[Fists] "Challenging" CW

[Fred Bennett N9TA]

        Hi Gang

I used to think the same way that many of you folks do about
avoiding QSOs with people who sent sloppy code. I used to
work a lot of CW/mobile on my way home from work...which
put me on the air a little earlier in the day than most folks who
work for a living. I started to notice how many of my QSOs were
with older hams who were retired and home at that time of day.
Many of those fellows sent code that was (To be gracious) VERY
challenging to copy. Most of these folks had been hams longer
than I've been sucking on air!! I rather suspect that there is a
PHYSICAL ear/hand coordination problem that may creep in with
age with some people (How many older folks do YOU know who's
hand shakes??). I began to feel that, perhaps I could struggle a little
to copy a shakey hand.....these guys have payed their dues......now
it's time to pay mine!! Besides, would you want to say something
to the older op which makes him/her give up code FOREVER??

Any of you older farts who "think" your code ain't what it was just
give me a call if you hear me. If I can't copy every single letter or
word I will NOT make a big deal about it......I only listen to
about 1 in 3 words my wife says and I SLEEP with her!!

                          73.....de.....Fred  N9TA  #2301