Tested on my birthday

[jay]

Was the first day of testing in my Human Operated Robotic Science Evaluation (HORSE) project. It was stressful getting ready... I was being a bit overbearing with the remote science team, who were asking for last-minute changes (past their deadline for such). The file transfer route was changed once again to enable hopeforyou's automated scripts to run, while getting full satellite data throughput (70-80 KBytes/sec or so). It worked, although there were some actions done manually. We finally went out to the wilderness around 4pm, and ran simulated Mars rover operations for three hours. Reasonably successfully. Team members seem a bit relieved, de-stressed, and bone-tired...

I got lots of happy-birthday email today -- 15 different people, plus LiveJournal, plus cards from L and Vicky and J. My sister Vicky left me a present in camp -- two bags of truffles, some Irish creme, and a sweater. I was *very* surprised...

After the simulation was done (we missed dinner) I had a piece of Valrhona birthday cake that I had smuggled in from home. And a dozen of my friends here sat outside in the midnight sun, brought out several bottles, and toasted my birthday. And camp life, and this barren, harshly-beautiful place.

Comments

[therealjae.livejournal.com]

Happy belated (by four minutes), my dear. I'm glad it was lovely, despite the distance.

-J

[elynne.livejournal.com]

That sounds like a totally awesome birthday. :D Hard, rewarding work on something you love; lots of expressions of friendship, and an unexpected gift; experiencing the wonders of life with trusted companions. I hope I have such a memorable (in a good way!) birthday someday.

science study

[purplejavatroll.livejournal.com]

Very happy (late) birthday greetings to you! I always think that it's a odd (and not terribly nice) present for you to have to spend your birthday away from your family. Still, if you have to do that, at least you've got a glamourous place to spend it!

pjt

[purplecthulhu.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday!

I've spent a few of mine away observing etc., but it must be a bind doing it year after year.

You should've said something on Friday!

[purpletigron.livejournal.com]

Happy Birthday! Did Vicky go to camp?

What is Valrhona birthday cake? Is it `merely' made with their chocolate (!) or is it a very special recipe as well??

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Ooo, happy birthday! The midnight sun sounds like a neat environment in which to raise a toast. :-)

[kokoro43.livejournal.com]

Hippy Birdday!