01/02/2008 | N0NB I hadn't worked SKN in some time. I'd thought about it more in the weeks leading up to New Year's Eve than I had in years past. This year I promised myself I'd do it and set a goal of 5 QSOs. Not many, but reasonable since I hadn't worked a straight key in many a year.

So, at about 0245z I got around to calling CQ on 80m and worked N4BBB and after I was finished with him N0NBD called me. Paul's call sounded familiar (obviously) but also because I had joined the 4 State QRP mailing list a few days before and Paul had pointed us toward a relevant eBay auction. Needless to say, I was getting a glass arm by the end of the QSO with Paul. I worked KB9UWR at 1155z before the KS Weather Net and then KB8MMJ at 1705z on 30m.

I got back from the farm around 2100z and 30m had several stations working. So I fired up my 30m version of NN1G's (now K1SWL) Mk II I built back in 1995 and called for 20m at 10.105. I heard a carrier one time, but no answer.

I moved to 40m and worked N8DGD. I tried to work K9LCK a bit later, but the band dropped out as he answered me. So it goes.

I had fun. I did better head copying Morse than I ever have done and it's a skill I will work to improve in the coming year especially as my 25th anniversary of becoming licensed draws near. Now I need to practice on the paddles and get some proficiency back in my fingers.

Thanks to Paul, N0NBD, for the most interesting QSO. I knew his call was familiar and it took me a few minutes to remember from where. HI!

I heard a lot of good fists in my few hours of listening. I nominated K9LCK for best fist, but was unable to complete the QSO. -- N0NB