This morning at 7:00 a.m. we were given beautiful Tony Lama cowboy boots and hats, loaded up the busses and arrived at Tanque Verde Guest Ranch. All 50 contestants rode horseback through the beautiful desert surrounded by red rock and saguaro cactus. (I think we will all have sore tushies tomorrow!!!)

It is such a beautiful part of Arizona and I was thrilled to be able to share it with everyone. It was so calming and peaceful and I really think that after the buzz of the last few days, the timing was perfect for all of us. My horse's name was Dapple, a beautiful white horse. At the end of our ride, the cowboys cooked us a delicious blueberry pancake breakfast! What a treat! ...when was the last time a cowboy cooked you breakfast?

Thursday evening we went to the newly remodeled Fox Movie Theater in downtown Tucson. They rolled out the red carpet! There were photographers and media everywhere! As soon as I got off the bus the crowd was screaming. It was so exciting! My parents and Grandma Mary read about it in the newspaper that day so they stopped by to show their support. It was wonderful to see them! We sat in the balcony and watched the classic movie "Breakfast at Tiffany's." I had never seen it and loved the movie! Tomorrow we have the morning off; we get our swimsuits and have rehearsal in the afternoon. Tomorrow evening is dinner with the president of the hotel... they will be filming for the show... still trying to decide what to wear!

Thank you to everyone for your support! 'til tomorrow...

-- Diane