That brings back memories... Some friends and I drove down from Canada in a rented Winnebago to cover the launch of STS-3, ostensibly for our campus newspapers (but really, just because we were space nerds); by my calculations, just a few weeks before you posed for that photo!

Your calculations would be correct, Colin! This is STS-4 rolling out to the pad. I loved working out there and meeting so many great people dedicated to making the Shuttle a success. So glad you had an opportunity to see a launch in person!

Gosh! You were quite the handsome little stud muffin! Would have loved to know you back in the day! My how the times do change everything! Excellent photo of your youth and of course the work you did on the shuttle! Thanks for sharing!

Thank you, Radar_rad-dude! I'm enjoying the compliment. I'd like to think that I've aged well. The mirror says otherwise. LOL! I loved working in the aerospace industry and especially on the shuttle. Good memories for sure!

Very cool

Thank you, uncollared!

You had me at the "My first job out of college" segment of your post :)

At 82 I was in elementary school in an international school in Saudi Arabia due to my father working for a company there... And at that particular year we had an expert give a show in regards to space, rockets and satellites. It was at that moment I had decided to be an astronaut... But ended up with ballet... After an unfortunate injury: computer engineering and later graphic arts.

So such I guess I think in some loose (!) way; our chronology does seem to match a little... With yours being simply much more successful and profound! :) I have never personally witnessed a launch and I would have loved to be able to have met with those extraordinary folk you were fortunate enough to work together with.

Thank you for sharing your story, Black!

I had wanted to be a runner when in elementary school through high school. Was never a team sports enthusiast.

I briefly did a little interpretive dancing after being asked to do so. In junior high through college, I did perform on stage with my magic and illusion act. Loved doing that and seeing the smiles from the audience. Had a real love for the books that taught me how to create and perform all the tricks I used.

You had me at ballet! While I'm ignorant of nearly all things related to ballet, I admire the talent and display of such exquisite grace and power that the dancers create. Alas, my athletic skills were limited to running very fast and probably not that gracefully. :)

I have enjoyed sketching off and on since childhood and got into 2D/3D graphics in the early 1980s, only recently returing to sketching in the past year or so. I have a long way to go, but do enjoy the gains I've made using an iPad Pro, Apple Pencil, and various apps. In the early 1990s through 2000-ish, I wrote software for Apple's Newton family of Personal Digital Assistants (pen based handheld tablets.) My apps were all multimedia oriented, including a 3D vector flight simulator and the first handheld movie player. I really enjoyed creating those as a hobby from my regular work in the aerospace sector.

I've been fortunate to view the shuttle launches and landings from the Launch Control Center at Kennedy Space Center. Have been thrilled to meet with several of the astronauts while working there. My times as a software engineer were some of the best in my life. :)

With all that, I've always dreamed of being able to create sketches like you have shared. You have been an inspiration to me! Thank you so very, very much for sharing your wonderful art here!!

Lee