As I drove up the winding road to my home observatory, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the approaching back of the front... would seeing and transparancy improve soon?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 96 in Perseus. It reminded me of diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sketched B 475. It reminded me of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. Then, I looked for and suspected M 78. It looked like a spider. With that checked off my list, I logged B 154. It was a blurry likeness of a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I showed some guests M 100. It reminded me of ripples of water. Next, I tried for NGC 6230. It looked exactly like yet another globular. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see B 35 in Scorpius. It glowed, rather like a waterfall.
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 night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.