I still get emotional when I think of this day.  Why……I’m not sure but I’m not alone.  CNN had contacted me earlier and had arranged for a car to pick Chris and I up at our hotel.  They wanted us to come to their studio and do an interview.  This was exciting!  We had to be picked up really early… I think it was around 6:30 or 6:45 am.  Oh well the price of fame.  We then got a text that we had more time and the car would come later…..however it came earlier! 

Our interview was to be aired at 9:15 am.  This would give us time to get to the Capitol to see the swearing in at 11:30 am.  However, when we got to CNN we were pushed back to 9:45 am.  Chris and I went to the green room for coffee and pastries.  We were watching the crowds gather at the Capitol on the TV.  We started getting nervous that we wouldn’t arrive in time to see the event we can all the way from FL to see.  So we ditched the show and took off on foot for the Capitol.  I think we made the right decision because the lines were so long that we couldn’t find the end!!!  We kept saying, “ is this the yellow line…yes it is, is this still the yellow line….yes it is”.  Finally we found the end!  We took our place and took one step at a time.  I think we were in this slow moving line for a couple of hours.  Once we got to security it went faster.  Unfortunately because of the temporary bleacher erected for the media we couldn’t see the podium.  However there was another large jumbo tron right in front of us just a few feet away.  The crowds were excited and emotional.  As were we. 

The festivities were: 

•  Musical Selection: The US Marine Bank, followed by The San Francisco Boys Chorus and The San Francisco Girls Chorus
• Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks: Senator Dianne Feinstein
• Invocation: Dr. Rick Warren
• Musical Selection: Aretha Franklin
• VP (elect) Biden sworn in by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, the Honorable John Paul Stevens (sounds like a musical group)
• Musical Selection: John Williams, composer/arranger with Itzhak Perlman, (violin), Yo-Yo Ma (cello), Gabriela Montero (piano) and Anthony McGill (clarinet)
• President-elect Barack Obama took the Oath of Office using President Lincoln’s Inaugural Bible administered by the Chief Justice of the US, the Honorable John G. Roberts, Jr.  (which the Chief flubbed up and the President had to retake the oath) 
• Then the Inaugural Address
• Poem Elizabeth Alexander
• Benediction: The Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery
• and then the National Anthem: The United States Navy Bank “Sea Chanters”

What a memory I have. 

Since Chris and I gave away our parade tickets to Kate & Karl on Monday we headed back to ….you guessed it…Sonoma’s!  It was the only place to eat.  We watched the parade and got to see President Bush board Air Force One for the last time and head back to Texas.  The crowd in the restaurant cheered!  It’s so nice to once again be proud of our President.  I felt sorry for President Bush and his wife.  What a tough job for anyone.

One great piece of news I received when I arrived at our hotel was that we were invited to the Bipartisan Dinner honoring Vice President-elect Joseph R. Biden.  This event was tonight at the Union Station.  Our names were on the list!  It sure beats watching Two and a Half Men on Monday nights.  Sorry Charlie.

Chris and I took off on foot to find our way around Capital Hill.  Our hotel was just two blocks from the main event “The swearing-in Ceremony”.  We thought it would be a good idea to find our way there today.  There were signs everywhere saying YELLOW and PURPLE etc.  We were Yellow.  The Capital was surrounded with people already.  We found our spot and took off to see the White House.  It was a long walk but we got to see so much going on in the town.  It was hard to see the White House from so far back but we got a few pics. 

We took the Metro back to the hotel and went straight to Sonomas for a drink.  Our waiter was running around like crazy trying to feed all these people.  He did a great job.  Even though it was really crowded we got a snack and a couple of drinks.  Back to the hotel to get all dolled up for our dinner with the Bidens! 

The front desk tried to secure us a taxi but it was just impossible.  I had to walk 12 BLOCKSin Manolo Blahniks on cobble stone.  My feet were killing me but on I went.  The line was longer to get into this dinner than the opening ceremony.  But a least we were under cover and out of the streets and the cold.  Yes our names were on the list!!!! 

We ditched our coats and found the “open” bar.  There were probably 300 people at this party.  We all met in an open room at Union Station and then were called to our tables.  I think we were table 19.  The decorations were beautiful with candles everywhere.  We were finally getting to meet the other 9 essay winner and their guest.  We were all seating near one another. 

We had a great meal of Fennel-Spiced Prawns with Citrus Salad, Lemon Pepper Won-Ton Crisps (served with Joel Gott Sauvignon Blanc) then Pink Peppercorn Tenderloin, Roasted Baby Vegetables, Potato Truffle Gratin (served with many glass of Meridian Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon) lastly we had Butterscotch Mousse Tulips.  And best of all we got to sit down!!!

After dinner a big surprise….Carol King!  Carol King played the piano and sang.  It was wonderful.  She looked the same as when she did the cover of Tapestry.  Well almost, we were way in the back. 

Then Joe, I like to call him that, came out and talked about his days traveling on the Metro.  He ended his days leaving this very same station!  Then a big surprise…..the king himself…..Mr. President – elect came out and talked about what a great guy Joe was.  It was amazing.  We were so close but so far away……..

We took some pics of the winners and headed back to the hotel.  I can’t remember the walk back I think I blocked it from my memory.  My feet were in shock. 

The inauguration committee had left us a nice gift when we arrived in our room… An inauguration tote filled with buttons, caps, coins and a really nice photo of the Obama’s the night he won the election (11/4/08).  It has some of his speech framed with it …”If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer”. 

That was really nice of PIC 2009!  Thank you again!

We got great news today from our energy engineer FL Hero.  Lot 44 Meadows on the Prairie scored a 63 on the HERS Index  That is excellant news.   This home will qualify for an Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM).  You can learn more about the rating thru this link http://www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/building_america/about.html

By the time I got to work Linda informed me that I was going to be on the Today Show!  Well I don’t watch it but I do love Meredith!  The Today show would be calling me later.  By this time my phone was ringing off the hook.  Maribeth (my property manager and only employee) was taking calls.  Of course the Gainesville Sun called (local paper), An online Builder Magazine, Channel 2 Orlando, Business Beat Live, Miami Herald, The Washington Post, let me say it again The Washington Post!, Two AM radio stations that I can’t remember, Ocala Star Banner, Mid Florida Radio, Singular Magazine, CNN, Ellen DeGeneres, Entertainment Tonight and a few I just simply forgot.  You aren’t in Kansas anymore Dorothy.  I was in OZ!

Not knowing anything about DC I stopped at the front desk to ask about some local restaurants.  Good news, the one I wanted to try was just around the corner.  It was called Sonoma.  I took off on foot and couldn’t find the damn thing anywhere.  I must have walked around for an hour.  I asked several people and they sent me in the wrong direction.  The police officer I stopped had no idea where it was.  Just about the time I was going to give up I found it.  I must have walked right past it. 

It was warm and dark inside.  I sat at the bar and immediately liked the place.  I did feel a little alone but not too bad.   After a few minutes the couple next to me left and another couple grabbed the seats.  The place was packed.  Thankfully the couple (which they were just friends) were friendly and fun.  Kate works for Smart Antenna.  She has a blog at   http://outlandosmusic.com/blog/2009/01/26/20-feet-from-obama/ .   Karl lives in Philly and hopefully we will get to see him again when we visit my best friends Molly and Frankie.  If you want to see some of Karl’s art work visit www.karlmullen.com.  Karl books musicians for venues in Philly.  Please read her blog…she is a much better writer than me and has some pictures of the night we met. 

The wine was great and the food delicious.  After dinner I walked to a small convenient store and bought some champagne and snacks.  I was eager to use my new glasses.  Chris arrived later that night and I got to share all my adventures with him.  We were both excited to have Monday to explore Washington.

All bundled up and on the shuttle bus by 8:15 am I was ready to start my DC adventures on my own.  Chris wouldn’t arrive from Phoenix until later that evening.  I had the video camera that Entertainment Tonight sent me in my pocket as well as my own.  The shuttle bus was empty!  One couple from out of town was seated in the front.  They had arrived in town with no tickets to any events, just happy to be in DC at this time in history.  Two women boarded after me and the bus took off for the Lincoln memorial.  The women were volunteers with the inauguration committee. They said all the volunteers had on a red cap.  Good to know!  For their work on the inauguration they would receive tickets to the parade.  Everyone had a smile on their faces. 

We arrived near the memorial.  The security check point was almost empty as well.  Boy was I early, the show didn’t start until 2:30 pm.  I was expecting long lines and many delays in getting in.  Where were the 2 million people!   I had time to kill (like two hours) before I needed to make my way into the event area (right in front of the Lincoln memorial).  I popped into the souvenir shop (mainly because I was cold, I guess the layering didn’t help this FL girl) and looked around.  It was packed with people buying everything OBAMA.  Coloring books, pencils, cups, t shirts, etc.  I’m not really a collector but I did spot some champagne glasses that I had to have.  I could use these at my next wine club meeting.  The lady behind the register said she would hold them for me after the event.  Would I remember to pick them up?  Hey I’m fifty and forgetful.  I took a chance and left them behind. 

My spot wasn’t really close to the main stage but close enough.  There were big jumbo trons every where.  Everyone around me seemed excited and happy to be there.  It took hours for the show to start but they did have some entertainment on the trons.  Ellen DeGeneres came on and was kidding everyone about being cold.  And yes it was.  Thanks Ellen, she really did take our attention off our waiting.  Soon the show began.  I wish I could remember all the entertainment but remember I’m 50!  But some of the musical performers were Beyonce, mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, Heather Headley, John Legend, Jennifer Nettles, John Mellencamp, Usher, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, James Taylor, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder.  Did I forget anyone? Jon Bon Jovi how could I forget him!  What no Aerosmith!!!  Bummer    Some movie stars did historical passages, they were Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah, and Denzel Washington.  Of course the President Elect, Michelle, Joe, Jill and the kids were all there and when I turned around and looked at the Washington Memorial I saw a million other people.  That sight was one of the wonders of the world!  The crowd were so far back that it looked like a sea of color.  I hope the jumbo trons worked for them.  There was no way they could see anything.  But they just wanted to be there to be in the excitement.  And you could feel it in the air! 

When the show was over I got on the bus pretty quickly.  It had been six hours since I left the hotel.  I was ready to get back and grab some dinner and relax.  The ride to the hotel was a mess.  The streets were filled with people.  We couldn’t move an inch.  The driver tried using his horn but the moving was slow.  Some of the streets were closed off and we had to take the L O N G was home.  Oh by the way the bus was packed this time.  And I did remember to grab my champagne glasses!  The most amazing thing about today was the crowds behind me.  Just incredible!

I ran to the office this morning to retrieve my long underwear stored there.  Then I had to drop off my dress to have it hemmed.  I was hoping she would do it at this late notice.  Ran to Circuit City to buy a video camera.  It was busy.  I guess everyone thought since it was going out of business that there would be some great deals.  I didn’t find a deal but did get a camera. 

I ran into a nail salon and got a pedicure, manicure and eyebrow waxing.  Hey if you could have seen my toes you would have agreed that I needed some attention.  I ran home and finished packing.  Made the bed, gave Macy a kiss goodbye and took off to grab my dress. 

When I got to the Gainesville airport, I saw Taryn (a friend from my investment group).  She was on her way to Telavive.  Wow, I thought I was taking a big trip to DC.  I had three bags to check and that cost me 165.00.  Wasn’t expecting that!  BE safe Taryn….see you back in Gville.

The flight was quick to Atlanta.  I finally got a bite to eat in Atlanta and had some time to kill.  My gate A05 got changed to A21.  Then at A21 I got busy talking to several other people going to DC.  We were chatting so much that the attendant closed the doors to the tarmac.  I ran up to get on the plane and she told me it was full.  I was shocked.  I was going to miss my flight.  (The flight had already been delayed an hour).  The attendant looked on another flight and found ONE seat!  That flight was boarding at the very same moment at gate A15.  So I took off running……

I felt that the passengers around me were as excited about going to Washington as I was.  It seemed like everyone wanted to know what brought us to this point.  Jose told me about being an immigrant and getting his green card and then his citizenship.  He put himself thru school and is a successful attorney in Texas.   Good luck with your new girl Jose!  Bonnie lived in DC years ago and was excited to return and visit with friends.  Bonnie is a divorce attorney in Phoenix….I could have used her years ago…several times…..

Its funny how supporting Obama for president can bring a common bond between strangers.  This is how it should be….one race…..human!  And it feels good!

We started our decent and I was able to see the Washington Monument and the Capitol dome.  I was finally in DC!

The streets weren’t as crowed as I had thought they would be.  I arrived at our hotel and went to my room.  My tickets were in an envelope.  I took them out and looked at them.  I am so thankful to PIC2009 who made this trip possible.  Holding the tickets in my hand made me feel special.  I can’t wait to get out tomorrow and explore and to attend the Welcome ceremony.

I’ve never been to Washington before.  When I tell people that they say “Your kidding!”.  I guess I should have made the trip before (after all I’m fifty) but just never did.  I ‘ve been to Ireland, Paris, Japan, London and even Jordan (I got to meet Queen Noor).  I’ve been all over the US but never stepped foot in our nations capital.  In school I did win a trip to Valley Forge!  About a month ago I told Chris, you know I’d really like to take a trip to Washington DC.  And now I’m going to Washington. 

Last night PIC called and gave us our accommodations!  Yea, we are only two blocks from the US Capitol.  Better pack some walking shoes because we are quite a distance from the Lincoln Memorial. 

I also found out that we will be getting tickets to a black tie dinner hosted by Joe & Jill Biden.  That will be on Monday night.  Hey I didn’t have plans for Monday night so why not meet the VP and his wife!   Beats watching Two &  1/2 Men!  Sorry Charlie…..

I’m going to get back to packing….where’s my long underwear. (My plane leaves at 3:30 pm)

Late last night I got an e-mail from PIC 2009.  I’ve leaving Gainesville on Saturday!  We are returning on Wed.  Chris will meet up with me on Sunday night.  Can’t wait. 

I tried the dress I have in my closet on last night and it looks ok.  It’s warm and comfortable but not fancy.  I might try and find something else.  My dress is just a little too robe looking……..I think I would like a little sparkle!