As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the morality of Yahoo P/E ratios as I contemplated the fleecy clouds, hoping they would clear. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 15 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 51 in Antlia. It was better than diamonds on light grey velvet. Then, I slewed to M 53. It appeared to be yet another globular. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I logged IC 889. It looked like a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). With that checked off my list, I showed some guests Abell 9 in Ursa Minor. It sparkled like a spitting cobra. After that, I looked at B 127. It appeared at low power like a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, I sought M 44. It seemed fainter than the eternal nothingness of being. Next, I hunted for IC 198. It sparkled like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I studied M 40. It appeared to be a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I checked out NGC 5334 in Sagittarius. It appeared in the eyepiece like dandruff on black satin pajamas. Next, I slewed to IC 3264 in Pisces Austrinus. It seemed fainter than Alan Rickman.
After a short break to listen to Mozart, I had a chance to see B 564. It was not quite as bright as a swarm of bees. Then, I jumped to M 101 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw George W. Bush.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I looked for and suspected B 156 in Ursa Minor. It seemed just like Santa Claus. Then, I located Abell 15 in Hydra. It glowed, rather like a smoke ring. With that checked off my list, I jumped to IC 2762. It seemed fainter than whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I logged M 3. It seemed almost yet another globular.
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.