About Me

I'm an engaged mother of seven, writer, author, poetess and Editor of the Michigan Quill Writers and the Thumb Michigan Writers.

If you like blogging or online journals, My blog can be found at Blogger. Feel free to stop by and comment. *wink

I've enjoyed writing for as long as I can remember. At the young age of eight, I began taking writing very seriously. Apparently my Mother also took it that way. It seems she kept nearly everything, even the poem I wrote on the inside of a candy wrapper while in church!

From childhood to adult, I've enjoyed many different aspects of life that we have the privilege of participating in, and radio is one of them.

I only had a passing interest in Ham Radio when I was a kid. The thought that talking to someone over the radio was neat, but the interest hadn't been enough to pull me in yet. I was however always very interested in weather and the stars, thanks to my dad, whom I lovingly refer to as a "redneck storm chaser".

I can remember him hopping into his buddies pickup to go chase a tornado as my mother wailed, "it's too dangerous Len, get back here!", while I stood, grinning from ear to ear, wishing I could go with him. As they pulled out of the driveway, the whip antenna would swing like the tail of a dog, and his buddy would grab the mic to give a shout for the others to join them at whatever location they'd be headed.

He was famous for wearing his white T-shirt that had a yellow iron-on with black text that read, "bring 'em back alive", while doing these "chases."

Mom was forever telling him that wearing it was not a shield against tornados or lightening. True, but it was still funny, nonetheless. He was like "Super Dad" or something, complete with costume. LOL

I also remember sitting on our front porch with my dad, watching lightening in the distance. When it got too close for comfort, we'd continue watching thru the living room or bedroom windows. My mother warning not to stand so close as my face squished against the glass, craning to see beyond the limits of the windowsill.

Weather is so interesting, but Michigan weather, is absolutely interesting and confusing. You know what they say, "if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute and it will change". LOL

Although weather and Ham Radio go hand in hand, it wasn't until I got together with my fiancé, KC8YCZ, that my interest peaked in CB then Ham Radio. It's hard to ignore the sound of the buzzing voices, especially when you want to get on there and talk, so I figured if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

I am grateful that there is less humming and actual buzzing noise on Ham then the CB. That tends to get a bit bothersome. Thanks FM and all the other reasons that make a difference! Maybe someday I'll create a page of why's, sort of a infrequently asked question's page.

I studied for about a month before I braved taking my test. I failed the first time (took 2 tests the same day) but that's ok. I just stuck to it and studied some more then took it again on December 4, 2005 and passed that time!

To all the new Hams or those interested in learning about it, don't get discouraged if you don't or didn't pass it right away. Just keep plugging at it and you'll get it!!

For me, it's easier to memorize something when I learn about it first. I don't like to just simply memorize it for passing sake. It doesn't stick well so I really haven't learned something new if I don't learn AKA understand it first.

For some, simply memorizing and passing is enough. That's fine for those who choose to do so.

I've spoken to quite a few women who have their ticket, and they agreed with me. It's easier to memorize once you understand what you're dealing with. So, to each their own regarding how you go about getting it. Use whatever method works for you whether it's online testing, book crunching or both.

Don't be afraid to ask questions either. There's plenty of  folks out here who are glad to help.

If you're interested in Echolink, there are a lot of helpful people on this system to help if you have questions or if you just want to ragchew.