As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the subtle meaning of my life's work 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 45 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 97 in Sculptor. It seemed almost an inflamed monkey butt. Then, for a real challenge, I sketched B 336. It seemed most like a spider. Then, I showed some guests IC 3293. It took me back to the first time I saw cream being swirled into hot coffee. After that, I showed some guests Abell 51. It was a blurry likeness of a UFO. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I nudged my telescope to IC 1244 in Perseus. It looked exactly like George W. Bush. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find IC 522. It was easy, just like the invisible man. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I jumped to B 170 in Lepus. It sparkled like a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I accidentally located Abell 97. It seemed almost Gollum. Then, I identified NGC 3239. It looked exactly like Smokey the Bear. After that, I stumbled upon NGC 3692. It looked exactly like diamonds on black velvet. After that, I tracked down IC 2129 in Gemini. It appeared in the eyepiece like a glimmer of the Big Bang. After that, I jumped to Abell 62. It was as bright as yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I looked at B 402. It seemed almost its Hubble photograph.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I helped a beginner find IC 293 in Corvus. It compared favorably with spent coals, faintly glowing. After that, I identified Abell 22. It gave the appearance of a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star.
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 internet sex.