Marty
I have to admit that beyond the wealth of Astronomy information on IIS part of the fascination is the differences in culture between two english speaking countries. i know what a lorrie is, but had to look up the parrots. Just for the record I think its easier to relate with people in IIS than people from the East Coast, especially New York.
Here the weather clouds over around Thanksgiving (late November) and stays that way until about April. if I'm lucky I 'll get to stargaze 2 or three times between Nov and April. But I don't do it for long. There is something about watching the frost form on the dob while I'm looking. When it finally warms up enough at night it doesn't get dark until 11pm or later.
I intend to use my Sky-Watcher 102mm refractor as a spotting scope for my 30 year old son when he and I go on our fishing vacation this summer. he likes to look for BigHorn sheep. Of course I'll use it skyward after dark.
I do wish you clear skies at night and lots of parrots during the day.
Garry
