Journal Entry

Morale is important to keep up and who can do that best? The cooks. If the food is good, everyone is happy. If the food is bad, the cooks hear about it.

Lunch HourA happy, hungry crew. Bill Springer, helo pilot, takes a break. (Photo by Dr. Trites) The Middle of the Mess HallA busy place for hungry people. (Photo by Dr. Trites) Chow LineAlmost endless options on the Healy, but warm food is good for cold hands. (Photo by Dr. Trites)

Food on a ship can be delicious, nutritious, and fresh. After almost 3 weeks on the ship we are still eating fresh fruit, a variety of lettuce, fresh vegetables, and eggs any way you want them. Chef Tysin, FS3 Alley, is one person who tries to do his best when it comes to food. He knows how important his job is to his fellow Coasties and scientists. Not only does he work hard, he is enthusiastic about what he does and it spreads to others.

Always a SmileTysin Alley works hard in the kitchen. A Whole Lot of NoodlesTysin carefully pours the water off of the noodles.

Did you know that...

...8 dozen eggs  and 7 ½ lbs of bacon are used for breakfast each day. ...if it's your birthday, you will have a big cake to feed 120 people ...there is always a salad bar for lunch and dinner. ...orange juice is one of the favorite drinks ...midrats is an extra evening meal for those working the night shift ...meals last one hour. Don't be late or you'll end up with peanut butter and jelly or cereal. ...drinks come in a variety from sodas, slushies, and tea, to juices, milk, and coffees. ...the best desserts are the homemade cookies and the occasional pies made by the XO ...chicken can be prepared at least 30 different ways.

Every Saturday night is Morale Night. On that night, others share in the dinner preparations. The scientists were in charge last night. We created an incredible mess but also delicious food including lasagna, chicken parmesan, roasted acorn squash, steamed asparagus, risotto, garlic bread, and blueberry-raspberry cobbler with ice cream. The team of scientists from China made delicious steamed dumplings.

Wacky Garlic Bread MakersScientists having fun. Constructing LasagnaHats are a must; gloves are optional. Dumpling FactoryAll hands moving. Lisa Helps OutOn her day off, Lisa helps the scientists with their meal. Lasagna...and I made it with a little help from my friends. Dishes, dishes, and more dishesIvan Kuletz has the power to clean.