Cows in the Buffalo Beans

Just across the road from Saint Margaret's...

...a couple of cows grazing on the hillside.  They know not to eat the buffalo beans.

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on May 30, 2023.

The Road Goes Ever On

A road, a fence line and the open plains.

I love being out in the middle of nowhere.

Photographed near Cappon, Alberta on May 15, 2023.

McConnell School

This weathered one-room schoolhouse is only about a mile off the highway.  A "summer road only" is the only access...watch out for the low spots along the way.

More about the school here: An Audience at the School

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

Hot-Air Balloon Festival

There was a hot-air balloon festival in town last weekend. 

I love seeing these Christmas tree ornaments floating in the sky above.

Have almost convinced myself it would be fun to take a ride on one.  

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 27, 2023.

"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.