Catch up time

 I've participated in contesting for many years and always enjoy the certificates earned. The CQ contests have many "certificates of merit" literally for any contest participated in. I printed a few of the better ones.Several I was in the top five in My category.Not bad. Usually only time receiving recognition is being number one! I do enjoy the "wallpaper" !
 I also took some time to catch up with QRZ logbook. not many new entries but have had several inquires about QSO's. Now I'm caught up--at least till the next contest!
  The 80m band tonight was superb.I listened to several nets in the surrounding states and everyone was booming in at "10 over 9" or more.Even checked into to local section net!
  73 for now--Tim

ARRL RTTY RU contest 2017

I really like RTTY contests. I've managed to participate in this one for several years in a row.Nice to be in the warm shack when its frigid outside. RTTY contests are unique in being almost like a video game--point and click, point and click.Relaxing,can enjoy a nice cup of coffee and still rack up contacts.
  This year the bands were definitely not as productive for DX.  The stateside stations made up for the lack of Dx activity- enough so I was only 2 QSO down from last year although because of the lack of DX my multplier totals suffered.Oh well -still fun. I managed contacts on all the bands from 80-10 although 80 and 10 were thin pickings. My money band this year was 20m and when I quit early on Sunday, it was loaded with stations. Ended with 254 contacts which is not bad for Me. I'm very happy.
  73---Tim
 

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