Category Archives: Oklahoma History

Moments

Monday was a big day in my great state and I am still recovering from all of the inaugural events and activities. You know me, I am secretly a closet recluse and would have been especially content watching all of the festivities at home on television in my lululemons.

Never mind the bitter cold and wet snow, this would be the last time that I would have a front (third) row seat to watch a person being sworn in as governor, or get to walk down the hard, stone steps of the Capitol for a Gubernatorial Inauguration, or attend a Gubernatorial Ball as (with) a V.I.P…..so, I ended up taking (was forced by the Senator to take) advantage of this prime opportunity.

In the process, there were some fun moments… like gathering in the Senate chamber prior to the ceremony.

Judging by his smile, the Senator knew I was soaking in the moment, because the Senate chamber is typically off-limits unless you are a member or there for a specific purpose.

I also got to see so many of the wives that I just adore and only run into on occasions such as this. I love these women. We have a bond. Especially when you are standing in line together on marble stairs waiting to walk outside into sub-zero temperatures.

While we were waiting around, I took a photo of the American flag which had been lowered out of respect for the recent tragedy in Arizona.

Seeing the flag lowered and remembering the events of that day caused me to stop and think about this particular ceremony in a somber way.

Here we were, getting ready to walk out onto a public platform to officially swear in the new leadership of our state. Couldn’t some crazy person just as easily be out there in the crowd about to commit the same crime against humanity?

I also realized, possibly at that very moment, that the Senator and I were both in attendance and if something horrific like that were to occur, it was also possible that our children could be orphaned. I did not enjoy these thoughts, but to have ignored them would have been prudent and dishonest.

So, I focused on the massive amount of security, the bomb sniffing dogs, the servicemen and women right behind me with weapons and what I would do if something like that did happen. I am always looking for the best possible escape route! Did I mention the massive amount of security?

Suddenly I became very fond of my third row seat, all nice and snug and crammed in amongst several hundred dignitaries. Well, that and the servicemen and women behind me with guns.

We were fortunate to have the opportunity to meet one of the service women from the Oklahoma Air National Guard while we were waiting inside. She had served a tour in Afghanistan and came to the Capitol with a bracelet she had purchased at a market there. She wanted to give it to the Senate Pro Temp’s wife for one of her grandchildren.

Now, the Senate Pro Temp’s wife Paula, is a wonderful lady and a friend of mine. We have gotten to know each other as our paths have crossed at these type events and venues. The Senate is one big, happy family like that and as I have mentioned before, Senator’s wives have a special bond. So, when the Guardsman (woman) offered Paula the bracelet, she walked her over to me suggesting that her grandchildren would probably fight over it, but our daughter might love it.

Paula has met the Senator’s daughter before. And, while she probably doesn’t remember seeing the numerous layers of bracelets that constantly adorn her arms, I assured her she was correct in her thinking. What a special moment.

So, I took a photo… which is not necessarily like me.

And, then it was time to move it on outside……Brrrrrr.

Good thing I had my gloves with me…..even if they were from different sets and for the same hand.

And I really wanted to give them to my new friend in the Guard because she stood outside in full dress uniform, as they all did, for over an hour and a half without a coat or gloves.

Now, that was heroic and did not go unnoticed.

Counting my blessings and downloading photos from the Inaugural Ball. Lots of pictures of dresses………..

Inauguration Day, Part II

The show must go on, and it did yesterday as my great state celebrated the historic swearing-in of Oklahoma’s 27th Governor.

It was snowing and cold but those in charge of the festivities at the capitol did a marvelous job of moving the event along. It should come as no surprise that this was their fifth swearing-in ceremony, meaning they have been in charge of the logistics from constructing the podium, the sound, the security, to seating the crowd and dignitaries for the last five gubernatorial inaugurations. And, they did a fabulous job under the extreme conditions of the day.

This job didn’t come without its perks either. Here is a photo I snapped of one of the gentlemen in charge with native Oklahoman and country singer, Toby Keith.

He is a good friend of ours (not Toby Keith), but the man in charge. The Senator calls him Pickel. He owns a construction company and I’m sure Pickel was giving Toby very specific instructions before he sang a tribute to our nation’s soldiers.

And, that is another story….about how a country music star manages to play a song on his guitar in sub-zero temperatures.

It really was bone chilling outside. I mean, at that point in the program I could barely feel my feet. However, they must have kept Mr. Keith inside by the fire before his performance because he sang and played to perfection. That is just how good these guys are at running the show.

As I said before, we had front (well, actually third) row seats for the ceremony.

And, even though they were covered in snow our seats were close enough to capture some fun photos.

Like of the oil rig that sits on the south lawn of our state capitol……and those majestic columns….

…and a photo of the Senator’s office. I’m sure it was nice and warm in there.

And, the steps used for the procession back up into the rotunda.

I loved having the presence of so many service men and women who lined the path upwards. Even the ones with guns located right behind us. They made me feel safe.

After the ceremony, we got to catch up with a former governor. He and my Senator are friends and were exchanging stories about cowboy hats….

And, there were some good ones. Stories, that is.

Then, we ran into a Oklahoma Congressman who I have known since I was little.

I used to work for his dad a long time ago. They are good family friends and I am really proud of the job he is doing in Washington D.C.

As the Senator and I headed back up to his office, we happened to look out the window at the people still lined up in the cold waiting to get into the Capitol for the post inaugural reception. I couldn’t help but feel sorry for them. It was bitter cold, but they were witnessing a part of our state’s history and I get that.

Next up….How not to plan an Inaugural Ball!

Inauguration Day

Today is going to be historic.

The first female is going to be sworn in as the Governor of my great state and can we just say, it is about time!

The ceremony will take place down at the marble palace outside on the south steps to be exact. And, it is going to be cold. Like, very v-e-r-y cold. As in snow and sleet and sub-freezing wind chill temperatures.

Eight years ago, I sat on the podium with my Senator and a couple of hundred other dignitaries. It was sunny, and nice. It was also my first time to experience anything like that so, of course it was going to be exciting. Anyway, today we are talking arctic air…so I am seriously contemplating watching this historic event from inside the Capitol building because it will be much more comfortable in there… unless the Senator forces me outside…which he very likely will do. I’ll keep you posted. Regardless, I am just feeling fortunate for the front row seat to watch history in the making!

I’ll be back later today with photos!

Nicely perched in the Senator’s capitol office.

The Inaugural stage looks so cozy from up here.