Presto chango!

Well, here is a little subjective update on the deconstruction project at Pole this summer. As of a couple days ago, this was the state of progress on the removal of the old science building (Skylab) and the Dome (which has yet to begin):

And, as of this morning there is no Skylab apparent from the windows of the galley in the Elevated Station. I don't know if the whole building is gone, though, since that drift is several stories high around the old facilities:


We're installing new antennae and a data acquisition computer to augment one of the space science projects here, so that has been challenging at times. The still-lingering-in-nameless-purgatory band had a really good practice last night, but I unfortunately had to duck out early to go to an informational meeting for winterovers. Right now it looks like I don't have to do any further psychological evaluations or medical checkouts (I may get another dental cleaning, though, next month), and I'll probably not be bothered with jumping through all the hoops and whatnot that have been established as new policy for R&R in New Zealand. As much as I would like to go, I just don't think I can do it. Sometimes it is a real drag being me. It will just be that much more plunder in my pocket for post-contract travels, should they be a valid option. Don't you all go breaking the global economy even more while I'm down here! Seriously!

Tonight there is supposed to be an airdrop of bulky cargo by a C-17, which is always fun to watch. This morning I will have the always-interesting experience of leading a tour of the station for some paying tourists. Tomorrow I get a haircut in the morning from the barber/hair stylist that is visiting from McMurdo.

“Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.”
~George Washington