new stool

My old Ikea collapsible wooden stool broke.

So I bought a new, very compact, collapsible tripod stool from Lee Valley. Canvas fabric for the seat. Metal legs. Velcro strap conveniently wraps around the folded seat to keep it closed. There is an integrated, adjustable strap so you can toss if over the shoulder to carry it about.

It was very inexpensive, to boot.

Procyon X software

I registered the excellent Procyon software for my Psion EPOC Symbian palmtop.



It's released by John Sussenbach.

It's fantastic having this rich application in my pocket. Perfect when I need detailed information while at the telescope. And not as bulky and power-hungry as a full laptop.



A screen shot showing the southern sky, noting the current meteor shower.

beautiful card

I don't know if the scan will do it justice...

Donna made a beautiful thank-you card. She sent it from herself, Steve, and kitty Minus. It was in response to my recent visit around the summer solstice and the celebration of her birthday.

If you look very closely at the card image, you'll see an astronomer. Or perhaps astrologer. Or wizard. Or all of the above. His studio is filled with animals, including a number of cats. The open window is framed with figures craved into the stone. All the creatures of the zodiac.

The night sky behind is filled with the constellations, bright stars, and many comets. A telescope points up.

It is quite detailed and colourful.

Donna set this on a stamped paper. Ringed silver planets abound.

It from her The Bear's Wares company.