"I love the drums, I love the band, I love a parade!"

Especially today, January 20, 2009, when PBHO had to stay and watch His Own Inaugural parade until the very end!  This may well be the first real work day he has ever done in his lifetime!  Small pleasures!  (No, not you, Billy Jeff!)  We were not going to watch the amabOguration at all but it is an historic event as are all the inaugerals.  Masses of freezing people started lining up last night to find a spot on the Mall to get a look at 44.  However, some people with tickets were denied entrance to their pre-paid-for venue and were forced to turn back.  All the way back.  Will they get refunds or a stimulus or both?  By all accounts the mood of the crowd was celebratory and genial.  There were a few unfortunate incidents:  One woman had a heart attack and another was hit by a train which caused the closure of one Metro station.  We wish only the best to them and for their speedy recovery.  Make Change!  Yes, We Can!

The Obamas were warmly greeted by President Bush and the lovely, gracious Laura for the traditional coffee.  Mrs. Bush was, as always,  very elegant in a soft gray suit.  FLMO was attired in a coat dress ensemble, gold brocade type, more suited for a cocktail party with some "Bling" at the neckline.  The Obama daughters were darling!  Some were questioning the pairing of pink and orange on Sasha.  It worked!  In  the dawning of the era of Hope and Change, both Laura Bush and Lynn Cheney were booooooed upon their arrival at the festivities!!!!  "People Get Ready, There`s a Change A Coming!"  We were unaware of any of this on the FNC or even of the singing, chanting, moaning and groaning when President Bush appeared on the dais.  (Nah, nah, nah, nah, hey, hey, hey, good bye!)  I also observed over the weekend a large effigy of  W where people were invited to throw shoes at him and many did.  So, Change has come or was it turned back? 

In my opinion, Aretha Franklin can belt it out and still reigns as the Queen of Soul.  She received some criticism for her choice of hats, but she has the persona to carry it off and she looked good.  She sang "America" with all the soul she could muster.  The most maligned and scourned by some, Pastor Rick Warren gave the invocation and used the name Jesus more than once and in many languages, opening a door for all who may want to enter.  He held his own.  The oaths of office were administered to Joe the VP and then to PBHO.  The burning debate will forever be, "Who botched the oath, PBHO or Chief Justice John Roberts?"   PBHO went on to speak that, "the US is ready to lead once more."   The burning question will forever be, "Did he really say that and what does it mean?"  (Reparations are comin, reparations are comin`, reparations are comin`)

Hold the Mustard!  The poet.  The poet.  The poet, Elizabeth Alexander.  Renowned and no doubt chosen for her previous and most celebrated lyrical verse entitled, "Mustard Colored Poop"!  Today she spoke of boom boxes and lifting pencils and picking lettuce and cotton  She should have stayed in her rubber room and eaten her pencils.   Or have tried to make a salad.  Her poem was more of a gruel than a goulash.  Slop, actually.  Is this the new poetry?  No, thanks!  Why not enlist Denzel Washington or Morgan Freeman to read the words of Shakespeare, Byron, Blake, or Yeats?  Their words have been inspiring and timely throughout the centuries.  But, maybe this is not that kind of Change?

The benediction!  The aged, Reverend Dr. Joseph Lowery pontificated and prayed, gave thanks and then proceeded to end his blessing with the most racial of overtones:  "... and White will embrace what`s right!"   Thanks, Rev.  Now, we know Change has really come!  "Don`t need no ticket, just get on board!"  Thanks again for the welcome, Rev!  (Reparations are comin`, reparations are comin`)  Is it okay for me to feel offended?  He`s just a typical black reverend! 

The "Star Spangled Banner" never fails to bring me to my feet, catch my breath and make me tear up.  It was sung exquisitely by the Navy Sea Chanters Chorus. 

The Presidential luncheon was not without drama.  Senator Ted Kennedy suffered a seizure and was taken to hospital.  It has been reported he is doing well.  Something also happened to Senator Byrd.  He may have just fallen asleep.  Still watching some coverage .... PBHO and FLMO have just arrived at the Neighborhood Ball.  They were greeted by loud cheers and salutes.  The burning question is and forever will be, "Who put that dog of a cottonwad dress on Michelle?"  Meow.

The staff of Cheeky Monkey will be off line until the weekend but comments are always welcomed and will be replied to.  God bless America!  And God, help us all!