PING
Amos, you're pinging yourself! Is that what's known as a dingy pingy? LOL!
When you are the original source, what is the credibility issue? What's to be done, if the reporter is not to be trusted, as hinted at by two doubting posters? Precisely what you suggested, I think. You have to find some way to confirm the story yourself, if you can. Send Uncle Elvin and Aunt Iris over to take pictures or something. If the doubters aren't willing to do that, then you have to assume they are simply blowing smoke.
Good post, Amos. Interesting. Thanks for the ping.