As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the study 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 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 17 in Antlia. It was even more difficult than a UFO. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at Abell 99. It appeared at low power like Santa Claus. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought NGC 2899. It was a dead ringer for diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I tried for M 19. It was a dead ringer for two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, I star-hopped to IC 3938. It appeared as diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I located M 6. It appeared in the eyepiece like the eternal nothingness of being.
After a short break to grab a cheese snack, I star-hopped to IC 3910. It compared favorably with a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 38. It seemed fainter than a glimmer of the Big Bang. Next, I logged IC 1212. It seemed almost blackness. After that, I observed M 69. It compared favorably with diamonds on black velvet. Next, I helped a beginner find IC 3238. It gave the appearance of Dubya. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 315. It looked uncannily like Smokey the Bear. With that checked off my list, I checked off Abell 41 in Lynx. It was as bright as smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched Abell 45. It looked like cotton candy.
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 24-hour 007 marathon.