July 21st, 2009

What a whirl wind of a day! At 11 a.m., the Coon Rapids Junior Royalty and I went to National Morning to Unite for the seniors. I rode with the Coon Rapids Senior King and Queen - let me tell you, car rides with them are usually just as fun as the actual event. We’ve missed turns and had great conversations, but the funniest and scariest memory was when Senior King Roger momentarily stopped in the middle of a neighborhood intersection at a parade to get directions because once again we couldn’t find where we needed to be. The station wagon was in front of a fire hydrant and all of a sudden we heard a fire truck coming down the road… moving along, every year the Hot Foot Stompers Square Dancing Group is at National Morning to Unite for entertainment.



Fast Fact: I used to be a Hot Foot Stomper (2 years ago). Square dancing is actually really fun! It is one of the only types of dance I am actually coordinated in. I am looking forward to joining their group again in the fall.

After that fun filled morning, my brother drove me to my piano lessons with Sandy Delmore. We have been drilling away at my selection for nationals and are working on a little something new to play throughout my year so listen up for it. I will give you a hint, it is another Spanish piece!

At 7:00 p.m. I had the opportunity to meet with Coon Rapids Mayor Tim Howe at the City Council meeting. He congratulated me for winning the title of Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen and recognized the hard work I’ve been doing with my platform and as the city mascot. (Yes, I am the official Rockee the Raccoon mascot of Coon Rapids.) Thank you Mayor Howe for the opportunity to chat with you.



July 20th, 2009

This evening I made my eleventh visit to Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. George and I both enjoy spending time with the staff, other volunteers and patients. It really puts a smile on my face knowing that we can brighten up the sterile hospital (George smiles too!)

Fast Fact: Therapy Dogs are becoming more common.

I am truly amazed at how many more people are aware of what Therapy Dogs are, what they do, and where they visit. I’m fortunate to be part of this growth and am here to answer any further questions!

July 19th, 2009

Every other Sunday afternoon, George and I make our way through the halls and lounges of Camilia Rose Care Center. Most residents do remember George and me. Regardless of if they do or not, everyone is excited to see us. We have built relationships with so many of the residents, the usual hour that I spend at Camilia is not long enough anymore! The time flies by as we chat up a storm. On this day, there is an exceptionally touching story I would like to share. (Please remember that I cannot share details about any of the patients due to their privacy rights) There is a woman resident who has been experiencing a lot of pain in her body. We have visited with her several times and each time we have gotten to know each other more and more. Today, she was sitting on the side of her bed. George and I walked in and he immediately sat down by her feet. This resident commented on how beautiful and well trained George was. She then said that dogs can feel human’s pain and she thinks George can feel hers. George is an exceptional dog and I believe he really does know when someone is sick or experiencing pain. I am so happy that I have gotten to know this remarkable, strong woman and that George could share some of her pain for the several minutes we visited.

July 17th, 2009

For the second weekend in a row, my mom and I made the 4 hour trip up to the Heart of the Lakes area, this time for the Miss Perham and Miss Heart of the Lakes (HOTL) pageant. We have worked out a driving system, I drive to St. Cloud (66 days until my 16th birthday!), we stop and get lunch, and my mom drives the rest of the way giving me time to put my makeup on. We were greeted by the director, Gina, and the 7 girls competing. It was great to catch up with the girls I already knew and meet the new contestants. Everyone has been so supportive of the Miss Minnesota’s Outstanding Teen organization and I can truly say I feel like a little sister to all the great representatives of Minnesota.

A typical picture: Lauren Johnson, Miss Brainerd Lakes and I have taken a photo together at every event together so far. So, we didn’t break the custom here!



Thank you to Gina and the Miss Perham/Miss HOTL committee for the opportunity to come to your pageant. It was a great show and I am glad to be part of it. Congratulations to the new Miss Perham, Jennifer Strege and the new Miss HOTL, Lacey Erickson. You two have the confidence and talent to represent your community well.