Well there’s good news on the telescope front. After a laying low for a few weeks, I opened up a dialogue with D about spending priorities and after ordering some new dining room chairs (which we absolutely do need) and planning how we’re going to save for the extension to our house, I was given permission to buy a smaller and less expensive scope. Yay! 
It was supposed to arrive today, but the weather got in the way! 
dimorphism 