Daisy say "Hello!"

A few photos taken near the end of my gardening season this past fall...Daisy was still keen on helping out.  She's often a bright spot in my day. 

 

Beautiful winter weather down here at the moment so I hope to take her out for a ride around town in the next day or two...a day trip in the country would be even  better.  

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

Little Yellow Church

This little yellow church is the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Parish of Saint John the Baptist in Bellis, Alberta.

Over the years I've been through Bellis on a number of occasions but this was the first time I'd seen the church building.  I'm sure you're asking, "how could you miss such a brightly coloured building in a small town?"  Well...

Up until this past summer the unpainted church was hidden behind a couple of huge old spruce trees, so when driving down the street it wasn't of any notice.  But when it was realised that the roots of the spruce trees were beginning to damage the foundation of the church, the trees were removed and the church was painted this very bright yellow.  

I hate to see the trees gone, but it's nice to see the little yellow church in all it's glory once again.  

Information courtesy of a Bellis local.  When in doubt, consult a local.

Photographed on November 8, 2024.

Farm Dogs near Kahwin

A couple of farm dogs I've encountered on several occasions in the Kahwin area of Alberta.  Always happy to reconnect with canine friends...they really are something special. 

Glad they're still doing well, happy and healthy, out enjoying the scenery and doing dog stuff.  Just the way it should be.

Photographed on November 9, 2024.

Late Fall

Near Boian, Alberta.

Photographed on November 9, 2024.

Not Forgotten on Remembrance Day

Bless him and all who have fought for our freedom. 

Photographed at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Cemetery near Desjarlais, Alberta on November 9, 2024.

Day of the Dead

A day to honour loved ones who have passed along into the ether.  Enjoy this happy celebration of life and death.

Borschiw Cemetery near Haight, Saskatchewan.

September 17, 2021.

Saint Wolodymyr Cemetery near Cappon, Alberta.

November 7, 2021

Hanks Cemetery near Zahl, North Dakota.

June 22, 2023

Ukrainian Settlers Mass Grave near Olha, Manitoba.

July 27, 2022

Congregational Cemetery near Gros Ventre-Tothill, Alberta.

September 9, 2023

Sacred Heart Cemetery near Bow Island, Alberta.

May 29, 2019

Holy Ghost Ukrainian Cemetery near Ispas, Alberta.

February 23, 2020

Blessed Virgin Mary Church Cemetery near Rhodes, Manitoba.

July 24, 2022

Ostriem Cemetery near Leeds, North Dakota.

September 16, 2023

Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery near Prelate, Saskatchewan.

October 26, 2024

"Feliz Día de los Muertos"

Happy Hallowe'en

Happy Hallowe'en everyone!

Photographed on my balcony in Medicine Hat, Alberta on October 11, 2024.

Swaying in All Directions

Photographed north of Foremost, Alberta on October 17, 2024.

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.

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.