My first telescope came as a birthday present when I was 9 years old. It was the usual department store find, with poor optics and a mount that made it impossible to hold a steady view. Even so, that was my favorite possession (except for my marble collection). Our current toys are somewhat more sophisticated, and allow extended tracking for observing and imaging. But when I swing the scope around to a beautiful asterism or even the moon, it makes me feel like a boy again. There is nothing like being out in the country, looking up at the night sky full of stars.