Ocean View Room

So, big happenings in our Nation's Capital today, hmm?

Kurt and I are blissfully staring at the waves pounding the shore this morning. There has been no TV for days. We are headed in to Tampa today -- Kurt has a business meeting and I am going shopping in Ybor City, the Latin Quarter of Tampa. I have been amazed at how much energy Kurt has had - this has been the best weekend yet, in terms of his ability to be up and doing things. Tonight, we are going to a restaurant with flamenco dancers! I expect that I will be asked to join in.

I know many of my liberal friends are beside themselves with joy right now, and I am happy for them. Watching a president that you believe so strongly in take the oath of office is an extraordinary moment, and the importance of today can't be overlooked. Nonetheless, I am quite happy to be avoiding the overkill of it all. The fawning hysteria is a bit much for me.

We head back to DC tomorrow -- hopefully the chaos will be ending. The challenges that lie before us as a nation are serious, requiring rationality and wisdom, not rhetorical plays to whip a crowd into an emotional frenzy. After today, it is time to turn to the business of governing. And emptying out 60 bazillion port-a-potties.