Is this Summer?

This week the weather has been very warm and I've seen the first swifts flying overhead so it must be Summer, so 'D' and I went to our favourite shop in Southport to look for some Summer outfits each; (sigh) sadly more outfits than the budget can stretch to, but I got a lovely pink/purple skirt and top, a white/black two piece skirt and top (very shapely) and a rather slinky turquoise gown going for £1 - yes a £1! .... I think they got the sizes wrong on it 'cos it should have been enormous even on me, but it fitted nicely in all the right places!

In considering the pink/purple skirt, I wasn't certain if an 18 would be a better fit than my usual size 16; 'D' actually suggested I should them both on ('D' is the one who usually gets nervous when we're looking for outfits for 'Kate'), but I bottled out as we approached the changing cubicles as they had become quite busy where as a few minutes previous they were deserted. We opted for the size 18 without trying it, on the basis that we're now getting wise to the 'Roman' label - the sizes are actually a little on the small side of what they actually say they are; this was later proven after we got home when I tried the skirt and it comfortably fit my normally size 16 figure!

Time for tea
But I must mention the tea shop we visited; it reminded us of Jess Harts exploits at the Tea Cosy in Brighton, we found the Westminster Tea Room on Southports Lord St. to be nearly as 'unique' although a little less formal. We had seen it on a previous shopping trip and made a note to visit the next time we were in town, mostly for the variety of cream teas they were advertising outside. But once inside, it's all very proper! The girls are properly attired in waitress uniforms hailing from the 1930's (black dress with a white blouse that's buttoned right upto the collar) and the decor is all wooden paneling, crystal chandeliers, large potted plants and 30's recorded music that sounds as though it was still being played from the original wax cylinders.

We ordered a 'Regal' tea each which comprised of a large pot of tea served in china cups, a very nice fruit scone, clotted cream and a house preserve each - I had blackcurrant, 'D' had strawberry. This was presented on a very proper 3 tier silver cake stand complete with a lid covering the scones.

The whole environment although very prim, very proper, was nice and exceptionally chav-free! Although it was very prim and very proper, at least they didn't play the national anthem at 4pm! (even so, it wouldn't have seemed out of place!).

Embarassing moment No.1

I've called this post 'Embarrasing moment No.1' in recognition that reality all to often likes to throw a few 'curve balls' our way; this was my first.

Having survived the aforementioned Flu, I was just about fit enough to venture out for an impromptu outing with Lisa and new girl Karen who was visiting from Scotland.

We had a lovely meal in 'Velvet', followed by paying our respects to Mary and the girls at Manchester Concorde. Before I knew it, it was time to say my 'goodbyes' and make my way back home.

When I got to the carpark, to my horror I couldn't find my ticket; you know how it is with handbags, they contain everything except what you need - and I really needed that ticket, without which I couldn't make my exit through the automatic barrier. I turned my handbag out twice and searched my car for that darn ticket before resigning to the fact I would need to try and contact an attendent to help me - the carpark is one of those automatic sort and is unmanned after about 7pm.

But ah-ha! I spied an emergency phone.... bright yellow and a sign that said 'press any button to contact security'... ok, so it's going to be a bit embarrasing to explain I've lost my ticket and I'm dressed like a woman... do I try my best female voice? ...hmmmm... I decided that in doing the latter might just make things even more embarrasing ..... but then I found that didn't matter since the phone didn't work anyway - even after trying all the buttons.

I then decided to run up to the next floor (in heels) to see if there was another emergency phone.... and then up to the next .... and the next... and the next.... about 6 floors later and no phone. Nothing for it but to try at the hotel just a little down the street to see if they had a contact number. At this stage I was wondering if I was going to have to get room in this hotel and wait until morning .... what would 'D' say if she found I hadn't come home the night before?

Confidence is an intersting thing, so is adrenaline ... and I had just run up and down 6 flights of stairs, but it was thought of having to explain myself to 'D'..... so I strolled into the hotel reception with as much confidence that I could carry; to the amusement of about half-a-dozen guests who were sat at the bar.

The nice man behind the reception desk was very professional. After all , over the Sparkle weekend this hotel is affectionately known as 'Tranny Towers', so they should be used to seeing the odd t-girl. When I asked if he had a contact phone number for the carpark, he directed me to rather large sign at the front - which had a very clear number to contact in emergencies - fortunately I had my mobile with me... but clearly my common sense had long since left me for examining the obvious.

Back at the carpark and I called the number, and with great relief it was answered. The attendant appeared within minutes and took my details with all due professionalism; and let me out promising that the University will contact me in due course.

Next visit, I'm going to staple that ticket to my head.

Cough, sniff ahhhh.....choooooo!

'Coughs and sneezes spread diseases'. I put it down to some jobsworth who was on the train a week or so back; why can't some folk stay at home when they're sick?

Both 'D' and I came down with a very nasty flu bug the likes of which we've not experienced in about 20 years. Forget paracetamol, this nasty sucker only waved the white flag after it was treated to about half a bottle of Scotlands finest!