Bush exits White House, goes home to Texas

By Tabassum Zakaria

WASHINGTON, Jan 20 (Reuters) - George W. Bush bid farewell to the politics of Washington on Tuesday, leaving with little fanfare as the country turned its attention to new President Barack Obama.

After eight years in office, Bush flew home to Texas where he will spend the night at his Crawford ranch.

Bush spent his last morning at the White House with a stroll around the grounds and on telephone calls in the Oval Office with long-time friend and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and other officials.

"He feels good," his spokeswoman Dana Perino said. "This is a historic day. We wish the Obama team every success."

Bush greeted Obama on the steps of the White House with "Sir." The soon-to-be first lady Michelle Obama handed Bush's wife Laura a gift box wrapped in red ribbon and they all entered the White House for coffee.

When they emerged, Bush and Obama got into the limousine with the presidential seal to head to the inauguration. As the motorcade pulled out, Bush blew a kiss toward the White House.

Workers spruced up the executive mansion for the new residents. Offices in the West Wing received a fresh coat of paint, windows were washed, moving boxes arrived.

Bush leaves office with public approval ratings in the basement and signs of discontent with his presidency were evident around the inauguration festivities.