As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the cosmological implications of underwater basket weaving 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 27 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 1 in Camelopardalis. It seemed almost dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find IC 2114 in Scorpius. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests M 35. It appeared in the eyepiece like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 227. It appeared in the eyepiece like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched M 77. It reminded me of ripples of water.
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 stale peeps.