The Wright Farmhouse

This was originally the home of William and Gertrude Wright and is known in the area simply as "The Wright Farmhouse."

Enjoy the "walk around."

And a little more recently...In 2004 the house was featured in Terry Gilliam's film "Tideland," a film that was aptly described by David Cronenberg as a "poetic horror film."  At the time of filming the house was in much better condition than when I saw it about a month ago.  That said, it's still a magnificent sight on the open prairie.

Photographed south of Balcarres, Saskatchewan on October 12, 2021.

Happy Hallowe'en!

I've had this string of punkin lights for longer than I can remember.  This year they're wrapped around a wire planter that doubles as a bird feeder.  

Mental note...extra treats for the birds on Hallowe'en Day!

Photographed on October 18, 2021.

Someone Remembered

A return visit to Holy Ascension Orthodox Chapel and Cemetery.

My last visit here in late-July revealed the little chapel surrounded in a sea of tall grass, the grave markers engulfed in the dense greenery.  In a word, "lush." 

Being in the area again a few months later I decided on a return visit late one afternoon and much to my delight, someone remembered...

...to cut the grass...

...and remove the broken tree branch that had fallen on the bell tower.  Thank you.

I like to look in on this mostly forgotten artifact of the past from time to time...there's a good feeling here.  And I'm happy to know that someone else feels that way too.

Everyone in the area knows the little chapel as "Kaplychka."  

Photographed near Rhein, Saskatchewan on October 9, 2021.

Saint Michael's near Roblin

During a road trip in Saskatchewan this past summer I went 'just across the border' to Roblin for lunch one day.  In the restaurant I met a couple of the locals who were soon telling me about historical sights in the area.  The one location that piqued my interest was Saint Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, "it's at the top of the hill...you can't miss it!"

They were right...it would be nearly impossible to miss.

Accompanying the church is a bell tower and sign...

...and a large well-kept cemetery.

Birth dates go back as far as 1845.

The wide central dome is topped with a lantern bearing a wrought iron cross.

The church appears to still be in use if only occasionally.

A peek through one of the windows reveals a spacious interior.  

Highly unusual in a Ukrainian Catholic church is the inclusion of what appear to be Stations of the Cross hung on the walls.  These are usually on display only in Latin (Roman Catholic) churches of which the Eastern Catholic Church is not a member.  Some special conditions must apply here.

The original church was built in 1908 and replaced by the one seen in these photos in 1935.

And last but not least, the Parish Hall which was built in 1939 and replaced an earlier one built in 1921.

Photographed near Roblin, Manitoba on July 28, 2021.

Farm Gate

An attractive farm gate near Fenwood, Saskatchewan.  Just the right amount of this and that.

Photographed on October 12, 2021.

Wooler S.D. No. 2098

A one-room school monument near Clair, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on October 9, 2021.

We Forgive You

A sign at the former site of Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church near New Kiew, Alberta.

The church stood on a hill and was a well known local landmark.

Built in 1947, it replaced a smaller log church that had been put up in 1918.  The congregation had only just recently celebrated their one hundredth anniversary.

By 1999 the church no longer offered regular services but would open its doors for special occasions like weddings and funerals.

All was well and good...until this past summer when the church fell victim to arson and was completely destroyed. 

Now there is only an empty space where the church once stood...

...and a big heart.

Photographed on February 22, 2020 and September 21, 2021.

John

A grave marker at Saint Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery near Beaver Dale, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on July 29, 2021.

Good Morning

Two weeks ago today... 

...a chance encounter along a country road.  Isn't she a sweetie!

What a great way to start the day.

Photographed near Fonehill, Saskatchewan on October 10, 2021.

Barn in Canola

An abandoned barn in the middle of a canola field.  

Photographed near Kamsack, Saskatchewan on July 28, 2021.