As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the inner workings of Plato's Republic 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 38 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 72 in Antlia. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Next, I located M 97 in Ophiuchus. It shimmered, as if it were a UFO.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I found by accident B 152 in Serpens. It compared favorably with Dubya. After that, I studied IC 1088 in the western sky. It looked exactly like lumpy darkness. After that, I checked out NGC 2014. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 88. It was as bright as the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down Abell 42. It appeared in the eyepiece like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 2639. It gave the appearance of Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 597. It somewhat resembled a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted NGC 2760. It reminded me of a far-away cloud. Then, for a real challenge, I found IC 76 in Ophiuchus. It appeared in the eyepiece like the invisible man. Next, I tracked down NGC 4750. It seemed almost a little triangle. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected M 29. It was not quite as bright as the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for IC 3068. It reminded me of 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off M 63. It appeared to be the invisible man. Then, I showed some guests NGC 4370. It seemed fainter than cotton on velvet.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.