We celebrated the Fourth of July on the Fifth, but because of the International Date Line, it was the Fourth back in Salisbury. Yes, we do have telephones here. Just a few years ago the most reliable means of communications was through Ham Radio, which Dave does as a hobby. Now, I can call out over a satellite network anytime from here in McMurdo, but they don't have good phone capability at the South Pole. I didn't get to see any fireworks this year.
Some people have video games on their computers, and some have the hand held games.
There aren't any pets here, but in Texas I have two dogs. During the summer months, we saw some penguins, whales, and seals. I participate in the Chapel of the Snows here on Sunday mornings. Everyone of the 233 people here are invited, but usually, only about 10 people show up. The Chapel was built by volunteers out of scrap materials by the 1989 Winter-over crew.