Scott Larry

"Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away"

Photographed in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery near Ditch Lake, Manitoba on July 25, 2022.

Gardening on a Saturday

Was out at sunrise this morning to tend to some regular gardening duties.  Even though spring is late here in southeastern Alberta there are a few plants showing their colours and brightening up my day.

After a quick trip out to an acreage I was in Pat's yard:

An early-blooming cushion spurge with its sulfur-yellow flowers.

I love this variety of Spirea.  The new growth is always such a brilliant and showy crimson colour.

 

The heart-shaped pink flowers of an old-fashioned favourite...a bleeding heart.

Then next door at Dave's place:

The white blossoms of a Honeycrisp apple tree.  These are one of the tastiest apples you can find anywhere and they store well for the winter...Dave was still eating the apples picked in September the following March.

Two doors down at Bill and Margaret's:

Hints of pink on the new growth of a false spirea.  Their appearance has always struck me as something far too exotic to grow here in the south...but they do.

Hosta leaves edged in yellow.  The deer often think that hostas are simply a salad planted just for them.  

The lovely lavender flowers of a creeping phlox.

At Lawrence's office:

The caraganas are reaching full bloom.  They have proven to be one of the hardiest prairie plants.

Mama bush bunny had a couple of babies recently and this is one of the pair.  The youngsters are cute as a button and also help with the lawn mowing.  They live under the deck in the backyard. 

An early display of dwarf irises...one of my favourites of the early-blooming perennials.

And ending in Linda and Lawrence's yard:

A lone tulip blooming amongst the ferns and trunks of a mountain ash tree.

I'm still somewhat astounded that people pay me to do this.  Who would have thought?

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 13, 2023.

At the Lake

At the lake last fall.  

I don't think I've ever seen the water so clear.

Photographed at Elkwater in the beautiful Cypress Hills of Alberta on October 3, 2022.

Log Barn

An old log barn near Borden, Alberta.  Now most likely a good home for birds and other wild animals.  

Photographed on October 9, 2022.

Babies!

Baby geese out for a swim with their parents.

Shown here with a few friends.

The pond is across the street from a golf course where the geese like to feed and hang out.  This year the powers that be finally put up a "Goose Crossing" sign.  Yay!  One for the geese!

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 10, 2023.

Good Morning

Before starting work in the morning I'll sometimes grab a breakfast sandwich from the A&W and then park in Hillside Cemetery...lots of quiet company.  

This past Friday a crow perched on top of a headstone gained my attention.

In my eyes, crossing paths with a crow is a sign of good fortune.  And as it turned out, I proceeded to have a busy but very pleasant day working in the garden with Daisy for company and then an enjoyable evening at home.  Thank you crow. 

Photographed at Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 5, 2023.

Tree

A lone tree beside a trail just south of Lac Qui Parle Church.  I love the wide open prairie.

Photographed near Torquay, Saskatchewan on October 17, 2017.

Why Can't We Be Friends?

While visiting Leinan School the dog from the neighbouring farm came over to see what I was up to.  

She was pretty shy and kept her distance.  Maybe we can be friends next time around.

Photographed near Leinan, Saskatchewan on October 20, 2017.

Leinan S.D. No. 314

My last stop on a five day road trip through southern Saskatchewan.

I wasn't sure if this one was still standing but as you can see from the photos it's not only still upright but in pretty good condition (considering it's been abandoned for fifty years).

I think someone didn't do so well in Spelling Class.

The overhang above the door and "wall of windows" are familiar features on many pioneer schoolhouses.

Photographed near Leinan, Saskatchewan on October 20, 2017.

Friday Afternoon at Daisy's House

The past week was beastly hot down here in southeastern Alberta but today we had a bit of a break, so...what better way to enjoy our good fortune than to spend a few hours gardening at Daisy's house.    

After a sniffing adventure around the yard and getting some cuddles she was content to take it easy in the shade beside the veranda.  Everyone should have a boss like Daisy.

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 5, 2023.