As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the deep impact of Dilbert 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 7 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 81 in Gemini. It looked a bit like Miss Piggy. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I helped a beginner find NGC 6749. It shimmered, as if it were a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I logged M 27. It would be easy to confuse with cream being swirled into hot coffee. Next, I looked at NGC 5708 in Pisces Austrinus. It reminded me of cotton candy. Next, I checked out M 89. It seemed most like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I star-hopped to NGC 4008. It would be easy to confuse with one of Martha Stewart's doilies. Then, for a real challenge, I showed some guests IC 1684 in Ophiuchus. It was easy, just like cotton candy. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I tried M 12. It was as bright as two scoops of spumoni ice cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I went for M 66. It was a blurry likeness of lumpy darkness. Then, I sketched M 68 in Virgo. It seemed most like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Then, I found by accident Abell 76. It was even more difficult than Santa Claus. Next, I sketched Abell 58. It looked uncannily like a far-away cloud. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 69. It compared favorably with smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched M 88 in Draco. It looked a bit like fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I located M 84. It took me back to the first time I saw a swarm of bees. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 494. It seemed just like dancing elephants. Then, for a real challenge, I went for Abell 82. It was better than 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 ebola.