Robin Redbreast

A robin looking for nest building materials.

Found something good.

Looks like he's happy with his find.  Good for him.

Photographed in Eastend, Saskatchewan on May 9, 2022.

Saint John's Parochial School

A country school located north of Liebenthal, Saskatchewan.

Looking to the east...the small elevator across the road is the Wenzel Seed Cleaning Facility.

The school is in reasonably good condition both inside and out.

Love the cast iron and wood desks.

A plaque mounted beside the front door reads:

"St. John's School was built in 1924.  The student count at that time was 38.  St. John's was the only parochial school in the Missouri Synod of the Lutheran Church in Saskatchewan.  In 1942 St. John's became a separate school.  Due to declining enrollment, the school closed in 1965.  It was the last of one-room schools in the district.

"St. John's Church and School was the activity centre for the district members and families.  They formed the Happyland Concert Band, a baseball team and an active youth group."

Information courtesy of the Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society Incorporated.

Photographed on November 5, 2021.

Wigness Ranch Sign

Spotted along Saskatchewan Highway 13 near Admiral, Saskatchewan. 

Beware of the electric fence.  My arm accidentally touched one strand while taking photos and it was a pretty good jolt.  Don't see electric fences all that often but it immediately reminded me of an episode of The Ren & Stimpy Show from the early-90's where they play a board game called "Don't Whiz on the Electric Fence."  Definitely something I wouldn't recommend. 

Photographed on May 11, 2022.

One-Eyed Jack's

A vintage barn somewhere south of Simmie, Saskatchewan.

Seems to be wearing an eyepatch...

...welcome to One-Eyed Jack's.

Photographed on May 11, 2022.

Fetch

There was a "Y" intersection in the road so I decided to turn left.  After miles of twisty roads I arrived at a farm yard where I was greeted by this guy.

We made a deal...he agreed to pose for a photo if I'd play fetch with him for awhile.  Sounded good to me and we both had a good time.

Photographed near Stone, Saskatchewan on May 9, 2022.

Deere One

A couple's shared headstone in Saint Basil's Roman Catholic Cemetery near Plato, Saskatchewan.

Wind chimes courtesy of John Deere.

Forever remembered...rest in peace Marian and Robert.

Photographed on October 7, 2021.

Saint Margaret's

I spent this past Saturday working out at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery.  There's always lots to do in spring...edging, weeding and general clean up after a long winter.

A lovely spot where I plan on spending eternity.  But for now, tending the grounds and enjoying the landscape is fine by me.

Photographed near Eagle Butte in the Cypress Hills of Alberta on May 14, 2022.

Saint Wolodymyr's

I always enjoy a visit to Saint Wolodymyr's, and hope you do as well.

It was wonderful to see all the wild pasque flowers blooming on the northern hillside of the church yard.  There were literally dozens upon dozens of them proudly displaying their large lavender-coloured blooms.  In many areas wild pasque flowers have died out over the past few decades but not here...makes Saint Wolodymyr's even a little more special.  (Many will know pasque flowers simply as prairie crocus.)

The formal entrance to...

...the little church in the middle of nowhere.

The remains of a neighbouring church are buried under this mound.

The main marker in front of the cemetery.

A special "thank you" to the folks who tend the grounds.   

Another acknowledgement is in order, this time to Michael Anctil of Medicine Hat Monumental.  He installs and tends markers and monuments in cemeteries near and far.  In this case, he's responsible for creating, installing and maintaining many of the headstones here as well as giving a new life to the main marker which is now on a new (and level) tiered concrete base.  Kudos to him and his staff...hard work done with care and devotion.  

Photographed near Cappon, Alberta on April 30, 2022.

All Saints in Kamsack

A beautiful white church before a brilliant blue summer sky.

The design of the cupolas is extraordinary.  Each one is supported by eight small pillars forming an octagon.  What makes these a standout is that usually the structure below the cupolas is completely closed-in whereas these are open to the elements...I bet the view is good from up there.  And there's a bonus as well, the Orthodox cross below the centre cupola can be lit up at night.

Most outdoor altars are constructed of formed concrete painted white but this one is fabricated steel and powder-coated in silver-gray and gold.  

The marble cornerstone...seventy-five years old this year.

The gate sign above the front entrance displays a golden tryzub flanked by two red maple leaves.  The tryzub (trident) symbol dates back over ten centuries and is the official coat of arms of Ukraine.  

God bless the Ukrainian people in these troubled times.

The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints was photographed in Kamsack, Saskatchewan on July 28, 2022.

Sheep

Twins having a rest.

Being a good mom.

Photographed near Piapot, Saskatchewan on May 9, 2022.