QSL in and out

 I finally sent money for supplies to the incoming W0 QSL bureau. They have been really great keeping the cards coming My way even when the amounts have been small. Great group of volunteers ! Many thanks!
  I also have been using the ARRL outgoing Qsl bureau until now.Some of the information I had set aside seemed to be old- the cost and info on what and how to send to the bureau. I printed out the new instructions and the first line that caught My eye was the price increase! I have always sent a small amount of cards and the price was very reasonable. One of the advantages of being an ARRL member. Now it appears the price is based on weight and an added $7.00 charge with each packet of cards.OK. I know everything is more expensive but -really?? I have already started looking for a cheaper solution. Until then-the cards will keep getting piled up at My shack. Maybe that's another reason why the bureau takes so long!!
  73---Tim
UPDATE-- I  inquired thru an email group I'm a member of, what other options for sending QSL cards. Just so happens this particular group has an ARRL staff  as a member too. He wrote a very nice explanation explaining why the price increase was necessary. Postage costs overseas have risen dramatically and the league probably should have raised its prices a long time ago. He also mentioned about all the worthwhile programs the league supports and why membership is so important. All in all a very nice balanced explanation. I'm still sad with the price increase---- :(

Goodbye CC

We no longer are blessed with the presence of a Cat roaming our house as of November 9th.First time in 22 years. Our last remaining cat-Celia, is now in kitty heaven. We will miss her alot. Best hunter,very vocal ( in a good way) and extremely affectionate. She was also a rescue cat with a damaged front paw but that didn't stop her from any activity known to cats! Girls are off to college and My wife and I have decided for now to do without a cat presence in the house.Maybe later. Our dog Bella is the sole pet in Our lives for now.Being the only pet seems to suit Bella just fine!
 73--Tim

More Cards from W0 bureau

Received a few cards from the zero bureau. These were all fairly recent and ALL requested QSL returns! I have enough cards ready now to send a batch to the outgoing QSL bureau. Amazing to still be receiving cards even though My on air activities have almost stopped. It is an incentive to get back on the air.Maybe over the holidays!
73--Tim

ARRL 10m contest 2016

I was able to participate in this contest but only on Saturday. Friday and Sunday I had Family commitments which was okay because most of the limited action was on Saturday. I really wanted to submit a log so I had the radio on and every time I passed the shack would check conditions. It did seem like most of the action was just out of My reach of My station.Heard whispers and occasional signals but most just barely touched My s-meter.With limited activity and time only managed less than 50 Q's but it was fun to be back behind a microphone. Many logs I have seen posted rival mine in size :)
73--Tim

ARRL 10m Contest 2015 certificate

Imagine My surprise when this showed up in the mail.I won this exact category -low power ,phone only Minnesota section,in this contest in 2010 but wasn't expecting this. Conditions were not spectacular and My time was limited!Always fun to add some wallpaper to the shack so definately not complaining :)Receiving this award several weeks before the contest also helps Me to be motivated to participate!!
73---Tim