“Being a kid is like a box of chocolates. You never know what kind of parents you’re gonna get.” Most kids are getting great parents, many aren’t. In the extreme cases, hopefully, Child Protective Services steps in to monitor. I have talked with many professional caseworkers over the course of the last half year. A few things are for certain, most of them are drained, under appreciated and over worked. All of the caseworkers look for the small glimmer that they can realize from their months spent on individual cases. They look for a bright moment that makes it all worthwhile.
Today, One Million Acts Of Kindness was paid the ultimate compliment from a caseworker in being told that the work being done by this mission was her bright moment she so sorely needed.
A short day of thirty miles was a full day of catching up with some of the hundreds of emails, phone calls and letters I need to return. Thank you to everyone for being so understanding for not making me feel so overwhelmed.

A local television news segment can do much to raise awareness for a cause, this was the case today after last night’s Channel 3 News story on The Kindness Bicycle Tour. During my 40 mile ride today, many people mentioned that they had seen the footage and many others were more enthusiastic than what I normally experience. Thank you for the big boost Channel 3.
I met Chris from “Heroes for Children” today, he is riding with his 5 horses from Dallas, Texas to New York City and back to raise money for childhood cancer. What a great guy to give so much of his time for the very good cause of helping children.
Laura and Sharon from Frederick County Child Protective Services stopped by during their lunch hour to talk to me about the importance of kids living in a safe environment. They loved The Kindness Bike with its signs.
Thank you to Rick the owner at the Snow White Grill for buying lunch today.

There are so many ways to see the United States countryside. The method I am taking allows me to see most everything at a distance and up close, in great detail. It is the speed with which I travel that helps me to appreciate the beautiful detail of this amazing land, with every turn of my bicycle wheel.
Today was a very full day, riding over 40 miles, filming for a segment on Channel 3, a local ABC affiliate, a visit to Frederick County services offices, a visit to the Winchester Star, the local newspaper and conversation with dozens of people.
The weather is going to be near perfect for the next few days, helping me to make up the 34 miles I have fallen behind.

Riding a bicycle 7,400 miles to raise awareness for Domestic Violence and Childhood Sexual Abuse gives me the opportunity to meet many professionals who work tirelessly to help put an end to the pain and suffering some people live through because of these two issues. While talking with Lynea Woody of the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence a week ago, she mentioned an upcoming event being held on Father’s Day in DC. It was an event that I didn’t give much thought to because I would be a couple of states to the west. The more I thought, the more I realized that this would be one of those opportunities that I shouldn’t miss out on participating.
“Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” is an event being organized in the DC area by the DCCADV, urging all men who are brave enough to put on a pair of high heeled shoes to show their support against Domestic Violence by walking one very long mile. We are going to do a giant U-turn and head back to DC for the day to take part in this very worthy cause.
In looking at today’s photo, two things are apparent;  1.) It is going to be a very, very long mile  2.) I’m thinking most women would love to have these legs…or at least the guy who comes with them…just kidding!!!

Riding more miles and spending more time in Virginia than originally planned is a great bonus. The countryside is beautiful and the people we are meeting is incredible. On today’s route we passed Saint Paul Chung Church which had a very crowded parking lot. Not wanting to miss an opportunity to be viewed by hundreds of people, I rode near their entrance. Going inside, I saw dozens of teenagers helping with various activities to help raise money for those in need around the world. Two of the teenagers, Christopher and Kyle were working inside and followed me out to learn about The Kindness Bicycle Tour. It’s great to know young adults like them, are so interested in helping others.
Arriving back at The Kindness Bus, Paula, an Oakton High School teacher was busy calling many of her friends to tell them of her find. In our lengthy conversation, one could tell of her passion for teaching and the genuine interest she has in making sure her students are well prepared for moving on to college life.
Today’s short ride of forty-five miles seemed to be a breeze. I guess one can’t help but become fit when you are riding every day.

For the past 2 nights The Kindness Bus Tour has felt like it has been staying at home. The gracious hospitality of Joan Marie Barringer and Ann, two new friends I felt I have known a lifetime, have made staying in the Virginia countryside a joy. Joan Marie has dedicated her life to sharing her fortune with others. Her natural gift of helping others to manifest has changed so many lives worldwide. She has a website worth visiting; www.magicformanifesting.com While staying at her home, we were treated like we were part of the family, Joan shared all of her interests and gave us a tour of her home and studio. Thank you Joan for helping to keep The Kindness Bicycle/Bus Tour moving forward.
Tonight we were invited to a cookout at the home of Sean and Annette, a young couple who helped us with some local recommendations while in town. They introduced us to some of their neighbors and friends, this sort of hospitality helps to make our travels a whole lot easier.

We all remember an assignment we had in school called “What I did on my Summer Vacation.” Bogart has gone north to be pampered and cared for in air-conditioning for the next three months. He is top-dog where ever he goes, it seems. He has a new leash and collar and many new chew toys.
Just when I get to thinking that Bogart is away and I wonder how he is doing, I’ll just take a look at this photo and know he is AOK. I’m thinking if Bogart were to name his summer vacation assignment, it would be called, “I Think I Died and Went to Heaven.”
Today was a day off for The Kindness Bicycle Tour; we drove 240 miles round trip to help a friend move into a new apartment.