Inauguration

Yesterday, I went to D.C. to join in some of the pre-inauguration excitement. The official activities do not start until today, but there were a lot of people getting a head start. The tv crews were setting up, traffic barriers starting to appear, large-screen televisions up and running. MSNBC was broadcasting live from the National Mall (that's the strip of land in front of the Capitol Building, not a shopping plaza). I got up front for a few minutes and was on tv for about 2 seconds. It was really quite fun. The camera guys were getting silly. I think they were cold. The temeratures were below 20 degrees, with a wind chill into the low teens. It was cold.

Of course the big news in D.C. besides the traffic restrictions, is the number of portable toilets available to the crowds, and will it be enough. The entire Mall is lined with port-a-potties, so I hope it's enough. It makes for some interesting photos, and everyone I saw had to stop to take a picture of the mile-long stretch of comfort facilities. Those who have traveled with me know how important it is for me to know where the next bathroom is. It was like a dream come true. Toilets as far as the eye could see!

But seriously, it was great to be a part of the excitement. I am really glad my school district decided to close (all the schools in Northern Virginia will be closed). A lot of people are headed in to see this historic inauguration. I'm glad I will be able to watch it live on tv. In spite of the plethora of comfort facilities, I am opting to watch in the warmth of my own apartment.