your weapons handy if you have them. Could you hire a local or two to help stand guard? Or to escort you when you go to the market? Stay safe Sweetie!

Vonn - I know this is such a standard answer but it works, sometimes. Think about each apartment and what the good points are and the bad points. Think of every possible thing, every possible scenario, etc.

Also call the local utilities (gas, water, electric, or whatever else you will be responsible for paying) and find out what the average cost of the utilities in the winter and the summer for those places. While one may be cheaper in rent, the utilities may be outrageous or high enough to offset getting the more expensive place.

Also, call the police department and ask them about crime in each of the particular areas. Why pay more to live around more crime.

What about public transportation in the area should you for whatever reason not be able to drive?

We know that you will make the right decision and we are all behind you 100%.

wanted to let you guys know...

just got a phone call... they CAUGHT the perpetrators.

they had cash, and the missing Toyota truck.

the police are having a press conference at 8 am tomorrow, and then we'll know more.

and now I can SLEEP tonight.

thank god, its amazing even though short or great distances separate us, we can get to know someone on here, and without knowing they become important friends in your life, and you worry more in times of trouble, than with a friend you see every day and can shake their hand, I am so glad you are ok, I was so worried about you so did the critters get a special breakfast today, this will be great news to deb she has fallen in love with it down there, through your home page, and really admires how well you have done.

Well that sure was a good way to start the day, with good news,

good morning everyone barb fin sandy tk Kay vonnie Hey jim and everybody else cause i know my pea brain has forgotten a name or three sarah, lol see and there are more

I hope you all have a wonderful safe and good day



peace

Kay - What great news to wake up to! I am so glad they caught the guys. I also am in hopes that these are the same ones responsible for all the other killings so that this will all stop. I hope you did get a good night's rest last night. I will continue to keep the Hill's family and friends in my prayers.

Good morning everyone else. I hope that everyone has a fantastic day.

Nothing to update here. Too early to think about much.