The Endeavour's Last Flight Over Disneyland (video)

Yesterday was a historic day. The Endeavour, NASA's fifth and final spaceworthy shuttle, flew for the last time as it toured over major cities between Florida, Mississippi, Houston and California. Piggybacking on a Boeing 747, the Endeavour was scheduled to appear on the horizon between 9:40AM and 11:00 AM over Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Rick loves space shuttles, so of course we had to go.  We got off the freeway around 9:30 AM. Thinking that we were going to be late, we rushed across Downtown Disney as quickly as we could. 

When we arrived at the plaza between Disneyland and California Adventure, there were a few photographers straggling about. Then more and more people came, until the entire plaza filled. There was no shade and it was extremely warm. I kept looking at the time and it was well past 11. But we kept watching. Hundreds, thousands of people strained their eyes to catch a glimpse of the anything in the clear blue sky. Then we received word that the flight has been delayed. Weather complications in San Francisco was to blame for our long wait. But the space shuttle was to be there soon, no more than half an hour away. Someone from the crowd said, "This isn't a once-in-a-lifetime chance. It's just once." So we all patiently waited some more, for history happens on its own time. 

Then we heard it. All of sudden, coming in low from the Northwest, the rumble and fury of escorting jet fighters appeared. The crowd started whooping and cheering. A Boeing 747 comes gliding from behind the trees, magnificently displaying the Endeavor on its back. It whooshes by, without any hesitation or delay. People all around us went wild. 

Some people saw the Endeavor as a symbol of hope. But for us, it was something quite different. For a few fleeting moments, what we witnessed was the ending of an era. The Endeavor is the last of its kind, to retire in Los Angeles and made into a museum artifact.

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When at Disneyland... do as the tourists do. Here are some photos of Downtown Disney, even though we literally live 10 minutes away. As hunters, we hate Disney. But as Americans, you can't help but get sucked in. Most of us grew up with Disney in our lives, and sometimes, it's just hard to not enjoy it. There's always that one character or movie that will forever stay in a person's heart, no matter how old you think you are. 

"The Beast" made from pure legos outside the Lego Store. AMAZING! 

Rick with Buzz and Woody, also made of Legos.

Disneyland has already started preparing for Halloween. These pumpkin characters greeted guests at the theme park's gates. 

We skipped breakfast, so Rick and I stopped by the La Brea Bakery for lunch. 

Food was delicious!

Apparently, so was the tea...

I love this man, for the little weirdo that he is... :-)

Also made of Legos, standing tall on the roof. 

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THEN, we drove to West Hollywood to see a band we like from Texas called the Randy Rogers Band. Glad to see them touring outside of their state. It was a pleasure being able to watch them perform live. 

Greasy chicken wings and bottles of cold beer, it was our kind of night! We were lucky to be able to sit in reserved seating. If you ever come to SoCal, try to see a show at the Troubadour. All the greats have played here, before they became great -- the Eagles, Bob Dylan, the Byrds, Rolling Stones, Neil Diamond, Janis Joplin, Elton John... you name it!