A New Look

As you can see, I have changed the look of my blog.

You are probably getting weary of harvest photos, but everywhere I go this is all around me.  And what beautiful harvest weather!  Unreal!

Big Sky Country

These babies turn on a dime!

Here they come!

Just about done!!!

From the time they began this quarter until done was about an hour.  When the combine was in the position of the final picture, a motorhome drove up and I suppose it was dinner time.  Off they moved to another field.

Full Tilt

We have had a gorgeous fall.  The equipment begins as soon as the frost laden grass thaws and dries.  Yes, we have had frost.  Not unusual at this time of year.

Where ever there is dust, you can think equipment on the fields.  Yesterday there were 4 combines in the field next to me.

Busy, busy lately with a lot of company.  Also, trying to decide what I should pack and what not to pack.  I have to consider that I want to bring some things back so need room for that.  Just about ready to begin filling bags. 

Golden Prairies of Alberta

Fall is deeply upon us.  The weather here has been fantastic, with hot sunny days.  Equipment is out in full force.

Wheat Fields

The fields are various shades of gold.

We saw the most beautiful sunset last night.  Hard to capture with my camera.

Sunset over the Prairie

The sky was various shades of purple.  It may have been from the dust in the air.

I noticed yesterday on my trip to Red Deer that there were many RV's on the road.  As long as the weather holds out, people will be out.  

Harvest

The farmers are out with their big equipment.  It has been a good year for them.  We had lots of moisture from a snowy winter, then a wet spring and July.  After that the sun came out and continued to shine.

Combining

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is our neighbour out on his field.  The chaff last evening was blown everywhere and all things were covered in dust.  We became extremely itchy and had a hard time breathing.

The wind was blowing from the east today and this is the road in front of my parking space.

Eat Dust

Two John Deere combines just passed by.  I am happy for the farmers.  They should have a bumper crop this year.  I know they will be working around the clock on these fine days and nights. 

The growing season went by way too fast this year!  All too soon the frost will be upon us. 

At the end of October I am leaving for Guatemala.  A new adventure will begin!

Severe Weather

Last night we had a severe storm.  The sheet lightning lit up the sky.  The rain came down so hard it sounded like hail.  It just went on and on.

I was in my motorhome, of course.  I was frightened.  I wrapped myself up in blankets thinking at least if things went flying I would be somewhat protected.  I have heard people comment that a tornado sounded like a freight train.  That is what it sounded like from my perspective.  Apparently the sound was caused by the unending thunder.  My heart was pounding.  Finally I ran into Doug's house.  I couldn't take it anymore.  When it moved east I went home.

This has been a year of severe weather on the prairies.  If I never experience this kind of weather again, it will satisfy me!

Mushrooms

Today is the Calgary Stampede Parade so I am hoping they don't get rained on.  The Stampede grounds were under water 2 weeks ago and they worked hard to get everything ready.  The Saddledome had tiers of seats ruined and once the water was pumped out there was all the mud to deal with.  Some events had to be cancelled.  It is incredible that they are able to go ahead with plans.

I just returned from my walk.  I miss it most days due to the weather.  Either it is raining or the road is a mud hole.  This morning was gorgeous however.

Canola field

 I love the smell of canola.

I then walked about the acreage and took photos of the mushrooms.  They are incredible.

Fungi

I put my foot in the photo so you can get an idea of how large these fungi are.  This is most unusual for this area, which is usually pretty dry.  The climate is indeed changing.

Their is a new cat here on the acreage.  Three days ago I heard a car stop and start and voila! a new cat.  Hope he/she is a good mouser! 

Prairie Storms

We had another prairie storm this evening.  There was lots of lightening and thunder.

And, of course, after the storm, there was the rainbow.  I love rainbows!  And I love the fresh smell after the rain.  Not that we need more rain!  One can smell the mowed grass rotting in the evenings.  I won't even mention the mosquitoes!!!!

There were tornado warnings south east of us, but the warning was later rescinded. 

I wonder if you can see the yellow canola fields in the photo below?  The season is short and I am always amazed by how quickly the crops grow and blossom. 

There is a flock of pigeons that always land on the roof of the bigger shed.  When I go outside they always fly away, but you can see one just on the edge of the roof.  One day I will be quick enough to catch them in flight.

The prairies are beautiful in the spring, summer and fall months.  I guess winter has its own beauty and I would love the sparkle of the snow and the white landscape if it wasn't for the cold.

Enjoy the summer while you can!