Meatloaf's Rail Adventures #5

Allentown and Auburn

Another holiday finds Meatloaf adventuring along the rails. This time a trip much closer to home. We still got up early, but were able to get in breakfast and Meatloaf's morning walk before heading over the hills to Kutztown, PA.

Runs 1, 2, and 3

The motor cars set on by the Allentown and Auburn station located on Railroad Street. How convenient, right? Meatloaf got settled in the car after the safety meeting.

A very pretty run! It's four miles of farmland. 

At the end, by the engine house, Meatloaf got to stretch while the cars turned to go back to the station.

All the weather forecasts said it would be warmer, around 50. I don't think it ever happened and I'm glad we found a new sweater for Meatloaf to wear on these excursions. 

The tiny silver stripes are supposed to be reflective, but I think we need to add some safety green to it for next time.

As luck would have it a freight train passed. Meatloaf heard it and barked. Then we watched it pass.

Soon it was time to go back. 

We went up and back another time before lunch. Meatloaf explored a bit more this second time.

But was ready to head back again for lunch.

One group went to Basin Street Hotel for lunch. They have really good rye bread; makes for a tasty ham sandwich! We sat with two very nice couples and visited until it was time to go back to the station for run number three.

This time Meatloaf noticed a hand car.

Then went back to the motor car.

And decided it was time for a nap.

Meatloaf loves to supervise set off; he stays close to our car for safety.

It was a great day with a great group of people! A big THANK YOU to the Allentown and Auburn Railroad and the event coordinators for a neat trip. We hope everyone had as much fun as we did.

Ps. The railroad has Easter bunny trains coming up. Would be fun to do with the family.

Best wishes,

Fun Friday: Kaya Factoids

Get to Know Kaya

Hi! I missed last Friday. It was a crazy day and I just couldn't get my photo shoot in among everything else. 

That's okay, I could re-think my outfit and get a better handle on my answers to the profile questions. Let's get to it.

My full name is Kaya'aton'my' Herd Silverleaf. Yeah, my middle name is interesting, right?

Almost everyone calls me Kaya or K.

My birthday is May 13, 1999. I know some people think it is later in the year, but, really, it's in May. I think it falls on Mother's Day this year. That can be a bummer when it happens.

Tatlo is my special fur baby! I've had him since he was a pup. I bet you figured he was a big puppy with huge puppy paws. You'd be right! (giggles) 

I also have two fabulous horses, Butterbrandy and Steps High.

I have two really awesome dolls. The first is an antique Native American doll complete with cradle board. The second is a LORI doll named Tama.

Let's see, hobbies. I just love playing lacrosse - the weather has been terrible for practice right now. My cello is the best. Of course, horseback riding and reading.

My Favorites

Animal: The wolf. Majestic and family oriented.

Book: Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery Anne is a lot of fun, a little over dramatic, but in a good way. I'd lik to have adventures with her.
Color: Green, especially dark green like forest or hunter green.
Food: Berries!

Flower: Buttercups
Instrument: I bet you can guess it (giggles) cello!
Movie: Fantastic Beasts - Newt is my kind of guy! Jacob is really cool too.

Number: It's not a popular favorite, but my favorite number is 1.

Rock group(s): Prepare to be shocked...Tool, Disturbed, Judas Priest, Daughtry, Dorothy, Halestorm, Metallica, Veruca Salt, Link Wray, Miracle Dolls, INXS, Pentatonix, Elvis, Lindsay Stirling, Yo Yo Ma. You may have to google a few of these.

Sport: Lacrosse, of course!
Tea: Yaupon, once you get the right combination of leaves, water, etc. it's outstanding
TV Show: NCIS - Abbey rocks! Well, rocked. I was really sad she left the team/show.

So my questions for you...

1. Which photo do you like best?
2. What fact surprised you the most?
3. What do we have in common?

So glad you stopped! Come again soon!

Book Review: Meet Felicity

SHtMLF's Book Club Day!

Meet Felicity

by Valerie Tripp

Hi! I'm here by myself today. Well, not really, Felicity is here to help (giggles). Meet Felicity is the very first American Girl book I read; it came with my very first doll. Isn't she pretty. 

Okay, her hair needs to be tidied, but her ribbon is sewn in her hair and I hate to cut it.

Pyewacket! Those pretzels aren't for you! Shoo!

(merow)
So back to the book! You can tell this is an early edition because the cover is white or cream and Felicity is wearing the rose gown, not the purple one or the blue and yellow one.

It also has really neat illustrations. Check out this one.

(prup rup rup)
Oh, Pyewacket! (giggles)

(huff)
Bijoux! (laughing)

Okay, Felicity's meet story is interesting. The location is Williamsburg 1774. The "intolerable acts" are being passed by British parliament and soon Richard Henry Lee will be heading to Philadelphia as one of Virginia's representatives to the continental Congress. That's not in the book, but good background. So you know her story starts before the Declaration of Independence is even imagined, but tensions are beginning. 

Felicity is described as impatient. She is compared to her sisters, but in my opinion she has the soul of an explorer; however, even explorers need to know how to sew. Anyway, while running an errand she sees the tanner's new horse and how horribly she is being treated. It's sad that some people are so terrible to animals. Felicity takes it upon herself to do something about it. Especially after she hears the tanner say he'd give up the horse to anyone who could ride it. Challenge accepted! 

Felicity is strong, up for a challenge, and caring. I really liked this book! If you like this edition, check your local library or use book store.

If you'd like to learn more or talk about the book, join the discussion over at Say Hello to My Little Friends.

Xyra's Review

Meet Felicity: An American Girl:  1774 by Valerie Tripp

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very interesting story.

Felicity Merriman is a fiesty young girl who doesn't have a lot of patience for learning what girls and young women are supposed to learn to be successful during 1774. Her focus and longing and interest lies elsewhere. In this case, with a mistreated horse.

Kudos to Felicity for taking on a bully.

I enjoyed reading this story and am looking forward to reading the rest of her collection.

[SPOILER ALERT]
This did not end as tidily as I thought it would. 

Happy reading and best wishes!

Pi Day 2018

Happy and Sad

Today we celebrate a major mathematical constant...Pi!
We also celebrate Einstein's birthday.
That's Albert, the scientist with the theory of relativity; not the dog from Back to the Future. Although he is named for the scientist.
And today the passing of Stephen Hawking. Rest in Peace.
Quite interesting. 
I wonder how many other great minds have Pi in common.
From all of us to you...

Best wishes,