As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of the human spirit as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 24 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 98 in Septans. It compared favorably with diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook IC 331. It would be easy to confuse with cotton on velvet. Then, I checked off NGC 1261. It was like a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I sought B 540 in Fornax. It seemed most like a nebula. Then, I slewed to M 62. It looked a bit like a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I added to my logbook NGC 4204. It reminded me of dandruff on black satin pajamas.
After a short break to walk around, I hunted Abell 44. It looked a bit like desert sand. With that checked off my list, I went for B 491. It looked like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt.
After a short break to have a smoke, I tried IC 2476. It looked uncannily like George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests NGC 2359. It seemed just like smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I tried NGC 6007. It looked like the last six objects I'd seen.
After a short break to check my email, I accidentally located IC 1051 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It took me back to the first time I saw whipped cream.
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.