Good intentions for Day One
Rather than weight my spirit with intentions, I’ve opted to start the new calendar with an action. Translated, I have decided to dig into my pile of projects and actually complete one, today. No sense saving up for a century worth of afternoons if I’m not likely to last past the first ninety-nine.
I had the day to choose one thing; that can be harder than execution. Getting the cooking responsibility out of the way, I finally opted for hardware. Building something. In a nondescript shipping carton, I found the electronic kit that had been delivered some months ago. Eureka! A perfect way to start the year.
Right now I lack a proper workshop area (that’s also on my TO DO list). The kitchen range is what some might call “polyvalent”; clean, flat surface, electrical outlet available, good overhead lighting. I brought the necessary set of tools, a soldering station and some other assorted paraphenalia up from storage in the basement. Ready, set, go.
The kit is an electronic keyer from N0XAS. For those who include amateur radio among their interests, this is relevant information. For the rest of you, just accept that it makes precisely measured noise, electronically.
The kit is complete, with good documentation, sorted components and an assembly time of about 15 minutes. I was distracted by a karaoke program originating from Peakes Quay in Charlottetown, so I took a few extra minutes…
Here’s what counts. By following the instructions, I soon heard “73” in Morse code. The first day of the new year is almost over, and there’s a new check mark on my TO DO list.
