VMF: 4th of July Celebration

Like the carnivals of ol', the 4th of July Celebration at the VMF was complete with a chili cook-off, homemade ice cream, funnel cakes, corn dogs and games!

The chili cook-of contestants! Wendy samples them all!

Miss Amanda and her homemade chili!

CORNDOGS!

Poobaca with his infamous "name that poo" carnival game and festive attire.

Oh yeah...a Vat-O'-Cheetos. Dive in for prizes!

Forget bacon, it's the year of the Cheeto.

Bill pays tribute to Izzy.

Cotton Candy making machine!

Todd tatts up the locals like Lan...

and Anna B!

Ang tags Cynthia with a tattoo!

Shawn Brown!

Travis and his trailer of games!

Desiree and Me! Yay USA!

Auction items! Antarctic-made bowls by Zach Pettway.

My sparkle hat!

Wine, chocolate, lights...

snacks, liquor and more!

The Captain Morgan Spiced Rum went for $750.00...not kidding!

A VMF clock made from old pisten bully parts!

Jenn!

Bill tries to pin a knife on King George's 3rd heart while MC looks on.
In lieu of cash prizes and such, all of the auction money raised was donated to Izzy and John to help with lost wages and expenses related to the medevac. When it really matters, communities can surprise you.

Easter Mischief

Despite popular opinion, I have nothing to do with the Easter Mischief in McMurdo. I do however, make a darn convincing bunny.

With different colored, deco-nails!

I might know a secret or two...

But I'll never tell...GRRRRRR!

I just LOVE my Easter Basket! Thanks Easter Bunny!

And for Easter Brunch, I got all dressed up!

And Robyn sent us an Easter Box of Awesome Goodies to open!

MC is feeling greedy!

Kelli is REALLY excited!

Goodies!!!

A very special potato head for MC!

Flowers and joy galore!

Happy Friends! (MC, Me, Jenn, Kris and Kelli!)
Thanks Robyn! We love and miss you!!! XOXO

Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training

Once a month, the EOC meets for training. Today was that day. We met down in B165 and went through an emergency training exercise. We use the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) system for emergency management. I fulfill Emergency Support Function #15: Public Affairs & Communications.

B165 with a beautiful view of the moon and the American Flag!
The EOC is one of my favorite activities, as I get to prepare and participate in preparations for emergencies, which, on the ice, is quite different from anywhere else in the world. Back home in the states, one state can easily go to the surrounding states for assistance or resources, or nationally, or internationally. Here, we're pretty much on our own. Which also means, that what might be considered a lesser emergency back home, could be catastrophic here, if not handled properly.

The EOC Core Team, preparing, discussing, saving your life.

Searching through the map archive...

and more.

Jenn tests the comms equipment.
Being a part of the EOC and going through the training exercises gives me a greater appreciation for the importance and value of each and every person on station, as well as a broader view of what it really means to live in isolation, in Antarctica, in the winter. And it feels good to know we're in good hands should our good fortune ever run out.

Women of Winter

A Woman's Place is in Antarctica. Or anywhere else she darn well wants to be for that matter! And every year at the beginning of the Winter season, we Women of Antarctica get together for a little meet-n-greet. Shandra, Cathy and I planned on put on the event this year.

This year, I made a nice log book for us to pass on to future
Women of Antarctica, so we can record our legacy.

The book already has a nice collection of signatures!

Shandra works on cutting up all the appetizers.

While Cathy arranges yummy bites on pretty platters.

Delicious and tasty punch - one with a little bubbly, one with out!

So pretty! I'm sure appreciating the freshies while they're still around.

To die for! Hot cheesy artichoke dip with banana peppers.

Just a nice afternoon of chit chat.

Jenn checks out the bookmarks.

Mingle ladies mingle.

Janette and Cynthia aka Rhyme and Reason.

Quite a nice crowd.

Molly, Gracie and Jamie are all smiles.

Jenn and Kelli take a moment to reflect on some powerful women quotes!