Just a few weeks ago I was unpacking my first detector which was purchased mainly to give me another option when out sluicing for those gold flakes. Then came my invite to join this community (thanks @gavin ) and then the 10 cent competition (thanks @lggy) This has been my first week out in the field and I must say seeing the pic’s on show and tell here were very encouraging for a newbie. (thanks all)
My detector manual says the key to successful operation is – hard work, patience and research and up to 100 hours of operation before the operator is fully experienced. Tha’ts a tall order for a hobby, but I think I’m up for it. After many hours of reading, watching dvd’s on detecting in the field and just 12 hours of operation I have learnt the following.
Ensure the coil and earphones connections are tight when assembling, check after first few hours.
A nearby country rugby club ground breeds bottle caps and not much else
Beach hunting can be very social
Can tabs and foil drink bottle seals are a pain in the ear
If like me you wear glasses do not peer into hole close up when using pin pointer, you may dig a very deep hole when the target was on your face all the time !!
Your wife may become addicted on first outing and want to accompany you on every trip. 
I had hoped I would have had a pic to post on the 10 cent competition, however it was not to be this time. 
However I have had a lot of fun and this treasure hunting with my Dora (my detector not my wife) is a real hoot fun time way to spent way too much time.
Most of my targets were found on a large public sports ground where spectators stand, 3 coins were close to a picnic table down 6 inches. The key holder found in sand at beach and is my favourite. If anyone can id the punched copper item (top left) with 4 corner tabs I would be very grateful, was found in my garden.
Hi nuggetned,yeah looks like youre getting the hang of things.Strange item could be an old Chinese ornament, or possibly a piece of a cake stand,found one similar at a 1850 s cottage here in Canterbury.Dig those high tones and scratchy signals.Did the pipe fitting come up as a high tone,sometimes large rusty items do.keep at it and good luck for your next hunt.
Great post @nuggetned, pleased to hear you’ve been out and about having fun, which is what it’s all about 
Keep at it, the great stuff will come when you least expect it.
Hey thanks for the possible id, it is paper thin. The rusty pipe came in at 53, I had iron audio on and it gave a very loud strong tone over a large area, just had to see what it was. Thanks for your god luck wishes.
Thanks leggy, it really is exciting digging to make that discovery. After trying a few locations I have found one that is looking good, roll on next competition. 
My guess for the thin mystery object is that it is part of a mobile or wind chime and that it might be a Chinese pictograph.
Thanks for your thoughts, I think you may well be correct.