The Inauguration

My husband and I watched the inaugural today from beginning to end. The weather cooperated for the massive crowds that had gathered in Washington. Icy cold but clear and sunny. Just think, it could have rained or snowed or sleeted but it was a fair day and everyone survived the chill.

I remember the day in January 1977 when Jimmy Carter was inaugurated President of the United States and we were there. Standing room only but close enough to the podium to see and hear all of it. Most of what I remember is the icy cold. So cold that the Potomac river froze over so solid that some were ice skating on it. But that day was sunny and clear also so we braved the cold and witnessed history being made.

We even attended a ball and watched as the first couple danced. The next day my husband and I attended a reception at the White House for President Carter and his wife Rosalind honoring volunteers from Georgia.

It was a thrill being in this historic house for the first time. I could not help but remember the "fireside chats" that Franklin Roosevelt gave via radio when I was a child during the depression. We got to peek in the Map Room where FDR gave these radio addresses or chats.

Later we went to several parties at the White House while Carter was president and once just before Reagan left office. No time could I believe I was actually there and not just dreaming it up.

I have high hopes for our new President Barack Obama and I wish him much success and happiness in his new home with his beautiful family by his side.



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