Speaking of HF kits...

[bd139]

JFETs are good as oscillator buffers, switches and mixers.

[GreyWoolfe]

Yes, I also enjoy getting my hands dirty, although winding my own toroids isn't something I've tried yet... and I also have to take into consideration that a Yaesu all-band is not within my budget. 
Here's what I've been considering as an antenna.
http://www.hamuniverse.com/k5uss80loop.html

I don't have a large lot but I have an 80 Meter loop that is basically NVIS in the trees.  12 ga TFFN from home depot, home made center insulator made from 1/2"acrylic.  The supports for the wire comes from passing the wire through 5 different Bungee cords folded in half with the paracord tying the 2 hooks together.  This also give strain relief.  I use a transition balun from the 450R ladder line to 6' of coax.  Best antenna I have had.  I have had a Cushcraft vertical and a DIY 40 Meter Carolina Windom and the loop outperforms any thing I have had up plus now I have 80 M.