posted 10-18-2012 08:37 AM               

According to the ASF website, the event includes drinks in the downstairs Captain's Quarters, a four-course dinner prepared by Chef Jay Lovell and his staff, and a re-reading of the opening lines of Genesis as was done on Apollo 8.

The website states that other Apollo astronauts will be present, but does not specify anyone but Lovell.

posted 11-30-2012 09:21 AM              

Jim Lovell showed a hysterical 1963 North American video that traced American history from the founding of the company through to the future Apollo project. It was corny and touching. Later, Jim Lovell and Charlie Duke read what the Apollo 8 crew read on Christmas eve: from Genesis plus their commentary. Charlie took Bill Anders’ and Frank Borman's parts.

It was good to see familiar faces including Rich Jurek and his son Phillip, Leon Ford, Steve Wirth, and David Chudwin. It was my first time at Lovells of Lake Forest and I enjoyed the food (and the artifacts) very much. The ASF did a terrific job hosting the event.

posted 12-01-2012 08:59 AM               

Kudos to the ASF for arranging, and a big thank you to the entire Lovell family for making us feel "at home" in their restaurant. It was neat to talk to Jim's daughter Sue about her experiences as a child during Apollo, and her memories. She was a very gracious and friendly table mate at our side of the table. It was also a nice bonus to have Charlie Duke and his wife there, which which added to the family atmosphere to the event. (Not to mention Jim Lovell leading us in a chorus of singing Happy Birthday to Nicole Russ from the ASF!)

That video was indeed hysterical for its dated/period music and images -- but what made it precious was watching Jim Lovell, sitting off to the side in his high-back leather seat, with such a wide smile of contentment on his face as it played, while listening to the group respond to the scenes and astronauts in the video. I can only imagine the memories going through his head as he watched it.