We survived the Inauguration2009!

I am sorry I have been a little out of touch with you all. What a wonderful week I am having. So much fun to visit with dear friends.

Will have photos of the inauguration of Barack O later...Putting in 1/2 days work filing evidence for CASA today.

I am so grateful Dad was able to join me for this particular adventure. On MLK day, we went to DC to pick up photos from Congressman Ike Skelton's office...When we picked up the tickets, the aid read a note on the envelope, went to the back room and Ike came out to say HI. No wonder he is such a beloved, long term politician. He makes it a point to make hometown folks welcome.

Chas brought us over so say HEY to Alli, who works for Alabama Congressman Davis. Apparently he is throwing his hat in the ring for governor, so THAT office was jam packed.
Chas took us to lunch on the hill and was as charming as always.

A GREAT big thank you to Kathy K for meticulously planning our entrance to the Inaugural events. She got up to transport us to the Huntington Metro @ 6 a.m. We got there early enough to SIT down. Steams of happy folks got on the train as we gleefully trekked to DC.
Someone I was chatting with nicknamed me "MISSOURI" ...in time the entire train starting calling out their STATE which turned into their name for the day. Met lots of very well educated people who were so excited about the potential changes in government. The tickets Ike gave us were AWESOME. We were 250 yards from the Capital Building... A clear photo of BO was difficult to get...trees in the way. So if any of the shots turn out, it will be a jumbo tron photo.

We wish leaving was as easy as getting into the Blue Section of the Capitol Steps. Apparently a woman fell off the ramp in the metro...they couldn't get her up and out, so she was advised to roll under the ramp as the train approached. Thank GOD she was not killed, and only experienced a shoulder injury.

Due to this mishap, they CLOSED the metro!!!! Don't know how many folks showed up, but from where we stood it looked like a wall of people from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial.... So, all these folks converged at the metro stations less happy than before the ceremony, due to fatigue and COLD weather. It got MOB like, so Dad and I literally walked onto the 395 South Freeway ramp and WALKED FROM DC TO VA :-) 7 miles later we were delighted to find a Starbucks were we could refuel with green tea!

Did I mention Dan's flight left Reagan National @ 5:20 p.m. ???? God bless John and Kathy who brought Dad's bags from our room, picked us up in Crystal City and took Dan to the airport.

As Dad sat on the plane, I went back to the Kellehers, and packed for a visit with Morgan and Nancy Ames. Got there as Dad took off. Enjoyed a wonderful dinner and great conversation until I fell asleep @ 8:45 p.m. (Up @ 3 p.m. that morning!)

Enjoyed a wonderful breakfast with Morgan who showed me Morgan Jr and Meaghan's wedding shots. I shared Patrick and Nell's photos (I pirated :-)...and video taped a message to you both from Morgan. Will not post photos until I am home in KCMO Saturday.

Lunching with Margot and dining with Margot and Michael Delaney and Carol and Steve Nielson tonight. On the flight home tomorrow @ 6 a.m. Full day of work in Marshall MO starting @ 9:30 a.m. Friday a.m. Looking forward to a little rest on Saturday, but am so grateful for our friends here in Alexandria and the opportunity of a life time to witness HISTORY.

p.s. Dougie John went to the same high school as Obama in Hawaii. Met a rather beautiful, diplomatic couple here from Hawaii who claim Obama's humility is cultural :-)