Something New at Saint Margaret's

The traditional burial plots at Saint Margaret's are becoming few and far between.  But never fear...

A new columbarium has been installed on the southwest corner of the cemetery.  

Of note, the piles for the concrete foundation were dug fifteen feet down to provide stability for the weight of the granite columbarium.  And during the excavation process, long buried stones were brought up to the surface and those stones were smooth and water-washed.  In the long and distant past the area must have been a river bed or lake.  Ponder on that for a moment.    

I love the reflections on the polished granite surface.

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte, Alberta on October 15, 2024.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Photographed at Holy Rosary Church near Lancaster, Minnesota on 

September 20, 2023.

Four Years and One Day Ago

A stark autumnal shot taken on the grounds of Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery near MacNutt, Saskatchewan.  

The freshly painted headstones are dazzling against the orange-leaved aspen trees and blue sky.  I love capturing these "moments in time" while passing through the countryside. 

Photographed on October 10, 2020.

North Prairie Lutheran Church and Cemetery

Beautiful church and cemetery in central North Dakota.

The congregation was established in 1897.  The church building shown here was built in 1916.  Still loved after a century of time.

Photographed near Leeds, North Dakota on September 16, 2023.

The Windows at North Prairie Lutheran

In this day and age it's rare to find a church unlocked...especially one with such a fine display of stained glass windows.  

Some detailed, some simple, all beautiful. 

Photos of the church and cemetery to follow shortly.

Photographed inside North Prairie Lutheran Church near Leeds, North Dakota on September 16, 2023.

Fall is Here

A few cooler nights have turned the Virginia creeper vines from a deep green to vibrant pink.  

Proof positive that fall is here. And that's a good thing in my opinion. 

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 28, 2024.

A Day at Daisy's House

This past Thursday I spent the better part of the day gardening at Daisy's house...always an enjoyable time.  

She rewards me with ear licks and in turn she gets tummy rubs.  Pretty good deal all around.  

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 26, 2024.

Japanese Lilac Tree

Probably the most beautiful Japanese lilac tree I've seen anywhere.  Very showy and the fragrant blooms are intoxicating.  A perennial favourite.

Photographed in New Hillside Cemetery on the outskirts of Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 1, 2024. 

"Butterflies"

New stained glass window above the front door at Saint Margaret's Church.

Photographed on September 15, 2024 near Eagle Butte, Alberta.

A Look Inside the Empress Train Station

About six weeks after my first visit to the Empress Train Station I had the opportunity to revisit and take some photos of the interior. 

Inside it is spacious and inviting.  

The maple floor and all of the woodwork has been refinished and look like new.

The open door is on the town side of the station.

Enjoy the prairie landscape while you wait for your train.

A vintage Royal typewriter.

The double doors leading to the baggage/freight area.

Notice the cutout on the lower corner of the door on the left.  That was to let the resident cat access to the freight room to catch mice (which I'm sure were plentiful).

A few details.

A piece of the original railway track that ran past the station.

The Empress Train Station has been lovingly restored to its former glory.  Stop by for a visit.

Photographed in Empress, Alberta on July 17, 2017.