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[stargazer]

We as Astronomers weather it be Amateur or Professional take for granted each and every time we step up to the eyepiece to take a look, when I was in Bloomington my eyes were opened to a whole new world. We set up the scope and got in some solar time. Saw some huge Sunspots had a few visitors as the main attraction was not until the night time. When it came time for the show we had 19 people come over and view the heavens on a tv screen. We had some clouds and sucker holes but we had a tape we shot before we went. As they looked at the tape we got the ooh's and aah's. They were highly empressed. Some asked if it was real, Some asked some very good questions about the craters and the clusters. When we put the Moon on the screen with the powermate they coudnt say a word. Everyone that came over to look had nothing but good things to say about what we had given them. We gave them a world they had never seen. All the people in a wheel chair were so thrilled that we came down and showed that what little we could. We were asked if we could possibly do this again next year and we had no problem saying "YES".

As I looked around me yesterday and this morning I came to realize just how lucky I was to still be standing on my feet. I was told 14 years ago that I may be in a wheel chair in 10 years. well I have to say I have been lucky to still be walking. I know one day I might be in a chair due to my back. I will always have my scope and my day with the Easter Seals Foundation to remind me of how lucky we really are.

I guess after all of what I saw I will always remember how lucky we are. I will NEVER take for granted the good fortune I have right now.

Becky

[Chicago Astronomer - Astro Joe]

Becky,

That is so cool! Did you take some pics of the group around the scope? It would make a great shot.

Yea, I gripe and moan about my aches and pains, but I am always grateful to have general good health, and give thanks everyday for another day.

You didn't go into detail about if you were able to punch holes in the clouds and do some direct observing, but I bet the skies were plenty dark where you were. How were the mosquitos?

Good job. There is a special place in astronomer heaven for kind hearted amateurs.

[stargazer]

Joe

We forgot the camera. I know stupid move. we were able to pull the Moon out through the clouds in the beginning before it set. Got some great shots of it. Pulled Jupiter and all 4 Moons . The Double in the Dipper. We wanted to show them the Ring but it wasnt going to come out from behnd the clouds. So we just let them watch the tape we shot the couple days before hand and answered all questions. Yes the sky was very dark. I saw more stars then i have in a long time. Even though we did have the clouds everyone was so happy that we were there and gave them a chance to see distants worlds.

If we get the chance to go back next year which I think we will- we are def going. This is what we set the scope up for a year ago and will do what we can to help out the disablaled. EVERYONE loved it. and thanked us for coming down with the equipment.

B