Washington was still abuzz with fever the day after.  One friend left for New York from National first thing Wednesday morning and he has never seen the airport that busy.  You couldn’t tell though.  As we entered into town you could feel the excitement.

We started out at Speaker Pelosi’s welcome party for folks at the Cannon Building.  Great event. Some of the best food.  Saw Keith Baraka, Nicole Ramirez, Elmy Bermejo, Rick Galbreath, Susan Bluer.  Also saw Gia Daniller and Steve Katz.  Here’s a picture:

The party was lovely.  Great to see folks and catch up.  Everyone was still talking about ‘purple-gate’.  I’m still amazed at how many people could not get into the inaugural.  Here’s a shot of Julia in front of the Cannon Building:

Afterwards, we headed over to Union Station to shop for memorabilia.   We did some minor sight seeing along the way – like at the Supreme Court with the words ‘Equal Justice Under Law’.  I thought to myself – someday:

Shopping at Union Station was a completely insane experience.   45 minute waits just to purchase mugs, chidlren’s books, pins, and the like.  Totally crazy.  Everyone is so excited about the new administration and all the Hope Obama brings!

Then, off to the staff party which was held at the DC Armory.  Great times with my friends Ellie Schafer and her partner Julie Colwell, Debbie Mesloh.  Here’s a shot of me, Ellie and Deb in front of the official ‘prom’ picture area:

And another one of the five of us

Rumor has it that these folks will not be returning to San Francisco yet and will be spending more time in DC.  in addition to Ellie & Deb, there were hundreds of staff present.  I saw Northern California organizer Peggy Moore, San Francisco organizer Kenya Wheeler.  Heard Matt Haney, Linda Leu, Nate Osborn were there.  Here are some fun pix

Speakers included David Plouffe, The Vice President and Jill Biden, and of course the President and the First Lady.  Some pictures:

For those concerned about lgbt representation in the administration, let me tell you that I met a ton of openly gay staff persons hoping to serve.  They are committed individuals who understand what needs to be done.  Between that, Obama’s announcements on Ethics and Guantanamo and removing troops from Iraq, his postings online reiterating his commitment to lgbt rights, I slept well last night, knowing the best is yet to come….