More, more, more?
How do you like your love? Probably not with me, lol, at my age, and pre threatened possible surgery!
Oh, and before anyone assumes otherwise, this blog has nothing to do with sex, of any kind. Seriously, baseball, in fact!
Yes, the regular season ends tonight, or should do, and you would think a 162 game season could just about sort out any issues, wouldnt you, in terms of teams qualifying for the playoffs, and the like? Well, 2 teams will only play 161 (Miami & Pittsburgh had a cancellation earlier this week, and as neither team are competitive, not being played now), but its possible that 4 teams will need to play 163!
Yes, with one game to go, the top of the NL Central is a tie between the Chicago Cubs, and the Milwaukee Brewers, and the NL West is the same between Colorado Rockies, and some team named the Los Angeles Dodgers, anyone ever heard of them? 😉 As it happens, all 4 teams are in the playoffs, the difference is that the 2 divisional winners wont have to play in a one off wild card game, before starting the Divisional series.
Of course, it could be that in each case, one team will win tonight, one will lose, and we’ll have the first night with no baseball since just after the All Star Game tomorrow night. Thats right, playoffs start on Tuesday, with first of said wild card games! Equally, we could have 2 extra games, with plenty at stake.
The good news for me (though fine, I’d rather see Dodgers win division tonight), is that if there is 1 match, it will take place just after 9 pm my time, tomorrow night, by which time, I’ll be home from work, though pretty sure I wont see the end. 2 games, first would start just after 6 pm, so I’ll catch the end of it at least, buses, and back permitting. Or, I wont see any baseball, because it all gets settled tonight! In case anyone was wondering, all games on last day are played at more or less the same time, so no knowing what you need to do, or anything like that! 😉
Right, end of baseball rah-rah stuff, unless someone wants to buy me a Dodgers cheerleaders outfit, lol. No, seriously, you shouldnt! 😛
The other thing that has amused me today, has also come out from the US. This Kavanaugh hearing stuff. No, I’m not a ghastly Trump fan, but I seem to have appealed to more than a few, just for saying that Senators supporting him (no, not me) shouldnt be confronted in a physical way, just over their views re him. Me, cant stand the man, but anyway… Of course, the thing that amuses me the most, is that these Conservative, racist, right wing folk would probably ‘hate’ me if they knew I was Trans, Lesbian, and had centre left leanings lol. But because of one post…rolls eyes…
Fine, anyone around my age, or older, might have worked out tonights video already! Youngsters wont have a clue, and my right wing likers will hate her, because she was a porn star, as well as singer, but anyway…
How do I like my love? Well, about the only way I’d like it, is in a sex doll body, just for the research, and experience, lol!…angelic look…
Love you (with) a little bit less
Oh fine, I’ve had one of those afternoons when a few events have made me think about myself, and my future, and all that sort of stuff. So if transgender, and health issues arent your thing, you might want to pass on tonight. Well, except maybe for the cool video at the end, but anyway…
Today was that important, 4 weekly event that I have to do nowadays. No, not my period, lol, because though I did used to have them (the womb, even if undeveloped, I guess?), they have passed into history now, as is the case for all women of my age. No, that other one, collecting my medical prescription of painkillers, to help me keep going for another 4 weeks or so. Yes, Cocodomol, and Naproxen are my friends nowadays, though Robo-Domol, and Nanite-proxen might be more fun for me. 😉 Oh, if only they existed!
OK, the first amusing bit, I generally wear a back brace nowadays, which I would best describe as a waist level (very under bust), zip up corset type thing, with fastenings every couple of inches or so, depending on how much support you want, and stuff. I’ve worked out by now that using it on the 4″ reduction setting (I suspect about an inch less on waist reduction for me) is fine for support, just about, but is just loose enough to permit reasonable movement, when it comes to things like walking, and the like. Therefore, generally when out, or at work, where I might have to move around a lot, I tend to use that setting. When at home, and doing less movement, less twisting, I tend to use the 6″ setting, which is fine, except that any show of flexibility goes out the window! I can walk a bit in it, though bus rides on that setting can be interesting, as you literally feel every bump, because there just is no give.
Anyway, today, I went for the higher setting this morning (bit sore, not working), which was fine, until I went out to collect my pills. Now, the distance there is about the same as to, or from work, from the Bus Station, and I can do that, just about, so…? Thing is, I dont do both journeys at once, which is pretty much what I did today. So anyway, after about a mile or so, I was getting sore, but then I realized, but couldnt do much about it, at that time! I got home, but was glad it was ‘pill time’ when I got here!
It was then that I accepted just how fragile my body is now. And it led me to wondering how much longer I will be able to drag this body to work, even a few days a week. Yes, I have looked, and worked it out, and no, I cant afford to cut back to 3 days a week! 😦 So, as I was having a ‘I hate my body’ moment, it set me thinking that it is actually about 8 years (Again, I had to wait for a holiday to do the name change thing) that I started transitioning, that I again turned thoughts as to ‘which body’ I want to leave this world in. No, I cant seriously see me doing the sex reassignment surgery while working, I’m the type who would feel way too guilty about all the time I’d have to take off work while recovering, to do that. But fine, equally, I did start seriously thinking that maybe when I finally give up on work (and judging by deterioration, I would say 2-3 years at best), that then I’d have no excuse not to get it done on that front at least. Yes, there is still the pain involved, but fine, I’m getting used to living with pain, so whats a little bit more, in that case?
I know, it would be better to have no ‘little bump’ for wearing things like latex catsuits, and the like, but the chance of actually ever wearing that now, unless offered a role that required it, shrinks by the week! But at the same time, I could then consider those snug legging things, that would be good for me during winter, or even, heaven forbid, tight, sexy dresses, if I didnt have that issue! I know, its not going to happen overnight, whatever I do, but one of the conditions is time lived as a woman, and I have 8 years already! I believe the period required to live as a woman is 2! Not that I plan immediately on losing my virginity again, even if I do get it done, but who knows? I’d certainly feel better about dating, with the right bits, I’m sure? Again, not saying I will, but…?
There is also one monetary advantage now, I dont have to pay for prescriptions, so all those lovely hormones I’d need to ingest, lol… Hazard, I might hate myself if I dont grow decent sized breasts, as I’ve got used to having them, but I guess natural would be better, but explaining it away might be fun!
So yeah, I’ve got a visit to the surgery due soon (2 in fact, pill check, and 5 yearly health check), and now I’m wondering whether to say the magic words, that I want to start with the hormonal changes. I still dont see the surgery happening while working (I know, me and guilt), but after that, fine, I’m weakening. Funny thing is, the bits are the only things that would need changing, I’m a woman on all paperwork already! Fine, if any wealthy benefactor wants to force me to speed up the process by paying for it to be done privately, then feel free to discuss! Arm twisting practical, mind control would appeal more, if possible! 😛
So yeah, I’ve had a pondering day, which explains why this is so long today. Hope it hasnt been too much?
Right, video time. A song I dearly loved from the 70’s. And yeah, the guy with the eyepatch could easily have seduced me then, if I’d been an 18 year old girl, just saying…
Holiday memories
I had originally planned to do this on Sunday, but something more important came up, lol! Still, as not much has happened since then, you can have it tonight!
Once I started work, back in 1974, my initial break at independence was going on holiday without family. Or, to put it wholesomely by that time, not with my mother, and whichever boyfriend she was on at the time. Well, one eventually became her second husband, and that marriage lasted nearly as long as the first (until his death), so it worked out in the end, but anyway…
In truth, back then, I didnt get into the early package holidays jetting off abroad, seeing that as something more for families, than single people, even then probably, thoroughly confused by their gender, sex, and stuff like that! Hey, I was 28 before I lost my virginity, thats how confused by it all that I was!
Now, being a non driver, and very single, my options were pretty limited. Apart from a few rail rover excursions, some of the journeys of which I still treasure to this day, the main option open to me was coach holidays. Ah, the delight of single room supplements first entered my life! On most of these, I was the odd one out, being the only one not at least in their 50’s, if not older! Well, there might have been one or two others, but not many!
Anyway, I survived the experiences, though about the only surviving memory I have of them, is nothing to do with the coaches, its one I’ve mentioned before, I was on one of those trips, in a hotel in Arrochar, the night Elvis Presley died. The morning after, the woman outside the hotel mourning the fact will now almost certainly stay with me till the day I die!
However, to digress…Saturday morning, I got off the bus in town to change buses, to go to work, and what did I see? Yes, a Shearings coach, with numerous pensioners loading up their cases for a holiday away somewhere. That was when it hit me, thats probably me, in not too many more years, assuming my body lasts that long, and I’m not putting good money on that! I can already face the fact that Transatlantic flightwise, my back has only got so many trips left in it, and after that, when this passport runs out in 2025, well…
Of course, the irony is, much though I was, after a few years of those trips, sick of the sight of motorway service stations, and tourists shops, I now havent seen many in about 40 years! I suspect, like me, they may have changed a bit by then. So yes, seeing my future, and going full circle like that, strange to think! Ah well…
Of course, ‘Dr Frankenstein’ might have taken me off to a nice lab by then, and turned me into a ‘whole new woman’ but I wont hold my breath on that one, knowing my luck!
Right, video time. Its not the song I was originally considering for this, but then one of the music regulars of my childhood passed away at 74. So, in tribute to Chas Hodges (of Chas & Dave fame), and coach trips, I present…
And yes, I went to Margate as a child, many times, though by train!
Bi Bi Baby
Today just happens to be one of those ‘days’ that I approve of, as it affects me personally, and thats Bi Visibility Day. Strictly, you could say I’m not bisexual, I’m asexual, as I have very little (or less) interest in actual sex with anyone, of either gender, but thats beside the point. The point is, if so inclined, I can fancy people of either gender, so just be warned, lol! It also means that I dont mind people of either gender fancying me, but on the whole, the likelihood of that happening has to be pretty slim! 😛
For tonight, I’m going to concentrate on one myth that so many believe, but just isnt true. You know, that crazy one that if you’re bi, you fancy equally people of both genders, just not true! I’m sure there are some who are perfectly 50/50, and good luck to them. However, most have a preference (slight, or otherwise) for one gender or the other, while not excluding someone from the other gender, if they are so attracted.
Me, its best to say, I’m more likely to be attracted to a woman, than a man. However, I’ve certainly seen men for whom I would definitely get my bits ‘bobbed’ if so desired, or who knows, they might prefer me as I am, best of both worlds? 😉 Equally, I’m sure some women would have preferences on my genital area, as to which version they would prefer, not that ‘something’ really works nowadays, but thats beside the point. I think any partner, of either gender, would probably have more ‘fun’ with the fact that after nearly 20 years, I’ve got used to doing my thing, and not worrying about a ‘significant other’ and to what they would like to do.
Ideally (for me at least), they could get me ‘upgraded’ as a nice, obedient Stepford type wife, but not sure if that can be done for real, lol? Lets face it, I’d enjoy that way too much, anyway!
In truth, I think in a perfect world, more people would be bisexual, its just that their social norms, or beliefs lead them to deny the fact, but besides all that…
But yes, I’m Bi (loosely), and I’m definitely visible about it, so…lol? So, guys and girls, if you’re trying to hide the fact you want the best of both worlds, then just come out, and be proud, just saying… 😉 Offers of love, marriage, or just a coffee/dinner date, to stephmajor8@hotmail.com or comments here, but I wont expect to get crushed in the rush!
OK, video time. My spelling might be suitably wrong, but those old enough to remember this might have worked it out. Oh, to have been a young lady in the mid 70’s, and swooned over them, and worn tartan. Now that would be fun!
No makeup required?
Yes, tonights blog might, ever so slightly, be tongue in cheek, just saying? 😉
One thing I’ve come to the conclusion of, is that if I really want to revive my ‘acting’ career, once I reach retirement age, I need to move to the Blackpool area. No, I know, there probably are opportunities elsewhere, if I put my mind to it, but in terms of fun, one off roles, it seems a good place to be. Maybe thats because the lady behind the Winter Gardens Festival Volunteers is just good at going out, and advertising these things, and maybe its just due to the fact that a workmate, and friend tipped me off about them at the beginning of this year, but either way…it works for me.
Yes, I’ve done a couple of things already, and try keeping me away from next years film festival (its my birthday week in March, so work wont be an issue), believe me. There might be at least a couple of us hoping the movie will be a 30’s musical for the outfits, though the audience (and some of the other volunteers) might wish otherwise, lol! But yes, doing my best ‘Clara Johnson’ routine would be a lot of fun! At least 2 of us are trying to get this to happen regardless, so fingers crossed.
OK, back to the title. October 26th (Friday), there is a film showing at Lytham, and they are seeking volunteers to dress up as witches. Yes, thats where the ‘no makeup’ comment for me fits in, as lets face it, witches arent meant to be the most beautiful of creatures, are they? Besides which, it would be fun pretending to be wicked, lol! 😉
I suspect I might have played a witch, or a wizard in my time, but just cant put one to mind. However, at the Boys Grammar School, we did ‘that Scottish play’, and I had a minor part, so just maybe I did? 😉 Oh god, I must have been in heaven back then, a need for ‘boys’ (strictly, in my case) to play female parts, oh love it! Now I could play a witch legitimately, but…
Sadly, no, its not going to happen, for so many reasons. A good one is that I really havent got the holiday allowance left, as I need to save some days for January, to try and pace breaks for my back, especially in winter, and I think I’ve just about got a week left at this time! Next is distance, doing a trip from here, to Lytham, and back, all in 1 day, not going to happen, especially as we will be required until about 8 pm. Throw in cost, as its the weekend of the Gatsby Dance in Bradford, even more no go!
But yes, when I retire, either at 66 (legal) in about 5 and a half years, or whenever my back gives up the ghost for that much physical exertion (far more likely, I fear) involved in getting to and from work, I might just have to move to somewhere where I can get my acting skills put back to good use yet again., maybe?
Unless any generous benefactor wishes to subsidise a new acting career for me? No, thought not, lol! 😛
Right, video tonight, its one of those progression things. No, there is no song of such a title that I know of, but there is an album with a similar name. And one of the singles taken off that LP is…
Getting ready for the 20’s
No, darlings, I’m not getting keen, and getting ready for the 2020’s, heaven forbid, though if anyone has an astronaut suit (supposed to be going to Mars in this decade), or a nice robot suit, I wont say no. But no, seemingly, in the next 6 months or so, the 1920’s will feel like my favored destination. Not that I will complain, and if I can find that time travel window back to that era, just think how far my bank balance would go, lol. Four figures must have been a decent fortune back then, I’m sure?
Tomorrow, I will be wearing something far more interesting at work than a top, and slacks, believe me. We’re having a ‘dress up’ day, to hopefully raise some money for charity, and I was playing up my options as to what dress to wear. I did consider the ‘wedding day’ dress, or a blue, sparkly 30’s number, but both are fairly short (just about knee length), and the weather forecast for tomorrow (wind and rain) suggest those options might not be wise, even if the only trip outdoors in them would be to get lunch, not wearing a nice dress on the dirty old buses, lol. Yes, credit to First Buses, some of them feel like they were built in the 1920’s, though the licence plates suggest the turn of the century is as old as they get, but even so… Mind, if anyone in area has a car free tomorrow, complete with rumble seat? 😉 Boop, boop a doo!
And yes, even though I’m going to be a thoroughly modern flapper, the short dresses in that style wont be coming out just yet, either. Maybe soon (see shortly on here), but not tomorrow, as they show the knee, let alone just about covering it. I know, darlings, shocking at 60, but we girls have to have fun, giggle! So yes, planning on taking the long flapper dress I wore on my Birthday with me, though I suspect some ‘more modern’ woman will probably beat me to the prize, as I’m not the cutest beauty!
On top of that, at the end of October (Sunday, 28th) in Bradford, there is going to be a Gatsby evening, and fine, given it wont be far from work, I cant resist that. It is principally for a dance, which I might try and do, even though saying I’ve got 2 left feet would probably be kind. Might be my knee damage, might be that Clara stole all the dancing skills, but cant dance to save my life. But yes, darlings, short flapper dress, giggly attitude, and who knows, I might be the Cats Whiskers, but I doubt it.
Then in March, another 20’s event in Leeds seemingly, which I could easily be convinced to go to, though dress length might depend on decorum, and the weather at the time. Would love to say short, but it wont be warm, especially when I come out, and a ‘young lady’ will probably have to get back to Huddersfield afterwards, so…tries to look angelic…?
To be honest, I’ll probably be happier living in the 1920’s, though ideally with modern conveniences, as I’m sure I’d make a lousy housewife nowadays if I had to cook everything from scratch! Might give my loving husband a ‘little shock’ too, at present, lol! 😛
I wonder if Clara Johnson frolicked as a young flapper back in the real 1920’s? I suspect she did, but no evidence of course. But no, cant imagine a dancer being shy, and retiring, somehow?
Right, video. I’ve used this song before (not hard to work out with 1 hit wonders), and I might have used this video before as well, but just seems rather apt. No, tomorrow at least, I will not be flashing this much leg! Other 2 Flapper events, who knows, darlings, but I wouldnt have high expectations, lol? Couple of weird, added extras in this, but this is only copy I can find.
Moods, memories, and a book review!
Before I get started, let me just mention that the 2 ‘youthful’ people who went to Inverness got home fine, with no incident, other than the obvious Trans Pennine Express train delay. Seriously, 12 train journeys in total, and only 2 were late, both you know who! Strictly, the return train from Aviemore to Inverness was nearly 2 hours late, but for us, it meant we ran 7 minutes early, so…
Anyway, I took a book away with me to read on trains, given that the life of my old computer, not plugged in, was roughly 20 minutes at the end. Yes, this is first blog, on new computer, all seems fine. Well, I prefer the old email collection method to this, but other than that…
Oh, that book? Well, it would be this one
MOODS, MEMORIES AND OTHER MANOEUVRES – JULIA KNEALE (SIGNED)
Which if anyone wants to rush out and buy, you’d make us both happy! I’ve never actually met Julia as yet, but I feel like I’ve known her for years through social media, perhaps because I have! She’s a wonderful lady, just slightly younger than me, and its been a privilege to chat with her as much as I have. We’re not that far apart distance wise, so maybe while our bodies are still up to it, we may yet meet, but otherwise…
Oh fine, she’s got me beat, the closest I’ve ever got to Andy McCluskey is the third standing row at Leeds, in 2013, on their tour that year. That was the night that I pledged all further concerts in my life would be seating only! So sadly, I missed this in 2017, as there were only standing tickets left by the time I got back from US
Would definitely have met her there, if I’d gone, but anyway…
Oh, the book. Its well written, telling a fascinating tale of real life, interspersed with a brief moment of fame, or two. Seems we have one thing in common at least, both of us had parents who divorced while we were young. Beyond that, we’ve both had interesting, but different lives, brought together by the medium of Facebook! I’m not going to say too much about the book, because I want you to go out and buy it for yourself, and read it, because its that good. And no, if you’re not an OMD fan, there is still plenty in there for you.
To my knowledge, I have met 4 ‘pop stars’, 1 you will know, 1 you might know, and 2 you definitely wouldnt know! Geri Halliwell was a case of just being in the right place, at the right time, as a couple of acting contacts who I was meeting in London, were working with her just after she left the Spice Girls, and she was there when I arrived! Nothing like Ginger Spice, in any sense of the word! Simon Crowe, of the Boomtown Rats had a second living, post group fame, doing watch repairs, or something. Anyway, we’d needed a vintage pocket watch for something acting wise, and guess who delivered it? Yes, him!
The other 2, well, bit of a cheat, but when I was much younger, I had 2 friends who worked in the band at Pontins, Camber Sands, but also got seconded into Womble suits for some of their TV performances, when others werent available. I only wish I’d got the chance to do the same, but never did!
Thats it, so after watching the next video, go back to the top of this blog, click on the link, and do yourself a favour, and buy the book!
That video. Well, its the connection between Julia, and OMD which has meant the relationship between them has lasted longer, than it might have done otherwise. Amazing what some ‘scribblings’ can lead to!
The logic of Trump,honesty, and a likely farewell
Oh fine, I wasnt going to post again tonight, but enough has happened today to make it worthwhile, so lets roll with it.
The day started with some amusement, and helped to convince me that Trump followers really are idiots, or some of them, anyway. It actually started positively (if you ignore the earlier sighting on news of Trump doing a fist pump at a 9/11 memorial service, for heavens sake. Is he, and his fans complete idiots? Oh fine, seemingly, but more on that shortly.
Some very efficient service from a nice man at Scotrail assistance, means Eric will not need to walk miles at Edinburgh Waverley on the return journey, assistance arranged! But then to today’s journey, and the moment of idiocy. There were at least 2 signs, that I noticed, advising customers that there were no seat reservations on the train we were catching to Aviemore, due to, as I found out later, a printer issue.
So fine, no great fuss, got in a pair of seats, ready for the journey, and then… This American elderly man, wearing, you’ve guessed it, one of the dreaded M.A.G.A hats came up to us, and told us we were in his reserved seats. I politely explained, just as the conductor was again confirming it over the speaker system, that there were no reserved seats. His only reply (and its fair to comment, there was little sign of intelligence in his eyes, was to repeat what he said, and glare at us again. After 3 rounds of this, I decided that beating my head against a Trump fan, with an IQ roughly around zero, was a pointless exercise, so we gave up, and moved.
He then started bemoaning us to his wife, who miraculously pointed out to him that we were right, there were no reserved seats on the train. Anyway, one of his other companions/family members gave a face that was clean out of Redneck territory at the whole event, best described as a gurn. No, I’m not sure his IQ was as high as zero! Thankfully, we were only going one stop, so soon left them behind, about 35 minutes later.
The steam train ride was nice. Cant remember the last time before this I rode a steam train, definitely cant remember the last time I had a meal on one! Anyway, back to Aviemore at 14.08, and… we proceeded, after about 30 minutes wait, to get the 12.23 to Inverness! No, I’m not kidding, there was an issue with a freight train further down the line, it was running about 2 and a quarter hours late! Now, in this country, when you have this much of a delay, you get a refund on your ticket. Thing is, we were actually booked on an anytime ticket, which even though that wasnt our planned train, we could have claimed for the delay. Thing is, we had reserved seats for the 14.40, so if anyone checked, we werent actually delayed, but a few minutes early.
I’ll be honest, if worthwhile money was involved (£9.75 each), and I wasnt a civil servant, I probably would have gone for it anyway. But yeah, I can just see the headlines, if anyone found out, so for that much money, no go. Honest, but stupid, probably!
Lastly, after we got back to the hotel, and Eric settled down for a nap, I took a stroll back up into Inverness, one last time, probably. I cant see me being back anytime soon, and in truth, a few years after that, I probably, quite literally wont be going anywhere, lol! Body might last a few more years, but I suspect not many, and the odds on being back up here, not good.
So, when I was a child (as I have mentioned before), I had some distant relative who lived in the Highlands, at Kinlochleven, of a very similar age to me. She, as I suspect young Scottish children do, was from time to time, dressed in her clan colors, Maclaine of Lochbuie. At one time, I had a tie, and a plaque in said colors, but both have long since passed from my ownership in time, and moves. Anyway, I thought it might be fun to look for a dress, or skirt in said clan colors, but unsurprisingly, I couldnt find any, its not one of the popular clans, shall we say? But those I did, well over £100, so definitely not going to happen, regardless! Oh fine, lets include the clan name as a category, I might get offered a skirt, or dress in clan colors, though I wont hold my breath on that!
And thats about it! Tomorrow we head back down south, end of the break. Lets just say I’m looking forward to some lay ins, in the morning, for the last 3 days of my break! Eric, please note, lol!
I dont know what to say about video suggestions, to be honest. Last Farewell, Roger Whitaker, maybe?
Edited to add the video from home
Build a rainbow or two, with a missing ferry, and hotel?
Totally confused? Oh, I hope so, as thats the plan to make you read this, lol.
OK, catching up on the week so far. Yesterday was more memorable for the things that didnt go to plan, whereas today, with one exception, went pretty well to plan.
So yesterday, lets start with the usual culprit, Trans Pennine, and their non-express service. OK, lets say wonderful service from a member of staff from same company! Even more confused? Oh good!
We arrived at Huddersfield yesterday morning, to find our train was running 13 minutes late. Then it got to 18 late, actually left 16 minutes late, so yes, they have as much clue as a certain US president does, lol. Not surprisingly, it lost more time before York, and basically, we werent going to make our train at Newcastle, and all plans could have gone haywire from there. So, I thought I’d buy a coffee, and at least enjoy that on the journey, when…the conductor told us our train was actually behind us going into York. It was probably going to overtake it en route to Newcastle (it did!), so he got us off there, wrote a sweet message for the guard of the other train, we got on it, and sorted.
Well, apart from my coffee, which was the item I then couldnt carry, and half got lost in the transfer, but anyway…
Next, Edinburgh! I had rashly assumed all platforms were pretty much in one area, and that the transfer, even with limited mobility on our parts (Eric even more than me), it wouldnt be that hard. Unfortunately we were dropped off on a platform about half a mile from the main area of the station, and it was a challenge to get there. Thankfully, we had plenty of time, so survived.
The rest was straightforward enough, other than the amusement on my part, when I saw they’d put Eric down as Mr Carpenter on the invoice. I know, one name on the booking, twin room, so…Still found it funny, but thats just me? Hotel is lovely by the way.
Today, to Kyle of Lochalsh. OK, this is where the title comes into play. You could call the Skye line, the LGBT line, because we saw rainbows both ways, a very spectacular one heading there, less so coming back. 2 of the stations, the platforms are so ‘large’ they only open 1 door on the train, because thats all thats on the platform!
OK, first the missing hotel. Eric has got one of those ‘drivers eyes’ videos of the Kyle line, but the thing is, it was made in 1987! It therefore showed a building I first saw as a child, the Achnasheen Inn Hotel, on the platform of Achnasheen station. So, someone was looking forward to seeing an old friend again, right? Wrong, seemingly, as it burnt down in 1995! I did wonder if I was missing something, until I found out the news at the museum on Kyle station! Just glad I didnt say anything at the time, as locals would have thought me crazy asking about something that burnt down 23 years ago!
Oh fine, the missing ferry. No, not the one at Kyle, though that is definitely gone. Funnily enough, there was a large boat moored where the ferry used to leave from today though. But further up the line…
The first time I saw this corner of the world, by road, was 1971. We were using an old road map (about 1968?), and it showed the road crossing to Stromeferry, by ferry. I was navigating just fine, until we approached the area, and the signpost said something totally different to my map. Thankfully, wisdom prevailed, I followed the signposts, not the map, as the ferry had been replaced by a new road the year before! In truth, today, nearly 50 years on, I couldnt make out either point where the road met the ferry, so to speak, on either side of the water. Passing of time, and all that!
Tomorrow, so to speak, we go back in time, on a steam train from Aviemore, to Boat of Garten, and back. Lunch booked on the train, ooh! No, I havent bought a flapper dress with me, though maybe I should have done? Thursday, we head back south. More on those 2 days at end of week, I’m sure.
Apologies, but no video tonight. We do have wi-fi at the hotel, but its not quick enough to play videos, from You Tube, for sure. Probably would have gone with the theme from Rainbow, for those who wish to find their own!
Edited to add the video. Yes, the full length version, a first for me
Dont go breaking my purse!
One of the things I’ve got used to over the years, when flying to the US, is that the airlines provide you with a meal on the flight, each way, so its not something I think about too much any more, when making flight/holiday bookings. Some charge for seat selection, especially in economy class (I tend to fly premium economy now, when available), but meals, and soft drinks at least, are provided.
So, anyway, today, I was booking my trip to Portugal for November, to try and get some healing sun, and heat into my back, before the UK winter, package holiday style. Hey, given I have all these hotel chain cards, I normally book everything separately, but needs must…
So yes, cleverly, I put enough on my prepaid credit card to cover the cost of the holiday (which has gone up since first checking, due to pound collapsing against Euro, due to Brexit, rolls eyes…), and a little bit to spare. Only, by the time I’d selected my seats (I’m a window person, darlings), and paid the cost of package, I was beginning to cut it fine. That was when I found out I had to pay extra, again, for meals on the plane! Oops! Anyway, I’ve compromised, I’ve got a meal going out, but nothing coming back, but beyond boredom issue, shouldnt be a problem, as its an afternoon flight, and I should be able to have lunch before leaving Portugal, and survive till after I get back to UK. Of course, alternatively, before November, I can put more money on card, edit the booking to add a meal, and issue solved. But, old habits… No, cant remember last time I paid for a meal on a plane! Oh well… Oh fine, the card now has a balance of £0.04! Lol!
Who knows, I might even get to wear that cute little swimsuit I got yet. Yes, the skirt kind, which will hide a million sins. Unless anyone buys me a burkini in interim (are they legal in Portugal?), and dares me to wear it, at least!
Right, video time. I never thought I would find a live version of this, but lo and behold, I have!
stevielounicks 
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