Hi Jim,
I just finished a move to Texas from DC for a new job. (What a fun Christmas/New Year...... packing and unpacking.... driving a truck towing my car for 4 days.....
) Although the skies are not fantastic in the town, the uni observatory is only 15 minutes away and from the one visit I have had there so far, the skies are not too bad. Looks like a LM of around 6.7. First time I have seen the Milky Way from the northern hemisphere!!!!
I will be retiring in about 4 to 5 years. Once I do, it will be back to Aussie for me. I miss the southern skies too much! 8) Also all this snow and ice stuff....... yuck! Besides... it is not Christmas unless it is over 100F! Who ever heard of snow at Christmas!
Free health care and a government pension are also good incentives!
The family treasurer and I have been looking at properties in rural West Aust where I can build an observatory. Good half-acra land can be found for as little as A$30,000 and houses for as little as A$100,000. Will probably get one shortly before I retire. The plan is to live rural and rent out our house in the city until health issues start to take their toll, then move back to the city house.
Cheers,
Maurice