hunkering-down toast

[jay]

Thanks for the words of support... interestingly, there has been absolutely no NASA-internal email today, just some spam on Russian mail-order brides.

I tried to go on with life as usual today... ice skating lessons for the kids, Little League tryouts, odd jobs around the house. Tonight I was going to make a nice dinner for Pat and then take her out. I just can't motivate myself to go out and make happy. Maybe staying home and consuming several apple martinis would be in order (not Scotch, after last week). Almost a wake. Sigh. Grr.

Thing is, we have technology that could detect and react to TPS (thermal protection) failures... or spherical space-deployable micro-rovers with cameras... or flexible thermal blankets that could be EVA-deployed from spacesuits. I work on the first, the second is in the lab across from my office and I've seen the third. But they apparently brought neither a spacesuit nor docking port on this flight... and there has been not enough funding to bring any of these technologies to flight test. The first technology was slated to fly on X-34 -- until it was cancelled because of tight budgets. There's a flyable X-34 today.

(shakes head) it is all so frustrating, sometimes. Time tonight to hunker down and pour one tonight... then start pushing on program management on Monday. And applyng a cluebrick to a couple of nameless entities...

(glass into fireplace)

Comments

[mactavish.livejournal.com]

I'd love the apple martini recipe.

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

One part reasonable-quality vodka or gin (my preference is vodka, though Bombay Sapphire is OK)

One part Sour Apple Pucker liqueur

splash of lime juice

Shaken over ice, served in a cocktail glass with an optional apple slice

cheers...

[cathouse-blues.livejournal.com]

When they announced that NASA had dropped its flags to half-staff, I was frustrated that the rain wouldn't allow me to put up our flag so I could do the same. But I put candles in all the windows, and lit the porch lights.

I wish...I wish I could be there for the spouses and families left behind. I'm glad that NASA has a protocol already in place to protect and comfort the families. Of course, I wish even more that it wasn't necessary.

I gave up on CNN shortly after the President's remarks. I've spent the rest of the day in the kitchen and on Civ III, cuddling a cat and drowning my sorrows in B52s. Amazing that the dinner came out edible.

Is that vodka, scotch or bourbon that you're throwing against the brick?

[brian1789.livejournal.com]

(slightly sheepish look) it was Wild Turkey 101-proof bourbon, neat.

Likewise, I wish there was something I could do now... at least I can do my part to prevent the same thing from happening again. And thanks for the solidarity.

[cathouse-blues.livejournal.com]

Anytime.

Why am I not honestly all that surprised you drink bourbon?

And good luck in the weeks ahead. If there's any of the rest of us can do, please don't hesitate to ask.

[kiya]

Time tonight to hunker down and pour one tonight... then start pushing on program management on Monday. And applyng a cluebrick to a couple of nameless entities...

All the words I have?

"Good hunting."

[p3aches.livejournal.com]

Big hugs. I thought of you tonight when C and I were talking about what happened. I only heard about it when my professor asked if any of us needed to process stuff abnout this disaster. God I felt just like I felt on sept 11th. Disconected and far away. this time it is closer to home because of you. If you need to talk give me a ring. You know the number.