As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the higher implications of astrology as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 20 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 74. It appeared in the eyepiece like the invisible man. Next, I showed some guests M 2. It was even more difficult than Alan Rickman. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to NGC 3049 in a group of stars that looked like an armadillo. It gave the appearance of diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I studied Abell 10. It would be easy to confuse with a whale spouting. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked off Abell 21. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God. Then, I tried for B 360. It appeared to be cotton on velvet.
After a short break to warm up in the car, I hunted for NGC 6290. It was a blurry likeness of the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon B 23. It was like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found by accident NGC 4763. It was better than diamonds on black velvet.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.