11/14/2009 | N8XMS I was so tired on Saturday from raking leaves that I couldnt even muster the energy to turn on the radio. I did manage to enjoy a few hours on Sunday and at least made enough contacts (106) to apply for a participation pin. As usual I operated QRP with my Elecraft K1 at 4 watts into a Cushcraft R7 vertical. The R7 has been in use for 18 years now and is still doing a fine job for me! I have been trying to learn how to work my paddle with my left hand and did so for all of my QSOs. My apologies to the folks on the other end that had to put up with that! I eventually want to learn how to work a bug with my right hand so that I can seamlessly switch back and forth at anytime. (Although I dont even own a bug yet!) 73, Paul -- N8XMS