“…availability of the i-phone, videoconferencing, email, the view of the Earth, and the ability to broadcast our thoughts and experiences through social media has largely solved the major behavioral health issues for long-duration spaceflight of 6 months or less.”

“Tonight I was in the cupola way, way past when I should have been… I saw an amazing sunrise. It was just incredible, to have my brain right side up, which makes a difference in perceiving the sunrise. The colors were amazing.”

“It was cool talking to my family and hearing them sing happy birthday. I received lots of birthday emails. It is too bad there is not enough time to respond to all of them.”

“The day always ends with a phone call to home. We rely on satellite coverage, operating laptops, and lack of cell phone drops to keep a conversation going. It’s a delicate chain that often breaks.”

“Life continues to be grand here – no mistake about that. But, after a couple of months, when one feels they are in charge of their environment, thoughts of home and family rise to the surface.”

“Really miss the sound of rain and the cool air and fresh grass smells that come with it. I miss being under a blanket of clouds and guess I’ll always be a child of the Earth.”

“I just saw the most amazing, most beautiful thing I have ever seen in space: Sun setting and throwing enormous golden rays of light across the entire planet. I am speechless.”

"Had some good quality time in the Cupola. Words cannot describe the view and the feeling of looking back on Earth. I am definitely one lucky person to have this opportunity.”

“Watching [World Cup] soccer on the laptop via Ku uplink has become the community activity of late. …There is something great about watching live major sporting events up here. Gives a good connection to family and friends.”

Enjoying time on the ISS, but still missing sun rays and warm breezes, fresh cut grass, the sound of lawn mowers, and steak.