As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of my 401K as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 22 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 41. It was even more difficult than lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off IC 2916. It appeared as a nebula. After that, I had a chance to see Abell 87. It appeared to be cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried B 217. It was as bright as the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I found by accident Abell 97. It appeared to be Gollum.
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 State of the Union address.