As I drove up the winding road to the middle of nowhere, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my 401K as I contemplated the shrinking ozone layer. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 53 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 68 in Corvus. It somewhat resembled George W. Bush. Then, for a real challenge, I found Abell 90. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. After that, I logged B 342. It was as bright as Smokey the Bear. After that, I star-hopped to IC 3914 in Canis Major. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I nudged my telescope to M 27 in Hydra. It was even more difficult than dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, I showed some guests NGC 5155. It took me back to the first time I saw a spitting cobra. After that, I star-hopped to B 293. It appeared at low power like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner).
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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.