Drafts and Sheep

Despite the cold and threat of snow flurries, it's always fun to walk around Landis Valley. 

They had several activities for children today including a lesson, 1892 style, in their old school house.

This black Clydesdale was really keeping his eye on that sheep!

An adorable Percheron was checking out my camera. He was interested in the noises it was making. 

Tanya the Turkey is one of my favorite Landis Valley residents. She's so ugly, she's cute!

This is inside the school house. I was never able to go in the classroom before! 

The teacher did a wonderful job telling as all about what school would have been like in the late 1800's.
The flag had a few less stars on it and The Pledge was different, no mention of God.

Wrought iron detail from one of the desks. 

They don't make 'em like they used to!

I love the rusty hinges on the gun shop door. 

Peeking in the tavern window. 

Love the Christmas cookies.

 Hanging inside, you can just make it out in the photo below, is a German style tree, hung upside down, with cookies and pretzels for decoration.

I just opened a pro Flickr account. I have an album with my favorite Landis Valley photos HERE.

Civil War Day

Today was a day not fit for man or beast but we survived the 100+ degree temps at the Landis Valley's Civil War Day. They horses were kept in the shade until they were needed and didn't seem to be suffering. I felt so bad for the soldiers dressed in wool. Here are a few photos I was able to take. It's a bit hard when you're walking around with a 4 year old who's hot and thirsty and completely uninterested in everything that's going on around her.

 

"It is well that war is so terrible, else we should grow too fond of it."

- General Robert E. Lee

Landis Valley in Winter

With the husband sick in bed and Zoe and I bored out of our minds, we decided to brave the cold weather and snow and head over to one of our favorite places, Landis Valley Museum. They are having their Winter Institute now so there are all sorts of things going on from learning to care for draft animals to blacksmithing. Zoe and I stopped and watched some of the students in the classes. But, we came for the animals and I got some great shots! I also got to cross off an item on my bucket list, scroll to the bottom to see!
Click on pictures for a larger view and don't forget to leave me a comment and let me know which was your favorite!

















I got to go on a sleigh ride!!!!!! Yippeee!!!

Scenes from Landis Valley

Since my father so kindly bought us a family membership to Landis Valley Museum, I thought I would try to head over there more and not just on special events. Well, the place was a ghost town yesterday despite the gorgeous weather. Zoe and I had a great time chatting with all the animals, which outnumbered the visitors. The funniest thing of all was this female turkey. The friendliest fowl I've ever met. She seemed to enjoy being petted and followed us around! In fact I think all the animals enjoyed our attention.