As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the study of my life's work 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 9 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 40. It appeared as a UFO. After that, I went for Abell 80. It was better than a spitting cobra. Next, I hunted M 39. It was as bright as a whale spouting. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed Abell 52. It seemed just like cotton on velvet. After that, I identified Abell 90. It looked a bit like two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 53. It looked like a spitting cobra. After that, I looked at B 467. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I nudged my telescope to M 52. It looked a bit like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I added to my logbook NGC 1934. It glowed, rather like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I slewed to NGC 1306. It compared favorably with its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I jumped to M 77. It was easy, just like a UFO. Then, I nudged my telescope to B 162. It looked uncannily like a waterfall. Next, I added to my logbook NGC 6382 in Pisces Austrinus. It sparkled like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 33. It was easy, just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Then, for a real challenge, I identified M 14. It was a blurry likeness of cotton on velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched NGC 1481. It compared favorably with a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 20 in Draco. It seemed most like 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 night out under the stars with people you hate.