Finished

[raymo]

I have finally been driven out of my hobby of 67 yrs by SWMBO, the
weather here, and advancing yrs, in that order. I am going on a short holiday
next week, and when I return I shall be selling my gear and all my
astro and other science books including my 1995 Hartungs, Burnhams etc:
As there are so many small items I would spend forever packing and
posting, so I am going to try and sell everything as a package deal, so
maybe some body can pick out what they want and sell the rest.
This is hard, its been a long and mostly enjoyable road.
cheers raymo

[gary]

Hi Raymo,

Enjoy the years ahead.

Best Regards

Gary

[glend (Glen)]

Mate, don't do it! Your only 67, I am right behind you at 66, there are plenty of wonderful dark sky nights ahead of you. Remember, "the time spent looking at the stars is added on to your life". I am hopeful that you have a change of heart.

You can always sell off the heavier gear, like the dob, and maybe the achros, would that placate her? Keep the mount and at least one scope for imaging. I know a few old gents that have downsized to smaller APOs and good DSLRs and are enjoying the hobby still. Did I say hobby, I mean "Way of life", passion, etc. What would you do with yourself if you were not conversing here?

I was reading a post by an old gent on Cloudy Nights who was buying one of the new ZWO ASI1600 cameras, and when asked why he didn't wait for the sCMOS he responded that he was 69 so the future was now, he can't wait. Walking away will make you miserable.

[Stonius (Markus)]

Mate, that's really sad. I don't know you, nor have I been hanging around IIS very long, but it seems to me that your posts are always on the money. For someone who obviously has so much knowledge and passion to call it quits is, well sad, to say the least. Obviously, you gots to do what you gots do and I'm sure after 67 years it was no snap decision. Like I said, I haven't been round here long, but I'm sure I'm not alone in wishing you the best and hoping that you'll continue to hang out here from time to time.

Cheers
Markus

[astroron (Ron)]

Hi Raymo, I am sorry to hear of your decision
I am 73 coming on 74 and still operate a 16" dob
Things got a bit heavy for me so made a permanent
pad for it so I didn't have to keep putting it away.
I just now roll of its cover and away I go.
I hope there is some way for you to remain in the hobby
But if not,enjoy whatever you do in the future.
All the best
Ron.

[deanm (Dean)]

Keep the gear.
SWMBO....?(!)

Dean

[Matt Wastell (Matt)]

Her indoors.

Originally Posted by deanm

Keep the gear.
SWMBO....?(!)

Dean

[Camelopardalis (Dunk)]

Nooooo....say it ain't so

[MortonH]

Maybe downsize but try not to give up completely.

[omegacrux (David)]

Dean , She Who Must Be Obeyed , lol
Enjoy what life brings Raymo

David

[doppler (Rick)]

I hope this does not include IIS membership. I have always enjoyed your posts and you have always been quick to share your knowledge and years of experience with the beginers here. I don't know how you can just switch off though, I even look at the sky when I walk the dog at night.

Cheers and good wishes Rick

[ZeroID (Brent)]

I'm 67 and just getting started. It's my passion, I wouldn't give it up for anyone. The concept of 'SWMBO" doesn't work in our house, we're partners and friends first and both have our own passions and interests. We accommodate each other and it's give and take but mutual respect for us both.
Whatever you do Raymo hang onto some gear and when you can you feed your passion. You have too much to contribute to us all to just throw it away.

[raymo]

Thank you all for your good wishes and suggestions. I will continue to
help where and when I can, and you're quite a way behind me Glen, I've owned scopes for 67 yrs, got my first one when I went into high school.
Actually, the dob has already gone, forgot to delete it.
raymo

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

No way! You've got knowledge and talent. And I presume you're retired so you have time as well. You've given me excellent advice and I've enjoyed your images and posts on the Beginner's Astrophotography forum. Come on don't give up as a "beginner". Become a seasoned pro and then give up!

Sorry I have not replied to most of your threads there but I quietly look and admire your images and post only if I have something to contribute besides "wow" or "that looks great".

Maybe just rationalise your gear but please don't pull the plug. Have a heart, mate.

[raymo]

Thank you Steve; there were a number of factors involved in my decision.
My astro diary shows 29 occasions in the last year that I have got all set
up and aligned ready to go, and instant socked in; it is soooooooooo
disheartening. Its slightly worse than Melbourne, but not quite as bad as the west coast of Tassie. If I had a permanent setup I would probably ignore
SWMBO's remarks, but I guess I'm just tired of the struggle. Maybe I'll
take up knitting star charts, now that would be quite a task wouldn't it.
raymo

[xelasnave]

Maybe you just need to tidy up.
If your lady is the first consideration I suspect it may be things may have got out of hand.
You can trim down to some binos a small scope and mount so long as it doesnot over run the house.
The weather is no problem if you keep it small and simple.
The years certainly provide an excuse but do not talk to yourself that way.
And I believe having a hobby is the most important thing to maintain good health.
You must have something in your life that is for you and no one else.. It is your payoff for doing the right thing by others... Without it there is no selfish reason to get out of bed and before you know it you will be happy to be dead.
Sell it all but get something to keep your passion.
Feel no guilt that this may appear selfish but the opposite is the case for you really need to venerate a reason to get up each day that makes it worthwhile for you.
She will understand, the weather will open up to the heavens when you need it I bet for her part of the problem is the thought of what to do with the stuff when you are gone.. Trim it down and insist what little you keep goes in the box you leave in.
Enjoy your holiday come back and take another bite of life.
Alex

[raymo]

Hi Alex, I've always looked forward to your posts, always entertaining.
Actually, things haven't got out of hand, she has always resented my time
alone outside. I have everything itemised in case I should unexpectedly
fall off of my perch. I used to collect British Victorian stamps; I might go back to that, but as I said earlier I will continue to try and help newbies when I can.
cheers raymo

[Exfso (Peter)]

Sorry to hear Raymo. My "boss" is glad to see me head outside, apparently I give her the sh!ts when I am inside. I suspect I am not alone in this scenario

[xelasnave]

Try not washing she may change her mind about you being outside.
Alex

[raymo]

Thanks Peter.
Alex, the lateral thinker as always.