I thought she was heading for DC on the 30th??

Ooh, what Broadway show is she seeing?

Also, what happened last night? Just hanging out time?

Oh, really? Could be, I'm way out of the loop.

As to what show, it depends on what was left at the half-price booth when they got there.

Last night was the Empire State Building. As I was not there, I am in no way responsible for the lack of pictures.

I was there! But camera-free. We went up the ESB, looked at everything, then had dinner. Earlier, I took Nilly, Jon and friends to my new favorite thing -- this promenade on the Hudson. Other than that, I was the worst tour guide ever. Am hoping to make it up tomorrow.

::resolves to not visit Jesse::

::wobbles::

Tomorrow I'll be good! Or at least better. Yesterday, my "plan" was all thrown off! Nilly liked it anyway, so there.

Jessica, I may take you up on your offer, though I may just say what the hell and go to De La Guarda.

Edit: I think I just won the award for most non-committal F2F post.

Now, let’s see. Where was I? Ah, yes.

Excellent Boston Adventures, Parte The Third: In which the Waitress takes no Guff.

After our tour of Bunker Hill, which really is confusing, as it is actually BREEDS Hill, not Bunker Hill, but does anyone care? Noooo, everyone remembers it as Bunker Hill. I bet it cries at night. Anyway, we hopped back in the truck and made our way to Somervile, and DX, Matt, and Nilly told me the story of the origin of the Somervillains, and I’ve got to say its just plain freaky-deeky how close you all randomly ended up to each other. I had figured there was one Somervillain, then they told a friend, and so on and so on. I was wrong.

We met Theodosia at her place before dinner and got to sit and chat for a minute- we got to talking Wonderfalls, and how it is my last spoilage holdout, and then Theodosia proved herself a Kindred Spirit by turning on her tv, clicking to her Tivo, and starting the pilot, saved from its original run on Fox. At this point the four of us were lulled to silence for a moment before we realized that Nora’s deadline was coming up, and if we didn’t turn off the tv JUST THEN we’d likely find ourselves in trouble. So it was back to the cars to Brookline, for dinner at Shalom Hunan.

As mentioned earlier, we found a most excellent parking spot, and made it for dinner with three minutes to spare! This is when things get fuzzy- I got to meet so many wonderful Buffistas, so quickly, things almost became a blur. When I think back on the meal, mostly I just remember a happy kind of glow. I met Nora, Tom, Nutty, Jon B., Ellen, Jen, and Frankenbuddha, and vw and Emily joined us again. (I counted and really think that’s everyone. If I messed up, I’m sorry). We all ordered from our very brisk and efficient (and, yes, take no guff) waitress and enjoyed both good company and yummy food. At one point, after several requests for water, a man finally headed towards the table with a water pitcher. Apparently, the Buffistas were so enthused to see said water-boy that we, well, showed it. And he ran away. I mean, really looked frightened, turned and began to run. We called him back, and he just looked bewildered, saying “I’ll need more water.” From then on we had them just leave pitchers, and everyone was properly hydrated.

There were so many conversations going on, and so many people, I wish I could tell more about what people were talking about, but there was lots of talking, lots of eating, and of course lots of laughter. I’m with Frankenbuddha here, I needed more time!! Everyone was so fantastic and interesting that I’d love to spend days with any of them- so I’ll have to think of this dinner as a prologue. Eventually, Frank, who was very luckily headed to the same train station as I, glanced at his watch, and we had to pack up and go in order for me to make the last train out of town. I had to give out quick hugs and goodbyes to everyone, including Nilly which was SO HARD, because she’s such a darling, and we were on our way.

Frankenbuddha and I hopped the T back towards North Station, and when we had to switch trains, Frank suggested we walk the end, which was fine with me (Keeping with my “try something new” pledge, I gorged myself on pineapple chicken. The walk was welcome). We had pleasant talks about careers and the Angel finale (Note to self: Buffistas rule.) and before I knew it, we were there. My day was done, I made my train, and headed back to Maine. At Frank’s suggestion, I bought myself a glass of white zinfandel (You can drink on the train!), settled into my seat with my MP3 player, and looked out my window, happy as a clam. (I then fell asleep for the rest of the ride, until the train dude tapped my shoulder and said my stop was in about a minute and a half. Best train ride EVAH.)

And that’s it. I had a day beyond superlatives. Everyone I met was so great- special thanks are due to vwbug and Emily, for picking me up and determining I wasn’t an axe murderer, to DX for giving me rides and being so darn informative, Nora for organizing the dinner and being a sweetie-pie, Frank for helping me make my train on time, and of course, Nilly, for just being Nilly. I truly miss y’all already. (And looking at pictures of Nilly make me go all “Aww, Nilly. I miss Nilly.” What everyone says is right and then more so.)

The End.

ETA: Also thanks to Jon B. for my 2004 Nilly Tour pin, which is sitting on my nightstand, making me happy, and Allyson, Tim, and all the other Buffistas for making this day even happen. I feel as though I'm reaping the benefits of something I don't quite deserve!

Conscious again following my, shall we say, unexpectedly lengthy return from Boston. But I can't complain about the Murphy's Law effect on my travel plans too much, as it resulted in me partaking of Nora & Tom's excellent hospitality and getting far more Nilly visitation time than I'd expected, as well as a surprise chance to visit with Tommyrot this morning when he came to my rescue with a drive to O'Hare. Thanks very much for putting me up and driving me around folks, you were lifesavers!

It was really great seeing everyone Monday and Tuesday nights, and getting to spend Tuesday touring the museum and Boston's historical sights in the best company possible. The Lord of the Rings exhibit could only have been more fun if they'd abducted the actual cast to act as docents. And strolling around Boston Common that afternoon was likewise ideal, with beautiful sunny weather and waterfowl aplenty.