Well, the big day arrived for the inauguration. It is a relief. What a day! I watched the TV all day. I even watched the train trip from Philadelphia to Washington, D.C.

It brought back the life of Abraham Lincoln. It also brought back the memory of our trip to Florence to see FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt. They came by train. It stopped for a short time and they came and stood on the back cars. A big crowd was there to welcome them.

Everything went smoothly for President Obama’s but it must have been terribly cold. Of course, we women were interested in clothes. If these days weren’t “anti-fur,” Mrs. Obama could have worn a full-length mink coat to keep warm. Those two little girls were very well mannered and stayed through the whole thing. I thought the yellow suit was attractive. I really didn’t like Mrs. Obama’s evening frock. Too girlish and simple. Maybe it might have been more impressive if seen in reality. I believe the dress that Mrs. Coolidge wore was the most appropriate. I think the First Ladies’ evening gowns were on display at the Eisenhower Museum. Their usual place is in the Smithsonian Institute.

I don’t imagine that any of you remember Helen Hayes, the beautiful and talented actress. I just read her autobiography. It is such a dear story. It was probably written in the 1930s.

I had a caller. A woman from Lindsborg. She writes a column in the McPherson newspaper. It was fun to visit with her. I’m afraid she will do an article on me. Oh, dear!

— norma hannaford