I took a break at this point and took my dog out front for a comfort break. Looking toward San Jose, I could see clouds moving in with no end in sight. Shortly thereafter, I packed up the scope, put it away in the garage, feeling satisfied that I got outside and pulled in a few photons for about an hour. I can't wait until the skies begin really clearing. I sat down to write this report, and took another look out back.
Winter is a fickle mistress for amateur astronomers.