Day 2 - It's Not The Heat, It's The Humidity

First official day, and it was very busy.  Started with a run this morn.  Yes, I realized that if I want to drink and eat and enjoy the local cultures without worrying about it, I was going to have to exercise here. Found a great little park/river path just south of the hotel that was a beautiful place to run. I got to see a great sunrise. as well as the local Vietnam Vets Memorial. Of course, I need my social/political music to listen to while I'm running at the DNC - today's selection was Neil Young.

Every morning the CA delegation has a breakfast scheduled with state and national politicians.  Monday morning was exceptional, starting with congressman and civil rights leader/legend John Lewis, and ending with Speaker Pelosi (let's hope we're saying that again in a few months!).  When I see and hear John Lewis, I feel like I'm standing in the room with history.

After breakfast, Diane had to stop to honor an interview request from Kitty Felde, KPCC Wash Correspondent to discuss education and the lack of an education caucus at both the state and national level.  Very cool.  We all remember when Diane was just one of us.  Then it was off into the heat/humidity that is now Charlotte, as hurricane Isaac continues to pump moisture into the area (more on that later).  We found our way to The Presidential Experience, a kind of mobile mini Smithsonian of travelling presidential memorabilia.  Very cool.  Even got to take a picture of Barack's shoes.  And J&M puts the name inside.  Check it out.



Before Rain



After finding a place for lunch (Carolina Ale House.  Good food, great beer selection, air conditioning) we went to the main stage at CarolinaFest, where Jeff Bridges and his band was playing great until the skies opened up.  At that point, I was under an overhang and rode out the 15 minutes staying mostly dry.  Seeing an opportunity, I headed back to the stage near center and about 30 feet back to wait for James Taylor, the native son of NC and star attraction. Unfortunately, after about 4 songs (I Feel Fine, Country Roads, You've Got a Friend, Steamroller), the skies opened up once again.  Before I could find shelter, I got about as wet as if I jumped into a pool.  No worries except for concerns about the camera and iphone, but all was fine in the end.



After Rain



Last event of the evening was a party thrown by the NIAF (National Italian American Foundation "A Voice For Italian Americans In The Public Policy Arena".  Several members of the House were there, and Jim Messina, but Justice Scalia was a no show.  He probably had other plans

Another busy day tomorrow, including first night in the Time Warner Cable Arena (TWCA). Can't wait to hear Michelle, Pres Carter and the tribute to Ted Kennedy among other speakers.  Lastly, a special thanks to my special life partner and wife Deb.  18 years ago we stood in the courtyard of a Marriott in Plainsboro, NJ and promised to love each other for the rest of our lives (at least that's what she says the Jewish marriage certificate says, but I can't read it!).  I can't imagine my life without her, and without her support, encouragement and love I would not be what/where I am today, not personally, not professionally, and certainly not as dad.  Thank you for helping me be more than I ever thought I could be.  Happy Anniversary sweetheart.

Oh yeah, and we ran into John Oliver too