Women's Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C,

Since I wrote that first piece I posted, I've been in the air and on the move. First stop was Los Cabos, Mexico, my first trip there. Fabulous vacation spot, so close to home only a 2.5 hour plane ride and you're immersed in another culture, partly commercialized tourism, but still Mexican. A favorite part was hooking into a huge Marlin. It danced on my line and gave me a thrill, but I lost it. That's OK. I would have just "caught and released anyway." I had the thrill and a story to tell.

Enough of Mexico for now, I really want to say something about my trip to the Business and Professional Women's Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., April
29-30. Senator Bennett's Office nominated me, Jared Perry a former Bennett staffer did. I am thankful to them both. It was that most beautiful time of year to be there with dogwoods and all variety of pink azaleas in bloom, not to mention tulips of every brilliant and pastel color.

The conference was organized by several women Senators, headed by Senator Kaye Bailey Hutchison (TX) and joined by Senators Olympia Snowe (ME) of Maine (I love her she is one of the greatest supporters of the Women's Business Center Program and pushed permanent funding for the centers through Congress a year ago.), Lisa Murkowski (AK), Elizabeth Dole (NC), Susan Collins (ME), and Representative Kay Granger (TX).

There were some great speakers, too. I was especially impressed with Senator Hutchison and speakers Carli Fiorina (chairman and CEO Hewlett-Packard Company 1999-2005); Meg Whitman, former CEO of eBay; Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Founder and CEO of Pace Communications and Chair of the American Red Cross; Dr. Elsa Murano, President of Texas A&M University; and Dr. Mary Evans Sias, Presidnt of Kentucky State University. Especially impressive were Carli Fiorina and Dr. Evans who is the 46 year-old Hispanic president of Texas A&M. WE have to get these women to Utah!

Both of our home Senators, Bennett and Hatch, held receptions for us in their offices and gave us some insights into what's happening in Congress. Interestingly both talked about the polarization in Congress, and said it is nothing new. Six of us from Utah attended, including Pamela Atkinson, Debbie Hooge (Tuscany Homes), Tibby Milne, and Joan Hellstrom form Senator Bennett's Northern Utah Office. We all enjoyed each other's company immensely. I had some wonderful quotes and notes and, alas, I left them at the hotel!

Afterward I spent several days with my daughter Martha (Marti) in Purcellville, VA, and enjoyed my graddaughters Madeline and Mikayla and watching them ride their pony Ransom and do synchronized swimming. The most fun of all!