Squirrelly

I was out at Daisy's house in Elkwater to shovel some snow a few days ago.  

No sooner had I picked up the shovel when the resident squirrel started chattering excitedly at me.  I'm sure he or she knows there's no serious threat but one must stand one's ground, right?  Pretty cute from this human's perspective.    

Less than an hour later I was finished and everything was back to normal...much to the squirrel's delight I'm sure.

Photographed in Elkwater, Alberta on February 3, 2023

Ukrainian Pioneer Mass Grave

This beautifully carved black granite marker celebrates the one hundredth anniversary of Ukrainian settlement in Canada from 1891-1991.

It stands on the site of a tragic event that occurred well over a century ago near Patterson Lake, Manitoba.    

The sign reads:

"Ukrainian Settlers Mass Grave

          

"In May 1899 scarlet fever struck the first group of Slavic families who camped at this site.  Forty-two children and three adults died.

"This memorial commemorates the suffering, perseverance and courage of those pioneers who overcame tragedy. 

"They carved homesteads out of forest and made life possible for us: their descendants.

"Parkland Ukrainian Pioneer Association 1978."

The site is home to (from left to right): the large one hundredth anniversary monument, a fiftieth anniversary jubilee marker, a guest book housed in a waterproof box atop a steel pole, the carved wooden information sign, a cairn listing the names of all those buried there, a headstone for an infant and a white budded cross at the foot of the burial mound. 

The burial mound is prominent in the above two photographs.

To the south is a canola field...

...and to the north, across the road and behind the aspen trees is Patterson Lake.

The grounds are impeccably kept.  

The reflection of the sky in the large monument had me awe struck for the entiretiy of my visit...almost as if heaven came to ground and was there keeping watch. 

Photographed near Olha, Manitoba on July 27, 2022.

Out for a Walk

An off-leash area where dogs can simply enjoy doing "dog stuff."

Looks like she's doing just that.  Good for her.

Photographed near Police Point Park in Medicine Hat, Alberta on January 11, 2023.

Return to the Little Church near Big Meadow

Four months later the snow was gone and the grass was green at the Lessard Historic Church...

My return visit to Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery yielded photos of the understated interior as well as some of the cemetery, church and grounds.  

Was happy to see it again...and in spring no less.  Maybe next time around I'll see it when the leaves are falling...but for now it's springtime.  Enjoy!

A heartfelt "thank you" to the caretakers of the church and grounds.  I know it's a lot of work to keep things looking good...as well as lots of sore knees and aching backs.  Good on you!  

Photographed near Big Meadow, Alberta on June 24, 2022.

Little Church near Big Meadow

Almost a year ago I was on a road trip that took me to the Bonnyville, Alberta area for a few days.  There was lots of snow but the roads were in good shape and on most days the temperature hovered around 0°C...my kind of winter.

Along the way I had the pleasure to visit this little country church, known to the locals as the Lessard Historic Church.  It's obviously cared for but unfortunately I could find no information about it.   

Nevertheless, I did get some nice photos of the church and cemetery in a winter setting.

The official name of the church is Saint John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church and is located north of Big Meadow, Alberta.  

About four months later I stopped by for a revisit when the grass was green.  Those pictures will be posted tomorrow.

Photographed on February 26, 2022.

Grain Elevator at Elk Point

I have a penchant for these former Pool elevators that were painted green...they blend in seamlessly with the prairie landscape.  This one is particularly attractive (and large).

Photographed on June 24, 2022.

The Bridge near Scotsguard

About five years ago it looked like this (click the following link):  Six Arches

Not much has changed, and in my book, that's a good thing.

I occasionally hear reports of historic structures being dismantled or burned down for one reason or another.  Sadly and most recently, Cottonwood School near Pense, Saskatchewan was indeed burned to the ground.  Well, I don't think anyone with that intent would have much luck with this sturdy old bridge...it and the many old bowstring bridges like it were built to last.  But, indestructible as it looks, the probable reason it's still standing is that it would simply be too expensive to knock down and then clean up the mess.  I guess that means a "thank you" to the bean-counters is in order (never thought I'd say that!).  

So, chances are, this old bridge and others like it still have many happy decades ahead of them...and that's also a good thing.  Enjoy these pieces of the past while you can.

Photographed near Scotsguard, Saskatchewan on May 11, 2022.

Near Kaleida

The beautiful windows inside Saint Mary's Saint Alban's Anglican Church near Kaleida, Manitoba.

Photographed on August 17, 2022.

Good Morning

Nothing says "Good Morning" like a field of sunflowers in full bloom.

Photographed south of Holland, Manitoba on August 20, 2022.

Nice Day for a Swim...

...if you're a beaver.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on January 11, 2023.