XIII

While taking some photos of a long abandoned church I ran into this little creature in the churchyard.  It's the first time I'd seen a thirteen-lined ground squirrel in the area so it was a small but special event of sorts.  This one was pretty curious and scurried up closer and closer until he or she was only a few feet away from me...up close and personal with a squirrel.

Photographed near Horsham, Saskatchewan on May 15, 2023.

The Ghost Army of World War II

Something for history buffs.

Spies, secrets and deception...read on:

https://news.findagrave.com/2023/05/19/the-ghost-army-of-world-war-ii/

Long Shot (Fairacres School)

A long shot of the handsome Fairacres School, a one-room schoolhouse from the days of the pioneers.

Photographed near Oyen, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

Snowflake

A calf as white as a snowflake.

Photographed near New Brigden, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

Avon S.D. No. 3091

A one-room schoolhouse near Claydon, Saskatchewan.  

It's in pretty nice shape too.

The identification signs on the dormer and side of the school.

To the best of my recollection, this is one of the few country schools I've seen that has a row of windows on two adjacent sides.  That detail makes it special in the history of pioneer schools on the prairies.

Photographed on May 10, 2022.

Near South Holden Farms

This beautiful church is Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Parish.

The church seen here was built in 1916 and replaced the small country church raised in 1906.

There is a large cemetery on the church grounds...

...where many of the early parishioners are buried in unmarked graves.

A monument beside the church celebrating its centennial.

The bell tower and cemetery...

...and a larger view of the grounds.  

Information courtesy of Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Edmonton.

Photographed near South Holden Farms, Alberta on September 17, 2021.

Bison near Orcadia

I love these majestic beasts.

Photographed near Orcadia, Saskatchewan on October 14, 2022.

Barn near Surprise

A barn near Surprise, Saskatchewan.

Just as I was about to leave an owl appeared in the hayloft door.  I'll bet there's a nest with owlets somewhere inside.  Mama owl picked a nice spot to raise her babies.

Photographed on May 15, 2023.

United Church

The United Church in Garland, Manitoba.  It was built in 1916 and originally named Saint John’s Ruthenian Presbyterian Church.  

The Presbyterian Church of Canada assumed the role of converting Ukrainian pioneers to the Presbyterian faith.  I think the fact that so many Ukrainian Catholic and Ukrainian Orthodox Churches far outnumber United churches tells the story.  

In 1925 the Presbyterian Church joined the new United Church of Canada.

Information courtesy of the Manitoba Historical Society. 

Photographed on October 12, 2022.

Holland

Welcome to Holland, Manitoba!

Photographed on August 20, 2022.