Starbucker here again with good news - I found Basil! His valet called me yesterday and said, “meet us at the Stamford train station at 7:30 AM - sharp.”
So with great anticipation I went to the station, and right on time, there he was, a bit bleary eyed but not too worse for wear (as far as donkeys go!) “I’m sorry Starbucker, but we had one heck of a time the other night and I just couldn’t let it end - I hope you understand,” said Basil.
“One heck of a time - you were gone for three days!” I replied.
“Well, the thing is…” Basil started.
“Yes,” I said, “go on.”
“The thing is, I ran into an old, old friend of mine who just happened to be in Boston - you know the donkey from Shrek?”
“What?” I said, “That’s a cartoon!”
With a wink Basil said, “Oh Starbucker, you have a lot to learn, don’t you.”
The thought of not one but two partying donkeys did give me pause, but for some reason I couldn’t help but smile at Basil’s “devil may care” attitude, and that gleam in his eye.
“OK Basil, now what - you need to go to Chicago, right?”
“Yep, that’s why I’m here, I’m taking the train - I hear they have a great bar.”
At least I was glad he was getting a head start so he could get to Chicago in time - I was sending the DVDs this morning to Liz Strauss for Wednesday delivery. Before he and the valet stepped up to the “bar car” (of course), Basil stopped to give me his parting words “Remember when I talked about doing something completely different - I delivered on that one, didn’t I!”
“Yes, you certainly did Basil,” I said with that smile still on my face, and watched as the train began pulling away.
As I walked back to my car I thought about Basil and that happy-go-lucky attitude of his, and realized that in a very strange way I had learned something from him - sometimes it’s good to not take life so seriously. Not that I’m about to go AWOL from my job or anything, but every now and then a smile and a laugh is a good thing.
Thanks Basil, and Bon Voyage!
(Related Tags: shrek, boston, chicago, liz strauss, humor, having fun)
OK. For the record: If Basil makes it to Chicago before I leave Chicago to get home to Savannah I will be most put out.
Who is his travel agent anyway? And where did the driver put the limo on the train? Maybe I need a valet!
The limo was a rental, so Basil probably ditched it somewhere. I can expect a hefty credit card bill for that one.
I’m not sure when Basil’s expected in Chicago — how long does the train take from Stamford to Chicago? Anyone?
He doesn’t have a travel agent, he just wings it. I’m looking for one to help him out. If you know any that might be interested in sponsoring Basil’s adventures, let me know!
Yes, he did ditch the rental - and the driver. The train will get into Chicago 8:30 tomorrow morning, unless Basil decides to “layover” in the one stop in Washington DC for a little while since he doesn’t have to be there until Wednesday. In fact, he did ask me about the nightlife there since I did live in that area once…….oh no!
ARRGHHHHH!!!
My flight doesn’t leave until 9:15!
Is there no justice in this world? That’s just not right.
Please Basil, if you can hear me - Stop off in DC. If only for my sanity’s sake.
Chris - Basil’s already on the train to Chicago as far as I know. He got on there yesterday afternoon, and sent me a report via satellite Internet hookup yesterday … I’m still sorting out the details and pictures, when Basil files a report it’s typically a bit sketchy.
He can write great code, but like most programmers can’t put a few sentences together that make any coherent sense. (No offense programmers, we love you guys!)