Hello list members from a newbie..  You will have to blame Tom BE for 
telling me about this list.    We have a mutual friend in a local Lions 
club, that my wife is in , so that is our starting connection.  I was able 
to check into the net yesterday, but didn't even try today as my ground 
mount Butternut salvage antenna decided to quit tuning up on 20.
So a little history by way of introducing myself.   I am retired disabled. 
RP  finally got me out of the job market, but I had enough time for state 
retirement.  For 27 years I was an electrician and supervisor or the 
electrical eminence shop at the University in Warrensburg, MO.  I taught 
industrial arts for a couple of years before that.  During my teaching time 
I earned a novice license.  Then job changes, kids poverty and such got in 
the way.  Now with a empty nest and a new wife I tested for the Technician 
in May of 2009, then the General in November of 2009  and then the Extra in 
February 2011.  No I am not a C W operator yet.  I use the Kenwood T M 71 a 
dual band for 2 meter & 70 cm.  For h f I have a Kenwood sat 480.  I 
mentioned the ground mount vertical.  It was a freebee and took a lot of 
rebending to point it skyward.  The 80 meter loop through the trees just got 
put up Friday with some help and still needs some length added to it.  I 
participate in the local Independence F M club and the Kansas City Area 
blind radio club..  I participate in a lot of the local 2 meter and some 70 
cm nets.
Over the years I had to do , due to finances, my own carpentry, plumbing car 
repair and of course electric work, so I still keep quite busy with those 
chores.  I am also on the blindhandyman list and even was a phone guest on 
three of the radio shows they used to have on A C B radio.  With the aid of 
a contractor we added a room to our home and I just finished the cabinets in 
the pantry laundry room.
OK I have been way too wordy and promise not to be in the future.  I look 
forward to learning a lot from you all and will try to help with anything I 
can.
Ron,
KD0HOY

One additional note.  My computer is adjusted for negative reading, white on 
black and I use Window Eyes. Some particualy on a reply or forward only see 
a blank screen.  Most people can get it to come in by right clicking in the 
body and choosing show all..  Doesn't happen to everybody so luck to you.