The Inauguration

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to attend the Presidential Inauguration with my friends Alison and Becky. We started out at 5:30 a.m. and arrived at a packed Metro station. We elbowed our way onto an overflowing train and I could sense the other passengers' irritation. To ease my guilt for having pushed our way on, I shouted "I love you all" and everyone laughed. We were all going to the same place, all going to take part in history. And one day our children and grandchildren will read in their text books about the first African American man who was elected President of the United States. I'll be able to say I was there.

Bitter cold and I didn't care until I couldn't feel my feet

Here are Becky and I standing in front of the first police barricade. We were still smiling because it was still early and we hadn't suffered much yet. Little did we know what we were in for.After the barricade was opened, we headed to one of the security check points. There was a secured perimeter around the parade route and everyone had to pass through metal detectors. Here are just a few of the people we shared the day with. The smiles were starting to fade. Three hours later, after standing still in 20 degree weather we weren't feeling as fresh, but we kept our eye on the prize. We weren't going to stand on The Mall all day like most people. We were going to a party in an office on Pennsylvania Avenue where we would get a comfy seat in a warm building, where there would be large restrooms and plenty of food. We finally made it through the check point and limped to our destination. We soon learned that we had been lucky. Some of our friends waited 6 hours in line at a security checkpoint where the power had died, rendering all metal detectors useless. Three hours no longer seemed so horrible. Here are Becky and I starting to feel a little cold. We were grinning and coming close to bearing it. At times, though, the cold wind seemed unbearable.

Presidential View

This was our view from the office we were in. We were right in front of the Navy Memorial and across the street from the National Archives building. We could even see the platform from which Ann Curry and Al Roker were broadcasting all day. At one point Ann was dancing with the crowd that was doing the electric slide. But forget morning talk show hosts. This is what we had been waiting for all day. And we actually saw them, albeit from a window. President and Mrs. Obama stepped out of their bullet-proof Cadillac limo and walked in the street, right in front of our building. I know this picture isn't that great, but you can tell it's them. Michelle's yellow dress stands out in a crowd.

So now I can say I witnessed history. I attended the Inauguration of President Barak Obama, our nation's 44th president. And not only did I witness it, but I was inspired by this epic event. It is our turn to join in and do something that makes our country better. What will I do? What will you do? Let's start thinking and let's start doing. Regardless of our political views, we can all do our part to make American even better.

Federal Treat

A party isn't posh without the ultimate favor. I'm pretty sure this one takes the cake. Or the chocolate bar. Eating the White House and the national Capitol never tasted so good.

Beautiful Sister

Take a look at what my sister Rebecca is doing this weekend. http://www.jennejohndance.com/performances.htm.

I'm so proud of her!