ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Please add the following star party on your 2008 list:
Mason-Dixon Star Party
Wellsville, PA
July 30 - Aug 3, 2008
Mason-Dixon Star Party Web Site
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Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Once again, the York County Astronomical Society (YCAS) will be hosting the Mason-Dixon Star Party at the Shreveport Airport/Footlight Ranch in Wellsville, PA. This year, our keynote speaker is Tom Trusock of the Cloudy Nights forum. Tom is from Michigan and this is the first time he will be speaking at a star party on the east coast. Tom is a prolific equipment reviewer and is the one of the chief content architects of the www.cloudynights.com. Tom also writes for Astronomy Magazine. Everyone is welcome to go to our website (in the previous post) to see the events of the 2007 MDSP along with photo galleries showing the fun that was had by all. Hope to see you at the star party.
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DeepSpaceViews
member
Reged: 08/23/07
Posts: 40
Loc: Philadelphia, PA
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Hello Dean,
I'm there as usual.
Stephen T. Roffo Jr
www.DeepSpaceViews.com
Quote:
Please add the following star party on your 2008 list:
Mason-Dixon Star Party
Wellsville, PA
July 30 - Aug 3, 2008
Mason-Dixon Star Party Web Site
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Takahashi FRC-300 12" 2348mm F/7.8
Tak FSQ-106N 4" 500mm F/5
Tak FS-78 3" 630mm F/8.1
Tak EM-500 Capacity 90/120 lbs
Apogee U16M CCD Camera & AI-FW50 7S Filter Wheel
SBIG ST-402 CCD
FLI PDF Focuser
Astrodon 50mm Square Filters L,R,G,B & H-alpha 5nm, Sulfur II 5nm, Oxygen III 3nm
www.DeepSpaceViews.com
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Flukster
member
Reged: 09/22/07
Posts: 58
Loc: Dillsburg PA USA
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I'll be there since it is right in my back yard :-)
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Chris <><
Scope: Meade DS114 ATA
http://www.opticsplanet.net/meade-ds2000-1.html
d-114 f-910
EP's:
1.25" with 2" adapter
Stock
9mm, 25mm,and 2x Barlow
Zhumell 1.25in. Eyepiece and Filter Kit
 Dillburg PA
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bierbelly
Postmaster
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 5420
Loc: Newark, DE
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Quote:
This year, our keynote speaker is Tom Trusock of the Cloudy Nights forum.
Hey, I may have to come just to heckle.
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12" DSH
8" f/4 Vega MakNewt
6" MN66
TV85
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Jason B
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 06/21/04
Posts: 1954
Loc: Mid-Michigan
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Kind of an odd question but is there internet access on site? I would love to come but because of the dates, I would need internet access briefly on Friday morning due to my job.
Thanks,
Jason
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Jason
Volunteer Administrator for
Fox Park Public Observatory
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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I'm afraid there is no "wired" internet access available other than using cell towers or satellite as far as we are aware. One of our club members was able to use a Verizon Wireless Air Card at the site. So, if anyone has a service that they use out and about, it might work (Verizon has enough signal strength to work there). But there are no plans to *import* WiFi Internet Access for guests.
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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The Web Link for the MDSP has been updated:
2008 Mason-Dixon Star Party Web Site
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Registration for the Mason-Dixon Star Party at our MDSP Website is now OPEN. Please check out the website. It features lots of photos of the site itself as well as last year's star party pics. There is a clear sky clock and up-to-date weather information. On the other links, you can view the free picnic fare, raffle items, and register.
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Here is a list of speakers we have lined up for the MDSP to date:
Tom Trusock (Cloudy Nights Forum), Saturday 6pm, keynote speaker (topic TBD)
Dr. Marty Rice, Thursday 7pm, "Astronomy as a Religious Endeavor"
Norm Lewis (Chief Meteorologist ABC2News), Saturday 10am, "Solar System Walk"
Dr. Roger Davis, Date TBD, "Marred Reputations, Buick Transmissions, and Hailstorms: Clyde Tombaugh and the Discovery of Planet Pluto"
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Orion ShortTube 80
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Keynote Speaker at the 2008 MDSP is Tom Trusock of Cloudynights.com speaking about...
Toys and Tools to Explore the Universe: One Gearhead's
Perspective
Saturday, 6:00PM
Gear Heads Unite! Join Tom as he talks about upcoming gear, as well as trends in observing and equipment. We'll take a good look at some of the best options available for the amateur, as well as a peek or two at what is coming down the pike in the (hopefully) not so distant future. The best tool for the best job!
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Orion ShortTube 80
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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2008 FREE ALL YOU CAN EAT PICNIC AND PIG ROAST
This year (similar to last year) we will have a Saturday afternoon picnic catered by the Footlight Ranch, a delicious picnic fare from the Barbecue Pit and sponsored by York County Astronomical Society and Mason Dixon Star Party. The picnic will be free and open to all paid registrants and will last approx. 5 hours with an all-you-can-eat picnic!
Picnic Menu (Free):
* PIG ROAST
* Chicken Breast Fillets
* Hamburgers
* Hot Dogs / Sauerkraut
* Corn on the Cob
* Side Dishes
* Salads
* Drinks
* Ice Cream
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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~Steph~
Texas Wildflower
Reged: 06/11/05
Posts: 21370
Loc: North Texas
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Sounds good...can I get a care package sent to me? 
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Steph
10" RCX400 ~~ 4" TV102 ~~ WO ZS80FD ~~ PST
Serenity Observatory 
HansenAstro | CN Member Websites
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Current Raffle Prize List and Donors:
Planetary Long Eye-Relief Eyepieces (Smart Astronomy.com)
Astroscan Telescope (Edmund Scientific)
Celestron 7x50 Astro Binoculars (Norm Lewis)
FRAMED Astrophotograph of the North American Nebula, taken by Steve Roffo (who is donating it) with a Takahashi FSQ-106N (DeepSpaceViews.com)
Book: "Deep Space Image Catalog" (Taurus Technologies)
Coronado PST Solar Telescope with Case (York County Astronomical Society)
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Orion ShortTube 80
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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As everyone who has been at the MDSP in the past knows, May's Munchables has faithfully provided great food service for all of us all night long during our star parties. Unfortunately we have recently received word that May's Munchables will be unable to cater our event this year as previously announced due to family health problems. We are researching alternative arrangements and will update this information as soon as possible. This news does not impact our Saturday picnic which is being catered by the Footlight Ranch.
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Orion ShortTube 80
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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This years MDSP caterer will be Bluesman Smokehouse and BAR B Q since May's cannot do it this year. He will be there Wednesday thru Sunday and open for business 24 hours a day.
Bluesman's menu consists of: Pork BBQ, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs (and Sauerkraut), French Bread Pizza, Ice Cream, French Fries, Bratwurst, Pit Beef, Egg Sandwiches, Biscuits & Gravy, various sides and beverages. There will also be a Daily Special.
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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To our list of speakers at the MDSP, we add:
Larry McHenry, Friday 2pm, "Solar Observing Techniques and Equipment"
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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And another MDSP speaker has joined the fray:
John Raymond, Saturday 11am, "Observe 10 Excellent Planetary Nebulae at the MDSP"
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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The raffle prizes for the upcoming MDSP are rolling in... Here's an update:
Raffle Prize (Donor):
Solar System Planetary Long Eye-Relief Eyepieces (Smart Astronomy.com)
Stellavue Binoviewer with two 23mm Eyepieces (Hand's On Optics)
Astroscan Telescope (Edmund Scientific)
Celestron 7x50 Astro Binoculars (Norm Lewis, Astronomer)
Cambridge Pocket Star Atlas (John Raymond, Astronomer)
FRAMED Astrophotograph of the North American Nebula, taken by Steve Roffo (who is donating it) with a Takahashi FSQ-106N (DeepSpaceViews.com)
Book: "Deep Space Image Catalog" (Taurus Technologies)
Oberwerk 20x60 Binoculars (bigbinoculars.com)
Starry Night Enthusiast Version 6.2 (Orion Telescopes and Binoculars)
LaserMate Deluxe Laser Collimator (Orion Telescopes and Binoculars)
Deluxe Celestron SkyScout Case (www.ScoutCase.com)
2 Astronomy magazine subscriptions (Astronomy magazine)
2 $25 gift certificates at Scope City (www.ScopeCity.com)
Takahashi 1.25 10 mm Eyepiece (www.TakahashiAmerica.com)
Coronado PST Solar Telescope with Case (York County Astronomical Society)
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Orion ShortTube 80
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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The Mid-East Region of the Astronomical League (MERAL) will be holding their annual meeting and election of officers at the MDSP in the Little Red Hut at 1:00pm Saturday.
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Orion ShortTube 80
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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On Saturday during the MDSP, we have the following family-oriented activities scheduled:
10am: Solar System Walk at the Hospitality Tent
11am-12pm: Kid's Bingo outside the Little Red Hut
12pm-5pm: Swimming and Picnic at the Pool
5pm: Raffle drawing at the Pool
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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You have your choice of bringing your RV, campers, and tents or staying in a bunk house for those not wanting to brave the outdoors. We also have showers and rest rooms with hot and cold running water.
Please visit our Mason-Dixon Star Party website for all the details on registration, speakers, raffle prizes and more.
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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Celestial Cyn
journeyman
Reged: 05/21/08
Posts: 5
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For you pleasure this year we have two massage therapists coming to offer seated massages for those aching necks and backs. Be sure to check out the website for any new additions and take a look at the photo galleries to see the fun that was had at 2007 MDSP.
Celestial Cyn
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John Sachs
newbie
Reged: 12/30/07
Posts: 1
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Hi Dean,
I look forward again to the Mason Dixon Star Party! What a great event!! Great raffle prizes this year again including the PST solar scope. Plus the MDSP is again having their fantastic free pig roast to all that register. There is flat camping,great horizon and separate showers for the men and ladies and the cool thing was the pool! John
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Celestial Cyn
journeyman
Reged: 05/21/08
Posts: 5
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Just a reminder the MERAL will be having their annual meeting at the MDSP this year. Be sure to go to the website to see all the great speakers, including Cloudy Night's Tom Trusock, that are coming. The door prizes are plentiful and the massage therapists have their chairs ready. The Saturday picnic was a big hit last year as you will be able to tell from the pictures in the photo galleries. We'll be having the same menu this year for the
Saturday picnic along with free entrance to the swimming pool. Hope to see you there. Celestial Cyn
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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John,
Glad to hear you are coming again!
Dean
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bierbelly
Postmaster
Reged: 01/23/04
Posts: 5420
Loc: Newark, DE
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Will there be mosquitos?
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12" DSH
8" f/4 Vega MakNewt
6" MN66
TV85
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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I cannot predict the future with any certainty. But, I didn't hear of any complaints of mosquitoes at last year's MDSP.
Dean
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Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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Celestial Cyn
journeyman
Reged: 05/21/08
Posts: 5
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Hi all you crazy star gazers,
I just heard of a deterant for mosquitoes...fabric softener sheets in a pocket are to rid us of these pesky little wingged critters so I plan to bring a couple of boxes for everyone to use. Also, I just heard from our new food vendor and here are some of his specials that he intends to serve at the MDSP: One night we will have stuffed tilapia, whole pizzas, and chicken sandwiches
and chicken wings. Yuuuummmmm. Cindy 
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Quote:
One night we will have stuffed tilapia, whole pizzas, and chicken sandwiches
and chicken wings.
Would those by chicken wings be Buffalo-style?
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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Mark Jenkins
sage
Reged: 06/25/08
Posts: 277
Loc: Wisconsin
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I knew this would be the year of the star party for me! 
My entire family is coming to this one. I have 3 daughters ages 16, 15 and 8.
Questions:
1) Do I have to pay full price for the 16 year old? 
2) What are the skeeters like around the area this time of year? Will Deep Woods OFF be sufficient?
3) How close are we to say Philly, Gettysburg and other "sites of interest" that I can take the family to see?
4) What other "sites of interest" are close by that would be suitable for a family day trip?
We are traveling all the way from Wisconsin for this one! We have relatives in Greensburg and I have customers in Greensburg and Pittsburgh so I can make this a dual purpose trip.
Then, in September I will be attending the Black Forest Star Party as I also have a conference to attend the following week in State College.
Really looking forward to this!
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AP 105mm f6 APO (Traveler)
TEC MC200/15.5
AP Mach1 GTO
EarthWin PFS-B
Canon EOS 50D
DFK21AU04.AS
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Mark Jenkins
sage
Reged: 06/25/08
Posts: 277
Loc: Wisconsin
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OK, I found some info about "sites of interest" on the FAQ but is there anything else around? How close is Philly? The kids would like to see The Liberty Bell.
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AP 105mm f6 APO (Traveler)
TEC MC200/15.5
AP Mach1 GTO
EarthWin PFS-B
Canon EOS 50D
DFK21AU04.AS
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ZakAttack
member
Reged: 09/20/06
Posts: 84
Loc: Shrewsbury, PA
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Philly is about 2 hours away. Gettysburg (which has a brand new visitor center) is about an hour away. Check with MapQuest.com for better time estimates. Don't forget to visit Lancaster, PA to see the Amish and all of the outlet stores. Lancaster is a big tourist area and only about 45 minutes away from the MDSP site.
Dean
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Orion ShortTube 80
Pier mounted 6" Reflector
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Mark Jenkins
sage
Reged: 06/25/08
Posts: 277
Loc: Wisconsin
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Great! We have a lot of Amish furniture in our dining room. My wife will love going to Lancaster.
Is that pronounced LAN-Caster or Lank-aster?
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AP 105mm f6 APO (Traveler)
TEC MC20 |
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