A whole week without the girls – no matter how wonderful a life a family has together, when a parent can get a few days of living alone, it’s golden.  And, if you’re the President of the United States?  Platinum.

PRESIDENT OBAMA SHARES A PHOTOGRAPH ON HIS BLACKBERRY WITH VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN AT BREAKFAST.

BIDEN:

(smiling wide)

Looks like they’re having a great time, doesn’t it?

OBAMA:          

(yawning)

Yes, it does.  I’ve missed them.

BIDEN:

Which one is Malia again?

OBAMA:

Joe, it’s been year.

BIDEN:

I’m just kidding, Mr. President.  The tall one, right?

OBAMA:

Joe?

BIDEN:

Just kidding.  But, I do have to ask – did you have some fun while they were gone, I mean, nothing bad or anything, but maybe an extra drink, or maybe watched something on TV that you might not have been able to do while they’re home?

OBAMA:

I worked more than usual, Joe.  I think I turned the volume up a bit on some tunes, but I worked.  (frowning)  We’re all working more now, Joe; those of us with jobs, anyhow.  No one is hiring, they’re making whomever they have on the books work more, not paying them more, mind you, but working more.  And, the workers are doing it without complaint, because they don’t want to be let go and they’re afraid.  Just a few years ago, they would have been cocky, but now they’re dealing with it, accepting it.  It’s wrong, Joe. 

BIDEN:

(not sure what to do or say, fidgety)

You’re doing the right things, sir.  I feel it in my heart.