Lining the Burrow

Busy bunny...

...gathering grass...

...to line the burrow.

I was here to do a little pruning on some "out of control" shrubs.  While I was busy with that I noticed this bunny who kept collecting mouthfuls of grass and then disappearing under the junipers. I don't think it will be long before I see baby bunnies running around the yard.  Good for them!

Photographed in Alex's front yard on July 5, 2020.

Porcupine

Something I still remember like it was yesterday.

I was out in the Cypress Hills to help decorate Saint Margaret's for the Christmas season and on my way home I noticed something moving in the ditch so I decided to stop for a closer look.

Along the fence line was this porcupine.  She was very curious and kept moving closer and closer towards me.  I actually had to back up to focus the camera because she was so close to me.  I don't think either of us felt threatened or in danger during our brief encounter.

In twenty-five words or less...I think we hit it off!

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on December 6, 2017.

Barn and Windmill

An old barn and windmill somewhere between Mendham and Leader, Saskatchewan.

I like the narrow windows high up on the ground level.  It was a windy day and the windmill was wildly spinning.

Photographed on July 14, 2020.

Progress S.D. No. 2952

A school sign near Horsham, Saskatchewan.

Obviously a large farm implement (i.e.: cultivator) has come in contact with the sign at some time and bent the posts.  Gives the effect of progression...moving ahead and all that.

Photographed on July 14, 2020.

On Guard

A ground squirrel keeping an eye on the vast prairie that is his home.

Photographed near Burstall, Saskatchewan on July 14, 2020.

Brick House

If I had the choice I'd like to have the room with the balcony.

Photographed near Prelate, Saskatchewan on July 14, 2020.

Flax

A crop of flax in full bloom.  The purple-blue shade of the flowers has always been an intoxicating visual display since I was a child.

Photographed west of Hilda, Alberta on July 14, 2020.

Butze Elevator

A well weathered grain elevator in Butze, Alberta.

Photographed on February 20, 2020.

Sage is Home

And he has a wondrous view.

A couple of months ago my dear friend David Carter's Norwegian Elkhound "Sage" was killed by a cougar in the Cypress Hills of Alberta.  A pet quickly becomes a member of the family and their passing is truly a sad and heart-wrenching time.

This outstanding sculpture of Sage was commissioned by the Sodero Family of Medicine Hat, Alberta and was recently presented to David as a memorial gift.  Sage once again stands on guard at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery in Eagle Butte, Alberta.

The creator of the "Sage" sculpture is Marina Cole.  Much of her outstanding and imaginative work can be seen in both public and private spaces in Medicine Hat and on her website here:
Chainsaw Spirit

The inspirational photos used in developing the sculpture were taken by Geneviève Côté.

A special thank you to Roy and Dexter who were Sage's companions and caretakers on his many visits to town.

And to David Carter...thank you for giving Sage a home he loved and still dreams about.  I've heard that the Cypress Hills are a gateway to heaven...in that case, Sage couldn't be in a better place.

Everyone who was a part of Sage's extended family misses him deeply.  You can read more and see photos of Sage roaming the hills here:  Sage

Photographed on July 23, 2020.

Myron

A gentleman's headstone in Saint John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cemetery near Prelate, Saskatchewan. 

Photographed on July 14, 2020.