Dedicated to Mike & Betsy Palermiti - (enlarge)

My husband Jim and I arrived in Jupiter, Florida around noon of

November 1st. We checked into the Fairfield Inn and Suites on

Indiantown Road and to our delight, our room was available right

away! We went out to Mike and Betsy's home to meet them around

3pm and were welcomed very warmly. When we first drove in the

driveway, both Jim and I were awestruck at the sight before us.

While I had seen his covered Telescopes in a few of his images on

PN, I never expected how I would feel upon really seeing them for

the first time. It isn't the usual 'Garden Architecture' you would see in

most people's front yards. They welcomed us into their home and

Betsy soon had us feasting on delicious Hors D'oeuvres and Cool

Refreshments. It was quite hot and humid out, very much unlike the

cold temps we had left in Canada. We were later treated to a

wonderful 'dinner out' at one of the Grill Houses across from our

Hotel where we got to know them even better. On the Sunday, not

long after we arrived at their home, Mike had me trying a few Lens

attachments for my Camera (for my Wish List)) and at one point I

turned around and he had set up this Telescope!!! It was thrilling for

both Jim and I to be able to view our SUN, and to be able to see

some of the amazing detail this Telescope provided. I could not

believe I could see the Sunspots so clearly. What a treat! This alone

made the long drive so worthwhile. Thanks Mike and Betsy for your

hospitality and surprises! With sincere appreciation, Gail

What fun Gail! Please tell Mike I said "hello!"

Nice photo too!

Safe travels to you,

Tim

Thanks Tim for your visit!! Yes it was great fun and really exciting. We are home now, it is very cold and stormy here tonite, I sure to miss the warm weather!!!

I can never look at a telescope without thinking about Mike and this image is a really fitting tribute! 

I went to a Astronomy meeting with some of my friends who have been members of the Liverpool Astronomy Society for as long as I can remember! They have been trying to get me to come along for years too, and this time I agreed to go.  Now although I didn't have a clue what they were talking about a lot of the time, I did enjoy a couple of the lectures, and in particular one about the Comet Ison. The whole time I was there I kept thinking how much Mike would have enjoyed it. 

I am so pleased you got to look at the sun too, there was a telescope set up at the meeting but such was the weather condition's we couldn't use it. 

The shot is well detailed and framed it perfectly! 

Warm Regards 

Alf 

Thanks for your visit Alf. I have never gone to an Astronomy meeting, so far the closest thing for me is the info Mike provides. I had hoped to also see something through one of the 'big guns' in the yard, but I knew we would never stay awake long enough!!! There is something about a Vacation and getting into the 'relaxed' mode that surprisingly made me tire quicker than I usually do. Mind you, I guess if I were to compare myself to how I was 20 years ago, we don't go out partying and dancing to the wee hours like we used to. It was very overcast at times and that also would have made it difficult to use a bigger telescope at night. But this sure was a 'treat'. I have not had the opportunity to tell my Grandson Kael. He loves Astronomy. I will send him a copy of this 'pic' so he can see what excitement we had while visiting.

The perspective composition and exposure well serve this fine instrument, Gail. Particularly with the top end set against the backdrop of foliage. Seems to be very well looked after - as one would expect from a man as meticulous as Mike...

You can now say that you've been to Jupiter, dear Gail! I suppose this device is turned to the Earth! Very good photo, technically perfect! And I like the subject!

Best regards, Gail (I almost wrote: uncle Mike, ha)

PDE

Hi Gail,

You can take images of my instruments anytime ! This image reals how good your Canon 100mm F/2.8 macro lens is when shot wide open !!! Well done my dear friend.

The zoom eyepiece  at the right backside was set to 12 mm (seen upon enlargement). This provided you and Jim a magnification of 33 times and framed the entire Sun into the viewing area. You were able to see all the activity at once, which is the advantage of this smaller solar telescope.

I was pleased to see how you and Jim reacted to seeing the Sun for the first time. I always enjoy the enthusiastic responses I get from children and adults when they view something that they had not even seen before.

Betsy often comments that I act the same way, I get excited, yell out and enjoy what I am observing, despite the fact that I might have seen it a thousand times or more before !

Warmest Regards, Mike

Hi Gail, A very fitting tribute indeed, when I think of telescoping shots I think of Mike for sure. A very nice shot also, the detail is really great when viewed larger. Amazing stuff to be able to look at the sun and be able to see  more detail, the only place I've been able to see that would be on TV or a monitor. So to see it live so to speak is indeed a treat. Glad you all had a great time. Take care my friend.

Warm Regards,

Holger

Hi Gail,

  I am glad you had a wonderful trip.  Great tribute, I am sure Mike was pleased to see it.  Take care, Patsy

Hi, Gail! Thank you for sharing! I've read all the comments before and was thinking that we are all permanently "damaged" by Mike: think of him when we see telescopes, stars, Milky way. He comes to my mind when I see alligators or when my daughter tells me she is going to bike every weekend (she lives not far away from Jupiter).... And sure, every time I take a picture I remember to check the setting on my camera :).... He loves what he does and loves to share - we are lucky.

Very nice product picture, Gail. I am very glad you had a nice holiday. Warmest regards,Tamara

..I have never failed to be impressed by Mike's optical arsenal  and  the way they are put in use. What is even more impressive is the fact that these items ,older or new, were and continue to be,cherished and kept in use through the wise and knowledgeable modifications are treated with. You were right  to be impressed by this very item ,which apart of its capabilities offers also an aesthetic pleasure to look at it and not only through it!-and you did capture it well! I would definitely want to look through its potential of magnification at the sky vastness! Best regards,my friend!

Nice trip under your detailed description.  Nice works during the trip.  Best Regards,

Gail, I'm glad to have read about your trip to see Mike...i'm happy for you both...the image is a wonderful memory I'm sure...regards....David

Many thanks for your visit and kind words David. It certainly was a wonderful trip, highlighted by some amazing sights - i.e. seeing the 'sun'. Even the image Mike has posted of the sun doesn't quite compare to seeing it out of this Telescope.

sincere regards, Gail

Thank you for dropping by Wanghan. So many great moments to remember by both Jim and I, this one was certainly special.

Yes, Mike does have a large collection of 'old and new', but you can never mistake his love for 'it all'. I imagine his many years working in this 'field of endeavour' is one that you just don't 'set aside' when you retire!!! Many thanks for your visit and sincere words.

fond regards, Gail

Well I guess it is all in the way you interpret 'damaged'. :-D I don't quite feel that way but I think I know what you meant. One always thinks twice before taking an image!! I recall you visiting your daughter in Florida and you actually talking to Mike. He certainly is willing to help those of us who ask for help, or answer any of our queries. Not many are so fortunate to have someone who has such a wealth of knowledge to draw from!

Yes it is not often we have this opportunity. Jim still talks of this particular day and what a treat it was.

Thank you for furnishing your settings (etc.) that were used on this telescope. I should have written a description down at the time but I think my excitement got the best of me. It still amazes me that I could actually 'see' the sun from one of your telescopes. I don't know that I would KNOW anyone else ever that could have provided such a 'sight' for us to enjoy! I can understand why you get so excited, no matter how many times you view images of the Universe!

Sincere thanks Mike.

many thanks Pierre for your visit and comment. It still remains astounding to me just 'how' this instrument works. It is shown in the same position that it was in when we looked through the eyepiece on the left. We had some overcast days but this one was particularity bright and sunny!

Yes, Mike is very careful with his equipment. A lot of money was sitting before us. His Observatory equipment allows many to visualize what they otherwise may never see. Thank you for your kind words of critique and for dropping by Rajat!

Hi Gail,

This is a very beautiful equipment. I am happy about you. You seen our Universe! Many times I was dreaming about Universe and I know how fascinating, beautifully and amazing is over there, Milky Way and planets, moon eclipse, solar blast all you can see from the telescope!

Best regards, Tina

Many thanks for stopping by Tina!!! Alas, this telescope was only to view the Sun. One day I hope to see bigger images of the Universe! I hope you are well and not too 'cold'!!!

warmest regards, Gail