hi jpete,
another thing to do is to check collimation when you are moving it around so much. when I setup it generally needs a small tweak every time. if it is out the image quality is obviously going to be inferior. so things like bob's knobs
http://www.bobsknobs.com/Newt/Newt.html to replace the screws on the secondary mirror are a good investment to speed up the process - and of course a collimator if you haven't already.
at the moment Jupiter is fairly low so the best time to view is actually around 2am when it is at it's 'highest'. but it is gradually coming earlier and earlier in the evening (about 4-5 minutes each day).
keeping uptodate with astro 'events' is good,
http://astroblogger.blogspot.com.au/ too.
You could also join the Mornington Peninsula Astronomical Society
http://www.mpas.asn.au/ for further inspiration and hands on advice (the Briars).
as for the mirror and solar, it is not in direct sunlight because you block it with the filter
before it enters the tube...
cheers,
rusty