posted 05-10-2006 03:00 PM               

As for meeting fellow cSers, I was able to meet and speak with MarylandSpace--Garry, a delightful guy--at the gala reception and then at the gala. And I saw Rob Pearlman twice, who took the time at the reception after the induction ceremony to discuss the merits of websites with the DP. (Carpenter is finally convinced, so we should be getting a website up and running over the summer!)

I may have met Albatron. I did meet a cSer named "Al"--who was very nice-- but did make a connection with a screen name.

Rode to the airport with Jerry Carr and his lovely wife, Pat, and we talked about politics the whole way.

I met Mattingly, but called him Mr. Stafford, and he was most gracious as I apologized profusely. Then I introduced myself to Stafford, whom I correctly identified and addressed. Dick Gordon remembered my mother, which was nice. I met the elder Gibsons. And Jay Barbree (sp?) who said he had the "Smithsonian contract" to write a history of the space program. He had "just finished" his chapter on Carpenter's flight, he said. Had FOR SPACIOUS SKIES been useful, I asked, in researching the book? "What?" he replied. He didn't know that Carpenter had written an autobiography.

'twas ever thus. I told him I'd send him a copy.

posted 05-10-2006 03:27 PM               

I asked him if he thought people no longer knew much about von Braun, particularly the old joke about von Braun's book, I AIM FOR THE STARS? Yes . . . and sometimes he hit London. Bill conceded that some of his jokes require a lot of general knowledge. He says the joke was originally Mort Sahl's.

posted 05-10-2006 09:33 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by KC Stoever:
Rode to the airport with Jerry Carr and his lovely wife, Pat, and we talked about politics the whole way.

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Have you seen Pat and Jerry's beautiful book "Stone Songs on the Trail of Tears", Kris? I think you might like it too.

posted 05-10-2006 10:18 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by FFrench:
Have you seen Pat and Jerry's beautiful book "Stone Songs on the Trail of Tears", Kris? I think you might like it too.

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posted 05-10-2006 10:42 PM               

On Thursday I met up with Brian McKay and he led me to 3 Disney parks in 7 hours. . . Mission Space in Epcot was challenging as I must have been leaning forward and got "disoriented." Almost too disoriented. The closing ceremony at Epcot was spectactular.

During the weekend, brush fires were burning all over Central Florida. Took two days of Benedryl to get me up to speed from the allergy effect. Let it rain.

Friday's lunch was with Winston Scott. Riveting. Interesting. Signed books and lithos for a group of about 12 at Shuttles near Merrit Island. . . not to be confused with the "Crab Shuttles" near Titusville. Two hours flew by.

Friday evening was the AHOF reception and AHOF gala dinner. Both a great time although we were told upon entering, "no autographs." ASF needs to understand that we are fans and that we enjoy photos and autographs.

I only saw one person over the weekend that had a stack of 8-10 lithos that he wanted to have signed by an astronaut. A little bit overdoing it. Actually, a lot overdoing it, but I only saw it once all weekend. Most autograph seekers were asking for just one autograph. I was very fortunate to have most of my autographs personalized. I did have a lot of books signed, though, but they were purchases.

Back to the AHOF. . .

Upon sighting the Dynamic Pioneer at the initial reception, I asked him, "I'm looking for the author, Kris Stoever, can you point her out for me?" As gracious as ever, he smiled, and pointed her out to me. Kris and I chatted several times over the weekend. What a chip off the old block. I told her to enjoy the moment and watch the outpouring of love and respect for her dad. He was the first astronaut I met (about 20 years ago), and is and always has been, my favorite astronaut.

I got to ask Bill Dana, "Where's Topo Gigio?" and told him how I enjoyed his performances (on Ed Sullivan). He told us that occasionally fans shout to him as he's driving a convertible, "There's Jose, Jose Feliciano." It was fun sharing an exchange with him.

One of my favorite parts of the evening was when the astronauts were introduced. They were enjoying the moment almost as much as the rest of us. Seeing all these pilots, engineers, scientists, and brilliant people. . . awesome. Laura Shepard Churchly was absolutely beaming as she represented her family.

Col. Worden and Bill Dana reprised the Jose Jimenez routine. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Congratulations to Col. Worden and the ASF for fully funding this year's scholarships from the weekend and for increasing the endowment. "We" are making an investment in a lot of sharp students. And the students are appreciative, too.

Saturday, several signings followed by the induction ceremony at the Saturn V center.

Saturday night, a true bar room brawl at a Cocoa, Florida motel. Almost like a scene out of the Blues Brothers.

Sunday, a booking signing by the DP. IMAX movies. Had some trouble at the 3D as things were blurry until I realized that I had on my regular glasses instead of the 3D glasses. The film was better with the 3D's.

Not only did I meet many of my CS friends, but I also made a lot of new friends. Let me shout out to the Mannings, one of whom was a real gas on Friday. Hi, too, to the Michigan ladies. I introduced them to CS and hope that they will be posting. One is a true Lovell fan.

Bryan, my friend, thank you for putting together a cost sharing, cost cutting weekend.

Arrived home 1:30 am on Monday morning. Still tired and trying to catch up.

Friends, I had a great weekend. Where else can you see and meet and chat with the astronauts that we revere? If you haven't attended yet, set aside the first weekend in May next year and follow CS to get you ready for an exciting weekend.

Best regards,

Garry (MarylandSpace)

posted 05-11-2006 02:19 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by KC Stoever:
(Carpenter is finally convinced, so we should be getting a website up and running over the summer!)

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Nice Job Kris!

posted 05-11-2006 03:22 PM               

quote:

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Originally posted by KC Stoever:

I may have met Albatron. I did meet a cSer named "Al"--who was very nice-- but did make a connection with a screen name.

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The "who was very nice" threw me off, as, I really am. But sad to say Kris, you'll have to wait sometime longer to meet me as I was not there for the Friday night ceremonies. My son graduated from Univ. of Central Florida then, and I was only there briefly on Saturday to meet up with Garry to assist him with something.

Which Garry, I heard 3rd hand that it worked out partially?

Did have a good chat with Robert, and heard a small preview of some things to come that'll knock some socks off. Good to see you Robert, Rob, Bryan, Garry and a few others in my brief sojurn there and battling fires on the return to Orlando.

Best,

Al

posted 05-11-2006 09:54 PM               

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Originally posted by BMckay:
I think it was me that Kris met with Garry. I don't look like - Al. Al H is much....

Bryan

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More handsome? Debonair? Suave?