Brrrrrrrrr Humbug......

I have lived in Minnesota for 2 years now and I have learned one thing. The weather effects your mood. I now suffer from seasonal effective disorder. I think that's what they call it. People here get depressed in the winter. Holed up inside for a few months a year is just a way of life for Minnesotans. Sure people here enjoy their ice fishing, snow sports and Winter Carnival but for the most part December through February we hibernate...therefore it can get seriously depressing. I now understand why people have cabins. To avoid cabin fever.

After a month of temperatures in the teens and windchills 20 and 30-below, we finally got a small, crumb-sized taste of spring...The sun was shining as a warm front came through overnight. It felt great. The burst of warm air in my lungs felt like an early spring day. I even heard a bird chirpping and I started scanning around the sea of snow for blades of grass..even dead grass... I felt this weight was lifted. I was in a good mood and took my dog Murphy for an extra long walk. Life is good..

My bubble burst when I checked the temperature and it was just 30. How could 30 degrees seem so warm? It's still officially freezing outside and I'm thinking I may need sunscreen. The worst part about it......we had 1 day of 30 degrees. That was yesterday. As I write this- the temperature is minus 6.....wait..............seriously it just changed...it's now minus 7 . Wake me in April.

Moving Day

I'm always fascinated in the behind the scenes details.
The United States has few political ceremonial traditions but Inauguration Day has to be the most interesting of them all. It is a day full of customs, protocol and tradition celebrating the transfer of power. The historical significance of this Inauguration aside, I find the small details of Inauguration Day the most interesting.

The day started with the President -Elect, Vice President -elect and their wives attending services at St. John's Church, known as the "Church of Presidents" just a few blocks away from the White House. After church, the families arrive at the White House and are greeted in the North Portico by President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush. Michelle Obama arrived with white box wrapped in red ribbon for the outgoing First Lady Laura Bush. (That gift will be numbered and documented by the White House Gift Registry as the First Families last official gift) The 45 minute White House visit was officially called a "coffee" but I'm not sure if any coffee was actually served.




Next comes perhaps the most awkward part of Inauguration Day. The limo ride of incoming and outgoing Presidents to the Capitol. (Outgoing President is seated on the passenger side)







Some years the ride is a little more awkward than others. Presidential historians say Dwight Eisenhower and Harry Truman got into an argument during their 12 minute trip.

Scholars also report the limo ride of Presidents Carter and Reagan was a little frosty as well. (left)

Immediately following the Inauguration Address, then former President Bush is escorted to Edwards Air Force Base where he will fly home to Crawford Texas. He'll be on board the same plane but it is no longer referred to during that trip as "Air Force One" since he is no longer President.

At exactly 12:01pm, even before President Obama took the oath of office the White House website was changed to the new administration.

In the 6 hour time of transition, a team of 95 people will be completely transforming the White House residence to the Obama family specifications. All 135 rooms including 35 bathrooms will be changed over. Closets will be filled with Michelle's designer clothes. Obama's favorite food in the fridge. And the children's toys placed their new bedrooms. There will be no moving boxes or any sign of the Bushes. 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue will then officially be the Obama's home.

Do it for Dawk..Go Eagles!!

Melissa Loven Benefit

Earlier this year, Melissa was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, a cancer that is both shocking and life altering. Melissa and her husband, Twin Cities musician Jeff Loven have 2 small children and mounting medical bills. Although we are optimistic for her recovery, there is no doubt there is a very long road ahead for them.

On Sunday January 11th, family and friends will gather to help raise money and support the Lovens need to get back on track. Come join us for a day of live music and fun as we unite for this wonderful cause and extraordinary family.

Silent auction items include autographed CD's and DVD's by Bon Jovi and Sugarland, guitars, ink time, leather jackets and more.

Benefit is being held at Throwbacks in Woodbury

Doors open at 1pm. Music starts at 3pm