Journal
Saturn, a week past opposition
Transparency was average but the seeing was the best this season. At 150× the rings were crisp, Titan sat to the west, and for a few seconds Cassini's division was clearly visible on the ansae. Notes on filters: the light-blue one helped with the cloud belts, the yellow one did nothing useful.
Collimating a 6-inch Dobsonian
Secondary first, then the primary, then a star test on Vega slightly out of focus. The rings should look concentric on both sides of focus. Mine finally did after I stopped overtightening the locking screws.
Pencil study of M13
White pencil on black paper works better than the reverse once you stop trying to draw every star. Start with the brightest chains, add the haze last, and keep a red light handy.
A summer list for short nights
Albireo, the Double Double, M57, M27 and the Veil in a dark corner of the sky. Short nights mean short lists.