June Buds

There are a lot buds about to bloom here on the farm which I am anxiously awaiting. The first photo is of the White Climbing Rose which I planted about a month ago. I'm very pleased to see that they are going to bloom sometime in the near future, or at least I'm hoping they do!

Day Lilies which are in the front flowerbed, more like the nightmare flower bed which is my summer project. I cleaned up this minuscule section of the bed today and ideas are dancing in my head. Once the project is complete I'll post a before and after photo which will be interesting I'm sure.

The Peony about to burst, the end of another month, this project 365 half way through for another year and new blooms to look forward to... life is good! 

Rainy Days

Today was a rainy day at the farm, I took advantage of the coolness from the rain and baked us up a batch of healthy muffins. When I put together these bran muffins I used applesauce instead of oil and I added the orange flavored Craisins. They are delicious, the type of muffins that it's hard to stop at just one. 

I'm having problems with the internet, I'm thinking that the storm might have caused this, hopefully this post will post and I'll be back up and running again tomorrow.

Over The Raibow

"The work will wait while you show the child the rainbow, but the rainbow won't wait while you do the work." 

Goose Lake

Today I was viewing all of my sunset photos which I shot throughout the week and didn't find any which I particularly liked. Tonight it was off to Goose Lake to see what I could find to post for Scott's Sunset Sunday  and this is what I came up with. 

  
I shot so many photos at the lake tonight and while waiting for the sun to set I spotted this boat, I thought it was the ideal for a reflection shot.

On the drive home the sky was unbelievable!

And now it's a goodnight to you all, I'm going to walk away but shall return tomorrow the good Lord willing. Have a wonderful week! 

(I'll view all of your posts tomorrow, I am tired and must get my beauty rest!)
:-)

Country Auction Sale

I almost forgot how much fun going to an auction sale out in the country can be. First you have to arrive early to view all that's going to be sold. While Herb walked around checking out the guys stuff I seized the opportunity to snap a few photos, this one here is a red ant. Herb came up and asked me what I was doing, I told him taking pictures of red ants, he just doesn't get it I don't think... he half smiled and walked away to go  find other guy stuff. 

Now this was hard to believe, a water fountain in the middle of nowhere. I tried it and then wondered if it actually worked once upon a time.

I thought that this old International made for a fun photo, ya I went to see some guy stuff... then I found it, I found the Community Hall where the household items were, and I fell in love with this...

This antique sideboard has found a loving home and I absolutely adore it!

It's Raining, It's Pouring, I'm About to be Snoring

I was glad to be leaving this pouring rain in the city and hoping it wasn't raining much on the highway. In some spots it was pouring, visibility was not the greatest and I just about pulled over a few times. I thought it over and decided to push through it. My night vision isn't the greatest so I just imagined what it would be like driving in the dark and pouring rain and with this vivid imagination it wasn't a pretty picture.

Well here I am safe and sound and about to call it a night. Now that I'm here I'm extremely happy it's raining, we need the moisture for the crops and my garden. I don't mind one bit if it rains, I love falling asleep to the sound of the rain, it's better than any meditation CD I've ever listened to.

All Women Are Not Created Equal...

... in size! 

I find that most jeans or any type of pants I purchase I have to take in at the hips. Why is it that manufactures of clothing think that us women are all the same in size? I'd love to walk into a store, try on a pair of jeans and not have to hem them, alter them or just leave them on the shelf. Oh well, such is life and at this age you'd think that I'd be accustomed to being not so tall and having to hem or alter my clothes. I guess when I get rich and famous I can have my clothes made especially for me, in the interim at least I know how to sew!

A Wonderful Gift

Today I was given this beautiful dream catcher, it was made by a young man that I know and  this means so much to me that he took the time to make this and it is beautiful!  I've hung this from my mirror in my car and I will treasure this for many years to come. 

Thanks Jamie, I appreciate this wonderful gift.

I'm So Cruel

Today was welcomed rainy day but the old farm dog didn't take well to that. This dog who never used to come in the house at all was asking to come in, look at those paws! There was no way, not a hope in the world that I was going to let her in. I felt bad when I got the big puppy dog eyes, but I was relentless and refused to open the patio door. There's plenty of other places for the dog to go when it rains, the garden shed, on the patio there's a covered area, she likes to crawl in between the hot tub and the house... so nope, no way. 

Tonight I sit here and now wonder, why is this dog in the front bathroom? I'm a softie after all I suppose. The dog is getting old and it might continue to rain all night and I don't want to feel bad the entire night, plus floors are washable.  Such is life.

Thunderlake

Today after my trip to town for a massage and some shopping I stopped off at Thunderlake to take some photos. I love it out there and will get back to spend an entire afternoon there before the summer is through! 

Today is a day where the one photo a day rules are right out the window, it's too beautiful out at the lake to not share at least a few photos.

I think that this is the boat launch, the water's low so I guess people have to go to the other side of the lake to launch their boats, good for me to take photos, bad for those who want to go boating.

And what's a day at an Alberta lake without a photo of a loon? It's like a day without sunshine!

It's Coming Up Roses

The shrubs I planted a few weeks ago are doing very well, this rose bush is already starting to produce roses and it appears to be very healthy. I'm so excited to watch the flowers grow, it was hard work planting but if the shrubs and perennials all survive and produce flowers, it's going to be worth all the work I've done... if not I'll try again!

Sunset Sunday

Inspired by Scott and his Sunset Sunday's here is what our sunset looked like last night. Thank you Scott for the inspiration. I see how blessed my life is in the sunsets, I have another day to be grateful for and God to thank for my day. 

Happy Father's Day to all you fathers out there, even if you're not a father... have a wonderful day!

'56 Grain Truck

Here at the farm there's always something unique to take photos of it seems. Tonight I spied this old Chev grain truck, Herb thinks it's a 1956 and when I googled it I'm thinking it's a 1958. When something is that old what's a few years give or take? The amazing thing, this truck is still being used today!

Sweet Dreams

Tonight I went over and spent some time with my granddaughter, she's so precious and growing like crazy. It was a wonderful way for me to spend my Friday evening and I'm hoping to have more time to spend with all of my family throughout the summer while I have a break from the books. 

Babies are truly a gift from God, sweet dreams my precious little one.

Temptation

I was out browsing the stores today after my last shift at work and I came across this adorable bear, it was extremely tempting to purchase it but I decided a photo would suffice. You never know, I just might have to go back and buy it just because he's so cute and I deserve it!

A Special Day

Today was a very special day for me, emotional at times but so unbelievable. My day started out with the usual overview of the evenings occurrences at the treatment lodge where I work,  shortly after the overview the meeting the Marbeling Ceremony took place. This involves clients who have successfully completed their 42 or 90 day treatment program are honored, they receive a certificate of completion, a marble which the counselor picks out and generally states what the colors in the various marbles represent and the client is presented a beautiful plush blanket by Mushuum, it's a very touching ceremony.

Much to my surprise today the other student and myself were also marbeled out today. I received a wonderful certificate, a blanket, a marble with a leather holder which can be worn around my neck and a special pen. 

I shared with the clients a bit about my journey, where I was at in life four and a half years ago and how I got to where I am within my life today, there were clients with tears in their eyes. I offered a message of hope, inspiration and how determination can take an individual far in life. I too shed a few tears, it was a very touching day... and that was only the morning~ the afternoon included being invited to present our college president with a retirement gift, then it was back to my work for my final practicum evaluation and I even managed to make some time to spend chatting with a few of the clients. 

Tomorrow is my last day and I can say that my practicum has taught me more than any books have or most likely will ever teach me. Tonight I am grateful to have had the opportunity to experience what it is like to work at Poundmakers Treatment Lodge, it has been a journey I shall never forget.

Way to Cute!

Today there was a very nice surprise at work, miniature ponies came to visit.  Pet therapy I believe they call it, my granddaughter NEEDS one of these is what I call it!

The Scarecrow

Where I'm doing my practicum each group of clients was asked to participate in making a scarecrow, the winners scarecrow was to be placed in the garden as the protector. As it turned out I feel that we had the best scarecrow but I later found out that the groups names were put into a hat and and the winner was the luck of the draw. We didn't win but what a good time putting this together, each team member had a part in this and some awesome laughs were shared. Isn't this what life is all about? Having some good belly laughs and enjoying life. 

I brought straw from the farm, a few of the items were bought at the Dollar Store and this is the end result. Kind of handsome in his own scarecrow way wouldn't you say?

Sunset Sunday

Scott who has been doing his "Sunset Sunday's" for some time now inspired me to take a photo of a sunset and post it, this is Friday nights sunset here on the farm in Northern Alberta. 

... tonight it's back to my regular blogging.  

A Glimpse Into My Sunday

Today I captured so many photos it was a tough decision which one to post, here's a few of my day. This first one I'm calling "Busy as a Bee." Have you ever chased a bee around trying to take it's photo? If you have then you know what I mean, if not try it sometime! 

I'm not sure what it is about this photo or this particular flower but I love it!

On the way home it started to pour, it was raining so bad I had my wipers on as high as I could get them to go and still thought of pulling over, it didn't last to long thankfully. This is what I eventually pulled over for...

"The Promise"

A Walk On the Wild Side

Today after I was finished with my planting, mowing the huge lawn, making a pot of delicious soup, washing the sheets and hanging them on the clothesline for that super fresh air scent, I then went out for a walk to see what I might find, camera in hand naturally. The ditches are filled with the beautiful Wild Roses, it's no wonder Alberta's official flower is the Wild Rose. 

 I spotted some bluebells growing wild which bring back childhood memories...

and there's tons of wild strawberry plants. I find that I'm surrounded by beauty  everywhere I look, tonight I feel extremely blessed.
 

Sorry Rick, I didn't see any crocuses, I might have missed them but I'll keep an eye open ya just never know. 

The Athabasca River and the Freeman River

The Athabasca River runs near Fort Assiniboine, the hamlet close to the farm. After doing a bit more research I've found that the Freeman River joins the Athabasca River near Fort Assiniboine... now I'm confused, which one is this? :-)  Either or... today I stopped off on my way to the farm to snap a few shots. It's very nice near the river, a bit murky but nonetheless a nice river. While I was there I spied a woodpecker and a beaver but missed the shots but oh well, maybe next time.

I think that it's Sherry who likes hearts, so if it is you Sherry this next photo is especially for you. 

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.

My Bags Are Packed...

Reminds me of that song "Leaving On A Jet Plane" by John Denver... but nope not on a jet plane, leaving with my Pontiac G5 out to the farm for the weekend. A short day at the college and I'm outta here for two glorious days of playing in the dirt, enjoying the scenery, and catching up on my homework.. One more week... just one more week!   

I can't believe what leaving for a weekend all entails nowdays, first I need, (yes NEED) at least 4 changes of clothing, it might rain, snow or be a beautiful sunshiny weekend, in Alberta ya just never know. Then there's the computer and camera, the tripod encase I have the urge to learn what that's all about, and last but not least, the dreaded homework. Oh, I forgot to pack my book, hmmm wonder where that is now. I'd best get the rest of my packing done. 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

The Pansy That Stood Alone

Some blessed soul left a pot of pansies on the staff's picnic table at work. Today I loved the few raindrops which remained on this lovely plant so out came the camera. It is ironic how this one pansy stands alone, apart from the rest of the beautiful flowers yet it made my photo of the day because it's just that special. Tonight as I was viewing these photos I got to thinking that I could leave this photo with the group I work with, I'm done my practicum next week. 

This lone pansy metaphorically could be a client when they first come in for rehabilitation, most feel like they are all alone, an outcast or an outsider. In essence this flower possesses its own beauty and it makes this photo extra special, heck it even made my photo of the day. This shows that none of us are alone, we are all connected in some way or another and it is what we each possess within us which makes us all very unique in our own way. It is awesome to be unique but togetherness also makes an immense difference in much of what we do in life. The water on the leaf could represent spirituality which is food for the soul. 

I just might be onto something here, with a little fine tuning I can make this the most special pansy, one that I hope the clients I present this to will always remember... especially when they see a yellow pansy!

Technology

Today's technology, what has it done to me? I called my daughter once I was finished working to see if the drug store near her work had a photo printer, she told me that they did but it took one hour. I told her that this was way to long! I stopped myself and had to laugh, I shared with my daughter what it was like when I was a child to get photos developed. First I'd put the film into the envelope, it would get mailed away then I would have to wait anywhere from 10 - 15 days to get my photos back. THEN once I received my photos there were some that were completely black, or some with people with no heads, oh ya, can't forget about the fuzzy blurred shots... yup technology has come a long ways. Good or bad, I love our technology today, I just don't like what it does to some people.

I ended up driving to Wal-Mart, paying an extra 10 cents a photo to watch my photos come out of this machine, 'cause I couldn't wait!

Tire Shop Sign

This sign has caught my eye on numerous occasions, today I finally was stopped long enough to take a quick shot before the light turned green. Quite catchy I'd say, they even do good work. I had a tire fixed here a few years back and never had a problem with it... I know where to go to take a leak!

God's Handiwork

 

The planter which Cheryl bought me for my birthday didn't look to healthy after I had kept it indoors for a few days. Now that it's been outside for a while, it's watered and gets the proper care it's thriving.

I find God's handiwork to be awesome, I love nature and all it has to offer, especially in the summer when the flowers are in bloom. I love this photo because it shows three stages of growth, the bud on the bottom, a flower starting to open up in the middle and the one on top in full bloom. Yup, we are blessed! :-)

Elyssa's Baby Shower

Today was my granddaughters baby shower, it was hosted by my daughter-in-laws sister at my son and his wife's home. There were quite a few people there and plenty of gifts. There were photos galore taken and I love this photo of Great Grampa Ross and his wife Marg. 

The day was wonderful and the food was fantastic, the best part of my day by far was I got to shower my granddaughter with love.

And what did my granddaughter think of all the commotion going on around her? Well here she is, you can see for yourself... 

Aboriginal Art

The supervisor where I'm doing my practicum at painted this buffalo skull, I find it intriguing and interesting. Within this past few years I've found myself drawn to Aboriginal art, I don't know what it is about it but there's something which draws me in. Mind you I don't think that I'd want this skull hanging on my wall, I'd probably get to freaked out and not be able to sleep!

Meditation

There's a lot to be said about meditating, I know personally that it is good for the soul. The lady who I work alongside of has this fish sitting on her desk. Clients come and go in and out of the office all day long and at times it can get rather hectic. I think that I'm going to enlarge this photo for her to put up on her desk, I'll give it to her as a gift of appreciation for all that she has taught me during my time as "the student."  This lady I "shadow" is phenomenal, I know that she will appreciate this one... we have the same twisted sense of humor!

A Lizard With No Name

Recently a lizard has taken up residence in our home, I think that I've finally lost my mind! Somehow I allowed my niece to talk me into this critter living in her bedroom. He's about 8" long, eats live bugs and is gives me the creeps. Now we're looking for a name for this lizard, like really, what do you name a lizard? Any suggestions? Maybe creeper? :-)

The Rain is Gone

Finally a glimpse of blue sky...

not a whole lot of blue sky but a little is better than none at all!

That song "I Can See Clearly Now" just popped into my head

"I can see clearly now, the rain is gone

I can see all obstacles in my way

Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind

It's gonna be a bright (bright)

Bright (bright) sunshine day."

Okay maybe it wasn't that bright out there but what the heck, 

it's a start of hopefully something good coming our way!