As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of my 401K as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. 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 109. It shimmered, as if it were the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located NGC 3471. It was better than lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I studied Abell 89 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It seemed fainter than cotton candy. After that, I glimpsed NGC 5188. It was easy, just like ripples of water. Then, for a real challenge, I star-hopped to M 62 in Perseus. It appeared at low power like fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to B 150 in Fornax. It looked uncannily like the eye of God. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 526. It would be easy to confuse with the face of God. Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to IC 569 in Ophiuchus. It sparkled like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, for a real challenge, I accidentally located Abell 35. It appeared to be a far-away cloud. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to Abell 56. It looked a bit like desert sand. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed B 183. It looked a bit like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried for Abell 3. It would be easy to confuse with cream being swirled into hot coffee. With that checked off my list, I located M 14. It looked a bit like cream being swirled into hot coffee. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 45. It gave the appearance of a spider.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I tried for IC 2971. It was like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off M 11. It looked a bit like a far-away cloud. Next, I observed NGC 844. It looked uncannily like fleecy wool. After that, I sketched M 31. It looked exactly like a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted IC 2962. It was as bright as a waterfall. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I stumbled upon Abell 24 in Lepus. It took me back to the first time I saw desert sand. Next, I looked at B 103. It seemed just like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed M 100 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw the eye of God.
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 hunting with the Vice President.