The first thing I noticed about Julie Kelly were her eyes. One can just keep looking into them without ever finding the end. Also, I liked her right off, of course, because she had reddish hair and loved dogs like I do.

She asked me how it felt to have the Governor as such a strong supporter of my work. I told her it was thrilling and I told her that I was washing dishes when the phone rang.

I said "hello" the voice said " I am calling for Melissa Bonin" , "speaking" I said. "This is Kathleen Blanco." Yes, can I help you?" She began to speak and I interrupted a few minutes later. "Do you mean Governor Kathleen Blanco?" We both burst out laughing and then I couldn't speak at all. It was like I had a huge wad of gum in my mouth.