On The Ground in Washington - 4:37 PM

EVERETT, WA -- I write from the just across the flightline at Paine Field at the Boeing Factory. The sound of airhorns can be heard blaring from the march of machinists taking place at the other side of the field at the world's largest building right now.

Driving from Seattle to Everett, one quickly realizes just how intertwined The Boeing Company is in the fabric of the Pacific Northwest. A forty minute trip on Interstate 5 takes you past Boeing Field to the Everett Factory.

As I drove up the freeway and overlooked BFI, a brightly blue and white painted 777F sat on the ramp; it's large cargo door open busily being worked on.

Approaching Everett, the doors to Building 40-23 were just slightly ajar revealing the static test airframe in its massive blue metal test rig.

Though on this day, where my eyes would usually be drawn to the new aircraft on the ramp, a large gathering of sign-carrying blue-shirted machinists is today's purpose for being here.

Looking out at Boeing right now reveals just how much is at stake. The result of the vote should be known by 6:30 PM PT.

Seven hours, twenty-three minutes to go.