No offense taken Kim. I did the Herschel 400 list once for a certificate but I'm not going after any more certificates or pins that will collect dust. I started the Double Star list but I quit doing the drawings because it was too much work. I've still pretty much completed the the Double Star list and found some interesting doubles I want to go back to and reobserve. I did it for my own enjoyment and in the process, I learned the sky a little better tracking down these doubles. I also did it because it was something different. Like Rich said, it beats watching TV. Most of the time, the moon was out so it didn't conflict with my deep sky objects. Now I have a few lists on planetary nebulae or seasonal favorites. I try to put a few new and challenging targets into my observing program to keep my hobby fresh and new. For example, do you remember when I found that planetary nebula in Fornax, NGC 1360 at Jerry Foote's house last year? This is definitely an object I want to come back to because I've added it to my list of favorites. Other objects like Sir Patrick Moore's Cave Nebula, I have no intention of going back to observe it. I have also found it rewarding to go outside the NGC and M objects and track down Abell, Sharpless, and Minkowski objects. Most of these objects require a 12.5" scope or larger but there are exceptions. It all depends on optics, sky darkness, and the observer's experience. I like to challenge my eyes and equipment but I do this for my own enjoyment. When I've had enough retinal torture I go back to my familiar favorite objects. I like to observe a variety of objects in a night. In a nutshell, my lists serve as a guide, not a strict observing program. Debbie