December 11 - Not long!

Yes, not long before the New Year - sooner the better. Sorry, just not a Christmas lover I’m afraid, all hype but no substance I’m afraid and just get’s in the way of the rest of the year. However, if you like Christmas and all that, have a good one and may all your wishes come true!

Since my last entry, not much as gone on other the usual routine of work and numerous family matters. Oh yes, I was not well for a few days which included a couple of visits to A and E were a mini MOT was given and besides the problem in question, the rest of me was fine - so some good news ! Anyway after about 9 days, I thankfully recovered but it did take any outing thoughts out of my head completely.

Talking of outings, well there has only been three since the last blog entry, two to Manchester and another to Cheshire Oaks. First one, met up with Tina again (on a Tuesday) and a nice time was had, plenty of girly gossip and much to our surprise, came across Karen who was visiting from Tyne & Wear for a few days. The only thing that was different that day, was the visit to M&S in the city centre were “nature” called. No choice but to visit the toilet located in the basement next to the food department. Well headed straight to the entrance, turned left and hey presto, about 10 other ladies all waiting patiently! Fortunately for me in the past, never really encounted that problem before but anyway had no choice but to tag on. Now this is one of those occasions, were you do need to have self composure and express confidence in yourself. Well suffice to say, I passed with flying colours, even had time to brush my hair, check my make up and departed pass another queue of waiting ladies! In my mind, that tells me a lot about my demeanor and appearance - clearly I am presenting myself as I wish to be! While I was in M and S, I did purchase a pair of leather clothes for MR! Yes, may be Im out as KD but MR not far from my thoughts. lol.

My next outing was with MR to the Village last Wednesday which was the usual run of the mill, but never the less, most enjoyable. A nice meal at Taurus, visit to Richmond Tea Rooms and the Molly House were we met Kate on her usual weekly outing. A quick visit to Manchester Concord was had also being there Christmas Party night and met Jane Maybe who was looking well, but not sure why we went there anyway! However, on the positive side, prior to arriving in the Village, I had suggested to MR, would she like to go the Salford Quays Shopping Mall as we were running a little early. To my surprise, she said yes! Although MR has been to Southport and Cheshire Oaks, they were restricted visits, this would be the first normal public outing with me! So off we went and for next 90 minutes visited numerous shops, made purchases and even got called “sisters” by one gentleman seeking raffle ticket purchases! It all seem natural although clearly for MR not so understandably but she seem ok with it all. This was a big step for her but never the less, a boost to my own confidence, that MR finds me “presentable” for want of a better word!

The last outing was Monday gone, this time meeting my sister at Cheshire Oaks for some shopping and again a bite to eat at a local restuarant. This was just a run of a mill outing were two girls just going about their own business. In some ways, a none event but that says a lot anyway! :-)

Well that is about it for this year, I had hoped to get out a couple more occasions before Christmas but it was not possible or meant to be. May be or should I say, hope to get out sometime next week being a few days before New Year but currently not sure though, but will know better after Christmas I suppose? In the meantime, strange it may seem, not chatted or met any friends leading up to Christmas, so not had the opportunity to give them my best wishes for the season. Ah well, life is like that at times but now look forward to 2012 - mmmm, what will that bring??

November 11 - It's all quiet ........... ?

It’s the 11th and its Poppy / Armistice Day - our thoughts must go to all the service men  and woman who lost their lives during the last century including present day conflicts for our benefit and to give us a chance to live our lives as we wish.

Those last few words there “as we wish”. Yes, that is the magic word “wish” but this applies to all of us though as for many of us including MR / family, we would like to do things differently but alas we cannot for numerous reasons, some that we can control, other reasons not so. However, we try in the main, attempt to make the most of what we have got and make the best of it! Well, there you go, what was that all about, I have no idea but just being thoughtful I suppose!

Well since my weekend away, things are back to normal and just manage a couple of outings, one a couple weeks ago and Monday just gone! Both have ended up in the Village though but because of slightly changed circumstances at home, were it means I’ve got to be out of the house by 3.15ish, I find myself having time to kill before meeting my friend(s). So it is question of what to do on my own as I have no intentions in sitting in a Village bar for couple of hours.

The first outing, I elected to visit the Salford Quays / Lowry Shopping Outlet and to do a bit of window shopping. As it happens, I ended up buying some tights from M&S so I could get my car parking for free. There were plenty of people about but I was just part of the crowd so it was just a normal outing. Then again in the light of my salon visit, I made sure that I was 100% confident in my approach & appearance, so may be it worked after all! Eventually, I headed for the Richmond Tea Rooms, in the Village and met Chrystal first (on a two day visit from the NE) were we have tea and cake! Later on we met Justine, Tina & Mandy - unusually this was a Tuesday evening not the usual Wednesday in the Village which made a change. Of course the emphasis was having a good time as well as a bite to eat, drink and plenty of chat. The bite of eat was the Little Ying Sang in Chinatown which was nice although a little expensive for what we got - regardless the service was good never the less. After wards, we ended up in the Molly House - a nice venue and one we had a laugh with a couple of the local’s too.

The last outing was Monday just gone, were I met up with Tina in the Richmond Tea Rooms (again) before we proceeded to Taurus for a bite to eat, drink and plenty of chat. As you may of expect, being Monday, the Village was quiet but still had a pleasant atmosphere about it - in fact it was nice and normal! Mmmm may be should go more often when visiting the Village, avoid Wednesday’s (as well as Saturday’s)? As mentioned before, I had time to kill before meeting Tina, so on this occasion, decided to head for Cheetham Hill Retail Park, Manchester. I know an unusual location but there was a reason though and it was not just (window) shopping. Over the years, some people have known about me including some work colleagues. One of those work colleagues moved on this year to become a Store Manager at the Cheetham Hill Retail Park and although she had seen images of me, never had seen me in the flesh before. So I decided to take the chance and to see if she was there. She was after asking one of her staff if she was in. The look on her face when she realised it was me was a pleasure but she was not fazed what so ever although clearly was not expecting this to happen. Anyway, we had a good natter and then went our separate ways. Somehow, I doubt she see me in the same light again in the nicest possible way. Afterwards, I proceeded to do some window shopping including visiting Next and Matalan.

Well that is everything up to date now in the life of KD, oh yes almost forgot, more clothes purchases but offset by selling 45 clothes items on Ebay which raised about £200. However, not sure it created any more space for my clothes so may be another mini clear out is needed. Also still making slow progress is making new friends but getting there though with a possibility of meeting one or two in the future which will be nice. There has been a couple of other girls, I have just said bye bye too as clearly not getting anywhere and no chance of a meet either. Talking of which, outings in the future, currently nothing planned and that is even with Xmas on the horizon.

November 11 - The Weekend!

Yes, quite a few days have gone by since my last entry but never the less, finally got around to writing about my weekend away I had in October.

Although I only have a handful of friends, some i have known for quite a long time, sometimes it’s a long time between meets. One of my friends, Julia, I have known for over 5 years but it has been about 2/3 years since we last met each other although we have kept in regular contact. During that time, we always had intentions to meet but something always got in the way. Julia is TS and has been living full time for quite a while and now lives in Northamptonshire. This year for her has been quite a year for her with mixed fortunes, some good but sadly her partner passed away a couple months ago. Her partner was a lovely girl who I met on a couple of occasions and had always supported Julia in what ever way she needed it. Anyway, partly because of the circumstances, now seemed to be the opportunity to visit and we agreed that the weekend of the 14th October was a date that suit us both. Julia kindly invited me to stay at her home for two nights, arriving Friday, departing Sunday, which was unexpected but never the less a lovely gesture.

However, I had to mention this to MR and seeking her ok so to speak. MR she did say it was ok but clearly as the time got nearer, there was some reluctance on her part which simply meant it was not wholly ok. But she knows me and by saying no, may have created an issue but knew I had to go never the less - a catch 22 situation for both of us but for different reasons. The other thing that occurred to me, I had never been me for more than 36 hours which was about 4 years ago, so a new set of matters to overcome during the weekend away but here is not the place to write about as probably trivial!

With dates set, it was just a case of getting my gear together including what to wear too. Easy said than done as some girls know. I had decided that I was going traveling there and back from Julia’s as me, so no half measure’s but also take the opportunity to get my nails done and false eyelashes fitted for the weekend. This created another problem as something I could not get done locally so needed to be further afield on my way to Julia’s. Problem was solved from a recommendation from a friend to try “Springs” in Warrington. I rang the salon, explained who I was and arranged a 11.45hrs appointment on the Friday.

With everything in place and no last minute hiccups, Julia was looking forward to my eventual arrival. Friday, 14th arrived, loaded car and got ready with departure at 11.00hrs. My outfit consisted of a long skirt with colour co-ordinated blouse jumper top and heels - sort of respectable middle class woman. I headed straight to Warrington for my appointment having had looked on Google Maps beforehand to get familiar with the locality including parking - a very handy internet tool indeed. Finally arrived at the Salon after parking the car about 800 yds away, walking through a busy village centre, I enter the Salon front door - slightly wary I suppose as I had never done this before as me. On entering, I received a warm welcome from the two assistants, one of whom announced my name too. From my point of view, what made her think I was Kay though - a question I ask her later as something was not quite right. Regardless, I received a lovely welcome, made at home along with a nice coffee. Yes the Salon was popular as it was busy, so I was just another woman getting her needs attended too. Anyway for the next hour, I got my nails / false eyelashes done and a nice girly chat was had including a nice compliment on my co-ordinated my outfit. This was a cracking experience, one that I wanted to do for a long time but best of all I now have a salon where I can go in future without a problem. Anyway, back to the burning question, how did she knew I was Kay, what gave me away. She was aware why I was a little cagey upon arrival and that was the problem. She confirmed my appearance, everything about was very good but the give away was I was not 100% confident when walking in! She understood why that was the case but from my point of view it was an interesting observation and one that has been taken on board. Simply where ever you go, whether it is a new or familiar venue, you must be confident in your manner from the outset. An important lesson learnt. After paying for my treatment and saying our goodbye’s, I headed to a local butty shop with new found confidence and purchase a sandwich for dinner. No problems there and then headed for car for the journey down south via the M6 & M1.

The journey down to Julia’s was as I imagine was uneventful, straight forward including a stop at the Corley M6 Services which was uneventful also. Finally arrived at Julia’s just on 5pm and was greeted by Julia coming back from the local Tesco Express. It was really nice seeing Julia, she was looking very well and natural. She had changed since I last saw her but for the better including a nice new hairstyle too. Well for the next few hours, it was playing catch up including a nice cooked dinner by Julia and settling into my bedroom for the next couple of nights. We had decided before hand that we would go out for the evening and being almost close by, a visit to PP in Milton Keynes was the obvious thing to do especially being the second Friday of the month. Julie had also invited her cousin Lisa, along too who was such a lovely person and great company too. Once we changed into going out outfits, it was off to PP collecting Lisa on the way. I had heard and was aware of PP for a long time but really never had any wishes to go or certainly not on my immediate list of things to do but being close by, why not. We arrived at PP about 10.15pm and it was clearly very popular as no room in the hotel or PP car park! PP is split into a number of bar area’s which cater for all tastes for those who want a quiet or loud evening. Not knowing what to expect but a lovely enjoyable night was had mixing with other girls in the quiet & dance areas of the club. The strangest thing I found was sitting outside by a big log fire with the moon shinning above us at 1.00am in the morning but it was nice. Julia was certainly enjoying herself and letting her hair down too - she deserved that after recent events and Lisa seemed to enjoying it too and it was her first visit also. Eventually we left PP at about 3.30am and that time of morning is unheard of in my book but we were none the worst for it. I must admit I did enjoy PP and hopefully would like to go again sometime in the future.

Eventually Julia & I got home and straight to bed but not before dropping Lisa off at her home - hopefully, I will meet her again. Later on that day, yes it was later on, Julia & I manage to get up although Julia was a little under the weather - not sure why though! lol. Unfortunately, this curtailed the planned afternoon outing but then again, I was much happier that Julia had enjoyed herself and manage to chill out so no problem with me. Then again, a girly afternoon in was nice anyway, just like any girls do from time to time. Eventually, Julia was feeling better and duly prepared a couple of pizza’s for tea. Afterwards we decided to venture out to a local country pub and a false start in the dressing stakes - Julia said I was over dressed but not knowing where we were going, it was hard to judge, I eventually got causal and elected for jeans with top & heels which met Julia’s approval - now I was the part. Julia has got a nice little two seater sports car which was out mode of transport to the pub! One thing for certain, no way you get into the car with a skirt on - just impossible especially as your knees need to be by your chin to get into the car!! In the circumstances, jeans was a wise choice! lol Anyway Julia took us for a “spin” in the car which was an enjoyable experience but cant see me getting one though - just not practicable! Eventually arrived at the “Olde Crown” (?), Nether Hayford, which was a typical English country pub with just the local’s in (mostly male) having a few drinks with one or two playing Northamptonshire Skittles! We had a couple of drinks, further long chat about I don’t know what and it was time for home and bed once again. This was just an everyday experience for Julia but for me, it was a little different and one that I enjoyed as I was me in an everyday environment.

Sunday morning / dinnertime finally arrived and it was thoughts about going home! Having got ready and packed the car, it was finally time to say our goodbye’s and for me to thank Julia for having me and for a lovely weekend in her company. More importantly, it was nice to see Julia relaxing and attempting to get back on track with her life - I think she can move forward now and hopefully it wont’t too long in seeing again. Well, I hit the road again, up the M1 and M6 toll road stopping off at a familiar service station, namely Norton Canes, one that I use when traveling south for holiday’s etc. Again, it all seemed normal to me, mixing with Joe Public going about their business in buying food, drinks, and such like. Anyway, it was time to move on again and hitting the M6 proper for home - the end of my incredible but enjoyable weekend with a dear friend being “me”. Hopefully, it wont be too long before another opportunity occurs again in the future for another weekend or what ever.

October 11 - What's up girl?

Well the answer is nothing I suppose! Been over two months since my last entry but other matters have taken priority in preventing further blog entries along with a holiday in between.

As usual, I always have further thoughts about my life and associated things to it but don’t we all when it comes to ourselves? During this period, it has been no different with emphasis on my relationships with other girls again. I have concluded but sadly I have just a handful of friends but there is many reasons for this including I am not perfect - sorry girls but that is me! However, I do find some people, shallow when it comes to friendships, say one thing and then do the opposite! Yes, it takes two to make a friendship and I have tried to keep in contact but it seems to no avail in some case’s - falling on deaf ears springs to mind, not for the first time either.

August & September were sparse for outings unfortunately with a total of one! Already this month being half way already, I have doubled it in more ways than I could imagine! More of this later. The only occasion was early September, meeting Kristina for a quiet night in the Village. A nice evening was had including Villaggio’s for a bite to eat and customary visit to one of the nicest bars if not the nicest in the Village, The Molly House. If you have not been, make it one of your priorities - nice atmosphere, lovely surroundings and very friendly bar staff.

After the above outing, priorities change as it was holiday time which more or less put me in a box for those weeks. Regardless a good and memorable time was had. In between, more clothes purchases was had with emphasis on dresses were some success was gained - my results will be seen in due course! More clothes means space but sadly I don’t have any spare now which means a clear out. Well manage to find 49 items that I could do without, so some have and others will find there way on to Ebay in attempt to offset some recent expenditure. So far, so good but I sense another clear out is required though.

Finally October arrived and after two months, finally had a evening out with Tina again, unusually in the confines of the Village unlike earlier outings. It had been too long since we seen each other but there are numerous reasons for that but here is not the place to explain. My next outing, well was the weekend just gone but that will form a separate entry in this blog which hopefully will follow in the next few days - so watch this space if you are interested.

August 11 - Quality

Hello blog, its been a while since I wrote anything but plenty to write about though. Currently, we are in the midst of crazy sad happenings in various parts of the country were some people have decided they wish to help themselves to goodies from shops just for the sheer hell of it, no rhyme or reason for it! Personally round the lot up, lock them up and throw away the key.

Anyway, its not about them but about me! So what has been happening which is a good question. Of course a few outings especially away from the Village which has been enjoyable including a nice surprise too. Although it seems that I’m not going out as often, yes just 6 outings (3 in June, 3 in July) since my last blog entry but made up in quality to say the least!

In June, there was a couple of outings to the Village meeting up with some friends for the Northern Angels evening meal at Velvet - most enjoyable especially meeting Crystal from the North East, a lovely girl and one I hope I will meet again. The other at the end of the month was meeting Tina & Mandy at Eden and doing the usual rounds. In between, met up with Tina for an afternoon / evening outing in Southport. Although the weather was mix, an enjoyable time was had including visiting Jennie at “Wigs R Us” who met “me” for the first time. Jennie complimented me on my appearance which was nice but the purpose of the visit was to get my “hair” restyled. Afterwards, Tina & I went for a walk on the prom and down Lord St before we eventually arrived at “Lings” - an excellent Chinese Restaurant on King St. Although it was quiet, the food was excellent along with a lovely and very friendly host. If you ever visit Southport and seeking a bite to eat, “Lings” is highly recommended.

July outings were quality without a doubt and all for different reasons. As some of my friends already know, I don’t do Sparkle as it is not for me. However, I had decided to meet Tina & Mandy on the Sunday after in the Village and a lovely day was had. I was “me” for over 12 hours and took the chance to wear a couple of different outfits due to the kind generosity of Tina in letting me use her hotel room. Strange really, it seem to be a normal day in the Village although it was the day after Sparkle. Later on in the month, much to my surprise but never the less pleased, MR had agreed to come out with me away from the Village which the first time she had done this - a positive step forward to say the least. The emphasis of the outing was to keep it simple, so we headed to Southport for a quick visit calling at Wigs R Us and then onto Cheshire Oaks and met up with my sister for a bite to eat at Café Rouge. In all , no one notice and it turned out to be an enjoyable outing and one that MR enjoyed too. May be it could happen again? The best part of this outing at a personal level, I was out with two ladies and from Joe Public’s point of view, it was 3 ladies having a girly outing! The final outing was yet another with my good friend Tina. On this occasion I met Tina in Alderley Edge and visited Gawsworth Hall & Gardens although that was not our intended location. Going around the gardens, it became apparent it was a popular place for picnic’s and gazebo’s but also noted during the months of July & August, unknown to us, it becomes a concert / show venue for a variety of entertainment acts including much to our surprise, a burlesque evening. The latter is something to think about next year? After that, we headed to “The Merlin” in Alderley Edge for a bite to eat and as it turned out, a nice evening watching the setting sun amongst other people who were also having food, drink, and being with friends for a laugh & chat - this was normal as it could ever be and no one seem to be aware of our presence - clearly we had presented ourselves as female!

Well on that note which is what some of us are striving for, a nice way to end this entry.

May 2011 - Feel alone, then again?

Another entry on my blog - well will be in the next few days but in the meantime, KD feels alone and talks to herself too - mmm the loneliness of the long distance (TGirl) runner come's to mind and my apologies to the film of the same name. I wish to go out but not on my own or to the Village - is that a crime? Finally got around to updating this entry, albeit in early June 11, so please read on!

Well time to play catch up on my blog. So what has happened since I last wrote here. Well a few good things as well as the usual frustrations but hey that is life sometimes.

Although I’ve been out three times during that time, not as many I would of liked but they have been good outings though. In mid May, met up with my good friend Tina and decided an afternoon / evening would be had in the heart of the Cheshire country side. As luck happens, it was a lovely sunny day and we met at Bowden, and visited the lovely location of Dunham Massey Hall & Gardens. Being sunny, dressed accordingly given my limitations so wore long red skirt with white top with the last minute addition of the forgotten red sandals I had. Tina also looks resplendent in her outfit, being a mix black/white/grey long skirt with black t-shirt & short cardigan. We seem to look the part regardless. Well we had an enjoyable time walking around the lovely gardens, taking numerous pictures including one/two by other people. No one even notice us and if they did, just thought we were two girls out enjoying themselves which we were along with plenty of chat too. Eventually, it was time to go and we had to decide on somewhere to eat, which turned out to be a place called “Home” on the A56 near Bowden. It looked quiet but there was plenty of people inside and was guided to a table by the member of staff along with a nice greeting. Fortunately for us, we arrived just before 7, so took advantage of the cheaper menu. The food was good along with the service by the staff too although Tina had notice one or two of them taking extra notice of us but nothing to worry about - may be they could not believe how stunning we looked. LOL. It was about 9 ish and we decided to head to the Village, Manchester to end the day and by co-incidence met up with Kate at Taurus. Before we knew it was time to say our good bye’s and head home for what was a lovely day with fantastic company. Cant wait to do it again as it just felt “normal”.

My next outing was not until end of the month and this time met Kristina who has only come out of the closet in the last 12 months, this being I think her 3rd trip out and certainly her first away from the shops. It was decided a visit to Tatton Hall / Park was the thing to do as it been a while since either of us visited the location. On this occasion although the weather dry, a little chilly and windy, so causal jeans with suitable top was order of the day. Met Kristina near to the Park who was wearing a nice dress, complete with flat sandals. Again while visiting the Hall and the café, no one notice and treated with courtesy by all - cant expect any more. I had noted some parts of the Hall don’t seem to have change in over 20 yrs, since when I last visited. Certainly enjoyed the “Japenese” garden history and cultural themes. After that we had a nice walk in the park as by then got a little warmer. Again, it was time to go and think were to go for an evening meal. After a little driving round, we eventually found the “Swan with two nicks”, nr Bowden, off the A56 and not far from “Home” by co-incidence (last outing). This location was a typical country pub with the added feature of a nice restaurant which was busy. Guided to our table, we ordered out food, had a good natter, and the world pass us by including all & sundry in the restaurant. This was normal as it could be along with very friendly & courteous service from the staff! Oh yes the food was excellent and definitely a recommended location. It was now running late and decided to both head home but we were happy although a shame it had to end.

Although, I’m not getting out as often, they are made up in other ways by being out in the real world without the familiarity of the “Village” coming into it. However, sometimes between outings, I do get frustrated & fed up especially with lack of contact with other girls but hopefully this may change as time goes by.

As far as purchase’s have been concerned, very few really and the only significant purchase was a beige/ivory “Warehouse” mac that I’ve been seeking for a while. Its above knee length with nice pleats around the bottom giving a flared appearance, which helps in giving us girls more shape, which what I’m after. Unfortunately it is one of the down sides to our existing bodies, we tend not to have shape and there fore must create it - sometimes easier said than done but we get there somehow!

Anything else happened, oh yes. Unfortunately due to apparently alleged not so complimentary private remarks by a TV to some other girls’s about Transpose, Teela who runs the facility / business has kicked into touch the monthly Tea meetings on the basis of protecting her existing clientele and keeping away uninvited guests’s. Personally I can understand the reasoning behind it and it has got to be what is in the best interest of the business but somehow I’m not sure if there has not been a slight over reaction to it. As far as I’m able to see, the TV in question seems to be not a member of any of the known TV forums (by one) and there is definitely no public remarks made about Transpose either - in fact is anyone aware of it.? Transpose has been operating for about 3 / 4 years now and has always provided a good friendly service / facility to all TV’s and attempted to make all girls welcome, along with numerous recommendations, so not sure why some one needs to undermine Transpose (especially Teela) in consequence. Strange indeed. However, the backlash seems to be that there are now “private” meetings every now and then by invitation only to a couple of handfuls of selected girls. Clearly I seem not to be one of them, although some of my friends suggests this is an oversight as I’ve supported, assisted and recommended Transpose from almost when it started. However, I don’t think so as strangely I still get the monthly “Newsletter” ! You work that answer out then! LOL

Well that is enough for this entry, another due shortly!

April 2011 - Normalville!

Its been a couple of months since I’ve written in this blog but things have been quiet in that time, at home and on my outings. Since shaving my legs, it has been nice to wear 7/15 denier hosiery instead of the usual opaque’s. Consequently, my skirts have getting a little shorter although not too short though - I do have standards!

Manage to meet up with my sister again which is always nice and again we met at Cheshire Oaks and another meal at Café Rouge. Next time, we are there, I think Frankie & Benny’s could be our choice of eating establishment. Also a couple of evening outs in the Village with some friends too but the visits to the Village are not the same anymore - it is the same routine all the time. No problem with that but not on a regular occasion though. May be I’m finding another door on the level that I’m on but definitely “Normalville” is where I feel comfortable and strange it may seen, also generally a safe environment too.

Talking of “Normalville”, I’ve manage to meet up with my friend Tina on a couple of evenings. We met at the Stretton Fox Pub/Restaurant in Cheshire for a lovely girly evening mingling with “joe public”. Much to our surprise, it was busy but none the worst for it either - in fact added to the whole evening. The staff were friendly & courteous with the food being nice too. To be honest, I’m not sure if anyone actually notice us - may be they thought we were everyday girls afterall!

The second occasion was only a week ago, this time we decided Handforth, nr Wilmslow would be the location. We had agreed to meet at the Bulls Head Pub/Restaurant but before I met Tina there, I had decided to visit the nearby retail park where my favourite store is, namely M&S. Walking around M&S, seem quite normal and no one batted an eyelid. I had tried some shoes on and located a nice skirt on the small sale rail. Sadly the latter was not reduced after asking a Sales Assistant to do a price check. She was very friendly and had tried to interest me in other similar skirts. In the meantime, popped around the corner to the cash machine at Tesco’s which was busy, again no one seem to notice. Yay, it left me with a nice feeling and a boost to my much needed confidence. Made my way to the Bulls Head to meet and another similar evening was had in the same way as the Stretton Fox although a little quieter.

The above outing’s in my mind felt right and normal and Tina also has similar thoughts / feelings too. We both feel getting out in the real world and not tranny safe havens is what we want. I’m sure in time we will stretch the boundaries where we go but no different to what a normal woman would do. One thing for sure, being the everyday world, the above & future outings only possible because you are either on your own or with a friend, therefore you are not so obvious to joe public and more change in blending in. If there is more than two then it you might as well have a blue light flashing saying “tranny’s about”!

Strangely I had the option to go out last night to the Village to meet friends for the monthly Northern Angels but I had a change of heart and decided not to go. Mainly because it is not what I want and even allowing for meeting some of my friends, it has just become just routine, same place, same time and all that.

Finally, I had arranged to meet my cyber friend from Altrincham for an evening out in Manchester. Although the date & time had been arranged for over two months, sadly for me it became a non starter at the last moment and consequently had to let my friend down, something I was not happy with but out of my control. Unfortunately, an age old problem occurred again, namely a family member was about at the time I was suppose to be getting ready and there was nothing I could do about it. So bloody frustrating but what I could do in the circumstances. Hopefully we will eventually meet but may be its not meant to be. Mmmmm I will find out in the future.

February 2011 - I have legs!

Hello my little blog, we meet again but for once some positive news. Since I last wrote, I’ve been out 4 times including an outing with MR too. Are things looking up? Yes they are which makes a change and the future a little more rosy in consequence - in fact even a breakthrough which affects my appearance. More of this later.

My first outing was to Transpose monthly meeting in mid January. Given the money situation, it was a cheap night out, a chance to be “me” and meet some girls too. Better than nothing! However, I contacted my sister and she agreed to meet me early evening for a bite to eat at Cheshire Oaks. Fortunately for me, she paid the bill but we had a nice couple of hours catching up on various matters and by sheer co-incidence but a pleasant surprise, a couple of my friends, Tina & Mandy were having a meal too in Café Rouge before visiting Transpose. Eventually I arrived at Transpose and mingled with the girls along with chatting to Tina and Mandy again! I enjoyed the night and could not wait to be me again.

For the last three weeks, I’ve manage to get out on Wednesday evening’s - something I was attempting to avoid but have enjoyed them never the less. They have included the Northern Angels monthly gathering, an evening with MR and latterly a visit to Manchester Concord for the talk on safety by an GM Police Officer which was interesting and informative. During the evenings, I’ve caught up with a few friends and chatted about the future. May be things are looking up as some provisional plans have been made for future outings.

In the meantime, I’ve attempted to meet up with a cyber friend from Altrincham but sadly we have been thwarted by outside influences and still not met even after 12 months regular contact with each other. Neither of us will give up as both believe it will happen and we have a date in March in which it could then. Fingers cross but we seem to have a lot in common and would be a shame if we cant build on that.

In the light of recent Xmas / New Year matters dominating my thoughts and working hard to resolve the matters - on occasions leaving me mentally exhausted, things are now much better and there is light at the end of the tunnel after all. This has also lead to a positive change in MR’s thoughts / attitude towards KD which included an outing with me to the Village, a night we both enjoyed. However, the biggest change has been MR’s agreement to finally shave my legs! Something I wanted to do for years but would not do as it was part of an agreement / compromise to let me be the person I wish to be. So after 7 years since MR found out, I have finally have smooth legs! Yay its amazing and now nice to have the wider choice of shoes, hosiery and skirts to wear especially during the summer. This IS a big step for me and MR but I do appreciate her consideration and acceptance in allowing me to do this. Yes it took a lifetime for this to happen but it was worth the wait! Yay!

January 2011 - The future is bright, the future is ??????

It’s a new year and may I wish everyone best wishes for the year, hopefully some of your dreams will become reality? Now as for me, what will be in store this year? Answers on £50 notes please! To be honest, I know what I wish to do, which is the same wishes I had for the last two years but no nearer in achieving them. Frustration once again, dominates my thoughts!

My last outing was 15th December were I headed to the Village, as it was Manchester Concord’s Xmas evening and I was sure that I would meet some friends there. True enough, after a quick bite to eat, I met Kate and Diana. I had an in depth conversation with Diana regarding personal matters and concerns. Interestingly Diana had a slightly different perspective to me and suggesting some things were more in my mind rather than actual facts. May be but it did not change how I feel though.

Prior to that, chatted to a nice girl from Cumbria called Amber. She looked so natural and looked young too although she had confirmed she was 40! During the course of the evening. I also met Jane Maybe and Becky - always nice to see them but it had been at least 12 months since I last saw them which was quite a shock. Time flies when you are having fun - ok allegedly! Interestingly I manage to catch up on Jane’s life but she looked so nice and could see the positive changes in her. It is hoped that we will get the opportunity to go out with each other sometime in the near future?

Since then, Christmas / New Year matters have dominated which leaves me no nearer in getting out again although I wanted to go out end of December but that went out of window for an unexpected reason. In fact because of non related KD matters, there is no money in the bank to do anything let alone an outing hence not going out last week! Even the Xmas sales have by pass me as dared not go into the shops as what is the point! The best I can do is chat to some cyber friends in order to keep me sane - sometimes it works, other occasions - nooooo! Given this situation, its going to be hard to keep some sanity but what choice do I have? As things stand it is likely to be February at the earliest for any outing if luck is on my side! Shall I start laughing now?