The City Mouse, The Country Mouse and Their Winter Treasure Hunt

Although it might seem like I fell off the radar for a few days, the truth is my fellow photog friend from the city came for a visit.  With camera's in hand and snowshoes strapped on our feet ... we spent the entire weekend seeking out prairie treasures!  

From old equipment, historic buildings to abandoned farm yards and roads less travelled ... it was amazing what we found! 

The Prairie School House

It's actually amazing how many of these charming old school houses are still standing throughout the countryside!  Many date back to the early 1900's, some perhaps earlier.  I have driven past this beautiful one for probably 15 years and I have honestly never stopped to snap a photo or two, or three!  Well, today was the day!  If I close my eyes I can hear the school bell ringing and the laughter and buzz of children filtering in from the rural countryside.  I can almost imagine a 'Laura Ingalls Wilder' standing at the front door ushering her students in!  Hmm ... it won't be long and the school bells will truly be ringing ... school will soon be in and summer will fade from this year!

Lil' House ...

On The Prairie!

There are gems on this ole' prairie that have definitely with stood the test of both time and weather and if you're an architect/good ole' country boy at heart ... you can definitely appreciate an old wooden house that is still standing!!! (Even if you are appreciating such a structure from a tropical island with a mi-tie in hand!  LOL!)  It's amazing the number of wooden structures that are still standing and this beautiful old house has always intrigued me.  I don't know it's history but I wish it's walls could talk.  I think one would hear the laughter of children, a firm voice from the man of the house, the sweetness of a mother's voice and all in all ... a happy family.  

Beyond the Gate

Beyond the gate lies bits of history and tame pasture for our cows for the next couple of months.  I love that old spruce tree ... all weathered and worn!  If I could see what it has seen standing high up on the hill all these years and if the walls of that old butcher shop could talk! ... Ah, beyond the gate!