BUSH PRESIDENCY WRAPS UP

Bushes to go to Midland, Crawford

The White House settled one post-presidential mystery Wednesday, answering the question of where George W. Bush will head when his presidency ends on the afternoon of Jan. 20.

Bush has always said he and first lady Laura Bush would go back home to Texas. But exactly where remained a bit of a mystery.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said Wednesday that on Jan. 20, he’ll go to his boyhood hometown of Midland, Texas, for a welcome-home event in the town square, before heading to his ranch in Crawford.

Eight years ago, Midland was the setting for the send-off event as then-President-elect Bush headed for the White House.

White House gets new china

First lady Laura Bush showed off a new gold-rimmed set of official George W. Bush state china on Wednesday, with less than two weeks to use it before the family packs up for Texas.

The $493,000 set, with 320 place settings, was inspired by a few pieces of French china in the White House collection believed to have come from James and Dolley Madison. It was paid for by a privately funded trust of the White House Historical Association.

Laura Bush said the china has been in the works for several years and the family had hoped to be able to use it, but the process took longer than expected. It will be left for the next president and his family.