Thursday, June 30, 2022

Buffalo School Sign


I've seen and photographed this school sign on many occasions over the years but have never been all that pleased with the results...that is, until now.  This time, everything was "just right."

Photographed in Buffalo, Alberta on June 23, 2022.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Cow and Calf


I was driving through some pasture land (one of those areas where each and every mile is marked with a "Texas Gate Ahead" sign and cows and calves are all around, often in the middle of the road) when I saw this distinctively coloured cow and her completely black calf.  They complement each other quite nicely and I'll bet she's a good mom.

Photographed near Cappon, Alberta on June 23, 2022.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Buczacz


A unique handmade sign at the former location of Buczacz School.   


It's a little worse for wear and difficult to read:

Buczacz School Site
1911-1956
School District No. 2580
NW 34-52-ll W4
(Sign built by William Omytriw)

Thank you William!


Photographed near New Buchach, Alberta on June 28, 2022.

Next Door...


...to the little blue church with the golden dome was this friendly puppy.


He was happy to get a tummy rub and his ears scratched.


When I was ready to leave he even sang me a song..."aaaoooooooo."  He's a sweetie.

Photographed in Bonnyville, Alberta on June 25, 2022.

Monday, June 27, 2022

Little Blue Church with a Golden Dome


The congregation of Saints Peter and Paul Romanian Orthodox Church was organized in 1942.


Originally the church was located on a farm about ten miles north of Bonnyville but in 1952 the parish decided to move it into town where it presently stands in a quiet residential area.  A few years later in 1954 the altar sanctuary (apse) was added and in 1959 the golden dome was built.


The exterior has recently received new paint, new windows and a new roof.  I would imagine the interior is as lovely as it's always been.

Information courtesy of Patriarchal Parishes of Russian Orthodox Church in Canada.

Photographed in Bonnyville, Alberta on June 25, 2022.

Sunday, June 26, 2022

The Statue at Elk Point




An impressive wood carving at the north entrance to Elk Point, Alberta.


Another protective parent keeps an eye on me from on top of the tall fence.

Photographed on June 24, 2022.

Saturday, June 25, 2022

Stormy Weather at the Gray Homestead

This photogenic old homestead is north of Cereal, Alberta.






Photographed on June 23, 2022.

Friday, June 24, 2022

Ripple


A small part of one of the trails through the vast and seemingly endless Grasslands National Park in southern Saskatchewan.  A wonderful place to spend the day.

Photographed on March 25, 2022.

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Milly

Last visited Milly about five years ago.




She seems to be holding her own.


Photographed near McCord, Saskatchewan on May 26, 2022.

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Johnny Jump Ups


We haven't had too much hot weather down here yet this year so the johnny jump ups still look lush and, in a word, happy!

Photographed in Pat's garden in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 19, 2022.

Tuesday, June 21, 2022

Windy and Cold


I had stopped to check my map as I was momentarily misplaced (i.e. lost).  Out of the corner of my eye I saw this pair of dogs come running over from the farm across the road.


This guy was shy at first but warmed up to me quickly once he knew I was friendly...as an added bonus he even cleaned my glasses.


His partner...


...shows how stingingly cold and windy it was that day.    


One last look.  As soon as I got back into the car they were on their way home. 

Photographed south of Cadillac, Saskatchewan on January 25, 2022.

Monday, June 20, 2022

Tough Old Bird (Dry Version)

Six hours after the rain stopped mama blue jay is back to her usual attractive self.


She lives here year round and has been in the neighbourhood for at least five years now.


I frequently find peanuts she's stashed in my balcony planters.  When her babies learn to fly she brings them over to teach them how to deal with a peanut-in-the-shell.  Mostly they scream at her and demand being fed bits of shelled peanuts.  Kids.  


Her twins from four years ago are inseparable...when one makes an appearance the other is sure to follow within moments.  When mama and the twins show up at the same time, she chases them away.  Her parenting skills are obviously top notch.


Her and her kids are always welcome out on the balcony.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 20, 2022.

Tough Old Bird


Mama blue jay toughing out the rain storm today.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 20, 2022.

Current Weather Conditions


Posted this a couple of years ago but still get a kick out of it.


Rock Weather...accurate and up to date weather conditions.


Photographed east of Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on May 11, 2022.

Sunday, June 19, 2022

Being a Good Parent



This crow was keeping an eye on me while gardening at Alex's office. 


Whenever I moved towards the big spruce tree on the corner this good parent would move in a little closer and let out a "caw-caw-caw" as a warning that I was getting too close to the nest.  


Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 21, 2022.

Saturday, June 18, 2022

Ingebrigt S.D. No. 2896


Ingebrigt School is near Fox Valley, Saskatchewan.


I stopped here in the summer of 2021 when road repairs were being undertaken.  The foremost thought in my head was "are they going to knock down the old school in order to improve the road?"


Thank goodness the answer to my concern was "no."  Although, they did get awfully close...within just a few feet of the front steps.


Safe for the time being.

More photos and information can be seen here (click the link): 

Photographed on November 5, 2021.

Friday, June 17, 2022

Bone Creek S.D. No. 646


An abandoned one-room schoolhouse north of Stone, Saskatchewan.


Traces of the original creamy-yellow paint with minty-green trim can be seen in this photo.


Someone cuts the grass in the schoolyard.


The view from the road.

Photographed on May 11, 2021.