welcome Peter.
I am finding it fascinating that allot of older folks, dare I say seniors, 
are getting into amateur radio.
I think this is really awesome.
I've heard several guys in the past couple weeks on HF who were either 
retired, or very close to it, who just recently obtained their ham tickets.
One Lawyer from the state of Georgia was on 20 meters last week, and at 69 
he decided to get his ham license and get on HF.
It's quite a reversal to hear an older guy on the air who is obviously a 
newbie and asking the younger guys questions hi.
During this past weekends sweep stakes contest, where you give the year that 
you were first licensed, it was cool to note that many many of the stations 
were giving years within the past 5.  And of course, just as interesting to 
note some that had been licensed since the 40's or earlier.
Ham radio is definitely not dying out in any way shape or form, just the 
methods and ways of communicating between hams has perhaps changed a little.

73
Colin, V A6BS
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Slowkowski" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 4:51 PM
Subject: Newbie to Ham radio and the list


> Hello,
>
>  Special thanks to Tom KB8TYJ and Howard W A 9 Y B W.  Thanks for the
> welcome to this discussion list. I really appreciate it.
>  Right now all of this study material and information seems a bit
> overwelming but I've set up a daily schedule to tackle the online lectures 
> I
> have from HandiHam.
>  I joined HandiHam a few weeks ago.
>  From the few discussion threads I've read here in the  past few days, it
> is obvious that there is a wealth of knowledge and experience by members 
> of
> the list.  This is quite a valuable resource.
>  It appears that I am even older than Howard but with no Ham experience at
> all.  I am retired and live in Berea, Ky, with my wife who completely
> supports my new interest in Ham radio.  Thanks in advance for your 
> patience
> and encouragement.
>  Happy Thanksgiving!