As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the inner workings of my life's work as I contemplated the ominous thunderheads on the horizon. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 28 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 16 in Ursa Minor. It sparkled like a UFO. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests NGC 1197. It appeared as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched B 558 in Triangulum. It seemed just like Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. With that checked off my list, I showed some guests IC 954. It reminded me of the face of God. Then, I located IC 3173. It looked exactly like a spider. Next, I accidentally located NGC 5296 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It looked uncannily like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I observed M 76 in Serpens. It looked like Demi Moore. After that, I slewed to Abell 53. It appeared at low power like whipped cream. After that, I logged M 4. It appeared in the eyepiece like dandruff on black satin pajamas. After that, I hunted M 47. It appeared to be a spitting cobra. After that, I sought M 33. It was easy, just like diamonds on black velvet. Then, I stumbled upon NGC 3397. It would be easy to confuse with a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I star-hopped to IC 457. It seemed most like ripples of water. Then, I checked out B 359 in Triangulum. It looked exactly like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I went for Abell 85 in Serpens. It took me back to the first time I saw the face of God. Then, I tried for IC 2087 in Triangulum. It was not quite as bright as Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to check my email, I had a chance to see M 42 in that confusing part of Virgo. It seemed most like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. With that checked off my list, I jumped to M 45 in Lepus. It somewhat resembled 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 getting shot in the face by Dick Cheney.