From President Bush to Perez Hilton, come see my photos!

This past Saturday was a very busy, but very exciting day.  It started out at my home in Bedford with an Easter egg hunt for about 30 children, accompanied by their parents.  I realize that Easter has come and gone, but this delayed hunt was being photographed for my new Entertaining book.  The spring gardens were lovely, as were the decorations, and fortunately, the weather cooperated for the children to have a really fun time.

Later in the day, my friend, Charles Simonyi, flew us in his jet to Washington DC, to attend the White House Correspondents’ Association (WHCA) dinner held at the Washington Hilton Hotel.  The WHCA was founded in 1914 by journalists who were concerned about protecting the interests of reporters and correspondents assigned to cover the White House.  Its annual dinner is quite a gala, raising money for WHCA scholarships and to honor the professional recipients of the WHCA’S Journalism Awards.  It was wonderful seeing old friends and meeting so many other fascinating people.  I hope you enjoy my snapshots.

Guests arriving on the red carpet at the White House Correspondents' Association annual dinner on Saturday night.

I was so happy to meet up with Bill Yosses, a friend who is now the Executive Pastry Chef at the White House. He told me all about recently making the Pope's cake. He is now busy planning Jenna Bush's wedding cake. To his left, is a friend of Bill's

I wore this lovely brown chiffon dress with topaz beads and earrings.

This is Perez Hilton, celebrity blogger, who stopped to chat up the Jonas brothers, the American pop-rock band.

There was too much buzz to hear what they were talking about, but everyone was very, very intent!

President Bush greeting Charlie Wilson, who is standing next to ABC's Ann Compton, the chairperson of the event.

The very cute and, I must also say polite and well-behaved, Jonas Brothers, have a very large and cute bodyguard.

Here I am with my hostess for the evening, Executive Editor of People Magazine, Betsy Gleick.

At the party, I bumped into Larry King - that's Charles Simonyi with me.

I loved meeting Donatella Versace - her dress was quite form-fitting and beautiful. \

It was a pleasure seeing Henry Kissinger, who is always jovial and friendly.

My old friend, Patricia Duff - ex-wife of Ron Perlman - looked very glamorous.

Here I am with Mr. Donald Graham, son of Katherine Graham, former head of The Washington Post newspaper.  Donald is now CEO and Chairman of the Board of The Washington Post Co.

Aaron Eckhart played a handsome chef in his last movie, 'No Reservations' - co-starring with Catherine Zeta-Jones

2 camera guest paparazzi

more guest paparazzi

It was nice to see an old friend, John McLaughlin, of PBS's The McLaughlin Group.

My friend, Charles, entering the Newsweek bash, hosted by Lally Weymouth and her brother, Donald Graham.

The former ambassador to Hungary, Nancy Brinker, and Charles Simonyi, who was born in Hungary.

Lally Weymouth looked gorgeous in her red dress.

Former Secretary of State, Madeline Albright - NBC news correspondent, Andrea Mitchell - and Padma Lakshmi, actress, writer, television host.

Charles with Donna Shalala, former Clinton Secretary of Health & Human Services - now President of the University of Miami.

Here I am with Tina and Terry Lundgren. Terry is President and CEO of Macy's.

Evelyn Lauder and Tina Lundgren.

Charles, Lally Weymouth and Leonard Lauder

Here I am with the Commandant of the US Marines, James T. Conway. He gave me a medal for my driver, Rock, who is shipping off to Iraq soon.

US Attorney General, Michael Mukasey and his wife, Susan, standing with Charles.

I had the distinct pleasure of sitting next to Senator John McCain's mother, Mrs. Roberta McCain.  At 96 years old, what an amazing lady!!!

President Bush and the Marine Band

Ed Chen, The First Lady Laura Bush, and David Westin

The President waiting for the dais to be seated

Vice President Cheney, Jennifer Loven on the dais with the honor guard

Greta Van Susteren and Mrs. McCain

Betsy Gleick, Marcia Cross, and our other host - managing editor Larry Hackett.

Rob Lowe

Marcia Cross's husband Tom Mahoney, and the Jonas Brothers.

Martha and the Jonas Brothers

Marcia Cross, Martha, Larry Hackett.

Rick Kaplan - former president of CNN - gagging Greta Van Susteren, with me laughing.

Susan Lyne, Terry Lundgren, and I

We're trying to get a a picture of me with the president - this was the closest I could manage.

President Bush in intense conversation with Ann Compton.

Did you know that the 'Charlie' of Charlie's Angels was named after this Charlie Wilson?

 

Comments

[Robin W.]

Thank you so much for sharing this special evening!! What a great treat it is!! You look fantastic!!

[Julie]

You looked gorgeous (I want that clutch)! What an amazing event--such an interesting mix of people from all walks! Its clear that you had a wonderful time...my favorite picture is the one with you and the President. My friend and I took a similar picture of ourselves with Manny Ramirez when he played for the Cleveland Indians..we couldn't get close enough to meet him so we "posed" with him...even though we were 8-10 rows away from the dugout!

[R. White]

Martha,

After all that you have endured, and all the people attending from many political points of view, how great it is that there were no nasty comments in any of your notes. You are a very good example. Maybe you should start a political etiquette class for the entire country.

[dove]

What a wonderful selection of photos, with great captions. Martha you look beautiful, as always.

[Nathan Noland]

Martha,

You looked absolutely beautiful at the dinner! I love topaz. Thanks for posting these fabulous photos.

Nate

[Vicki]

You looked fantastic!!!
I think the President should have been waiting in line to get a picture with YOU.
Please have Perez Hilton on your show sometime soon. The two of you together would be so much fun.

[Ami]

John Mcains mom looks great for 96! I do wonder why the Jonas Brothers are there though, seems like an interesting group at one party. Which I was there but Martha made that almost possible! Thank you! Ami

[Bill (From Mount Desert Island, Maine)]

Wonderful photos, Martha!! As a Journalism and Mass Communications major and graduate (as well as a former staff assistant to a US Congressman during President Reagan's second term -- where after I worked across from the White House for the Federal Government for nearly a decade), I sometimes miss being at the heart of and feeling the exciting political pulse that is Washington, DC, as well as seeing (and at times attending) those exciting high profile, "inside the beltway" activities and social gatherings.

On a more important note, I'd like to take this moment, Martha, to personally thank (and commend) you for (earlier this month) personally appearing and testifying before Congress and the Senate's Aging Committee on behalf of and to promote funding for the training of care givers for long-term health care assistance. (My Mother who sadly suffered the advances of Alzheimer's for nearly a decade until passing away in March of 2007 would have thanked you personally if she was able to for all the good work and "good things" that you do for so many ... and many times quietly and behind the scenes).

And although I am still somewhat politically active (especially with the upcoming Presidential and General elections), given the choice, I'll take the peaceful and healing life and ocean solitude here in Maine ("The Way Life Should Be") and Acadia National Park ANY DAY but will continue to make my voice heard .... especially on November 4th! 7;^)

Here's wishing you a "Happy Spring" ahead and hoping (and looking forward) to seeing some pictures "next year" of you with our NEW President; "Hillary Clinton!!" 7;^)

Best,
Bill
Northeast Harbor, Maine

[sassy]

Martha- I'm sorry you weren't able to get closer to the president.

[Amy]

You look beautiful Martha! I love your chocolate dress and turquoise clutch. Very glamorous! It looks like you had a great time.

[Jen in Austin]

Martha,
You look amazingly beautiful! What natural beauty you have. I love your playful nature on this blog as it really shows a different side of you. Great photos!

[Robin Ball]

You looked wonderful, great choice on your outfit. What a who's who's list! Martha I am actually watching your show while looking at your blog, what a fan I am! Thanks again for taking us on a fun event. Hope you are keeping your memory of Paw Paw close in your heart. God Bless,

[Sktoonchk]

Martha,

You looked absoloutely amazing! Goegeous dress, beautiful color and you look 20 years younger than you are. How do you do it? Thanks for posting the pictures.

Michelle

[Kathy H.]

Bravo Martha!! Outstanding pictures! You looked sooo elegant.
Thanks for taking us with you. Kathy

[michele]

WOW

talk about VIP city...only Martha could have the wherewithall to go to a party like that, get such great pictures, and do such a great posting. Once again Martha makes me feel almost like i was there. Very nice Martha :)You are amazing.

Michele,
the crafty cameleon in california

[Kathy :)]

Thanks for the tour...loved it !!! No picture of Bill O'Reilly (?). I heard he was there !!!

Great post,
Kathy :)

[sloane]

thanks so much for taking some photos with the jonas brothers! they're a very inspirational group, and im sure they were delighted to meet such an amazing person like yourself!

[Alcea Alba]

Martha, your Easter egg hunt was perfectly timed, actually. Were you aware that Orthodox Christian Easter was this past weekend?

[sygp]

Well, your Easter egg hunt wasn't exactly off since I believe it was the Orthodox Easter :) You look fantastic btw.

[Sarah]

Wow, very cool indeed. I love it. Seeing them in photos like this really makes them seem more "real" than the media does. Just like your blog, which I love!

[Jessica Pasia]

You should have the Jonas Brothers come to your show!

[Paul in Rome, Italy.]

They are really fun photos, thanks for posting them on your blog.

You look great!

[sara]

jonas brothers looking cuuute :]

[Jan Erickson]

Hi Martha, Thank you for taking us along on this classy, exquisite, fantastic event. You look stunning and so does Charles. No need to ask if you had a good time as it is evident in your beautiful smiles. It was so gracious of James T. Conway to give you a medal for Rock. I hope and pray that he will return from Iraq in perfect condition. Thanks again for sharing. Jan

[Jessica C.]

Martha:

Thanks for sharing. Great pics and comments. I ecspecially loved the photograph with you and the president. I have one almost identical with you when I attending your show once.