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Helen_Highwater
11-17-2022, 06:25 AM
That anyone took up their offer for a supported time out and missed out on a lovely time.

It was late afternoon by the time Debs had checked into her hotel and I was able to pick her up and head off for a little retail therapy at the Traffod shopping mall. Browsed the racks in John Lewis before moving on. Debs needed a new compact and had the help of a delightful SA in Boots who advised her on best colour match and re-did her lippy for free which looked fab when done.

Hose added to the shopping basket we moved on for a quick drink in Starbucks followed by checking out Accessorize and a few other shops.

Time was marching on so we headed back towards the car and passing through John Lewis again were stopped by 3 young people who were looking for the way out of the store. Directions supplied it was hard not to notice that they didn't react in anyway to 2 CD'ers. In fact no-one reacted to us throughout our time there.

Having dropped Debs off at the hotel to freshen up, I parked and made my way to sit in the hotel bar until she re-appeared, I then used her room to do the same, putting on a different outfit and freshening up the makeup.

Off to the pub and while I got drinks Debs went looking for a table. She asked if we could share a table with what turned out to be a most interesting couple.

She was a full time CD originally from Brazil, her friend, a gay man from Saudi Arabia. We exchanged life stories chatting away like old acquaintances. After about 30 minutes they had to leave but said they would be back for the show which turned out to be a drag act called Crystal Lubricant would you believe.

Our two vacant seats were soon filled by a couple, friends of the act. They made exotic costumes for performers or anyone that wanted one, some of the pictures were amazing. Again catted away like old friends.

Crystal started her act, good singer BTW, and then it was our turn to move on. Molly's next, a quieter venue where we looked back on the day and mulled over the opportunities missed by those for whatever reason, felt unable to join us.

11:00 came and Molly's closed so next the Goose just around the corner. On our way we bumped into the first couple we met earlier waiting for a taxi. It was like meeting old friends with smiles and hugs exchanged.

Into theGoose. Seats at the bar we carried on chatting. A girl, a face familiar to me appeared. "Sorry, you look familiar, did you used to go to Concorde?" No, not from there then it dawned on me. YouTube. Check out Amanda White for some interesting out and about videos.

It turned 11:30 and time for this Cinders to head off. Goodbyes and hugs exchanged I left Debs to continue the evening while I drove back to base arriving at 01:30 tired but happy at the days events.

So yes, I have to say it again, if you were tempted but didn't join us then you missed out on a wonderful time. No-one was vaguely interested in us in a bad way and we interacted with a good many throughout the day. Two ladies out shopping, socialising, having a good time. You could have been No3, or 4 or 5.

Perhaps next year eh!

Emily in the south
11-17-2022, 06:48 AM
What a scary title to your great day, had me fooled.
Shopping and bar hopping.. You ladies just have too much fun!
Thanks for the nice read as I am sipping my 1st morning coffee. What will the next installment bring..

Emily

Sandi Beech
11-17-2022, 07:22 AM
Sounds like a good time, maybe others will go on your next trip. Afraid it?s too far for a lot of us.

Sandi

bridget thronton
11-17-2022, 09:46 AM
Sounds like a great outing

CDSophie62
11-17-2022, 10:10 AM
Glad you both had a great time .
I was indeed tempted, but circumstances didn't permit this year .

Maybe next year ?

Sophie

StephanieCD
11-17-2022, 11:35 AM
Wish I could have joined you but live along way from Manchester. All the way down in Devon unfortunately. But loved reading your account sounded brilliant girls. Thank you.

mykell
11-17-2022, 12:29 PM
i dont live far from Manchester....unfortunately im in the wrong part of the globe....met some interesting peeps while out on your excursion....

docrobbysherry
11-17-2022, 01:23 PM
U mention photos but didn't post any?:sad:

Geena75
11-17-2022, 07:01 PM
Were it not for time and distance, I would have been there. Totally love getting out with friends.

Debs
11-17-2022, 11:11 PM
what an amaziing time out with Helen, we went to the most busiest place in Manchester, we traversed the biggest shopping centre in the north of the known planet, what an amazing time, Helen looked fabulas as always, I did find it hard to compete with Her, and guess what girls, all we got was a big fat welcome to the real world 2022, everyone welcomed us, we just had a wonderful time

Debbie Denier
11-18-2022, 05:04 AM
Wonderful that you and Debs had such a good time Helen.A shame nobody else could join you this year.Sometimes circumstances get in the way. I met up with a few former colleagues yesterday at a classic rock gig. Many I haven?t seen for a few years. 1 friend was critical of non attendance at previous events. another friend unknown to us had a quadruple heart by pass operation. A few others had health issues. Another was a carer for his mother that had dementia and had not been out for years. CDs are notoriously unreliable when arranging meet ups. Used to happen regularly at a support group I attended many years ago. Its not always easy to get away from an inquisitive spouse particularly at this time of year.Especially when one is in the closet. I admire your dedication to the cause and salute you. Your enthusiasm is infectious.Maybe next year who knows. You and Debs are very experienced and accomplished dressers . Do you think that might frighten off an inexperienced and not confident CD?. Kind regards.

Helen_Highwater
11-18-2022, 11:22 AM
what an amaziing time out with Helen, we went to the most busiest place in Manchester, we traversed the biggest shopping centre in the north of the known planet, what an amazing time, Helen looked fabulas as always, I did find it hard to compete with Her, and guess what girls, all we got was a big fat welcome to the real world 2022, everyone welcomed us, we just had a wonderful time

If I looked fab then Debs was immaculate!

Thanks to all for the kind and supportive comments.

I think it's worth reiterating just how supportive those outside our community were. This has been true for the entire time I've spend out and about. Folks have been quick to engage and alwayes positively.

Debs and I discussed at length what we could do to entice others onto experiencing the freedom we've both now taken for granted.

And if you're now thinking I'd like a bit of that and can make it to Blackpool then Debs did say, after a couple of rum and cokes I should add, that she'd be happy to show folks the ropes while on one of her regular visits.

KymG
11-19-2022, 07:35 AM
Sound like a pleasent trip.
Maybe one day for me, wasnt going to happen this time around, Im not quite at that stage yet.
The invite was appreciated though, Thank you.

Besides, i wouldnt know what to wear! :)

Debs
11-20-2022, 03:36 AM
Debs needed a new compact and had the help of a delightful SA in Boots who advised her on best colour match and re-did her lippy for free which looked fab when done.




Me in Boots having my lippy done

332516

Helen_Highwater
11-20-2022, 06:57 AM
A picture paints a thousand words. This is typical of the sort of reactions /interactions you get when out and about.

While Debs was getting her lippy sorted I was at the No7 counter. My foundation is getting low but I couldn't see anything on the bottle to tell me what shade it is. Asking a SA she told me that it's tucked away on the bottom of the bottle. Sneeky eh. So something else learned. We carried on chatting, me asking about a few other things. All very natural and typical of our experiences that day.