Late night nerdyness...

I stayed up to see the Atlas 5 rocket launch. I was prepared, had my camera ready. The sky was indescribably clear. But there was no rocket. I'm bummed. Perhaps tomorrow night. I saw the last space shuttle launch and it was rather surreal. It was another crystal clear night after a bunch of dreary nights. I was told a nighttime launch is the best way to see a launch and who ever said was speaking the truth. When the shuttle launched the sky turned orange and you could here a cheer from the neighbors over the hill. A moment later a bright fireball appeared and curved over the house. I swear I could hear it, but I'm not sure. A few moments later it curved back toward the horizon as it got further away, out of our sight. We always think of space as being straight up, but never really as way, way, way to your left or right. I think I'll take advantage of being in Florida and try to catch a few more launches while I can. I hear Athens calling me and I really want to go back. I just don't fit in down here and I knew that the last time I lived in Florida. I really love the smell of fall and the scent of chill in the night time air. I like hills and mountains. I like being able to stand next to a body of water and not fear getting my foot bit off by a gator.