Patti – KE7IR/VE3

I have been a Ham since approx 1976 when I got my Novice license.  I was living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, at the time.  I managed to study, learn enough Morse Code to pass the General test while still in Ohio.  In July of 1977 I moved to Tucson, Arizona to be with my best friend and future husband, Tom Donahue.  In December 1978, we were married and I have lived in Arizona ever since.  Sometime in 1978, I passed my Advanced Class license and that is when my call became KE7IR.  Tom’s call was W7PD.  Today that call is held by our eldest son, Tommy.  I could never reach the required 20 WPM code to get my Extra class, so, that went on the back burner for a long long time.  Tom and I had a really wonderful life together.  We were blessed with 3 sons, and a lot of adventure.  Tom passed away in 2022.  After that with the house too quiet and no worries about needing 20 WPM code anymore, I finally studied and got my Extra Class license in December of 2023.  I found the Canadian American Net while summering at our cottage on Sandy Island, Ontario, Canada.  I have a small but adequate station at the cottage and the friendship found at 7.153 in the mornings is very welcome especially during the times I am at the cottage alone.  My sons support me very well in caring for the cottage and making it possible for me to be there.  But, they are working and can only come and go as vacation time allows.  My interest in CW was peaked by the daily short but sweet CW QSO’s on 7153.  SO, this year’s project is to get better at CW.  I am presently attending Beginner CW Academy classes and hope to be much more fluent by Summer 2025.  73’s to all.