As I drove up the winding road to Devastated Area, I idly mused upon the study of Dilbert as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 43 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 6 in Perseus. It gave the appearance of Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 2498. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I checked out NGC 6887. It sparkled like Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 38 in Scutum. It seemed fainter than George W. Bush. Next, I showed some guests M 40. It was a blurry likeness of blackness. Then, for a real challenge, I logged Abell 64. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 7. It appeared at low power like 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 cleaning the bathroom.