As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the popularity of Doonsbury as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 77. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I tracked down NGC 5897. It appeared in the eyepiece like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected Abell 89. It gave the appearance of cotton candy.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I tried Abell 91. It seemed almost blackness. Next, I checked out Abell 43. It would be easy to confuse with the eye of God. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 5761. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I checked off IC 3705 in Lyra. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt.
After a short break to munch cheesy poofs, I hunted for Abell 24. It appeared as Santa Claus. Next, I identified NGC 1664. It seemed almost cotton on velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed M 53 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed almost 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I had a chance to see B 516. It shimmered, as if it were Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 69. It sparkled like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After that, I observed IC 1271 in Orion. It looked exactly like R2-D2. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 9. It reminded me of the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I looked for and suspected NGC 6333. It was a blurry likeness of Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out NGC 4876. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees.
Finally, it was time to pack up and leave. As I drove home, I contemplated the events of the night, and realized that any night out under the sky with good friends is better than a 24-hour 007 marathon.