2018, part 2, the last pre-code lady
And so to the second half of the year.
In truth, personal things prior to September were fairly limited. Mainly because I was at work, through the school holidays, covering for those who need the time off.
One sad thing that did happen before then, happened in August. To many, it probably seems amazing that an adult actress from the early 1930’s had survived this long, but one of them had. But eventually that tie was cut, when Mary Carlisle passed away at the grand old age of 104. She was pretty sharp to the end, if less mobile, and for a while she had been the last, and all knew the link was coming to an end, but for those of us who love that era, it was still a sad moment when it arrived.
September saw me going back to a place I hadnt visited in nearly 40 years, Inverness, taking Eric away with me for a few days of fun. Well, as much fun as two people with disability issues can have, anyway. I managed to fulfil one ambition I’d had for about that long, if not more, by travelling the Skye Line to Kyle of Lochalsh. The fact that the last time I was there, the only way to Skye was by ferry, and now a bridge has been there for decades, all a bit strange. There are still a couple of railway lines in Scotland I’d love to do (Oban line, Fort William to Mallaig), and the Cambrian Coast line in Wales to a place I could never pronounce correctly (Pwllheli) that are a challenge for another day, health permitting. There are also a couple of very long distance ones in North America too, though they may be less likely, and trickier to do.
At one point I thought that November would see me doing a Transgender Awareness Week speech in Florida, but it soon seemed that someone was all talk, and no reality, so it never happened. So instead, I headed somewhere nearly as warm for the week, to the Algarve, to give my back some heat before winter kicked in. I wont deny I might have done a little bit of apartment prospecting while there, should the chance arise, and yes, if things work out, my old age could well be spent out there. There is a financial issue (not enough money), and a political issue (post Brexit residence rules) that may stop that, but fingers crossed… A lottery jackpot win before March 29 might be very handy! But lifestyle, and health wise, I could do a lot worse.
Then we come to the old chestnut, my health issue. In recent weeks my left wrist seems to have developed issues, probably due to too much typing, and stuff, for the last 40 years or so. So now I have 2 issues leaving me wondering how much longer work is going to be possible? More amusingly, due to coming 4th in a year long Golf tipping contest on Twitter, I gained £100 for my pains, and thought I’d give some new therapies a try, rather than frittering it on clothing, and the like. So yes, I got to discover just how amazing a flotation tank (sensory deprivation tank) is, and even better, the weightless floating does seem to do my back a lot of good too. Fine, the tank hasnt tried to brainwash me yet, though I’m still hoping!
Oh, and December saw the Works Christmas dinner, in a new dress, in a casino, and my first ever bet in such a place. Yes, I lost quickly, but it was a free £5 chip, so nothing lost really!
Lastly, and sadly, the Department I work in, in their wisdom, have decided to move our section out of Finance, and into a new Collection based group. So unfortunately, just as our LGBT committee were getting ready to do something really exciting, I’m out, as from tomorrow. I cant see me going quiet on LGBT issues, but it may give me less options now, though I have applied for something for the whole Department, not just Finance, but will be over a month before I hear about that. Ah well…
Right, tomorrow I will close the trilogy, with a look at New Year happenings (and possible happenings) on the first day of 2019. But until then, let me wish all my readers, those who arent there already at least, a Happy New Year in 2019.
OK, video. Just a quickie tonight. Its hard to find anything for Mary Carlisle other than a couple of full films, and sets of pictures. But I found this, Bing Crosby singing to her, 85 years ago!
Catching up on events
Yes, I humbly apologise to anyone who might have been concerned about my impending death after Tuesday’s posting, but thankfully, or otherwise, depending on your opinion of me, I’m still here.
So lets catch up on the events of the latter part of the week, then if you’re good, I’ll come up with something more interesting tomorrow.
You could say that a couple more rare events happened on Wednesday, in truth. Firstly, for the first time in a long while, I made a book sale. Yes, only one, but its been so long, anything is good. Funnily enough, I had advertised one of my books that morning, on Facebook, care of that anniversary thing they have, to annoy people, or otherwise. But equally ironic, that wasnt the one I made a sale on! If anyone does want to take a chance on my books, a link is https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/merrybrooks though you can find me under the same author name at other popular places too.
The other pleasant surprise I got on Wednesday, was a reward from a hotel group I’m a member of. A while back, I did a survey for them, and there were some prizes of a £10 Amazon certificate, and amazingly, I got one! No, I havent done anything with it yet, still pondering on that. Sadly, I’ve failed to find any genuine space craft on sale for £10! 😛 So I’m expecting it will either be something to wear, or something to eat, but undecided as yet.
Beyond that, and the main reason why its been so long since I wrote, I’ve been out doing interviews, and things. Had one over Bradford on Thursday, which I battled through, much as usual, which I suspect will probably bring the expected result, a lack of success. But hey, this week, who knows? Yesterday, I done my signing on in the morning, then headed over to Leeds, to register at an agency, as requested. Yes, I’m getting ever more cynical about these places, because when I got there, they told me that recruitment for this role had been suspended that morning. If I didnt know better, I would cynically think they never existed, but anyway, we will see.
Lastly, given a pair of successes this week, I decided to give the Lotteries a go this weekend. Well, last night, on the Euro Millions one, I got 1 number. Yes, no prize. I suspect tonight, with the UK one, will be more of the same, but I can hope, for a few more hours at least!
Oh, and my American ‘boy friend’ still seems to be in love with me, despite a few more postings showing I’m clearly not a natural woman. Who knows, maybe he knows, and doesnt care, but I dont see it that way, to be honest. But hey, I dont hide things, so…maybe one day I will get married, as a blushing bride. Yeah, stop laughing! Me, a wife, in California, you have to be joking, surely!
Right, the video. Something from a TV show from the 60’s, that I’ve found. Seems these 2 fine ladies are still going strong, at 79! Yes, married, I might get some day, but dont expect to see me holding my breath on that.
I’m dreaming of a wet Christmas
No, its not quite the song title, but its certainly the more apt version over here at present, with our current weather. Thankfully there is no flooding here, but its been pretty awful in the South West of England, thats for sure. I hope Santa has got some scuba gear for delivery purposes down there lol! Seriously, I feel so sorry for those whose Christmas will be ruined by this awful weather, but in all honesty, its barely stopped raining all year over here!
Still, better than the 2 foot of snow dumped on parts of the US last week, including, yes, you’ve guessed it, Kansas!
Presents, well, I know one, a bottle of wine from work, which I’m hanging on to, as I dont have many to open on the day, so have added that to my collection for the big day. Tomorrow, I’m going out, but not into town, you wouldnt get me going there for all the tea in China, it will be crazy down there, if not worse! No, going in the opposite direction, getting my nails touched up, and needed massage and facial, for my aching limbs, and rain, and wind battered face. Will look, and feel better at least, even if beauty is a miracle needed beyond that lol!
Out for Christmas dinner on Tuesday, pretty sure it will be a blouse and skirt look, got a nice matching green set, and they would be favourite at present. Mind, the dress is still in the wardrobe, so…but its a big outsider lol!
And then, back to work Boxing Day! Yes, thats it for the holidays for me lol!
So finally, I’d like to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year, and thanks for reading all my little pieces through the year. Yes, I’m sure there will be at least 1 more post in 2012, but better safe than sorry. The video, yes, I think you’ve worked it out by now
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