The Thrill of Washington Countineus for Kate

After living in Washington a short time, I have learned to be prepared for the unexpected.
Recently, I drove John to the airport for what we thought would be a trip back to Nebraska. As we approached the waiting area, John was paged for a telephone call. When he returned he said,
'That was the White House on the phone, the President wants me to go to India for President Ahmed's funeral with Miss Lillian and Chip Carter."
"Should I go?" he asked. "Of course you should go," I replied, "but you don't have any money or a passport." John answered that he told them that and The White House said he didn't need to worry.
Within ten minutes a late-working White House aide opened the door to a black limousine. John climbed in. Off they went to Andrews Air Force Base and an awaiting presidential jet.
Shortly after we arrived in Washington, as we walked back to our hotel, pushing baby Maureen in her stroller, the Capitol sitting splendidly before us, John asked, "00 you think you will be happy here."
"I don't know if I can stand the excitement," I said. We laughed, feeling certain that the thrill would quickly wear off - but it hasn't
Unquestionably, Washington is an exhilarating place and we have delighted in it. Although Jimmy Carter's inauguration was several weeks ago, I still get excited thinking about it.
John Kennedy was sworn in as President when I was in the eighth grade, and ever since, I have watched television and read in the newspaper about the oath of office and the inaugural address. I feel it is one of our country's greatest moments; a transition of great power carried out peacefully. This is an awesome event and I was there witnessing it.
As the Marine Band played "Battle Hymn of the Republic," Gerald Ford, in the closing minutes of his presidency, and Jimmy Carter, anticipating his monumental undertaking, sat next to each other talking. I couldn't help wondering what one talks about under such circumstances.
Life in Washington is different from what we are used to but we are enjoying it I just have to remember to take my map when I go driving and allow more time to get to places.
We are renting a home in an older neighborhood of Washington. We wish we could stay here but unfortunately the owners will be returning from Florida in May.
We are flabbergasted at the high price of real estate - a good deal is $125,000 for a four bedroom colonial style house. We are hoping we can find an Omaha type "good deal."
We do miss our good friends, the prices and conveniences of Omaha, but we hope to have the best of both places by making frequent trips back to Nebraska and by having many of our
Nebraska friends visit us here.
As we go about our new life, we often think: of John's father, Jack. Politics and good government meant so much to him. He was so proud of John. We know he would love to hear our tales of
Washington.
March 10, 1977