As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Yahoo P/E ratios 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 28 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 38. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. With that checked off my list, I found by accident Abell 38 in Canes Venatici. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Then, for a real challenge, I nudged my telescope to IC 2962 in Lepus. It somewhat resembled desert sand. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 2529. It glowed, rather like a spitting cobra. With that checked off my list, I sketched IC 2269. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I observed IC 674 in Ursa Major. It looked like an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane.
After a short break to chat, I hunted IC 1557. It appeared as the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I hunted for NGC 2693. It compared favorably with its Hubble photograph. Then, I added to my logbook Abell 30. It looked like cotton candy. Next, I added to my logbook NGC 5392 in the western sky. It glowed, rather like the last six objects I'd seen. Next, I identified B 436 in Hydra. It was easy, just like a swarm of bees.
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 reading Beowulf in Old English.