Happy Monday

A Package, Woo Hoo!

Hey, Lea! Check out this package! Are we expecting anything?

Oh! I know what this is! So cool!

What?!
Help me get it inside.

Are you going to tell me what it is?

Didn't you see the return address? Our cake has arrived!
The one from Treasured Friendships with a Flair?
Yep!
There's a note. Sassafras says there is tea in there too!

Four to try.
I think we should try the pink on first. (giggles)

Mel will love there is an Earl Grey. (giggles)
What's going on? Did I hear someone say, "Earl Grey" and "Cake"?

(giggling)
Yeah, our prize from Treasured Friendships arrived.
Looks fabulous!

Thank you, Sassafras!

Best wishes,

The Build: September 2017

Theme and Memorial In One

Hi! We're a little behind again this month. Sometimes it takes longer to come up with an idea we love. This one was inspired by two things. 

The first is Patriot Day. We have four flames atop the calendar in memory of the events from September 11, 2001. Two for the World Trade Center towers, one for the Pentagon, and one for Flight 93. I'm too young, but Melody and Xyra remember the day vividly. We always observe the moment of silence at 8:46 AM on September 11.

The second focuses on our tree theme. This time apple trees. You can see our trees are filled with green and red apples. The red ones are ready for picking. The green ones, not so much.

These friends spent the afternoon picking apples and are now enjoying an evening by the fire pit. Of course, there are bunnies taking a break from nibbling grass by checking out their surroundings, a cute little hedger, and a couple of playful pups.

What do you think?

Here's a closer look.

Next month is much easier! We have loads of ideas already. BUT we'd be interested to hear your ideas too. How do you picture October?

So glad you stopped! Come again soon!

Model Monday: Tag Team

Melody to Lanie

Maryellen's Play Outfit Plus

Hi! The other day I was visiting with Great Aunt Lanie and asked her what she thought of my outfit. If it reminded of anything she wore when she was a teen.

She pointed out a few things so I thought Lanie should model with her suggestions. She did like my glasses and, of course, I mislaid them before the shoot. 😞 But you've seen them before. The brownie ombre ones. Lanie has a bigger photo shoot.

Melody's Outfit Details
Maryellen's Play Outfit (purchased on sale without the shoes)
White tennis shoes (unknown; included with outfit purchased from a crafter)

Lanie's Turn

So Melody told me the things Great Aunt Lanie pointed out as incorrect and I tried to fix them.

First, she said she and her friends would not have worn shoes without socks. And she also didn't remember wearing tennis shoes other than when playing tennis, so I dug out a pair of Bobby socks and our saddle shoes.

This is my adjusted version. How do I look?

Lanie's Outfit Details
Maryellen's Play Outfit (purchased without the shoes)
Bobby socks (OG Sweet in the Heat retired)
Saddle shoes (Molly's retired)

Who Wore it Best?

Your turn to vote. Who did you think looks best in this outfit?

I'm so glad we can share clothes!
Me too!

Best wishes,

Meatloaf's Rail Adventures #4

Steam Into History

And Heritage Rail Trail

What did you do on Labor Day? Meatloaf got to ride the rails. If you happen to be in York County, PA and took advantage of the beautiful weather we had to ride or walk the Heritage Rail Trail from New Freedom, you may have seen him and Xyra and Franz.

Set On to Set Off

Early in the morning Meatloaf and his entourage left and headed to Reading to pick up Leg Lare and his motor car. The four arrived at the New Freedom train station around 9 AM and set their motorcars on the rails.

It's a really pretty station with a pretty gardens.

And a Little Free Library! Xyra picked out a great book for the day. We'll review it once everyone has had a chance to read it. I think Kirsten has it now.

Meatloaf was excited to go. 

As soon as the 10 cars were set on and the safety meeting completed, the group headed out.

The first stop was at the Hanover Junction Station.

Meatloaf and Xyra stretched their legs during this stop. 

Franz brought the newest car of the collection for it's first outing. It's a C&O, Cheseapeake & Ohio, car. It needed some adjustments along the way.

Soon they were off again. Headed to a crossing between Hyde and the courthouse.

The tunnel was really exciting.

The little string of cars made it to the turn around point then headed back to Seven Valleys for lunch. Meatloaf was ready to eat!

The lunch break was long enough for Franz and Leg Lare to make all the adjustments needed to their cars. 

Meatloaf explored the area.

Still adjusting.

By this time of day the trail was filled with cyclists and hikers. A lot of the bikes towed trailers with dogs or babies in them. 

The motion was made to mount up and everyone got back on the cars to head back to New Freedom.

Stopped again at Hanover Junction Station to use the restrooms. After that stop, Meatloaf settled into his safe spot for the rest of the ride.

At the end he hopped out and was stayed put while the cars were set off and loaded back onto the trailer.

Meatloaf was just as eager to head home as he was to head out in the morning. 

Which is your favorite photo? Do you have a rail trail near you? Have you hiked or biked it?

[Xyra note: Meatloaf is a-okay. He developed a rear leg limp that is common in bulldogs. He is not suffering. The purple band helps him like the tape athletes use with muscle injuries.] 

Best wishes,