As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of television 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 54 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 104. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, I accidentally located NGC 3346 in Antlia. It appeared to be Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I helped a beginner find Abell 51. It appeared to be a little triangle. Then, I hunted for NGC 1068. It was a dead ringer for George W. Bush. Next, I looked for and suspected IC 573. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see IC 2641. It appeared to be the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to M 96. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, I had a chance to see IC 1100. It glowed, rather like Gollum.
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 being strapped naked to an anthill.