Smiley United Church

The church is in good condition and still in use.

As recently as seven weeks ago, a fowl supper organized by the church was attended by about one hundred people.  (Considering the population of Smiley is currently around twenty-five people, that's an excellent turnout, don't you think?) Good on 'em!  It's always good news to hear that a small town community is doing well.

Photographed in Smiley, Saskatchewan on December 10, 2017.

Little Yellow Church

This little yellow church is the Ruthenian Greek Catholic Parish of Saint John the Baptist in Bellis, Alberta.

Over the years I've been through Bellis on a number of occasions but this was the first time I'd seen the church building.  I'm sure you're asking, "how could you miss such a brightly coloured building in a small town?"  Well...

Up until this past summer the unpainted church was hidden behind a couple of huge old spruce trees, so when driving down the street it wasn't of any notice.  But when it was realised that the roots of the spruce trees were beginning to damage the foundation of the church, the trees were removed and the church was painted this very bright yellow.  

I hate to see the trees gone, but it's nice to see the little yellow church in all it's glory once again.  

Information courtesy of a Bellis local.  When in doubt, consult a local.

Photographed on November 8, 2024.

Love Valley

Welcome to Liebenthal, Saskatchewan...Love Valley.

Photographed on October 26, 2024.

Ox Cart

An ox pulling a red river cart welcomes you to Paradise Hill, Saskatchewan.

A commemoration to the Carlton Trail, the only passageway through the area in the early days of settlement.  Imagine going to pick up your groceries and dry goods in an ox cart!  Those were definitely different times.    

Photographed on November 7, 2024.

Snow at the Witch House

No trip to southwest Saskatchewan would be complete without a visit to the Witch House.  

It had been exactly a month since my last visit, and the views couldn't have been more unalike.  A month ago it looked like this: Sunrise at the Witch House

Photographed near Dollard, Saskatchewan on December 2, 2024.

Colourful

Pulling into Eastend, Saskatchewan from the west today I was greeted by this wonderfully colourful house.  Can you dig it?!    

Photographed on December 2, 2024.

Farm Dogs near Kahwin

A couple of farm dogs I've encountered on several occasions in the Kahwin area of Alberta.  Always happy to reconnect with canine friends...they really are something special. 

Glad they're still doing well, happy and healthy, out enjoying the scenery and doing dog stuff.  Just the way it should be.

Photographed on November 9, 2024.

Plymouth Truck

This antique Plymouth truck sits behind the old church in Flora, North Dakota.  I think it dates from the late-thirties or early-forties.  Handsome design never the less.  

Imagine picking up your first date in this beauty.

Old Church in Flora

An attractive, weathered old church in Flora, North Dakota. 

 

The quickest route to Flora from my home is nine hundred and ninety-nine kilometres.  But since I like to take the scenic route is was more like thirteen hundred plus kilometres.  Definitely worth the drive.

Photographed on September 16, 2023.

Late Fall

Near Boian, Alberta.

Photographed on November 9, 2024.