The best laid plans .......

I definitely didn't get as much done this weekend as I had hoped for. Two goals eluded me. I did not get the Jackite stand started, nor the 4 States paddle.

I DID get the shack cleaned - at least half way, there's a bit more decluttering to do. I also got that new rolling cart built. Here's a photo of the old one.

You can see that bottom left leg just collapsed. Even the Amazon envelope on top isn't happy! I don't know what caused it. I just came down the shack one day to find it that way. Here's a photo of the new one.

It's slightly smaller than the broken one, but it's a combination of metal and plastic construction, whereas the old one was entirely plastic. Don't get me wrong, the old one last some 20+ years. This one will outlive me. 

I have to admit to myself that even after I finish straightening up and de-cluttering, my shack is never going to be one of those "House Beautiful" ones like you see from time to time in publications, or on the Web.  Mine is just a very utilitarian one located in our basement, which is unfinished. It's a good thing that radio is not a visual medium, or I'd be sunk! In fact, I'm probably the only one on Earth who can tell when my shack is cluttered and when it's not!

I also went to Harbor Freight yesterday and bought a new travel case for the QMX, 4 States Tuner and the battery.

Sand colored, should keep the interior cool under the hot sun. This is the kind of case where you pluck out the foam pieces to make your equipment fit. 

I also made sure to participate in the QRP ARCI Hoot Owl Sprint. Started out on 20 Meters and heard Mark WB9HFK, all the way down in the noise - 229 maybe. I called him several times with no answer, so after tuning around just a tad more, I went to 40 Meters.

Signals were much, much better and I worked 10 QRP ARCI members in eight different states and provinces. I wish there had been more activity, but it was a holiday weekend and I guess folks either had company or were out enjoying a BBQ at somewhere other than home.

The rest of the weekend was filled with cleaning, laundry and some yardwork. Next weekend, I WILL build that Jackite stand - by hook, or by crook.

Before I go, last night I had a few free minutes and I played around with AI for just a bit. I created a W2LJ action figure.

A little chunkier than I think I am, but I shared it with my sister and she thought it was hilarious and that it did resemble me.

72 de Larry W2LJ

QRP - When you care to send the very least!