Its been business as usual on the IceCube front. We took a couple of days off for the Christmas holiday, Wednesday, Dec 24 and Thurs Dec 25. On Friday, Dec 26, drilling started again, in erenst and we deployed string #9 of this season Saturday night, Dec 27 into Sunday morning, Dec 28. Drilling has begun on hole #10. The drill is now at about 2000 m on the way down and the 12 hr reaming process will start in a couple of hours. NOTE: Drilling is on the way down and reaming is coming back up (I just learned that this season).
Saturday morning, I caught the worst bug I've ever had at the South Pole. It was a terrible cold combined with the worst flu, achy, vomiting, fever, you name it. I lost more than 5 lbs in two days... lots of bed rest and fluids, but now its on its way out, leaving behind a smaller, frailer, thinner Mike, with a terrible sore throat. Whatever doesnt kill you, makes you stronger, right?
Christmas was... well, it was... Christmas sucks at the South Pole. Sure you get to see snow all around, but is it really snow? It doesnt actually snow here, ever, so it really doesnt count as snow. Sure, there are decorations, a tree, wreaths on the walls, but does that make it Christmas? Bah humbug! The one saving grace Christmas had for me this year was the most wonderful
video skype I had with Christine and little Mikey. I got to watch him open up presents, with family and got to see his reactions to his first Christmas experience! (not that he knew what was going on... but the paper sure tastes good.) That completely made the holiday worth it for me and gives me something to look forward to next year.
Saturday morning, I caught the worst bug I've ever had at the South Pole. It was a terrible cold combined with the worst flu, achy, vomiting, fever, you name it. I lost more than 5 lbs in two days... lots of bed rest and fluids, but now its on its way out, leaving behind a smaller, frailer, thinner Mike, with a terrible sore throat. Whatever doesnt kill you, makes you stronger, right?
Christmas was... well, it was... Christmas sucks at the South Pole. Sure you get to see snow all around, but is it really snow? It doesnt actually snow here, ever, so it really doesnt count as snow. Sure, there are decorations, a tree, wreaths on the walls, but does that make it Christmas? Bah humbug! The one saving grace Christmas had for me this year was the most wonderful
video skype I had with Christine and little Mikey. I got to watch him open up presents, with family and got to see his reactions to his first Christmas experience! (not that he knew what was going on... but the paper sure tastes good.) That completely made the holiday worth it for me and gives me something to look forward to next year. 
On the other hand, we had a great meal here, Beef Wellington, lobster tails, the best mashed potatoes (not from a box) and gravy, cherry pie, cheesecake... mmmm, it was great! 
Of course, there was so much, we had it again the next night. AND... Santa made a special trip all the way here to, well, get drunk, I guess. It looks like he had a great time.So, as things start to gear up for the new year, I have started the countdown (ok, maybe a few countdowns). 2 days 'til my birfday! Yay! After this next deployment, only 6 more "scheduled" deployments (the NSF may grant us up to 3 additional) and 31 days left on ice... which means I'll be home in 35 days! Woo Hoo! We'll take a couple more days off for the new year and then its nose to the grindstone until its time to go home... one last push.
I cant wait to see all of you back home!
2 comments:
The greatest part of Christmas is Family. When a member is missing it is not the same. Your ability to share your son's First Christmas, even if it was via SKYPE, makes Christine, Mike and your Christmas more complete.
There must be quite a pile of ice shavings when that drill comes back out. You could open a ICEE Shop for Sno Cones!
I think this is really too cool. I'm a bit of a novice to blogs, but willing to learn! Your daddy keeps me posted about you on a regular basis. You'll soon learn that's what daddy's do if you haven't started already! I know what separation is like, lived it once when hubby was in the Navy during Nam. It's hard, but you're blessed to have today's technology! Wow! We'll all help keep your heart warm so your toes won't get frost bite! You've really impressed me! Am proud of all you've done! Til next time, be good! giggle. Pam
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