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at it think I still am--and had visions of starting my own business. My plan of the day was to go to some town where there were no other shops and yet with a need for TV service. We finally selected my wife's home town. It was a small town located half-way be- tween two larger shopping areas, none of which had any sort of repair shop--an ideal virgin location. Being a rural area, television was the greatest boon ever, there were thousands of sets in this area, and no service for over fifty miles. All plans were made for the move, notices were given the landlord, the truck was hired, the new home was rented, all was ready. Then disaster struck the textile mill that was the major support of the town was razed by a million-dollar fire, and I slashed my ideas. Why attempt to found a business in a suddenly poverty-stricken place? I decided to remain on my present job, with a better-than-average pay- check, and wait out the recovery of things "back home". Meanwhile, my family would go on to the new home, and I would take a room locally. This was expected to be a few months at the most. (As it turned out it was never, but that is another story.)

- -

Once again I was alone--and completely so, and indefinitely. For a short time the loneliness was dom- inant, but very soon I came to realize what a wonder- ful chance to live a double life--a man by day and a woman by night. I revelled in it. I acquired a small wardrobe which I was able to keep out in the open at long last; I could play around with different outfits-- all mine. I could sleep in nylon and lace, I could glory in femininity to my heart's content. But this too came to an end. Too long away from the family; no hopes of the planned business; more raises on the job and a sense of belonging--I am still in the same job, with the same firm, and it has been many long and satisfying years now--and thus we were a family again; back here. But now I missed my feminine life more than ever; and possibly this led to other and more troublesome attitudes.

Which brings me to the present.

31.