Submitted by Anonymous on Sun, 12/07/2008 - 12:29

Hi Jeff

I have been following and enjoying your reports and your recent video - some things never change, you crazy man!  You will be happy to know that while we don't have the waves, we are gtting wind and snow (just in case you were homesick!).  I mostly wanted you to know that Jan joined Meg B. and I at Paines greenhouse to make a "Kissing Ball"  yesterday - I thought it would be good to keep her busy while you are away.  Nothing will keep her mind off of you but keeping busy helps pass the time a little quicker.  There was a wonderful article in the Register about your expedition - Jan hadn't seen it yet but Cindy was able to give her a copy.  I think she might join us for another crafty thing this week - I enjoyed being with her yesterday and know she looks forward to your safe return.  Enjoy, have fun and be safe. 

Ann Smiley Smile 

Jeff Peneston

Ann,
There is no way I would have agreed to join this 2 month expedition unless I had been confident in the strength of my wife and in the support I could depend upon from friends like you.  Thank you so much for being our friend and for keeping an eye on Jan.   It also means a lot to everyone on board the Oden to know that people back home are excited about and following the adventure.  You know I am not here for fame, but it is great to know that the newspapers are continuing to report about us.  As for the weather,  we are about to cross the Antarctic Circle at  66.6? S and I woke up this morning to snow flurries outside the window of my cabin!  It did remind me of home but then I remembered, this is SUMMER down here!
Take care,
Jeff