"Crimson and Clover"

Finally had a chance to finish planting the pots and planters on my balcony this afternoon.

Some portulaca blooming in a strawberry pot.  "Little roses" is definitely the best description for them.

A red-leafed variety of clover in a pinkish-orange clay pot that came all the way from Vietnam.  

"Thank you" to all the growers and potters who help make my balcony a summer delight.  

Almost forgot...you remember that song, right?  If you don't you might be too young for this blog.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on June 2, 2023.

Chillin' Out

A bunny just chillin' out along a pedestrian sidewalk in town.  They must be double-jointed.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 26, 2023.

Heather's Garden

Yesterday a friend and I went out to Saint Margaret's to tend to some gardening duties.  While Richard tidied up the border around the church I tended to Heather's Garden.

I was pleased to see that many of the perennials including prairie crocuses, salvias, aromatic sage and several others had survived the harsh winter.  

After cleaning up I decided to go all out and fill every little bare space with new plants.  Planting is such a joyous thing...and having Heather to guide me along was a pleasure.

A special thanks to Richard for helping out.  On my own, I would never have been able to accomplish all that we did in one day.     

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Alberta on May 30, 2023.

Olson

A farm sign somewhere in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan.

Photographed on June 12, 2020.

In a Sea of Grass

Even though it's been well over six years since my visit here, this child's grave cradled in a sea of grass remains an unforgettable experience...captivating and, in its own way, comforting.

The back of the grave marker reads: "Our loving darling boy, Gone to bloom with God above."  

I'm sure he brought an abundance of joy and happiness to his family if only for a few short years.     

Photographed at Graburn United Church Cemetery near Walsh, Alberta on November 24, 2016. 

Prairie Crocus

Enjoying something simple...

A single prairie crocus blooming in the countryside near Cappon, Alberta.

Maybe not such a big deal for most but over the years much of their natural habitat has been disrupted by people so seeing even one is a treat.  Enjoy the little things. 

Photographed on May 15, 2023. 

Zion Lutheran Church

Still hangin' in there...

...the old Zion Lutheran Church near Horsham, Saskatchewan.  

According to the GRHS the church was open for thirty-one years, closing in 1950.  It's now been abandoned for what seems a long, long time.

Every once in a while someone moves the cross from one side of the front door to the other.  To see some photos of the church from about six years ago, click here: Zion Lutheran Church and Cemetery

Photographed on May 15, 2023.

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.