Last night was the first really clear evening in a week. As a matter of fact, it was downright gorgeous -- Mauna Loa was dusted with snow, a few low cumulus clouds gave the horizon some character, the setting sun really lit up Hualalai. And, I saw Mercury for the first time in my life! At 7:20, there was only one “star” visible in the low, still dusky, West. I'd been hoping to see Mercury this past week, when the potential was said to be excellent, but I thought it might have already moved back too close to the sun.