September 24, 2020
Last post I mentioned that we are doing stuff we enjoy doing. I got bit by the musical bug after many years. I pulled out my mountain dulcimer that I had not played in over 10 years & have started practicing some old songs. Also, before Marie passed away she gave me a Hohner Marine Band harmonica that she had tried to learn to play. While we were at Sunscape Resort in Casa Grande I tried to learn but did not get very far. Now I have watched a few youtube videos & am starting to pick it up. I still play my native American flutes as well.
My newest hobby is to build electronic kits. I purchased a Hakko soldering station and tips & tools. So far I have assembled a digital clock, an oscilliscope, and my latest is a low power 30 meter ham radio. To my surprise the radio works, it is morse code only so in January of 2021 I am signed up to take an eight week code class from CWOps Club. The goal is to get our code speed up to 20 wpm. My speed now is 5-8 wpm. The class meets twice per week online with homework every day to prepare for the next class. Should be fun. In the mean time I am trying to start recognizing the code characters by listening to my new ICOM IC7300, the QCX+ 30 meter radio & doing some code practice online.
Barbara has been busy knitting items for the great granddaughters. She has planted several plants & small trees on our lot that keep her busy. A former tenant had put in a small patio in the back & Barb expanded on the pavers & has a nice 2 seat swing setup. She purchased 2 glider chairs for the porch that we assembled. They look very nice.
Take care & be safe (mainly from the government & the "experts").
