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 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 23 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 39. It seemed most like whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Next, I observed M 28. It was easy, just like diamonds on light grey velvet. Next, I tried for M 109 in Fornax. It was easy, just like the eternal nothingness of being. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see M 87 in Ursa Major. It appeared at low power like nothing I'd ever seen before.
After a short break to have a smoke, I went for NGC 4455. It would be easy to confuse with Miss Piggy. Next, I checked off IC 2505. It was easy, just like the clouds I'd seen earlier.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I hunted for NGC 4828. It somewhat resembled the pillars of creation. With that checked off my list, I checked out B 245. It seemed most like spent coals, faintly glowing. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I hunted for Abell 16. It took me back to the first time I saw whispy tendrils of nebulosity. Then, for a real challenge, I tried for IC 2087. It was as bright as spent coals, faintly glowing. Then, for a real challenge, I identified IC 2747. It shimmered, as if it were diamonds on black velvet. Then, for a real challenge, I logged NGC 2525. It was as bright as a Black Rider hunting for Frodo. After that, I star-hopped to Abell 17. It was even more difficult than Smokey the Bear. Next, I stumbled upon B 496 in Sagittarius. It gave the appearance of black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 2455 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed most like a cantilever bra. Next, I hunted IC 2211 in Sagittarius. It was as bright as dandruff on black satin pajamas. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook IC 1285. It shimmered, as if it were Smokey the Bear.
After a short break to do some yoga, I logged NGC 4295. It appeared to be lumpy darkness. With that checked off my list, I tried NGC 1160. It reminded me of yet another globular. After that, I jumped to B 250 in Draco. It would be easy to confuse with 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 a night watching an I Love Lucy marathon on Nick at Night.