reading the mail

eavesdropping on a conversation; sandbagging (ham radio lingo)

A ham radio operator tunes her radio to a frequency frequented by other hams, usually people she knows. She can listen in on their QSO without them knowing it.

"So I was *ahem* reading the mail this morning on 2 meters..."

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November

One of the most unpopular, unloved months, especially in temperate zones. Nearly every bit of flora and fauna has died or is hibernating. A dreary world of grey and brown. Darkness comes early, but the coziness of Christmastime is yet far away.

No sun--no moon!
No morn--no noon!
No dawn--no dusk--no proper time of day--
No sky--no earthly view--
No distance looking blue--
No road--no street--no "t'other side this way"--
No end to any Row--
No indications where the Crescents go--
No top to any steeple--
No recognitions of familiar people--
No courtesies for showing 'em--
No knowing 'em!
No traveling at all--no locomotion--
No inkling of the way--no notion--
"No go" by land or ocean--
No mail--no post--
No news from any foreign coast--
No Park, no Ring, no afternoon gentility--
No company--no nobility--
No warmth, no cheerfulness, no healthful ease,
No comfortable feel in any member--
No shade, no shine, no butterflies, no bees,
No fruits, no flowers
, no leaves, no birds--
November!

--Thomas Hood, 1829

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