ET-138 Roll Out Party

Today, the final External Tank that is scheduled to fly into space rolled to the barge that will take ET-138 down the Mississippi Rive to the Gulf then to KSC. Michoud threw a big party to commemorate  the successful deliveries of ETs over the last 37yrs. Prior to the roll out, there were a few speakers. Then the Storyville Stompers Brass Band lead the 2nd line and hundreds of handkerchief-waving employees following the ET as it was transported one mile to the Michoud barge dock.  Most employees were not allowed to walk to the barge so I don't have any photos of it.

This tank is special not only because it is the last ET but because my mom is the Hard ware Specific Manager (Missile Mom) for ET-138.  She put in a lot of hard work and time into this, her final tank.  My mom has worked her at MAF for 25 yrs.  The ET has been her life for a long time. I know today was bitter sweet.

My mom, her tank, and Diane

Astronaut Mark Kelly Speaking at the ceremony prior to Roll Out

ET-138 Rolling Down Saturn Blvd

Storyville Stompers

The tank will all the employees 2nd lining behind. 

I was lucky enough to be able to walk in front with my mom, Diane and the Transportation guys.

While it has been a few years since I worked on the ET program, I am proud to say that I did. I am (as are many other people) sad to see the end of the Space Shuttle. I am even sadder that there is and may never be a replacement vehicle.

Good Bye ET-138 have a safe barge ride and a safe Mission.

[Update: Check out the video on the LM webpage. My photography/communications friends at work put it together. They did an amazing job.]

Saints Super Bowl Champs

What the What...

As I'm sure y'all know, the New Orleans Saints won the Super Bowl. Again, What the What...

I guess I didn't really believe. I am still amazed and awed by the win. Sean Payton, Drew Brees and the Boys worked hard and pulled it off. They worked as a team. Before Payton and Brees the Saints were not a team. It was every man for himself. But these days, you here it in everything they say and see it in how they act. These men are class acts.

Picture from the Huffington Post

 For a town that usually feels like lovable loser, this has uplifted us.


Super Bowl Party
Ted and Diane invited us all over to watch the Super Bowl on their gigantic TV. They had a great spread of party food. Diane's made margaritas from scratch. (yum!)

The hosts (unfortunately this is the best photo I got of them)

My nanny & parrain were there.

Along with Rocco & Sue (my parrain' sister) 

Don & Mel (my parents)

Of course, the Big Man & I.  

I love it when I can get a good pic of he & I. We don't have nearly enough. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good picture of MM or Li. I'm still getting used to that camera.

After we celebrated the Boys in Black & Gold's victory we all ran outside to see the fire works.

People were honking horns and cheering. Don & Lou smoked cigars. And yes those are my girls up way past their bed time, standing around in the street. What can I say? Except...

Who Dat!!!