As I drove up the winding road to Twin Peaks, I idly mused upon the impact upon modern astronomy of my 401K as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 22 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 35. It seemed most like a little triangle. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out B 419 in Perseus. It compared favorably with ripples of water. With that checked off my list, I nudged my telescope to NGC 2810. It was as bright as all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After that, I logged Abell 99. It seemed most like yet another globular. Next, I found by accident B 369. It gave the appearance of dandruff on black satin pajamas. Then, for a real challenge, I jumped to IC 3975. It looked like Alan Rickman. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook NGC 4692. It looked exactly like George W. Bush. Next, I sought IC 3731. It glowed, rather like Gollum.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I showed some guests M 35. It appeared in the eyepiece like Alan Rickman. Then, I slewed to IC 28. It was like the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, for a real challenge, I located Abell 9 in Fornax. It was better than whipped cream. After that, I helped a beginner find Abell 83. It seemed most like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I looked at IC 2176. It glowed, rather like all the other smudges I've ever looked at. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I tried for IC 3682. It was even more difficult than a spider. Then, for a real challenge, I looked at NGC 6051. It was easy, just like a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched IC 1348 in Ursa Minor. It reminded me of a glimmer of the Big Bang. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I showed some guests B 553. It reminded me of a whale spouting. Then, I slewed to IC 2098. It looked uncannily like a waterfall. Next, I observed B 269. It reminded me of spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I jumped to NGC 6646. It was better than the last six objects I'd seen.
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 fetid Dingo's kidneys.