On my way to the Acreage

I always look forward to seeing this little donkey on my way to the acreage where I take care of some gardening duties.

And this is her partner in the pasture.  

I think they have a pretty good life together...lots to eat, fresh water and shelter from the ever changing weather in southeastern Alberta.  Their summer shelter is covered and also outfitted with a large fan so they can get out of the sun and keep cool.  Kudos to their caregivers.   

Photographed on June 12, 2018.

Long Shots (The Elevators at Lepine)

It had been a wonderfully warm and sunny fall day on the road through central Saskatchewan.  Last stop before supper was Saint Michael's Greek Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Bukowina).

 

At the turnoff to the church I noticed a distant pair of prairie sentinels looking haggard but proud against a recently harvested grain field.  It was an inviting view worth a stop for a couple of long shots.

Photographed near Lepine, Saskatchewan on October 25, 2019. 

Ascension

Saint Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church stands on a hillside clearing near Old Maryville, Saskatchewan.  A solemn landmark from another time.  

Photographed on August 7, 2020.

Epiphany

Sion Epiphany Lutheran Church on a late winter afternoon.

I love being able to catch the failing light through the trees just to see those long blue shadows on the sparkling snow...it's one of those things that just never gets old.  

More long blue shadows stretch across the cemetery behind the church...

...and looking closely to the left you can see a well traveled trail in the snow made by friends and relatives.

The church and grounds are still maintained by the German descendants and pioneer families who settled the area.  That in itself is worthy of at least a little praise.  

Inside reveals a feature I have found in only one other church...a corner altar.

And a lace valance curtain on each and every window.

A stark view from the altar.

Last look at the little country church in the snow.

Photographed near Sion, Alberta on February 17, 2021.

...and Gently God took the Reins

A sorrowful grave marker in Spring Valley Cemetery near Ravenscrag, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on June 5, 2020.

Wilke Pool Elevator

The old Pool elevator in Wilke, Saskatchewan.  Missing a few pieces of siding but still looks great against the big prairie sky.

Photographed on November 18, 2019.

Daisy at Hillside

A warm sunny day in late winter and perfect for taking Daisy for a walk.  This time we went to Hillside Cemetery where...

...she stopped right at her family's headstone.

Sometimes I think she knows more than she's letting on, if you know what I mean.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on March 16, 2021.

Birch Creek Bridge

A two arch bow string bridge near Elfros, Saskatchewan.

This is Birch Creek Bridge and was built in 1931.

A photo taken from the new highway.  The railway line is in the background.

The fresh snow of the previous evening was followed by very cold weather the following morning.

Photographed on January 20, 2021.

святий параскевія

Saint Paraskevia is a Ukrainian Catholic Church near Cossack, Alberta.

The cemetery is behind the church.  A large path and portion of the cemetery had been cleared of snow for a recent burial.  Always nice to see a country cemetery still in use.

This small church built in 1930 replaced the tiny log chapel that had been raised in 1913.  

Both the church and bell tower have recently received new roofs and siding.  While I didn't see the interior, I understand that it remains much as it was in 1930 with an iconostasis added in the late 1950's.  

More recent photos of this lovely little church can be seen here: 

святий параскевія (у вересні)

Photographed near on February 21, 2021.

Immanuel Lutheran Church

A warm fall day in Admiral, Saskatchewan.

Immanuel Lutheran Church sits on the eastern outskirts and is one of three churches in town.

The church was moved in from nearby Instow.  A large apse (which would serve as the new kneeling altar) was added to the rear wall and the former flat bell tower was augmented with a tall spire.  

And this is the view inside. All that red is startling...at first.

Photographed on September 29 (outside) and 30 (inside), 2017.