Rubies Treat

Well now husband and I were treated by our wonderful family to a weekend surprise. First we spent a valuable evening with our grandson, marveling at just how much he has grown, in such a short time. Do you think that spring has this effect on children as well as the garden? What a nice time we had and he enjoyed the spoils from granddad as well as the Devils Food Cake I had taken for him.
The next day bright and early we all gathered and were informed about our days events.
First a trip out, for journey on a steam train, which was to be followed by a dinner at a local restaurant. The weather was with us and we all piled into the cars and set off ,the venue was not too far away.
When we arrived at the station, we saw other people making their way steadily to the ticket office, fellow travellers giving us that feeling of unity.Not a single person was running or shouting, it reminded me of the past when there was a quiet and organised way people dealt with everyday events.
Having had our tickets bought for us, we then had time enough to look around the many features we would have used in our youth, old style buffet room, luggage store,trunks and cases piled on luggage carriers, separate ladies and gentleman's waiting rooms, engines and part engines as well as other stock in the sheds and sidings.
The sighing and shunting sounds of the engines were very peaceful, even the shrill whistle brought smiles to faces.
Wall posters about the stations reflected the 30s and 40s, we had a laugh over many of them,they advertised a weeks holiday for four in a de railed carriage for £2.10 shillings or rent your own phone for 2 shillings.
Our train was ready and having boarded we settled into a carriage which held us snugly.
Whistle blown and we were off,we went past many open areas, over a aqua duct seeing heron flying with their lazy but master full wing beat and past many live stock fields. A much missed, rest full pace of living.
There was not a refreshment car on our train and had there been I think that they would have been inundated with orders as there were a lot of people enjoying this trip.

At one station the buffet room was also equipped as the air raid shelter, complete with telephone PBX system, wireless and a two ring baby belling cooker.
The Station Master had his vegetable plot set out as it was said that the steam and carbon made the plants grow. His plot was not evidence of this belief.

Husband,grandson and I were presented with badges giving us the ranks Senior Rail man,Station helper and Senior Rail woman which act as a memento of the day.
We had a lovely return journey stopping for a cup of tea and sight seeing with photo shoots as well.see twoknightsandmaidens blog spot. I will get my photos up soon.
Well it was hard to top the train journey however dinner was spectacular, grandson's eyes nearly popped when he had his dessert ice cream sundae bought to him.
Our thanks go to our family for such lovely treats.
I am as usual getting on with knitting, sewing and cards, but, I have also taken the time today to enroll in the Knitters and Crocheters Guild and the Embroiderers Guild.
I still have many plans for art and craft work at home or abroad.