Inner Glow

On the way home from gardening at Daisy's house today I saw that the prickly pear cacti are now coming into full bloom.  Their flowers bloom with an inner glow that is second to none.

They're a late spring delight on sunny hillsides here in southeastern Alberta.

Photographed on June 10, 2022.

Old Saint Michael's at Gardenton

A sunny Monday morning in southeastern Manitoba. 

    

The sign reads: 

"St. Michael's Ukrainian Orthodox Church

"St. Michael's Orthodox Church consecrated October 14, 1899, was the first permanent Ukrainian church erected in Canada.  Until the parish joined the Greek-Orthodox Church of Canada in 1922, it was served by a Russian Orthodox Mission.

"The church was built by immigrants from northern Bukowyna, now the western Ukraine, who settled the Gardenton area after 1896.  Measuring 48'x22'x33', the structure exemplified Bukowynian pioneer craftsmanship in architecture, interior decoration and religious furnishing.  St. Michael's served as a focal point of spiritual and cultural life in the first Ukrainian settlement in Manitoba and remains a symbol of the continuity of the Ukrainian identity in Canada.

"The Historic Sites Advisory Board of Manitoba"

The commemoration was the same month and year that I was born...same name too.  Happy coincidences.

Old Saint Michael's was in service until 1935 at which time a new church was built in the Village of Gardenton.  The church and cemetery are still very well cared for...and there are a few special services held at the church each year including an annual pilgrimage service.  

Photographed on August 22, 2022.

Shandro Community Hall

It's always somewhat of an event to come across an historical stone structure in the countryside.  This one is large and rather understated.

Imagine the multitude of events hosted here over the years...receptions, dances and pot-luck suppers are only a few that come to mind.

Photographed near Shandro, Alberta on February 7, 2022.

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.