This and that.

Some pictures for your viewing pleasure as I prepare for the 2009 Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant, only three weeks away! I can't believe how fast this year has flown by. I recently attended a festival with local titleholders and spoke at a Women's Club, of which my dear grandmother was a member. It was so nice to see her friends with all their fond memories of Grams.

Not Too Late to Join the Fun!

The deadline for participating in the 2009 Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant is July 1st. You can download an application at www.mrsnewjerseyamerica.com.

We recently welcomed new contestants at a workshop. Geri always makes sure her ladies are well-prepared to hit the stage. At this workshop, I got to see Mrs. New Jersey America 2005, Yvette Ludwig, and her husband Eric. Eric was kind enough to escort me onstage at the last pageant, so he's 2 for 2 at escorting Mrs. NJs! He should rent himself out! Anyway, it was good to see them both again - our Mrs. NJ's always stay part of the organization.



There are so many intelligent, caring, motivated, beautiful women competing this year. I would hate to be a judge! I can't wait to see which one of these great ladies will get to have the wonderful experience I've had as Mrs. New Jersey.

Memorial Day.

I was honored to participate in two Memorial Day Parades over the Memorial Day weekend. My dad was with me at the first parade, and as he is a Vietnam vet and VFW member, it was very special getting to spend that time with him in my hometown. Unfortunately, the rain stopped and started all day. As I was in a sweet borrowed 1969 Ford Mustang, we had to keep putting up and down the top. What follows is a story in pictures, taken by my sister, who was riding navigator in the passenger seat ...








The next day, I got to spend time in the county seat with the newly formed Belvidere Water Rescue team, made up of police, fire, and corrections officers. I even got to sit in the boat! And who is that handsome diver I'm posing with?