Farewell to 2019

Farewell to 2019 from Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church.

Photographed at sunset near Canora, Saskatchewan on December 17, 2019.

Crosses

December 14, 2018

Vapour trails above Saint Peter's Cemetery near Kronau.

A free standing cross or crucifix is often found in a cemetery, especially those of Catholic denomination (although not exclusively).  Often they are simply two boards fastened together in the shape of a cross while others are more detailed and incorporate a likeness of Jesus nailed to a cross.  Some of them are monumental, others are comparatively small...but each one is distinctive.  I don't think I've ever seen two that are the same.  

This is a small selection of some I've seen in Saskatchewan country cemeteries.

February 26, 2018

A winter shot of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Cemetery (aka Blumenfeld) near Liebentahl.

September 16, 2019

And a late summer photo of the above...  What a difference a few months and a slightly different camera angle make.

July 30, 2019

The timber cross rotted and fell into the grass long ago at Congregational Church Cemetery near Golden Prairie.

August 9, 2018

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Cemetery Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery near Glentworth. The cross is white painted steel with a black metal cross insert.

September 16, 2019

The black metal cross at Ingebrigt Christian Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery near Fox Valley.

October 27, 2017

Saint Mary's Catholic Cemetery near Tribune.  This is one of the more elaborate crucifixes I've seen in a small country cemetery.

August 9, 2018

A wooden Celtic cross at Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Cemetery near Glentworth.

December 11, 2017

Sacred Heart Cemetery in Denzil.  The black and gold crucifix looks quite dramatic against the blue sky.

September 16, 2019

 The tilted wooden cross at Saint Anthony's Cemetery near Mendham.

August 10, 2018

The cross, cairn and bell tower at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church Cemetery near Hodgeville.

March 1, 2018

The above in late winter.

December 14, 2018

The "odd one out" in this collection of photos.  This is the steel cross at the top of Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto at Saint Peter's Colony near Kronau.

Abandoned Catholic Church in Fortuna

An abandoned Catholic Church in Fortuna, North Dakota.

Photographed on October 27, 2017.

Frank Parker

A young cowboy's headstone at Frieden United Cemetery near Hanna, Alberta.

The plaque reads:

"Originally from North Dakota, brothers Frank, Jim, Ed and John drove cattle from Ardley to Watts flats in 1902.  They wintered the cattle at the Buffalo Gap spring.

"During the first year Frank became sick and died.  His body was wrapped up and allowed to freeze and in the spring he was buried and this boulder was used to mark the spot. 

"In 2015 the boulder was moved to this cemetery and dedicated to the memory of a young man, whose spirit led him to start a cattle operation on the open range.  He died before he could marry or raise a family.  His nephew, the younger son of Jim Parker, was named after him.  His parents and siblings are resting in the Hanna Cemetery." 

"Arrangements by Jim, Ken, Pat and Bill Parker, all born and raised in Hanna."

Photographed on November 14, 2018.

The Elevator in McCord

The grain elevator in McCord, Saskatchewan.

I stopped at the general store in town where I asked the young woman at the checkout if she knew anything about the elevator.  Of course she did...her dad owned it and still used it!  Small world.

Photographed on August 9, 2018.

Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery

Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery are near Horsham, Saskatchewan.

According to the Germans from Russia Heritage Society the church and cemetery were active from 1919 to 1950.

The sunflower motif on the tall white headstone symbolizes devotion to God.  It's a symbol that isn't as common as one might imagine in a Christian cemetery.

Photographed on June 2, 2017.

The Myrfield Family Farm

I was driving along a country road near Buchanan, Saskatchewan when I noticed a "Century Family Farm Award" sign to the side of the driveway.

I stopped to take a few photos and no sooner had I stepped out of the car when this friendly Labrador Retriever came running out to see me.

She looks eager and happy.

The snow doesn't bother her one little bit.

Yes, some dogs can smile.

Making contact with animals is a rewarding experience.

Photographed on December 19, 2019.

Remembered at Christmas

An elegant and heartwarming remembrance at Christmastime.

Photographed at the Guest Cemetery near Theodore, Saskatchewan on December 18, 2019.

Merry Christmas from Saint Margaret's Church

Merry Christmas from Saint Margaret's Church in the Cypress Hills of Alberta.

All the best to everyone over the holiday season.

Photographed on November 21, 2019.

Outdoor Nativity Scene

The outdoor nativity scene at Saint Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. 

This is the style of nativity scene that was popular when I was a kid...a cut out painted plywood design that poignantly presents the meaning of Christmas.

Photographed on December 17, 2019.

Little Juniper Tree

I came across this little juniper tree growing in a ditch along a country road near Edson, North Dakota.

This is pretty well in the middle of nowhere but someone with Christmas spirit decided to doll it up for the holidays.  Good on 'em!

Photographed on December 15, 2018.

Sacred Space

The sacred space at Saint Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan.  The Christmas decorations are tastefully understated.

Services are still offered in both Ukrainian and English.

Photographed on December 17, 2019.

Holy Trinity

The first post celebrating Christmas...

This is a photo of the side gate to Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery near Norquay, Saskatchewan.  The red and green garlands adorning both the front and side gates of the cemetery add a touch of Christmas spirit to the countryside.

Photographed on December 20, 2019.

R.N.W.M.P. Barracks Cairn

A memorial cairn at the original site of the Royal North West Mounted Police barracks in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

The cairn is at a high point on the riverbank and overlooks what is now Police Point Park.

Photographed on January 26, 2018.