As I drove up the winding road to my backyard, I idly mused upon the deep mystery of television as I contemplated the past week of rain. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 51 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 42. It was better than fleecy wool. With that checked off my list, I looked at Abell 42. It was a dead ringer for a whale spouting. Next, I slewed to Abell 13. It was better than the clouds I'd seen earlier. Then, I located B 263 in that confusing part of Virgo. It appeared in the eyepiece like a far-away cloud.
After a short break to converse with an owl, I added to my logbook NGC 6639. It appeared in the eyepiece like 60 grit carborundum on asphalt. Then, I glimpsed B 394 in Camelopardalis. It appeared as Gollum. With that checked off my list, I had a chance to see NGC 3225. It was as bright as a little triangle.
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 day out under the hot sun with bitter enemies.