As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of astrology as I contemplated the crystal-clear skies. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 11 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 29. It was not quite as bright as the eye of God. Then, I checked off M 31 in Antlia. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I jumped to B 501. It took me back to the first time I saw yet another globular. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 1252. It was as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I logged IC 2753. It was a dead ringer for a little triangle.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.