Inauguration Day

Twenty years ago, I went to Bill Clinton's first inauguration. I was so lucky to be able to attend. My aunt was a guest on a bus trip sponsored by a Michigan State Rep for whom she had campaigned; I got to tag along with them.
D.C. was jam-packed and it was really exciting to be a part of it. I'm from a really little town, so most cities are exciting to me, but Washington during an inauguration is amazing. Of course, we were just part of a throng of people, so we couldn't see the festivities that well. Eventually, like many others, we got cold and went to a lounge to watch the rest on TV with some drinks.
There was a State senator in our group, too, and some folks quickly figured out that we got better service if we addressed him, loudly, as "Senator." We even got to attend an inaugural ball.
Regardless of your politics, it's fun to be a part of an historical tradition that brings together so many people. It's a wonderful memory and I had a great time, but I'm glad I'm not freezing in that crowd today!

Routine Reestablished

Yep, it’s been quiet here lately. It’s tough to reestablish a habit, ya know?
In the meantime:
• I put down one of my oldest pets, Mama Kitty. She had a good life and brought me much happiness.
• I suddenly find myself reconnecting with my property. I have lots of ideas for the house and yard and I’m fascinated with yard décor. This weekend, I placed the pictured St Francis statue to oversee my pet cemetery. He’s just one of many new items for the yard. I don’t know where this is coming from, but I did recently decide against relocating, so maybe I’m just recommitting to my home?
• I’m all out-of-sorts with the holiday closings of the rec centers at work. I keep showing up in a bathing suit to find the pool closed!
• A Facebook friend is chronicling the illness, death and responsive grief of her husband on her page. I commend her openness, but I’m so glad I wasn’t on FB when I lived through it.
• I LOVE January! The promise of a new start in a new year is so invigorating! I’m still working on my resolutions.
• There will be no trip to Treasure Island this year; I’m in financial recovery mode from Morocco and saving to see the lavender fields of Provence in June. I’m on a serious budget! (Except for yard décor, that is . . .)
• In the absence of a full-blown vacation, I need a road trip.