As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the human spirit as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 65 in that confusing part of Virgo. It compared favorably with Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Then, I had a chance to see IC 2080. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream. Next, I studied Abell 35 in Canis Major. It reminded me of blackness. Next, I looked at NGC 6499. It seemed fainter than all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I hunted for B 35. It looked exactly like an inflamed monkey butt.
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 stale peeps.