This from Reuters:

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin praised the hospitality and openness of U.S. former President George W. Bush in a telegramme sent hours before meeting his successor Barack Obama.

"During the last years we have been working on strengthening Russia-U.S. cooperation. Although there were differences between our countries, I always valued your openness and sincerity," Putin said, congratulating Bush on his 63rd birthday on July 6.

"With special warmth I recall your hospitality in the Crawford ranch and your family estate in Kennebunkport," Putin wrote, referring to their 2007 meeting at the Bush family vacation home when the two leaders went fishing and ate lobster.

Putin’s soul may be black as a charcoal briquette, but it was certainly classy of him to send a birthday greeting and thank you to president Bush. Bush really did go out of his way to reach out to Russia throughout his presidency.

Also, I didn’t even know you could send a telegramme anymore. What’s up with that?

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin invited President Obama for a “Russian-Style” breakfast during their meeting.

Putin treated Obama to black caviar with sour cream, smoked beluga with pancakes and tea made in the traditional Russian samovar, a big coal-fired kettle.

Does that not sound like the worst breakfast imaginable? Caviar, sour cream, and pancakes? It’s no wonder Putin never smiles.