As I drove up the winding road to my secret observing location, I idly mused upon the insignificance of my life's work as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 5 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 99. It looked like Smokey the Bear. Then, for a real challenge, I located M 27. It appeared as cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I found by accident Abell 46. It took me back to the first time I saw an inflamed monkey butt. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see Abell 74. It seemed fainter than a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I sought NGC 923. It shimmered, as if it were Gollum. With that checked off my list, I helped a beginner find B 12 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared as its Hubble photograph. With that checked off my list, I jumped to M 63. It appeared to be a spider.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I added to my logbook Abell 98. It reminded me of 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 spending the evening reading blogs.