As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the morality of economic theory as I contemplated the approaching chlorofluorocarbons ... would it be warmer tonight?. 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 53. It was better than one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident M 76. It was better than that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Then, I went for Abell 85. It gave the appearance of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 47. It appeared in the eyepiece like ripples of water. After that, I tracked down B 140 in Canes Venatici. It looked a bit like a smoke ring. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I found by accident NGC 214. It sparkled like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see Abell 13. It appeared to be George W. Bush. Next, I checked out M 93. It looked a bit like ripples of water. After that, I sought NGC 1037. It appeared to be a whale spouting. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find NGC 4507 in Scutum. It appeared as R2-D2.
After a short break to do some yoga, I looked at M 96 in Canes Venatici. It was as bright as a whale spouting. Next, I hunted for Abell 86. It reminded me of a spitting cobra. Then, I found M 68 in Lepus. It appeared at low power like a cantilever bra. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I looked at IC 570. It glowed, rather like two scoops of spumoni ice cream.
After a short break to chat, I tried for M 23. It was as bright as 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Next, I helped a beginner find Abell 19. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet. With that checked off my list, I tried for NGC 1522 in Scutum. It was not quite as bright as the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests M 27. It was a blurry likeness of two scoops of spumoni ice cream. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I located NGC 3250. It sparkled like the face 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 a poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.