A tale of two basset horns

This is the tale of two basset horns.
No, this is not the tale of two basset hounds.

As I said, this is the tale of two basset horns, or Cornetto di bassetto.

Earlier this month (I can't believe I am this far behind in updating!) I was designated to make the trip to pick up two basset horns for an upcoming symphony performance.

The day went something like this.

1:05 a.m. Shock of realizing how late it is and how soon I must be awake again. Oops!
3:15 a.m. The alarm sounds for the first time. Thank goodness for the snooze button.
3:30 a.m. My, that alarm is really loud and annoying. Again, thank goodness for the snooze button.
3:40 a.m. Fail-safe alarm set on kitchen counter sounds. The only way to stop its incessant ringing is to get out of bed and walk across the apartment to silence it.
3:42 a.m. Ok, ok, ok..I'm awake. Time to shower, get ready and attempt to look somewhat decent.
4:20 a.m. Finally, I am ready to leave the apartment and make the trek to the airport.
4:40 a.m. Arrive at airport and have car inspected before parking in the parking garage. (Apparently the airline sector Homeland Security Level was increased, hence more precautions at the airport.)
4:50 a.m. Enter the terminal.
4:53 a.m. Egads the security line is far longer than I have ever seen at Rick Husband. Most likely a function of 3 flights departing within a 30 minute window.
5:21 a.m. Passed security. Thank goodness I was not checking bags for this journey.
5:24 a.m. Board extremely small plane for flight to DFW. (I think I squeaked through security just in time.)
5:45 a.m. Plane taxis to runway.
5:50 a.m. Plane departs AMA for DFW 5 minutes prior to scheduled departure. Score one for the airline.
7:03 a.m. Plane lands at DFW (on time). Score two for the airline.
7:15 a.m. Board bus for departure to rental car station.
7:25 a.m. Arrive at rental car location.
7:35 a.m. Complete rental car transaction and make short trek to pick up car.
7:54 a.m. Stuck on the interstate. Is I35 a parking lot or an interstate?
8:24 a.m. Arrive at UNT campus and locate infamous campus police check-point.
8:28 a.m. Begin negotiations with campus police office to obtain a visitor's parking permit.
8:34 a.m. Still negotiating with campus police officer. No wonder these folks are infamous.
8:38 a.m. Conclude negotiations and leave check-point with extremely valuable visitor's parking permit.
8:40 a.m. Make trek to music building. Locate music department office. Sign rental forms and make trek back to coveted parking spot.
8:47 a.m. Arrive at car. (Talk with campus police officer on return trip, thanking her for the spot. She seems amazed that I am leaving campus already. Was it really just a trip to the office? Aye Caramba! Yes, do the math this trip was solely for a 7 minute journey to the music department office.)
8:51 a.m. Return to beloved parking lot. Errr, interstate.
9:25 a.m. Return car to rental car pavilion.
9:36 a.m. Board rental car shuttle for return trip to airport terminal.
9:52 a.m. Arrive at airline terminal.
9:59 a.m. Reach front of line at security check-point.
10:01 a.m. Security pulls me to side for additional screening due to the awkward nature of my carry-on items. Security asks me to assemble items to prove that they are musical instruments. Avoid moment of crisis as security guard removes a reed knife from the bottom of instrument case. Another guard cracks joke about the initials that are located on the side of the instrument case. (UNT - does that stand for U iN To Music? har har har)
10:13 a.m. Starbuck's sighting! Caffeine at last.
10:21 a.m. Arrive at departure gate. Talk to gate attendant to explain nature of my desired carry-on items. She agrees that the airline does not want to risk checking these items as baggage and that I will be permitted to carry both basset horns as a carry-on item. Score 3 for the airline.
11:05 a.m. Gate attendant calls me to the gate and asks that I board the flight before the other passengers so that the instruments may be properly stowed before the plane is crowded. Score 4 for the airline.
11:25 a.m. Plane leaves gate and taxis to runway for an on-time departure. Score 5 for the airline.
12:55 p.m. Flight arrives on time at Rick Husband airport. Score 6 for the airline.
1:05 p.m. Arrive at car in parking lot, pay parking fees and make journey back to my aparment.
1:25 p.m. Arrive at apartment. Phew, I'm tired and it's time for a nap!

Yes, this is the rambling tale of my journey to Dallas to pick up two instruments for the symphony. Yes, I did take notes as to the timing of the events of the day. If not, where would the humor be? Yes, I did give props to the airline. Why? Well, many of my colleagues in the industry often speak of airlines hasseling musicians traveling with instruments. My experience did not reflect this attitude and I wanted to express gratitude when it is warranted. Thankfully my travel experience did not reflect the experience of Paul Casey. In addition, the airline that I chose for this quick business trip has often been criticized for excessive delays. This was not the case on my journey and the level of service I experienced was of a high quality. I say give credit where credit is due.

And yes, in case you were wondering I will be making a repeat trip at the end of April.