Friday 9th April -

After one of the worst train journeys in the history of train journeys (including broken trains, smashed level crossings, rammed buses, hysterical children and gobby scousers) I got to York. Finally. After a very quick beer and a change of clothes (I had totally forgotten to bring a coat with me) we headed to the pub.

Good thing it was only a short walk to the Rook and Gaskill because I was thirsty for a beer, a seat next to my friends, rather than a screaming child, and a smoke. A few real ales later with Lucas and the lovely Jane Dalton from Uninvited Guest and Chris (organising the DV8 Festival in York in a few months time) joined us. Chocolate mini eggs all round and some more nattering and we were the last ones in the pub so went home to natter some more.

Saturday 10th April -

I left Jane and Lucas working on new songs to go into York to do some shopping. Went into a shop that I had been walking past every weekend and saw so many things I wanted to buy! Purple Haze had dresses, blouses, hair ribbons, compacts, shoes and handbags all retro or retro styled. I cam out with a vintage Italien silk scarf (in grey naturally) and a gothic cocktail dress which I would end up wearing later. ( I think it will be a regular stop for me whenever I'm up that way).

Did a bit more wandering around but didn't buy anything else but managed to find a new friend's workplace and stop by for a chat and arrange drinks for later.

Went 'home' and the UG pair were still working so I got changed (so I could wear my new scarf pretty much) then went back into town after a couple of episodes of 'Come Dine With Me' - I don't care what you say it's brilliant.

Met my friend in the Olde Starre Inn and sat in the courtyard with a cold beer and discussed outfits for later, then a lift home to cook pizzas and try to get Lucas and Jane ready on time!

Hair extensions, new dresses, costume changes, corset tightening and way too much glitter later we were ready. Sort of. At Darklands we bumped into some familiar faces - Trish and Roger (who organise loads of events including Shadowdaze Festival) and Heidi (corsetier and costumer) had a dance and avoided dramas. Taxi, beer and pizza takeaway then bed.

Sunday 11th April -

Cold pizza for breakfast, Vanilla Sky and a Thai curry then train home - thankfully with a much better journey this time.