As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the inner workings of my 401K as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 48 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 60. It looked exactly like fleecy wool. Next, I checked off Abell 44. It was even more difficult than a little triangle. Next, I added to my logbook M 79. It looked a bit like Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I added to my logbook M 64. It would be easy to confuse with Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I slewed to IC 3951. It looked uncannily like cotton candy.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I sought NGC 4621. It would be easy to confuse with the last six objects I'd seen.
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 spending a day at the mall with my teenage daughter.