Good Morning!  The interlet finally let me on the network and able to post this morning - just in time to drop a few lines before I meet my helicopter to go camping a ways down the road.  By camping I mean sleeping bag on the ground - unless we are lucky enough to find cots.  Sign me up for the Smores!  Usually one doesn't have this type of detail but since we were cancelled last night due to weather I have a had a whole evening to ponder my sleeping arrangements and how, heaven's sake, to pack for such a trip!

I am looking forward to this data gathering event though.  When you get to these remote bases, you remember what's going on around you constantly.  We are so cut off here on this large base - no easy access to news or TV - and falling into a routine that it's often easy to forget exactly where you are and what's going on around you - these small bases bring that all home in often alarming and austere ways.  Planning these places is why I'm here!

I am happy to say I celebrated my 44th here just like I had been hatched from a nunnery! There was no fun, flamboyant displays of exuberance or any alcohol - I looked for special gifts just for me, sent along by the powers that be.  I experienced an amazing thunderstorm, crossed paths with the most unhinged Jingle Truck and received a very used fridge - but it works and I can now enjoy ice and cold beverages! Thank you all for such  nice birthday wishes and the care packages - nicer and more meaningful than any of you will ever know!

This is a short post because I'm on my way out and just was able to access the world!  I'd like to wish my sister a VERY happy 41st today - wish I could be there to celebrate with you, but birthday season is all  yours this year - so bask in the limelight!

Drink of the day - A Donut Hole coffee with some real cream and a Splenda!