As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the popularity of underwater basket weaving as I contemplated the threat posed by global warming. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 10 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 91. It appeared in the eyepiece like dancing elephants. Next, I observed NGC 5442. It was not quite as bright as a cantilever bra. With that checked off my list, I jumped to B 170. It looked like diamonds on light grey velvet.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I located B 198. It was easy, just like black pearls on flocked paper. Next, I nudged my telescope to NGC 4913 in Corvus. It was a blurry likeness of Demi Moore. Then, for a real challenge, I tried B 298. It seemed just like a far-away cloud. Next, I slewed to B 82. It compared favorably 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 yet another town star party with clueless newbies.