OUCH!

I managed to bruise my right ring finger knuckle. Although the story behind the bruise is far more interesting than the bruise itself. 

I was having a dream early this morning that I was in a library with one of my aunts. Why we were there I can't remember, I just know I was doing some sort of homework. It required my going out to get my laptop from the rental car.

So I go out the door and into the parking lot and wander around trying to find where we had parked. When I finally locate the vehicle I climb in and drive around the lot, trying to get a parking spot closer to the building. 

I finally locate a space and after a very poor parking job, get out. At this point I realized that I could move the car into position by lifting and rolling it.

At this point a very tall guy comes over and begins to show off, lifting the car off the ground with both hands. I start to reprimand him that he should lay off what he's doing. He looks at me and says, "You shouldn't have said anything!". At which point he starts to bang the car up and down.

I'm furious that he's in the process of damaging the car, so after a brief though about whether I could take this guy, I decide to punch him right in the jaw. I swung with my right hand and outside the dream, my fist slammed into the metal post of the headboard. At which point I snapped wide awake realizing what I had done. What a weird night! That'll teach me not to fight even in my dreams!

Thoughts on Hamfest

So this was my third year at the Dayton Amateur Radio convention. The way that I know it was number three is that I have three hats now from Yaesu. I have to admit that it's a great way to keep track of the time and attendance. I'm sort of looking forward to getting another next year.

Back to my thoughts. This year was stupendous. Certainly not for all the great stuff that I bought, because the only things I walked away with were books this year. I'll tell you a bit more about those in just a bit. No what made the event really great was the number of displays, stalls and exhibits to see.

In the past, there were certain locations that just felt downright crowded. Especially in locations inside the building, spots that you just couldn't even walk through. This year though, there was so much more to see, that even though the attendance was certainly the same if not higher, it was more spread throughout the event. During the final raffle and awards ceremony, they said they were within a dozen stalls of selling out the indoor exhibit halls. That's impressive!

I also saw a lot of people younger than myself. Now I'm not that old, it would be a leap not just a stretch to call me an old man, but the twenty somethings in the crowd just seemed more prevalent this year. To me that's a great indicator of a healthy hobby. In the same vein, there seemed to be fewer booths dedicated to selling junk that only slightly related to ham radio. If you've ever been to a flea market you know the ones I mean, they're filled with the cheap plastic toys, knockoff electronics and other goods imported from who knows where. Instead, I saw new companies with new products.

Some of the things that were really impressive:

• The new FTM-350 from Yaesu (Bluetooth, Stereo, and a Line-In this might be my replacement for the regular car radio when I upgrade)
• Linear Amplifiers - Sure there were the standby's from Yaesu, et. al. but there were a couple other booths that were there representing smaller companies as well. Very nice!
• New 22o MHz 50W mobile radio from Jetstream. Talk about a niche in need of being filled. Time to get on some of those underutilized repeaters.
• The keys from Begali. I loved the bug and single lever key. Also impressive to see the receiver.
• The AMSAT booth was great. It was so much fun to hear about what they're working on next.
• I'm sure I'm forgetting a whole slew of things as well.

The flea market caught just as much of my attention. The boat anchors were out in force. I don't know that I've ever seen so much Drake gear in a single place before. I think there was at least one pair of Drake radios on every aisle. Drakes weren't the only older tube equipment though, there was plenty of Heathkit, Collins, Hammarlund, National and others. Not really something I was shopping for, but something that just sort of stood out to me.

The flea market had a new addition as well. There were benches that were scattered throughout with flags indicating rest areas. I spent my whole day Friday on my feet, but it was nice to know that if I wanted to, I could quite easily have stopped for a break.

In terms of complaints, I can only think of two and these are so minor they almost don't warrant mention. The first is that I got my annual sunburned nose. You would think that I would know better after all these years, yet I still manage to cook my sniffer. The second was during the awards ceremony. One of the ladies, a young blonde, working the Jetstream booth was quite lovely and while she was working on the step-stool taking down the display in shorts and a tee she presented the prettiest distraction. If they called my number during that period, I most certainly did not hear it. It would have been nice to get her name and find out if she was single, but the booth staff headed out well before I could catch up.

All in all, it was a great event. I was happy to be there. I am looking forward to next year.

An amazing night

It's rather late for me but I want to make sure I record a few of my thoughts about the simply incredible afternoon that I enjoyed. This area was blessed by a visit from the Saints Unified Voices Choir directed by Gladys Knight. Yes, that Gladys Knight.

Tickets were limited to the two performances, one at 17:30 the other at 20:00. I was pleased to be attending the 17:30 session and had been in anticipation for the better part of the day. You know how they say the expectation of something can be more thrilling than the actual event? That was most certainly not the case tonight!

If the choir is in your area, ignore the warning about arriving 45 minutes early, if you want good seats, plan for 70 minutes or more. By the time I got in line, it was already wrapped half way around the building. Of course I might have had better fortune had I not left the ticket sitting in my van. DOH! A tiring jog later, had me waiting in the spring sun.

I still maintain that the weather right now is about perfect for me. Still, mulling about in a queue with the rays penetrating into the skin was enough to bring, not so refreshing, drops to the surface of my head and arms. Likely there was several thousand dollars to be made by an entrepreneur selling almost anything cold and refreshing. I say almost anything because you should know this took place at a Mormon meetinghouse and alcoholic beverages and iced coffee would likely be frowned upon.

After a lengthy wait, the entry line began to move forward. Only to halt moments later. Then it would slowly advance a few more paces and stop. It was like they were seating people one at a time. Talk about setting the stage with anticipation...

Once I got into the building and made my way into the seating area, I was pleased to find the interior well air conditioned and the metal seats quite pleasant. The area I managed to sit in was about half way back, just far enough behind the big screen that both the front of the building and the screen could be easily viewed from my perch.

The program began a short while later with some opening remarks and an introduction to the participants. We were then honored with a parade of the members passing from back to front in an entrance worthy of a parade. After the choir seated themselves up front, Sister Knight also entered from the rear. Probably the nicest thing that could have been done to those who were the slowest in entering the building. (scriptural perhaps...the last being first, and first being last?) Her entrance was greeted with the happiest of applause.

For those of you unfamiliar with LDS worship, applause is not something often heard from a congregation, so this was already unfamiliar, but welcome territory.

Sister Knight proceeded to the front and took up her position just before the musicians exploded into song. The rowdy beats and soulful melodies were surprising to many of us in the audience. Certainly nothing like the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

As the choir ranged from one gospel song to the next, praising our Father in Heaven and his son, Jesus Christ, a pattern began to emerge. We were being introduced to the testimony and feelings of this wonderful woman. Her love and passion for her beliefs were being expressed through this vastly different music.

Again, I remind the reader, that the gospel hymns and old spirituals are not common fare during Latter Day Saint Sacrament meetings. So while it was new and somewhat unexpected, it was also very welcome. It's not often that someone allows you to glimpse deep into their soul about what they so strongly feel.

Gladys took us on that journey. Her choir supporting her through it all. Each of the members based on appearance from wildly differing backgrounds and races. They represented her vision of what the gospel of Jesus Christ is really about.

At the end of the program, she then took a moment to share with the attendees her feelings about the Mormon church. She shared a heartfelt story about how her children introduced her to the church and her first experience with LDS missionaries. She shared most of all how much it meant to her that she was able to find out for herself how this church was not what she had heard, inviting all there to find out for themselves.

Her presentation was happy and full of energy. It left people with visions and hopes for the future of the human race. The positive message encouraging everyone to love their brothers and sisters. Which meant everyone, because, as she put it "We are all children of God".

I am certain that given the opportunity to go, you will find yourself moved in new and unexpected ways. The whole program has been touring across the country and I would hope everyone would get the opportunity to view this stupendous presentation. Sometimes things such as this can get very preachy, but Sister Knight has such a wonderful spirit that the feeling of a sermon being given just isn't there, yet she is clear in her testifying of what she believes.

It is in continuing awe that I am writing this now and surely I'll continue to feel this way well into the weekend. To say that I had a good time, would be to understate the impact all this afternoon has had on me. If it were possible, I would ensure that I have plenty of experiences such as this one in my life.

Do you think I had an amazing night?

Thoughts on the day

I've decided that about 82 degrees is just about perfect for me if it's going to be warm out. That's the sort of day that we have out here. Let me try and paint the picture of what it felt like when I went to lunch.

My van was parked in the cool shade of the building, so climbing in wasn't the oppressive blast a day like today can impart to the sealed oven of a vehicle interior. Donning my driving eyewear (sunglasses) I rolled the windows down to enjoy the fresh feeling that seems to dwell all about.

As I started off, I was immediately struck by how clear everything seemed. There was the slightest hint of flowering carried on the warm breeze. There was a longing to be a snake so that each of the odors could be tasted, savored, devoured. Or perhaps like the cats, walking quietly with my nose in the air detecting all the things that were about.

Soaring over head, drifting on the unseen currents were the birds. Their feathers spread, surely gleaning warmth and comfort from the overhead sun. I'm sure their lives are filled with constant worry and hunger as they seek the next meal, but at the same time there's this aura of peace that as I muddle about life's mires I envy to a small degree.

The solar heat penetrates the skin, probably causing irreversible and painful damage, but it is simply a delight to feel. Unlike during a weekend filled with thunder and rain, the urge is there to sprint outside. Delight as a child in the freedom from cares in the overwhelming beauty of the spring day.

Days like today are a blessing. The weather lifts the heart and the soul. In admiring the majesty of it all, it feels simply good enough to be alive.

May your days be as pleasurable, and may you find yourself able to partake!

Sometimes it just catches up

Sometimes I think as adults we overlook the simple joys of childhood. I know one of the things that I wish I could do that my younger children still enjoy is being able to fall asleep and have someone carry you off to bed. It doesn't matter where and nobody thinks it strange to have a five year old nod off in the car.

Last night was one of those nights for me. I got home from work and went upstairs. There, on the bed, were the three boys. All three balls of energy stored in tufts on the comforter. They looked so doggone comfortable, I thought I would join them for a quick nap.

Well, my quick nap ended this morning at 5:30. And would you believe that the first thing that ran through my mind was to feel badly that I didn't get all the things done yesterday afternoon that I had planned? How ridiculous!

If I were 5 and had done the same thing, a parent might "tsk" a bit, but ultimately agree that "he was just really worn out". Nor would I have worried about the toys that got left out or my dinner that I didn't finish. There would have been the simple freedom upon waking of enjoying the new day.

What I'm hoping to point out, and maybe convince myself along the way, is that this duality of thought about our actions is really silly. There isn't anything significantly different between the need to catch up on a few hours sleep when I was 5 and now. It's probably even more important that I do so now, because I don't take the opportunity to do so as frequently. There's always going to be something else that needs to be done, that's not going to stop even if I were to cease sleeping entirely.

I should have celebrated that I was able to wake before the alarm. I should have enjoyed getting out of bed and looking forward to another day of fun. After all, the only difference is some 30+ years. Time has taught me a lot of lessons, but should it have lessened the value of enough sleep? I don't think it should. So the next time you feel like crashing, go ahead. If you want, you can give me a call afterward and I'll be happy to "tsk" a bit but remind you that you must have had too much fun and were just worn out.