Friday, July 8, 2011

Have a good trip, Atlantis, and come home safely!

A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.  ~William Arthur Ward

With tears in our eyes, we watched the final liftoff of space shuttle Atlantis…..the final liftoff of the space shuttle program.  So sad to see the shuttle program come to an end; so happy they had a successful launch. 

The photos are taken from our campground in Titusville – Manatee Hammock Campground – right across the river from the VAB and shuttle launch pad.  Spectacular view, although it disappeared into the clouds rather quickly.  That’s okay.  We saw the liftoff…..and it was a success!  THAT is what counts!  We’ve been living on the Space Coast for 24 years now, and every launch we have seen (LOTS of them) has been spectacular – they NEVER get old. 

Have a good trip, Atlantis, and come home safely! 

I'm feeling really good today.  No side effects from the chemo or the steroids I have to take before, during, and after the chemo.  Did my 30-minute walk and 30 laps in the pool this morning before the launch.  So far, it's a great day!

              The VAB is just above and to the left of my head.  The launch pad is just above my head.



The final liftoff of Atlantis and the end of the space shuttle program.

3 comments:

Jean said...

Wow, Suzy, that must have been awesome! We and Penny watched it on TV but there's nothing like being there in person, as we know. It is VERY sad to see the manned space program end. They've come such a long way and accomplished so much since the Gemini and Apollo days.
But the thing that makes me happiest of all is that you are "feeling really good and have no side effects from the chemo or steroids." That is GOOD NEWS! I know your positive attitude and Kenny's strong support, have helped tremendously through all this.
We've been having fun with Penny and Zig will arrive in time for dinner tonight. They'll go to their rental cottage in New Harbor tomorrow after lunch.
We love you mightily!!!!!!!!
Mom

Penelope Z said...

We watched the launch this morning - quite a frightful moment at the 31-second mark. So glad they launched. I'll never forget the launch we saw in April of 2010.

Glad to hear you're feeling great, Suzy!

Kellye said...

Suze,

How cool you got to see the last launch! What a special moment... Just wanted to drop by and say hello and let ya know I was thinking about you. I saw this quote and thought of you:
"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." - Gandhi

Love you!

- Kel