My first telescope didn't come into my life for many many years after my interest in astronomy was ignited. When I was twelve I spent a night at the Perth Observatory, with the then director Dr Ivan Nikolov, which ignited a life long interest in astronomy. Being from a very humble (read poor) background a telescope was beyond attainable. Although, an old astronomer friend did give me a pair of binoculars which I used for years until stolen.
My first scope was obtained in my twenties and was an 8" Newtonian on an equatorial mount. As a fitter and machinist, I completely rebuild the telescope mount and tube assembly, including adding a fine focus control, and that was in the early 80's, well before they became popular; it was made out of a tiny planetary gearbox mechanism. I had that scope for quite some time before the missus made me sell it, to finance some furniture for our new house. Damn, I would have been quite happy to sit on the floor
After selling that scope, I was fortunate to be able to use some of the equipment at Perth Observatory on an ongoing basis, and also worked there on a part time for over 11 years, so the necessity of owning a telescope became irrelevant until I stopped going to the observatory in 1999, after a motorcycle accident prevented me from doing so.
I didn't purchase another telescope until after my divorce, when she left me and married one of my good mates....poor b*****d!
This was a good thing, as I certainly would never have been allowed to buy a telescope whilst married
At least, not without a fight; and it just wasn't worth it going there
And as for my mate, I just didn't realise he was such a good mate until he took my missus
Now though, I have four telescopes and some great eyepieces (with another new Delos on the way). I think I may be overcompensating for the lack of telescopes in my marriage.
Although, I would prefer to think that it is a nice consolation prize instead
Mind you, I certainly have so much more money now.
My dream for a long time has been to attend Stellafane, the home of telescope making. It is finally happening this year
Only 44 more sleeps, before I depart for the US, where I will be also visiting quite a few observatories. So, astronomy in my life is alive and well.
Life is good.