Церква Святого Серця

"Church of the Sacred Heart"

I'll always remember this well kept Ukrainian Catholic Church as "the church with the red bench."  

I love the wide, squat dome on top of the church...

...as well as the large metal crosses on the church grounds. 

Photographed in Tolstoi, Manitoba on August 22, 2022.

Deer in the Park

It's not unusual to encounter a deer or two at every turn during a walk through Strathcona Park.  This family was taking it easy near the park entrance.  They do blend nicely into the landscape, don't they?

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on April 5, 2023.

Hecla School

I think this is the prettiest little schoolhouse I've seen anywhere on my travels.

The building is one hundred and one years old this year.  Many happy returns!  

Photographed in Hecla on Hecla Island, Manitoba on August 21, 2022. 

Lookout on Reesor Road

Early October in the Cypress Hills of Alberta.  

One can almost see forever from this lookout on Reesor Road.

Even though spring hasn't quite sprung here in southern Alberta, I can't wait for the return of fall.

Photographed on October 3, 2022.

Indoor Garden Update

A few additions to the indoor garden...

An orange lily blooming its heart out (with three more buds to open up in the next day or two).  Beautiful!

Two small lemon cypress trees in opposite corners of the above photo.  When you rub or brush against the foliage you are rewarded with an intoxicating lemon scent.  Pretty nice!  Something I didn't expect from these little trees was that they're hardy to about -20°C.  A few years ago I over-wintered a couple of them...when the temperature dropped too low I brought them inside.  Kept them out on the balcony the following season then gave them away in the fall.  It's good to share plants.

And as I'm sure any gardeners out there have noticed are the recently potted Wandering Jew cuttings.  As with most cuttings, they looked a little sad for a few days after being potted but by the third day they all perked up.  The trick is to not over-water them...make them work for their drinks.  They build strong roots that way.

Looks like everyone is happy.  Won't be long before the indoor garden moves outside onto the balcony.

Photographed at the foot of the totem pole in my living room in Medicine Hat, Alberta on April 28, 2023.

Whoa Nellie!

Photographed near Vidir, Manitoba on October 19, 2022.

The White Arcades

Inside Notre Dame d'Auvergne.  The interior surfaces are finished in white and pale blue with pebbled glass windows of milky-white, pink, gold and just a touch of green.  Even though the church exterior is somewhat austere and imposing (see previous post), the interior is light, airy and inviting.  

The church seats one thousand people and I'm sure on religious holidays they could squeeze in a few more.  

Translated to English the motto above the altar says: "My Soul Glorifies the Lord."

Thanks to Dan for the backdrop of organ hymns during my short visit there. 

Photographed in Ponteix, Saskatchewan on September 30, 2017.

Notre Dame d'Auvergne

Notre Dame d'Avergne is a rare gem deep in the heart of the Canadian prairies...a big, beautiful church in the middle of nowhere.

Photographed in Ponteix, Saskatchewan on September 30, 2017.

By Rail and Road

The big old bowstring bridge near Scotsguard, Saskatchewan.

I've taken photos of this handsome relic of the past on many occasions but this was the first time I ever saw it in a wintry landscape.  Thanks BW!

Photographed on April 8. 2023.