Thanks for the info. Like Debbie said, some of us feel as though we're part of it now.

Ed

Chris, did Sam say whether her hubby was still OK? Evidently, close to 200 farmers have been detained.

Mad bob was shooting his mouth off at Tony Blair yesterday at the Earth Summit. What was rather unsettling was that Nujoma (Namibia) is supporting mad bob, so I wonder when the land grabs will start in Namibia?

She said he was OK but sleeping with a couple of rifles on the bedside table!!

Hi all,

Just back from a few wonderful weeks in CIVILISATION - wow, what a treat that was, I'd forgotten what normal life was like!

Everything okay here on the farm as far as I can tell ... but will update you once I've caught up with a zillion things ...

Huge thanks to you all for your support & thoughts - will keep you posted.

Sam

Great to hear from you Sam. Thanks for keeping us posted.

Ed

Wow, it's such a relief to hear from you Sam. Like DJ said, our connection to you has made the situation in Zimbabwe so much more real for the rest of us. I can't tell you how much I admire your strength in the face of such madness. Please do keep us updated whenever you're able to.

Jeanie

Hey Sam. Sure did miss you. Hope you were able to unwind a bit on your stay in Scotland. I think sometimes it helps to get away from things to get a better perspective on the situation. Stay safe Sam and remember we all care deeply for you.
DJ

Wow, thanks DJ, Jeanie & Ed,

Yes, you're right - getting away did help clarify a few things and I think we're getting closer to a decision about whether to stay here or not - there's no visible future here for our children, or us for that matter! We'd be starting from scratch, with nothing, which is not wholly undaunting as a prospect, but at least we would be safe - living on the edge all the time is pretty wearing after a while!

Cheers all,

Sam

Hi Sam,

Good to hear from you again. It's hell to live in limbo, not ever knowing where you stand. If you make the decision to get out, at least you'll be able to deal with it then. Otherwise, it's an impossible situation to deal with. I know it would be very hard to leave something like that, but once you've done it, you'll probably be glad you did. Then you can start to get your lives together again, and maybe have a future to look forward to. Best of luck in whatever decision you make.

Ed

Good to hear from you Sam...starting over would be hard but as you said, at least your kids would have a future to look forward to and you would be safe from the insanity of Zim.

Sam, I'm sure it's extremely difficult for your husband to consider leaving the life he's always known, and probably the same for your kids. You, on the other hand, have the benefit of already successfully handling huge life changes -- marriage, moving to Zim, parenthood, etc. Hopefully, you'll find ways to show them that the changes can offer new hopes and new horizons -- not just the loss of all they had ever hoped for and known.

Australia used to seek out new immigrants, but appears to be seeking out only those with specific needed skills now. Are there other countries in Africa that you could safely consider moving to?

Yes, you're right, CJ - it is an absolutely terrifying idea for Peter to start anew, especially as he also has two sons at university to support!

We've looked at other African countries, but really, the whole continent is a mess as far as I'm concerned - if we get out of Zim, we get out of Africa.

Quite a few friends have moved to Oz, but they're getting very strict about who they let in and, somehow, I don't think we'd pass the test!!!

Sam, if you want to come to OZ please apply. You are right our government is getting strict but mainly on people who come here illegally like the boat people who destroy all of their identification and try to sneak in. I can't speak for the dept of immigration but if you go through proper channels I don't see why they wouldn't let you in, especially since our government knows what is happening in Zim.

A shocker I heard on the news last nite: Farmers must leave their farms before Friday so that the new residents can organise their parties...

Hmmm, don't know what to make of that one, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised. This whole thing is a total smash & grab (with the emphasis on smash) ... the guys taking over the farms only seem to be interested in moving into these nice farmhouses and then trashing them. Their idea of a "party" I suppose.

We hear that one of the cabinet ministers wants this farm and will be turning up tomorrow to inspect his new property. I'd better make myself scarce, or I could get us all into trouble.

You could always torch the house, salt the fields and disappear into thin air! ...I know, silly suggestion, but it would be one thing if the land was actually being given to people who would farm it...instead it seems like Mugabe's cronies get to trash things.

Sam,
So what exactly do you guys get to keep in this transaction? I know you said they get the land, livestock, farming equipment, farm house etc. but do they take your furnishings and everything else as well? Your computer or business equipment, personal items? I suspect you get to keep the debts you owe on the farm and such. Bet they don't want that. OH, it makes me so mad. I sure hope you managed to hide most of your valuables. Let us know how this farm thief Cabinet Minister's meeting goes with you. I thought there was some lady that came as well and started homesteading on your land. I think I agree with Greg but it would probably put you in more danger if you did destroy the place.
DJ

Well, DJ, every case is different - it depends on how the settlers are feeling that day as to whether or not they allow you to take anything away.

Cabinet ministers (or any other bigwigs) are BAD news - they have a habit of throwing everyone off the farm of their choosing, workers included, thereby displacing hundreds of people. Luckily, our chap failed to show up today - thank goodness. But our tenant has gapped it - rather sooner than we'd expected, after receving a death threat on Sunday.

We're making serious moves to "gap it" (as they say in Zim) out of the country - probably to Scotland and probably at the end of the year, if we're allowed to stay that long!!

Just don't wait too long to "gap it" Sam. It doesn't seem like things are going to get better there any time soon. Take care. And thank you for taking time out to let us know how you're doing. I know you come here as a means of escaping the problems and don't like to be constantly reminded through this thread so your taking time to let us know how you all are doing is a great comfort to us very much appreciated.
DJ

On the contrary, DJ - it's really good to know there are people out there who care! Thanks A LOT for that!

Sam

This'll make your jaw drop ... it did mine!

The woman who came round last month to look at her plot was back yesterday. And for the first time we discovered who she is. She is Monika Chinamasa, the wife of the Justice Minister, Patrick Chinamasa.

She has demanded the keys of our tenant's house (our tenant vacated the house only a few days ago), which Peter was obliged to give her (she had a letter from government to say the property was now hers) so now she's our new neighbour.

An interesting and rather unwelcome development :(

Guess that death threat wasn't as effective as you had hoped. Is this the wife of the same minister that was supposed to come and didn't show up that day? So how much of your land did they just STEAL from you?
DJ

What death threat, DJ? The only person who's had one of those lately was our tenant ...

Yes, that was the guy who didn't pitch that day. Incidentally, earlier this year Patrick Chinamasa was charged with contempt of court, but instead of going to jail for 3 months, he had the relevant judge arrested!!

And he is (or was) the Justice Minister. What a joke.

She's taken about 250 acres at this stage. But there's no doubt in my mind as to what will happen next.

:D I'm getting my cast of characters confused here Sam. I think I got it straight now though.

Yeah, I would expect that they will take the whole damn place. So do you still think you will be able to hold out until the first of the year? It's not sounding very good at all. Lucky it's a democracy there hey? Or you'd really be in trouble. Sorry Sam, I'm being facetious here. :D Some day they will reap what they've sown and I can't wait to see that day. Unfortunately that day may not come soon enough.
DJ

Guess there will not be any good neighborly house warming parties...sounds like the time to go is fast approaching.

Sorry, DJ ... I think I must have confused you somewhere!! The person I refer to as our "tenant" is white, a tobacco grower, and has been living on this farm for the last four years!

Any other, less welcome, inhabitants, I refer to as settlers, warvets, or other names not repeatable in polite circles!!!

Greg - funny you should mention the house-warming party ... apparently Monika wants to have me round for tea!! Wonder how one should behave in such circumstances.

She wants you to come over for tea!? That's rather arrogant over her! The question is- Do you go and make her happy or decline and run the risk of angering her?

I think it's safer all round if I politely decline - what do you think?

The laugh is that she thinks that's perfectly OK. You steal a farm one day, and invite your victim to tea the next. Excuse me?

Wow Sam! Sorry to hear the latest news about your place. I think it would be very difficult to attend a tea, and remain in control of your feelings. I hope you're strongly considering getting out soon.

Ed

Hi Sam, I just wanted you to know that even though I don't post to this thread, I follow it with interest and you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Margaret

Boy that would be too tempting if it were me to spike that tea as she sits there smiling smuggly. Unbelievable gall in these people.
DJ

I have to confess the idea did cross my mind. I must have a look in the horse first aid kit and see what I can find ... a good strong laxative should do the trick ;)

One of these days, I will get round to some ... what's that thing I used to do? ... oh yes, photo restoration! :)

Sam

Originally posted by Sam
I must have a look in the horse first aid kit and see what I can find ... a good strong laxative should do the trick ;)


Yeah...a good strong horse laxative should about do her in for good! :D

Oh well, at least we made the news!

Here's the link (http://www.zimbabwesituation.com/sept18_2002.html#link7) if you're interested.

(I see I got the acreage wrong ... one has to look on the web to find out what's happening on one's own farm!!)

Sam

Sam, further down the page in that newspaper, it states:

Tuesday, 17 September, 2002, 15:00 GMT 16:00 UK
Zimbabwe land laws to be tightened

"...Amendments published in the government gazette on Friday will make it easier for the government to seize land by cutting the time for farmers to vacate farms and increasing fines for defying eviction orders.

The ruling Zanu-PF party has a majority in parliament and the Justice Minister, Patrick Chinamasa, has said normal parliamentary procedures will be suspended to enable debate, according to the French news agency AFP. "

That eviction notice may be coming soon. :(

I read the entire link and was stunned at just how bad things really are there. Even if you were able to keep your farm, the country is in total chaos and making the farm productive again would wipe you out anyway. Not to mention the sheer desperation of the people around you who would be stealing you blind just to survive. It would appear from the reports, that the country is severely in debt and may soon be left without fuel or electricity. It's become a hell on earth. Also from what I read, it would appear as if Mozambique and Zambia are supporting the fall of Zimbabwe for their own gain so it doesn't seem like the neighboring countries will be of much help in the situation. I had thought from the beginning it was these Warvet type individuals that were getting the land but from reading, it appears that the VIP government people are getting alot of it and have no plans to actually farm it. Kind of like a status symbol or something. Unbelievable, what's happening there. Then there's the aritcle about slavery and prostitution with young children which will just about ensure that the rest of the uneffected population will soon get HIV and the lack of medical will wipe them out. Genocide.

Gee Sam, what a lovely neighborhood you live in. :) I'd be scared to leave my house. Well, after reading that, I have a new found repect for the dire situation you guys are in and the bravery you show trying to deal with it. God be with you Sam.
DJ

That's a good point DJ....as I understand it, the whole point of land redistribution was to allow poor black farmers to own lands currently controlled by white farmers. In theory I agree with the idea, but in Zim's case it's become take the land from the white minority and give it to an equally small black minority. It seems like this approach has the potential to create a very bitter and angry population...they were promised something for years only to discover the cronies in charge never had any intention of giving it to them. How many of these people, like Monika Chinamasa, are actually going to farm the land?

Even bigger question, how are they going to farm it even if they wanted to with no electricity or feul? Or other resources. Not to mention small time farming won't do them any good as far as earning enough to erase their own poverty. They are doomed. The poor blacks who were meant to prosper by this decision are going to suffer far worse than they ever would have before. They will become slaves to someone just to stay alive. Nice turn of events for them isn't it?
DJ

Hi guys,

Just to let you know that I am leaving the house for a while (possibly forever) following a nasty incident this morning, when we were barricaded in by a bunch of you-know-whats - our escape would put Harrison Ford to shame!!!

I've managed to sneak back for an hour or two to pack essentials and keep you guys informed (very important!)

So, we're all okay, but may not be posting for a while.

Thanks SO much for all your support and good wishes.

Sam

Sam,

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I know it has to be extremely hard for all of you, but try to look for the silver lining. Most bad situations also have something positive about them. Many times it's hard to even think about finding it, but it's usually there. Now you have a chance to begin again, with something to look forward to. Best wishes to all of you.

Ed

Sam
I hope that some of the positive energy generated by those who feel they know you and care about your situation is getting through to you. Your story which is chronicled so well on this site is a testimony to the age old struggle between good and evil. I strongly believe what goes around comes around.

There was an article in the magazine section of the NY Times this past Sunday regarding the trial of a woman in Africa who was the so-called minister of woman's rights in the part of Africa which was once the old Belgian Congo( present day Rwanda).It's a difficult story to read but very insightful. The link ishttp://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/15/magazine/15RWANDA.html

Sometimes justice is slow in coming at times but we need to believe that it will come.
PSC

Sam. Thank you so much for taking the time to log in and let us know what's going on. I'm so sorry to hear that it's come to this. I can't even imagine. I know you've been planning for the possibility of a "forced escape" for a while now, but it still must be a shock when it actually happens. You are all in my thoughts as you look for safety and decide what direction your lives will take.

Jeanie

Until we hear from you again Sam. At least you know we are all with you if not in body definately in spirit. :)
DJ

Hi,

Just to let you know we're in hiding in a borrowed house in our nearest town - that news story hit the front page of the Daily News yesterday and all hell broke loose! So we're laying low for a bit until things settle down and we can return to get all our stuff out of the house.

Jeanie - you're quite right about it being a shock even when you know it could be coming. One's reaction to crisis can surprise one and mine wasn't as good as I would have hoped (lots of tears, brain went into cabbage mode) but so many people came to our assistance, it was incredibly touching and restores one's faith in humanity again.

So, Scotland beckons and a new life there. We're lucky. So many people have nowhere to go - especially the majority of black Zimbabweans who'd like nothing better than to start a new life in another country!

When I had to pack a few essentials, my computer (aka lifeline) came high on the list, so I'll still be checking in to my favourite website as often as possible!

Cheers,

Sam

Good to hear you are ok Sam...and good to know you have some wonderful friends there! I'm curious, are the British offering any kind of assistence to people wishing to flee?

I just read the story in the "The Daily News"...you just have love this quote-

She (MONICA Chinamasa) joins other high-ranking Zanu PF officials, senior civil servants, business people and top military officials who have acquired prime land under the government’s controversial fast-track land resettlement programme.

link (http://www.dailynews.co.zw/daily/2002/September/September20/7340.html)

The fat cats get fatter....

Greg, My paper stated that there were plans to evacuate British passport holders if the country turned to complete anarchy but presumably its thought that point has been reached yet !!!

However I'm not sure how many British passport holders will be departing to our shores. The amusing thing is that despite declaring UDI many years ago many retained their right to come back here (UK), did they know something we didnt?

chris - Does the UK still have an aircraft carrier? I wonder if they consider using it in these situations? Something tells me that a great many people in Zim saw this coming a long time ago...but they held out hope that it would not end up like this.

Greg we still have three of the Invincible class small carriers which are past their sell by date plus a couple of more recent helicopter carriers but I dont think any are over 25,000 tons. I heard that some paratroopers and aircraft were in SA ostensibly carrying out training so I suppose evacuees migh be moved to the latter if the place really went up in flames. I get the impression that Mugabe might not be in full control anymore but Sams a better commentator on that subject.

The frogs had to send their Foreign Legion into the Congo some years ago to rescue a lot of European national trapped there although the place was in a worse state than Zimbabwe is at present. A friend of mine was evacuated by the Foreign Legion from some African banana republic some years ago and she said they (The Legion) brooked no opposition from the locals.

Thanks for checking in Sam. I don't mind telling you, this situation has us at the edge of our seats. Lately the first thing I look for on this site is your response to this thread.

Don't know how you plan to get all your stuff out and I can imagine it would put Hollywood to shame but I wish you luck. Hopefully you haven't been ransacked already. Take care.
DJ

Like DJ, I look for your response too Sam. Glad to hear things are safe, at least for the time being. I just hope you don't take too many chances getting your belongings.

Ed

Sept. 24, 2002 -- excerpt ---
GENEVA, Switzerland (Reuters) -- A U.N. human rights investigator accused Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe on Tuesday of undermining the judiciary and urged states to step up pressure on his government.

Param Cumaraswamy, United Nations rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, said the arrest this month of retired High Court Judge Fergus Blackie in Zimbabwe was "yet another clear systematic attack on the basic fabric of democracy, i.e. the rule of law."

He said there was "reasonable cause" to believe that the charges of corruption and obstruction of justice against the white judge were "an act of vendetta" following his conviction of Justice Minister Patrick Chinamasa for contempt of court. http://www.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/africa/09/24/zimbabwe.judge.reut/index.html

Sam, be extra careful -- the "new landowners" appear to have great power at present.

CJ - thanks for that link ... yes, you could say we are in a spot of trouble! We have a friend whose farm was recently taken over by another high-powered thug, Perence Shiri, so he gave the whole story to the press - Shiri then threatened to break his legs if he ever did that again. So (brave man) he made sure that got into the papers as well!

As DJ said earlier, nice neighbourhood we live in these days!!!

I get such a feeling of relief every time you respond. I think I jumped on this thread when I saw you posted today. I know it's far from over for you but just knowing your still ok is comforting. Were you able to get back to your house for personal things yet? I cheered when I read about your friends bravery in going to the press. I wish him luck and safety. It sounds like he's playing a desperate but dangerous game. I can't blame him though for wanting to do anything he can to stop this rampage. It seems like all of Africa is going to hell in a hand basket lately. Almost like a domino effect or something.
DJ

What news Sam? I saw you popped in briefly yesterday.

A South African who farms in Zim said his cattle are dying because the "tenants" won't let them graze. They are being kept in kraals (US corral?) and not allowed out. I've also heard that one of the animal anti-cruelty agencies down here are flying out pets from Zim.

What's happening to your livestock and pets?

Maybe Blair is right. It's time to close down the UN.

You're right, Al - the animal cruelty that is going on is hideous. And to think that the government have paid people for years to try and save the black rhino and wild dog, but now their own agents are slaughtering them.

Our own animals are fine for now, as we haven't been kicked off just yet. So we're just hoping to sell our cattle and horses as best we can. Dogs & cats - don't know what to do about them yet.

But the latest wheeze is that we're looking at properties in SA (southern Cape, where the polo is!) - so if you see a long procession of lorries loaded up with horses and household stuff heading south, that'll be us, on the Great Trek in reverse!!!

Sam,
Nice to hear from you. I'm hoping things are not a threatening for you now as they were when you guys had to do your Great Escape. Did the WVs move on? It always amazes me just how bad things have to get before the world wakes up to it. What will he have left to rule when this is all done? It doesn't even make sense. Are you guys going to fare any better in SA? Sounds like they're trying to do the land reform thing too just a little less aggressively.
DJ

Sam, I always thought the polo was in Shongweni in Natal ;)

I agree with DJ though, I think coming here is jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Especially now that Nujoma has kicked foreign TV crews out of Namibia. I think he's about to start land grabs there as well. Once everyone here sees that the rest of the world does nothing, I'm sure the land grabs are going to happen here too.

Sam, I always thought the polo was in Shongweni in Natal ... but Plettenberg Bay is THE place to be right now! "Minks, Manure & Mallets" is how it's been described. Hmmm, wonder which category we'd fit into. Definitely not the minks :D

Scary thought about the whole thing repeating itself in SA - I CAN'T believe it would happen, but then who knows what's around the corner in Africa. Perhaps Mbeki has got a secret agenda?

Sam
Just loved the line " minks,manure and mallets". Might just work as a theme for the polo community in Palm Beach,Florida.
It rather sounds like a title for a charity fund raiser. ..wear a mink-avoid stepping in the manure( hard to do with sandals) and bet on a polo match.

Hang in there!

Paulette

Hey Sam, I heard this morning that tourists from Oz and the UK were held over the weekend for refusing to vacate a farmhouse on a "resettled" farm. Now they're even trying to chase the last tourists away...

It's very sad, as Zim is such a beautiful country.

"Was", I think! Yes, it's true about the tourists - we've just had the same thing happen near here. These guys know no bounds.

In todays New York Times there is an article about Zimbabwe writer Yvonne Vera who chronicles in her new book " The Stone Virgins" the sufferings that black opposition groups have endured under Mugabe. The link is http://www.nytimes.com/2002/10/07/books/07AUTH.html
for anyone who is interested.

Paulette

Sam,
I know it's only been little over a week since you last posted but I just wanted you to know we haven't forgotten your situation. I hope you are all safe and your new life is off to a good sound start. Boy does that sound lame considering what you're going through but at least you know my hearts in the right place. :) Take care of your selves.
DJ

Not lame at all, DJ! Very sweet, actually! Things are eerily quiet on the farm at the moment, but now we hear that a "Task Force" has been let loose on the farming community to boot whoever's still on their farms off, immediately. We're frantically finding out all we can about property in SA before heading off down there to have a look see. But we hear that this ridiculous land-grabbing thing is starting down there, although let's hope not in the area we're looking in (Western Cape) ... you'd think we'd have learned our lesson, though, wouldn't you? :D

I have this uncontrollable urge to say "Sam, what are you still doing there on the farm?" I thought you guys had already packed up and headed for higher ground. I'd have been out of there at the first fowl wind. :) I guess it's hard to really judge a situation from thousands of miles away but I hope you guys know what you're doing. Did Peter's brother leave yet?
DJ

I thought you guys had already packed up and headed for higher ground.

That would have been the sensible course of action! But it's not so easy packing up 15 years of farming in the space of a week or 2 ... all those animals to sort out, for one thing. And Mrs. Justice Minister hasn't demanded the keys of this house, yet ...

Peter's brother is still here, but was "visited" yesterday and asked why he hadn't left yet. So the pressure's on him too.

I was going into a shop the other day, when a bunch of Zanu youths passed me, chanting "No farmers! No farmers!" and I thought - yep, you're right there ... there are NO farmers any more - and, strangely, no food either! Why these chaps can't put 2 and 2 together is a constant source of amazement.

I guess we all thought you already left Sam. But it's good to know that you're still okay. Have you been able to sell anything? It sure seems like you're pushing your luck. Take care.

Ed

Hey Sam, it's been 2 weeks since we've heard from you. Are you still with us? Praying for your safety. Hope to hear from you soon.
DJ

Yes, Sam. I've been thinking about you a lot the past couple of days. (Which is saying a lot given the computer problems I've been having.)

Hoping you're OK.

Jeanie

Hi DJ & Jeanie - thanks, yes, we're still okay! Mrs. Chinamasa has been ploughing the farm up, but hasn't come onto the front lawn yet! I whizzed off down to the Western Cape for a few days to look at houses there ... but not sure if it's really the place for us. Great place for a holiday, though, If you ever fancy a trip to SA!

Sam

Good to hear you're still with us Sam. It's a big load off our minds knowing you're ok. :)
DJ

Hey Sam, what news? We haven't heard from you in a fortnight.

There hasn't been too much of Zim in our news for the last while, so I hope it really is quiet up there.

Hi Al - yes, "quietish", but then all things are relative, aren't they!

We've now been given our compulsory acquisition order, so have just over 2 months to get off the place.

Starvation is rampant now - 6 million at the last count. I've been asking around about how to get food to hungry kids, but have been told in no uncertain terms not to even try ... food is being used as a political weapon these days and anyone who messes around in that department is heading for trouble. If you get stopped at a police roadblock (of which there are plenty) and you have a stack of food on board, it gets confiscated and you get questioned - where did you get this, where were you taking it, etc. etc.

Mrs. Chinamasa certainly isn't under-fed ... she was here last night demanding this and that - it was quite difficult to keep calm. She's announced that she's going to plough up the field right next to the house, which is where our horses graze ... next stop the lawn!!! At least she hasn't threatened us yet.

So we're still looking going to the W. Cape - d'you know of any good spots?

Sam

Great to hear you're still alright or at least unharmed physically, Sam. I believe there's a politcal tactic in the food distribution that is designed to keep the masses loyal to the government. It's the same type of brainwashing that makes an abductee become loyal to those who imprisoned them. If all food comes from the government then it makes them look like the saviors who are trying to help them, not to mention the land they are already giving them. In the process, they also label a scapegoat for the mass famine and that's the white farmers. You probably got some very good advice about staying out of the food distribution or you run the risk of the government coming down on you. In your situation, you should maintain a very low profile for the 2 months until your deadline is up. Good luck Sam and as always, stay safe.
DJ

Sam, can't offer too much on the W Cape as I don't like it (too much wind). I prefer the bushveld. Two of my sisters stay on the w coast n of Cape Town in a place called Tableview, and they love it.

I believe an American tourist was shot in Mutare recently...

Yes, I just read about that this morning - I gather he was working for an aid organisation ... distributing food. Perhaps I'd better not try that after all ...

Al - You're right about the wind in the W. Cape - "four seasons in one day" is how one person described the weather there. But I reckon it's a small price to pay for peace and security ...

Sam

Sam, I forgot to ask, if Mrs Chinamasa is going to plough the field that the horses graze on, what's going to happen to them?

Good question!

Hi Sam,

I see you're online. Anything new to let us know about?

Ed

Not really, Ed! Things are fairly quiet at the moment. I think there was a big push on with the land resettlement thing just before the first rains - now they've been (& gone!), the new "farmers" are busy planting. Or they should be!

Sam

Gld to hear that things are quiet for you and the family. Hope it stays that way for quite a while.

Ed

Hey Sam,

just noticed you were online, I'm very glad to hear that you're still OK and things are fairly quiet lately. have you decided on a place to move off to yet? I guess you must still be figuring out what you're going to do with the animals, and figuring out all the many other details that have to be taken care of before you have to move off (your own !) land :( Best wishes for everything going as smoothly as possible!

- David :)

Hi David - yes, things are eerily quiet here, so we're keeping our heads down and hoping things don't hot up again! Still looking at somewhere else to go, but it has to be said that nothing we've looked at comes anywhere near Zim ... we really DON'T want to leave! We'll just carry on taking things day by day, I guess.

Thanks for your good wishes. Always appreciated!

Sam

Sam

Are you still there? Are you still O.K.?

Sam, you are in my family's thoughts and prayers. I'm sure everyone in this group feels the same.It makes such a difference actually "knowing" someone who is going through the things we read about in the newspapers. Please keep us posted.

June

More inflamatory remarks from Mugabe - (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20021213/ap_on_re_af/zimbabwe_politics_2)

That man scares me. He needs to be dealt with.

Sam's not being on the site in a couple weeks scares me. I hope that means she's on the move to a new and better place.
That guy is nuts and racist and that's 2 very dangerous combinations.
Thanks Greg for the update. I hadn't heard much on the country for awhile.
DJ

DJ, remember that Sam sometimes visits without posting, and I think I've noticed her online within the last two weeks. Hopefully, things are still quiet in her area.

I hope you're right CJ. I swear there used to be a field in the "user profile" which was something like "last time logged in" (as opposed to "last post"), but I must have been dreaming because I can't find it now. :(

Sam, please do check in when you get a chance. We can't help but worry about you. :(

Jeanie

Come on Sam. We want to hear from you before Christmas! Hope everything is calm.

Jeanie, you might be thinking about the PM tracking. Just a thought.

Ed

Thanks Ed! At least I'm not going crazy. You're right - I was thinking of PM tracking. I just sent a message to Sam so that I could get a message to her in my tracking queue. Looks like she was last online on the 11th - the day before this latest round of posts.

Jeanie

You're welcome. We all need our sanity checked every so often. :D Glad to hear she was around recently. That's reason enough for hope.

Ed

via email--

Hi Carolyn,

I see that there's been some activity on the Zim thread ... please apologise to all for my absence, but we're all just fine - travelling around South Africa (I'm writing this from the Lesotho border!) for a few weeks, looking at places to move to (possibly!)

Go well and have a good Christmas.

Sam

Hi Guys, thought I'd check in and let you know what's happening here. Just returned from a month travelling around SA - my goodness, South Africa may be our neighbour, but it could be on another planet - we had a great time and had mixed feelings about coming home - things here are worse than ever - there is absolutely no fuel around now - we managed to get home on the tankful we bought before crossing the border, but what we do next I have no idea. Everyone is so down and queueing is what people do these days, instead of anything productive ... apart from the fuel queues, which can be several kms long, you also have to get in line for milk, sugar, oil, salt - even Cokes!!!

The latest thinking is that this whole starvation thing has been orchestrated from the beginning, Stalin-style. Mugabe is a self-proclaimed Marxist-Leninist, so that would fit. "Evil" doesn't even begin to describe it.

To add insult to injury, we got home to find our horses had been ploughed into a corner - all 27 of them are now crammed into a tiny mud paddock. They haven't even had the decency to leave us a bit of grass for our gee-gees.

A nice small wine farm in the Western Cape beckons!!!

Sam

Wow Sam! Mixed feelings on this news. I'm sorry to hear things have deteriorated in Zim, but glad to hear everyone is OK, and the chances for SA are good. Try to keep a positive outlook. I know that can be very hard to do. We'll be saying another prayer for you.

Ed

Good luck Sam with the wine farm. I'm pretty depressed at the mo after watching Sky News and CNN about the new war talk from US and UK.

Must be awful for you thinking about what's going to happen to the GGs...

Sam - Thanks so much for checking in! Glad to hear that you're all still safe, though I hate to hear the news about your horses!! Are you hoping to take them with youto SA? Perhaps you could forget about the gas queues and load up the horses for a "trek" across the border (mostly joking). I suppose water and food might be a problem though - not to mention the heat. It sounds like an absolute nightmare in Zim - hard to imagine that things could get worse, but every time you write, it seems they are!

Jeanie

Hey Sam!!! I was just going to check in on you via this thread and here I see you already checked in on the 11th. I was gone that weekend so I missed the update. I'm so thrilled to see you are all still safe from harm. Sounds like you may want to take good care of those horses. They may be the only transport you'll have getting out of there with gas as hard to find as it is. I can't wait until you're safely settled in a new home even if it will be hard for you guys, it will be nice to know you're all safe from potential harm. I look forward to the time when I can buy a nice bottle of your family wine. :D Good luck.
DJ

Hey DJ (and Jeanie, Al and Ed) - thanks!!! I must say, knowing zip about wine (except that I like the taste) it's a veritable minefield we're getting into, but hey, what's life about. It's pretty exciting, really, and having something to look forward to goes a long way to staving off the negativity that's been plaguing us all these last three years. We'll have the last laugh yet ... :)

Sam

Atta girl Sam. Sounds like you're in a good frame of mind. Are you going to SA, or have you decided yet?

Ed

In the game of life, Sam, we're your cheering section and all around support team. :D We're cheering you on and I think we're on the winning side. :D Way to go Baker!!!
DJ

it's been over a month now since Sam last posted here, has anybody heard from her? I haven't seen anything in the news lately about Zimbabwe, which is probably mostly because of the whole Iraq situation. I'm hoping no news is good news for Sam, but I can't really expect the same for Zim, I haven't heard anything about condidtions getting any better there..

- David

Hi David - so kind of you to think of us. We're still here in Zim, but quite a bit has happened ...

Two weeks ago the "task force" (dressed as policemen) turned up to arrest us for still being in our house, so while Pete made a hurried escape out the back door, I faced the music at the front! They didn't much appreciate me videoing them and tried to grab my camera off me, but when I accused them of breaking and entering (they had no IDs or warrant) amazingly they backed off, so I had a chance to get some things packed and the kids together ... by some miracle I managed to drive out without being stopped. We've been living in Harare since then at a friend's house.

Last week we won a high court case to get our farm back, but even the high court counts for very little here, so the Chinamasas are still on the farm and are in the process of constructing a massive gatehouse and boom across the road to the house and have told everyone that as soon as it's up, nothing will leave the place. In other words, they are planning to steal everything we own!

Our 12 very loyal workers are still on the farm and are refusing to budge, so at least the horses and cattle are still being looked after, but it looks like we'll have to organise a midnight raid in the next day or two, armed with several trucks and a good pair of fence-cutters!!!

Sam

It's a relief to hear from you Sam! I'm surprised to hear you're still around Zim, but I can't imagine how hard it must be to have to just pack up your entire life and somehow leave a country. It sounds like a close call with the "police" there! it's too bad there's not some way that Mugabe can just be ousted from his presidency, when it's so blatantly obvious that he's a murderous, stealing mad man who cares only for himself, and not at all for the country and it's people. good luck on your "midnight raid", and best wishes for you, your family and workers to stay safe and be out of harm's way as soon as possible!

- David :)

Sam,

I've been thinking about you quite a bit too. But I thought you were getting your lives together in SA. Sorry to hear about the latest happenings there. Our thoughts are still with you. How long can you possibly hold out? Do you have any realistic hopes for returning to your place without putting yourselves in jeopardy?

Ed

The situation sounds scary as hell Sam but I can certainly understand your need to fight for what you've worked for all your lives. It just seems like you guys are a David fighting Golliath. Who knows maybe you guys will be as fortunate in your battle as David was. :) I hope your raid goes off safely. I'm amazed you guys have been able to hold out that long against such opposition. Take care Sam.
DJ

Holy cow Sam!! That's a major bit of news! :( David's right - the Iraq "situation" is definitely taking over the news here. But, your post is a good reminder that all of the injustices in the world don't stop just because the news reports on them stop.

I feel the same as DJ - your situation sounds scary! But, as always, you seem to be handling it with amazing poise. I hope your midnight raid goes smoothly. If anyone can pull if off, you can!

Good luck. As always, I'm sending good thoughts your way!

Jeanie

I notice the Frogs have allowed Mugabe over to France for 'consultations' !

Chris - Trust those loony frenchies, eh? I think they enjoy giving Tony Blair a few sleepless nights ... I'm sure Bob will make the most of his trip and the department stores of Paris will be rubbing their hands in anticipation!

DJ, Jeanie, Ed & David - it's a crazy situation and seriously irritating, but at least we're all safe for the time being ... we amuse ourselves by plotting our revenge ... like what we'll do with Chinamasa's very smart Harare houses and all his expensive cars, not to mention the shirt off his back (think I'll give that away ...) when at last justice returns to this country.

And, y'never know, some day I might write a book about it all ...

Sam

Hey Sam!! Love hearing from you. You may have trouble publishing that book under Non Fiction because no one will believe the incredible circumstances you guys have gone through. :) I will certianly be in line to buy the first copy out. From the brief descriptions we get of your situation in this forum thread, it's been an engrossing adventure to read about. I'm just sorry you have to be the one living it. I definately think you have a good idea about the book whether or not you realize it. Heck, sell a couple million copies and recoup your losses while giving the Chinamasa's a black eye in black and white. :D

At anyrate, keep hanging in there and stay alert. We're all on your side. :)
DJ

I doubt anyone would want Bob's shirt. :) But I'm with Deb...go for it! Become an author! It's really a good idea. It might be safer to move out before it gets published though.

Ed

Sam, We had some news footage of Mrs Mugabe departing the hotel in a heavily laden Mercedes presumably for the Boulevard Hausemann! Must have had Zimbabwe's foreign currency reserves in the boot!!

yeah, I was reading about that in the newspaper today, it said that Mugabe and his entourage stayed in 20 hotel rooms costing a total of $24,000 per night!! it's sickening to see, he's out in france in an expensive hotel while his country is starving away.

Sam - I'll be right in line after DJ for your book!! I wouldn't be surprised if a movie is made from that someday.. it's quite the story.

- David :)

Sam, it's been months since we've heard from you! I can't believe so much time has passed! :shocked: My only excuse for not checking in sooner (and it's pretty lame :( ) is the constant news from the Middle East seems to have taken over all news sources here.

My message tracking indicates that the last time you were logged in was April 21. I hope that you're doing OK and just busy with "life." Are you in South Africa now?

Jeanie

Hmmmm...I was very excited to receive an e-mail indicating there was an update to this thread, thinking, of course, that it was an update from Sam. Always nice to see a post from you, Janiesa, but more than somewhat disappointed (as Damon Runyon would say) to see that Sam had not made an appearance.

Speaking for the oldsters on this board who have Internet-tially adopdted you, and all others concerned...

Sam, you OK?

I was under the impression she was in SA but perhaps not. The Iraq business has taken the spotlight off Mugabe so not sure of developments down there. Glad to see you on Tim.

Mbeki has been leaning on Mugabe, so maybe he'll step down soon...

I too hope Sam is OK.

Sam, I hope you, your family, and some of your horses are all safe in the wine country of SA, but I won't be surprised to hear that you're still in Zim -- waiting for the fall, and planning on the next season's crop.

Wow, thanks everyone - we're all fine, still sitting it out in Harare, which is not ALL bad! And waiting for our court case to come up (next week), where the govt. have to prove they were justified in taking the farm ... if we get an independent judge, we have a good chance of winning, but they are few and far between in Zim these days! The wine farm in SA looks like it'll be out of our reach, sadly, so that dream will have to be shelved for a while.

Mugabe has absolutely no intention of stepping down, no matter how much pressure is put on him by Mbeki or anyone else. I'm afraid the only thing that will get him out is an uprising. Which could be coming soon.

But thanks for thinking of me, guys! I am actually doing a bit of photo restoration at the moment, which is great. Should get back into the forum sometime!

Sam

Sam it's great to hear from you, you've been on my mind quite a lot lately. I hope you're right an there is an uprising against that evil man. Good luck with the court case.
Sandra

Glad your are ok Sam - I checked a few weeks back just to make sure your web site was still up and running but didn't want to bother you with an email.

Good luck in court! If all else fails, consider this! Oregon is great wine Country, an awful lot like Scotland - there is lots of room for horses along with Polo at the Lake Oswego Hunt Club, and we would love having you for a neighbor! Besides that, I could use your help at the shop because Pete is long gone!

Now - I'll bet this will spur dozens of invites for you from this group! :-)

Jim Conway

Great to hear from you Sam! :D We're crossing our fingers that you get an independent judge!

Yes, you should join us again sometime (soon). ;)

Jeanie

Hey Sam,

great to hear from you again, glad you're doing OK! you can add me to the list of people crossing fingers that you get a legit independant judge when your case comes up. good luck!!

- David :)

Good to hear from you again Sam.

The papers down here are starting serious speculations about a successor (http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2003/05/11/news/africa/africa02.asp) to mad bob. Here's (http://www.sundaytimes.co.za/2003/05/11/news/africa/africa06.asp) how one reporter saw the meeting between mad bob and some African leaders last week.

Luck, Sam...

Thanks for those links, Al. Not much hope, really, is there? "Mission Impossible" sums it up!

Jim - Oregon sounds VERY appealing ... "just like Scotland" eh? But without the four foot snow drifts in February, I hope ;)

Sam

Thank God your safe Sam. I've been worried about you. I hope all goes well with your court date. Also think an uprising can't come soon enough from the sounds of things. Take care
DJ

What a great thread to come back to! We're really happy that you and your family are doing well Sam. You have a lot of guts. Best of luck in your court fight. I have a feeling you'll need a little luck on your side. Great to hear from you again.

Ed

Thanks Ed! Well, the good news is that we won!! So the farm is legally ours, although other farmers have been through several court cases, i.e. the government just starts the whole process over again, giving the owner a compulsory acquisition order, then telling them to get off, then it's back into court again. So we've been advised not to rush back just yet ...

Since we've been off the place, though, I've realised that we were actually turning into hermits! It's such a pleasure being around people again - think I could get used to city life!!

Sam

Congrats Sam!!! that's really good news finally, I'm really happy for you! I just hope you don't have to go through any more court cases before you can actually get back to your farm.

- David :)

Great news Sam. I'm holding thumbs that mad bob does get the boot soon so that you can get back to your farm asap.

Congrats are definitely in order! Way to go Sam!! :thumbsup:

Another month has gone by. Has anyone heard anything from Sam?

Ed

I haven't heard from her Ed, I had a business e-mail address for her but when I sent out the address change after I got ADSL it bounced.

Sam was last online (here) on 7/9 (a week ago), but I haven't heard from her since our exchange about a month ago.

How's it going Sam? :)

Jeanie

Howdy!

It's going fine, thanks, but I had some fun a couple of weeks ago ... the day after Peter went away, I was given five days to get everything off the farm - you may remember that when we left the place, we had to leave everything behind. Well, I went into overdrive and got all the furniture and stuff out of the house, but when I went to get the farm equipment, I was told that I could not take that as removing it would amount to "vandalism"!! Never mind that they are not using it (except the irrigation pipes) and it is sitting rusting away in the long grass.

I locked the house up and I have since heard that the Chinamasas have broken the locks (like the common criminals they are) and moved in. That's what it was all about - they never wanted the land, just a nice weekend retreat in the country!!

We've found a house to rent with enough grazing for the gee-gees, so we're about to move in there - no phone, so no internet (boo!) and the water supply is dubious to say the least, but it's somewhere to live.

The day of reckoning is definitely drawing nearer, but I must say that your dear President did not help matters when he was in South Africa recently - he seems to think things are progressing quite fine in Zimbabwe!

Sam

Sam, Glad to hear your still in the ring so to speak. The lukewarm or non existant criticism of Mugabe by fellow African leaders sums it all up doesnt it.

Hi Sam,

Glad to hear that you're still around, and were able to at least get your furniture. Did you expect to get the farm equipment -- or even your furniture?

As far as our President having trouble figuring out the severity of a problem, or even if there *is* a problem -- that seems to be the norm.

Ed

He has "darn good" intelligence from the CIA that everything is going well in Zim! :D

Oh No!! not a weapon of mass destruction found in Harare!!!

Yes, it's called "mad bob"

I PM'd Sam to check on her status - she and family are okay. Their farm is under "new management", and still off-limits to her family.

Just to pique your interest, I'm waiting for permission to share some good news that they're expecting... (hint, hint) ;)

Could have solved a lot of problems by dropping Bob on Iraq!

Could have solved a lot of problems by dropping Bob on Iraq! -- Chris H


:lol: Even I would approve of that!

OKAY -- Sam said since I'd spilled so many beans already that I could spill the rest --

Sam and her husband are expecting another child in January!!

Congrats to Sam and her husband. I'm glad to hear that they're still doing OK. Thanks for updating us CJ.

Ed

I lurk around this site quite a bit and have learned so much in the few months that I have been around here but this thread is so interesting that I completely forgot that I was on a photography site while reading it!

A fantastic read and I hope that this story has a happy ending.

All my best wishes to you and your family Sam!

Congrats Sam! :) :)

Thanks for the update CJ!

Jeanie

Hi all! Thanks for all the good wishes! Yes, we're still in the land of the living and some serious persuasion even got us a telephone installed, so back in web-land as well, although the connection usually lasts about 53 seconds before I get cut off ... we seem to have one of those phone systems from the middle ages here.

The Story of an African Farm - yes, well, it's more like a soap opera with a seriously bad script - the latest is that the Chinamasa's have moved out (because they've got no water left) and given the place to someone else! Meanwhile, they've done to someone else what they did to us - given them 5 days to vacate their farm, so that's five or six farms they've taken now.

But we're in a relatively peaceful area now, although there is a bunch of warvets on the neighbouring property, who since moving on there have done absolutely no farming, but have cut down every tree on the place, to sell the timber as firewood. A quick buck is all most of these guys are after. Then when all the resources have dried up, they move on ...

Sam

Hey Sam,

really good to hear from you, and hear that you're still doing fine,
and a BIG congrats to you and your family!!

- David

Sam,

It's nice to see that even under Mugabe not all sporting occasions have been curtailed!!!

Yes, well, when the electricity's off, the phone doesn't work ( like ours hasn't for the last week) and there's no fuel around, you have to be creative!!!

PS - Chris - did you see the piece in the Daily Telegraph on Monday? I gather we made it into the editorial columns ...

International fame at last Sam ! How do you deal with these lunatics even compromise doesnt seem to have any long term effect . Even when they take the farms over they havent the faintest idea how to run them and like kids with broken toys thay want a replacement.
Reminds me of a friend of mine who was sent to a Nigerian engineering project in the 1960's. He had to initiate a training program to show the labourers how to use a wheelbarrow, on his arrival they had been balancing them on their heads!

Telegraph Leader (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=%2Fopinion%2F2003%2F10%2F20%2Fdl2002.xml)

A friend of mine went on a trip to some remote areas of Peru. The farmers still threshed grain by laying it on the ground and driving horses over it in a circle. With the help of some foreign aid, they were able to buy a tractor, which, you guessed it, they drove around in circles over the grain!

Is it possible that our technological "improvements" are not as intuitive as we think they are.

By the way, congrats to you and your husband, Sam. I'm sure your new addition will be a wonderful (and welcome) diversion from your other troubles.

Take care, Margaret

Thanks Margaret! Thank goodness my daughters are old enough now to help with the nappy changing! Not my favourite job.

When we were still on the farm, I was amused to see that the Chinamasas had employed a woman to carry huge buckets of water on her head all the way from the dam to the seedbeds - about 300 yards - to irrigate the seedlings, despite the fact that they had already appropriated all our irrigation pipes and pumps. Old habits obviously die hard.

Sam

Just out of interest Sam does Harare have a water system provided by underground wells? I suppose reservioirs arent practical in a hot climate. I suppose a lot of the infrastructure of the country dates from pre independance.

I would say that ALL the infrastructure dates from before 1980 ... Bob loves to bash the whites, but he enjoyed inheriting what they brought to the country ...

Just about all Harare's water comes from reservoirs, but sensible people living there drill boreholes in their gardens, just in case the municipal supply runs out - which is exactly what is happening at the moment - not because the water's not there, but because the government have run out of money to pump and distribute it.

A capital city with no water is a scary prospect ...

Sam

Ok on the water sources Sam, theres still plenty of water in the UK but the quality especially from underground sources is dropping all the time. Have to send raiding parties north of the border and carry off Loch Lomond to its rightful position in Lancashire!

You'd certainly inherit a profitable little tourism industry to go with it - but I'm not sure the song "I'll take the high road" would sound the same with the words "and I'll get tae Manchester before ye!"

Underground water here is definitely dodgy if the water course happens to run under a highly populated area. You can imagine the bugs that turn up in a water sample ... :heul:

Sam

This is a great thread, read the whole thing the other day and it stayed with me. I was hoping the whole time, checking the dates as I went, there would be a happy ending--but I guess there are no real endings in real life. The worst part, was your camera being stolen, Sam. That bothered me. Did you get another camera? I certainly hope so. I know it's silly, even trivial, compared to everything else, but dammit--they STOLE your CAMERA. It's just those early pictures of your farm, then everything happening, I say you need to document this evil nonsense with pictures.

So much greed, amazing how greed drives people to destroy so much and for what? We all have so little time on earth as it is, greed can be so destructive and misplaced.

Anyway keep writing really really really really long posts here and don't worry about it, because it's great to read. It made me wish I could do something. I guess all I can do is pray like everybody else.

You read the whole thread!! That's commendable. We are all concerned about Sam and her family and like you, we hope for a happy ending.

I am a little concerned about you though. Reading this thread is one thing, but if I find that you've been reading all of Chris's "regards from the UK" I'll have to call the authorities there in Gary and have them prepare a special room for you. :D :D :D :D

Margaret

Unfortunately he might find it dull reading as I've been unable to get Mad Bob to make a guest appearance on Regards ....

I've just culled this from a radio site Big Al sent me. High speed car theft in Zim!

http://www.swradioafrica.com/pages/cuckoo.htm

My daughter Sara has been studying in Windhoek, Namibia for the last 2 years. Please run over and give her a big hug for me.

Duv

It's around 2000km by air between Harare and Windhoek, and more than 5000km by road (4x4 required) - which includes at least 2 border crossings. I'm not sure if Sam is fit enough to run that far!!!

I hear the Zim airforce offers a you and anybody elses car get you home service Al.

The latest wheeze of Zim's police force is to set up roadblocks, where they relieve passing motorists of all their cash. Great ploy for pulling in the tourists!

I enjoyed this item from the Guardian yesterday:

Come to Zimbabwe!
Er, no thanks.

But why not?
Oh, the famine, the widespread human rights abuses, the breakdown of law and order...

Do you like elephants? We have lots of elephants.
...the state-sponsored repression, the crippling fuel shortages...

These are lies! Zimbabwe remains a beautiful and hospitable place. Come to Docklands this week and see.
Docklands?

To the World Travel Market exhibition. Stop by the Zimbabwe Tourist Authority booth for a chat.
You're joking.

Not at all. We at the ZTA aim to position Zimbabwe as a world-class tourist destination. It's all in our vision statement.
I see. Do the people at the World Travel Market know you're coming?

Of course. They believe in encouraging, as they put it, "dialogue and understanding among all countries involved in travel and tourism".
And torture and murder?

Have you ever been to the Victoria Falls? It's so lovely this time of year.
Who are you? The minister for tourism?

No. Sadly he cannot make it because of prior commitments.
It's not because he's included in an EU-wide travel ban on members of Mugabe's government, is it?

You have been poisoned by lies! You must come to beautiful Zimbabwe and see for yourself.
OK, but I'll have to make sure I can get the time off first. It's a pretty busy time of year for us journalists.

Journalist? Did you say journalist?
British journalist, yes.

I'm afraid you can't come.
Why not?

No reason.
But I'm curious to see the situation first-hand.

Get out of the way, please. There is a queue of genuine tourists forming behind you.
No there isn't.

Visit Zimbabwe, Where Food Aid Distribution Is Never Manipulated For Political Ends.
I will.

Not you.

Howdy. Thought I'd just log in and let you know that I had a little girl on Saturday morning - called Lucy. Everything seems to be in the right place!

Sam

Congrats on the new baby Sam, are you going to stick it out in Zim or have you other plans?

Howdy. Thought I'd just log in and let you know that I had a little girl on Saturday morning - called Lucy. Everything seems to be in the right place! Sam


Congratulations, Sam!! Job well done! So happy that she's healthy, and hope that you are doing well also. :wavey:

Congratulations Sam. That's great! I just hope Lucy doesn't grow up with the same conditions you've had to endure.

Ed

Congratulations!!! Sam. Wow, I'm so glad for you both. I hope things are looking up for you all. I can't imagine life there from all we hear about Zimbabwe these days but I hope you've found a safe place there to raise Lucy. Good luck and keep checking in once in a while just to say hi and doing fine. :happy:
DJ

Congrats Sam. How are things up there. The news from Zim has been rather sparse down here.

(Hey DJ, long time no hear!)

Thanks, everyone! I must say, little Lucy is just delightful and I am a very lucky Mum!

Things in Zim have not improved at all, but we hang in there and hope for the best ... perhaps we all have our heads in the sand, who knows?

Sam

Hi Sam!

Sorry I wasn't able to pop in here sooner. I haven't been around much for the past few months, so just read your wonderful news! CONGRATULATIONS! :pleased:

Jeanie

I've been wondering how Sam's been doing for a while now, and thought I'd share this with you in the hope that she might still receive email notifications and pop-in to say Hi.

Mugabe has been voted the third greatest African of all time (http://www.africasia.com/newafrican/na.php?ID=385). Now who did the voting is a mystery.

I love the write up on Marcus Garvey and as for Winnie Mandela...!

I've been wondering how Sam's been doing for a while now

Great minds think alike. :) I've been thinking about her too!

Ed

Hi Guys,

Still here!!! Not doing much in the restoration department, it must be said, but busy with children (Lucy 6 months old already - time flies), helping Peter with his safari operation and doing a spot of painting when I get the chance!!

Wish you wouldn't post stuff like that, Al - it makes me so depressed. The (deaf, dumb & blind?) people who voted for Mugs ought to try living in Zim for a few weeks - they might change their views!

Quite a few people on that list not noted for their promotion of humanitarian ideals. Not to say genocidal maniacs ...

Sam

Hi Sam!

Glad to see you're still doing OK. It's been a while since we've heard from you. Be sure to stop by to say hello more often. 6 months old? That's hard to believe! They grow up quick.

Ed

6 mos. old?

Criminy! Time sure is flying. Good to hear from you. I saw something on the news the other day about Zim and thought of you and your family immediately.
Having not seen anything posted here I was curious but just figured no news is good news!

Take care and just maybe check in a bit more often???? :wavey:

Hello Sam,

Glad to see your still hanging in there, whats the safari angle?

I've just got back from the comedy fringe in Edinburgh with it's usual eccentricities, managed a quick trip to Mary Queen of Scots castle on the island in Loch Leven. I had missed the last ferry so I hired two boatmen to row me across and had the island to myself for an hour. The return in the gloaming was fantastic, the lake and sky merging in a sort of aquatic white out. The only downside being the 'wee nasties' feasting on English blood!!

Great shot, Chris - definitely worth all the midge bites! The last time I went to that castle (2 years ago) we got attacked by bees, so the Loch Leven noo-noos aren't too selective ... BTW, that's about 8 miles from where I come from. Got quite homesick looking at that pic, if the truth be known!

The safari operation we're running is a trophy-hunting thing (very non-PC), catering to serious adrenaline-junkies. Buffalo hunts are our main speciality. But politics affects absolutely everything in this country these days and they're now trying to "nationalise" all the private game reserves, so we don't know how long it'll be before the safari industry goes the same way as agriculture ...

Sam

Ok on the safari business and Mugabe wanting a finger, sorry the whole pie! I've seen water buffalo on a reserve here and was told by their keeper that they were far more dangerous than any of the big cats. I saw some footage of a group of buffalo defending their calves against lions and understood what he meant, Buffs 2 Lions 0!

I've passed the loch many times on the M90 and thought of visiting the island, thank God there high ground between it and the sprawl of Glenrothes.

I'm afraid that with the endless bad news from the Middle East Zimbabwe has fallen out of the news here for the moment for which Mugabe is probably not unhappy.

Don't know much about water buffalo - what we get here is the Cape Buffalo, a very daunting opponent if you get on the wrong side of him.

Thankfully, my Scottish roots are in the opposite direction from Glenrothes, near the foot of the Ochil hills, which definitely win in the charm stakes.

Your lack of news of Zim may have something to do with the fact that British journalists get sent back home as soon as they arrive here. The latest is that the opposition party have pulled out of next year's elections - too many of their candidates have been landing up in ICU.