Palmer Township School

I was really hoping that I'd be able to make a road trip or two into North Dakota and Minnesota this coming fall but I don't think that will come to fruition...at least not in the near future but hopefully soon.

In the meantime I've been scouring through photos from a few winters ago when I spent some time in North Dakota searching out (mostly) old Lutheran churches and cemeteries as well as pioneer schools.

This is Palmer Township School.

The flagpole is still straight and true.

There are banks of windows on both the south and west sides of the building.  Must have been hot inside in the warmer months.

The leafless tree adds a touch of eeriness to the overcast winter day.

Nice big swing set for the kids to enjoy during recess too.

Photographed near Wildrose, North Dakota on December 19, 2018.

13

A thirteen-lined ground squirrel I encountered on the way into Saint Mary's Orthodox Cemetery near Wakaw, Saskatchewan.

He (or she) wasn't too wary of my presence and struck a variety of poses for the camera.  Seeing some wildlife always brings a smile to my face.

Photographed on August 4, 2020.

Hagen

The rather wobbly old grain elevator in Hagen, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on August 5, 2020.

АНДРІЙ i МАРІЯ

A headstone in Saint Julien Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cemetery. 

I see these dual headstones every so often where one spouse is buried, and the other has moved on...I think one needs to understand the circumstance and wish everyone well.  C'est la vie.

МАРІЯ (Maria)

АНДРІЙ (Andriy)

Photographed near Saint Julien, Saskatchewan on August 5, 2020.

Saint Ascension

An icon of the past in the lush landscape of central-eastern Saskatchewan.

A long abandoned church that, in my opinion, is second to none.

This is Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church...known to the locals simply as "Saint Ascension."

On the northward slope...

...sits the cemetery.

Photographed near Old Maryville, Saskatchewan on August 7, 2020.

All Saints in Pense

All Saints Anglican Church in the Village of Pense, Saskatchewan.

I hadn't stopped in Pense for over four decades and had completely forgotten about this lovely little church.  It features stone buttresses along the side walls and stone quoins that define the corners of the structure.  A little gem on the prairies.  I'm glad I stopped for a refresher.

Photographed on August 2, 2020.

Late Bloomers

Some late blooming prairie roses near Cudworth, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on August 4, 2020.

Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1

The elevator-shaped plaque reads:

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1
Bulyea, Saskatchewan 

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool dedicates this commemorative memorial cairn to the pioneers who settled this region and founded the town of Bulyea.  As the site of the first delivery of grain to the Saskatchewan Co-operative Wheat Producers Ltd. on July 1, 1925, Bulyea occupies a special place in our history. 

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool celebrates our 75th anniversary this year.  On this occasion, we honour the courage,  flexibility, and commitment to growth that characterize prairie farming life.  This spirit has built strong communities like Bulyea and strong co-operatives like the Pool, and it will drive forward into the next millenium, as Pool members in Bulyea and across the province forge the next century of agri-business. 

"Dedicated to the town of Bulyea on your 90th Anniversary From Saskatchewan Wheat Pool on our 75th Anniversary June 12, 1999"

Photographed on August 3, 2020.

A Peaceful Moment

Light, colour and reflection...a tranquil moment at Saint John's Anglican Church in Marieton, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on August 3, 2020.

Big Beautiful Barn

A big beautiful barn in graceful decline along Seven Bridges Road in the Qu'Appelle Valley.

Saskatchewan really does have the best old barns.

Three horses enjoying the scenery in the valley.

Photographed near Lumsden, Saskatchewan on August 2, 2020.