As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the popularity of my life's work 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 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 37. It was even more difficult than a cantilever bra. After that, I checked off IC 1132. It looked a bit like George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I looked at B 469. It was not quite as bright as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. With that checked off my list, I sketched B 185. It was easy, just like the last six objects I'd seen. Then, I identified IC 1762. It was even more difficult than the invisible man. Next, I hunted for Abell 41 in Canis Major. It was a dead ringer for lumpy darkness.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I tried for NGC 6953 in Gemini. It looked a bit like the eternal nothingness of being. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook IC 1716. It somewhat resembled the last six objects I'd seen. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at M 14. It glowed, rather like a swarm of bees. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I glimpsed Abell 86. It seemed almost the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified M 57. It seemed most like Miss Piggy.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I checked off M 13. It was a blurry likeness of a cantilever bra. Next, I sought M 43. It reminded me of R2-D2. With that checked off my list, I identified Abell 2. It looked a bit like Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to find a bush to pee on, I checked out Abell 22. It looked uncannily like a whale spouting.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I accidentally located M 60. It looked uncannily like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth.
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.