It all started just like it did for everyone else..... An invitation from The White House! Then I had to decide who to ask to go with me because my husband said I was going and he couldn't go with me! I could have asked anyone in the chapter and they all would have jumped on it. But Jackie Davidson would have shot me if I had left her behind, so I asked her! We had such a blast! She had friends there in the DC area who treated us like royalty for the few days we were there. We went out to eat, got a riding tour of the area, went shopping and antiquing.

Mount Vernon Restaurant

Then got personally delivered to the White House. We didn't really know what to expect at the reception, but it was so much more. The White House, itself, is just wonderful. The rooms were smaller than I had imagined, but so cozy and warm and inviting. And, of course, I was almost more interested in the details of the rooms and the furniture, etc. Then to add all the magnificent decorations to that. Then they fed us! What a feast! It was something to behold. Waiters in tuxes, with the little towel draped over their arm, and the trays of food and drink. Oh, by the way, the eggnog was the best I had ever tasted and had quite a kick! The tables were all decorated with fresh flowers and were perfect. It was like nothing we had ever experienced before. Then they announced the reception line with Mrs. Bush. I just thought we would get in a line and traipse through, shake hands and be on our way. Not quite. We were each brought to the first lady individually and this gorgeous marine announced us to her. She was so sweet and absolutely beautiful. Jackie and I were in total awe of her and she made us both feel so comfortable. I think she really was impressed with all of our hard work and truly appreciated it.
We left the next day to come home and the only part of the entire trip that I didn't enjoy was the pat down that I got at the airport in Baltimore. I tried to tell them that I hadn't undergone that much of a security check to get into the White House but they went ahead with it anyhow! Other than that, it was a trip of a lifetime! We are only gone from Monday and got Home on Thursday, a real whirlwind trip, but it was the best! SDP and Mrs. Bush should be congratulated for everything they did for all of us!