February 28, 2009
February 27, 2009
Seriously?
wfaa.com
3 charged in swap of 2 kids for pet bird, cash
04:18 PM CST on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana woman is accused of trading two young children in her care for a pet cockatoo and $175 cash from a couple who had been trying for years to have their own child, authorities said Thursday.
Donna Greenwell, 53, a long-haul trucker with an arrest record from Pitkin, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, along with would-be adoptive parents Paul J. Romero, 46, and Brandy Lynn Romero, 27, of Evangeline Parish.
"The Romeros had good intentions from what we see," said Keith Dupre, a detective with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office.
"They really wanted to take care of the kids. The kids were well-dressed and seemed to be treated good by the Romero family."
The transaction for the 5-year-old boy and the 4-year-old girl was negotiated by phone after Greenwell spotted a flier posted at a livestock barn selling a cockatoo for $1,500 and called the Romeros on Feb. 18, Dupre said.
Although Paul Romero had three children from a previous marriage, Dupre said, he and Brandy had tried unsuccessfully for years to have a child together.
When they told that to Greenwell, she allegedly offered to hand over the boy and girl for about $2000. When the Romeros said they couldn't meet the price, Dupre said, "Ms. Greenwell agreed to make an even trade: the bird for the kids."
Greenwell showed up with the children at the Romeros' home the next day and said she would also need $175 for an attorney to complete adoption paperwork, Dupre said. But she had no authority to put the children up for adoption.
Everything began to unravel last week when authorities received a phone tip that the Romeros and the children would be at a local fast food restaurant, where authorities approached them. The children are in state custody.
Authorities believe Greenwell began caring for the children about a year ago at the mother's request.
The detective said Greenwell "stated that the mother was having a hard time and asked her to baby sit. She said one month led to two months and two months led to a year."
The children's father, of Leesville, was questioned and has expressed interest in getting custody of the children. The mother is believed to be in Texas but told investigators through a relative that she plans to come to Evangeline Parish soon. The state would decide whether the parents can visit or gain custody of the children.
Authorities are checking a claim made by the children to one police officer that they were sexually and physically abused, although not by Greenwell or the Romeros.
The Romeros were free on $5,000 bond. Greenwell - described as a long-haul trucker with an extensive arrest record including charges of kidnapping, assault and theft - remained in jail on $100,000 bond, Dupre said. She turned herself in on Sunday.
The court clerk's office said Thursday that attorneys had been appointed for Greenwell and Paul Romero. Greenwell's court-appointed lawyer, Timmy Fontenot of Mamou, declined comment. A message was left Thursday afternoon for Romero's lawyer, Kelly Tate.
Police in Glenmora, near where Greenwell lives, are seeking information from anyone who might know if Greenwell has sold other children.
"She's had numerous children living with her at various times over the years," said Officer Jennifer Potter, who received the anonymous telephone tip that eventually led to the arrests.
3 charged in swap of 2 kids for pet bird, cash
04:18 PM CST on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Associated Press
NEW ORLEANS - A Louisiana woman is accused of trading two young children in her care for a pet cockatoo and $175 cash from a couple who had been trying for years to have their own child, authorities said Thursday.
Donna Greenwell, 53, a long-haul trucker with an arrest record from Pitkin, is charged with aggravated kidnapping, along with would-be adoptive parents Paul J. Romero, 46, and Brandy Lynn Romero, 27, of Evangeline Parish.
"The Romeros had good intentions from what we see," said Keith Dupre, a detective with the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office.
"They really wanted to take care of the kids. The kids were well-dressed and seemed to be treated good by the Romero family."
The transaction for the 5-year-old boy and the 4-year-old girl was negotiated by phone after Greenwell spotted a flier posted at a livestock barn selling a cockatoo for $1,500 and called the Romeros on Feb. 18, Dupre said.
Although Paul Romero had three children from a previous marriage, Dupre said, he and Brandy had tried unsuccessfully for years to have a child together.
When they told that to Greenwell, she allegedly offered to hand over the boy and girl for about $2000. When the Romeros said they couldn't meet the price, Dupre said, "Ms. Greenwell agreed to make an even trade: the bird for the kids."
Greenwell showed up with the children at the Romeros' home the next day and said she would also need $175 for an attorney to complete adoption paperwork, Dupre said. But she had no authority to put the children up for adoption.
Everything began to unravel last week when authorities received a phone tip that the Romeros and the children would be at a local fast food restaurant, where authorities approached them. The children are in state custody.
Authorities believe Greenwell began caring for the children about a year ago at the mother's request.
The detective said Greenwell "stated that the mother was having a hard time and asked her to baby sit. She said one month led to two months and two months led to a year."
The children's father, of Leesville, was questioned and has expressed interest in getting custody of the children. The mother is believed to be in Texas but told investigators through a relative that she plans to come to Evangeline Parish soon. The state would decide whether the parents can visit or gain custody of the children.
Authorities are checking a claim made by the children to one police officer that they were sexually and physically abused, although not by Greenwell or the Romeros.
The Romeros were free on $5,000 bond. Greenwell - described as a long-haul trucker with an extensive arrest record including charges of kidnapping, assault and theft - remained in jail on $100,000 bond, Dupre said. She turned herself in on Sunday.
The court clerk's office said Thursday that attorneys had been appointed for Greenwell and Paul Romero. Greenwell's court-appointed lawyer, Timmy Fontenot of Mamou, declined comment. A message was left Thursday afternoon for Romero's lawyer, Kelly Tate.
Police in Glenmora, near where Greenwell lives, are seeking information from anyone who might know if Greenwell has sold other children.
"She's had numerous children living with her at various times over the years," said Officer Jennifer Potter, who received the anonymous telephone tip that eventually led to the arrests.
February 25, 2009
February 23, 2009
The Donkey Series
At the gold mine, we met a few friends. Check them out. They were huge exhibitionists and loved to pose for pictures. We had a lot of fun with them. At times they were rude and butted-in in order to receive extra petting. What can you expect of an ass?
February 22, 2009
Country Boy Gold Mine (Breckenridge)
We visited this really neat place called Country Boy Gold Mine in Summit county (Breckenridge). It is the most plentiful and original gold mines in Colorado. We got to experience the true day to day life of a gold mine worker and the history behind it. Here is a little excerpt from their website. Enjoy the pictures.
The Country Boy Mine, founded in 1887, is one of the oldest and most famous mines in Summit County, Colorado. Early in its over 100 year history, The Country Boy Mine was known for its gold and silver production and later earned national fame by producing large quantities of high grade lead and zinc for use in World War I and World War II.
Mining was and still is an integral part of Colorado's and our nation's history. The valuable ore brought out of the Country Boy Mine and the hundreds of other mines in the area played a significant role in shaping the West and bringing prosperity to the U.S. With the rapid deterioration and disappearance of historic mines in Colorado, The Country Boy Mine plays an important role in preserving Colorado's mining history and serves to share with people the rich history of this most remarkable past.
In 1991, the Tomlinson Brothers, Doug and David, along with their wives Betsy and Andrea conceived the dream of restoring the collapsed mine and mine site into a historical venue. As was true in the 1800's, much work and toil went into the restoration of the mine. Eight collapsed areas of the mine had to be cleared out, new timbers were installed, the blacksmith shop was restored, an office and a barn were constructed and a gift shop and museum were built.
David "panning" for gold (digging through rocks and mud out of the Blue River searching for gold). he only found pyrite. :)
All kinds of things grew on the ceiling (some were mildew some were a form of grass)
The Country Boy Mine, founded in 1887, is one of the oldest and most famous mines in Summit County, Colorado. Early in its over 100 year history, The Country Boy Mine was known for its gold and silver production and later earned national fame by producing large quantities of high grade lead and zinc for use in World War I and World War II.
Mining was and still is an integral part of Colorado's and our nation's history. The valuable ore brought out of the Country Boy Mine and the hundreds of other mines in the area played a significant role in shaping the West and bringing prosperity to the U.S. With the rapid deterioration and disappearance of historic mines in Colorado, The Country Boy Mine plays an important role in preserving Colorado's mining history and serves to share with people the rich history of this most remarkable past.
In 1991, the Tomlinson Brothers, Doug and David, along with their wives Betsy and Andrea conceived the dream of restoring the collapsed mine and mine site into a historical venue. As was true in the 1800's, much work and toil went into the restoration of the mine. Eight collapsed areas of the mine had to be cleared out, new timbers were installed, the blacksmith shop was restored, an office and a barn were constructed and a gift shop and museum were built.
David "panning" for gold (digging through rocks and mud out of the Blue River searching for gold). he only found pyrite. :)
All kinds of things grew on the ceiling (some were mildew some were a form of grass)
February 21, 2009
Happy Birthday Mark!
Happy Birthday Mark, we hope you are having a great day!
I am putting your best picture on my blog. haha!
I am putting your best picture on my blog. haha!
Fun in some deep deep snow!
Here are some of our favorite snow pictures. Snow in places was very deep. Some places in the mountains i am pretty sure you would just drown in it. These pictures were taken in Breckenridge, just outside the Country Boy Gold Mine (which we also visited). Snow here was approx. 3 feet.
February 18, 2009
February 17, 2009
Arriving into Denver
These pictures were taken just outside of Denver. We spontaneously ended up at Lookout Mountain where Buffalo Bill was buried. It is now a preserved site at the top of a beautiful mountain overlooking deep valleys of Denver. This was on the way to Dillon, CO where our hotel was located.
My favorite picture is the one where you can see the snow evaporate from the ground. It almost looks like dust, but trust me it was not. It was an amazing site to see.
Come back tomorrow to see pictures of our Valentine's Day skiing trip and David's first attempts on skis and ski lift.
My favorite picture is the one where you can see the snow evaporate from the ground. It almost looks like dust, but trust me it was not. It was an amazing site to see.
Come back tomorrow to see pictures of our Valentine's Day skiing trip and David's first attempts on skis and ski lift.
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