Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 10/28/2009 - 10:10
Forums
Antarctic Undersea ROV 09

We are a 4th Grade class from Sauquoit Elementary School. That is the town next to where you went to High School in Chadwicks. We read about this in the Pennysaver and are excited to follow your trip. You must really be excited, too. What kinds of things will you have to be doing down there?

Mrs. Waldeck's 4th Grade

Wed, 10/28/2009 - 13:48

Michele Cross

Hi Mrs. Waldeck and class!!
Thanks for checking us out!! My brother Scott graduated from Sauquoit in '87!! (Is Mr. Petzke still teaching?? He was my science teacher!)
I will have MANY jobs while in Antarctica--blogging on this website, blogging on the Project SCINI 2009 website, preparing for and conducting at least 2 Live Events (webinars...you should try to participate in one!), hand drilling holes for SCINI and anything else that may need to be done. I'll also be gathering video footage that will ultimately end up in video podcasts and some ideas I have for class activities. Basically, whatever needs to be done!!!  And of course, answering any questions that are posted. Feel free to ask away!!! What sort of things do you think SCINI will "see" under the ice???
Thanks for posting!!
Mrs. Cross
 

Thu, 10/29/2009 - 09:13

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Dear Mrs. Cross,
We were so excited to get your email. Mr. Petzke retired a few years ago, but Mrs. Petzke teaches 1st grade at our school. Our teacher is going to ask her to tell her husband that you had him.
We just read your email, but we have to get ready to go home now, so our teacher said that we can ask you some questions tomorrow.
Mrs. Waldeck's 4th Grade

Thu, 10/29/2009 - 18:34

Michele Cross

Hey thanks!! Mr. Petzke would know me as "Rose"....and I remember when they met. She was a new teacher then!! I'm probably dating myself...LOL!! I'm currently awaiting my next flight from LAX. Next stop....Sydney, Australia!! I'll answer any questions as soon as I'm able. It might be a couple of days, and my team will be back to McMurdo by then!
Till next time! 
Mrs. Cross 

Fri, 10/30/2009 - 07:36

Mr. Petzke

Hi Michelle,
It is always great to hear about a successful former student. Your trip sounds great and I wish I could be there. I am retired now but still think about my many fine students. Have a safe trip and I will write again soon.
Mr. Petzke

Fri, 10/30/2009 - 10:42

Mrs. Waldeck's…

Dear Mrs. Cross,
Thanks for your email. Are you in Australia yet? When will you get to Antarctica? We think that SCINI will see fish, fossils, ice, penquins swimming, maybe a volcano, and shipwrecks. Where will you be sleeping? How long can SCINI go underwater for? We are anxious to hear from you again. Have a good trip.
Mrs. Waldeck's 4th Grade

Fri, 10/30/2009 - 12:55

Michele Cross

Hi Mr. Petzke!!
Am in Australia awaiting my flight to ChCh, NZ. We'll be there 2 days then on to the Ice on Nov. 2--weather permitting. I'll get more posted once I get to NZ!! Take care!!
 
Michele 

Fri, 10/30/2009 - 12:58

Michele Cross

Hi Mrs. Waldeck's 4th grade class!!
I'm currently  in Australia on SAT. 31st!!! I missed Friday all together!! Pretty cool, huh??? I'm supposed to be in Antartica on Nov. 2nd. Initially, I'll be sleeping at McMurdo Station, but when we're out on the ice for the 2 weeks, we'll be sleeping in tents...on the ice!! What an experience I'm sure it will be!! I'll write more later as I need to get downstairs for my flight!! Take care!!
 
Mrs. Cross 

Sat, 10/31/2009 - 08:38

The girls at H…

Hi Michelle,
We hope you are enjoying yourself and have a wonderful time in Antarctica. We wish you the best and plan on staying in touch we are very excited to see pictures. Talk to you soon, be safe, have fun!
The girls at Haircolor Masters Salon and Spa

Sat, 10/31/2009 - 10:10

Michele Cross

Hey ladies!!
Good to hear from you! Arrived in Christchurch, NZ Sat afternoon. LONNGGGGG time getting here!! I found out last evening that we've been delayed by a day, so clothing stuff will happen on Monday. Then we'll leave Nov. 3rd--hopefully. Not sure what the delay is; they don't tell you that. So, I'm off to explore today. Saw the man part of Christchurch last evening...very nice...had an great Greek meal!
I'm definitely going punting this morning and will hit the market. Then I'd like to head out of town and do some hiking. We shall see!! Gorgeous view coming in...be looking for pics and an iMovie sometime in the next 24-36 hours!
Take care!! 
Michele 

Sat, 10/31/2009 - 10:54

Colton Point

Hi Michelle,
This is Nancy and Ron Tyson from Colton Point. We are so happy and excited for you. We will certainly be following your adventures. This is truly a once in a lifetime experience. Enjoy every minute of it.

Sat, 10/31/2009 - 22:38

Michele Cross

Hi Nancy and Ron!! So funny because I was just talking about you guys today when David and I went hiking in Port Hills and then into Lyttlton. I've already run out of adjectives, but it was stunning...and peaceful! I'm working on some stuff tonight so that I can post....I've already seen and done much here and Christchurch. Clothing fitting is tomorrow. Flight leaves Nov. 3!! Then the experience REALLY begins!! Thanks for following!!
Michele
 

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 05:51

Lee

Just thrilled to hear and see your long-awaited postings! Cannot wait to show your fabulous pictures and all your busy happenings to your kids! Carry on and we will wait to hear about your next step!

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 06:44

Michele Cross

Hey Lee!
It's actually 4:42 am, and i just had a knock on my door at 4:38 am--another flight delay for another 24 hours. Well...I wonder if I'll ever get there...Christchurch is lovely, and I enjoy the mini vacation, but...
So...with the delay, I'll be posting even more. The videos should be ready to go today. I uploaded in the wrong format.
Hope all is going well!! Tel the kids i miss them and wish they could be here with me! And, they're "our" kids now!!
Michele 

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 08:37

Bobbi Jo :)))

Hey Michele-
I just wanted you to know that I was thinking of you! I miss you so much and really do wish you the best! I know that you are tough and can handle just about anything. Just know that East is not the same with out you. I was just checking out your blogs and how great it must be to reconnect with so many people from your past.
Best of luck! I will check in from time to time!
Bobbi Jo

Mon, 11/02/2009 - 08:55

Michele Cross

Hey B!!
Miss you, too! Be sure to watch for more postings in the next 24 hours. This delay will allow me to get more up while I have decent bandwith. I've had a ball so far but am ready to get down to the Ice and do what I'm supposed to do. Good news is that this delay means I can eat at Santori's tonight--awesome Greek food!
And yes, it has been great to reconnect and to see how many different people are following--quite an ecclectic group!!
Be well my friend!!
Michele

Tue, 11/03/2009 - 07:36

Guest

Hey Michelle Cross,
I hope your expedition goes well! Hope you find what your looking for!
How many days will be gone on the expedition? Hope you have Fun!
-Ben Coniguliaro B-)

Tue, 11/03/2009 - 20:14

Scott Rose

I sent an email as well, but I wanted to let you know your elk steaks will be waiting for you when you get back. I got a cow on Sunday (Nov. 1st). She was a very beautiful animal and didn't suffer (thanks to Uncle Sam's schooling) and it was quite a humbling experience. She will feed Brandee, me, Kaleigh and Ian very well over the coming year. God Speed! We'll be in touch.

Tue, 11/03/2009 - 22:49

Michele Cross

Hi Ben!!
I finally got here today after a couple days delay. We'll be here until Dec 19, so that's a bit of time!! Off to drill holes tomorrow!!
Thanks for following!
Michele 

Thu, 11/05/2009 - 19:08

Stacy Kim

Hi Mrs. Waldeck's 4th Grade class,
Mrs. Cross is taking a class right now.  It is called SnowCraft I and is nicknamed Happy Camper Training, and it is to teach you how to survive if you get stick outdoors in Antarctica. So tonight she will be sleeping out of doors!
SCINI has seen fish and ice so far.  We will probably see penguins swimming later on.  We will have to be very very lucky to see a shipwreck, a volcano, or fossils, as all of those are pretty rare.  We'll be looking though!
Best, Stacy

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 16:48

Marie Coffey

Hey Michele, your pictures are awesome. The beauty that you have captured of the Antartic is incredible. Still in awe that you are really there!!!

Sat, 11/07/2009 - 18:32

Michele Cross

Thanks Marie!! I still can't believe I'm here either. Feels like home!! I've posted some new pics and the seal video should be up on the site in a couple of days. I'm just absolutely in awe of this place!!
Michele

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 07:14

Mrs. Waldeck's…

Hi,
We just finished reading your journal entry. Was it hard to sleep outside? How cold was it? We think that you dropped something in the latrine. What was it? Were you comfortable sleeping on the ice? Do you kick somebody if they snore? Our teacher found your podcasts so that we could listen to them.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Waldeck's class

Mon, 11/09/2009 - 08:15

Michele Cross

Hey guys!
Great questions! Now let me get strarted..
1 & 4) I've been having a very difficult time sleeping here period, but believe it or not, I actually slept the best outside in the Scott tent. I'm not saying I got a TON of sleep, but I certainly slept better. The key is staying warm and making sure your bladder isn't full. I actually was pretty comfy sleeping on the ice. That surprised me!
2) The winds ranged between 20-27 mph & were quite stiff, so that dropped the wind chill to below zero...not sure how much as I didn't have a thermometer. I'm not sure what the temp was when the winds died down completely. But, the snow sure was crunchy! So it was COLD!
3) Correct...I decided to empty my pee bottle down the matrine instead of taklng it back to base (mistake #1). Then when I unscrewed the lid, I lost my grip on the lid and it plummeted into the VERY deep hole. (Mistake #2---don't fiddles with anythig ove rthe hole!) Could've been worse...but I was mortified.
5) Ha, ha!! I just put a pillow over their head till they stop! Just kidding, so far no snorers. Thanks goodness!! (And the guys who snored when we were at Happy Camper slept in snow trenches.)
Thanks for following!!
Mrs. Cross

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 10:49

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Hi,
Thanks for all of your answers. Some of us thought you dropped your cell phone, your hat, your bunny boots, your glasses, or your gloves.
We don't have school on Nov. 11, so we were excited to see that the live event is changed to Friday. Our Librarian is going to try and help us so that we can participate.
What kind of animals have you seen? Are there Sea Lions down there? Will you be diving?
Mrs. Waldeck's class

Tue, 11/10/2009 - 15:51

Michele Cross

Hey! Those were all great guesses! The cell phone is safely tucked away in the lab. Could you imagine that call to Verizon about a "lost" cell phone...like that ...LOL!! I have about 6 hats with me, so that would've been bad but not horrible. My glasses would've been really bad. I wore my prescription sunglasses for Happy Camp. I can't survive without my bunny noots, so thankfully they were on my feet!! I realized after we scheduled that you all had the day off which is why we rescheduled. I'm excited to hear that you're going to participate! SWEET!! I think we're ready to go from this end....I'm cleaning some things up in the PowerPoint, so it'll go out soon! I'll be posting as well so be watching!! 
I've seen seals up close and from afar and have seen emperor penguins from a distance. They're pretty funny to watch!! I'll tell you about it in my blog. I should see more in the coming weeks. No sea lions here, but there are fur seals on the South Georgia Island side (closer to South America) that are similar.
 I'm not diving, but I just came back from a dive with Dr. Kim...she did what's called a surface supply dive, and I'll be explaining more about that in an upcoming journal entry. So stay tuned!!!
Take care!!
Mrs. Cross
 

Mon, 11/16/2009 - 07:31

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Dear Mrs. Cross,We are sorry that we couldn't participate on Friday. Our computers weren't working properly. That's why we couldn't email you either. We will get to see it when it is downloaded. Will you be doing another live event?
How are you doing? What will you be doing for Thanksgiving? Will you be eating turkey? Have you felt the water yet? How cold is it?
Thank's for being our Pen Pal. :)
Mrs. Waldeck's class

Mon, 11/16/2009 - 08:47

Michele Cross

Hi guys!I was wondering what happened, nut no worries! Our next event is scheduled for Dec. 8th at 2 pm EST, so be sure to register!! It is archived on the PolarTREC website so you can watch and listen there!!
Things are going well, and today will find us getting ready to go out into the field till the end of next week, so my postings will be spotty at best. We will be out at Heald Island on T-giving Day but back in time to celebrate T-Giving here next Sat. And yes!! I'll be eating turkey...and stuffing...and potatoes and pumpkin pie!!!
And yes, I've felt the water. Brrr!! It's 29 F.  The coldest I've been in was 36 F when Polar Bear plunging...who knew that 7 degrees can make a difference!)
Stay well, and keep following!!
 Mrs. Cross
 

Mon, 11/16/2009 - 16:07

Guest

Dear Mrs. Cross
I am a student from Mrs. Waldecks class my name is Ben Vanderpool. Are you eating turkey on thanksgiving? Do u get cellphone service down there? What is your favorite part of the trip so far? Would you rather sleep on a bed or spend a day in a heated building? I would love to be down there for a day. I love penquins and seals. would u rather take a hot bath or a warm temp for a day?
sincerly Ben Vanderpool

Mon, 11/16/2009 - 19:36

Michele Cross

Hey Ben! Glad you're following and thanks for the great questions! If I'm at McMurdo, I'll have turkey the Saturday after Thanksgiving. If not, can you eat a little extra for me?? No cell phone service as there are no towers, but I will be using an Iridium (satellite phone) in the field. Be watcning! My favorite part of the trip is seeing absultely beautiful sites every single day. I wish you could be here to see what I see!! Sleeping in a bed vs. being in a heated building....hmmm...I guess I'd have to say--heated building. And lastly, I guess I'd take warm temps for the day because then I wouldn't need the hot bath to warm up!!
Have a great rest of the week Ben!!
 Mrs. Cross

Tue, 11/17/2009 - 12:24

Guest

Hey There,
You seem to be doing A LOT of work and responding to A LOT of emails. How do you fit them into one 24 hour day? You must have to be a super duper fast typer! Or a super duper fat worker! What have you been eating down there? How much food did they bring to last them 3 months? Must have been a lot. I enjoy your journal entrys. It is fun to hear what happens all the way down there in Antarctica while I'm up here in New York State.
Have a wonderful day!
A Fan ------Ben Coniguliaro :-D

Tue, 11/17/2009 - 13:56

Michele Cross

Hey Ben!!
I do my best to keep up!! I WISH I were a super fast typer. I actually get up very early to try and get a jump on things, so that helps. My day always starts with my school e-mails....still working...from here!
Food has been great! We've had all sorts of fresh veggies and fruits lately as the plane made it in finally. We had a big storm that hit and Friday and continued through most of the weekend. Pretty wild!! There are choices for both vegetarians and meat eaters alike, so I'm never lacking for options. The brunch on Sunday is WONDERFUL and is the high point of the week. We'll be making our own meals in the field. That will be a new thing for me. I love to cook, so we'll see if it translates to the field!
In terms of food for the team, there are all sorts of food sources and supplies here, so were are not lacking in that regard. (I did bring some snacks of my own. And, my one roomate treats us to chocolate a couple of times a week, so that's nice!)
Well Ben, please keep following! We're headed to the field today, so be looking for some audio journal entries!! Have a great rest of the week!!
 
Michele 
 

Fri, 11/20/2009 - 05:55

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Hi,We are excited because we can participate in the Dec. 8th event. Our librarian was able to set it up for us. We have some questions for you.
If you are outside in a snowstorm, do you need to wear a special color so that people can see you? What kind of equipment are you using? Are you having fun? What is the longest amount of time that someone could live down there? How thick is the ice? What kind of research have you done? What has SCINI seen under the water?
We really enjoy emailing you.
Your Fans,
Mrs. Waldeck's class

Thu, 11/26/2009 - 20:00

Michele Cross

Hey everyone!! Glad to hear you can join us!! Also, be sure to check out the archived webinar from a couple of weeks ago. You only need a computer, speakers and a hook up to a Smart Board so all can see easily.Questions/Answers:
1) Snowstorms---we're not allowed outside in Condition 1 weather. I talked about that in my first webinar. I've only experienced Condition 2, and because it was so nasty out, I was in my Extreme Cold Weather (ECW) Gear including "Big Red". That helps people see one another.
2) Equipment--ECW includes bunny boots (they look like Mickey Mouse boots), the big, red, down parka (that's my best friend), bib wind pants, fleece tops and bottom, heavy duty socks and a variety of long johns. I also have several pair of gloves, a neck gaiter (that helps me sleep by using it to block the light), a balaclava and plenty of hats!! It's a LOT to get on!!
3) I'm having the time of my life!!!! It has been very, very physically demanding combined with long work days, but I really loved being out in the middle of no where with nothing else and no one else around. Got some of my best sleep while out in the field!! (That was my first "camping" trip, and what an awesome one!!)
4) No one lives down here permanently, but people work down here anywhere from 3 months to over 12 months at a time.
5) The ice ranges in thickness from a few inches in spots (I fell through once up to my knees) to several hundred feet. We were able to drill through 24 feet of ice, amd that took a LONG time!!!)
6 & 7) Dr. Kim is taking/has taken pictures of the ocean floor to see what lives there and how they interact with one another. Be looking for pictures soon. We recently had SCINI in several place off Becker Point, Antarctica (under the McMurdo Ice Shelf). No one had ever been under the ice there before, so when you see the pictures, you'll be seeing things that no one has EVER seen before!! How cool is that?!?!?
I've enjoyed emailing you as well!! Count me as your #1 fan!! I hope to be able to visit your class someday!! How does that sound?? When I do, make sure Mr. Petzke is there, OK????
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!!
Mrs. Cross
_____
From: webmaster@polartrec.com
To: mcross@polartrec.com
Sent: Fri, 20 Nov 2009 05:55:23 -0900
Subject: Comment for Forum topic: To Michelle Cross

Wed, 12/02/2009 - 05:36

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Dear Mrs. Cross,We got your postcard on Monday. Thank you very much. We shared it with our principal and our librarian. They also came into our room yesterday to read some of your entries. We saw the seal video yesterday, too. We watched it about 5 times! Was that really snot that came out of his nose? Are there any trees down there? Is SCINI going under the water today? We read in your email to Mike that the tether is 1000 feet. We are going to try and figure out how far that is. Is it fun watching SCINI go in the water? What was it like to drive SCINI?
Mr. Petzke is going to try and join us for the live event. We hope he can. Maybe Ms. Swiecki can be there, too.
How many seals have you seen up close? Did you see any penguins yet? We hope you do!
Your #1 Fans,
Mrs. Waldeck's class

Thu, 12/03/2009 - 08:50

Michele Cross

Hey!! How's my #1 4th grade class?!?!? I love it that you guys have SO many questions!!Glad you liked the postcard!! They are hand stamped by the post ladies here! I hope to interview them in the near future!
Now, let me get to your questions before my laundry finishes. YES!! That was really snot that came out of his nose!! It isn't like our snot. Apparently, it's thicker and greasier...sometimes called "lung butter." My notes are in the lab, so when I get there, I'll answer this question more thoroughly. I'm happy to report that I've not worn their "lung butter". They exhale pretty hard when they first come up, and if you're too close...welll....you get the picture!
No trees!! That means no leaves and no raking!! YEA!!!!!
SCINI has been diving every day this week since Tuesday. We've been out to the Cape Evans area and are currently at Cinder Cones. You would not BELIEVE what lives under the ice here!!! Be looking for pictures...AFTER the webinar next week. The first images will be part of that presentation.
I LOVE watching SCINI power up, as she does a "happy dance." I have it on video but haven't had time to process it. It will be forthcoming!!
Driving SCINI was VERY cool! I'd never had a Play Station controller in my hands before, so that took a little getting used to. She responds quite well, so you don't have to over do it on the controls...unless there's a current! And most importantly, I didn't crash her!
I've seen more and more seals out on the ice which means that there are more and more cracks or thin areas, so safety becomes an issue. Open water is about 5 miles from Cape Evans which is where we were for 2 days, and you can see signs of it with the increase of seal and penguin sightings. There's also a haze of sorts on the horizon. I've seen a handful of penguins but not terribly close. I'm still hoping!! I do have a couple of pictures though...just holding out for better!
Before I forget, my brother Scott (Rose) had Mrs. Brandon, Miss Labuz and Mrs. Bean. I know Mrs. Bean retired a couple of years ago, but I'm not sure about the other two. I know Mrs. Bean would get a kick out of this!!
Till next time!! Take care guys!!
YOUR #1 Fan!
Mrs. Cross

Thu, 12/03/2009 - 11:00

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Dear Mrs. Cross,Boy, did we laugh about the "Lung Butter" that comes from the seals. ROFLOL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (rolling on the floor, laughing out loud) Not quite, but almost. Our teacher wouldn't let us roll on the floor! Did you think it was funny when the seal was doing the worm on the video? We sure did!
We can't wait to see what lives under the ice. Are there any squid? What does SCINI's "Happy Dance" look like? We all have different ideas. We're glad you didn't crash her. Is the control that you use wireless? Some of us think it would be easy and some think it would be hard. Mark says he always goes backwards on his Play Station controller.
We saw the picture of the volcano. Does it melt the snow when it erupts?
Our teacher is going to ask Mrs. Bean about your brother. She used to teach in the classroom next to ours before she retired. Mrs. Brandon retired last year and Miss Labuz is Mrs. Miller now. She is still here.
Your #1 Fans,
Mrs. Waldeck's class

Thu, 12/03/2009 - 14:53

Michele Cross

I CAN'T WAIT to meet you guys!!!!!!! You crack me up!!!!! (I just got snowmobiled back so I could work this afternoon, so let me start.)Let's go back to the "lung butter". Seals produce this greasy thick mucus so that there are no compressible spaces in their lungs. Wedell seals can dive to 2,000 ft, and pressure at that depth would absolutely crush the lungs. So, when you heard the seal breathing on my first video, he was actually getting all of the oxygen out of his lungs so that he could dive. And, here's another bit of information. Wedells can stay under for very long periods of time. Anyhow this "snot" is in their lungs and keeps their lungs from compressing (being crushed) at high pressure at great depth. So when they come back up, they clear things out a bit. Take home message? Don't get your face too close....like I did my first day here. I had my face right over the hole when that one popped up and scared me. Fortunately for me there was no lung butter! But, then again, how many people could say that they wore such a badge of honor as...."lung butter"!! LOL! 
It is pretty funny to see them do "The Worm"...so much effort and they don't go very far, very fast. Kind of like me on the sea ice here...even with my stabilicers!
I'm not sure if Dr. Kim has seen squid down here...I don't think so. They're actually pretty mysterious and elusive and live at depths greater than SCINI can currently go anyways.
I'll be posting a video of SCINI's "Happy Dance" when I get a chance to process it. I'd love to hear what you think it is like!
The controller is wireless. Once you know what does what and how well SCINI responds to the controls, it's pretty straightforward. Of course, currents make things difficult.
Erebus is beautiful but hasn't erupted in thousands of years. She does let off some steam almost every day though. I met a volcanologist who's up there now, and he goes up to the crater rim 3x/day to do his research. How cool is that?!?!?
I didn't realize Mrs. Brandon retired...good for her!! I knew Mrs. Bean did because I had my mom buy her some flowers from us and drop them off on one of her last days. Mrs. Bean and I got to know each other during my senior year of high school. Please tell her I said "hello"!!! She's a great woman!! Miss Labuz might remember my brother Scott...not sure. Anyhow...
Till next time...not too much rolling around on the floor, OK???
Mrs. Cross

Thu, 12/03/2009 - 15:27

Ben!

Hi!
I watched the seal video. When they were making those noises (the beeping sounding ones) it sounded like a UFO. Either that or it was the camera. I cannot wait for there to be pictures that SCINI took!
I also can't wait for the live event! I will be there! How long will you be doing it for? I am going to watch it at school. Hopefully you will still be doing it while I am home but I don't think I will be able to participate at home!
I cannot WAIT! Me and my class will have SO Many questions!
Hope to write to you again soon!
A fan,
▒♦~!Ben ¢♂nigÜli@ro!~♦▒

Thu, 12/03/2009 - 15:48

Michele Cross

Hey Ben!!
Other than the humans talking and laughing, every other sound you hear was made by the seals. Incredible, huh?? No camera beeping at all. The Live Event will last from 12-1 pm, and there will be plenty of time for questions. And, we will do our very best to answer every, songle one!! Can't wait either!!
Mrs. Cross

Fri, 12/04/2009 - 12:56

Katherine

Hi! I'm a student from Mrs. Waldeck's class. I'm in the computer room typing to you. I'm also with the chritmas tree. Because of last year, we bought a small tree and Holly tries toget ordements from it. Noughty! Yeasturday, Holly achelly knock down the tree! That wasn't joyful.! Phew! It was hot a minite a go. I had the computer door shut while the heater was on. Do you ever get hot down there? Also, do you have any pets at home that get into trouble? I tried commeting you a few days ago, but I couldn't find "the button" to get to this. Hmmmmmm, what time is it?
Please aswer this,
Katherine

Fri, 12/04/2009 - 22:57

Michele Cross

Hi Katherine!!
I assume Holly is your cat??? I have two of my own. One is at my mom's and the other is with a friend. And, I miss them both. We have a touch tank outside of our lab, so I stop by and talk to the sea stars, sea spiders, anemones, etc. every morrning. They're my antarctic pets...and no litter box to change!! My cats are pretty good; although, Rafael plays way too rough with Tori. He's all boy, and she's all fluff. I did an earlier journal entry with pictures. You should check it out!
Yes, I do get hot here. The other day I was working out on the ice and was in a long sleeve shirt but wanted to take it off so that I could just be in my t-shirt!! Today I had a hard time with the cold for a bit until the wind died down. But, it is warming up down here.
Right now it is 8:56 pm Saturday night. For you??? It is 2:56 am Saturday. We are 18 hours ahead of you, so when it's Sunday for you, it's Monday here.
Take care!
Mrs. Cross

Sat, 12/05/2009 - 05:24

Katherine

Michelle!
Right now it's between 9:00 and 9:30. So that means it's ummmmmm, I don't know what time it is down there. I'm hungrey. So I should see my show and EAT.
About 3 minites later...
Hi! I back, it's not time for my show. Yum, breakfast.... Crunchy.
For some reason, I feel good typing to you. I just feel happy.
What colors are your cats? If there gray or brown, you shold go on this game Net Pet.
Well, hope you write today,
Great, just spilled my ceral with no milk.!
One more question, When it's mourning for me, is it afternoon for you or night or mourning?
Katherine
P.S. I'm checking tonight, for an aswer.

Sat, 12/05/2009 - 10:21

Michele Cross

Hi Katherine!
Tell me what time it is for you. It is 8:04 am Sunday morning here, and I've been up a bit. Was hoping to sleep in, but....
We are having an Open House today that will allow SCINI to show off a bit and show people what lives under the ice here around McMurdo. They'll also be able to fly her!! How'd you like to do something like that?!?!?
Pictures of my cats are at the following links. You really should go back and read my online journal from the beginning...I think you'd like it!!
http://www.polartrec.com/gallery/2009/antarctic-undersea-rov-09/?g2_pag…
http://www.polartrec.com/gallery/2009/antarctic-undersea-rov-09/?g2_pag…
When it's morning for you, it's the middle of the "night" (the next day) for us!! Have a great weekend, and check out some other PolarTREC teacher's journals. There's lots of cool stuff going on!!!
Mrs. Cross

Mon, 12/07/2009 - 07:29

Mrs. Waldeck's class

Hi Mrs. Cross,Thanks for your email. It is so exciting to read them. We can't wait until the live event.
When you were in school did you ever dream about going to Antarctica? We finally have some snow on the ground. Only about 2 inches, but enough to have fun. We did get to have snowball fights this weekend and build snowmen. It's somewhere around 30 degrees here. Can you build snowmen and have snowball fights there or is it all just ice?
How many schools will be participating in the live event? It looks like you get a lot of emails. We tried to watch some of your videos this morning, but couldn't get them to work. We will try again later.
Your #1 Fans,
Mrs. Waldeck's class :-)

Mon, 12/07/2009 - 08:46

Michele Cross

Hey guys!!Won't be long now...before the Live Event...glad you're looking forward to it!! Not sure how many schools are joining, but I know there will be quite a few!
When I was in school, I NEVER dreamed of going to Antarctica. I don't even think it was on my radar screen at all! Perhaps it was because I never thought something like that would ever be possible. I guess the take home message there is not to put yourself in a box but to think outside the box and really imagine the possibilities that exist for you in the world.
Believe it or not, after we had our last big storm and it warmed up a bit, there was a HUGE snowball fight outside! (What would Mrs. Waldeck say about that?!?!? LOL!) And, I did see some attempts at snowmen, but the snow really has to warm and get packable. Early in the season that would never have happened--to cold! Antartic snow angels were fun though!
And, it looks like PolarTREC hasn't posted the videos yet. They have to optimize and upload from their end. Hopefully, it'll happen by tomorrow for sure!
Till tomorrow!!
YOUR #1 Fan!
Mrs. Cross
 

Mon, 12/07/2009 - 15:30

Ben!

Hey Michelle,
I think I am going to pass out! I cannot WAIT till the live event tomorrow! Did I ever mention I was in Mrs. Waldeck's 4th Grade class? I have a good question to ask! I can't wait! When will SCINI's "Happy Dance" video
be up? Hope it will be soon! I thought SCINI was A LOT smaller then he is. I thought it could fit in your hand! Like the size of a walky talky! Can't wait for there to be pictures up from SCINI! *_*
A Big Fan,
▒♦~!Ben ¢♂nigÜ↓i@ro!~♦▒

Tue, 12/08/2009 - 08:51

Michele Cross

Hey Ben!!
I thought I was going to pass out before our first Live Event...but from NERVES!!! LOL!!!! I was SOOOOOOOOO nervous and anxious! I think I'm a bit better this time...for now anyways!
Ahhhh...the "Happy Dance" video...well, I need some "input" from two of our engineers before I can process the footage and put everything together. Hopefully it'll happen in the next two days or so...or by the end of the weekend! Keep watching!!
Wouldn't that be neat if we had an ROV that could fit in the size of your hand?!?!? What would YOU use it for?? Where would you want to explore and why?? Waiting for your answers?? Perhaps you can design one!
Talk to you soon Ben!!
Mrs. Cross

Tue, 12/08/2009 - 11:51

Benjamino! (It…

Hi,
Sorry I was not able to tell you my question at the live event. It was very interesting! I loved ALL the pictures and slides. My question was:
When is it worse? When the snow falls or blows? And, when was it the worst?
Please Answer! (I know you will!) :)
The pictures were VERY COOL!
Hope you had a very good time down there!
Goodbye,
▒♦~!Ben ¢♂nigÜ↓i@ro!~♦▒

Tue, 12/08/2009 - 13:07

Michele Cross

Hey Ben!! Glad you enjoyed it so much! We did as well!!! I get SOOOOOOO nervous though!We like snow because that means it is warmer outside....like above zero (F)...usually in the 20's, so that's nice. The wind is the worst. It's very windy today, and while my body is warm, my face freezes. And when it's windy, the winds are sustained or constant...the worst for me??? I think the horrible winds above 40 mph that blew and blew and blew while we were working out on the ice while in the field. The winds are BRUTAL here!!!
I love it here!!! Hope you get a chance to do something like this some day!!
Mrs. Cross
_____
From: webmaster@polartrec.com
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Subject: Comment for Forum topic: To Michelle Cross