WHAT A DAY!!!!!!!

I already spent my Nevada winnings. Went to the podiatrist and had custom inserts made for my plantar facilitis, then to the dentist for a crown for my broken tooth, and poof! The big winnings were all gone. Then took Mom's car to the car wash to get cleaned and vacuumed, and filled it with gas, and returned it to her in gratitude of driving her Accord to Nevada instead of my truck. And the winnings are gone...but at least I didn't have to dip into my checkbook.....thanks casinos!

And when I wasn't giving my winnings away today, I was glued to the TV. What an exciting, historical, uplifting day! I spent time on the phone with family "watching the events together". I heard remarks such as: "Two hundred years ago Africans were being sold on that Mall as slaves. Today they are celebrating our first president of African descent". "Obama is the instrument, but we must make the music", and "This seems to be what my parents felt when the Kennedy's were in office". My sister, Ann, said she watched all day with tears streaming down, and I can only imagine the feelings of her bi-racial daughter-in-law and grand-daughters. Mom said my sister Mary was going to drive the two hours to my sister Terri's to watch the ceremonies with her. Ann and Mary were Bush supporters, but now are enthusiastic about the HOPE that Obama brings to the country. I marveled at the huge crowds in DC, and seeing white, black, yellow and red nationalities standing in the freezing cold waving flags, weeping, and hoping to catch a glimpse of the new president.

I was a teenager when John Kennedy was inaugurated as president and brought in his beautiful wife and two charming children. He said "The torch has been passed to a new generation", and I believe it has again. I hope he will bring the enthusiasm and good will that we felt in those early days of his presidency, so that the younger generation can experience what we felt during those days.

It will be a difficult task. Much of the joy and excitement felt today will fade as things do not change as quickly as some will wish. But I think John Kennedy's quote "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country" will be felt again by this next generation. We are optimistic, hopeful, and wanting the best for all Americans. I hope his example will motivate kids who are potential dropouts, drug abusers, and thieves to believe in themselves, and be all that they can be....to bring good to the table instead of bad. This is the generation who can bring the change to make a better America.

God Bess, President Obama. I wish you a safe and happy presidency for you and your family. Thank you for your willingness to serve, for the risks you took, and for all you have done....and will do. GOD BLESS AMERICA!