Back of Saint Raphael's

In the pasture behind Saint Raphael's Church.

Photographed in Richard, Saskatchewan on October 23, 2019.

Saint Raphael's in Richard

Saint Raphael's Roman Catholic Church.

Though many people have graced these steps over the years, it now appears the church is permanently closed.  The new metal roof is a positive indication of renewal.

Unusual colour choice and I'm sure opinions will differ but...

...I like the baby blue roof.

Photographed in Richard, Saskatchewan on October 23, 2019.

Show Your Colours

Some fall colours in the Serediaki District of Alberta.

Photographed on September 18, 2021.

All Saints at Katepwe

All Saints Anglican Church was built in 1886 at what was then known as Lauder's Town.

Although the church was not completed until late in 1887, church services had been held in local homes and schoolhouse since 1884. 

There is a bell in the tower and each window has a hinged shutter that can be opened when the church is in use.

A bird house beside the church waiting for spring migrants.

The church was only used in the summer months and closed to regular services in 1945.  

The church, cemetery and grounds are maintained through the bequests and donations of parisioners past and present. 

It is one of very few churches I've seen built near a lake.

"Katepwe" can also be spelled "Katepwa."

Information courtesy of Find-A-Grave.

Photographed near Katepwe Beach, Saskatchewan on October 8, 2020.

Saint Paul's at Newbrook

About an hour's drive northeast of Edmonton, Alberta...

...is Saint Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church and Cemetery.

The front gate is a type often used on farms and ranches.

Two rows of graves in the cemetery.

Aspen trees have grown up around the church. 

The front doors...

...and first look inside.

The pews are an unusual design that I've only seen a few other times in country churches...sort of a marriage between a bench and a picnic table (really quite practical).

More or less the same shot as above but with mood.

Photographed near Newbrook, Alberta on February 20, 2021.

Coppertina®

The colouring on this plant is quite remarkable making it one of my favorite garden specimens.

I can remember planting a number of these shrubs in several different yards when they were new on the market about twenty years ago.  They have all survived the unpredictable southeastern Alberta climate (and that's no mean feat).

Not shown here but...the name "ninebark" refers to the way the plant sheds thin strips of bark that curl into shapes resembling the number 9. 

And now the fine print:  Coppertina® is a registered trademark of Proven Winners North America LLC.  All Rights Reserved. 

Only the plant name is a trademark, not the plant itself.  That means anyone can take cuttings and grow a new plant...but those new plants can't be called Coppertina®.  And that's just fine with me.  The cuttings I've grown have been christened "Coperetta..." like an Italian operetta and just as colourful. 

Photographed in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 19, 2021.

Larisa S.D. No. 5186

A school sign near Wishart, Saskatchewan.

Photographed on October 12, 2020.

Святий Володимир

Saint Vladimir Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.

One of the cupolas.

The church was built in 1956.

Alternating panes of blue, purple and gray glass above the front doors.

Photographed on October 7, 2020.

This Morning at Daisy's

This morning I was working in Daisy's yard.  She's good company while I go about my gardening duties.

Above is her "serious" pose.

Watching me put my tools back into the truck she's happier and knows I can now give her my undivided attention (and of course she's right).

A quick sniff towards the east...smells like rain.  Since Daisy's nose is more reliable than any weather satellite, I expect to wake up to the sound of rain on the roof in the morning.

Photographed on September 10, 2021.

Angel of Grief

More than just a headstone...a remarkable monument:  Angel of Grief