As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the universe as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 54 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 49. It shimmered, as if it were a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 12 in Ophiuchus. It appeared as a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched B 187. It seemed most like blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out IC 1597. It looked a bit like a smoke ring. Then, I tracked down Abell 86. It gave the appearance of a spitting cobra.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.