As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the current implications 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 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 4 in Scutum. It was not quite as bright as one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I stumbled upon IC 625 in Lyra. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. With that checked off my list, I looked for and suspected M 52 in Cygnus. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook Abell 79 in Gemini. It appeared to be Alan Rickman. Then, I sketched B 338. It seemed almost the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I checked out Abell 92 in Antlia. It was not quite as bright as yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to IC 828. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 3745. It appeared to be a cantilever bra. Then, I nudged my telescope to NGC 6933 in Corvus. It looked uncannily like George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 541. It appeared as Demi Moore. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified NGC 3727. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton on velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 1106. It appeared in the eyepiece like a waterfall.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I studied M 30. It was better than Gollum. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 89. It was not quite as bright as a little triangle. Then, for a real challenge, I identified B 621. It looked a bit like a UFO.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I star-hopped to IC 15. It compared favorably with cotton candy. Then, I glimpsed NGC 2569. It sparkled like Alan Rickman. Then, I tracked down IC 760. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, I showed some guests B 569. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. After that, I jumped to M 92. It appeared as a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests B 574. It took me back to the first time I saw all the other smudges I've ever looked at.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.