Fall 2005: There, And Back Again

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Prelude: This trip is mostly the brainchild of my SO; she likes to fly less and less as time goes by. We are heading for Nashville to represent the school I work

for in a conference, a week's vacation in New Orleans at the Sweet Adelines' 60th Annual Convention, then back to Evansville to team-teach a seminar.

(Originally, the seminar was due to be in Phoenix.) And, we are driving the whole thing-because the seminar was going to be in Phoenix, the SO decided it

would be easier to drive the whole thing, some 7,000 miles round trip, give or take a few hundred miles.

You read that right. We are driving the whole thing. Five weeks on the road, starting the 22nd of September, and wrapping up the 29th or 30th of October, and

the school I work for is reimbursing us for much of this little soiree'.

And, how do I balance my femme side with this mess?

We pick up the story towards the end of August….

I am starting to have some misgivings about this trip. I know I am going to have to present as a male while in Nashville, as some of my problem people from

Portland will be there. I will have to be on top of things.

Because I know I will be scrutinized like never before, and if I want the SO to have some peace during this part of our tour, I will have to behave. I don't like this;

I have preached to all who listen to be yourself and let the chips fall where they may.

To a lesser extent, it will be the same at the seminar. I will actually be in the office for a week prior to said seminar, and I had to be careful then. Having been

gone nearly a year from the office, I will have to tighten it up there as well.

Sometimes, I look at everything and wonder why I bother even keeping a male life anymore.

Well, misgivings or not, I started to make peace with this trip by starting to assemble some stuff I don't wear much right now-suits, dress shirts, femme slacks,

and a ladies blazer-and hung it on the new hangers we got. These are actually skirt/blouse hangers, but they have hooks to hang one hanger onto another. This

will allow me to carry enough dress clothes to do what I need to do. (I do still have some man-clothes; I will need to look somewhat masculine during at least the

conference in Nashville, and probably in the seminar in Evansville. It looks like I will need a new B-4 bag (what civilians call a garment bag, but with pockets

Well, Katrina has proven to be no lady. It's official: New Orleans has to be replaced as the Sweet Adelines' Convention. I'm not surprised; New Orleans is

drowning, sad to say. I really am sad-this was the part of the trip I was looking forward to. Beignets, Po Boys, red beans and rice, and some good singing. Now

we have a week's vacation with nothing in it. This is not quite what I had in mind, I must admit. Plus, I'll miss going to New Orleans. I was looking forward to really

prowling around and getting more of flavor of the place. Sort of a second chance from a few years ago.

The word just came in. We are bound for Detroit.

Tell me you're joking. Please tell me you're joking.

I can't believe that we are going to Detroit for the Sweet Adelines' Convention. But it is true; and we're going. So the SO has made all the changes that need to

happen, and we will be heading for Chicago afterwards. We may take a day and go into Windsor, Ontario for a day. There will still be some good singing, but I

have to scramble to learn about Detroit. What's there?

I am pretty much packed off. I have returned from Grandmere's funeral and gotten unpacked, laundry done, and repacked for five weeks--all while being somewhat

brain dead. There are just a few details left to handle, then we're off. It doesn't seem real...but it is, all too real and all too here.

I took the plunge today and bought a new digital camera. It's a Konica-Minolta Dimage Z6 with more bells and whistles than I will have time to figure out until I

actually play with it. Also bought a new chip for it-a 512MB, so I can take lots of pictures. That will come in handy later on, I am quite sure.

Picked up our rental car today. We upgraded to an Infiniti G35 with leather seats and a satellite radio. That'll be nice, this means I won't wear out my mp3 player.

Plus, I can listen to some stuff that might actually be interesting from time to time.

…And we're off. We left today about 12:15, got as far as Salem, OR…and stopped. A tanker truck had caught fire, and closed I-5. We ended up moving around

it via surface streets. Fortunately, I was in comfy clothes: Cotton blouse and drawstring pants, panties, 36c bra, and some jewelry. Good traveling clothes.

Later on, the SO finds someone else's clutch in the ladies' room. After returning it (and getting an unneeded but nice reward), we had dinner and made it in before

sundown. I've decided that Lagrande was more La than Grande. There isn't a lot of here, here. 374 miles down….

The outfit from yesterday worked so well, I wore it again…except for clean panties. Change of jewelry, too-I had my Chinese character slide, and the purple/tan

Liz Claiborne bracelet. Makeup? Don't be silly-of course. Just lipstick and mascara, but just enough. Not much to tell, other than (a) we had dinner at Lotty's,

and (b) all roads lead to Wal-Mart. Yes, we needed some stuff after all. I saw a cuuuuuute Tinkerbell scrub top, but decided I just didn't want to spend the money

I'm feeling okay, considering we went some 544 miles today. I still have a certain amount of dread about the Nashville portion of this trip, but I look at it this

Wardrobe change: Black Liz Claiborne polo top, black slacks, abalone slide, clear/black beads.

No makeup today. Enroute to Colorado Springs, we stopped at Little America in Cheyenne only to discover…Barbershoppers! Turns out the Rocky Mtn. District

was having their fall convention there. Always fun to run into my compadres in song.

Not much else to talk about again today-only 512 miles to travel this day. At least, until we hit Colorado Springs there isn't much to talk about. Once there, we

were hoping to meet some friends. It fell through due to a family emergency on their part. So we went to Old Town-the SO bought me a neat new slide; it's

dichromatic glass and cat-shaped. Dinner was at Phantom Canyon Brewing Company-I highly recommend it. We get to sleep in tomorrow; a good thing as

my eyes look like a raccoon's. With no friends to meet up with, we decided to not hurry in the morning.

Today, I wore my blue square neck t-shirt, blue drawstring pants, 36c bra and panties. Jewelry was a blue Liz Claiborne bracelet, and my light blue slide. Makeup

was lipstick only. Just 317 miles today-not too bad after a good night's rest. Said good-bye to mountains for a few weeks; that's kind of sad in a way but at least

this time we know we're heading back that way soon enough.

Stopped at Prairie Dog Town in Oakley, KS. This time, it was open, so we paid the admission and went in. Got lots of pictures with the new digital camera (I got

one right before I left, remember?) Dinner was at Applebee's. Nice and light, as I am not able to hit the gym, and am trying to watch my girlish figure. That's tough

Today, it was a blue Liz Claiborne t-shirt, the blue drawstring pants, panties and bra. Jewelry was my dichromatic oval slide and blue Liz Claiborne bracelet.

Makeup was a must-lipstick and mascara. I needed it; I did not sleep well and thus looked like death warmed over.

525 miles today. Kansas is flat like a pancake in spots. `Nuff said. Stopped at Brown vs. Board of Education NHS in Topeka, KS. If you can get there, take it in.

Take your time, as you never quite remember what happened when, or how far we have actually come since the 1950's.

Or have we? I won't get into that here, but it may be article fodder sometime.

Also stopped at St. Louis Mills. Had dinner at Chevy's, and did some shopping, including a Liz Claiborne final sale outlet. I took advantage of the ridiculously

cheap sale prices to buy a long sleeve polo-type shirt and a long-sleeve t-shirt. Less than $20 for both; now that's a bargain!

Fairview Heights to Nashville, TN. via Evansville, IN.

Business casual today: Liz Claiborne slacks and Liz Claiborne polo, sterling silver cross. No makeup. We made a stopover in Evansville at my office to pick

some things up. Nothing had changed, really. Everyone was quite the same. It was good to see everyone.

We have finally arrived in Nashville, TN. some 316 miles today, all told. Our hotel is a Renaissance; I'm on the 25th floor. The top floor, with a view of downtown

that is…well, downtown. You need a key to get up here, and that means a lot of privacy. That's a good thing. I suspect I may need it by week's end.

I had some Pseudo-Mina time this morning. Full makeup, jewelry, pads, etc. In short--everything but my wig, and only because I didn't think it wise to pack it

long. This feels like how I ought to be. I mean, I could get used to being a full time business woman in these digs. This afternoon, though, it's all homme and

businesslike, and that is how it will have to be the next three days. So I am enjoying my femininity while I can. Took some pix; not the greatest but now I know

I have a few minutes to write. So far, so good-though I can hardly wait until this conference is over. Having to be fully male means no bra, and my back and

boobs are NOT happy. In addition, there has been no issue with taking my hormones. I am counting my blessings! So obviously, it's all homme look. No jewelry,

no makeup. Ick. However, with the exception of the sport coat, dress shirt, tie and shoes, everything is femme. (Hey--I have very few guy clothes anymore.) That

The conference has been moving along very well, though, and the SO is happy. We seem to be doing everything we are supposed to be so far, and that's

A Good Thing. I've seen two of the Portland people, but I haven't spoken to them, and they have not spoken to me. Yet. I am hoping that continues.

I ended up speaking to each of the Portland people who were there; they were cordial, if nothing else. Maybe-just maybe-this thing can get resolved.

Meantime, the conference was far more than anything I could have planned for. Lots of hard work, but many good results.

What a day. Blue Liz Claiborne t-shirt, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra (finally!), and panties. Jewelry was the abalone slide. Makeup? Duh. Light, but there.

We took our leave of Nashville (with an appropriate war whoop!), stopping at Mammoth Caves NP and Abraham Lincoln NHS. We also stopped in Louisville--

Churchill Downs, and lunch at Molly Malone's. Saw our friends at the Celtic Centre-then back on the road. Finally arrived at Dayton, OH. We are both tired

and a little crabby, but we get to rest this week. Rest, and a little fun to boot.

Clothes for the first crossing to Canada in 2 years: Blue square neck T-shirt, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra and panties. Jewelry: Dichromatic slide, purple/tan

Liz Claiborne bracelet. Makeup was medium-mascara, lipstick, eyebrow gel, and perfume.

We left Dayton, after taking in the Dayton Aviation Heritage museum, and headed for Detorit. We made a side trip to Clyde, OH. to visit a museum that had been

founded by a past relation of the SO's. We finally hit Windsor in the evening, and had dinner at Moxie's Classic Grill (which offered a brew from “Rhoundakona”--

sound it out, girls!) Did some shopping afterward, and while the exchange rate isn't great, there are bargains to be had. (Note to my Canadian sisters: I like The

Bay stores; they carry both Shiseido and Liz Claiborne.)

Our room here has a hot tub in it; we took full advantage of that after not only a border crossing, but some 212 miles, then into the Tinker Bell nightie, and off

Nice to sleep in. Really nice! Got up, got dressed: Blue/white Liz Claiborne striped t-shirt, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra and panties. Jewelry: Blue slide,

blue Liz Claiborne bracelet. Medium makeup-mascara, lipstick, eyebrow gel, and perfume.

Did some walking along the waterfront, taking pictures north into the Detroit skyline. They we did some more shopping today. Hit a Liz Claiborne outlet, and

was ushered into a fitting room with a pair of pants that I figured would not fit. I tried hard not to squeal-but I now somehow fit into 14's. I am not complaining

one bit! And they were half off! I am one happy woman.

Had lunch at Patrick O'Ryan's. Good food, great atmosphere, no parking. Well, you can't win them all. I consumed some really good spicy chicken wings,

and a beef and mushroom crock that had been cooked in Guinness.

Went back over to Detroit, to the convention we are attending. Sweet Adelines International (SAI) moved their convention from New Orleans to Detroit, and

we went over to do some shopping at the Harmony Bazaar. In addition to the convention charm, I bought a gold diamond and amethyst cz ring. Cheap.

After a dinner of leftovers in our room, we took a shuttle to the Casino Windsor. Walked around, then went back to our room. (Hey, money's tight enough

without wasting it, okay?) Took care of balancing the books, then soaked in the hot tub.

Note to my Canadian sisters: You are all very friendly, kind, etc. I have been made to feel very welcome, especially since I am not quite like most Americans--

and I acknowledge that. I only have one question: Do you get any instruction in defensive driving techniques? Or do you all feel it's every gal for herself?

Goodness, I don't think I have been cut off so much since…well, my visit to Montreal. (Check out Les Aventures de MarieJaine en Montreal by clicking here.)

Clothes: Blue Jonny collar polo, new blue Liz Claiborne slacks, panties and bra. Jewelry: small dark blue slide, tan/purple Liz Claiborne bracelet.

Jeez, what. A day? 3 miles to start of with….

We couldn't get into our reserved room at all; we ended up getting moved some 15 miles out of town to a suites hotel. While it might be considered an

upgrade, the distance really makes it a moot point-in terms of using the convention shuttle. We aren't really too happy about this-but since it is a suite,

Did some more shopping today as well; I finally was able to replace my initial charm for a necklace I have. It's a little larger than the other charm was,

but has plenty of sparkle and “bling” to it.

Dinner tonight was at a Buffalo Wild Wings. 50 cent chicken legs and trivia-just what this doctor ordered! After, I did some laundry and generally relaxed;

the SO and I have just about been ready to hurt each other all day. Tempers are short, nerves are frayed…a good night's sleep is what we both need at this point.

I guess there really can be such a thing as too much togetherness.

Since this is my vacation, I decide to actually vacate a little! Clothing, however, is not optional: Bra, panties, an oatmeal colored Liz Claiborne Jonny collar

polo, the new size 14 slacks, and white short socks to complete the thought. Jewelry consisted of the Chinese slide, and tan, light blue and clear bead

bracelets. Makeup was medium-mascara, lipstick, eyebrow gel, and perfume.

Today was the first round of chorus competition; and since it went all day and into the evening, we took some time to get on the Peoplemover and go see

some of Detroit. Many of the choruses we wanted to see were on in the second round of three anyway.

Now, I need to explain something about the Sweet Adelines. Their conventions have lots of pretty gowns, tons of makeup, some fancy jewelry, and all manners

But enough about the Harmony Bazaar. (And yes, I did buy something else from them today; a pair of blue cuff bracelets. A girl can go broke quickly in here!)

Lunch was at Fishbone's Rhythm Café; a New Orleans style eatery that had awesome Red Beans and Rice with Andoulle Sausage.

It was more than I could finish. Of course, having a sushi appetizer and some miso soup didn't help.

Dinner was at the convention center-I had pizza from the “Pizza Queen” inside the Convention center. Sure seemed appropriate enough to me….

OOOooooooooh….pizza was not a good idea last night, after all. I paid dearly for it. Today is the mass sing, so I dress for the occasion: The light blue and

white striped Liz Claiborne polo, the new blue Liz Claiborne slacks, bra, panties and blue socks to match. Makeup was needed today: mascara, lipstick,

eyebrow gel, and perfume. Jewelry was also a must: the dark blue oval slide, and the turquoise stone bracelet.

Took some pictures from the Detroit side, looking at Windsor, as well as of a few cheeky seagulls. I like my new camera-and am looking forward to taking

The mass sing went rather well; I surprised a few Sweet Adelines by not only singing in their range, but looking almost like one as well. It was a lot of fun;

they are reasonably accepting of all. Lunch was a sandwich at Zoom, but dinner more than made up for it at Sweet Lorraine's. I had a New Orleans style

shrimp and chicken dish that was quite filling-albeit a bit spicier than it needed to be.

In my travels today I did manage to buy a “bubble” style blouse that should be really cute-once I get home and drop a few pounds. Travel is broadening,

they say-and I'm afraid they are quite right. I feel like I've picked up some poundage; I feel fat and there isn't much I can do about it until I can hit the gym

I can hardly weight…ummmm, wait…to get home.

Today wraps everything up, and there's a swank party this evening-which means a change of clothes comes downtown with us today. (It's too big a pain

to go back to our hotel and change.) So, for the first part of the day, it was: a blue Liz Claiborne microfibre polo, the new blue Liz Claiborne slacks, bra

and panties and blue socks. Jewelry was the light blue round slide and the blue Liz Claiborne bracelet. Makeup was duly applied-mascara, lipstick,

So much to do, so little time to do it in-so we finally went to lunch. Had it at the Detroit Beer Company; they had a phenomenal Beer-Cheese soup that

was a little heavy on the ale side, but really quite good. I also had some bread, and a small pizza that I ended up enjoying more of than I probably should.

But, I also know that dinner will be at a fast foodery of some extraction, so I am eating well now to offset some nasty thing later.

Now, we go back to the arena, watch the chorus finals, and then it's time to change. I spray some perfume on (Zen, from Shiseido), slide into my 18 hour bra,

Navy hose, a femme t-shirt, a dress blouse, dress slacks and a matching blazer. Dab a little Zen oil behind my ears, and reapply all makeup (mascara,

lipstick, eyebrow gel) and look at myself. Not too bad; a somewhat androgynous look, but with definitely femme overtones. I did get a few looks at the local

food court as I ate my Whopper, but that's okay. A quick touchup of the makeup after, and off to the ball we went.

This party was held in the GM Wintergarden-they had a live Motown band (The Spinners), and lots of dressed up ladies and gents consuming some of the

richest desserts I've seen in quite awhile. (One poor gal looked like she had all but stuck her face in the chocolate fountain.) Of course, the SO and I ate

our fair share of desserts as well-I had some chocolate covered fruits and pretzels, a fruit tart, and some other fruit based dessert items. (Hey-the doc said

I needed to eat more fruit-he just didn't say how.) I ate waaaaaaaay too much, as did we all. And when the band got to be just too loud to for area, we left.

I'm not against loud…but there's loud, and then there's painful.)

OOOOoooooff. I should NOT have had half of what I did last night-regardless if was fruit or not.

Today, being a travel day, is simply going to be comfy clothes: A mint green Liz Claiborne T-shirt, the new blue slacks, bra and panties. No makeup today--

too much to ask to futz with this morning. Jewelry was clear and blue beads, and my abalone slide.

Stopped at an Outlet mall, and at a Casual Corner bought a new dress blouse and a paua shell slide. Very nice; I'll wear the blouse in a few weeks. The

slide, sooner than that. While I was at it, went into Dress Barn and took advantage of a sale-bought a blue Henley top that was really cute.

Also stopped at Cereal City USA-now that's a fun place to go, if you're in the Battle Creek area. Took the “tour” of how Corn Flakes get made, and sampled

some warm ones at the end. It is interesting if you've ever eaten cereal at all. They weren't too busy, but it was a Sunday afternoon.

Finally, some 302 miles later, we ended up in Chicago at a friend's house. It is good to be out of Detroit….

…Except now I remember why I left Chicago and suburbs. The traffic is just as bad-or worse-than I remember. Since we insisted on going out in it, we made

a day of it. So, to make that day happen, here's the lineup: The blue slacks, a new long sleeve blue/gray Liz Claiborne top, bra and panties. No makeup today,

and jewelry was limited to my sterling silver cross.

We started off by going to Woodfield Mall. I'll come back to this in a moment, but will menton we lunched at Todai. From there, we went to Long Grove, and

peeked in some quaint little shops. Afterwords, it was up to Great Lakes and a stop at the credit union where I have had an account since my Navy days.

Gurnee Mills was the next stop, where I bought a Tinkerbell scrub top (not the one I had seen earlier, but cuter-and $2 less) at the Penney's outlet. Finally, we

stopped at European Imports in Niles, to look over some Precious Moments figurines. (My SO is addicted to the buggers.) Dinner was late, with our friends,

Now, back to Woodfield Mall: If I had $1000-$1500 or more to totally redo my wardrobe and launch a full time living as a woman life in the Chicago area,

this is the mall I'd want to shop at. Period. And, just to show you why, here's a link to the mall map: http://www.gowoodfieldmall.com/mallmap.htm.

This is not their official website, but I like it better-it's easier to navigate.

The place is huge-over 270 stores, including Lord and Taylor's, Marshall Fields, JC Penney's, Nordstroms' and Sears. Ann Taylor, August Max, and

Lane Bryant are there as well, as is Liz Claiborne, Talbot's and Tall Girl. To round it out, there's a Frederick's of Hollywood and a Victoria's Secret. And that's

just for clothes, dear. They have a number of jewelry stores there as well, plus Sephora and Bath and Body Works for makeup and such. In short-if you are

going to do the transformation thing in one place in one day, this is the place to do it, ladies. Bring credit cards and sturdy walking shoes, honey.

384 miles, even at 70 miles an hour, is still quite a distance. And, seeing as how we know the traffic is bad in the morning in Chicagoland, we leave early.

Clothes today: The blue slacks, a blue Liz Claiborne t-shirt, bra and panties. No makeup again today, and jewelry was again limited to my sterling silver cross.

Lunch was at a Burger King in Tuscola, IL., and dinner was in our hotel-they had free pizza in the lobby, from the Duck Inn. Free is good.

There just isn't much to tell in between those points, other than we have arrived back in Evansville, and that tomorrow we will move into a different hotel and

stay there the rest of the time we are here. (Hey, I never said this would be enthralling reading every day.)

Well, okay. I did get back to the wig shop where I bought my wig today; bought some wig spray, and some proper combing/grooming equipment that I

really need to use when I get home. Chatted with the owner for a bit, tried on a few wigs-but still like mine best. (Though there was a cuuuuuuuuute new

`do that's a little shorter…maybe when I get home I'll see if there's a wig shop in town and save my pennies.)

I won't bore you with details of my work days, unless there's something worth writing up. Grading papers, attending meetings, and making phone calls

After hours, though-now that's another story. A blue and white striped Liz Claiborne polo, Khaki Liz Claiborne slacks, bra, panties, and Liz white socks.

Jewelry was my Sterling silver cross; makeup was a little mascara and some lipstick. We went to dinner at Buffalo Wild Wings-more chicken, more

trivia-and then took a walk around the mall. Eastland Mall isn't nearly as nice as Woodfield, but for Evansville, it'll do. Good to see that many of my favorite

shops are still there, and sad to see a few gone. (Cinnabon, we hardly knew ye.)

Early to bed tonight-we haven't worked this hard since we left Evansville almost a year ago, and we're both just wiped out.

It's casual day in the office, so I take advantage of that: Blue and white striped Liz Claiborne polo, Khaki Liz Claiborne slacks, bra, panties, and Liz white

socks. Jewelry was my Sterling silver cross; makeup was nonexistent as I am trying to not be too obvious. More of the same stuff as well…grading papers,

attending meetings, and making phone calls-like I said before, my work life is not the stuff of adventure novels.

Afterwards, we attended a party for one of the SO's former fellow employees who is moving on. It was great to see a lot of friends we haven't seen for a year

Too much to do on a lovely Saturday. We are awake way too early because of it. Clothing: The green Liz Claiborne T-shirt, Khaki Liz Claiborne slacks,

bra, panties, and Liz white socks. Jewelry was my Sterling silver cross; makeup was a little mascara and some lipstick.

We started off with breakfast at McDonald's, then went to Pep Boys to get an oil change on the rental. (It has, at this point, over 4100 miles since we

picked it up.) Then to Boric's for haircuts, and from there to Rose Marie's to look at collectibles. I picked up a Tink figurine for half off; the SO got some

Precious Moments figurines at a reasonable discount. Off to the UPS store to get some boxes, then back to our room for leftovers and box-packing.

We then took two full boxes back to the UPS store to ship home to Oregon; this will lighten the load in terms of packing the car when that time arrives.

After our return to the room, a shower for me, then a change of top and we went off to another event that just fell right in line with our travels. I won't get

much into that here, but like the party last night, it was good to see a number of old friends. We arrived back at our room way late, and after a quick face

washing, put on a nightshirt and called it a day.

Today being Sunday, it's off to church: A black/white pattern blouse, khaki slacks, bra and panties. Jewelry was the paua slide. Makeup was light simply

due to time; I didn't have much time to apply anything other than a little lipstick and some mascara base.

After church, a change of tops into the mint green Liz Claiborne t-shirt, and the sterling silver cross, and it was back out to take my place in the annual

Life Chain. Not much to tell, other than dinner was back at Buffalo Wild Wings. I've missed being able to hang out here! The unfortunate part of it is, however,

we were not able to hook up with some friends. Maybe Wednesday we will, before church. Otherwise…well, we can't do everything.

Monday. That means work, but afterwards we met some friends down at Hacienda. Not my favorite Mexican place, but at least I suspect my waiter was

“family”-if he wasn't, he'd best be careful.

Since it IS Monday, that means Barbershop in the Evansville area. I wear my new chorus' polo-a forest green, male thing-black Liz Claiborne slacks, my

black vest, and bra and panties. No makeup tonight, and just the sterling silver cross for jewelry. It was great to see old friends and catch up on all the

gossip. Not that there is much to catch up on, but still-a fun evening, and I spent it directing. Seems they are “between directors” right now….

This is a day I have been waiting for-at yet, am a bit apprehensive about. It's not my doctor's appointment-though he did mention in passing my boobs

look like boobs and not like pebbles-it's the event for tonight. It's a banquet, and I have decided that, under the slacks, new blue blouse and blazer, there's

he usual: panties, navy knee-hi hose, the 18 hour bra, and a camisole. In the bra, however, I have put some push-up pads…not to increase cleavage (and

only one person mentioned it-said he thought my arm was in a sling, until he shook my hand on the “broken” arm) but to fill any lumps out in said 18 hour

bra. With no t-shirt, and it being a little larger than I am (I am just under a 36c), there's a few wrinkles.

I needn't have worried-the thing gives me enough cleavage as it is, and with a blazer, nobody would have noticed. (Nobody noticed my chest, anyways.

**sigh** That may be a good thing, but still….)

After teaching part of the seminar today (my SO taught the other part), we took one of the students out to Great Wall for dinner. Attire: The blue/white

striped Liz Claiborne polo, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra and panties. Jewelry was the sterling silver cross, and just a little makeup-mascara and

lipstick. The student seemed comfortable enough, and I was very comfortable with the student-it was like three women out for a late dinner and some talking.

Got back later than I wanted to; even with time off work to do laundry and visit “The Shop”, we still had a lot of packing to do-and it was just too late to start

383 miles to drive tonight after the seminar, and we didn't clear town until 3:00 pm. Clothes after teaching the last of the seminar was a black Liz Claiborne

t-shirt, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra and panties. Jewelry was the sterling silver cross; no makeup as I would have sweat it all off loading the car up. (The

SO started not feeling too good Wednesday morning-I think she has a head cold, brought on by stress, rapid weather change, and a distinct lack of sleep.

So, to let her rest up to drive, I loaded the car-we were on the second floor, and since there is no elevator here, no sense in loading a crash cart and taking

Needless to say, I am very tired as I write this…it's bedtime, and I am in my nightie, and my pillow is calling my name.

Springfield to Tulsa, OK. Via Carthage, MO. and Rogers, AR.

The actual mileage is calculated strictly from Springfield to Tulsa-so, you can add about another 150 miles to the 183 miles which is the actual distance.

Morning came waaaaaaay too early: but it's a fun day ahead of us. So: The Blue/gray Liz Claiborne long sleeve t-shirt, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra and

panties. Jewelry was the paua slide, and blue Liz Claiborne bracelet. Just a little makeup-mascara, eyebrow gel, and lipstick. I look far better than the SO--

she is really not well, and if were home, I'd be making her take it easy and sleeping lots. We can't, though…maybe tomorrow and/or Monday.

After breakfast, and a quick check and inflation of our tires at Goodyear (okay, so we have a pressure indicator light too, in this Inifiniti G35) we are off to

the Precious Moments Inspiration Park. It was Lady's Day, which could have been bad. Instead, there were about 400 members of the Red Hat Society

there, and it made it that much more fun to be there. Got some pictures of them waiving at the camera, for The Momma. We really just had a ball.

Dinner was at O'Charlie's in Rogers, AR with the SO's best friend ever, and her new hubby. We had a new waitboy, and he (hopefully) will either get it soon,

or find a new gig elsewhere. When the manager beats him back to our table with a refill for me…that's A Bad Thing.

We got in just about midnight to our hotel-and got the last room. Seems there's a really big gun show in town this weekend. That would explain the strong

smell of testosterone and gun oil I smell as I drifted off….

The SO is sick. REALLY sick. Sick like I am so glad we slept in, and are not in a huge hurry today.

I liked yesterday's outfit so much I simply wore it again today: The Blue/gray Liz Claiborne long sleeve t-shirt, black Liz Claiborne slacks, bra and panties

(Well, okay. The panties were different). Jewelry was the paua slide, and blue Liz Claiborne bracelet. Light makeup-mascara, eyebrow gel, and lipstick.

As I write this, she is sleeping fitfully behind me. Lunch at McDonald's, dinner at Wienerschnitzel -these are NOT the places she normally chooses to eat

when we travel. That's how I know she's not well: corn dogs sounded good to her, as did the cheeseburgers she had for lunch. (She normally does not eat

364 miles of Oklahoma and Texas panhandle are pretty boring to look at; yet they do have a certain beauty all their own. No buffalo, antelope or deer…just

scrubby, brushy plant life and the occasional cows. I'm glad we are here, and she can rest, fitfully or otherwise.

I'm gonna turn in myself, now. I feel pretty good after dinner, a hot shower and shaving my legs and pits, and just catching up on some stuff that really

We slept in again today, but not too much: We have to get to my aunt's by dinnertime. Clothing was the new blue long sleeve shirt, Liz Claiborne jeans, bra

and panties. No makeup today, and jewelry was the light blue slide and dark blue and clear bead bracelets.

Stopped at a mall to walk around a little before we left Amarillo; I need to move more than I have of late and so I put my foot down. Bought a few souvenirs,

We passed by the Cadillac Ranch-and that is all I am going to say about that, other than it is outside of town and in the middle of nowhere.

They say that New Mexico is the “Land of Enchantment.” I haven't seen much to be enchanted with to this point: Lunch was at a K-Bob's, and dinner was at

my aunt's. Albuquerque was like many big cities, except it was spread out a bit more. Santa Fe was a little nicer, what we saw of it. I'd like to go back and

check it out sometime, when we really have time to check it out. It was neat to see my aunt's home, though-nice and spacious, and her new husband (It's a

long story, but the gist of it is that my uncle has gone on to his reward) is really nice.

Morning comes early out here. A good thing-we have 388 miles to go today, and we planned to stop at the Petrified Forest. Clothing was a blue/greenish shirt

from Casual Corner, Liz Claiborne jeans, bra and panties. Makeup was light today-lipstick, eyebrow gel, and some mascara-and jewelry was the Chinese slide

We stopped at Petroglyph National Monument just outside of Albuquerque, and that was pretty interesting. Lunch was packed for us by my aunt, we enjoyed

some nice leftovers from dinner. (Strip Steak sandwiches!) We did stop at the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert National Park-and that gave us a taste of what

tomorrow will bring us. I do wish the SO was feeling better; she seems to be getting worse-but she still won't let me drive.

Two thoughts hit me tonight-one, this trip is pert near done. In a way, I am really sad. I mean, as much hassle as things have been, I kind of like not having to

deal with some (not all) of the stuff I normally have to deal with. Second-we are getting closer to home. First, we crossed into the “K” radio call signs (as

opposed to the “W”), then we crossed the Continental divide, and the rain that falls now goes toward the Pacific Ocean, and today we crossed back into

Pacific Time. (Arizona stays on Mountain Standard Time year `round-which is the same as Pacific Daylight Time. Since the clocks roll back this coming

We finally did get into Flagstaff…really late.

Flagstaff to Barstow, CA via the Grand Canyon.

Let me say something here. It is only 353 miles from Flagstaff to Barstow, straight through.

But it is a long 353 miles when you don't leave the Grand Canyon until 3 pm, and still have to get back to the Interstate to get there, and you have to sit

through 20 minutes of construction on the way back to the Interstate…and you are still awestruck as you go.

Clothing for such a day: The new blue long sleeve shirt, the new Liz Claiborne blue slacks, bra and panties. Makeup today was light again-lipstick,

eyebrow gel, and some mascara, and jewelry was the new Lapis slide, blue Liz Claiborne bracelet, and turquoise ring. And I need to tell you-I am

glad I had the long sleeves. While it can be cool at the rim, it does get hot near the bottom. Water is a must, and lots of it-not caffeinated drinks,

We started the day off having breakfast at McDonald's. High price alert: They gouged us by at least 3 bucks off what I would consider “normal” prices,

due to the touristy nature and time of year. (Plus, the manager was a little rude about serving us.) From there, we went through Sunset Crater National

Park/Wupatki National Monument. I could have spent a half day there just poking around the two. (For the record: Lunch was leftovers at the Grand

Canyon, and dinner was at the Cracker Barrel in Winslow. I am getting ahead of myself, however.)

From there, we went to one of THE National Parks: The Grand Canyon. Words fail me. The views were breathtaking (though at 7,200 feet above sea level

on the South Rim, almost anything can take your breath away if you are not careful) and even with the new camera there is no way that I could get the

scope of the place. (Actually, damn few cameras can even come close, in my opinion.) If you ever have the chance to go, do so-and plan to be there all

day. I wish we had; I could have spent another couple of hours trying to get some great pictures.

Shameless commercial: If you go to more than one or two National Parks a year, get the Golden Eagle Passport. For the $65/year it costs, not only

does it get you into all National Parks with a fee (and trust me, sugah-the Grand Canyon alone is $20/car), but also at sites managed by the U.S. Fish

and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Bureau of Land Management. And for $20 over that, those of you living in Oregon or Washington

State can also get a pass that lets you into all State Parks with fees as well. Those passes has not only paid off, but we are actually money ahead-and

while it is only good for a year, we have gotten our money's worth. And we still have (at this writing) another seven and a half months on them. We saved

this past summer at Golden Spike NHS, The Grand Canyon, Sunset Crater/Wupatki, The Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Fort Clatsop NHS (Now Lewis

and Clark NP) plus a host of State parks in Oregon.

Anyway-I don't regret going. I don't regret spend nearly $500 on digital camera supplies before I left (I shot 120 pics between these 3 parks alone today;

that's 5 rolls of film I don't have to develop) and I don't regret getting into Barstow very late. (Well, okay. Maybe just a twinge of regret because I was really

wiped out.) I also don't regret buying a copper bracelet and a turquoise and sterling silver ring, either…but that's another story.

The SO is not getting much better. I am becoming increasingly worried about her condition. With 402 miles to drive today, I wasn't sure that I wouldn't

Silly me. I think she'd have to be comatose to let me drive…and even then, she'd think twice about it. (It's not that she does not trust my abilities…she

just loves to drive, and the Infiniti G35 we have is a really sweet car to drive.)

Clothing today, since I am going to my girlhood home: A square neck t-shirt, the new Liz Claiborne blue slacks, bra and panties. Makeup was still

light-lipstick, eyebrow gel, and some mascara, and jewelry was the new Lapis slide, blue Liz Claiborne bracelet, the copper bracelet, the new turquoise

What can I say about today? It was a very long drive, with lunch at the Harris Ranch in Coalinga, CA. (They have the best beef) and dinner at home with

A very long drive, with not a whole lot to it until we got to the 680/580 interchange. There we hit traffic, and was again reminded of why I am glad to live in

Oregon now. Though it is nice to be back in my girlhood home again…not only is it home, but it also means that we are on the last legs of this little soiree'.

It's nice to be home: No makeup, no jewelry, and comfy clothes to schlep about in: The blue/greenish shirt from Casual Corner, Liz Claiborne blue slacks,

bra and panties. While I was getting dressed, the SO came in coughing up nasty colored phlem.

We went to a convenient care clinic so the SO can get some antibiotics. I felt like I was wasting precious time being away from home, but it did need to

happen. That we sat in too much traffic was equally frustrating.

Once home though, I got some time to sit and chat with the Momma and Daddy about the trip, and was able to show them-and a family friend--some of

the digital pix. The Momma really enjoyed them, and she is doing better from her knee replacement…though she still is not moving any too fast.

Time has a habit of moving way too fast at certain times, and this was one of those times. Goddess, it is good to be here. A belly full of Chinese food from

Clayton Village, friends and family, and just a few hours passed enjoying everyone's company.

Time to leave-we want to get to Nihonmachi (Japantown) before heading north. Clothing: The new blue long sleeve shirt, the new Liz Claiborne blue slacks, bra

and panties. Makeup: lipstick, eyebrow gel, and some mascara. Jewelry was the new Lapis slide, blue Liz Claiborne bracelet, and turquoise/sterling ring.

Lunch was at Isobune. I have raved about this place before, and it seems to get better every time I walk in under the curtains. Dinner was at Marie Callender's,

at which I ate way too much and got stared at by a hottie trying to determine if I was dressed for Halloween, or a woman in need of a makeup fix.

No messing around today; we are on a mission. The blue/greenish shirt from Casual Corner, Liz Claiborne blue slacks, bra and panties. Makeup today was

light again-lipstick, eyebrow gel, and some mascara, and jewelry was the paua slide, copper bracelet, and turquoise/sterling silver ring. Lunch was leftovers

at a rest stop in Oregon, and dinner was at home.

After 8300 miles and 39 days of being gone, we are home. Everyone is glad we're here. The cats even bypassed the usual snubbing and rubbed all over us.

As I look back on this trip, I am glad we took it. I am also very glad to be home, where I can go 100% femme again. I think about all the places I have been,

all I have seen, and frankly, all I bought…and would do it again if things worked out.

What I really want to do is a trip like this, but all femme. That could be amusing…39 days on the road as a woman, doing girl things.

Maybe someday I will. Just not right now. I am tired of being on the road, and I am in great need of being back here again in the Eugene area.

Dorothy was right…”There's no place like home.”