As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my 401K as I contemplated the El Nino weather patterns. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 49 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 79. It appeared in the eyepiece like cotton candy. Then, I hunted for NGC 4842. It was easy, just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident IC 600. It was even more difficult than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 27. It seemed fainter than a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness.
After a short break to check my email, I looked at M 73 in the western sky. It looked uncannily like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified IC 1816 in Sculptor. It seemed just like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
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.