Exploring the White House.

 

What a fun little book...and so right for this week.  Exploring the White House targets middle school readers, but I bet most adult readers would find it fascinating and informative as well.  Several maps give us the layout of the main floors, the grounds, and the gardens.  Looking at those simple maps alone shows how complex it must be to make the day to day needs run smoothly, not to mention the extra efforts that go in state events, or foreign dignitary visits.  Throw in some kids, some presidential pups, and a ghost or two just for good measure.

Too, too much to cover here, each page explodes with information.  I'm going to give you a few fun facts today...

• The maids avoid Room 328. Hmmm. I wonder why
• It takes 300 gallons of white paint to cover the exterior of just the residence portion of the White House
• If there was no formal event going on during a weekend, the Obamas allowed their butlers to wear khakis and polo shirts; the butlers declined.
• President Johnson was a stickler for turning lights off after leaving a room
• The President and VP are never alone.  There are armed guards on duty 24/7
• On inauguration day, outgoing family's belongings are packed and taken out one door, while incoming family's belonging come in through another door.  In and out in about six hours.
• First families live rent-free in the White House, but each month they get an itemized bill for what they consume - everything from tp to bananas
• When the president eats outside of the White House, a security person stays in the kitchen being used and watches as the meal is prepared
• When Jackie Kennedy was asked by an annoying journalist what her dog eats, she replied, "Reporters".

There's more.  You can open any page and start discovering.  I found that - for a while - it helped me forget about...well, you go ahead and finish that.

Thanks for stopping by.

Stay safe. Stay healthy. Stay happy.

9 weeks until spring.