Friday Afternoon at Daisy's House

The past week was beastly hot down here in southeastern Alberta but today we had a bit of a break, so...what better way to enjoy our good fortune than to spend a few hours gardening at Daisy's house.    

After a sniffing adventure around the yard and getting some cuddles she was content to take it easy in the shade beside the veranda.  Everyone should have a boss like Daisy.

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

Lemberg Grain Elevator

This one definitely looks like it's still in use.

Photographed in Lemberg, Saskatchewan on May 18, 2021.

Old Riverside Bridge

This bridge, officially named Concrete Arch Bridge No. 1580, is known to the locals as Old Riverside Bridge.  At one time it was the primary crossing over the Souris River north of Heaslip, Manitoba but is now used mainly by local traffic.  

It's always a treat to cross the river on an historic bridge.

Later in the day I was able to get a few shots of this gracefully arched bridge from the new bridge to the west. 

Then it was back to Brandon for supper with my sister. 

Photographed on October 16, 2022.

Цвинтар Святого Серця

"Sacred Heart Cemetery"

Just a few miles out of town is the cemetery associated with the Sacred Heart Ukrainian Catholic Church from the previous post.

About a dozen pyramidal cedars along with one lone spruce tree are planted amongst the graves that date back to 1902. 

The cemetery is long and narrow and is as immaculately kept as the church was in town.  Kudos to the caretakers of our history. 

Photographed near Tolstoi, Manitoba on August 22, 2022.

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.