- not to comment on today's celebration in Washington DC. I had some medical stuff to take care of first thing this morning, and got home just as YoYo Ma and Itzak Perlman (and the clarinetist I didn't recognize) were finishing their performance. So I got to see Obama take the oath, and was surprised to realize I was tearing up as I watched. I have held myself somewhat above all the anticipation, or so I thought.

I really liked the tone of his speech, and will try to get a full transcript somewhere and download it to read it over again at least once.

And just when I thought Rev Lowery was going on much too long with his benediction and was ready to turn off the tube, he swung into his delightful couplets, and the trio of closing "Amens" I thought that part of his prayer was marvelous!

We watched most of the parade, and my favorite group was the Gay and Lesbian band. The drum major was struttin' his stuff, let me tell you, and having a blast. Windsor Colorado band went past at about 4:30 our time, and the other group I watched for was drum corps from a small residential detention center in New Jersey - whose students expressed a desire to have a band. The instructional staff rustled up a couple of drum instructors, found instruments somewhere, and wangled an invitation to march in the inaugural parade. They were featured a week or so ago on the evening news. Good for them!

It was a very special day, and I'm glad I was able to watch most of the goings on.