It seems kind of trite to write something like this at this time of year, but I am truly thankful for ham radio:
- First of all, I’m thankful that my parents encouraged me when I took up radio as a hobby (or at least looked the other way when I did some of the crazy things that I did).
- I’m thankful for all the challenges that ham radio has presented me and all the enjoyment I’ve gotten from it for the last 36 years.
- I’m thankful for the Elmers I’ve had along the way that have helped me achieve things in ham radio.
- I’m thankful for all the men and women in my club, who make being a member so much fun.
- I’m thankful for the folks that participate in the amateur radio mailing lists that I subscribe to. They’ve made my life easier for sure.
- I’m thankful for the reviews section of eHam.net. The reviews give me a bit more peace of mind when purchasing something via the Internet.
- I’m thankful for all the interesting and friendly folks I’ve met on the air. Ham radio is about communicating with other people, after all.
I’m sure I’ve missed something. What else should I be thankful for? What are you thankful for?
N1TKO - Jerry Colton says
I have been a proud Amateur Radio operator since 1984. These days I do a lot of listening. Unfortunately, I’m not proud of what I hear from a lot of the “Ol’ Timers”. I sure wish these guys would listen to what they are saying and what damage they do to our reputation.
Having said that, I am thankful for good Ham’s, like yourself Dan, who wear their love for the hobby on their sleeve!
The Best Damn Hobby, Period!
73
Jerry – N1TKO
Dennis Blanchard says
I hear you on 3.542 CW working W3ANX as I write this. As you suggest on QRZ.COM, I took a look at your Blog, nice. In the “I’m Thankful For Amateur Radio” piece you make some really good points. A few days back I had just such a nostalgia attack myself. You might find it fun to look at:
http://k1ypp.livejournal.com/
Feel free to steal any and all of it you wish. I can’t say enough about this wonderful hobby that has given me far more than I have ever returned. Keep up the good work. Oh, by the way, my XYL, KA1FUN, is also a tech writer.
Hey, what speed CW is Chico up to now???
73…Dennis, K1YPP
Dan KB6NU says
Thanks for your sharing your story, Dennis. Ham radio really is more than just the tubes, transistors, and wire that make up our rigs.
btw, does your XYL work CW? I’d love to have a QSO with her and get her QSL card. It would be great for my collection of QSLs from stations whose callsigns spell words.