Day One - Fairacres School

The gardening season was over so one last road trip was in order before the onset of winter.  The eventual destination of the journey was Gimli, Manitoba but there was no rush...there are lots of places to see along the way.

On Day One I drove north from Medicine Hat, made a few stops in the Cappon area and then was off to the Cereal Hotel for a homemade burger.  After lunch I headed into the countryside northeast of Oyen for a return visit to Fairacres School.

It always looks stately, sturdy and strong no matter what the season.

And as a bonus, it has recently provided a home to a pair of hawks to raise their young.  

The school was originally located a few miles away; this sign marks the spot.

After a few more stops I was off to Kindersley for the night.  More to see in the morning.  

Photographed near Oyen, Alberta on October 8, 2022.

Meet One of My Neighbours

This big guy has been one of my neighbours for several years now.  (See that dark mark about three quarters of the way down his upper back?  He got that about four years ago...maybe a confrontation with another buck?  Regardless, he seems to be doing well and holding his own amongst the city dwelling deer.  Good for him!) 

But, it's now the middle of rutting season so he's pretty bossy.  Best to take Daisy for walks further out along the edges of town for the time being.  Avoiding encounters between dogs and deer is the best medicine.  Things will be back to normal in a few weeks.   

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on November 13, 2022.

A Beautiful Place out in the Country

A good friend and I had a nice time decorating Saint Margaret's Church for the Christmas season today.  It was one of those days when everything just "clicked," if you know what I mean.  Good times out in the country.

On my way home I decided to take the short detour off the main road to the Congregational Church at Gros Ventre-Tothill.  I hadn't seen it in a winter setting for a few years so it was a treat.  In my mind's eye it is simply a beautiful place out in the country.  Glad I took a few minutes out of my busy day for a visit.

Photographed near Tothill, Alberta on November 13, 2022.

Cenotaph Dedication

Today at 2:00 p.m. was the official dedication of the new cenotaph at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery. 

Approximately 35-40 people attended the unveiling on what turned out to be a gloriously warm and sunny day in the Cypress Hills.  Among those in attendance were war heroes, recent immigrants from Ukraine, a wine merchant, local folks, a bagpiper and a host of others.

Most importantly...thanks to everyone for remembering.

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on November 11, 2022.

Veteran Park

A special treat for Remembrance Day...a walk through Veteran Park in Baldur, Manitoba.

The "old folks" in town keep the park looking beautiful.  God bless them.

Photographed on August 18, 2022.

Remembrance Day

A cenotaph for "those who served" was recently installed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery.

In remembrance...God bless them all.

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on October 2, 2022.

To Market, To Market...

"To market, to market, to buy a fat pig,

Home again, home again, jiggety-jig.

To market, to market, to buy a fat hog,

Home again, home again, jiggety-jog."

A farm sign south of Rosthern, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on October 9, 2022.

Five Horses

Five horses in a pasture near Mundare, Alberta.

The two big white horses were awfully friendly...the other three weren't so sure.  That's okay...animals need their space too.

Photographed on June 26, 2022.

Mural in Vegreville

Ukrainian embroidery stylized in a mural with a blazing prairie sunset above.  

Thank you Gordon.

After these last photos of the day were taken it was back to the motel for a short nap and then off to meet my sister for supper at the restaurant of her choice.  Lasagna at Vito's is the best!

Photographed in downtown Vegreville, Alberta on June 26, 2022.

Borden Bridge

A beautiful bowstring bridge near Borden, Saskatchewan.  

Lots of people come here to fish or to simply enjoy the walk across this handsome historical rainbow arch bridge.  

For the first time I was able to just enjoy it with no snow on the ground.

Photographed on October 9, 2022.