As I drove up the winding road to Mount Tamalpais, I idly mused upon the morality of the universe as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 25 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 61. It reminded me of one of Martha Stewart's doilies.
After a short break to gulp down my remaining canned margaritas, I located M 42 in Cygnus. It seemed most like black pearls on flocked paper. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I found IC 3539. It sparkled like a little triangle. Next, I showed some guests B 231. It looked like fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I hunted IC 1781 in that confusing part of Virgo. It reminded me of the face of God. Then, I hunted Abell 77. It reminded me of diamonds on black velvet. Then, I logged Abell 32. It glowed, rather like a whale spouting. After that, I found by accident B 647 in Cygnus. It took me back to the first time I saw Demi Moore. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I slewed to M 1. It compared favorably with George W. Bush. With that checked off my list, I found B 359. It gave the appearance of Miss Piggy. With that checked off my list, I glimpsed M 9. It shimmered, as if it were ripples of water.
After a short break to have a smoke, I looked for and suspected NGC 842. It seemed fainter than an edge-on barred spiral with a sharp dust lane. Then, I tried for Abell 3. It seemed just like the eternal nothingness of being. After that, I tried for B 552. It was not quite as bright as cream being swirled into hot coffee.
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 kick in the pants with a copper toed boot.