Too Close for Comfort

A thirteen-lined ground squirrel going about his business near Smuts, Saskatchewan.

As I approached he crouched down and then I took one step too many...

...his small body stretched out and he was gone in a flash down into the safety of his burrow.  I definitely got too close for comfort.

Photographed on August 4, 2020.

"C"

 

Creston School sits on the open prairie north of  Dollard, Saskatchewan.

It opened in 1927 and for twenty-five years was located a few miles down the road and around the corner when, in 1952, it was moved to the current location where it served another dozen years until its closure in 1964. 

This little school has stood up well against the elements over the years.  

The school rests on the edge of a coulee where the sunlight plays on the hillside.   

 

Photographed on July 12, 2019.

"B"

Brinsley Holy Ghost Ukrainian Orthodox Church was built in 1924.  The shiny brass-coloured cupolas are brilliant against the winter sky.

The cemetery has been in use since the 1910's and is large with mature trees scattered throughout.

Black, white, pink, gray and brown crosses stand on a snow covered slope on the outer edge of the graveyard.

A bell tower is tucked in around the side of the church.  

Little church in the open prairie.

Photographed near Brinsley, Alberta on February 23, 2020.

"A"

Saint Anthony's Cemetary is near Mendham, Saskatchewan.

So many unknown and forgotten graves.

On previous visits to Saint Anthony's I had noticed that the free standing cemetary crucifix was leaning and in disrepair, but...this past summer I saw that it had been replaced by one that was upright, fresh and new.  Thank you kind soul for caring.

Saint Anthony is known as a great teacher as well as the patron saint of lost things, causes and souls.

Photographed on July 14, 2020.

Northern Flicker

 

A flicker enjoying some peanuts out on the balcony.

I shot these photos through a not-very-clean window so what you see is what you get.

She's been coming by for two or three years now.  In the spring she brings her fledglings around to show them where the treats are.

Photographed on January  28, 2021.

Elevators in Domremy

The elevators in Domremy, Saskatchewan.  In the foreground is a former Belle Pulses elevator that processed peas and behind that is a former Pool grain elevator.

Looks like the old Pool elevator may still in private use.

I believe Belle Pulses has closed this facility.

Lots of wildflowers blooming all around the elevators.

Photographed on August 5, 2020.

Country Church

Ukrainian settlers arrived predominantly from the Borshchiv district to the Glentworth, Saskatchewan area in 1908.  

In 1926 they built this little country church and dedicated it as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church.

There is also a small cemetery...

...with an expansive view.

Don't forget to ring the bell!

Information courtesy of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Saskatoon.

Photographed on August 9, 2018.

Bee-Balm

 

Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds can't get enough of this native flowering plant.  Oil from the leaves is mixed with black tea to produce Earl Grey tea.

Photographed near Smuts, Saskatchewan on August 4, 2020.

парафія свято вознесіння

Holy Ascension Ukrainian Catholic Parish in Meacham, Saskatchewan was built in 1952.

The three cupolas seen through the branches of a mature weeping cutleaf birch tree growing on the grounds.

The original bell from the church bell tower is now mounted on this handsome stone cairn in the town park. 

Also displayed on the cairn are two large ceramic photographs.  One photo shows the church when it was first built and sided with Insulbrick™ asphalt siding.

The second photo (obviously taken from the balcony) is a peek at the hand-painted interior.

The cornerstone of the church.

Photographed on August 8, 2020.

All Hallows

All Hallows Anglican Church and Cemetery is near Peterson, Saskatchewan.

From photos I'd seen of the church I was expecting to find the building in not the best condition.  Much to my surprise, and a pleasant surprise it was, the church had recently received a fresh coat of paint and a new roof. 

A metal post and chain fence with iron gate separate the cemetery from the church grounds...

...which are surrounded on three sides by a caragana hedge with the remaining side open to the road.

The cemetery is host to a common grave of human remains from a now lost Anglican Cemetery near the town of Bruno.  Marked common graves are a rare sight in prairie cemeteries.

The waning gibbous moon can be seen about midway on the right.

Photographed on August 8, 2020.