Heather's Garden

Yesterday a friend and I went out to Saint Margaret's to tend to some gardening duties.  While Richard tidied up the border around the church I tended to Heather's Garden.

I was pleased to see that many of the perennials including prairie crocuses, salvias, aromatic sage and several others had survived the harsh winter.  

After cleaning up I decided to go all out and fill every little bare space with new plants.  Planting is such a joyous thing...and having Heather to guide me along was a pleasure.

A special thanks to Richard for helping out.  On my own, I would never have been able to accomplish all that we did in one day.     

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Alberta on May 30, 2023.

Olson

A farm sign somewhere in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan.

Photographed on June 12, 2020.

In a Sea of Grass

Even though it's been well over six years since my visit here, this child's grave cradled in a sea of grass remains an unforgettable experience...captivating and, in its own way, comforting.

The back of the grave marker reads: "Our loving darling boy, Gone to bloom with God above."  

I'm sure he brought an abundance of joy and happiness to his family if only for a few short years.     

Photographed at Graburn United Church Cemetery near Walsh, Alberta on November 24, 2016. 

Prairie Crocus

Enjoying something simple...

A single prairie crocus blooming in the countryside near Cappon, Alberta.

Maybe not such a big deal for most but over the years much of their natural habitat has been disrupted by people so seeing even one is a treat.  Enjoy the little things. 

Photographed on May 15, 2023. 

Zion Lutheran Church

Still hangin' in there...

...the old Zion Lutheran Church near Horsham, Saskatchewan.  

According to the GRHS the church was open for thirty-one years, closing in 1950.  It's now been abandoned for what seems a long, long time.

Every once in a while someone moves the cross from one side of the front door to the other.  To see some photos of the church from about six years ago, click here: Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery

Photographed on May 15, 2023.

XIII

While taking some photos of a long abandoned church I ran into this little creature in the churchyard.  It's the first time I'd seen a thirteen-lined ground squirrel in the area so it was a small but special event of sorts.  This one was pretty curious and scurried up closer and closer until he or she was only a few feet away from me...up close and personal with a squirrel.

Photographed near Horsham, Saskatchewan on May 15, 2023.

The Ghost Army of World War II

Something for history buffs.

Spies, secrets and deception...read on:

https://news.findagrave.com/2023/05/19/the-ghost-army-of-world-war-ii/

Long Shot (Fairacres School)

A long shot of the handsome Fairacres School, a one-room schoolhouse from the days of the pioneers.

Photographed near Oyen, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

Snowflake

A calf as white as a snowflake.

Photographed near New Brigden, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

Avon S.D. No. 3091

A one-room schoolhouse near Claydon, Saskatchewan.  

It's in pretty nice shape too.

The identification signs on the dormer and side of the school.

To the best of my recollection, this is one of the few country schools I've seen that has a row of windows on two adjacent sides.  That detail makes it special in the history of pioneer schools on the prairies.

Photographed on May 10, 2022.

Near South Holden Farms

This beautiful church is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish.

The church seen here was built in 1916 and replaced the small country church raised in 1906.

There is a large cemetery on the church grounds...

...where many of the early parishioners are buried in unmarked graves.

A monument beside the church celebrating its centennial.

The bell tower and cemetery...

...and a larger view of the grounds.  

Information courtesy of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton.

Photographed near South Holden Farms, Alberta on September 17, 2021.

Bison near Orcadia

I love these majestic beasts.

Photographed near Orcadia, Saskatchewan on October 14, 2022.

Barn near Surprise

A barn near Surprise, Saskatchewan.

Just as I was about to leave an owl appeared in the hayloft door.  I'll bet there's a nest with owlets somewhere inside.  Mama owl picked a nice spot to raise her babies.

Photographed on May 15, 2023.

United Church

The United Church in Garland, Manitoba.  It was built in 1916 and originally named Saint John’s Ruthenian Presbyterian Church.  

The Presbyterian Church of Canada assumed the role of converting Ukrainian pioneers to the Presbyterian faith.  I think the fact that so many Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches far outnumber United churches tells the story.  

In 1925 the Presbyterian Church joined the new United Church of Canada.

Information courtesy of the Manitoba Historical Society. 

Photographed on October 12, 2022.

Holland

Welcome to Holland, Manitoba!

Photographed on August 20, 2022.

Apple Tree

The apple tree in Linda and Lawrences's backyard is putting on quite a show this spring.  Enjoy!

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 13, 2023.

Foggy Morning

Sunrise accompanied by fog. 

 

Fog is not something you see every day here in southeastern Alberta and these are not the colours one usually associates with a foggy morning...much like a real-live sepia tone.

Something I've come to appreciate over the years is that from where I live in town I can be out in the country in about five minutes.  Everyone should have that luxury.

Photographed near Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 13, 2023.

Bethel Lutheran in the Danvers District

An early morning drive from Dauphin on the John Bracken Highway through Riding Mountain National Park... 

My first stop was this glorious sign for Bethel Lutheran Church set against a field of blooming canola. 

Less than a mile away was this handsome church and cemetery...impeccably kept and obviously cherished by the descendants of the pioneers in the Danvers District of Manitoba.

The cornerstone...

...and a peek inside.

Friendly checkout at the motel and a delicious breakfast in Dauphin followed by a drive through the park where I saw black bears and deer...then a visit to Bethel Lutheran Church and Cemetery.  Great start to the day, don't you think?

Bethel Lutheran Church and Cemetery was photographed near Ditch Lake, Manitoba on July 25, 2022.