As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the popularity of astrology as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 19 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 84. It would be easy to confuse with the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I sketched IC 2428. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests Abell 98 in Triangulum. It seemed most like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. With that checked off my list, I sketched Abell 68 in Ursa Minor. It looked uncannily like a little triangle. Then, I logged Abell 92. It seemed almost the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, I added to my logbook B 104. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I observed NGC 2616 in Lepus. It appeared to be spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, I studied Abell 81. It was not quite as bright as Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for M 54. It appeared as diamonds on black velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for NGC 3845. It was like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I star-hopped to NGC 6907 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It looked like one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
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 cleaning the bathroom.