Sunday, I took some time out to visit the cherry blossoms at the tidal basin in Washington DC.  This was my first time seeing them (that I can remember) in more than 10 years.  Even though all the trees were not yet in full bloom, I was able to find enough that were camera-ready.  There are just a few more days left to catch the pink blossoms at their peak.  The National Cherry Blossom Festival began on March 28th and will continue until April 12, 2009.  Here are some images I created of the cherry trees, in color and infrared (black & white).

On January 20th, I had the opportunity to be among the millions of people gathered on the National Mall for the swearing in ceremony of our 44th U.S. President, Barack Obama.  My journey began at 4am on the way to the Metro station, and included hours of waiting in lines for the 11:30am inauguration.  At the end of the day, it was ALL worth it.

During the ceremony, I was standing in the section directly behind the seats.  I must say, after being a part of the crowd and witnessing the emotion that day, I will never look at those DC monuments and Capitol building the same again.

The crowd was about four or five times larger than at the Lincoln Memorial concert two days earlier.  Here are some images from Inauguration day in DC.

Waiting in line before sunrise.

Secret Service and the back of the line for my gate.

The view from where I stood

Another view from the same place, zoomed in.

The moment of the day

People taking photos with the presidential seal

I was there!

Colin Powell waving to the crowd, while waiting to do a TV interview

The view of the Mall from the Capitol

The beginning of the parade route, view from the Capitol

People were walking on the frozen reflecting pool, some more nervous than others.

Kodak moments everywhere…

Even police officers couldn’t resist.

Lots of interesting signs being displayed

Steady stream of people exiting the subway station, just after sunset.

On Sunday afternoon, the city of Washington DC hosted an opening ceremony on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, to kick-off the 2009 Inaugural festivities.  The star-studded event included performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Bono, Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, Renee Fleming, Herbie Hancock, John Legend, Shakira, Bruce Springsteen, will.i.am, and Stevie Wonder to name a few.  Jamie Foxx, Martin Luther King III, Queen Latifah and Denzel Washington also made special appearances during the program.  Barack Obama addressed the crowd with a speech near the end of the program. Here are some images I captured at the event.

Metro… The best way to get to the monuments.

The line

Overflow crowd viewing one of the many jumbotrons

Martin Luther King III speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

Mary J. Blige performing

Joe Biden speaking at the Lincoln Memorial

On December 7th, the Ivy Foundation hosted their annual Tea Rose Ball at Washington Navy Yard in DC. This event also marked the 25th anniversary of the Xi Zeta Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Congratulations! A few presentations were made, including a salute to the chapter’s charter members. Thanks to The Soul Patrol for keeping the party going with their live music.

Xi Zeta Omega charter members

Special presentation