Forgot blebt, I’ve been woefully behind on even posting. Anyway, I wanted to get caught up on my New Year’s weekend in New York.

Every year I go visit my brother in New England and when I realized that the monthly get-together of some of the My Husband Betty regulars happened to fall on January 2—which was great way to meet folks face-to-face finally. I also ended up meeting a lot of other folks for lunch, dinner, drinks, etc.—so many that I really didn’t do any touristy stuff. But fortunately, I’ve been there enough that I didn’t mind.

Got into New York City, Saturday evening and had the night to myself. Walked through Times Square—it was even more Disney-ified than I remember from my last trips. A Red Lobster on Times Square (even with Aanndre and Tim Gunn)—that’s just wrong. Where are the peep shows? The crackheads? (I did feel better when I saw puddles of vomit on the sidewalk in the Village. Now that’s the New York I remember….) Walked past the Rockfeller Center and the hordes of crowds watching the skaters—the rink is far more fun to look at than to skate in, I decided. Then I headed up to Barney’s to look at their window displays, which are supposed to be outrageous. But somehow I missed them. My next disappointment of the night came in trying to find a drag show listed in one of the guidebooks. (It would’ve been fun to compare SF/NY queens.) But either I missed the bar, or it had gone out of business. Finally, I didn’t move fast enough to get through one of those “cage” turnstiles and got locked out—and could use my pass again. (Note to tourists: I’m informed by the locals, that if you wait 10-15 minutes, you’ll be able to use the pass again. Or talk to the folks in the ticket booths, who will help out as long as it’s one of the 3-day or 7-day passes).

New Year’s Eve, I met Donna and her son for lunch. Apparently, I severely disappointed Donna’s son by appearing en homme again (just as I had when they visited San Francisco). Next time, I promise…. Had dinner with Michelle York, who was lovely. Spent a quiet New Year’s Eve as far as possible from Times Square. New Year’s Day, I went out en femme shopping most of the day. Unfortunately, it was raining all day and I discovered the new women’s raincoat I got doesn’t breathe that well, which wasn’t a good thing given the abnormally warm temperatures. Missed Barney’s again. (I finally found it Wedneday, by which time they’d taken down the Christmas displays.) Despite hitting numerous stores I didn’t end up buying anything. Partly I’ve gotten picky about what I can put into my small closet. But I just didn’t see anything interesting. Had dinner with Lex, who was a perfect gentleman.

Tuesday, I got to together with Erica, who can give you her account of things. ‘Course she didn’t mention that I was left waiting around on the corner, just as a middle school let out. Either I blend more than I realize, or even middle school New Yorkers have adopted the jade “seen it all” look because I didn’t here one peep out of the hordes of kids passing by. Had a lovely time walking around the Village and then stopping for drinks. Not having to worry about driving does make a big difference—and I think I overdid it a bit every day I was in NYC. So I was a bit ah…happy…by the time of the MHB get-together at The Center. Definitely great to meet people face-to-face after talking to them for months on the Betty boards.

Also managed to squeeze in a visit with Helen and Betty, both of whom I can’t say enough good things about. BTW, if you haven’t done so already, sign up to get a signed copy of Helen’s soon-to-be-released book “She’s Not the Man I Married.” Also had lunch with the lovely Caprice, although it was a little awkward since we were both en homme and not quite sure what to call each other.
By the time I was headed home, I needed a bit of time-off from my time-off, but it was great fun.