Winds of change

The weather has changed this past few weeks and the wind has blown nearly non-stop.  I think we probably only had 2 or 3 nice days (i.e. wind below 15 knots).  

What also changed was our (or maybe just my) perspective that this year will be long.  

Previously, some attitudes had the underlying concern whether we will cope with this year, with all the interpersonal differences, all the darkness, all the challenges this harsh continent will offer.

Now the preparations for the next handover need to start and suddenly this year feels too short.  Suddenly we have deadlines again, schedules, new plans and personnel for the next handover.  

Questions that now pop into my head include:
Are we ready to go home yet?  Have we had enough fun?  Have we experienced enough?  Have we grown (other than in waist size)?  Could we have done better?  What is next?  Have we been good and faithful servants?

Fortunately there is still some time left, so the questions answered in the negative can still be addressed.  

This picture was taken the day our team was left on the ice.