Being a day ahead of you we get to celebrate Christmas here together and then the next day with all of you back in the States. I was up very early this morning (2:00 am) to call home to listen to our grandchildren open presents. Much of the event was recorded on a web cam and forwarded to me in an email. I haven’t seen them yet but I am looking forward to seeing them. Technology is truly amazing and advancing every day. I remembered a Christmas day in 1970 when I was in the Navy in Japan. I was able to speak, very briefly, with mom and dad on MARS radio. MARS (I’m sure it’s an acronym for something) is a long range radio that the Navy allowed us to use on special occasions. The only bad part is that you would say something then say “over” and wait for a response. They had to do the same thing so talking was a little strained not to mention the fact that anyone with a shortwave receiver could also hear what you were saying. Even though it wasn’t private and a little difficult to use there is nothing quit like talking to loved ones on special days like this.

The bad news is that today is a regular work day for us and apparently we offended the radio gods by taking a day off. It seems anything that could go wrong with our communications systems did go wrong today (Murphy’s Law). But what the heck we are always battling communications problems here so we handled it without too much difficulty.

I’m pretty much over the cold I had and thought I would go work out after work today. By the time I got back to the room though I was tired and took a 2 hour nap instead. I awoke refreshed and feeling fine. Sometimes you just need to listen to your body.

There are still lots of things to look forward to in the new year and believe me I’m ready for it.

I just came home from Midnight Mass. I am always inspired by the number of people who come. The church was filled to overflowing in fact there was so much body heat (or Spirit) that we had to open the doors to let in some of the Antarctic cold to cool us down. The evening began at eleven o’clock with caroling with our protestant brothers and sisters. I must admit when they sing they bring down the rafters. It was great. The only problem I had was that at times we seemed to be singing different words. David and Tina (our choir) are from New Mexico so there is always a little southwestern flair to the music as well as a verse or two of Spanish in most songs. At the end of Mass Tina had prepared a traditional Spanish dish for us to sample. I don’t remember the name of it but it was corn based and very tasty.

Tomorrow we sing for the South Pole and the world at 3:00 in the afternoon that should be fun. Before and after that is a time for rest and relaxation. I hope all of your dreams for Christmas and the New Year come true.

One last note, for years I’ve heard stories about the traveling/regifted fruit cake. I can tell you now that the factory will need to bake another one because the one that’s been in circulation for some time ended up here and I ate much of it. It was actually very good in light of the fact that it has changed hands so many times!

I just got back from Christmas dinner. I had Beef Wellington and Roast Duck. They didn’t treat us too bad! I’ve met so many people that it’s almost like going to a family dinner. I had a bite to eat and then went around wishing everyone Merry Christmas. As at Thanksgiving the kitchen staff all came out and received a standing ovation from all those assembled.

I got to talk to my grandchildren for a few minutes today. They always bring a smile to my face. I’m looking forward to seeing them open their presents Christmas morning even if it’s only on webcam.

Last night was the town Christmas Party. It was held at the heavy equipment shop. The shop is one large building completely open on the inside. It was fully decorated for the party. There was a great array of food of every description. There was tap dancing, Christmas Caroling (by our church choir), swing dancing, photo ops with Santa on a snow mobile, a slide show of pictures people submitted and lots of great conversation. It was good to see so many new friends and to be able to wish them Merry Christmas.

I also worked yesterday and spent most of the day helping the Air National Guard arrange for the medical evacuation of a Russian woman from a cruise ship to New Zealand for medical treatment. I wondered but didn’t ask who was paying the tab for the flight.

Christmas Day here is pretty much of a non-event. All the parties are over, the big meal was on Sunday and most everyone is off work so you’re left to your own devices to find something to do with your free time. I think I might take a trip to the greenhouse. I’ve been told that it’s the only place in Antarctica where you can feel humidity and they have a hammock to lie in while you’re there visiting. I think I might just bring the Ipod and chill out for a while. Christmas is also the day we will sing to the folks at the South Pole via radio and also make a shortwave broadcast of our music to anyone around the world who can hear it.

My wish for everyone for the New Year is that you will find peace in your lives.

Well I’ve just gotten back to work after 2 days in bed. I didn’t feel that bad I just didn’t want to expose myself to anyone else. I missed the second of three LDB launches while I was laid up so I’ll really need to watch for the last one. I was told they damaged some of the solar panels on launch so may need to do some repair work before the next launch. I also didn’t get to sing Christmas Carols at Scott Base. Hopefully I’ll get to sing at the next event (the McMurdo Base Christmas Party). I did get some pictures of two events that happened while I was in bed, a gingerbread house decorating contest and an airdrop by a C-17 over the South Pole. I’ve included some pictures of both in the blog gallery so check them out. The air traffic is beginning to slow down for the holidays so work will drag a little. That’s okay though as I’m not feeling 100% yet anyway.

I was singing Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” the other day and I was thinking its funny that where I am in Antarctica there is no “white” to be seen but if I get on a shuttle bus to the airfield 8 miles away there is nothing but snow.

I think I may be coming down with a cold. I have that scratchy throat, stuffy nose and I'm tired. Thankfully this is my last work day for a couple so I plan to get some rest, do a little reading and watch some DVD's. So, if you don't see any postings in the next couple of days know that I am taking care of myself and will resume blogging as soon as possible.