Lunch with VVARA members

Each week various members of the VVARA get together for a lunch.  Locations vary.  Today it was the Gold Dragon, a long-time Cottonwood eatery.  The members in attendance all know each other.  They were most welcoming to me and made me feel right at home.  I appreciated that so much.  Many of them have been licensed Amateur radio Operators for many years.  Some are relatively new but I'm only a week out of the FCC womb of call signs.  So, it sure was nice of them to be so gracious and exhibit such hospitality.  Capt. Bob (KØCKE-our first follower of this blog) was very enthusiastic about helping me learn Echo Link.  He invited me over to his place in the next couple of days to learn how to use this intriguing and versatile computer-to-HAM functionality.  I am very excited about Echo Link and look forward to being mentored in its operation.  (THANKS, Capt. Bob!). KØCKE's XYL, Aiesha W. (KF7IAJ) has recently turned to electronic published to release her book "Mystical Vapors."  It's great to meet people who are willing to use the latest and greatest in the world of publishing.  Electronic books are going to overturn the staid old world applecart of hard copy publishers!  We introduced ourself to everyone there and passed out some homegrown business cards we made at Office Max moments before the lunch began. Several of the attendees invited me to participate in the VVARA's 7 am Net each day.  I've been listening in each day but haven't had the gumption to sign on and say hello.  Maybe we will give it a try soon.  Thanks for inviting me to a great lunch!  73, jp