Tamarisk United Church

Just down the road from Tamarisk School is Tamarisk United Church.

I love the simple exterior design employed so often in prairie country churches.

The interior is a little unusual when compared to the dozens of country churches I've seen on my travels.  Simple wooden chairs for seating, two raised areas including a stage with two pump organs and a piano (which was more-or-less in tune) and one of the most beautiful stoves I've ever seen.

An etched plaque outside the church states:

"The United Church of Canada was formed in 1925 from the union of most Congregationalist, Methodist, and Presbyterian churches.  Of the hundreds of churches inherited by the new Church, most were modest structures.  Pointed windows and occasionally a small bell tower identified their spiritual purpose.  Originally a Methodist church when it was built in 1907, Tamarisk United is one of the best examples in Manitoba of those many humble buildings.  Tamarisk's straightforward external character expresses the unpretentious theological nature of Methodism.  Unpainted woodwork in the interior creates a warm, welcoming glow."

Stop by for a visit.

Photographed near Grandview, Manitoba on July 22, 2022.

Canola

A trio of shots from a couple of weeks ago.

I don't much care for wind turbines in the landscape but they do make for some dramatic photos.  Who ever thought that a field of canola could be so electrifying?

Photographed on July 9, 2025 near Elkwater, Alberta.

Return to the Witch House

Missed my annual spring road trip to the Witch House earlier this year but made up for it today.  Enjoy!

It had rained heavily the night before so the road (really just a graded trail) to the site was not worth the risk to drive so I parked the car and walked the mile round trip there and back through the ditch.  Managed to get plenty wet and muddy in the process but I definitely got my exercise for the day.  Back at the car I was off to Jack's Cafe in Eastend for lunch.  

Photographed near Dollard, Saskatchewan on July 18, 2025.

Coming out of the Barrels

Something appropriate for stampede season...

Photographed in Saint Walburg, Saskatchewan on July 16, 2023.

Saint Anthony's near Haight

An attractive country church and cemetery near Haight, Alberta.

I couldn't find any history of Saint Anthony's but birth dates on the headstones date back as far as 1831...almost two centuries.  I'm no spring chicken but that seems like a wonderfully long time ago on the prairies.   

Photographed on June 23, 2025.

Peony

Saw this peony in full bloom on a recent trip to central Alberta.  Don't think I've ever seen one this dark rosy red colour before...a treat for certain  Looks beautiful amongst the marble and brilliant white painted headstones.

Photographed at Saint Michael Archangel Roman Catholic Cemetery near Saint Michael, Alberta. 

Pysanka

The big, beautiful, revolving Pysanka in Vegreville, Alberta.   

Photographed this morning, June 26, 2025.  A lovely way to start the day.

Saint Asaph's near Bangor

A look inside Saint Asaph's Anglican Church...

The church was established in 1905 by Welsh settlers.

To quote a plaque in the nearby Llewelyn Cemetery:

"To be born Welsh is to be born privileged, not with a silver spoon in your mouth, but with poetry in your blood and music in your soul."

Love and appreciation with heart and soul.

The church hasn't been used in years but is still in reasonably good condition.  That new metal roof should keep it safe for many years to come.

A shot of the church from the Llewelyn Cemetery.

This is the trail that leads from the cemetery to the church.

And this is the sign just off the main road. 

Photographed near Bangor, Saskatchewan on July 22, 2022.

An Afternoon in Daisy's Yard

Daisy was good company while I was weeding under the lilacs this afternoon.  

When it's time for a drink I pour bottled water into the cup of my hand and she laps it up until the bottle is empty.  She's a thirsty girl on warm days.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 13, 2025.

This Morning at Saint Margaret's

Tiny cathedral out in the hills.

Everything is lush and green this spring...

...and the lilacs are coming into full bloom.

The columbarium tucked away in the southwest corner of the grounds.

Peaked roof in front of a peaked hill.

Heather's Garden...new plants and field stone border.

Sage keeps his vigil under the limbs of a spruce tree.

More lilacs blooming.

The view across the coulee.

If and when you're in the area, stop in for a visit.

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte, Alberta on June 3, 2023.