In Maryland and photos of Richmond...

posted by Patty James @ 2:23pm, Tuesday 13 April 2010.

Well, I went to Richmond, Virginia not knowing for sure whether or not I would have interviews and therefore media, but it was only 2 hours (2 hours is a walk around the park these days) south, so I went. The interviews all came together, but not until 5:15 last night and by that time it was too late for the TV and newspaper interviews. I made the decision to leave Richmond this morning as I have a meeting in Washington D.C. tomorrow and didn't want to arrive late tonight in heavy traffic. The people in Richmond are going to fill out the written surveys, so that's perfect! I had already interviewed kids in Virginia, so I'm all set.

I am now in Waldorf, Maryland at yet another La Quinta Hotel as they are dog friendly and fairly reasonably priced. Patch and Wilma can stay in the room while I'm gone, also perfect. As I am 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., I will drive about 35-40 minutes, park at the local Mall and take a cab to Capital Hill. Diana from Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey's office strongly suggested I didn't attempt to drive into D.C. so I won't. I am looking forward to meeting with Lynn tomorrow and bringing her up to date on Shine The Light. She has offered to help with grants at year's end when the data is all in. I have known Congresswoman Woolsey for a few years and I'm very pleased that she has interest in this project. I'll let you know how it goes and what comes out of our meeting tomorrow.

On Friday, I have an interview on News Channel 8 (an ABC affiliate) on a program at noon called Let's Talk Live. If anyone knows anyone in the DC area who could tape it for me, please let me know!

Other than that it's emailing and calling to set up interviews in other states. I also booked Patch and Wilma into Camp Bow Wow in New Jersey, for when I am in NYC next month, which is only a 16 mile drive from the Upper West Side. I also might have found a vacation rental in the Upper West Side to stay the week. It's a 1 bedroom on a nice street with a cute little kitchen and it's cheaper than a hotel room with no kitchen. Perfect.

It's raining here today and I must admit that nice big bathtub is calling my name. I am in a bit of a funk today, nothing a hug wouldn't cure- but a bathtub will have to do! First, here are some photos of Richmond, Virginia that I took this morning. The doggies and I needed some exercise before today's drive, so we went back to Richmond and this time I remembered my camera.

I think these are cherry blossoms, but I'm not sure. I am sure that they are pretty...



The Civil War is everywhere in Richmond.










The James River. I thought the walkway below the bridge was a great idea!