Riding a bike

[Helen_Highwater]

So, Helen has arrived at her holiday home. Changed into femme wear a couple of miles frommy destination but sans makeup. On arrival a tradesman was getting things from his van next to where I parked on the driveway so I had to wait a minute or two before getting the key from the key safe. Anyway once in I brought in the things I needed for my evening at the theatre.

Time was tight so shower, put on some slap and lippy, new dress and heels, grab a handbag and head off.

Made it to the theatre with about 10 minutes to spare. No real nerves, a bit like as my title says, riding a bike. 15 months without going out but straight back on the horse to mix up metaphors.

Interval came so ice cream time. Got chatting to the two usherettes who were very engaging. In fact on leaving one of them asked me if I'd enjoyed to show and we chatted some more.

Needed supplies so stopped off at a supermarket for a bit of late night shopping before heading back to base for a bite to eat and to sort out the disaster area that was my bed with clothes, jewellery and half emptied bags strewn all over it as a consequence of my haste in getting ready.

So off to a good start. Today the sun is shining, highs of 15c forecast. So had breakfast, time to sort out an outfit for a walk around the local town, browes a few stores, find somewhere for a bite to eat and then back to base to watch England Vs Italy in the last match of the 6 nations Rugby tournament.

Then it's change and out to the cinema. Well you need to make the most of your time don't you?

[Genifer Teal]

That's funny.I'm actually looking for the part where you rode a bike. I was curious to hear about your experience. I got on one recently and it wasn't quite as simple as I remembered. Lol

[Maria 60]

I also thought you were going to tell us about an experience of riding a bike dressed in fem. I could almost feel your excitement as your writing and so glad your having a great time and looking forward to reading some more exciting stories soon

[bridget thronton]

Enjoy your holiday

[Sandi Beech]

Helen,

You made me chuckle a bit when you described your bed as a disaster area. I have gone out dressed up the last two nights and now my whole house is about as bad as your bed : )

Sandi

[Helen_Highwater]

That's funny.I'm actually looking for the part where you rode a bike. I was curious to hear about your experience. I got on one recently and it wasn't quite as simple as I remembered. Lol

Genifer,

Although all turned out well, like your experience, there's always those little wobbles when it's been a long break. If you saw me trying to put on false eyelashes you'd know what I mean. Quickly gave that up as time was tight. Even my mascara left something to be desired.

[docrobbysherry]

I strongly recommend wearing shorts or tite pants/leggings when riding. And, never wear nylons or pantyhose with shorts!:doh:

U CAN wear hi heels. But, no sandals or platforms!:thumbsdn:

And, most important, DON'T TUCK!:eek:

[alwayshave]

Helen, Enjoy your holiday.

[Helen_Highwater]

With a bit of luck the Mods will allow me to post daily reports about my holiday adventures as a way of inspiring others to have the enjoyment I and others get from outabdaboutery.
Day 2 and took my time getting dressed. Weather sunny so pink pull on skirt with matching flat sandals, red and white crossover top that, with help from some boob tape showed a bit of cleavage. Long pink cardigan to round it out.
Modest makeup, handbag sorted, time to head out the door.
DIY store first. Needed the help of a SA who was engaging and friendly. I bought some craft blades which needs proof of age and again the SA was great.
I won't detail everything but in the cafe, same treatment, no stares or remarks at anytime during my time out. All good.
Back to base to freshen up and change. Black and red crossover dress, burgundy 3" heels and off to the cinema. Young SA commented on how much she liked the colour of my nails(rich blue) explaining she wasn't allowed nail varnish at work. We chatted till my film was about to start.
Film over, drive through Mac and back to base.
No dramas, all good, time to shower, clean off my slap and head to bed as I've got a long day planned for tomorrow.

[JulieC]

Your adventures are indeed inspiring, Helen :)

[TrishaLake]

Doing Pride in key west this year for two days and will dress the entitre time, this is a great idea to hsare it , I will do that.

[SavannahVee]

Sounds like a great day Helen. Keep us posted!

[Helen_Highwater]

So day 3 of outandaboutery. Today it involved train and bus rides so up at 08:00 to begin getting ready, coissant for breakfast then sort out the outfit, Houndstooth skirt with pink coral top, thick grey hose and grey knee high flat (1" chunky heel") and light grey faux leather waist length jacket.

Munda matters such as putting out the bins for the dustmen taken care of before driving the short distance to the station to catch the 10:15 to Chester.

Bought my ticket on the train from the train manager, no issues and settled in to watch the world slip by fir 50 minutes. Arrived in Chester and by good fortune the bus I needed rolled up as I left the station. Being over 65 gets you a bus pass that you can use on any bus anywhere in the country so my onward journey was free.

FYI: pass holders are often referred to as " Twirlies" as the passes can't be used before 09:30 so as to not effect commuters on their way to work so holders have been known to ask," Am I too early" hence Twirlie.

Anyway back to the plot.20 minutes say me arrive at Cheshire Oaks outlet retail park. M&S first, buying two camies before visiting the cafe for a drink and sandwich.

Fed time to explore others shops. Need some small packs of tissues to keep in my handbags as well as eyebrow wax/powder combination. Asked a SA and she showed me 3 options, chose one with a brown coloured wax. While paying we got talking, she'd just come back off 2 weeks leave but spent up at home. Talked for a minute or two before I moved on.

Matalan next, bought a lightweight cream blouse with a black flower motif. I'd be putting all my purchases in my handbag which was now full so time to break out my folding shopping bag. SA commented on just how useful they are and I related the tale of how once I'd left it with over 100 pounds worth of clothes in a station waiting room. Thankfully got off at the next stop and the ticket clerk rang the station and the bag appeared on the next train.

Next M&S outlet store where they sell off end of lines. Been looking for a royal blue satin blouse and low and behold found just what I wanted and greatly reduced.

Back to catch the bus and got chatting to a young woman who turned out to be from Ireland but living in England. Talked about this and that, about friends of mine who hail from the Emerald Isle until our bus came. Would have been creepy to sit by her but as she got off she wished me well.

Once back in Chester spent time looking around. Bought a pack of delicates washbags, new battery for my watch, visited the bank for change and then caught the shuttle bus back to the station.

Used the ladies on the station while waiting for my train. Not too busy so again watched the world go by. Getting off, picked up my car and headed off to an Amazon locker located at a petrol station to pick up a parcel. I ended up parked behind a police car. One of the officers was just getting in as I walked to the locker and of course nothing said.

Back to base via the supermarket, bins put back in their place, parked up and that was me for the day. Cooked some tea and watched TV, showered to get all my makeup off and got ready for bed.

8 hours from leaving to return so I think I'll sleep well tonight.

[DAVIDA]

No problem with chronicling your daily progress, just keep it in the same continuing thread and not separate threads.:thumbsup:
It sounds like you are having a great time.:)

[Crissy 107]

Helen, A very interesting read, Thanks!

[Joanie CD]

What a fantastic day. You are killing the outandaboutery!!

[Sherie]

Enjoying your day with you. Thank you
Sherie

[Helen_Highwater]

Having holiday accommodation with a washing machine gives me the opportunity to wash the clothes I brought with me. Blouses, dresses, all get the treatment so most of the morning spent on these housekeeping tasks.

So, time to get ready to go out. Black coated knee length skirt, black flower pattern cowl neck fitted top, black knee high flat boots to round out the ensemble.

One of the things I wanted to do was get a Bob style wig fringe sorted. I'd trimmed one in myself but in truth I didn't make a great job of it. Googled to find local hairdressers, gave the wig a good de-tangle, popped it on my head and set off.

The first salon didn't cut wigs but recommended another hairdressers, they to didn't cut wigs either and again gave a recommendation. Thankfully third time lucky and even better if I came back in 20 minutes the stylist could see me.

Grabbed a sandwich in a local cafe and headed back to the salon. The stylist couldn't have been nicer. We talked though what I wanted. I said I definitely didn't want a Claudia Winkleman, something more casual so that sorted she went to work. And of course there was the usual stylist/ client chit chat.10 minutes later the deed was done and I had a much better look.

The stylist charged me 5 pounds, so I gave her 10, I always try to reward good customer service.

I had a few things I needed to get so spent the next couple of hours shopping around, last call being the supermarket. Had a quick look around the clothing aisles and came across a short shelved button through lightweight dress for 16 quid which seemed too good to miss. Next the bakery and a cake for later.

Back to base.

So now for a night in and prepping for the trip to Manchester tomorrow to meet up with Debs.

If I had to label today I suppose I'd call it doing the normal everyday. But I did manage to tick something else off the bucket list.

[Debs]

Yep, just packing my bags ready now, willt ravel to Manchester tomorrow to meet Helen. fortunately its only an Hours drive away., Hey Helen dont forget your purse this year, lol

[Crissy 107]

Helen, Another good day for sure. Looking forward to tomorrow when Debs arrives.

[Connie D50]

I hope you have a wonderful time:)

[Helen_Highwater]

So Tuesday was a fairly easy day, nothing physically taxing but Wednesday morning about 06:00 I woke with my legs feeling like I'd done a 30k route march. They ached something rotten plus I felt less than top notch to say the least.

So the morning was spent rounding up what I needed for the coming evening and the next day.

Set off just after midday, quick pit stop for fuel and on to the coast road towards Manchester. Satnav said about 2 hours.

Stopped at a petrol station on the way into Manchester to buy a sandwich to see if that helped calm my stomach which by now was" uncomfortable ".

I'd booked a multistory car park about 100m from the hotel and on arrival parked up and ate the sandwich. Debs message to say she'd arrived so grabbed my 2 small bags and headed to the hotel to book in.

I'd missed an email from the hotel the night before that said photo I'd was required to check in. Initially I thought I was scuppered as my drivers licence was back at base. Then a moment of clarity. My senior travel pass has my picture on it and that was still in my handbag from my trip to Chester.

When booking the room I'd used the name Helen Brookes so when the check in clerk asked if I'd changed my name as calm as you like I simply said it was my preferred name. He smiled, all was good.

Bags dumped in room Debs and I rendezvous in the bar. Hugs exchanged we sat and chatted for a while before deciding to go and explore Manchester's shops. Debs needed some new tops for her and trousers for her wife. Had a walk around the Arndale centre shops before heading back to the hotel.

I won't go into details, I'll leave that to Debs but we were expecting her friend to arrived a little later. Time to shower, shave, put on slap, a dress and heels. The three of us met up in the bar, more hugs and introductions. Chatted for a while then decided to find a pub. I prefer one called Vue as I can get a bite to eat. Ordered burger and fries, tasted great but I really struggled to eat it consuming less than half before giving up.

We chatted about music, thrill rides, I showed them the video of me on the world's fastest zip line.

My two companions wanted to go dancing and in truth I really didn't feel up to it. Stomach and legs still giving me jip to I told them to go on as I was heading back to the hotel and hopefully a better night's sleep. Watched TV, headed out to a convenience store to grab a 6 pack of Pepsi Max so I had something to drink in the night.

Slept OK, next morning still feeling under the weather it was time to pack, put on a basic makeup, foundation, blusher, lippy, a quick call to Debs and once more we met in the bar. I knew I needed to eat so we headed to the convenience store I'd used the night before. Debs needed the makings of the tea she was going to cook, I opted for a pack of 4 croissant which I planned to eat once back in my car. Back to the hotel,bags grabbed, more hugs exchanged and off we went.

It turned out the croissant would make good riot control ammunition, hard and definitely not what I needed. Sat nav programmed I headed back to base. Once local stopped at a supermarket to get lunch and something for tea.

Back at base the owners gardeners were working and their bulk sack was blocking the drive. So I asked them if they'd kindly move it which they did.

Inside, sat down to eat my sandwich only managing half. Dozed off and woke some 3 hours later. Feeling better but not 100%.

So, it looks like a quiet night in front of the TV, work on getting rehydrate and hopefully I'll be back to full health and can spend my last day doing a bit more outandadoutery.

[Debs]

Thank you Helen, what a lovely meeting, and a grand night out. Helen was stunning , what can I say , pass in a heartbeat. loved every minute, we do have pics, but I cant show them without Helens permission, but she is beautiful .

[Crissy 107]

Helen, Sorry to hear you were under the weather some. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.

[Debs]

and here is the bit Helen missed out on and all you other ladies that didnt come to Manchester, we went out to the nightclub New York New York, its a disco to us older peeps, they played whatever music you asked for, I hit the dancefloor like I was 21 again, loved it, nobody cared, we then went onto several different clubs and danced the night away, Sandy would have really enjoyed herself here in Manchester Just wish more of you would take us up on our offer to take you out for the day shopping , then have an amazing night out. But thank you Helen for arranging this meeting. Me and my GG friend certainly enjoyed it.
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[Helen_Highwater]

It's now Friday early evening. Feeling better but my tummy is still a bit gripey and I can at least eat a bit more.

Didn't get up till 09:30'ish. Warmed a pair of croissants I the microwave adding lemon curd for taste. Put a batch of washing in the machine while I spent time Wordling and Nurdling then dismayed by all the nonsense posted on Facebook.

Started to get ready to go out and it was gone13:00 before i headed out the door. Drove to the local main station, paid for parking and a return ticket to a town further up the coast, Prestatyn. Pleasant journey and on arrival headed to M&S food hall for a sandwich. Hardly anything on offer so tried Boots. Chicken ceasar wrap ticked the box, a bag of crisps, a drink and good to go.

Headed up the High St. looking for a charity shop to donate a skirt to. Didn't have to go far so that done headed back to the trains.

Return journey was broken at Colwyn Bay. Out the station, turn right, down under the railway to the sea front. Found a bench facing the sun and ate my lunch. That done I headed to the small shopping centre. Only 1 clothes store and nothing grabbed me. Next into SpecSavers for a lens cloth which turned out to be free.

Back to the trains. 20 minute wait and a 10 minute journey saw me back at my starting point. 15 more minutes saw me back at base.

So, nothing dramatic or earth shattering about today's adventure and I guess that's been the point of me posting these diary days. I've been able to go about my business unhindered, no dramas, no pitchforks or lynch mobs. I've interacted with goodness knows how many, all have treated me as they would anyone else. Being under the weather has taken the edge off proceedings somewhat but that's life.

So this evening it's get packed away. I have to be out the property by 10:00.so I'll do as much as I can to make the morning as easy as possible.

I arrived enfemme and I'll leave enfemme changing on the way home. My SO will be at her mother's so I can unload and put stuff away before she returns.