Lunar Eclipse, 2014, Jim would have been proud of this photo, I took from the back yard.
One of Jim’s passions was looking at the night sky. He had two telescopes, a pair of binoculars and all kinds of other interesting equipment. He had recieved the Messier Binocular Program Certificate from the Astonomial League, for observing 50 objects in the night sky, through binoculars. He was very proud of that certificate.
Several times a year we would go camping in the desert and along would come all the gear. Thank goodness I drive an Outback. By the time the gear was stored there was barely room for the camping equipment. Off we would go to Anza Borrego State Park, set up the telescope and binoculars, go for a hike and then dinner. When the stars came out Jim would spend the rest of the evening and into the wee hours of the night looking at the stars. As soon as I got cold I would head for my sleeping bag. He often commented that he was always glad when our friends would go with us as they would stay up with him.
the telescope
About 2 weeks ago I sold Jim’s Celestron Ultima 8 telescope. It was a tough one for me, emotionally. I know that this is just an object and it is not going to bring him back, yet with some objects I feel like I have to say a little goodby all over again. Sigh.
I sold the telescope to Ron. I had advertised it on Craigslist. When I have sold anything on CL I try to meet the person somewhere besides my home. I could not do this with the telescope. It was too heavy and awkward to move myself. When he and his wife arrived at the house, his first comment to me was that he knew I had been nervous about them coming to my house. And, I was, and it turned out just fine. They were the nicest people. He has 4 telescopes at home and is another lover of astronomy and the night sky. Ron was buying this telescope for his grandson, who is turning 14 soon. He could tell me all about all the equipment and I knew that I had found a loving home for this telescope. He has promised to e-mail me a photo of his grandson with the telescope at the end of the month.
Ron’s wife does the same thing as I did when out observing the night sky. When she gets cold she goes to bed. Hmm, I see a pattern developing here.
Finding the right home for his things has been very interesting. I have a good story for everything of his that I have sold or given away. It makes my heart warm to know there are so many nice people out there in the world. They are willing to meet Jim through his belongings. it helps me that they are willing to listen to the story related to the object sold. It also helps so much to know that this telescope has gone to a good homes.
Journeys of Thankfulness 
I was thinking of you Monday night! We’d all be out in Blair Valley, I just know it. Beautiful picture, Janet. We were laboring under a snowstorm and couldn’t see the darn thing. Love you much!!
Helen, How did you know I was talking about you. You were Jim’s favorite out there in the desert. You stayed up with him and enjoyed his company and the stars. You are such a good friend.
Janet, how I can relate to this. (I know, I’ve said that before to you!) When I finally put my husband’s beloved 79 GMC rv on the market a wonderful couple came from NC to PA and looked at it and left with it the next day. A thing, yes, but I felt like a little bit of him was leaving. A year later they called to see how I was doing and to let me know how much they are enjoying it. And to remind me I have a place to stay if I come their way. Good people that have touched my life when I needed it. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.
It is good to know someone else understands.The other one that was hard for me was when I sold Jim’s BMW Z3. I was an emotional reck the week before I took it in for a trade in. It too went to the nicest people.
I am happy for you to be able to do this in a loving way and finding people who will have joy from Jim’s possessions. I know that makes you smile inside.