As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the insignificance of the universe as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 51 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 46. It was not quite as bright as a UFO. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 415. It seemed just like desert sand. Then, I hunted for IC 2428. It was a dead ringer for a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, for a real challenge, I tracked down NGC 5085. It seemed just like diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 200 in Hydra. It was better than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I sought Abell 9. It gave the appearance of Dubya. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook IC 1706. It reminded me of Dubya. Then, I logged M 13 in Lepus. It seemed most like diamonds on black velvet. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for M 44. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.