Yes, I figured if lightening was going to strike it would make its way right down the coax. I will look into an arrestor for the feedline. Also, in this current configuration would you think a lightening rod on house would suffice if I didn't use an arrestor?

I constructed a 1/2-wave antenna cut to the operating frequency and it works fine. Nothing special in the construction pretty much textbook. The one thing I haven't come across is grounding.  I have my antenna strung up on my roof, its approximately 20' off the ground. No power lines or other antennas in the immediate vicinity. The thought of lightening has crossed my mind. I have not read anything recommending a ground or a lightening rod for a dipole, but I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this matter.

Try Morse Academy. I believe it is still free at http://ah0a.org/AH0A.html

Yes, you are absolutely right. Some effort goes a long way and its rewards are pretty high. Though my practical experience is limited it doesn't take a heck of a lot to get through the mix with CW. I'm hoping to sit for my General in March or April.

Many will agree that CW can certianly be a difficult thing to learn, but its not impossible. I think if you are motivated enough you can do it. I'm near forty and got good enough to pass the 5 wpm code test with less than a month of studying my first go round. I will admit that over the years I have studied code now and again but never bothered to take the test because I was a no-code tech that enjoyed rag-chewing on 2 meter. However, using Morse Academy and spending about an hour a day for a month made it pretty easy, but I was motivated to do it because I have become very interested in QRP. I think its a must skill to learn if you decide to dabble in that area of ham radio. So, now I've started studying for my General License. Only 35 questions stand between me and getting my upgrade. I may never get up to 20 wpm but I recognize CW as a valuable mode of communication.