A hand-crafted grave marker in Saint Andrew's Anglican Cemetery.
1836-1933 is a long life.
There has to be a story behind the name "Tin Cup Joe."
Photographed near Fenton, Saskatchewan on August 6, 2020.
Saturday, June 05, 2021
Thursday, June 03, 2021
In Flight
One of the most graceful fliers ever.
This is an adult turkey vulture gliding above Saint Michael's Orthodox Church near Montmartre, Saskatchewan. Nature really is quite wonderful.
Photographed on May 19,2021.
Wednesday, June 02, 2021
Saint Thomas at Vernon (Inside)
The altar...
...and back.
The chandelier.
The triptych above the altar. "Gloria tibi Domine" translates as "Glory be to Thee O Lord."
The tiny round stained glass window above the triptych.
This window on the back wall "sets the mood" for the church interior...subdued golds and yellows with just that little bit of blue for some drama.
Three of the windows were donations from parishioners...
...who each wanted a loved one...
...memorialized according to their beliefs.
The remaining windows utilize this design allowing more soft light to enter. The window wells are almost two feet deep.
A final view inside Saint Thomas taken from the tower doors entrance.
Photographed near McLean, Saskatchewan on May 18, 2021.
Tuesday, June 01, 2021
Saint Thomas at Vernon (Outside)
Saint Thomas Anglican Church in the community formerly known as Vernon.
The church was built over the course of 1898-1899 with the chancel and tower being added in 1903.
This was my third try at seeing the church. The two previous attempts were during the winter months at which time I discovered the local rural roads were buried in snow.
The main entrance is through the double doors in the crenellated tower.
The cemetery was established soon after the construction of the church.
Lovely setting for a country church...a meadow surrounded by trees.
Information courtesy of Canada's Historic Places.
Photographed near McLean, Saskatchewan on May 18, 2021.
Monday, May 31, 2021
Purple, White and Furry
Vinca blooming in a shady corner.
Creamy white flowers on the arched stems of Solomon's Seal.
And the cottontail bunny who helps with the lawn mowing.
Photographed in Alex's yard on May 29, 2021.
White and Purple
The old-fashioned lilacs and honeysuckles are still in bloom here.
Sure signs of spring.
Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 29, 2021.
Sunday, May 30, 2021
Holy Family
A mosaic tile scene of Jesus, Mary and Joseph above the front entrance of Holy Family Roman Catholic Church in the village of Odessa, Saskatchewan.
Finding such well executed art adds a highlight to the day.
Photographed on May 19, 2021.
Thursday, May 27, 2021
Shep
The following happened in Fort Benton, Montana in the not so distant past. Anyone who enjoys the company of a pet will identify with this story.
Following is a quotation from a placard standing in the heart of Fort Benton:
"Shep's Vigil"In August 1936 a casket containing a sheepherder's body was loaded on a baggage car headed east for burial. A dog, of collie strain, watched with anxious eyes. He was there to meet every train year after year."Conductor Ed Shields by 1939 pieced the dog's story together, linking Shep with the body shipped that August day. With the real story known, Shep became famous. Many, many well-intentioned offers to adopt him were gently declined; friends knew Shep's sole aim was to keep his vigil. Shep died on January 12, 1942, slipping on the tracks before an oncoming train. His passing was mourned by all who knew his story. He was laid to rest atop the bluff above the depot; his funeral was attended by hundreds. Reverend Ralph Underwood took as his theme Senator George Graham Vest's 'Eulogy on the Dog,' a tribute to a dog's faithfulness to his master which Shep so fully exemplified."
The above photo is the memorial where Shep is buried.
"Forever Faithful" is a bronze sculpture by Bob Scriver that stands beside the walking path in downtown Fort Benton. The Missouri River makes for a great backdrop. The "FB" on the hillside in the upper right hand side of the photo is made of field stones painted white.
The hundreds of red-coloured bricks surrounding the base of the sculpture are individual and personal memorials to Shep. These memorial bricks have been donated by people from all over the world...even from Medicine Hat.
Animals are thankfully an important part of life.
Photographed on November 23, 2017.
Ida and Walter
Flowers for Ida...
...and a guitar for Walter.
The headstones are stained glass set into cast concrete.
Photographed in Longlaketon United Church Cemetery near Silton, Saskatchewan on May 17, 2021.