Hi Randall ... when I saw the title of your thread here I figured you'd finally made the leap and ordered a scope. I was so excited for you I was going to ring you straight away! Good thing I read further, since you haven't ordered yet, and it IS 1am now
Anyway .... you know you are welcome to come round to my place for some viewing through my dob anytime, and the next new moon night at Ron's is presumably only 12 nights away now and the scope and I will be in attendance again.
Of course there is always the "Plan B" we have previously discussed .... where I bring the scope around to your place one night and see if we can impress the missus into some kind of budget extension.
Another idea: Seek budgetary changes elsewhere in the home, as long as it frees up cashola for astronomical purchases (yes, I mean that literally and figuratively).
Does she REALLY need to have her hair done by a professional for instance?? Isn't "home brand" make up every bit as good as Este Lauder for example?? It's up to you to sell this plan mate, be prepared to throw numerous compliments on everything and anything - your scope depends on it!
Ask not what your scope can do for you, but ask rather what you are willing to do for your scope!!!
When all else fails ..... keep watching ebay. Most of the scopes there are cheap and crap, but there ARE genuine good quality bargains from time to time there - you know what you're looking for, keep your eyes open!
Catch up soon....
Steve