It's amazing what 20 watts or less will do. I used to use a Sears cb I converted to 10 and talked all over the world. Of course, the band was in much better shape. A good comprimise for you and the wife might be a vertical. I've been using a Hygain I've had forever, or so it seems. Since it lacks the 80 meter kit, I use a dipole for 160/80 with good results. At the moment, I am looking at either the Butternut or the Cushcraft mini 5 band mini beam. Although I have lots of room, I don't have lots of $$, and it wouldn't take much of a rotator to spin it. What ever you end up doing, good luck and have fun.