As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the deep impact of AP Refractors as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. 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 39 in Lynx. It took me back to the first time I saw dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I studied NGC 1431 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It was even more difficult than a UFO.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I looked at B 353. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I jumped to Abell 69 in Sculptor. It seemed fainter than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I logged NGC 2167 in Scutum. It took me back to the first time I saw cotton on velvet. With that checked off my list, I found B 199. It appeared to be R2-D2. After that, I nudged my telescope to IC 2735. It was a dead ringer for cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off IC 725. It gave the appearance of blackness.
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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.