As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the subtle beauty of Plato's Republic as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 67 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared as Santa Claus. After that, I checked off NGC 4741. It seemed just like one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon NGC 6765. It appeared to be whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident B 634. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 59. It appeared as Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I located Abell 77. It seemed most like Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I found by accident IC 352. It compared favorably with R2-D2. Then, I looked at Abell 67 in Canes Venatici. It was better than a spider. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 6451 in Scutum. It looked like spent coals, faintly glowing.
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.