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GM Corp retiree = +38yrs as a so called industrial engineer, for GM Service Parts in the Flint, MI area (I graduated from Ferris State - MI, BS in Buss with add studies in Statistics, Accounting & Business Law). Born Sept 41 now 70 yrs old. Outdoor person and I like cars, and finally got an older Corvette a few years before I retired. But I really enjoy our Ham hobby – I’m enjoying CW again too. If you worked me CW, tnx for your patience, it's appreciated. I’m also getting interested in some QRP work. Overall I like meeting and conversing on CW, SSB-HF, VHF, UHF, Digital Modes, and work some Satellites at times (Amsat's done a great job – but I’m losing enthusiasm with just LOS’s). Member of ARRL, "FISTS" CW CLUB #14387 (2009) http://www.fists.org/ , Ten-Ten #16,189 (1978) http://www.ten-ten.org/, AmSat, and also our local Ogemaw-Arenac Amateur Radio Society ( OAARS www.k8oar.com ).

Current station consists of a Icom 7600, Kenwood TS-2000 & Icom 703 (qrp), with a Ameritron 811H amplifier, then a Palstar AT2KD tuner. I use K8RA keyers (www.K8RA.com) mainly, but also have a Bencher & Code Warrior Jr. For a mobile setup I use a Yaesu FT857D. Base HF antennas currently are a 160, 80 meter dipoles, and a 40 meter horizontal delta loop fed with 450 ohm ladder line, all supported by the surrounding trees. On the chimney there is a 6 meter Hy-Gain VB-64DX 4 element beam and on a good 30 ft TV tower next to the house is a 2M/450 Diamond X200A vertical. I cross-band regularly to the TS-2000.

Being quite myopic when I was young, my folks and a local optometrist encouraged me with this hobby. At about the age of 12, I started wearing contacts, so I finally got rid of those coke bottle glasses. In the 50s, I believe Scouting really nurtured my desires for the outdoors and radio. Just as I began high school, I made the rank of Eagle. During High School I started with a station call sign of KN8LLD. After high school I left the hobby and came back in the 70s.  I finally stopped procrastinating (for 37 years) and upgraded to Extra on 4/18/2012.   I’ve been very fortunate that my eyesight has held, and I had an enjoyable career with GM, mainly designing & implementing material handling procedures & systems, which included package handling conveyors & adjustable storage racks throughout the US. In the past I was a competitive bicyclist who got a chance to go to the US National Finals. Though now, I only jog (yes, I love to run) and mountain bike for exercise, I also boat, fish, hunt, snow ski, and still take part in some sports car events (but I'm only average in it all). The older family 73 Corvette is now running better than ever, thanks to my Stepson's efforts,which is still used in NCCC & SCCA autocross events - last summer the car stayed with him (I need to try to get a photo of it back on QRZ) The wife and I also have a 2006 Corvette which is our summer car. I am the past webmaster for the Flint Corvette Club www.flintcorvetteclub.com. My wife and I now have those wonderful grandchildren - 5.   Two of them are in the US Arm Forces  – boy are we getting old!!!.

We moved North to our fishing & hunting cottage. Years ago there wasn't a traffic light or McDonalds - but we have them now!   And the wife told me - this isn't going to be fish and hunt camp anymore. So its been really upgraded.   I'm the commodore/president of our housing association, and belong to the Lions. The wife is a quilter, and gardener so she also belongs to those type of clubs up here, which are involved in many charity affairs.  Overall we feel, we fit in and are very comfortable with our surroundings.

As I have aged I've had some slight medical bumps in the road.   First we found out I had some Melanoma Skin Cancer in 2010. So I’ve joined the ranks of folks with cancer. Luckily enough we believe we caught it in time – so I’m very fortunate for now! But guess who’s now using LOTS of sunscreen – hi.   Since it is quite genetic and I am blond and light skinned – I guess I was destine for it, due to my activities and disregard for liberal sun protection. Hopefully my children and grandchildren learn from my oversights.

During this year 2012 - I had a mild case of superficial non-aggressive growth - of bladder cancer, which had to be removed.  Hopefully being proactive, can control these circumstances we are dealt.   This condition may hamper my running for a while, but I believe I will be able to resume most of my activities soon.

If you go to the Grid Satellite view, you can see where we live. I am in Grid "EN84da", but if I walk across the street - I go to EN83dx, 73s….

Another Day in Paradise – Phil Collins Song Lyrics

Oh, Lord, "Is there nothing more anybody can do?”

Oh Load, "There must be something you can say!”

Please ==>>Please

Stop and Help Someone

“Do A Good Turn”

Amateur Radio, Is A Hobby, But Also A LifeStyle!!

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