On 8/4/2013 1:48 PM, Cqtestk4xs@aol.com wrote:
I've busted my butt building several superstations. Yes, it is gratifying
to work that new one with the station I built. Yes, it's fun busting the
pileup on the first call with the station I built.
Let's look at the guys who may not be physically capable or may be QTH
challenged. Don't they deserve a chance to drive an Indy 500 station? No,
they didn't build it, but hey...it's fun to drive.
Many top shelf ops guest op at stations because they fall into the above
categories... physically unable to build a station and/or QTH challenged in
a condo etc.
The physical part fits me. At 65 I was still climbing towers and still
doing my own work. I don't have a lot of land, but make the most of
what I have. At 65 I was healthy and strong for my size of 5'7". Then,
out-of-nowhere came a stroke.
No warning. I'd been on the phone talking to the airport manager, hung
up, turned around, and my left loot slipped out from under me like I'd
stepped on ice. I caught myself, walked to the couch and sat down. I
remarked yo my wife "That sure felt funny" and decided to go out in the
kitchen to talk with her. Only thing was..My left leg wasn't there.
Noyhing! She immediately ran me through the "Grin, reach, and speech"
which I passed with flying colors. She no sooner said "Iguess that
rules out a stroke" than the little finger on my left hand went numb,
then the next finger and as the next started going numb, I said "I think
we better call somebody"
" They say" (they = Cardiologist, Neurologist and family DR) they now
know what caused it and can prevent another. Unfortunately it took a
second stroke before they discovered the problem and this one was more
severe. However I am getting the use of my arm, hand and leg
back...slowly It's just taking a lot longer, plus lots of exercise and
therapy.
So, instead of being able to rapidly make a jumper for the station it
may take a half hour to cut the coax and install the connector "on one end."
However no one ever claimed life to be fair and I never expected it to
be. I consider myself lucky when I look at all the "could have beens"
and very glad I was in good physical shape. I even managed to get an
article published on stroke recovery and I am back to driving again.
However I have hung up my wings and sold the airplanes.
With that project out of there I sure have a lot more room in the shop
though<:-)) Now I can work on building some amps<:-))
I have to admit however, I find one handed typing to be a ROYAL PITA! <:-))
As far as guest ops, I let a lot of new comers operate this station as
well as fly the airplane. Flying is easy, landing takes skill.
Building a new base and rebar cage for the LM470 one handed is an
interesting exercise too.
73
Roger (K8RI)
Bill K4XS/KH7XS
<snip>
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