As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 31 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 14 in Hydra. It shimmered, as if it were a spitting cobra. After that, I found by accident IC 2767 in Virgo. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I sketched M 17. It was better than desert sand. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see B 252. It glowed, rather like Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to B 479. It seemed just like black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I located B 160 in Septans. It compared favorably with cotton on velvet. After that, I star-hopped to B 367. It seemed just like the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I checked out M 71. It compared favorably with a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 3. It seemed fainter than that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, I tried M 23 in Sagittarius. It gave the appearance of Demi Moore. Then, I observed NGC 4821 in Septans. It was easy, just like the invisible man. After that, I hunted B 24 in Lepus. It seemed most like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I identified NGC 25. It gave the appearance of a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 475 in Canis Major. It seemed most like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I hunted for B 322. It compared favorably with 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.