Just a few observations from the Gallery on the swearing in ceremony the other day. Reflected in the photo below are the members at their desks. I am sure they are listening intently. The Pro Tem had to quiet them only once during the session.

Did you know that the during the ceremony, the members gave a standing ovation roughly twenty four separate times. Yes, I counted, I kid you not. Each time someone introduced their family, the members rose to clap. Each time someone finished speaking, the members rose to clap. Each time a dignitary in the audience was introduced, the members rose to clap.

I was glad my children were present. Maybe they will try this at home! See, here they are standing up and clapping fervently.

After the ceremony adjourned, hearty congratulations were extended. Wait, oops. Look at that photo below. The right side of the room is living in the moment, celebrating, pat on the backs, high fives, fist bumps…but, where is the left side of the room? In the past, it was the left who were euphoric, anxiously anticipating yet another legislative session. Not anymore. On this historic day, they were simply, well, just gone.

I guess they have their first taste of what it feels like to serve in the minority. Yeah, not fun.