Lilia McDaniel had no idea where Merritt Reservoir was located 2 years ago. At that time she worked for the Flight School in Orinburg, Russia. The same school that Yuri Gagarin trained at. From her house across the street she gazed upon the place in history that produced the first human being to fly in space.
Rex Allen Mcdaniel went with his church group from Dover, Arkansas to visit Orinburg and it was in November of 1994 that he met Lilia. As fate would have it the two would fall in love and one day before Rex was to leave, he asked Lilia to be his wife. The paperwork involved was abundant but thanks to fax machines and help from many individuals, they finalized the preparations. The two were married on Valentines Day 1995.
Rex and Lilia now travel the Country selling astronomy items to people like us. They bring with them all the accessories needed for a fine collection of equipment. They have eyepieces, filters, new finder scopes and a whole set of binoculars. Every chart or book necessary to get going or keep pursuing this hobby of ours is on their shelf. Several different telescope models are on display as well as numerous attachments. Lilia has included a fine selection of jewelry and added to Rex's wares some very interesting and beautiful celestial items. A talent only a woman can bring.
In the time that Lilia has been to America she has travelled to over 35 states and has met some very wonderful people. She has enjoyed learning about astronomy and values the way people are so friendly here in the States. "They are always so nice and good to be with" she says "I really enjoyed looking through so many telescopes and I have become spoiled already."
Rex is now in Dillon, Montana for another Star Party August 9-10. After that he travels to Prineville, Oregon for August 15-18. Then he will meet back up with Lilia, hook up the trailer and the two will head off again to yet another star party. It seems such a wide world away from that Ukrainian city, south of the Ural mountains where Yuri Gagarin learned to fly. What a wonderful coincidence to have Lilia here at NSP.
For more information about Rex and Lilia's products, write or call:
Rex's Astro Stuff Buy - Sell - Trade New and used Telescopes Accessories and Eyepieces
63 Observatory Ln Dover, AR 72837 (501) 331-3773