Betsy's Birthday

This was the year our oldest daughter turns 40. When I hit that memorable age 25 years ago the family gathered in the Embassy Suites Hotel in Overland Park Kansas to celebrate. 

Betsy wanted to do the same for her 40th birthday so 25 years later we were back staying at the same hotel and celebrating with family.

Decorated the room and cake with black crepe and icing

 The next day we went to Union station to check out the Christmas displays

Little boys and train displays

Wesly, Mandy and Geta - Sean stayed home for critter care

Bennett, Wesley, Greta and Emery

Bennett, Blake, Betsy and Emery

 Just outside of Union Station is the stop for the KC Streetcar. We hopped on board and explored the route.

 

This led us to one of the more interesting experiences of the day, The ChinaTown Food market. The sights, sounds and smells of a market selling live crabs, fresh fish and all kinds of oriental food made for a day the grandchildren won't soon forget. 

We stocked up on rice and noodles. This was a very non traditional place to visit on Thanksgiving. 

I've not been bowling for years, but it seemed like a good thing to do to let the grandchildren burn off some steam. Turned out to be a good call and we all had a good time.

We were in the VIP area which comes close to providing sensory overload with loud music and multiple screen of music video. I'm going with the distractions as being the reason I did so poorly with my scores - Yeah, that's it for sure...

The kids had the advantage of  bumpers that raised from the gutters and prevented the rolling of gutter balls. they did pretty good for their first time on the lanes.

My favorite is this "Dinosaur" ramp which allowed you to place a ball on the top and roll it down the ramp after lining it up with the pins.

We had a nice time!

Railroad bridge over the Hudson Valley

A former railroad bridge over the Hudson River in the State of New York has been converted to a pedestrian and bike path bridge. 

It is an awesome walk over the river with great views. I found it interesting that the Hudson River is actually more of a fjord in that the river flows in and out depending on tides.

BoothBay Railway Village

Boothbay Railway Village in Maine is an interesting place to visit. Their mission is to preserve Maine artifacts,technology and structures from the mid 19th century to the mid 20th century.

We went to see their collection of two foot gauge narrow gauge equipment but found so much more to enjoy.

They pull two foot gauge equipment with vintage German steam locomotives

Interesting bit of history from France

The grounds offer decorative walking paths

Narrow gauge equipment is on display

We were treated to a two foot gauge steam double header - two engines both pulling the passenger train

The train ride around the grounds stops at the Maine Two Foot Narrow Gauge Display. This is a well done display of railroad history

 

The train ride also stops at their car museum.. Lots of interesting vehicles on display

On display was an extensive display of model automobiles

Also on the grounds is a large model railroad based on Maine railroads

One of the many historic buildings is a fire hose full of vintage equipment

The building at the back is their railroad restoration facility

View inside

Nice place to visit if you have the time