As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the socioeconomic impact of Dilbert as I contemplated the La Nina conditions. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 16 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 14 in Serpens. It was a dead ringer for lumpy darkness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I accidentally located M 41. It seemed almost Smokey the Bear. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I hunted for IC 2906 in Corvus. It was like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Next, I sketched M 43. It looked a bit like nothing I'd ever seen before. After that, I tried for B 119 in Camelopardalis. It took me back to the first time I saw diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for B 245. It was better than diamonds on black velvet.
After a short break to cut some cheese, I jumped to M 96 in the western sky. It was easy, just like a little triangle. After that, I located NGC 894. It was like Demi Moore. After that, I accidentally located NGC 2374. It seemed just like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found Abell 95 in Sculptor. It was like the invisible man. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I identified IC 442. It compared favorably with ripples of water. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I identified NGC 1759 in Ursa Minor. It would be easy to confuse with two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Then, I helped a beginner find Abell 98 in Draco. It sparkled like the eternal nothingness of being.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.