Friday, April 27, 2001-
I was out in Sheridan TX- on my 50 acres of beautiful wooded property. The skies were beautiful and clear and gorgeous; the weather was "perfect in every way"!

I was going to observe MY FIRST occultation (no Team Work on this one needed) of a star by the Moon. {Easy target! You would say: How could you miss it?} Everything looked like it was going to be easy going, {piece of cake, easy as pie}. Now I didn't have a recording device, but I was going to call myself on my cell and record this way.  Since I was out in the woods, and don't use a watch, I was again going to use my cell clock to count the time. {Gee, how did we EVER manage without modern telecommunications systems?}

The time came near, and I was ready- Luna was bright and shiny, I had been watching the star approaching the Moon, and was excited on the possibility of observing my FIRST occultation. But here's the kicker:  I had 7 semi-intoxicated adults trying to set up their tents and 4 small children having a pitching contest, throwing the tent poles into the woods, and catapulting themselves over their fallen 'parent-figures', laughing as they engaged in this pseudo-Olympic activity. The 'parent-types' were all yelling at me to come help out with the kids while they propped themselves up with the tent poles they managed to
wrestle from their little angel's hands and trying to rescue those that were being launched at trees. (Tent poles that is, not children- though that in itself could have happened, considering the circumstances). I was sitting in my truck, and had my arm around a 6 month old (who was grabbing my 'nocs {binoculars} with one hand and the cell with the other), while trying to ignore the ruckus going on about 50 feet away from me.  It was an interesting situation, and at any other moment could have been very funny, unfortunately, my goal at the time did not coincide with the activities at hand. Obviously, I was watching the infant in my arms rather than the star above me.

Next time I shall grab the 'nocs and hike into the woods or toward the road, far away from rocket-launching minors and their model 'parent-figures'.

I would have loved to see this occultation; it was a near perfect setup, except for a few 'minor' details.

Wish you could have been there.

I am blanketed in obscurity and Nocturnal Diamonds have revealed themselves overhead.  My Sisters greet me and here is my Celestial Lover- The Great Orion.
An Intruder interrupts the evening, blazing orange through the Cosmic Archway. I observe the Inhabitants of my Backyard (Jove's Countryside- The Land of The Orbs) impatiently awaiting the Dance of the Jovian Moons.
So you really like Astronomy? asks the Anonymous Astronomer one evening munching away at fresh, raw carrots and green beans.
I again relate the times as a young child I would crawl out my window and watch the stars until daybreak from a Vast Texas Field of Clover and Bluebonnets.
For 6 months I had quizzed the Anonymous Astronomer on the pros and cons of the best scope to buy, reading up, doing my homework, investigating in cyberspace, the S&T in one hand, my notebook in the other, comparing, inquiring, and remaining just as confused as ever!
Honey! I reply in my best Southern Drawl and peering into his glacial ice colored eyes, I would live under a bridge for a month, for a telescope!
Well, then, which one are you getting?
 I like your 4 Meade because that's what you've taught me to use.
Again he goes into his monologue about trying out several types of scopes to ascertain which may be most comfortable: maybe a Newt, maybe a Dob
No, No, No. They're not my style. I like yours and I am comfortable with it.  Besides that, its pretty.
The Anonymous Astronomer almost falls on the floor in hysterics:
You have to look at functionality and comfort! You can't buy a scope based on 'PRETTY'!
Yes, I can.
He laughs again and turns away and the conversation has come to a close.
Next week: Well, what have you decided?
Its between the Meade 5 ETX and the Celestron Nexstar 5. I am leaning toward the Meade because its like yours.
So, buy it.
I am waiting on my commissions.
Oh, well, I've heard that before.
Look,  * Star Man *! I *WILL* get my scope, even if I have to go live under that bridge I was telling you about.  Anyway, I already have the bridge picked out, but I don't think my cats will be too happy, I joked.

(This Search and Conquer Recon Mission of the Skies is a blast! I love this! My daughter confesses she went to her first Star Party in Austin, as she admires the Jewel-Studded Celestial Carpet, beside me.)
Well, call and find out how much it costs.
I did. I called a number in an advertisement in S&T. I'm willing to fly out west and pick it up.
I can't understand why he is laughing openly at me again.
You don't have to go * THAT* far!  Call L.S.S. and see if they have it.
No, because if they do, I will want it and I don't have the $$ yet.
(Why does The Dance of the Jovian Moons have to occur on a foggy and rainy night? Why are there sooo many nasty nights in winter on this side of Texas? I stare at my Prize in a Box and take it out just to hold it in my hands.  I want to reconfirm that THIS IS NOT A DREAM! The reality is: THIS IS TORTURE! I should have waited until Spring! The worse thing about acquiring a scope is not being able to put it to task! O WOE! Its dark, cold, rainy and foggy and I am going NOWHERE!!  Typical Texas Winter Weather!
(Later: Its 4a.m. and as I leave for work, I look up.  So WHY is the Celestial Ocean NOW so beautiful and clear! Drat.)
Ok. So what if I lend you the $$ and you pay me back later?
Why?
Because its something you obviously want, seems you've done your homework and are determined to get one. Consider it a Birthday Present.
(Here I again repeat my favorite bridge line.)
OK. Done. Call L.S.S. and see if they have it."
I concede and we are on our way. I am as excited as a child in a toy store. I have butterflies in my stomach.
The Shopkeeper greets the Anonymous Astronomer and they talk as old friends.  I look at the scopes from afar and listen to their conversation with a bent ear, as I stare blindly at other merchandise.  I see weather vanes, puzzles and games; cool little whirly things, compasses, charts, and lots of scopes and accessories. Gosh! Look at all the neat stuff!
Hey! Get over here! He calls. Come pick out your scope. I join them and look longingly at the CELESTRON and the MEADE.
I want the Meade. but let's go over the pros and cons of each one again, just to make sure.
We spend another hour in discussion with the Shopkeeper.
The Shopkeeper suggests, the Astronomer counters. Just when I thought I had made up my mind, I am more confused than ever.
I think you should get the because This One does this and That One does this and the other.
Ok, so then, let's get the
Yeah, but maybe you SHOULD get the
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHRRRRGGGGGG
The Anonymous Astronomer laughs.  Which one do YOU want?
I don't know.
Ok, get the
OK.
He turns to the Shopkeeper. She's getting the
He hands me a BIG BOX. Here. Carry your scope to the front.
I caress this BIG BOX to the front and place it on the counter.
My head is spinning. I walk away from it and go look at other things.  In a few minutes, the Anonymous Astronomer beckons to me.
You know what.. Let's get the instead.
OK.
He hands me ANOTHER BIG BOX.
I ceremoniously proceed to the front and place it on the counter next to the other. I rely totally on what I am being told, remembering NOTHING of what I have researched the past year. I am boggled, dazed and confused!
I can see him laughing at me, his celestial blue eyes twinkling.
Is he toying with me? THIS IS TORTURE!
(I move away from the EYE as I watch another Invader swing into view overhead burning yellow.  This one is zipping across toward me. GOSH THAT WAS LOVELY! I say to the Night.)
Ok. Get the C. Not the M.
 I really believe he wants me to get the C. because he has the M. and he wants to perform his customary Optics and Calibration Tests and Comparisons. He is indeed THE ANONYMOUS ASTRONOMER, a TRUE Scientist!
Pay for your scope. He hands me the money.
No.  Its your $$,  *You * pay for it. I hand it back to him.
OK, but I get to use it first.
That's fair, I reply.
The Anonymous Astronomer calls me within the hour to tell me its set up and working perfectly. I am 90 miles away in the country, staring up at a cloudless, starlit night while he is in the city, playing Star Games!  Ten days later a friend helps me set the box gently on my living room floor, and remove the scope from its shelter. I serve tea and we sit with my new EYE TO THE COSMIC WONDERS between us, admiring it, as if it were a museum piece, the clouds and cold prohibiting us from going outdoors.  She cannot believe my luck. The Anonymous Astronomer had advised me earlier, as I drove off with my new scope, that it was a gift, free and clear and I owed him nothing. (Does this count as a tax deduction?)
My friend and I decide that if there is merely a tiny break in the clouds, we will take it out to play. And we do: at 10 and 20-minute intervals. But just as we have it set up, the sky clouds over and we have to pack up and come inside. The skies are again clear, however at 4 a.m. when I leave for work!!!!
Finally, weeks later, the weather cooperates. I lovingly place my new Eye to the Cosmos on the seat next to me and drive to the country. I set it up and I am literally a HAPPY CAMPER!  Gee! There's a pretty star!  Now, where are those charts?!!  Oh! And now I need a new eyepiece and a solar filter, and
 

On four separate occasions I have been fortunate to accompany an anonymous astronomer on his observance of an occultation.  I can only compare this opportunity to a meteorologist chasing a tornado. But, whereas the meteorologist has more chance to find his target,  the astronomer's goal to catch a wee glimpse of a flying rock somewhere out in space, narrowing the area down to a spot, somewhere visible on earth, that is comparable to the size of a pinhead, subject to change at a moments notice. I work for an airline, so travel is easy for me.  It costs me virtually nothing to get on a plane to anywhere in the world at a moment's notice (as long as I can get the time off- that's the kicker). The astronomer, however, will find it necessary to fork over some 'Dead Presidents' to get where he needs to be.   'Murphy' and his laws frequently get in the way.

The phone in my office rang one morning; 'We're going to Louisiana, how much is it?'  I check Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, and New Orleans, each time quoting prices I am sure sound like '5 million dollars'.  And on the other end of the phone- dead silence- then: 'I THINK WE'LL DRIVE'.

On another occasion, the price was right.  We jetted to Love Field, Dallas, rented a car and drove to O. K.  I am dancing on clouds! Forgive the pun! (I have learned 'CLOUDS' is a dirty word to astronomers. It turns their ears upside down and makes their heads spin.  Their face goes into contortions at the sound of this word.)  I, a mere neophyte- get to see a Scientist - a 'Master Astronomer'- in the field! I am truly honored.  I compare this moment to 'The Grasshopper at the feet of the Shao Lin Master'. My head is spinning, I do my homework, jot
down questions and try not to sound too ignorant, hoping my questions do not sound too inane to bother the MASTER.  But the Master Astronomer is kind and gentle, and explains theories and
practices to my satisfaction.   Driving to O. K. - the Cheshire Cat is smiling at us from above.  The Master laughs at me when I point it out to him (I can only imagine what he is thinking!)  But I care not. This is CAPITAL FUN! We get to the site, find a nice dark country road and park the car. (Memories of country roads such as this, and High School days- come to mind- when my companion at the time and I would study 'BRAILLE'.)

The Master starts lugging his equipment out of the car and starts setting up.  I have already been prompted to 'BE QUIET AND STAY OUT OF THE WAY!'  So I find a place about 3 meters away- I check for ants. My thoughts: Gee, one would have to have a doctorate in mechanical engineering to get all of this straight!  But the MASTER ASTRONOMER does this in record time.  I am dancing with enthusiasm and amazement.  I thank my 'lucky stars' for the opportunity
to be here. All the sudden, The MASTER ASTRONOMER looks around, remembering some
untrained person is with him.  He finds me about 3 meters behind him and shouts:
Why aren't you over here asking questions?
You told me I should remain silent and out of the way!
Yeah, but I didn't mean it that way.  I'll tell you when you can't talk.
I am learning through observation- I reply.
.. And what do you see? He asks.
I see the Master at work and I am in wondrous stupor.  I answer meekly.
Come over here, he commands.  We have a bit of time for me to show you a few things before the event.
I am in AWE!! I actually get to look through the EYE TO THE HEAVENS.  I am certain the Master Astronomer is so amused by my enthusiasm and childish delight.

I frequently look at the stars through binoculars.  The Pleiades are my favorite. I had looked through a large telescope before many times at a friend's house about 14 years ago, we tracked a comet through the sky- it was truly amazing. And of course I had seen the moon, but that was long ago and I really missed this. Then in a flash, my time was up.  It was time for work.

The timing is right.  He catches the Event.  We load up and rush to the next sight, an hour away. (TWO IN ONE NIGHT???!!! And on my FIRST TRIP!) But Alas, THE LAW appears just in the NICK OF TIME! (Murphy at work, again!), shining Disneyland in the Astronomer's eyes.  He misses the 2nd event, probably by default.  We drive back. (I drive he sleeps.)  I get to Love Field in Dallas with 2 hours before flight time.  I am too excited to sleep. The Master Astronomer, however, is sawing Z's next to me.  I wake him to turn in the car and we catch the flight back.  I am as a child who has received his first quarter from the Tooth Fairy, wondering how I can knock out the rest of my teeth to get more quarters.  I want to do this again. I pray to all gods, real and imagined, I get to do this again!

Two months later, I get e-mail: another occultation.  The Anonymous astronomer and I are off on another MAGICAL MYSTERY TOUR (MMT) But the StarGods are not happy.  The sky is clouded over.  I have been so busy at work, I don't have my questions ready, so our conversation is limited.  I know he is worried about the weather.  We drive East.. We drive West.. We drive North East.. we drive North West.. everywhere clouds.. (The Judy Collins song: I look at clouds from both sides now- pops into my head, I start humming it. )  The Master is nervous and moody.  He wants to get this event. I try to entertain him citing one of my silly stories.  The Master Astronomer is NOT amused.  We get to a dark road, the skies look like they may open up.  He starts to set up.  I practice my KungFu and Tai Chi in the road, feeling free and happy to be there.  I remember to be silent and not to disturb the Master at work.
What are you doing?- he barks at me.
Dancing, I reply.
(I can hear wheels turning in his head.  I know what he is thinking: NUT CASE!)

The clouds play games with us... It's cloudy.. it's clear.. it's cloudy.. it's clear... The moment arrives: IT'S CLEAR! The Master Astronomer is ready.. then ... the clouds roll in, hiding the stellar jewels.   The Master is visibly upset.  We start to load up.  I say to myself: The only one who has more gear than this is a musician!  We drive back.  The anonymous Master Astronomer drives for a while, I shell pistachios and put them in his hand. (I bought about 5 kilos for the trip- we share the love of nuts.. hmm... that doesn't sound right!)
How many bushels of these things did you bring? - he asks, chuckling at me reaching into the bag for an unending supply of pistachios.
All of them!- I reply, smiling and munching gleefully.  After eating an undetermined amount of pistachios, he is finally satiated.  We stop for gas and I clean pistachio shells off the seat and floor. I drive the rest of the way while the Master Astronomer sleeps.  He is upset.  He doesn't want to talk.  My thoughts: Gee these scientist-type fellows sure are moody!  Yet nothing can occult my feelings of euphoria.  Standing on the side of a dark and lonely country road out in the middle of nowhere, with the wind on my face, staring up at a glittered sky, my spirit soars up to the very stars. I am one with Nature.  I am One with the Universe.  I am united with the Worlds Beyond. (How Zen!)