I'm Back!

I am both back in New Orleans after an amazing trip to DC and KC and back online after experiencing some problems (hopefully all resolved now) updating my web page with all the great photos I took from the inauguration and baptism last weekend. It felt truly historic to be a part of the inaugural festivities in Washington last week. It was a bit cold for the swearing in, and the long security line kept us from hearing President Bush's entire inaugural address. I couldn't help but feel a patriotic vibe during the whole ceremony. The Independence Ball that night was so much fun. President Bush and Laura were there for a few minutes to thank the crowd and enjoy a dance together. We had fun dancing to some great music and enjoyed some wine and cheese. Mostly, I just enjoyed being with Lindsey and getting the too infrequent chance to see Aunt Shirley and Aunts Cindy and Melinda and their husbands. It was also so much fun to be at the ball with Sarah and Travis too!

After less than 48 hours in DC, I was off to Kansas City to see my family and attend Joe and Wills baptism. The Leuschen boys were baptized in the Johnson's home in a lovely ceremony followed by a fabulous lunch. I was honored to be part of this event, and it was wonderful to share the experience with some of Marci and Carl's family and close friends. We are all blessed to have these wonderful boys in our lives, and I know they are blessed with two incredible, caring parents and an extremely loving and supportive extended family.

One thing I did catch somewhere between DC and KC was a sore throat and cough that I am just now starting to get over. I hope I didn't give it to anyone during my travels. To make matters worse, I strained my back pretty bad getting out of the car at the airport on my way home. That is slowly getting better as well. Now I am getting back to reality in the lab and with class work, so I'm immersing myself in statistics, genetics, and blood vessel cells again. Oh well...Fat Tuesday will be here before you know it!