Julie - Out and About

  As we approach the 1 year Anniversary of the Pandemic Lockdown, I find myself missing many things.  Going to a nice restaurant, a movie, and of course The Theater - not only attending but (for those who do not know) acting in and directing plays.  But the thing that leaves the biggest hole in my heart is not being able to meet with my Sister Friends.  Not being able to sip coffee (or something stronger!) and chat about life, the universe and everything.  It took me SO long to come out to friends and to build up a super support network of loving, caring ladies.  Now, with that unceremoniously pulled away from me, I have found myself bouncing back and forth between lonliness and depression.   Original Sister Friend Sarah Going shopping, grabbing a coffee and walking through the park, sitting on the back porch, sharing a meal . . . not only are all these things better when wearing a cute skirt and heels, but much more so when you can share them wit...

My group of girl friends - The Sister Friends, as we call  ourselves - have a tradition of getting together after Christmas for drinks and elegance. Our gathering from Christmas 2018 This year we opted for brunch and shopping!  With my recent return to the ranks of the full time employed, my chances for getting pretty have been few and far between, So this outing was a VERY welcome event.  I was so happy to be pretty, I almost ruined my mascara! ~~schmeep!~ Sarah and I - ready to hit the town! We had a lovely brunch and hit a few thrift shops.  I was on a quest - since I have lost weight, I needed a new denim skirt.  Not only did I find one, but also a cute top to go with it.  Then as we approached the cash register, Sarah grabbed my clothes and said Merry Christmas! ~ double schmeep~ Lovely day, lovely Sister Friends, lovely wrap of 2019. Stay safe and pretty, Sweeties!

Welllllllll --  while on a work trip to Southwest Florida, an unusual thing occurred.  Julie showed up! This was a "drab" work trip, but I attended a Femme Fantasy Birthday Party while there. (see blog entries "Hitting 60 (Posts)" and "Hitting 60 (Posts) Photo Update") (https://juliemshaw.blogspot.com/2019/07/hitting-60-posts.html) (https://juliemshaw.blogspot.com/2019/07/hitting-60-photo-update.html )  My Party Outfit It was there that I got to talk with Jennie about who Julie is, and she jumped at the chance to help out.  We met one night for a late supper and talked about a night out.  It took a while, but we were finally able to do a Day Out.  Lunch and The Mall.   Florida means sandals means pedicure! Outfit for the day PLUS she recruited 2 others to join us, also attendees of The Party - Erica (the gymnast!) and James (the fuzzy guy) (check the Photo Update for details).  We went to a lovely ...

Forgive me for not mentioning this at an earlier time. But upon careful research and in depth examination of the records -- I have come to the discovery that I have been writing this blog for 2 years!! (And BOY, am I tired!)(no??) There haven't been too many activities that I have maintained for 2 years -  not the least being something that requires fairly regular attention and creativity.  So, in honor of reaching this milestone . . .  Happy Anniversary To Me! Now - down to business . . . .  Had another day out recently with my dear dear Sister Friend Linda as we engaged in one of our favorite activities - Shopping!  Outfit for the day - with new "quail color" leggings!  I had a goal (2 actually, but was happy to accomplish one of them) of adding 2 pair of shoes to my closet.  Not just ANY shoes, either,  CHEAP shoes!  With Payless Shoe Source closing up, we hit 2 different locations as I hunted for a pair of bl...

When a single gal has a free morning - what does she do? I had errands to run (big surprise!) so I added a fun stop to cap it all off.  First stop - The Bank. (obviously)  Then on to the grocery store for some necessities. Then to the Dollar Tree - because paying more than a dollar for 10 maxi pads is just plain stupid!  As I sat in the parking lot of Dollar Tree, I thought, "Where have I been wanting to go for a while but haven't had time/availability to do so?"  Well, a quick thought back to my lingerie drawer reminded me I have a half dozen pair of stockings, but no garter belt!  Soooooo . . . .   The gal working there, Ashley, was so incredibly helpful and accepting, the experience was a dream!  AND - - - they were having a 2 for 1 sale!! Even though Ashley offered the dressing rooms, I waited until I got home to actually try on the 2 belts I did buy, and they fit perfectly. (maybe I'll post THOSE photos in another entry...

She was wrapping up a pretty fun and full week.  I had another trip for pie and coffee.  There were a few tables of "young folk" there this time (high school seniors-ish) who gave me a second glance, but said nothing. Then there was more time spent downtown. The Bloomsday Runners statues - downtown landmark   Hoopfest - the nation's biggest 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament - getting set up Outside the old Masonic Temple - we both were a little stiff   Does this store make me look fat?  The true highlight of Friday, however, comes with no photos.  I had connected with another Girl Like Me on line and came to find out my male side is friends with his wife!! "Kendra" had recently come out to her and asked if I could talk to her about it all.  I was invited to their house for dinner and we had a wonderful chat.  By the end of the evening, the wife was visibly at ease with Kendra and I being there.  She even suggested making...

Let's see, now where was I?? Oh yeah - Day 4! (aka Day Final) Another late day at the job, so after getting back to the hotel, selecting the outfit for the evening, and getting the make up "just right", I was relegated to the only options available.   Ready to hit the exciting .. . well, the quiet streets   I first went to Denny's to get something sweet to eat.  The waitress, Kellie, was a dear.  She gave me a great suggestion - cheesecake with yummy strawberries!  It really hit the spot.  And Kellie was so nice and accepting.  After hitting the Ladies Room to freshen up my lips, I headed out to my next stop. Wal*Mart!!  This particular store seemed to be having a clearance sale in Jewelry, and I'm always on the look out for rings.  Only problem, their selection of Size 10 was EXTREMELY limited.  In fact, all they had was one Wedding Set in silver.  (my preference is gold)   Since I ...

Basic Black - always a hit Seems like I have been falling into a rut -- the rut of getting all dressed up first thing in the morning and then not having any where to go.  Most days I am without a vehicle.  Not really a deterrent to going out - I have a bus pass that will get me almost anywhere in our lovely town. Me on a previous outing - waiting for the aforementioned bus But travel by bus requires planning and a time commitment. When driving to the local Value Village, for example, it takes me 5 minutes.  To get there by bus would require walking, bus, change bus, and more walking -- about 25 minutes. Not to mention I must go when the bus is running, not whenever I feel like it. The other difficulty comes when I realize I will be venturing out alone.  Now, I've done it before, and will probably do it again and again.  But having someone to chat with, to see if that top REALLY goes with that skirt, to dish the dirt about 3r...