This whole experience brought a new level of respect and pride for Alison.  She impressed us all with her poise and professionalism, taking this major roadblock and moving through it just days before she left for the national competition.  She’s safely to Orlando already for Miss America’s Outstanding Teen and I will join her on Tuesday for preliminary competition!  Lots of other great things lined up for that week – meeting all of the Miss America contestants, filming segments for Tall Pony, our production company for Miss America on ABC, Disney World, spending time with family (my mom and sister are coming) and friends, and also dress shopping/sketching with Regalia for my Miss America competition evening gown, and of course the MAOT competition!  I’m sure it will be a week full of photos, so keep an eye out for the blog and Facebook fan page!

I’m writing this blog on the train on the way home from Saratoga, NY.  I went up last night and spent the day today at the tracks, watching 7 of the horse races, presenting awards in 4 of them at the Winner’s Circle.  The track was filled with all things pink, including saddle blankets, silks and the New York Racing Association flag, as it was Fabulous Fillies Day, raising money for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  I was joined by Brittany, Miss Albany’s OT, and Art Hunsinger, who organized the appearances for us.  I’ll update you later with a final number of the funds raised for BCRF.  I met some great people – Natalie from Saratoga Trunk, Christine Moore and Patricia Underwood – both unique hat designers to the stars, Linda Rice – horse trainer for the winner of race #1, Don Miller – big owner in Racing, Scott Johnson - Mayor of Saratoga, and of course all of the women from the BCRF.  We had great press from Channel 13, YNN (VIDEO), 95.5FM and 101.3FM thanks to Art.  Now I’m sleepy! Long and early day in the sun and a delayed train….bedtime.