Happy Hallowe'en!

Punkin lights on the balcony...Happy Hallowe'en!

Enjoy your Hallowe'en tricks and treats.

Photographed on October 27, 2022.

Hallowe'en is coming...

...and this guy will be keeping an eye on you.

Just a reminder...save some candy for the trick or treaters.

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

The Church in Hecla Village

Hecla Island was one of my last stops on a recent road trip through Manitoba.  Although I didn't have a chance to explore the northern end of the island I did have time to take a leisurely drive through Hecla-Grindstone Provincial Park and Hecla Village where I found this nicely maintained church and cemetery.  Enjoy!

Photographed in Hecla Village, Manitoba in October 21, 2022.

Saint Nicholas at Ozerna

Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church and Cemetery at Ozerna, Manitoba.

"Ozerna" means "lakes" in Ukrainian...and there are several of them in the area.  That means lots of little fishing spots and as many curves in the road. 

 

The church stands on a rise and is bordered by mature trees.  

Across the churchyard are the bell tower, crucifix and gated archway leading onto the hillside cemetery.

Photographed on October 17, 2022.

Never Forgotten

A handcrafted grave marker inlaid with stained glass..."in loving memory of our mom."  

She was so young.  

Photographed at Turner Cemetery just north of Turner, Montana on October 21, 2018.

Grain Elevator in Meacham

Photographed in Meacham, Saskatchewan on August 8, 2020.

Sacred Heart in Gimli

Ukrainian Catholic Parish of Sacred Heart in Gimli, Manitoba.  

Don't forget...pancakes and sausages every first Sunday of the month.

Photographed on October 21, 2022.

Chipmunk

This chipmunk is a frequent visitor to Daisy's house in Elkwater.

I'd often see him or her scurrying from the woodland behind the house, along the top of the retainer wall and then down onto the driveway to collect the seeds from the numerous fallen cones.  When the cones hit the driveway they shatter to pieces, making collection of the individual seeds easy-peasy for these little guys.  They need a big stash of seeds to get them through the winter months so the more the better.

And this one is small, less than six inches long including that bushy tail.  Pretty cute too!

Photographed in Elkwater, Alberta on October 4, 2022.

One Horsepower

And what a handsome horsepower he is.

Photographed near Langbank, Saskatchewan on October 15, 2022.

What do you do...

 ...when you have some time on your hands and the weather is still nice?

Well, you go to Lake Winnipeg and watch the sunrise.

And after all that physical exertion you go for a nice drive in the country then have a three-hour lunch with someone you've never met before (but would certainly like to meet again).  What a day!  Back to the hotel for a nap.

Photographed in New Iceland, Manitoba on October 20, 2022.

Federowich Farms Elevator

A privately owned grain elevator at Gilbert Plains, Manitoba.

Photographed on October 13, 2022.

Morranville School

There must have been lots of kids around in 1920 to warrant a school this size out in the middle of nowhere...and made of brick no less.  This one's a beauty!

Photographed near Grandview, Manitoba on October 13, 2022.

Lakeside Cemetery

Woke up to the sound of rain on the roof in Nipawin, Saskatchewan.  I've always believed that sleeping in is just the best thing to do on a rainy day so that's exactly what I did.  Once I did get up, and after a hearty breakfast and some sound deliberation, the decision was made to go for a drive in the country.

Went to Le Pas for lunch (seafood jambalaya that was better than delicious) then south to Swan River, Manitoba for an equally delectable supper of Chinese food (followed by a candid visit with the owner of the restaurant).  

In the morning the weather was taking a turn for the worse in Manitoba so there was no choice but to head for Yorkton where the weatherman promised things would be warmer and brighter (and they were).  Some days it's just all about good food and the weather.

And what better way to celebrate a fine day on the road than with a cemetery in a fall setting.

Photographed near Le Pas, Manitoba on October 11, 2022.

Bike Ride

Out for a bike ride with the pooch.

Photographed near Heaslip, Manitoba on October 16, 2022.

Fall

A pleasing sight along a country road near Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on October 10, 2022.

Dawson Bay

Making the best of a rain day.

Was travelling south from The Pas, Manitoba when I saw a sign for Dawson Bay.  A short detour sounded like a nice change of pace and just a few miles down the road I was greeted by fishing boats docked in the bay on Lake Winnipegosis. 

And look at that!  Can't even see land on the other side.

Photographed at Dawson Bay, Manitoba on October 11, 2022.

Farming Valley School

That oversized bell tower makes this one-room schoolhouse a standout.

Hope this one stands for many more years to come.

For more photos of this wonderful old schoolhouse, click here: "F"

Photographed near Cereal, Alberta on October 8, 2022.

Snow Geese

The snow geese migration is now in full swing.

It's always a joy to see them on a stop-over on their way south.

Photographed near Smuts, Saskatchewan on October 10, 2022.

Înălțarea Sfintei Cruci II

Same place as the previous post but a different season...

...this time it's a beautiful winter day in the country at Ascension of the Cross Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery.

Most everything is black and white against a brilliant blue sky, and even though it looks cold, a sweater and wind breaker were more than ample.     

Personally, it doesn't really matter what the season, visits to "Ascension" are a heart warming experience.  And it's always a treat to see a country church and cemetery so well cared for..."thank you" to those who are devoted to preserving the past.   

Photographed near Szypenitz, Alberta on February 23, 2020.