I’m Not Happy With It, But It’s DONE

Happy Birthday Neil！

Taking a moment on this Memorial Day weekend to remember Major James Blair White, a U.S. Air Force pilot and the younger brother of NASA astronaut Ed White, who was killed in action during the Vietnam War.

Jim was a 1964 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy, later earning a Masters degree in economics from Georgetown University. While serving in Vietnam, he flew with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Takhli Airbase, Thailand. On November 24, 1969, Capt. White disappeared while flying a F-105D during a mission over the jungle-covered mountains of Laos. After three weeks, partial aircraft wreckage was discovered in the area but it could not be identified as the lost Thunderchief and there was no sign of Capt. White.

Jim was listed as Missing in Action on December 18, 1969, and remained MIA until 2017. Last year the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency officially identified Maj. White’s remains, and brought him home after nearly 50 years.

Jim Lovell & Frank Borman in TO THE MOON

Jim Lovell: “Just to be confined in there like a sardine in a can, that was a real trial. And, of course, you’re sitting right next to your companion, and for two weeks, being with Frank Borman… Two weeks being with Frank Borman any place was a real challenge. *laughs*”

Lovell: “Frank had a book called ‘Roughing it’ which we tried to read. We also sang to each other.”

Frank Borman: “Nat King Cole, at that time, had a very popular song: ‘Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone’.”

Lovell: “*singing* Put your sweet lips a little closer to the phone, let’s pretend that you and I are all alone.”

Borman: “That got on our minds and we sang that damn song for two weeks. *laughs*”

Lovell, laughing: “We still sing it, occasionally.”

Gus and Ed at Downey, June 1966

The Gemini 7 crew and their sons watch TV together, November 1965.

I like to think that Ralph Morse was feeling burnt out and was too tired to stage elaborate photosets such as fence-building or pool parties. “You kids just sit there and watch TV, OK? I’m gonna go smoke a cigarette.”

Spending this Sunday evening thinking abt how Gus and Deke were best friends, wore matching shirts, built fences and played with bunny rabbits together, flew cross country for fun and played handball and carried bears seven miles through the woods. Deke needed Gus’ help learning to swim, Gus wanted Deke’s help when he almost drowned after Liberty Bell 7, Deke titled his memoir after a Gus-attributed quote in The Right Stuff and also used the same style as Gus’ book title (Gemini! and Deke!). Thinking about these absolute buddies.

When you see it

Gus Grissom seen through the window of the spacecraft during Apollo 1 tests, October 1966.

Doodling some boys at work ☺️☺️☺️

It is cold outside. If you’re in the United States. you’re likely experiencing near record-low temperatures and wind chills right now. Since you’ll likely be stuck inside for a few days, we have provided a handy guide of fun activities to do indoors:

1) Make pancakes

2) Create an elaborate exercise routine with a towel

3) Make newspaper hats, for yourself and for your pets

4) Play an Extreme round of Jenga

5) Finally teach yourself the chords to “Pour Some Sugar On Me”

6) And, of course, hang out with your puppy and cat.