AUGUST 25, 2006
HORSEBACK RIDING AT TANQUE VERDE RANCH & WALKING THE RED CARPET AT THE HISTORIC FOX THEATRE/SCREENING OF "BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S"

Today we got up early and headed to the Tanque Verde Ranch where we went on a horseback ride. I grew up on a horse farm, so this was something I was really looking forward to. My horse was a big pinto Quarter horse named Apache, but he was a bit chubby and the ranch hands told me they affectionately call him "A-fat-che". The scenery was amazing--cactus EVERYWHERE and it was like something out of a movie set. We had an old-fashioned cowboy breakfast which we ate outside, and then we hopped back on our noble steeds for the return ride home. I really enjoyed getting to know Mrs. NC a little more--she's a riot and we've shared some good laughs! Mrs. ID is also super funny. I love these gals! The ladies who signed up for the horse racing challenge dueled it out, and the winner was Mrs. OK, who is a doll. We had the afternoon off and Mrs. NV generously loaned us her car so Mrs. IL (a total SWEETHEART) and I decided to go tanning. After dinner, we were taken by bus to the newly renovated historic Fox Theater for a cocktail reception followed by a screening of "Breakfast at Tiffany's." Prior to the movie, we were brought on stage to introduce ourselves. An amazing morning ride followed by an elegant and fun evening!

On a side note, it was a bit of a rough day for me as I found out that my 97-year-old grandmother had passed away, but she had led a very full life and it was definitely her "time" to go. It was just hard to hear that she had passed. Mrs. IL, Julie Rinehart, was with me when I got the news and I will never forget how Julie grabbed my hand while I cried. We said a prayer for my Grandma H and it was one of those moments when you realize what true friends we are making in this process. THANK YOU JULIE! And goodbye Grandma, I love you and can feel your hand on my shoulder as you watch over me...we know you are in a better place.

PHOTOS:
1) Mrs. IL Julie Rinehart and I enjoy our coffee on the bus ride to the ranch.
2) Some of the gorgeous varieties of cactus at the ranch.
3) Having fun w/ Mrs. TX and our new "cowboy" friend.
4) Having breakfast like the cowgirls we are!
5) Mrs. NM and I enjoying the trail ride.
6) Gathering in the lobby prior to leaving for the theatre.
7) Mrs. NV holding the scratch-off lottery tickets I gave her as a thank you for letting us borrow her car (she only won $1.00--bummer)
8) Mrs. IL and I outside the Fox Theatre marquee.
9) The cocktail and dessert reception at the Fox Theatre w/ Mrs. AL, AZ, me, & ID.