As I drove up the winding road to Pacheco, I idly mused upon the morality of Doonsbury 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 0 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 94. It shimmered, as if it were Krylon Ultra-Flat Black. Next, I showed some guests B 216 in Lyra. It was a dead ringer for yet another globular. After that, I tried Abell 94 in Virgo. It seemed almost a nebula. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I added to my logbook IC 1098. It seemed almost a glimmer of the Big Bang. Then, for a real challenge, I checked off B 27. It seemed fainter than the last six objects I'd seen. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I showed some guests IC 888. It was a dead ringer for dancing elephants. With that checked off my list, I checked off B 272 in Lynx. It was like that graph in An Unpleasant Truth. After that, I tried Abell 17 in an unknown constellation that looked like a toaster. It was a blurry likeness of cream being swirled into hot coffee. Then, for a real challenge, I hunted for NGC 2948. It reminded me of whispy tendrils of nebulosity. After that, I accidentally located Abell 33 in that confusing part of Virgo. It was better than lumpy darkness.
After a short break to listen to the coyote symphony in the distance, I found NGC 2139. It was like a waterfall. After that, I hunted for NGC 398. It was as bright as cotton on velvet.
After a short break to chat, I glimpsed M 104. It was even more difficult than R2-D2. Then, I looked for and suspected Abell 92. It compared favorably with spent coals, faintly glowing.
After a short break to enjoy a nutritious snack, I checked out Abell 95. It was as bright as a hamburger. (Hmm, it had been a while since dinner). Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I had a chance to see NGC 1969 in Lyra. It took me back to the first time I saw Alan Rickman. Then, I hunted for B 115. It was a blurry likeness of Gollum.
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 sitting in a dentist's waiting room.