As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the energy crisis 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 14 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 41. It seemed most like a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried Abell 33 in Fornax. It was like the eternal nothingness of being. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sought IC 3657. It was easy, just like the face of God. Next, I checked off M 110 in that confusing part of Virgo. It gave the appearance of Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After that, I sought NGC 4161. It somewhat resembled the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found NGC 3734. It was not quite as bright as Gollum. With that checked off my list, I hunted M 72. It was even more difficult than Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 23. It seemed most like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. After that, I jumped to B 186 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was even more difficult than a spitting cobra. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I studied Abell 56 in Sculptor. It appeared at low power like a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I went for B 455. It looked a bit like cotton candy. Next, I located IC 494. It took me back to the first time I saw Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests Abell 53. It appeared to be cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to IC 2524. It appeared in the eyepiece like Dubya. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked for and suspected IC 2011. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God.
After a short break to empty my output buffers, I showed some guests Abell 40. It was easy, just like the face of God. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident NGC 2831. It was like a nebula.
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 hot poker rammed up your nose.