АНДРІЙ i МАРІЯ

A headstone in Saint Julien Ukrainian Greek Catholic Cemetery. 

I see these dual headstones every so often where one spouse is buried, and the other has moved on...I think one needs to understand the circumstance and wish everyone well.  C'est la vie.

МАРІЯ (Maria)

АНДРІЙ (Andriy)

Photographed near Saint Julien, Saskatchewan on August 5, 2020.

Saint Ascension

An icon of the past in the lush landscape of central-eastern Saskatchewan.

A long abandoned church that, in my opinion, is second to none.

This is Holy Ascension Ukrainian Orthodox Church...known to the locals simply as "Saint Ascension."

On the northward slope...

...sits the cemetery.

Photographed near Old Maryville, Saskatchewan on August 7, 2020.

All Saints in Pense

All Saints Anglican Church in the Village of Pense, Saskatchewan.

I hadn't stopped in Pense for over four decades and had completely forgotten about this lovely little church.  It features stone buttresses along the side walls and stone quoins that define the corners of the structure.  A little gem on the prairies.  I'm glad I stopped for a refresher.

Photographed on August 2, 2020.

Late Bloomers

Some late blooming prairie roses near Cudworth, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on August 4, 2020.

Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1

The elevator-shaped plaque reads:

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool No. 1
Bulyea, Saskatchewan 

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool dedicates this commemorative memorial cairn to the pioneers who settled this region and founded the town of Bulyea.  As the site of the first delivery of grain to the Saskatchewan Co-operative Wheat Producers Ltd. on July 1, 1925, Bulyea occupies a special place in our history. 

"Saskatchewan Wheat Pool celebrates our 75th anniversary this year.  On this occasion, we honour the courage,  flexibility, and commitment to growth that characterize prairie farming life.  This spirit has built strong communities like Bulyea and strong co-operatives like the Pool, and it will drive forward into the next millenium, as Pool members in Bulyea and across the province forge the next century of agri-business. 

"Dedicated to the town of Bulyea on your 90th Anniversary From Saskatchewan Wheat Pool on our 75th Anniversary June 12, 1999"

Photographed on August 3, 2020.

A Peaceful Moment

Light, colour and reflection...a tranquil moment at Saint John's Anglican Church in Marieton, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on August 3, 2020.

Big Beautiful Barn

A big beautiful barn in graceful decline along Seven Bridges Road in the Qu'Appelle Valley.

Saskatchewan really does have the best old barns.

Three horses enjoying the scenery in the valley.

Photographed near Lumsden, Saskatchewan on August 2, 2020.

Saint John the Evangelist in Prud'homme

Evening light adorns Saint John the Evangelist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Prud'homme, Saskatchewan.

The wooden mission cross on the west side of the church commemorates the first Holy Mission of the parish which took place in 1950.

The church was built in mid-1940's...

...with the belfry being constructed in 1960.

The cornerstone dates the building of the church to 1949 even though most of the written history dates the church as being built in 1945.

Summer evening light is truly a thing of wonder.

Photographed on August 3, 2020.

Lining the Burrow

Busy bunny...

...gathering grass...

...to line the burrow.

I was here to do a little pruning on some "out of control" shrubs.  While I was busy with that I noticed this bunny who kept collecting mouthfuls of grass and then disappearing under the junipers. I don't think it will be long before I see baby bunnies running around the yard.  Good for them!

Photographed in Alex's front yard on July 5, 2020.

Porcupine

Something I still remember like it was yesterday.

I was out in the Cypress Hills to help decorate Saint Margaret's for the Christmas season and on my way home I noticed something moving in the ditch so I decided to stop for a closer look.

Along the fence line was this porcupine.  She was very curious and kept moving closer and closer towards me.  I actually had to back up to focus the camera because she was so close to me.  I don't think either of us felt threatened or in danger during our brief encounter.

In twenty-five words or less...I think we hit it off!

Photographed near Eagle Butte, Alberta on December 6, 2017.