England for Obama

is falling in love, then today is the marriage ceremony.

It’s 8am as I type this, and the weather outside is partly cloudy, partly sunny… and undoubtedly cooold.

I am off to watch the inauguration ceremony and parade from The Willard Hotel, right next to the White House, where the New York State Society is throwing a brunch for 1,500 people. 1,500! That’s a lot of bucks fizz and scrambled eggs.

After that, I’ll be dashing back home to write another piece for Orange News, getting showered and jumping into my Kate Winslet Golden Globes 2009 Lookey-Likey Finery, and heading out to the Arizona State Society Ball. Well, when in Rome… you’ve got to put on a frock, drink champagne, dance the night away and try not to shout at John McCain, haven’t you?

Anyway. So: if you don’t hear from me until that little lot’s over, don’t worry, I haven’t been trampled in the crowds or arrested for getting leery at a police horse. MK will be live-blogging here during the ceremony – Barack is sworn in at 12 noon local time/5pm UK time – and don’t forget, you can watch the proceedings on British television here and via the official live stream here.

And if you’re off to a party tonight too, have a wonderful time.

This is an amazing day. We’re about to see history in the making – and, I don’t think it’s any exaggeration to say, the start of a new America. Enjoy, everyone.