Winter Over (IV)

Richard W. Frank

Winter Over (IV)

Week 4-The Lost World

Once upon a time in a land far, far away there lived a group of people who did not know what Oprah's book of the month was and did not care. These people were by and large a peaceful lot who lived amongst great mountain ranges and fields of ice, drove large, orange vehicles, wore big red parkas, ate more than their share of fried eggs, and watched the NCAA tournament with glee while drinking beer out of cans, and it was good. These people had bowling and cribbage tournaments with team names like "The Drunken Losers." They did not care who won the best supporting actress Oscar, but the sight of Reuben sandwiches and Chili Conquistador brought a smile to their lips.

One of the people on station slowly worked his way through the week trying to make the most of each day. Work was a challenge and a reward for our hero. During his free time he liked to be a part of creating life in the green house, and bringing down fresh basil, peppers, and butter lettuce to use on the salad line. The sight of mountains in the distance and the growing snow on the ground while walking around station gladdened his heart and quickened his breath in the subzero temperatures. These walks around the surrounding hills were a pleasure in these rare few days of sunshine, no winds, and excellent visibility. On Saturday, he joined the rest of the station in a group photo at Hut Point. He vainly tried to download the digital pictures in later days in order to attach them to his weekly report, but with little success.

On Saturday afternoon, he had his first radio show. Our hero played a wide assortment of loud upbeat songs to lead everyone into their Saturday night. Many people called to request and commend songs chosen. Most of them were at the Tiki Hut in Dorm room 206, and they wanted it known that the liquor was bountiful and free. Alone in the radio room, it was impossible for him to resist cranking up the music and dancing on chairs. He only made one mistake with the CD player, and he is looking forward to his future themed shows (i.e. the many faces of Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon-the early years, Michael Jackson: fact or fiction?).

Today, our protagonist was dragged by the station manager with the rest of the galley staff to go look at a group of fifteen emperor penguins that had emerged from a crack in the ice near Hut Point. The weather had turned bad on Wednesday, and the penguins were standing in a group to escape some of the wind. The photo opportunities were myriad, and the break for fresh air was invigorating.

Our hero's future is so bright he often wears shades. He also has little else to say about the previous week. Life is good, and the paychecks keep coming in. Happy Easter folks, and try to keep in touch with an Antarctic golem. Until next...

A man who believes it does take a village,

Rich

Onwards to Winter Over (V)

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