It may be a little early (okay, more than a little), but I've been thinking of the upcoming wildflower photography season. The temptation to go SLR this year is strong. I have no complaints about my little digital point and shoot Pentax Optio, but that's not my idea of a macro camera. I want all the macro goodies, like being able to stop down for better depth of field, maybe even a depth of field preview button, mirror lock, a serious flash and, of course, a primo macro lens.

In typical Joanie fashion, I started out browsing the Leica page, starting with the new R9 and the 100mm macro. Nothing like buying a camera outfit that is significantly more costly than the car I drive. I'd say my priorities are right where they usually are.

When reality returned, I turned to the new Canon Rebel Xti and the Canon 100mm EF macro.

Now this I could afford - if I skip lunch for a few months. Not a problem. Look out wildflowers, here comes Joanie!

Had a friend and co-worker tell me that some of his buddies have seen McNaught by day.It's that bright. All you have to do is hold your hand over the sun to block the glare and you'll see it. I would not recommend using any otical instrument by day that cloes to the sun, though. Bad idea. Wait till later this spring for it to appear in the night sky if you want to use binoculars or a telescope.

Haven't had a chance to see the comet, yet, but hope springs eternal and I may still find just the right combination of spare time, weather and horizon (it will be very near the sun, so a clear horizon is needed) Who knows? I may even get some pics. If not, it should still be a good view and a wonder to see. It's been a long time since I've seen a good comet. When it rounds the sun, I may get to see it later this spring.

Might be a little too early to say, but McNaught should be visible to the naked eye and definitely worth a look in a binocular or spotting scope. My Kowa 663 is ready, and I may even check out a Nikon Astroluxe 10x70 binocular to see which I like best.

Even though we are much better informed as to the true nature of comets than our ancestors, comets are still a treat and a wonder to see and this would be a great way to start a new year of observing.

I sometimes get customers new to astronomy who tell me they cannot see the Orion Nebula. When I hear this, I know it is a matter of operator error, since I can see this famous Messier object under the most extreme conditions.

Take the other night, for example. The moon was full. That's bad enough, but my observing site is even worse. From my suburban Chicago, brightly lit apartment complex, I feel lucky to even see Orion, let alone the Orion Nebula. Yuk! Still, I grabbed my Swift Audubon 8.4x44 820 and let fly.

I could make out the nebula, sure enough, though to an inexperienced observer it might look like some haziness around the stars in Orion's sword. It was there, though, full moon and lights, notwithstanding.

Happy New Year!