AUGUST 31, 2006
BREAKFAST AT "NORTH" RESTAURANT FOLLOWED BY SHOPPING AT LA ENCANTADA MALL, TRIP TO MT. LEMMON SKI HILL, & DINNER AT EL CHARRO MEXICAN RESTAURANT

Today we started out early by taking the bus to the La Encantada outdoor mall, where we ate a wonderful breakfast at "North" restaurant (an upscale modern Italian eatery). They had my favorite caprese (fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, & basil) and it was a fantastic way to start our shopping excursion. A few of us (myself included) were selected to film spots for TV, so the camera crew followed us around while we shopped (which was very appropriate as I consider myself an expert on this subject--HA!). After shopping, we headed back to the hotel for lunch and I saw my state directors Faith & Carl Schway for the first time (they arrived late last night). It was great to see a friendly faces! After lunch we went to the Mt. Lemmon ski area. We were at 9,000 feet and the view was SPECTACULAR. We could see all of Tucson, but what was really remarkable was the change in temperature. It was close to 100 degrees at our hotel, but it was easily 30 degrees cooler at the top of the mountain. Luckily we all brought sweaters! We took the chairlift up to the top of the mountain and saw some of the trees that had been burned in a forest fire three years ago. Most of us took a cat nap on the return trip home, and we then headed directly to the famed El Charro restaurant (many former US presidents and other dignitaries have eaten here--supposedly this was where the chimichanga was invented but I'm not 100% sure about that one). The meal was great and when I arrived back in my room, I was greeted by a huge "cookie bouquet" (the cookies are CROWNS!) sent by my dear friend Susan Jackson and her family. What a sweet thing for her to send, both literally & figuratively! I have been so touched by all of your cards, flowers, COOKIES, gifts, and well wishes and please know how much it has meant to me! Win or lose I am already the luckiest girl in the world to have such an incredible support system! I am missing my hubby and baby girl (the report from home is that Ava got into a blue magic marker today, which I actually thought was pretty funny), but Matt will be out here on Sunday and my parents arrive tomorrow. So only a few more days. I am now VERY ready for bed--we've got an early poolside swimsuit photo shoot tomorrow morning (6:15 a.m. to be exact!). So I bid you adieu & goodnight!

PHOTOS:
1) Mrs. NC and I waiting for the bus.
2) Some of us outside "North" restaurant where we ate breakfast.
3) By the Mt. Lemmon ski hill sign--who knew there was skiing in AZ?!?
4) L to R: Mrs. OK, MN, & FL at the top of the mountain.
5) L to R: Mrs. CO, MN, & GA at the charming El Charro restaurant.
6) When I arrived back in my room, I was greetemy dear friend Susan Jackson & family had