Saint Andrew's near Swan Plain

On my way north from Swan Plain I came across this weathered old church.

The pathway to the front doors is still mowed as are the grounds and cemetery.

One couldn't have asked for a better setting than this...green grass accompanied by fall colours.

An unusual feature of this United Church is the Orthodox cross that tops the steeple.   

The sign above the front doors is decorated with a crucifix along with two six-point stars.

The small cemetery beside the church has only two marked graves.  It is believed there are at least three other unmarked graves here. 

Photographed near Swan Plain, Saskatchewan on September 24, 2023.

Sperling Vegetable Company

It's punkin season!

The truck is a circa 1940 International Harvester...a few dents but the fresh green and white paint job makes up for that tiny foible.

Buy punkins to carve into ghouls to scare the children, decorate your balcony and make pumpkin pie (with fresh whipped cream of course)...definitely an all purpose vegetable.  Fun and delicious!

Photographed in Sperling, Manitoba on September 19, 2023.

On the Road

Have been on the road for the past couple of weeks and the fall colours get better every day.  This brilliant display was on the highway just north of Roblin, Manitoba a little earlier today.

Photographed on September 24, 2023.

Casabella Fresh Produce

Handsome old Chevy truck.  

Love the wooden box and yellow wheels.

Photographed near Dunnottar, Manitoba on September 22, 2023.

A Beautiful Place out in the Country

A picture perfect little schoolhouse in a picture perfect countryside.

Quarve School #3 was photographed in Benson County, North Dakota on September 16, 2023. 

Congregational Church and Cemetery

A favourite...

The Congregational Church and Cemetery at Gros Ventre-Tothill. 

And with that...it's time to take a break from blogging.  See you soon.

Photographed near Tothill, Alberta on May 30, 2023.

Orthell Township School

One of several abandoned schoolhouses I saw on a trip to North Dakota late last month.  It was an enjoyable time traveling the back roads in an "all new to me" area.  Lots to see and the weather was agreeable as well.   

The birds in the sky are swallows and their nests are thick under the eaves of the school.  Abandoned buildings make great homes and shelters for wild birds and animals of all sorts.

Photographed near Zahl, North Dakota on June 22, 2023.

Prairie Rattler

On my way home from Saint Margaret's today I saw this prairie rattler along Eagle Butte Road.  

Used to see them all the time in southern Alberta but catching sight of one these days is a special treat.  

Photographed near Wolchester, Alberta on July 29, 2023.

At Daisy's House

At Daisy's house early one morning...

I'd just started pruning the big mayday tree when mama deer arrived with her twins.  As far as they were concerned, I was making breakfast easy for them...fresh cut leaves all over the lawn...how could things be better than that!  They kept an eye on me as they gobbled up the easy pickins...the little ones were a little timid but mom seemed to think everything was a-okay.  Most of the time they were barely six feet away from me.  The company of "wild" animals always adds a new perspective to the day.

Meanwhile, in the back alley, the resident pheasant was out with his young ones.  They're pretty shy and once they sense a human presence they quickly disappear into the tall grass on the hillside.

Some hours later, and after all the wildlife had departed...

Daisy and her buddy Jesse came home from the lake.  They kept me company while I pruned the old crabapple tree in the front yard.  Jesse likes to play fetch and really enjoyed the fresh crabapple branches to chew and chase.  He's a dog that needs to be kept busy...and it's pretty sweet when he wants to cuddle.  Daisy likes to hang out in the shade but often comes over to lick my ear and have a tummy rub...she's a sweetie.

Being the gardener definitely has its perks.   

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 25, 2023.

Horses near Smoky Butte

Five handsome horses by a big slough...

...surrounded by tall yellow clover.

Photographed near Smoky Butte, North Dakota on June 22, 2023.