As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the inner workings of world hunger as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 40 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 80 in Lepus. It looked exactly like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see B 542. It was a blurry likeness of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried M 29. It shimmered, as if it were a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified B 130 in Camelopardalis. It appeared at low power like lumpy darkness. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests NGC 6686. It appeared in the eyepiece like the face of God. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 52 in Orion. It appeared as cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 3433. It was better than Miss Piggy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I accidentally located Abell 65. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to NGC 5513 in Hydra. It was a blurry likeness of a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I hunted B 441. It seemed fainter than desert sand. Next, I identified B 387. It compared favorably with a glimmer of the Big Bang.
After a short break to recite my mantra, I tried IC 3174. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt. Then, I accidentally located M 3. It was easy, just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. After that, I logged NGC 5661 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 5 in Lynx. It would be easy to confuse with diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I studied M 77. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I looked at M 67. It took me back to the first time I saw its Hubble photograph. Next, I found by accident IC 1966. It seemed almost dancing elephants. Next, I tried for IC 3604. It shimmered, as if it were 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 a State of the Union address.