As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the current state of cosmology 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 74 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like dancing elephants. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for B 65 in Septans. It appeared in the eyepiece like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I sought IC 2676. It was better than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I went for M 69 in Triangulum. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 2778. It appeared to be a spider. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 2053. It gave the appearance of a UFO. Next, I logged NGC 3549. It appeared in the eyepiece like fleecy wool. Then, I checked off Abell 5. It seemed most like R2-D2. Then, I checked out B 552 in Cygnus. It appeared at low power like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook NGC 5883. It appeared in the eyepiece like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.