Saturday (More shoppimg then Liverpool)

I got to my bed just before 4am. I think I managed to get about 4 hours sleep.
Lisa and myself were going shopping in the city centre. Diana was meeting Sandi, who I had met at a Manchester Concord meeting. We decided that it wouldn't be a good idea for all four of us to go into the city centre as we might attract to much attention as a group, but we would meet up for a meal later.
Lisa and myself went off down King St where I bought a nice top in Monsoon. I love that shop they really do have beautiful clothes. Later on I bought a black jacket and skirt in Next.
It's great being able to try clothes on so you know they fit. The assistants were so helpful and really nice in both shops.
I also needed a new handbag and I bought a lovely Jane Norman one in Frasers.
The shops were really busy with lots of blokes out with their wives shopping looking glum in the womens departments. Lisa made a comment about how many of these blokes are secretly trannies and would love to be out shopping like us. I had to smile and thought probably a few.
We decided to get something to eat. We couldn't get in touch with Diana and Sandi so we went to a cafe bar near the Arndale.
Canal St and the village is great for us tgirls. A safe environment, but it is great to have and a meal and a drink elsewhere.
It came time for us to get back to the hotel and get changed for the next part of this fantastic weekend, Liverpool.
Diana ran us though to Liverpool for the April Ashley talk at St George's Hall. An absolutely beautiful venue.
April Ashley was the first person to transition from this country. She had the operation in Casablanca about 50 years ago. From what I understand it was a very dangerous procedure more so than today. I know any operation where they have to put you under carries a risk, but it has greatly improved these days. I don't know much about Gender Reassignment Surgery, but from what I understand it can cause problems even today, depending how it's done.
April is now in her seventies and looks fantastic. I get the feeimg she would be the centre of attention anywhere. She seems to have that aura some people have.
I really enjoyed the talk even though the sound system was terrible.
After the talk Diana and Lisa went to get a photograph signed by April. I met a lass of the Angels Forum Alina and her husband.
One black spot a genetic woman who was a bit drunk asked me if I was a man and kept asking in front of a few other women. It wasn't a nice situation to be in and shook me a bit.
We went for a meal at an Indian with 3 other girls, Pippa, Sarah and Lynette. Everything got a bit surreal when we finished the meal. Two nuns who were at the April Ashley talk came into the restaurant. I think Sarah was giving them a lift in her car. Now I not religious as I've stated in a previous post, but one of the nuns blessed us and to be honest it was a quite beautiful moment.
It came time to leave so we headed back to the car. On the way a thought struck me. I had came into Liverpool in K mode and was leaving the same way, another first.
When we got back to Manchester we went to Napoleons and I was really glad to see the 2 Kates' were there. I was really hoping I would see them. They are a lovely couple.
I talked to Mrs Kate about my late wife briefly. She said something about I'll meet someone, but to be honest I'm not really looking.It's years since I was with anyone. The last lass I was with, the relationship didn't last long. I'm content with life now. My life has changed. I've done things I never thought I would. The trans aspect has allowed me to live again and enjoy life.
When I see the two Kates out together I have an inkling of what they have from what I had with Mrs Karen and it's quite beautiful.
It came time to leave and when I was collecting my coat I noticed a genetic girl was watching me and then she winked. It was tempting to go over and speak but I think she was with a bloke so I think it was better that I didn't.
Outside we all hugged and that was the end of another amazing time with my friends.
I really wish I could do this more.
Can't wait till next time.
Love
Karen xxx

Friday, A couple more firsts and no nerves.

I'm not long back from an amazing 2 days in Manchester and a trip through to Liverpool for the April Ashley talk.
I got down to Manchester on the Friday afternoon and met up with Lisa at The Place where we had an apartment. We had stayed there at Sparkle and I hadn't seen Lisa since then.
Once we got sorted, out bob basically disappeared until Sunday when I went home. Even at Sparkle I hadn't spent the whole time in K mode.
Diana was coming round and we were going out to the Trafford Centre to shop. There was a slight hitch, Diana had forgot her contact lenses and had to go back home and get them. Actually I was glad of the extra time to get ready.
Once Diana got sorted she came round to where we were staying and couldn't come up to our apartment due to a mix up with names. I went down to get her. The reception was busy. At one time I would have been extremely nervous with so many people in one place.
We went up to the apartment. Diana looked looked as good as ever. A very classy lady.
When we got up to the apartment Lisa was just about ready. Lisa looked great. It was time to go shopping. Lisa drove us out to the Trafford.
At the MAC counter in Selfridges I mangeed to limit what I bought which is really difficult. I just love their products. I bought a green wool coat in Evans (see pic above).
We decided to have a meal in the Trafford. Another first outside the village for me.
It's a fantastic feeling just being able to do normal things like any other woman with a couple of good friends.
After the meal it was back to the hotel and a quick change and out for a couple of drinks in the village. We met up in Napoleons. The blue dress Diana was wearing was absolutely stunning. I wish I could wear clothes like that. Both Diana and Lisa looked fab. If I even look a fraction as good as Diana and Lisa I'm happy. I'm still trying to get used to heels. Very low ones seem to kill my feet. I'm in awe of those two and the ones they wear.
The night came to an end. I'd had a wonderful time and it was time for a few hours sleep.