Hi,
How’s things? Hopefully good and if not, moving that way soon. There’s another winter storm blowing at the mo, so please take care if you’re out and about.
It’s been a full week so my battery is somewhat flat. Still, it’s the weekend, so a chance to rest and catch-up with a few activities.
Zapped
Talking of batteries – proverbial and technical – there was a slight caffeine related issue at last night’s Chams.
Val was kind enough to make some hot drinks and what we both thought was decaffeinated coffee wasn’t.
I did wonder why I had more energy mid evening! 😁
Now, for your coffee fiends out there 😉 this is probably no issue. For folk like me, where it’s decaff after twelve noon…. Well, I did wonder if I might be up all night. Thankfully that was not to be the case, so small mercies 🙏
As to technical stuff, it seems the infrastructure that powers my Leaf is playing up at the mo. Slightly annoying as it’s bugging my as yet undiagnosed ADHD, but I’m told it’ll work itself out in the next few days. It’s not affecting the charging, just the ability to check the battery levels and turn on/off defrost for cold mornings. Yeah, first world problems.
Monkey Trouble
Not so far from here, indeed just across the pond, a good friend has had a new animal arrive. The Loon Gibbon – and I believe so-called because of its distinctive cry – has arrived and now taken over the enclosure.
How odd that it’s bullied and threatened the weaker creatures so quickly. I say weak, there’s those without power who can’t fight back. Then there’s those who have power, but have chosen to side with the bully. It’s not a new tale is it.
A shame really. They seemed to be doing okay without the yelling, throwing of -ahem- material, etc. Tragically, the Loon Gibbon now seems to have a small pack loyal animals that steal and hoards the food and toys, so the others have to go without.
The sounds coming from its vicious howling and the mess is making! Well, my friend certainly has their work cut out. He has my sympathy and it’s going to take more than a bleach infused power wash to get that place back into shape.
There’s not much we can do from this side. Well, other than try to support those less fortunate. That and check any visitors, so they’re not treading any of the, excuse me, ‘rear released missives’ back here.
I feel deeply for my friend. When I asked him about it, he said it was what the people wanted, so I guess they’re stuck with it for a time.
I tell myself that it rarely ends well for bullies, but sometimes, Karma seems a long wait.
The Four S’s of the Fabocalypse
With Chams being this week, I was – as before – in two minds over the faff of getting packed and changed. I think we agreed the four S’s: shower, shave, slap, and sashay 😉 Again, a mix of just a lot to do during the day and a lack of energy at night. Buuut, I decided to lean into the well, why not just give it a go, and off I went.
Sadly no joy on the new sheers from Snag, but they did offer a free pair of opaques (v. comfy!), so I don’t think I can grumble about that.
I decided to take my new Popsy dress and an old favourite just in case. Also, boots in case of cold/comfort, even if I was going to give some heels a go.
It’s only been a month and a half, but I really needed to have a think about how to do my make-up. Do you get that? Where is been a while and you feel a bit rusty at things?
But, the deed was done and while I’m still not sure I’m doing my undereyes right – in terms of longevity and avoiding crinkling – I thought: That’ll do, Pig 😁
Chams Itself
A number of folk were away due to holiday, work, or travel; so numbers were slightly lower, but nothing to worry about.
We celebrated Helen’s birthday – and no, I won’t be sharing a lady’s age – and she was kind enough to bring some cake along. I had offered to buy some, but due to timing and other factors, the offer wasn’t taken up and that’s okay.
We had a visit from one of the Old School folk who used to go to Chams in the mid 80s. It was really interesting to hear from Karen and I think we may need to update the Chams history. I guess this is the catch, in that when most of the group’s history is oral, that can slip away as people move on. Something to try and work on this year.
We had a new person come along as they had met one of our members on-line, Crossdresser Heaven, I think. They were chatting away, quite happy, and it was very sweet to see them enjoying tea and conversation.
I had put aside a few items from the Ever Lovely Mrs J’s ‘to go to charity’ tidy up. I think Debbie took a cute vest, Izzy had a tunic, and Val some earrings to convert into clips. No takers on the boots, but if passing some things on brings a bit of happiness in, I’ll take that.
With the evening conversation winding up, the washing up done, and the clock approaching 11pm; there was time for a few photos for people.
Due to a battery issue in my old camera, I had to swap to my phone. What’s been useful about that is being able to compare the differences in lighting, resolution, and picture quality. To be honest, I still think the camera has the edge with it comes to portrait shots. Might it be the longer lens? I dunno, I just point, click, and hope for the best.
So, yeah, a good night with friends and given some of the noise & nonsense going on, a welcome relief of kind souls looking out for each other.
L x
Argh! I completely forgot Chams was on! I could have made a rare twice in a row!
Glad it went well, sad about the sheers, but a lovely dress! Also, and not to be crawly, but your make-up job always eclipses my own and mine is, theoretically at least, a daily look! You’d think practice made, well, if not perfect, at least decent? 😅
Anyway, lovely to read your post and that joy was shared!
“…made a rare twice in a row!”
Third time’s the charm? 🙂 Well, one of the numerous good things about Chams, is that at twice a month, there’s always another opportunity. Maybe next time! 🤞
Thank you for the kind words about the dress and make-up. TBH, after the post Xmas -ahem- inflation 🙂 I was glad it still fitted nicely.
As to the slap, not a competition or comparison, if that’s okay to say. We’re different people, ages, needs, complexions, etc. Maybe I’m over crinkling around the eyes from the smiles and laughter of the evening? Still, better than than tearful mascara! 😁
Glad you got some Lynn time.
Yes, I know that “can I be bothered with the faff?” feeling, especially when it’s cold or you only have a couple of hours window and it’ll take most of that to get ready and then get changed and tidied up afterwards.
I must ask you to ask Val for me about the earring conversions.
xx
Susie
It will worked out rather nicely, I feel 🙏
The whole shebang of, well, ablutions, make-up, padding/taping, the right outfit, and then the thorough deprincessing at the end…. Yeah, it ain’t easy if your energy isn’t there 🩷
As to the earring conversions, I’ll ask Val next time I see her (assuming she’s not read this post). I think the conversion stuff* was via eBay. Might be worth a shufti on the site.
( I didn’t want to say kit in case I’m misinforming ).
That dress certainly makes a colourful, cheerful contrast to all the grey, wintry weather. Ideal. Glad you had a good meeting, despite the unintended caffeine hit.
You’ve posted a series of somewhat manic festive goblins recently and I’m grateful that AI hasn’t come up with a Loon Gibbon Goblin. That would be more than the nerves could take!
Sue x
The dress was in the sale and I’d had my eye on it, hoping for a reduction. I do love a pretty print and bonus points for the wrap dress style too. I’m hoping it’ll be good all year if mixed & matched with lighter colours in spring 🤞
Yes, the goblin pictures seem to have become a thing! 🙂 For both decency to humans and to shield the poor AI’s creative software, I thought it best not to create the horror. I think the key thing is the park’s keepers watching for theft and other crimes, rather than listening to the distracting howls. Easy to say, not so easy to do.