Tuesday the 29th
I was on leave for most of the week, and it was coincidentally coming up on exactly 12 months since my first jaunt outside the house. I had gone to Nostel Priory, a big old house not too far away.
It was meant to be a foggy day, and I figured it would be nice to re-visit, and get some nicer photo's than the first time I went. My idea was to try and wear as much of the same outfit as I originally had on.
I didn't fancy the wig, as that was pretty bad now, and not really my style. Also my original boots didn't actually fit, and had given me blisters on my little toes, so those were swapped for the gothic-ish biker boots I bought before getting my haircut on the Monday.
But I had the dress and the coat, and the glasses on still, not that you could see much of the dress in the only half decent shot I got last year, 2021 left, 2022 right :
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There is a church on the grounds not far off the main path to the house, and I found a nice looking lamppost, with a convenient switch for the budding photographer to make use off - Yet another thing that will be on the list if hell exists. Probably not near the top end though.
We ate at Wagamama's - having failed to get a table at Las Iguanas - I had shredded duck. It was OK, probably wouldn't have it again.
There was a group photo scheduled for 8:30 - I think because it was the last Marriot one. Somehow ended up at the front - I didn't barge my way there I promise.
After this we did a tour of the usual haunts, Viaduct, Fibre, Smokestack and the New Penny. Did a lot of dancing in the Smokestack. Hannah was a little tipsy, so we decided she should get her to bed. But made sure she got some chips in her first.
I took a lot of shots, and probably far too many with my coat off, it was quite chilly. So I probably only have myself to blame for the sniffles that affected me for days afterwards.
Was mainly using my tripod and Bluetooth remote this time, bit more of a hassle to setup, but a lot better results.
After this, I went to the café at the visitor centre, and warmed up with a nice coffee and a cake. I do love coffee and cake on my adventures. It was surprisingly busy, but managed to get a seat. Nipped to the loo, then decided to head into the woods to take some more photo's.
I recall feeling truly very happy, it was nice to be back, and to be wandering around not trying to avoid people, trying to say hi to the friendly looking ones. It was very nice to be back and to reflect on how things had changed in the past year.
The first time was obviously more of an adrenaline rush, this just felt really really nice.
It was getting on, and was getting cold again, and I had nearly run my phone flat, so decided to head back to the car.
Thursday the 1st of December
This was Trans-Wakefield - I had a cunning plan, Ann was up here early for the LFF the next day, so I had suggested we meet up at my Wakefield group in the 'New Union' an LGBT bar in Wakefield.
There is a quiz on Thursdays nights too.
I don't normally do that well at the quiz, and figured she would likely be a good asset to have on hand for it. Anyway we won !!! - well there were two others helping too.
I stuffed up the play your cards right thing they do for a jackpot, but I'm sure that's rigged.
I thanked Ann by mercilessly beating her at pool, and celebrating as if I had won the world championships, I'm nice like that.
But I did give her a lift, so at least she could have a few beers, and I think she enjoyed socialising with the rest of the group.
Friday the 2nd of December - Leeds First Friday
This would be the last month we will be able to use the Marriot hotel bar, as it's been sold to a restaurant , and even if they want us back, it's going be shut for months while they 'renovate' it.
This is a shame, as it was really good for first timers to be able to get dressed in their room, come down and socialise without even having to leave the safety of the hotel.
I wasn't feeling that good, I had been on cold and flu pills since Wednesday trying to keep my sniffles at bay - my main concern was rubbing all the foundation off on my top lip when I blew my nose. But I managed ok.
Anyway things proceeded as normal, I got a lift in with Ann, and we did coffee, a bit of shopping, ate a tasty bagel at the Flamingo's, more shopping. Then met up with a few girls at Foley's tap house for a few real ales.
I tried a 'sour' , reminded me of my attempt at elderberry wine, not trying one again 😊
My friend Hannah who I had gone to Manchester pride with was coming in on a train, and would be ready by about 4pm, so went back to the hotel to meet up with her.
We came back and got dressed for the evening, I had found a black dress with red satin floral design in my wardrobe the previous week.
You know you have an issue with buying too much when you forget you own it. It wasn't as Christmassy as many of my usual dresses really, but perhaps more classy 😊
Went down to the bar and tried to assist Hannah in finding some more Insta-friends she wanted to try and connect with in 'real life' ™ We were moderately successful.
The takeaway was really fun, they were cheering when the order numbers were called, and there was a nice atmosphere in there. Although the chap in front of us was doing his best to ensure that nobody behind made the mistake of ordering the kebab meat.
We got her to bed before 2am, I made her a peppermint tea, got her wig put somewhere sensible, and tried to make sure that she didn't attempt to have a drunken shower, as she wasn't walking too well.
I was ready for my own bed by that point so headed off to sleep.
There was a LGBT fair at a hall somewhere the next day, but was pretty tired, so after breakfast and meeting up with Hannah for a coffee before her train, just came home.
Saturday was a bit of a write-off, but worth it.
