backyard awhile

Spent about an hour in the back with the 8-inch, noodling around Orion and environs.  I came in a little early.  Despite the great forecast the sky seemed a bit off, maybe some thin clouds.  And I'm still a bit tired from Saturday night's long session.  I noticed a lovely loop of stars running between Mintaka and Alnilam -- very much like Melotte 20 (Alpha Persei cluster).  Several red and orange stars there too.  I think tomorrow if it's clear I'll use the big binos, which I have yet to use in the winter sky.