My Merry Christmas (Blog)

This special 12-12-12 was very special for me because I was invited to the White House for a Christmas Reception. Apparently a reward for my work in the campaign, my invitation arrived two weeks before the event. And it's a good thing it did, because it took me a week to believe it was real. 

After spinning for a week, I decided to spend the money to go to Washington, D.C., and take my granddaughter, Lucy with me. A trip to several stores and especially JCP I was outfitted perfectly for the White House. 

Arriving the day before the event, we checked in to the finest hotel in D.C., the Sofitel in Layfette Square, two blocks from the White House. We spent the rest of the day walking around the White house and the Lincoln Memorial and the Reflection pool. We had lunch in the park, $16 for lettuce w/ Ceasar dressing and little else. We took a cab back to the hotel, but the cabbie misunderstood me and thought we were going to the Savoy. As a result, we got a free tour of Foggy bottom and Embassy Row. When I questioned him he apologized and took us to the Sofitel, only $8 for the tour. 

After the day of walking we went to dinner at Bob Evans Steak House. An excellect meal of the finest scallops ever, but at a hefty price. $98 for the two of us, and we drank water. Needless to say, I did not tip 20 percent – more like 2 percent. 

Back at the hotel, we decided to turn in early for the big day tomorrow, and went to bed in the most comfortable, luxorious beds in the world. Pure heaven.

Next morning we had a light breakfast in the hotel, excellent. Then a short stint of shopping. Lucy took our purchases back to the hotel, then on to the White House.

After a short wait at the east entrance to the W.H., we were admitted and ushered through security, which was much friendlier than the security we endured at the various Presidential events in Iowa.  

Finally we reached the entrance hall. A real fantasy. Decorations formed arches leading to the foyer, where a choir from Mississippi University sang Christmas Carols. A beautiful tree with hand-blown balls greeted us and the lights were truly fairy-like.   

After checking our coats we proceeded to the main salon, where a feast awaited. Wine, eggnog, soft drinks and sparkling water, amid lucious treats of all kinds. 

We were allowed complete access to all the White house, except the President's family's private quaters, so we wandered, but not far. It is truly America's Palace. 

We found a reception room where the U.S. Marine Band was playing carols. We stopped to listen and discovered this was where the President and the First Lady would greet us. We remained there for a long time (it seemed), and finally, they entered, coming down the stairway. What cheering! What applause! What a greeting!  

The President thanked us for our work and spoke of the many things we had accomplished and the things yet to come. He thanked us with handshakes and Michele hugged. They are such a beautiful couple and so gracious. Truly American royalty. 

After they left, we were free to wander and drink and eat. We met several very special people, and some more friends from Iowa. As they say, a wonderful time was had by all.

This was my Merry Christmas! And a Merry Christmas to you!