The Brown Ranch

As much a memorial to the Brown family as it is to ranch life.  God bless them.

Photographed at the Johnson Memorial Cemetery of Whitlash, Montana on October 17, 2024.

Fall 2024

After several years of road trips through the prairies I decided it was time for a break.  This decision was made after a long journey through Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan, North Dakota and Manitoba in September 2023.  By the time I returned home from that trip I was, in a word, tired.

The following winter months were spent on simple pleasures at home...good food, good music, time with friends.  And then, as the snow melted and the sun felt warm once again, spring was upon us and it was time to get back to gardening.  Lots of spring rain followed by summer heat kept me hopping through the growing season.  Even though my body doesn't always agree, I still enjoy gardening.  

Then, about three weeks ago, with gardening pretty well concluded for the season, I was left with plenty of free time on my hands.  Well, it didn't take long before I was once again looking at maps...maybe make some return trips to favourite places or check out some others that I'd missed completely.  

It's now mid-October and a day trip south of the border was just the thing to do. 

Photographed near Gold Butte in the Sweet Grass Hills of Montana on October 17, 2024.

Swaying in All Directions

Photographed north of Foremost, Alberta on October 17, 2024.

Something New at Saint Margaret's

The traditional burial plots at Saint Margaret's are becoming few and far between.  But never fear...

A new columbarium has been installed on the southwest corner of the cemetery.  

Of note, the piles for the concrete foundation were dug fifteen feet down to provide stability for the weight of the granite columbarium.  And during the excavation process, long buried stones were brought up to the surface and those stones were smooth and water-washed.  In the long and distant past the area must have been a river bed or lake.  Ponder on that for a moment.    

I love the reflections on the polished granite surface.

Photographed at Saint Margaret's Church and Cemetery near Eagle Butte, Alberta on October 15, 2024.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

Photographed at Holy Rosary Church near Lancaster, Minnesota on 

September 20, 2023.

Four Years and One Day Ago

A stark autumnal shot taken on the grounds of Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church and Cemetery near MacNutt, Saskatchewan.  

The freshly painted headstones are dazzling against the orange-leaved aspen trees and blue sky.  I love capturing these "moments in time" while passing through the countryside. 

Photographed on October 10, 2020.

North Prairie Lutheran Church and Cemetery

Beautiful church and cemetery in central North Dakota.

The congregation was established in 1897.  The church building shown here was built in 1916.  Still loved after a century of time.

Photographed near Leeds, North Dakota on September 16, 2023.

The Windows at North Prairie Lutheran

In this day and age it's rare to find a church unlocked...especially one with such a fine display of stained glass windows.  

Some detailed, some simple, all beautiful. 

Photos of the church and cemetery to follow shortly.

Photographed inside North Prairie Lutheran Church near Leeds, North Dakota on September 16, 2023.

Fall is Here

A few cooler nights have turned the Virginia creeper vines from a deep green to vibrant pink.  

Proof positive that fall is here. And that's a good thing in my opinion. 

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 28, 2024.

A Day at Daisy's House

This past Thursday I spent the better part of the day gardening at Daisy's house...always an enjoyable time.  

She rewards me with ear licks and in turn she gets tummy rubs.  Pretty good deal all around.  

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 26, 2024.