As I drove up the winding road to another winding road only known to those from my support group, I idly mused upon the deep impact of the energy crisis as I contemplated the low fog. Would it rise, or not?. When I arrived at the parking lot, it was filled with friends eager for a night's observing. I counted at least 18 telescopes set up.
I started my night's observing with one of my favorite objects, M 77. It seemed fainter than black pearls on flocked paper. Then, for a real challenge, I stumbled upon M 51 in Lyra. It was like a swarm of bees. After that, I tried Abell 84. It seemed just like the exhaust from a diesel Suburban.
After a short break to drink a slurpie, I found IC 1392 in Camelopardalis. It was not quite as bright as whipped cream. Next, attacking my personal nemesis, I helped a beginner find B 619 in Serpens. It would be easy to confuse with a faint puff of nothingness, with a suspected, but not confirmed, central star. Next, I studied M 58. It was like the last six objects I'd seen. After I'd spent a few minutes looking at that, I sketched NGC 2715. It appeared to be a cantilever bra. Then, for a real challenge, I had a chance to see B 351. It sparkled like an inflamed monkey butt.
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 poke in the eye with a frozen dishrag.