I was raised in the north end of Seattle, WA.  After Shoreline High School I attended what was then junior college for two years then on to the U OF W for a while.  I was an athlete in my school days and I’ve been a Husky fan all my life.  I have spent the last 40 years in the injection molding business.  I started out working nights and spent several years with night shift tattooed to my forehead. We moved to Hillsboro, OR in 1971 and we have been here ever sense.  I ended up retiring in April of 2008 after spending the last 20 years in sales of plastics injection molded parts. 

My wife Jeannie and I were married in 1968.  She has been the love of my life.  We have one son, which is about to become published.  He has just finished his first true crime book.  We have a wonderful daughter in law and two beautiful grand daughters that live close and keep us in their lives.  They are truly a blessing.  Just after we were married my young brother in law came to live with us.  He and his wife are also close and their son and daughter are like grand children.

I got interested in electronics in the 80’s and completed a home study course from Defry.  In the process I built several instruments and ended up building a Heathkit GR 2000 color TV which lasted for many years. 

I first received my novice license in the late 80’s.  My first rig, as a lot of people back then, was a Hotwater 101 with nothing but a bunch of dipoles up in trees.  Having limited funds and a young family I couldn’t afford anything store bought.  Thus the homemade dipoles and a also a homemade 4-1000 amp.  My general license came a short time later.  I remember being so nervous at testing.  Back then of course you needed code plus the written.  Some of us are still pissed at the FCC for dropping that requirement.  Later I ended selling all the radio gear as the family requirements grew and we moved into a house that I couldn’t raise an antenna. 

Sense retirement I needed a hobby that was relative inexpensive to participate.   Back into the radio fun group.  I bought some used equipment and up went an antenna.  Up went another antenna.  I now have a Kenwood TS 950 SDX with a Kenwood TL 922A.  I also have a Kenwood TS 850 SAT with Dentron MLA 2500B modified with the 8877 tubes.  I started with a 5BTV, now I have that along with a Lighting Bolt Cubical quad about 50 ft up and 160m Vertical.  These neighbors have been wonderful with the antennas in their community.

Radio is a great hobby for people that have had health problems.  After three back surgeries I've developed diabeties.  I’ve made friends all over.  Even with all the surgeries and drugs it was hard to study, but Jan. 2009 I passed my extra exam.

Thank you for the time you’ve taken to read this.  Take care.

73    Joe    de    AD&XZ    formerly   WB7SRQ