Hi Brent, thank you for that great report and I really like your sketch- it shows the long curved arm and the fish's mouth beautifully. I see you also nabbed all six stars in the trapezium. Have a go with a UHC filter on it one day- the contrast will really pop out (though your sketch shows great detail anyway).
Actually, I just had a thought...
I have this book which is a favourite of mine and used a lot, seeing as you are a serious visual observer, it will help you lots. It's by Stephen O'Meara called, "Deep Sky Companions".
http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book...essier-Objects
It's an observing book and tells you all the little details to go look for, and also a little black & white pic (for every object) of what to expect to see out of your telescope. From memory I think he observed with something around 6 inches, so everything he says is within reach for most of us. Some astro physics are given on each object too, and basically its about a page per object. It is a hard working companion of mine.
I had to have a good laugh at
Warren 
, I've never seen him exert himself in that way before ... poor guy! We're not losing you are we Warren? Stay with us man... We have to stick together.