WHAT A WEEK.  I’m sitting here now in beautiful Kona, Hawaii, enjoying a calm 84-degree morning with a blue ocean and stunning skies, a day after riding an ATV to tour a spectacular part of the island.

But my visit to the island paradise was disrupted after that ATV ride and some three days after my arrival here, when someone hacked into my personal Yahoo account and sent everyone in my contact list (hundreds) an email asking for money. If you are on my list, then you already know about this, and if not, here is what was sent from the hackers:

“Am in a hurry writing you this note, just wanted to seek your help on something very important, you are the only person I could reach at this point, and I hope you come to my aid. Because something very terrible is happening to me now, I need a favor from you now; I had a trip here in the UK on a mission.

Unfortunately for me all my money got stolen on my way to the hotel where I lodged along with my bag where my passport was. And since then I have been without any money I am even owing the hotel here.

So I have limited access to emails for now, please I need you to lend me about (1000 Pounds) so I can make arrangements and return back please. I have spoken to the embassy here but they are not responding to the matter effectively. I will return the money back to you as soon as I get home, I am so confused right now.

I will be waiting to hear from you.

Regards

Bill”

If you responded to this email, then you also received a Western Union address where you could send the money.

It’s good to know I have so many friends who were willing to help me get out of England; but since I’m in Hawaii, it wouldn’t have worked. Some of you were willing to help even though you were a bit suspicious about this email. I got calls from as far away as Washington, D.C. wondering if I really needed the money. I learned very quickly how easily someone can get into your email account; but I still haven’t figured out how it happened. And I’m also not sure what other information they gleaned from my files stored in this email. As I write this column, Yahoo has locked my email, and I’ve received about 100 emails since that happened 12 hours ago. I’m hopeful this will get straightened out soon (at least by the time you read this).

BACK TO HAWAII. Entertaining us at their fabulous home here are Doug and Carol Stephens, who are the perfect hosts; and if you ever want to taste the perfect Mai Tai, call Doug. The food here is as wonderful as the drink, and Carol certainly knows what to eat and how to prepare it. Gary and Cyndi Mall traveled here to assist in our fun as well, and when you read this we will all be home to enjoy Thanksgiving with friends and family.

If it wasn’t for the hackers, this would have been the perfect week. Regardless, it was certainly very special.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!