As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Dilbert as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 103. It gave the appearance of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I checked out B 224. It seemed fainter than lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed B 309. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I located B 231. It appeared to be Santa Claus. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see NGC 9 in Lyra. It appeared at low power like the eye of God. Then, I sketched NGC 4107. It gave the appearance of the invisible man. Then, I looked at NGC 6312. It would be easy to confuse with a smoke ring. Then, I had a chance to see NGC 5946 in Camelopardalis. It was easy, just like a spider.
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 State of the Union address.