11/16/2005 | N7MAL This is a copy of an email I sent to ham friends and family the day before SSCW:

Boys and Girls: The best news is the ladder-line for my wire antenna now goes directly into the shack and the back of the tuner, just in time for the sweepstakes contest. No more coax stubs and baluns outside. As my story unfolds keep in mind I'm over 6 ft tall and weigh 350 lbs.(I'm also ugly) I am also over 60 and totally disabled.

The Bad News is I fell doing the work.

The Good News is I only fell a little more than 2 feet.

The Bad News is I fell on the concrete patio(and the part that is covered with sand).

The Good News is an empty box of kitty litter kept my head from crashing into the concrete.

The Bad News is I have broken and bruised toes, a torn knee ligament, bumps and bruises everywhere. I can barely walk and can't get comfortable either lying down or sitting in a chair.

The Good New is I have a full bottle of Vicodin and a full bottle of prescription strength Ibuprofen.

Hopefully I'll be able to make a decent showing in the contest. The antenna works great with the direct connection to the tuner. Hopefully I can beat last years effort:

Unfortunately I made a terrible showing because of the pain. I am really seriously considering SSPHONE. -- N7MAL