With sincere apologies to Bob Dylan and Peter, Paul & Mary... This WAS going to be titled "part 2", but I've heard "too much of nothing." Hence the unusual title....
Sorry about the erroneous initial post, and subsequent deletion. I was just beginning to pen something here, and "operator failure" happened...I hit Publish, not save. Sorry!
I've been contemplating the options for getting my model railroad back into operation, while waiting for the tech to call about my diesel set. I can picture sending in the digital control system parts for repair, and getting them back 3 or 4 months later, only to find additional problems with them that need repair. Given that the system is probably 5 or 6 years old (though sparingly used) and only the repairs would be warranted, not additional problems, it may be best to just replace it. (Reminds me of old, dead computers...) That way the digital control system will be factory-warranted, and at least get me a year of service before worrying about further failures. That's my current thought process...
One thing is certain...without something being done, trains won't run! Here are a couple more pix...from better days, when my layout was in operation:
Hopefully I'll have more info on the train situation for the next post...and a pedicure picture as well!
Cheers...
Mandy
I spent much of the past weekend dressed around the house and when we did go out I kept my bra and cami on and never once wore socks over my pantyhose. Once or twice my wife commented that I should close my coat in the store since my 'man boobs' were too prominent.
ReplyDeleteShe liked a somewhat new pair of high heel peep toe pumps that allowed my stocking clad red toes to peek out.
I am still working on her to let me travel dressed on the auto train. I think that I have made some headway but it is hard to tell. I will have to take my toe nail polish off before we head south since I will likely be out and about barefoot and having red toenails may get me more that a reasonable dose of stink eye.
Pat
It really does sound as though you're making progress. I'd most likely get more than "stink eye" if I put on a bra and forms...LOL! And I doubt I'd ever get a compliment about a new pair of peep-toe pumps....
DeleteWhen is your trip? Soon, if I remember right. I hope she will let you dress...that would be wonderful. (Taking the red polish off is a small price to pay...might be a good compromise point!
Be safe,
Mandy
We will be traveling the last two weeks of January. I have been dressed to one degree or another, most often without a wig or makeup, most days for the past week or so...after our holiday guests left.
ReplyDeleteAt my size I do not consider 'passing' as an option although I think that most people are too wrapped up in themselves to notice things. We leave the house early in the morning and have a 5 hour ride to pick up the Auto train in Lorton. That means multiple stops at rest areas on the NJ Tpke, and Rt, 95 through, Del and Md. On saturdays these rest areas tend to be crowded and I am not sure that it would be a good first time for going to the ladies room.
At the Auto train then do check IDs. The photo on my license shows a guy with short white/gray hair. Presenting in a wig is a likely non-starter.
I think that she most likely reserved a roomette rather than the family room or a deluxe. She does watch her money.
I think that the best that I can hope for would be to change into female mode once I am in the roomette. It is a tiny space but with everything that I do as a CD it always involves baby steps.
I will let you know how things go when I get back.
Pat
Enjoy your trip - whether in your male or female persona!
ReplyDeleteFYI when you're at rest stops, check out the family restrooms. In both NYS and Ohio, I've seen them, with no restricting signs. In PA, the one rest stop I checked had restricting signs, requiring there to be a person needing help and their helper. None others. Apparently handicapped folks "on their own" had to use the handicap stall in the regular restroom. Of course, that was a while ago and it may have changed...and I used the family restrooms in NYS and Ohio...
Couple of comments about the train and ID... A couple summers ago, you may remember that I took a trip to Chicago on the "Late Shore." To get to NYC where I could board it, I took a business class seat from Baltimore's airport station headed north. Getting aboard was a non-event, even in a skirt and makeup. The manifest and ticket showed Mr., and the Conductor addressed me as "Ma'am." Going into Club Acela in NYC was also a non-event.
Then, when boarding the sleeper, the female car attendant (and later the male Conductor) both addressed me as "Ma'am." Seeing male ID, and "Mr." on the manifest didn't seem to matter, at that point in time. And for part of this upcoming trip (if it actually happens) I'll be en femme, carrying male ID.
Shouldn't matter...I can still speak in a very male voice, my pic on the ID shows long hair right there with the "M," and my real name is now a female name, to further confuse them all! Ought to be a fun experience!
I'll be riding in a small room...but that's easier with one. I get claustrophobia in the upper bunk...so when we travel together it's either two small rooms or the family bedroom. (You COULD go downstairs to the shower room and change - much more spacious! And get a few minutes in public, en femme! Maybe she'd let you do that, even if you sit in the roomette with the drape closed???)
I'll be anxious to hear how your trip goes!
Mandy
That is a good tip about family restrooms. I will check them out on the way to Lorton.
ReplyDeleteI also am not a fan of the upper berth but I do it to save money. Some times on the way back north when the fares are low we will get too roomettes. I think that she may tolerate some in room dressed time. I am now starting to think about what to pack.
Yes, I've become a fan of family or unisex washrooms, and look for them wherever I go. They're usually cleaner, too! The restaurant in TN where we are planning our son's rehearsal dinner has one, and that's good!
DeleteAnother thing you can do (about getting an extra roomette for less $) might be to ask the Conductor if there are any vacant ones, and how much would it cost to rent it. That works best for coach passengers, but if there are no takers from coach, and it's going to be vacant the whole trip, as it would be on Auto Train, getting paid something for it (as opposed to nothing) may work. Or maybe not...haven't tried!
I'll keep my fingers crossed that you get some dressed time...keep us posted!
Mandy
The auto train is a good example of supply and demand. In late December or early January the fare heading south is very steep, if you can get a reservation at all. They permit reservations up to 11 months in advance and some of the snowbirds make their reservations early and often.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand coming north in January or early Feb there is little demand. On occasion we have gotten an extra roomette for $100-150. We often ask as we are boarding in Sanford and if the extra fare is under a reasonable number we will take the extra room.
Pat
Sounds like you've got it figured out...good luck on getting that extra room!
DeleteHere's hoping that you will get to dress a bit...even if it's only in your room!
Mandy