As I drove up the winding road to Sierra Buttes, I idly mused upon the current state of my 401K as I contemplated the night's aurora display. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 44 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 1 in Pisces Austrinus. It appeared in the eyepiece like cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, I sought B 268. It appeared to be nothing I'd ever seen before. Then, I identified Abell 52. It was even more difficult than blackness. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I added to my logbook IC 591. It took me back to the first time I saw a smoke ring. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon NGC 766. It was not quite as bright as a dodo bird, extinct but for this celestial likeness. Next, I hunted M 83. It took me back to the first time I saw smoke signals from a rampaging Iroquois band. Then, for a real challenge, I looked for and suspected IC 1554. It sparkled like cotton on velvet.
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 out under the stars with people you hate.