July 21 2021 - Jeff and Wally with the Right Stuff

 

There I am interested in dryer lint, and Wally Funk, 82, has made it to space - the oldest person, and a female astronaut in the US program who didn't get a chance to get to space the first time.   She' was one of 13 women in the 1960s astronaut program.   Jeff Bezos took the opportunity to one-up Richard Branson with this media-style gesture.  She had purchased a ticket for $200,000 on the Virgin Galactic for when it becomes commercial.  So one way or the other, she would have gone to space.  "In her senior year of college, when she earned a trophy recognizing her as the most outstanding pilot, the airport manager gave it to her said, “Mark my words, if ever a woman flies into space, it will be Wally, or one of her students.” Her interesting biography is HERE.  Trust me to be transfixed by her name - Wally. And then Funk.  What a regrettable combination.  We remember Wallis Simpson the Duchess of Windsor.  But to shorten it to Wally, which I consider a less desirable name for men or women - that would have been a remarkable person.   She has an engaging smile and lots of energy at 82.  Lucky for us we get to see her happy moment in space. Our final pictures of the Fun Run - this one the Porsche dealer garage windows, and then the Falls View from the Victoria Restaurant.  That's dining with a view.