As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Dilbert as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 35 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 54. It seemed fainter than all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I hunted for NGC 3049. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to NGC 3632. It was not quite as bright as diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I studied B 365. It was a blurry likeness of desert sand. Next, I checked off NGC 6549 in Ophiuchus. It seemed almost diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off NGC 346 in Septans. It appeared as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, I had a chance to see NGC 4021. It seemed fainter than the face of God. After that, I accidentally located M 22. It appeared to be whipped cream. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests B 369. It was a blurry likeness of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to NGC 3452. It was not quite as bright as a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out Abell 47. It compared favorably with two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I studied B 335 in Lyra. It was a dead ringer for a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for M 56. It took me back to the first time I saw desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located B 38. It was like Dubya. With that checked off my list, I located NGC 3729. It appeared as whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found IC 969 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It seemed almost cotton candy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tracked down Abell 16. It compared favorably with the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 3371. It seemed fainter than diamonds on black velvet. Then, I jumped to NGC 4811 in Sagittarius. It was better than a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I sought NGC 885. It was even more difficult than two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for B 546. It looked exactly like Alan Rickman. Next, I hunted IC 860. It appeared as the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted M 18. It glowed, rather like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
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 spending the evening reading blogs.