[OKDXA] 40 meter problems

[N5PA]

I have been wondering why I have had so much of a problem working anyone on
40 meters the last week or so and now I know why.  I was looking outside
this morning to see if any of the ice or sleet stuck last night and my 40
meter Inverted-V was laying down the side of the tower.  The north end of it
had broken away from the tree it was attached to and was laying parallel to
the tower.  I wondered why the SWR had changed so much on it and now I know.
I guess this evening I will be out there reattaching the antenna to the tree
and see if I can pick VU7RG up on 40 meters.  We have had some very heavy
winds lately but not ice accumulation at all.  Plus the twine that is
holding it up needs replacing.  I used some cheap stuff after the hurricane
and I am surprised it lasted this long.  

I was finally able to get in touch with my brother in Seneca, MO last night.
Their lights came on about 6:30 last night and had been off since Sunday.
He was lucky to have an insert in his fireplace and a lot of wood. 

Good Hunting!

73,
Alan, N5PA