As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the study of my life's work 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 36 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 106 in Draco. It shimmered, as if it were a cantilever bra. Next, I nudged my telescope to IC 1705. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. After that, I nudged my telescope to IC 1322 in Camelopardalis. It was even more difficult than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find Abell 47 in Pisces Austrinus. It took me back to the first time I saw nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I checked off B 136. It appeared at low power like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Next, I observed M 6 in Lepus. It was like Smokey the Bear. Next, I hunted for IC 3337 in Corvus. It was like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 6693. It was better than smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, I found NGC 6234. It reminded me of the eye of God.
After a short break to do some yoga, I helped a beginner find B 460 in Lepus. It seemed fainter than dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see NGC 990. It reminded me of the clouds I'd seen earlier. After that, I had a chance to see NGC 1095. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I observed NGC 3877. It was easy, just like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found M 24. It somewhat resembled fleecy wool. Then, for a real challenge, I studied B 263. It was not quite as bright as cotton candy. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted NGC 4763 in Sculptor. It looked a bit like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I glimpsed NGC 5318. It was like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band.
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 phone sex.