Waiting. And waiting.

Last night was the state dinner at the White House for Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip. As promised, I camped outside the mansion waiting for a glimpse of Her Majesty. She was staying across the street at Blair House and was scheduled to arrive for dinner at 7:00.

I walked down F Street and turned onto Pennsylvania, and the entire street was blocked off to pedestrian traffic.

Secret Service was corralling everyone into Lafayette Park. A good number showed up, actually. I'm glad to know I'm not the only stalker.

There was even a guy in a bear suit. (I later learned that he was with PETA.)

Since I had some time to kill, I walked around the park a bit.

Department of the Treasury. (That guy was totally getting busted for riding in the street.)

Hi snipers!

Notice the surveillance cameras installed in the lightposts.

Secret Service, hard at work.

The honor guard kept marching back and forth on the lawn. Good thing it wasn't hot out.

Finally, the moment arrived at last! The queen's motorcade came driving up Pennsylvania...

...turned into the gate...

...and disappeared behind the large screen that was put up.

And that was it. All that waiting....and then disappointment. No royal wave. No glittering tiara. Sigh.