It has taken me a few days to get back into a more regular routine since the inauguration on Thursday, and I really have wanted to share about my experience at the inauguration as it was so positive.

 

On Wednesday afternoon [Jan. 3], as I was driving around picking up the materials I would need to prepare 600 cups of cocoa, it really started to hit me. I don't think I had really *gotten* what an undertaking it would be.

We've done events in the past and so have accumulated lots of stuff at the plant for this kind of preparation, but because of the limitations at the State House, logistics were definitely going to be different.

So, on Thursday morning, Uri and I loaded up my Volvo with cocoa, cups, whisks, etc., and set off for the State House.

Surprisingly, there was hardly any traffic on 93, or the city streets leading up to the loading dock at the State House.  We got everything in way ahead of schedule.

The halls we were situated in were full of students of culinary programs in the Commonwealth.  They had prepared trays and trays of cookies, tarts, éclairs and pastries of every type. There were areas with small sandwiches, cold beverages, coffee, and, of course, Best Friends Cocoa.

The energy of the place was magical. Everyone participating in the first ever inauguration that was open to the public and that was held outside.

The State House itself is such a beautiful building. The halls are full of sculptures and art, and is rich with history of the Commonwealth. I visited the room where the Legislature works and got to see exactly where [state Rep.] Jim Marzilli [Democrat of Arlington] sits. He's pretty close to the front and has a nice aisle seat.