The Enemy Within

Monday brain dump - the time of writing 

I was very angry to hear of the cross dressing flasher in Nottingham who had been posting pictures of themselves online.  Link to Story. 

I go out around Nottingham, I've used the House of Frazer loo's next to that Café (they were horrible), I park in that shopping centre car park. Even putting the reputational damage on a wider scale to one side, what is it going to do for local safety of those that go out around Nottingham now.

I mean there is never a good time for a story like this to come out, but right now is not ideal. There is enough on at the moment. Seems like trans people are being used as a pawn to fight other battles. Likely to lose out whatever happens.

I've had to unfollow someone on Insta this morning who showed a very partially obscured pic of their member. There is so much ammunition floating about on the internet for critics to find.

It's all very depressing, I've got cold feet enough about what to do at the moment, lots going around my head, and this is just more negativity to skew the internal debate. 

Such topics include the firm favourites "Was this all a huge mistake" , "Is it time to slam the handbrake on ?" -  not likely to be filling any bin bags soon, but the hair growing feels like I am being more obvious than ever before, I've got a big work do coming up, the parents in law are here in Feb, and there are clippers upstairs....

On the flip side my positive voice was contemplating gender GP on my weekend walk.

Previous Thursday - Trans Wakefield

Phillipa wasn't there, and I didn't really seem to get going with social interaction, I spoke a bit with Christine the leader. It was still nice, but I do find it a lot easier when Philippa is there. No sign of the trans man who I met a month ago ish ? They were nearer my age and I found them easy to talk to. 

I didn't do the quiz, but did have some cheesy chips, I wasn't hungry until everyone else's orders started coming and the smell got me.

It was nice to be dressed properly again, it had been a few weeks, what with the laser messing up the first Chams of the year, and the weekend after it. 

Friday Afternoon - a visit to a gallery

I was on leave, and raring to go out somewhere, but I didn't have a firm plan. 

By the time I had got ready it was past midday, and my tummy dictated it should have a nice café. 

So I decided on a local art/sculpture gallery - 'The Hepworth'.  

I walked from the car park , over the canal bridge and past the window for the galleries café, noting that it seemed very busy in there. Seems there was a private event starting at 1:30, using up the whole of gallery 3.  It used to be free entry, but they have started charging for those outside Wakefield, the chap seemed a bit flustered, not sure if it was due to me, but got my ticket sorted anyway.

They had a weird system, menu's on the table, but nothing at the counter, so I ordered a hot chocolate first then sat down to peruse the menu. Got myself some posh toast with jam and butter, it had been soaked in tea I think, had fruit in it. It was nice. 

Went  upstairs to the galleries and had a good look around - except for the one I couldn't get in. 

There was a photographer Hannah Starkey exhibiting with some really good prints that were blown up
on big aluminium panels. Really enjoyed those, there were some more abstract and weird things kicking about that really didn't connect with me at all. 

It's not a big place, so I wasn't there that long, but it was nice to get out and see the photo's. I got back around 3pm.

Friday Evening - Nottingham Invasion

I had a bite to eat, then put some eye shadow and changed my outfit for the evening. I prefer the platinum blonde wig for looking more eye catching on a night out. 

I tried on a few outfits, but settled on the black Quiz bodycon dress with the Diamante details. Tried it with the biker boots and leather jacket, was quite pleased with the combo.

Managed to get down to Nottingham for 7:45 ish, and plugged my car in at the Victoria Centre north car park as normal, and walked to the pub.  Ann had arrived shortly before me, and Simone was there too, so I had people to talk to.  

A new girl (new to Invasion) came over and I got talking with her for a bit, possibly I had seen her at Leeds before, but I don't recall ever speaking to her, she was really nice. 

They were giving out free shots at the bar, I could only really have one drink, so I had one of those and a shandy early on. Not sure what it was, didn't taste too bad, but not going to get in the habit. 

It was past 9pm and Simone called next bar, and myself Jean and Ann headed off towards the Lord Roberts. We found a nice corner in there and had a good chat for a while. Some of the others eventually made it over, and joined us. They were a bit more merry, but was still fun. Had some crisps and a few alcohol free ales , and we headed off back to the Foresters when they were kicking out. 

It was quite cold , the jacket was a poor choice, style over practicality. I had a coke in the Foresters to wake me up a bit more, and then said my goodbyes. I think i was just after midnight perhaps when I left. I got home before 2am.  Didn't need to charge on the way back.

It was really nice to get to know Jean a bit better, and to chat with other new people - and obviously catch up with Ann, so a pretty successful night really. 

Saturday and Sunday

Saturday I did very little, was quite tired from the late night on Friday, I did a bit of tinkering in the car, some housework, that's about it. My wife had hurt her back, so didn't suggest going out anywhere. 

On Sunday I started a slow cooker spicy sausage casserole in the morning, had a slimfast for lunch, and then headed out on a walk. It was just over 12km, around New Miller Dam lake, stopping off for a nice Mocha at the café on the lake.

The first half of the walk I was listening to my audiobook, narrated by the lovely Sophie Aldred - she is really very good. After the café I left the book alone, did some pondering, nice to not have any distractions. 

Was contemplating the question of signing up for gender GP. It will take a long time for hormones to have much effect, and I know of a few who have abandoned them fairly quickly because of issues. I wonder if it is worth a try. Maybe I am not in the right place yet. 

 

Give me fuel, Give me fire, Give me that which I desire

 

The title is a lot more exciting than the week was - it came on the radio just as I was nearing Tibshelf to charge on the way home from Chams :)

Not much to report really.

Got a bit of post event come down in the early week, but my workload took my mind off that pretty quickly. 

Managed to go for a run on Wednesday lunchtime, did a bit more walking that I would have hoped, but the wind on my face, and cool air in my lungs did wonders for my mood.

Lazors

Thursday, my laser session - handy tip for anyone doing it, if you are going to stick to a 4 week interval, make sure you do your first week in one that is going to convenient for you for the duration of the treatment !!  

The 2nd week seems like it was a bad idea, not being able to dress for some of the groups I go to is a non-optimal state of affairs. Then again, 3rd week might interfere with Invasion, and 1st week with LFF, so perhaps I had little choice. The place I go to doesn't do Mondays - that would be the best day as most groups are on Thursdays, and socials on Fridays, it's it's 3 days you are meant to wait till shaving.

Chameleons 

So Thursday night was Chameleons, I couldn't shave or wear makeup, so didn't fancy traveling dressed, so chucked some boobs a bra and a wig in a bag figuring I could at least make some effort to fit in.

There will be no photographic evidence of this :)

Joanna was in need of trans-uber, so after failing to charge at Tibshelf on the way down (connector out of service), I drove over her way to pick her up. Unfortunately my phone had not sent the message informing her of my ETA, so when I arrived at the pickup point she hadn't known to set off. 

But it was only a short drive to pick her up from her friends. We arrived at Chams in good time, and I plugged into the church charge point.

Inadvertently made a hybrid tea and hot chocolate on arrival which I found most amusing, didn't taste too bad, but not sure it will catch on.

There was a fairly good turnout, two new people who I really didn't get much chance to talk to - but hoping they will be back. Spoke with Maria for a bit, and Stevie - not spoken to her before, really into their music, an impressive collection of keyboards. 

Can't say I enjoyed not looking my best, but it was better than being in bloke mode for sure. Took a few photos towards the end, and left just before 11 I think. 

Dropped Joanna back home, then headed north, stopping off at Tibshelf for 15 mins for a bit of boost on the way back.

Friday

Hot Chocolate with cream
TGI Fridays

Decided to treat the family for a meal out at TGI Fridays in Barnsley -  Increased Izzy time had left me less motivated to go out with them over the past year. Something I want to try to re-balance heading into this one.

It's not that I don't want to be with them, but if I go out a couple of times a week as Izzy my social quota feels fulfilled. I'm just not that fussed about going out in man mode. Some of the girls are out every night, don't know how they manage it !

I had steak , ribs and king prawns, and a hot chocolate to finish with - well and bit of the kids puddings as they ordered ones much too large for themselves.

It goes against the diet really, but I will make up for it over the weekend with a run.

I was also going to complete the brake installation on the Morris Minor, but the parts haven't arrived this morning, so seems it will be next weekend for that.

Progress bar

One week done, 51 remaining, the progress bar for the year sits at 2%

Early Week

New years day I was bitten by a dog, hopefully not a rabid one, although frantic googling suggests it is only present in bats in the UK. Didn't seem to get through my coat anyway. I didn't pause to get for a selfie with it.

On Monday I was feeling really sorry for myself, partly the dog, partly having to go back to work the next day, and also the question of what to do this year in terms of transness, what is the goal, do I even need a goal. 

I did come to the conclusion that I perhaps I should try to be more healthy, not just with food and exercise, but with my social life and online activities. 

Insta for example, I don't think is as healthy for my mental state as I had one thought, I am exposed to too much kink on there, I've followed people back who have been liking my photo's and well their content isn't what I want to be associated with. I have made some good friends on there, so I don't want to stop, just perhaps be more selective. 

I wasn't quite paralysed with it all, I did get some things done, washed my two main wigs - they turned out to be pretty filthy, really grey water afterwards. 

Tuesday wasn't too bad at work, Wednesday felt more stressed. I decided I also best get on the scales, see what the damage xmas had done, and after they wished me a happy new year (smart scales) , they told me the bad news, 75KG, which is +2Kg on late last year.

Did some weight loss googling, think I have a plan.

Thursday - Trans Wakefield 

This was at a new venue, not far from the pub we normally use, it's a new LGBT community centre with a café : Our House - Wakefield 

I parked outside the pub and walked the 3 mins to the venue. Wakefield at night doesn't feel too salubrious, so although I was wearing a dress (of course) , I had my biker boots on, they made me feel safer - could probably run faster than in heels too.

I always arrive later than everyone, because I go to way too much effort probably. It was a nice place, it had blacked out windows and doors, I assume for safety and privacy, but it did give it a air of 'sex shop' from the outside. Once inside the were some sofas and tables near the door, then the normal sort of community centre / school type tables setup in a long row of three for us - quite a few were ill this week, otherwise we would have needed at least one more. 

The café section was a little further down, with a lovely apologetic centre manager who was on her first day and still working out how to do everything.

The group organiser had brought nibbles, I did my best to eat as much of the food as possible, partly because I had attempted to diet and was starving, but it's rude not to tuck in :)

We mainly talked about how everyone was, if everyone has had a good break etc. I didn't say too much as usual. Philippa was there, and she gave an update on her health and planned operation. We tried to lighten the mood with rude remarks, it wasn't too depressing really.

I talked to a girl about the Gender GP hormone treatments that are offered, as well, it's a possibility I suppose. I like to absorb as much information as possible. 

Blue tongue

The trans-masc Sam from the previous week wasn't there, which was a shame. Perhaps I will see them at another one.

We were kicked out at 9:30pm, which is a bit early for us to finish, but enough seemed to want to have a drink to get a critical mass of people to the pub where I was parked. 

Turns out nobody had told the pub we weren't going that night, so the kitchen staff needed placating, and they got a few orders for cheesy chips, burgers and such. I was good. Philippa won some blue sweets from Australia in the xmas raffle, so we all had fun making our tongues blue.

I left after an hour or so, wished Philippa good luck with her op.

 

Friday - Leeds First Friday 

I really wasn't feeling too much in the mood when I got up, and with the weight gain on my mind, decided to cancel the hotel and drive back instead. 

Ann was up for the day, and it was meant to be OK weather, so we arranged to meet at the Yorkshire Sculpture park , as she would be passing, and had never been. 
We had a nice times wandering around there, had a warm drink in the café.   

After this we proceeded into Leeds, and decided to have a bigger meal earlier on, more chance of a table, and we would be under less pressure to get ready. LFF was starting at 6pm at the new venue going forward. It used to be 7:30 ish before.

We decided on 'Las Iguanas' near the corn exchange, which we had failed to get a table at in December. We were the first customers, so we had no trouble getting in :)

It was lovely food, I had chilli , Ann had pork belly. They had a two for one on cocktails but I didn't read the small print, they were if you got two of the same. So we both ended up with two each. They were quite tart too ! 

One of our other friends was having her makeup done, so wasn't going to be ready before 4pm, so we decided to hit the art galleries to kill an hour before the hotel was ready. Had a good look around the main one, and also the Henry Moore institute next door - they had some really nice sculpture on display.

Wandered back to the hotel so Ann could check in, then to the pub to catch our friend. Had a couple in there, and a nice chat - it's becoming a regular trans haunt, but isn't anywhere near the freedom quarter. Foleys Tap House. Some more girls turned up, and it soon got towards 5pm, so we decided to find a Greggs and get sorted for the evening. I had still brought a change of clothes with me so I could be a bit more dressy.

We were ready just before 6pm, and headed to the new meeting venue - The Viaduct. They were opening early for us, and had provided seating, and turned the speakers off at one end, in the hope it would emulate what we had at the Marriot bar. It somewhat worked, but it wasn't a very big area, and everyone was jammed in, so hard to circulate. There was also the outside courtyard with benches and a few wall heaters, but wasn't that warm out.

It wasn't really that good, so we headed out in search of a few others who has com
e to that conclusion a little earlier. We found them in  Baracoa Luxe, which we had never been in before. It was pretty good - we all got dragged off our seats by a tall and commanding cis lady, so did do a little dancing :)

After that we headed back to Foleys for a bit with Alice, she likes her real ale, did a bit more chatting in there, then went to the Smokestack. It was getting towards 1am and with driving I didn't want to get too tired, so I made my excuses and headed off home. 

Not a bad night all in all ! Really nice to catch up with Ann and the other girls, looking forward to the next one.

New Years Eve

Well I should really be going out to Wakefield tonight, but I'm a little tired, and I would be driving, so I've decided to stay in and have a virtual NYE, which most of mine have been for a quite a while now.

Obligatory Brief 2022 Recap 

Xmas-eve-eve pub visit

It's been a year of many firsts - at least when en femme :

Coming out to friends and family

First visit to a group - Chameleons

Nottingham Invasion 

Dancing again, after decades of not 

Making new friends 

Instagram 

Pride(s)

Sparkle

Shopping trips

Cinema trips

Adventure days 

Leeds First Friday

Branching out to other groups - Wakefield

Ear piercings

Laser hair removal

Hair dressers 

It really does sound like a lot when you make a list, and I'm sure I would have not expected to be able to achieve even half of that if you had asked me earlier in the year.

Fortunately I don't really have any major events to be too sad about, I suppose the worst is that I'm still not really any closer to deciding what I want to do with myself. 

The steps I've taken could be still easily explained as wanting to make it easier to cross-dress, and well don't seem to be attracting too much attention from those not in the know about my secret double life.

I really hate waking up and seeing myself in the mirror still 😢 - but if that's all I've got to worry about, I think I have it pretty easy compared to most.

Festivities 

I was dreading meeting up with my in-laws on boxing day, I thought the hair may ring alarm bells, but I actually got complemented on it !  Mother in law even joked I should dye my grey streaks, and wasn't phased when I suggested purple .....

Christmas day was with my parents and brother , our kids , it was all normal, nothing said - I was in man mode of course. But it was as nice as it ever was.

The last few days I've been working on my car - I had cut 5mm off my nails to avoid any questions about those from in-laws or my brother, so it's been easier to get grubby in the garage without breaking them. Still a bit sad they are so short, but I can get stick on ones worst case.

En Femme activities

23rd of December -  Xmas-eve-eve drinks at the local bar

I felt the need to dress, and figured I would pop to the bar on the off chance that people would be there, but there was nobody around that I really knew. So I just nursed a shandy for an hour and chatted to friends online. 

It was still nice, just to be sat somewhere where I felt like I belonged, some nice background noise. It was a nice relaxing hour at least.

29th of December - The Trans-Wakefield support group. 

I had forgotten that it would be on between Xmas and new years, and was glad of a reason to go out.

Turns out there were 'spys' from the Leeds group who had dropped in unannounced. I do find the level of suspicion about other groups quite amusing 😂  - someone warned me of them while I was getting my first drink at the bar.

One of them as a trans man called Sam, who was really nice - only a little older than me I think. Had identified as a lesbian for many years, and only recently come to the conclusion that perhaps it was a bit more than that.

He lives in Wakefield, and I got the feeling that may end up coming to our group as well as Leeds. Looking forward to seeing them again on the 5th. There arn't many in my age bracket, so I sometimes find it hard to join in. Although I did seem to manage to do better this last time. 

We are at a new LGBT meeting place venue 'Our House' , which is near the pub for the next one.  First meeting of the month will be there going forward.

There was a very drunk young CIS lesbian there who gave me some compliments and was quite tactile, possibly the drunkenness takes a little credence of the compliments  - but still better than none at all. She knew I was trans, but didn't seem to phase her. Was a bit worried she was going to fall over at one point. 

As always there was a random dog there too, 'loki' , sort of greyhound-ish looking. I left fairly early, Sam had left earlier to go for a meal, and I had already had two shandys.

Last events of the year

So this weekend was likely the last opportunities for mingling with fellow trans people until the new year. Unless I happen to go to the local LGBT bar for new years eve, but that is far from decided.

I had two outings, Nottingham Invasion on the Friday, then a trip out to Lincoln with Ann on the Sunday.

Invasion

I was meant to have the Friday off, but there is considerable pressure to get year end activities finished
early so nobody has to work over the festive period, so I ended up working for nearly the whole day.

I did still manage to find time to do my nails and have a shower and shave - I waited until the afternoon so it would really be 3 days (had to wait due to the laser). 

With Joanna being at a loose end, I offered to take her along, she had mostly never been available to come along for previous ones. 

It was likely we would venture outside of the 'New Foresters' pub to try a few other places, so I was dressed in a sensible warm blue Next jumper dress that has had a few outings this month, paired with knee high boots to keep the pins warm.

Got down to Joanna's in good time - I took the petroleum powered car for ease.  We headed into Nottingham, parked at the Victoria Centre as normal. I hadn't eaten so I grabbed a cheeky Mc Plant before we cut through the shopping centre to the pub. 

There were quite a few girls there, it can sometimes be quite a small affair, but was well attended. Spoke to Rachel for a bit, and a lady I have not spoked to called 'Joanne' - just to confuse matters. Danielle turned up a bit later on - was nice to talk to her. Joanna seemed to be getting on well with Rachel which was nice to see, she lives in Nottingham but not sure where.

There was a few girls who I knew from LFF who were there, but I didn't really get chance to speak with them. But I see them every month at LFF so will have plenty of other opportunities. 

We did the 'Lord Roberts' which I had been in before at least once - it had some nice beers, will have to ensure we do that again if I am ever staying over to enable drinking. Then we headed to the 'Hockley Arts Club' but it was closed due to a private party. So we went to the 'Six Barrel Drafthouse', had one in there, and then back to the Foresters. 

There was a drag act on there, but think was wrapping up, and was pretty tired, so decided to head off at that point - it was after midnight. Dropped Joanna off, and headed home. Was eating cold pizza in the kitchen at 2am :) 

All in all a nice night - not anything exciting, just a steady one, and nice to meet up with Joanna and Danielle, and introduce Joanna to her local friendly bar - although there wasn't much there for a more refined beer connoisseur :)

Lincoln

Was Ann's last opportunity for freedom this year on the Sunday, so she invited me along to see the bright lights of Lincoln. I've had a few people tell me it was a nice place to visit, and had been on my list for some time, so was nice to finally get to do so.

It was going to be a cold day, so I put on an fairly warm jumper dress, and my big coat and knee highs again.  I also took gloves and a beanie just in case.

Wife wanted her car for church in the morning, so was burning electrons to get there, stopped off at Markham Moor Starbucks on the way there. Paid my 40p to get over the toll bridge on the A57, and got to the car park about 11am.

Met Ann, and we headed up 'Steep hill' which did little to get me warm, but did live up to it's name.

There was a Santa fun run going on near the cathedral, but seemed to be coming to an end, and we could still get through to have a look around. Headed to the café first for a scone and a tea. Then we looked around for a bit, and took advantage of having a camerawoman to get some nice shots for Insta.

Then we headed on out to the castle, but it seemed a little expensive, so we didn't bother with it. Instead we went to a nearby museum, which was free - the Museum of Lincolnshire Life. It had some interesting stuff, and it was warm inside, which was nice :)

Next we headed back down the hill, perusing a few shops here and there on the way down. Then we did the shopping centre, miraculously not managing to buy anything ! 

Then was lunch time so we headed for a Tudor inn that was built on a bridge over the river 'Stokes'.
Had a light lunch in there, I think I had Ham Brie and Cranbury sandwich - it was lovely.

Then some more time around the shops in the lower part, ending up near the Brayford pool, where we had a final coffee and cake of the day at the Costa in the cinema foyer. 

It was past 4 now, dark, wet and the shops were mostly shut, so we decided to call it day and headed
home.  I had to stop off at Markham Moor on the way back, the chargers at Mc Donalds were both in use, so I diverted to the Inn on the other side of the roundabout -  which was available, and did a top up there.

The range estimator is way off in the winter, so I made sure to get at least 20 miles more than I needed. I was driving at 65 most of the way back and only had 10 miles left when I got home, so had eaten into the contingency as expected. Not sure it would have made it at the speed limit.

Didn't sleep too well last night, too much caffeine after midday :) - but it was a fun day. Definitely want to go back in warmer weather.

 

 

What Zombies Can Teach You About Fuddle

I couldn't think of a title, so I used a generator 😁 , I was pleasantly surprised....

Thursday the 8th of December , Chameleons Xmas Fuddle 

Changing room selfie

Was really looking forward to this, as figured it would be well attended, and also Joanna was going to be there - it had been quite a long time since we met in person. I had some boots I had been meaning to let her have for ages.

I also had some nice dresses that needed an outing. I had originally decided to wear a silver sequin one I had bought while shopping in Leeds the week before, but after getting ready, and modelling for my long suffering wife, our collective opinion was that it was a bit too much.

I have no objection to wearing xmassy dresses throughout the year, so perhaps it will get out in January.

I spent a while getting my makeup on, I haven't actually worn eyeshadow a great deal recently, but had plenty of time so did a split pink and blue look I had seen someone on Insta do, think it turned out pretty well.

Ended up changing into a lovely quiz black diamante dress which I was also chomping at the bit to wear out. I have a lot of dresses, but I REALLY like that one. 

It is a pain in that you get foundation over the neck taking it off, but have found shaving foam to be good at getting it out.

I do really need to try and tame my waistline for it, but December is probably the worst month to start. 

Anyway outfit aside it was a really nice evening, lots of people there, lots of nice food, lovely atmosphere. It allowed the formation of smaller groups, which I find easier to join in conversations with. 

Would put it down as one of the best Chams meetings of the year. I have been continuing efforts to try and get certain people to come along, only really got Ann so far, but resistance is futile and all that.

It snowed on the way back, not too badly. I ended up stopping off at Woodall again. I discovered that if you plug into a unit that is also being used by someone else (some allow 2 cars to charge at once), it still charges slower when they disconnect. So you need to stop your charge, and re-start to take full advantage of the unit's output.

The Weekend

Friday I had the day off, but my son was at home due to lack of teachers, so I decided not to do an adventure day. I did go out for a run in the early afternoon, which meant I was too tired to do anything for the rest of the day 😊

I thought about going out on Saturday night, I even got ready to do so, but with the football being on, I figured it might be dead at my local LGBT friendly bar. So I ended up just doing a load of outfit try-on's, which also gives me some more Insta content.

Sunday I had to work in the morning, and then got the xmas tree up and did some tiding in the afternoon.

Oh and I started a youtube channel too, put one up with more from my foggy day out at Nostel the other day. Not really sure how people are going to find it, so I stuffed the title of the video with keywords.

Keeping them short, as that is the in thing apparently - I had good fun making it, and I take way too many photo's that I could hope to use on Insta or on here, so a good use for them.

Tuesday the 13th

This was my 2nd Laser session, which went really well. I shaved at 10pm on Monday night - I did manage to cut myself though. Likely because it was a new razor  - they want you to use a new one, I think to ensure the ends of the hairs are flat to absorb more of the light. 

I also remember to use my exfoliating sponge too.

It didn't hurt nearly as badly, I think mainly due to it being less sparse, so absorbing less light/heat. She turned it up a bit too.  The jawline was particularly bad last time.

It's been about 7 hours since and it doesn't feel very bad at all, will put some more Aloe Vera gel on before bed.

I have myself booked in for January, she wanted to do the 5th, but that would have been the day before LFF so was no good, so got it for the week after.

Foggy reflections

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 :

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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

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.