50 Years of Field Day...

This weekend I participated in the 2011 ARRL Field Day event. This is an event to test the emergency radio abilities of stations across the country.

My score this year was 20% better than last year, which is pleasing!

The station is a 1970's model HW-8 transceiver that runs on battery power. It puts out 4 watts, which is about the same as a night light bulb!



I worked stations across the country -- 101 in total -- all the way from the east coast to Hawaii and Alaska.

The picture at left is from my Field Day effort back in 1961 -- 50 years ago! That station was set up in a tent in our backyard.

The Ballet...

Yesterday evening Robbin and I attended the San Ellijo Dance ballet presentation at the Poway Center for Performing Arts. What a special evening it was, too. These little ballerinas will steal your hearts... they're so precious!














Granddaughter Chloe, who is almost 4 years old, was one of the "Buttercups" and did a great job. She's pictured in the photos at top, and 2nd from the left in the bottom right photo.

To quote our daughter Carrie Ann, who said it best: "They were so brave. All eleven of them. Hands locked in a little human chain, in the dark, with no idea what was going on. Not a tear. No cries for Mom or Dad. Just wide eyed and brave little ballerinas. It was precious and I am so proud of them".

It's Time To Graduate!

We've had a flurry of graduations this last week or so.

First off, we attended the graduation of our granddaughter Miss Kayla Guerin from Ramona High School in Riverside (pictured here with her mom, Kristen). Kayla was also one of the singers in the presentation. Afterwards we all enjoyed Pizza.




Then, on Tuesday June 7th, we attended the graduation (called a "promotion") event for grandchildren Colston and Haylie. (pictured at left) from Thompson Middle School in Murrieta. A large group of us ended up at Sizzler for dinner after the ceremonies.

Congratulations to all the smart kids in our family who graduated this year!!!