President Barack Obama Walks Toward White House

Pennsylvania Avenue never looked so good...or hopeful.

Obviously, I'm all caught up in today's Inauguration festivities. As I watched President Obama's Inauguration speech, naturally one of my dogs (James) needed a walk. Suddenly, I realized how silent it was outside. Normally, I can hear vehicles from the thoroughfare below our street, cars and trucks going about their business downtown, even ferryboat engines...not today. At the very moment when Barack Obama was giving his first speech as the 44th President of the United States of America, there was a palpable hush. At once, I felt such a connection with my country...all alone, walking my dog in the chilly morning air. The quiet of the moment seemed as though everyone, everywhere were united.

I pray this feeling can last...