As I drove up the winding road to my driveway, I idly mused upon the higher implications of Norse mythology as I contemplated the night's aurora display. 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 80. It was better than the exhaust from a diesel Suburban. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I located IC 1351. It looked like dandruff on black satin pajamas. With that checked off my list, I slewed to IC 372 in Sagittarius. It would be easy to confuse with desert sand. With that checked off my list, I sought M 57. It gave the appearance of blackness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I had a chance to see IC 1547 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It appeared to be whipped cream. With that checked off my list, I observed M 63. It was even more difficult than a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I had a chance to see B 597. It was not quite as bright as yet another globular. After that, I nudged my telescope to NGC 1554 in Hydra. It took me back to the first time I saw a Black Rider hunting for Frodo.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.