What to say? I'm a 63 year old father of 2 and grandfather of 5, married to a wonderful girl for 43 years. I first started thinking about astronomy when I was introduced to science fiction novels by Andre Norton as a middle-school student. It didn't take the form of an active hobby until much later. I have been an avid sailor most of my life. I find the most peace in the world when I'm well offshore, with only the sound of wind, waves, and halyards slapping the mast. The stars on a clear night at sea are magnificent. The Milky Way is especially awesome, with 0' horizons in every direction. From this, naturally sprang an interest in celestial navigation with its inherent need to learn the sky. Picking up astronomy while onshore was as natural a choice as any I could make. I am, however, mostly a visual observer. I am only recently caught up in the astrophotography bug but since my sailing days are now limited by age and health issues, I need something new to keep me sharp. My first astronomical telescope was a 70mm alti-azimuth refractor with a small collection of (3) .965 eyepieces on a flimsy mount. But it was enough to get me into more avid observing. I replaced it within a year with a Criterion "Dynascop" 6" f/8 newtonian on a clock-driven equitorial pedestal mount. Like a member of the family I kept and used (along with my kids when they were young) that scope for over 30 years. I bought it factory direct in 1973 for the then enormous sum of $195.00. Alas, age has told and it finally had to be retired. Now with grandchildren to introduce to the sky, I decided to upgrade to a more modern instrument, aka: Celestron CPC1100GPS (XLT). What a difference! So many innovations over the years. I'm now like a "newbie" myself again. A kid in a candy store...