Lakeside Cemetery

Woke up to the sound of rain on the roof in Nipawin, Saskatchewan.  I've always believed that sleeping in is just the best thing to do on a rainy day so that's exactly what I did.  Once I did get up, and after a hearty breakfast and some sound deliberation, the decision was made to go for a drive in the country.

Went to Le Pas for lunch (seafood jambalaya that was better than delicious) then south to Swan River, Manitoba for an equally delectable supper of Chinese food (followed by a candid visit with the owner of the restaurant).  

In the morning the weather was taking a turn for the worse in Manitoba so there was no choice but to head for Yorkton where the weatherman promised things would be warmer and brighter (and they were).  Some days it's just all about good food and the weather.

And what better way to celebrate a fine day on the road than with a cemetery in a fall setting.

Photographed near Le Pas, Manitoba on October 11, 2022.

Bike Ride

Out for a bike ride with the pooch.

Photographed near Heaslip, Manitoba on October 16, 2022.

Fall

A pleasing sight along a country road near Nipawin, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on October 10, 2022.

Dawson Bay

Making the best of a rain day.

Was travelling south from The Pas, Manitoba when I saw a sign for Dawson Bay.  A short detour sounded like a nice change of pace and just a few miles down the road I was greeted by fishing boats docked in the bay on Lake Winnipegosis. 

And look at that!  Can't even see land on the other side.

Photographed at Dawson Bay, Manitoba on October 11, 2022.

Farming Valley School

That oversized bell tower makes this one-room schoolhouse a standout.

Hope this one stands for many more years to come.

For more photos of this wonderful old schoolhouse, click here: "F"

Photographed near Cereal, Alberta on October 8, 2022.

Snow Geese

The snow geese migration is now in full swing.

It's always a joy to see them on a stop-over on their way south.

Photographed near Smuts, Saskatchewan on October 10, 2022.

Înălțarea Sfintei Cruci II

Same place as the previous post but a different season...

...this time it's a beautiful winter day in the country at Ascension of the Cross Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery.

Most everything is black and white against a brilliant blue sky, and even though it looks cold, a sweater and wind breaker were more than ample.     

Personally, it doesn't really matter what the season, visits to "Ascension" are a heart warming experience.  And it's always a treat to see a country church and cemetery so well cared for..."thank you" to those who are devoted to preserving the past.   

Photographed near Szypenitz, Alberta on February 23, 2020.

Înălțarea Sfintei Cruci I

Ascension of the Cross Romanian Orthodox Church and Cemetery.

Beautifully terraced gravesites in the cemetery.

Children's graves on the northern side of the cemetery.

This little country church built in 1912 is a favourite stop whenever I'm in the area.

On this visit I was lucky enough to get a few shots of the interior through the windows.  

Photographed near Szypenitz, Alberta on June 27, 2022.

Long Shots (Star Mound)

Long shots of Star Mound School near Snowflake, Manitoba.  The name "Snowflake" is equal parts imaginative and evocative...kudos to the person or persons who came up with that.  

Established in 1886, the school is only about four miles north of the Canada/U.S.A. border.  And you know you can't ask for a better place to be on a summer road trip than in the middle of nowhere!  I'm sure you know what I mean.  Happy road-tripping!

Photographed on August 17, 2022. 

Pansy

Late last fall I was researching south-central Manitoba when I came across a place named "Pansy."  I don't think it was ever really a town per se...most likely just a place for people to pick up their mail.  But me being a gardener, well, I simply had to see a place with such a wonderfully floral name. 

This little church and cemetery are the main feature.    

The cemetery has an abundance of rose and red coloured headstones...

...and the grounds are well kept by two brothers who live nearby.

Just as I was getting back into the car one of said brothers comes tearing up on an all terrain vehicle and introduces himself.  Since I help take care of a little church in the Cypress Hills of Alberta we had some thoughts and insights (as well as a few rants) to share.  After our brief chat we bid each other adieu, he on his was home and me back to the motel just a half hour north in Steinbach.  

So far so good, all is well in Pansy.   

Saint Peter and Saint Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church and Cemetery was photographed at Pansy, Manitoba on August 20, 2022.