Summer 2004: Derbytown Dalliances

Build your own website on Tripod It's fast, easy and economical.

Share This Site More

I am not actually leaving for my summer vacation until the 24th of June, but just wanted to set the scene early. It is giving me

This year, I am going with my folks to the family reunion prior to the Barbershop Harmony Society's annual convention and

contests. The Reunion will be in Kendallville, IN. again. Convention...might as well be in my back yard. It's in Louisville, KY.

this year. So I have a certain knowledge of the area that comes from having been there a bunch of times. The nice part is

that I will have all evening Friday the 25th through sometime the morning of Wednesday the 30th alone with my folks; the

SO is taking her mom to the Atlantic Ocean for a special treat. Then the mom in law will cat-sit for us, and my SO will be

joining me and my folks for the rest of the week.

Of course, that alone time may also mean some long talks about who and what I am. It may not. And I won't know until the

time comes. It is a little nerve racking, as I am not really out to them. I have no intention of hiding anything from them, should

they ask. It is not fair to them to do so. But, I am also not volunteering info, either. All I do know for sure is that I am not too

I am so tired. I have no mind left, and there were too many meetings, and was graduation really last week and do I really need

to be gone for so long...maybe I can do some work while I am out. Yeah, that's it--surely there will be computers in the hotels,

maybe I can just do a few...maybe...just...rest...wait! I didn't empty my office trash and I left some Mina stuff in there---what if

they go through my trash can? Maybe I should call...no...what can they do--fire me?

I don't really remember getting to the hotel tonight. Work was tough, we are going through all these changes, and I didn't have

any reserves left going into grad week. Which means that I was on autopilot the last week, and it is amazing that I still have a

job to take a vacation from. I am glad we left tonight and not tomorrow morning, but still...there's a hundred things I could/should

Today, I get to do something I don't do very much of.

Shop alone. Otherwise known as "retail therapy."

Which means that I am all by myself, after breakfast at the hotel, at Mall St. Matthews in Louisville. I am dressed

comfortably: Grey panties, white 36c bra, a white and blue striped blouse, blue jeans that hug my buns nicely, matching

belt, white sox and (mostly) white shoes. Jewelry was my rainbow charm necklace, a cz/sapphire ring, my blue stone

bracelet, my most femme sunglasses, a ring with stars and comets on it, a sterling ring with turquoise hearts, and a ring

that is simply turquoise. Makeup was some concealer, mascara, some eyebrow definer, lipstick, and a very light dusting

of white eye-shadow--mostly to finish what the concealer didn't cover.

First place I went was Bath and Body Works, to get some hand cream. (Actually, I simply was looking for the sampler

bottle--I didn't want to buy a bottle and have to schlep it around all day on a bus.) Next stop: the Shiseido counter at

Dillard's. Dropped $75 and didn't blink. Got some free samples, too--always a good thing. (Also got some compliments

on my makeup job and an offer of a facial next month if I am in the area. Sounds mighty tempting.)

From there I went looking at dresses. There were some beauts--but this is just the first day of vacation and I don't want to

spend every cent I have today. From there I went looking at lingerie. My oh my. There it was, on the half off rack. A nice

looking pink piece, with roses embroidered on it. In my size. $14 later, and I am off to look at shoes. Didn't see any I liked

--but did spend about $26 on hose and some socks. There is still the rest of the mall to conquer!

Did some looking around, had lunch at the Jade Garden (All you can eat buffet for about $5), and then took my time looking

about places like the Limited, Victoria's Secret, a couple of jewelry stores, and a couple of trendy clothes shops that I knew

catered to teens. Everywhere I went, it was pretty much the same: "If there is anything I can help you with, miss (or ma'am,

depending in the age of the clerk), just let me know."

Finally, though, I had to leave to get downtown. Since I had no wheels, this meant busses. Specifically, the #19. Downtown

I went, looking about some stores once there. (I looked at a few other nice things, too--but was in no frame of mind to flirt.)

Took the #2 to the airport, talking to a gent to pass the time--had a great discussion on the Feds and the loss of civil rights.

Once there, I fixed my makeup and simplified it, had an overpriced chai (Starbucks does not have as good a chai as I

thought they would), and waited for my parents to arrive. Which they did--late. Got checked into the room, and went to dinner

at the Fifth Quarter. It sounds like a sports place, but it isn't--just good food. We just spent time talking, eating, and generally

Since none of us could sleep, we ended up watching "Iron Chef" of the Food Network. Iron Chef Japanese Matsumoto soundly

defeated the Ohta faction's chef--this made his third victory over the Ohta faction. By then it was midnight, and time to rest. A

Today was spent traveling from Louisville, KY. to Kendallville, IN. This normally would be a short trip, but my folks have a

nasty predilection of taking all back roads and state highways as opposed to the Interstate Highway System. This means

a long day, and comfortable clothing: Panties, white 36c bra, white socks, floral blouse, blue jeans, matching belt, white

shoes. Jewelry to match: puka shell necklace, turquoise chunk bracelet, and the turquoise stone ring. No makeup today--

just too tired to try. Did some yoga while the folks were still asleep. Breakfast was at the buffet in the hotel, lunch was at the

Chili's in Greensburg, IN., and dinner was at Applebee's in Kendallville.

There isn't much about the day to share. We laughed a lot, talked a lot, helped The Momma do a particularly nasty crossword

puzzle from Friday's USA Today. That night, however, was spent peaceably--my folks sprung and got me a room to myself.

Said I probably needed it. I did. And after dinner, I turned it into a spa night--shaved my legs, armpits and chest, waxed my

eyebrows, did my nails (hand and toe), and when I was ready for bed, put a satin pillowcase on my pillow and pulled on my new

nightgown. (It fits well--there's a picture of me in it over in the photo album.)

Now that's the way to start off your vacation!

MMmmmmmm....I could use a few more nights like that, sleep-wise. Got up, did some yoga, took a walk, then called the

folks for breakfast, knowing they wouldn't be ready. Because today is the Big Family Reunion, I decide to dress for the occasion:

Black panties, white 36c bra, blue socks, blue jeans, blue belt, a blue and white striped Liz Claiborne polo, and the ubiquitous

(almost) white shoes. Jewelry is a must: the dark blue oval slide, the blue stone bracelet, and a lapis stone ring. Makeup?

Don't be silly. Of course I wore makeup. Mascara, concealer, eyebrow gel, lipstick and perfume.

Breakfast finally occurred at the hotel, and then we are off to see the family tree on The Momma's side.

It's embarrassing in a sense to see how many rednecks really exist to this side of the family tree. Don't get me wrong--they

are family and as such I love them. Still...I felt restrained today. There were not as many folks as there was last year, some

have died; others were just busy. And when we left, there was a palpable sense of relief from the three of us. I now fully

understand why The Momma wanted out of Indiana.

Since we had a huge lunch at the reunion, dinner wasn't until we were back in Greensburg. Yep--Chili's again. Then we

finished off the return trip to Louisville, and when I got to my hotel, the two rather clueless young men behind the counter

botched the room I was supposed to get. It had been reserved for 9 months...and they couldn't get it right. So I took the next

best room for the night, and made plans to potenitally move the next day. Either to my reserved room...or to another hotel.

The one my folks were in made me such a deal I almost wanted to take it then and there. I mean, really. How hard can it be to

find a Non-Smoking room with a King bed for a week? I didn't sleep too well, satin pillowcase and nightgown not withstanding.

Bleh. I look like death warmed over. Feel like it, too. First things first: Rose color panties, white 36c bra, grey socks, grey

slacks, black belt, a grey Society t-shirt, and (sing along with me here) the ubiquitous (almost) white shoes. Jewelry as

always: the multi color charm necklace, black and clear beads, and the comet and stars ring. Makeup: Mascara, concealer,

eyebrow gel, lipstick and perfume. Breakfast at the hotel, then to the front desk to get this room thing fixed. They were most

apologetic, and told me to see the day manager when she got in. Since I was volunteering at the convention today, I thanked

them and told them I'd be in that afternoon. They left a note for her, warning her I was coming. (Sadly, she didn't get it until

after--but I'm getting ahead of myself here.) Off to the #2 bus, and the Galt House, headquarters for the convention.

Once there, I register my presence with the Volunteer coordinator, and get all my info, plus a nifty red, white and blue polo.

This got put on right over my t-shirt, and left out like the woman I am. I register as both my male AND female names, though

my male persona has the tickets (as it should be), getting a name badge as Mina was too easy. The folks arrived about three

quarters through my shift, and finally I was done and off we went to get my room situation fixed. When I walked in, the Day

Manager knew she was working with not only a conventioner, but a member of the hotel's frequent stay program, and a

woman besides. She moved heaven and earth, pulled the rabbit out of the hat and I had the room I was supposed to have.

Got the stuff moved in, and then we had a late lunch at Taco Bell. Goddess, I just love their 7-layer burrito!

After that, a trip to Frankfort, KY. to locate the Kentucky Historical folks, and then back to the convention to do our shopping

there. (Get it early, or don't get it at all.) Dinner was a most enjoyable time at Molly Malone's, an Irish pub-like place with

incredibly good food. I was kashoujo (a good girl) and split an order of bangers (a sausage-like substance) and mussels with

The Momma. After all that, it was getting sorta late, so back to my room for a bath and a shower. Touched up all the fuzzy

areas (I'd love to do laser hair removal but can't afford the whole body thing!), slipped into my nightie and fell into a deep,

Come sing with me sometime! (I'm the cute one.)

Morning was waaaaaaay too early today. As I need to be on post at 8 AM, and have no wheels, I have to be on a bus by

6:50 AM to get downtown to the Convention Headquarters. Get dressed, none too quickly: Grey panties, white 36c bra,

white socks, grey slacks, black belt, a red, white and blue striped t-shirt, the Convention Volunteer polo over that, and

(of course) the same ol' (almost) white shoes. Jewelry: the Chinese coin slide, the blue stone bracelet, and the

blue/grey soapstone ring. Since I want to look good for all the bigwigs, there's makeup: Mascara, concealer, eyebrow gel,

lipstick and perfume. Breakfast at the hotel, then on the ol' #2.

Registration went pretty smooth, with one minor glitch; not too bad. Got out of that about 12:45 PM, and was surprised by

the S.O. and her mom. After doing a little shopping at the convention, they took me to lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen.

Over lunch, I was regaled with their exploits over the last few days. After that, they dropped me at my hotel, where a nap was

in order and taken as such. (Fortunately, I had the good sense to stow my more femme stuff from prying eyes.) My folks got

in about dinnertime, and dinner was spent at a nice little hole in the wall Japanese place called Sakura Blue. Good food, not

cheap, but plentiful and gave me leftovers for at least two meals, if I get the chance to eat them. There was a spoiled child at

our teppanyaki table. She was out to make everyone's evening miserable. She almost succeeded, too. But even with that, I

had a good time just relaxing and enjoying my dinner.

Afterward, I spent some time just talking to me parents. It was a good time, and finally I went back to my room, took a

bath and shaved all the fuzzy stuff, then showered and made sure I was in good shape. Then back into the nightie and

I awake, not because I want to, but because the alarm I set went off. I have a few things I need to do before the S.O.

arrives, and so I must get to it. (While she knows of my GD, she does not fully understand or appreciate the situation.)

First off, get dressed: Rose striped panties, white 36c bra, white socks, grey slacks, black belt, the 2002 convention

t-shirt, and the (almost) white shoes. Jewelry: the small dark blue and sterling slide, black and clear bead bracelets,

and the turquoise stone ring. Makeup is a necessity: Mascara, concealer, eyebrow gel, lipstick and perfume.

Breakfast is in my room--some of the leftovers from last night--and after making sure I had things ready for her arrival,

took off to go spend part of the day with my folks. (She is volunteering this afternoon at the quartet quarter finals, and so

The day was spent being touristy--went to "My Old Kentucky Home", otherwise known as Federal Hill. It's in Bardstown,

KY. about 30-40 minutes south of Louisville, and worth the trip to go see. I enjoyed it, although I suspect the locals were

not used to seeing a tranny with her folks. Lunch was even funnier: The KFC in Mt. Washington, KY. was not only not used

to seeing a tranny with her folks--I don't think they were used to people in general. Went back to the Convention Head-

quarters and registered for next year's convention in Salt Lake City, Utah (Heather Harrison, I'll be looking for you!) and

did a little more shopping. Then the S.O. called and let us know she was done and could we pleeeeeeze go get some

We did. Went to the Cracker Barrel, and everyone got caught up with everyone else. After dinner, it was back to our

respective hotels, my folks so they could sleep, and us to just finishthe process of getting up to speed with everything.

It is interesting to see two women vie for chatterbox time. But even that could not keep my eyes open for long, so I

finally got into my Liz Claiborne might-shirt (not as nice as the nightie, but it will do) and was out before the lights were.

It is a warmish morning, but this is no surprise. Up and dressed: Pink panties, white 36c bra, khaki shorts, blue ped socks,

powder blue shirt, the (infamous) almost white shoes, the black vest and a powder blue hat. Jewelry: a purple and tan stone

bracelet, lapis ring, and the large blue slide. Makeup-not today. It is too hot out already.

After breakfast at the hotel, we are off to the Convention Headquarters to get our tickets for the Past Champions show

exchanged…as our seats were being filled with video equipment. A bit of wandering around, then out to the Mass sing. As

always, a great time, but this year the promise of ice cream and lemonade after kept me going. After the sing was over, we

headed back toward the hotel, stopping only for lunch at a Burger King. Finally back at the hotel, a shower was decidedly in

order, as was a nap. After the shower, a change of clothing: a gold and black checked polo, khaki slacks, blue belt, tan socks,

and the slide was changed to a multi-colored stone. Tonight had to be a bit nicer dress, as the Founder's Club/President's

Council was meeting at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Well…we thought it was both, turned out to be more for the President's

Council. (They fed us well…good thing, too. It made for a strong selling point to join; if I were not moving soon I'd consider it. But

at about $83.50/month, it's a tad steep for my blood.) Afterwards, the Past Champions show-held at Freedom Hall-started a bit

late, and ran late, but that was okay-four of our past champion quartets were hanging up their pitch-pipes: The Ritz, Michigan

Jake, Revival, and one of my very favorites, the Gas House Gang. So it was okay that the show ran a bit long…this year. When

I finally got back to the room, it was wonderful to crawl into my nightshirt and drift off to sleep.

Morning has broken, and I suppose I need to fix the thing. Clothes today consist of: Gray panties, 36c bra, khaki slacks, blue

belt, tan socks, (almost) white shoes, and the '03 convention tee shirt. Makeup was minimal, as it was supposed to be another

scorcher. Jewelry consisted of the blue-gray soapstone ring, the dark blue oval slide, and the blue stone bracelet. After a

leisurely breakfast at the hotel, it was off to do a little nosing around and shopping downtown, then to see my former chorus

do a final rehearsal. Lunch was at the Cracker Barrel-while Louisville (named after King Loouh, so I am told ;) ) has many fine

restaurants, getting to them is not always the easiest thing-and then back to the hotel to chill a bit before the evening's fun.

Now if it seems like I am chilling a lot this trip, put that thought to rest. It was a hot and humid time, and my folks just are not

able to take it all in like they used to. Plus, even though I have lived in the area for a few years, it is hot even by my standards.

So relax time is not always a bad thing. It is good for taking showers in, especially. Besides, after changing for the evening-

striped tee-shirt and the volunteer polo-I went over to my folk's room and we talked, worked part of the USA Today crossword,

and just was family for a time-we went to dinner at the Louisville Cardinal Hall of Fame restaurant. The food was good and they

didn't keep us sitting around long. The service was very quick! We all were volunteers tonight at the Quartet semi's, and so

had to be at Freedom Hall early for assignment. I ended up with just about the best seat in the house-second deck, straight

back dead center. I had the best sound, certainly…and easily one of the best views of the stage. They kept things moving, and

when all was said and done, it was a quick trip back the hotel and into my nightshirt. Off to dream I rolled, with four-part chords

That proved to not necessarily be a good thing-those same chords kept me semi-awake. Or was that the Mozzarella pretzels

I had from dinner last night? I don't know…don't really care, either. It is the big day…the Chorus Contest and Quartet finals.

Clothing for the day consisted of: Pink striped panties, 36c bra, khaki slacks, blue belt, tan socks, (almost) white shoes,

striped tee-shirt, the volunteer polo and the black vest. Makeup was in today: Concealer, mascara, eyebrow shaper gel,

lipstick and perfume. Jewelry consisted of the blue-gray soapstone ring, the dark blue oval slide, and the blue stone bracelet.

Breakfast at the hotel was a little rushed, as we wanted to get to Freedom Hall early enough to get a good parking place. We

almost made it, too. I won't mention much else about lunch and dinner, both were on the grounds, way too expensive, and

would cause gastric distress to about half of you. The chorus contest really was about second through seventh places; the

winning chorus was truly deserving. As for the quartet finals…it was a most enjoyable evening. And as always, getting back

to my room, washing the makeup off and crawling into bed was a wonderful experience.

OOOOhhhhhh, itoshii…don't..don't stop…oohhh, hai…hai…right there…oh, saiai...mmmmphhhh. I awaken playfully, and dress

quickly: Blue panties, white 36c bra, red and white stripe shirt with a blue star on it, blue socks, khaki slacks, blue belt, and the

(almost) white princess shoes. Makeup: Of course, darling. Concealer, mascara, perfume, eyebrow gel, and lipstick. Jewelry:

Turquoise ring, blue stone bracelet, and sterling silver cross. Check out of the room, and join my folks for a buffet breakfast at

their hotel. This was leisurely, and then the trip home. Since Louisville is only 90 minutes from home, it's a short, pleasant drive.

I miss my folks, and this is one of the reasons I am moving west…to be closer to them. At the same time, it is good to be home.

(If you were reading "Continuing the Journey",