Dear Friend,
The QSO Today podcast reached a few milestones this past month. We now have over 1 million downloads. This is nice to say and sets the podcast apart from many others. I will also be celebrating the 300th episode in another week or two. I will recored it tonght as a surprise to you for continuing to listen. I hope you will enjoy it.
As
the social distancing continues under the government's watchful
eyes, we continue with as many activities as possible, under the
circumstances. I am fortunate that I have been working from
home for a few years and am used to being in the "cabin".
My XYL, on the other hand has a severe case of "cabin fever"
and every issue coming from all forms of electronic communications is
a crisis that has a life of its own.
"I
am a Rock, I am an Island" was a Simon and Garfunkel song from
the late 70s that still resonates with me. I am a rock and not
easily swayed by the winds constantly changing direction. I do
not spend perhaps enough time projecting the future what-ifs. I
am married to someone who is always projecting ahead many months,
sometime years, into the future. My XYL is in the eye of
the storm, and wants to plan for next week as well as next year now.
Given the uncertainty of a Covid-19 future, this seems impossible to
me. Our combination of personalities has served us well
through the years. I am the voice of stability; she is the voice of
reason. I remind her that "man plans, G-d laughs".
I
see that the problem we are having now is that the use of electronic
communication, except amateur radio, of course, has no limits or
boundaries. Our work bleeds into personal and family time.
We are always "on. There is no "down time" .
We are stressed, frustrated, and worn out from too much communication
and information. The use of WhatsApp is becoming abusive with entire
essays and directives being sent on this short message platform. Catching up seems impossible.
These
communication tools are used improperly and with no time limits or
boundrys. There is no personal time or family time. Its all just
time, constantly interrupted by a ping or ring.
Maybe
it is part of the personality of the amateur radio operator, that we
can carve out a space in time to pursue our hobby, without
interruption. We can, with agreement from our families, close
the door to study, think, operate, and build, often without
interruption. Turn off the phone. After hours, filter your
phone’s ringer make noise only if it is your spouse or other family
members. This is precious time. If you have it,
it is a gift.
My
guest his week, Paul Taylor, VK3HN, uses his time to build QRP
radio transceivers to take on SOTA outings or to the beach.
Paul shares his ham radio story and a few of his projects in this QSO
Today.
Thanks for listening and be well.
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