Green Ham, Hold the Eggs

As a mother of four grown children, who are always on the lookout for signs of mental aging in me, I have had a bit of explaining to do as to "why ham radio?" So I will begin this new blog by answering that question.

Like many radio enthusiasts, I caught the bug of being able to communicate to people I had never met before from my dad. But instead of cutting my teeth on a ham radio handheld transceiver, I was handed a mike connected to a citizens band radio in my dad's 1972 Ford Ranger pickup. For my dad, a CB radio was useful for communicating with fellow volunteer fire fighters and keeping in touch with many of his trucker friends. For me it was just fun. My dad suggested "Scooby-Doo" as a handle for me and, in hindsight, I now see that choice as not just a "off the top of his head suggestion," but as a calculated move to increase my enjoyment. (Imagine truck drivers singing, "Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?")

Eventually my dad sold his CB equipment and I went on to other things without two-way radio communication playing a part in my everyday life...until a month ago. Again, I was introduced to the radio hobby by someone close to me...my friend (and now Elmer) W7AH. He has been a ham radio enthusiast for many years and, after I realized the go to place to look for him was his ham shack, I decided it might be a good idea to join in on the fun. First scary words uttered (or muttered softly), "What do you think about me becoming a ham?"

Luckily he (as most seasoned hams) was totally supportive of the endeavor. In fact, he ordered a set of ham radio training books by Gordon (Gordo) West for me that day and dangled a carrot in front of me ... "You can't touch my equipment until you get your Extra Class license."  hi hi  So, one month and three exams later, I am now officially an Extra Class licensed ham.

As to why start a blog about my hamventure, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from my first two-way radio experience was that I have an amazing love of stories, both listening to and telling. So I thought it would be fun to share my path to becoming "a ham master," as my kids like to affectionately call me. Along the way I hope to make many new friends and share parts of their stories as well.  Stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG