Inauguration

Woke up to a call about school cancelled due to the weather, which was fortunate since the alarm clock didn't go off.  Turned on MSNBC to see the Mall already filling, so got moving quickly.  Talked about whether to go to the Parade or Swearing-in, decided on Swearing-In.   

Soldiers everywhere, including our hotel lobby.  Very friendly, though.  Very crowded outside, but again, very quiet.  Get to where we are told the Purple Ticket entrance is.  Back-up about two blocks.  No official directors around.  Packed in like sardines.  After about 2 hours a bull horn tells us to go two blocks to the end of the line.  Run into someone I know in the line, but people start fussing about us cutting.  We figure we were really better off where we were and go back.  Finally head toward the gate and seem to make progress, but then the gate closes.   Wait a little longer and see another open gate.  Everyone is chanting "We Have Purple Tickets, Let Us In."   That gate closes about noon and we are out of luck.  I must say everyone in the crowd was pretty accepting, though disappointed.  Didn't really see any altercations, just the one lady fussing at us.   The guns go off and I cry, tears of happiness for the moment and disappointment in missing it.  We head out and stop to listen to the speech from a car radio.  A big crowd gathers and applauds at the end.   We walk a little and catch a cab back to the hotel.