As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the study of the internet 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 1 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 52. It looked uncannily like a nebula. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed NGC 3069 in Canis Major. It was not quite as bright as a far-away cloud.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I showed some guests Abell 18. It was a dead ringer for a spider. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked for and suspected Abell 91. It was even more difficult than an inflamed monkey butt. After that, I hunted for NGC 2297. It reminded me of smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Next, I helped a beginner find M 20 in Lepus. It seemed most like a whale spouting.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I helped a beginner find B 564 in Ophiuchus. It shimmered, as if it were Alan Rickman. Next, I checked off IC 616 in Camelopardalis. It compared favorably with Santa Claus.
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 State of the Union address.