The Right Place at the Right Time

By mid-December, I had caught on to the habits of the local herd of deer. Each day at dusk, they make their appearance on the ridge just beyond my backyard, and head over the hill via whatever means necessary to get the the very best patches of grass. They have no qualms about jumping fences, avoiding local dogs, or coming almost within arms reach of me when I'm out enjoying the sunset.

Seriously.
A herd of deer, a glorious sunset, and the Rocky Mountains.... on a schedule?!?!

 

There were a total of nine on this particular day. These were the closest I could get to getting all of them in the same shot. They broke off into little groups of two or three and they were all around me by the time the sun started to go down.

Speaking of the sun going down...

 

 

 

 I was quite the object of curiousity for the deer as well. I told them (out loud, true story) that if they would kindly just move up onto the kill a little, I would make them internet-famous. Apparently, even deer want their fifteen minutes of fame.

Land of the Great Big Sky

They don't call Alberta the Land of the Great Big Sky for no reason.

The province represents the western edge of the Canadian prairies, and although I happen to be far enough west to see the mountains, the sky still seems to stretch farther and wider than I can ever remember seeing anywhere else.

Over hayfields...

...groomed pathways...

 

...and over the town itself. Amazing.

And it was on this day that I learned that I'm not the only one who loves to go out at dusk and admire that great big sky...

How Loyal Are Your Branches

On December 7, my cousins, my aunt and I gathered to decorate the family Christmas tree. We sorted through boxes of ornaments, some coming complete with their own stories of far away places or times long ago.

 

 

 This nutcracker in particular is a cherished family prize. His name is Heed as a reference to his head. He was given to my aunt by a friend, but not before his head and hat were hallowed out to the size and shape which may or may not precisely fit a small bottle of alcohol: The perfect holiday hiding place!

 The whole family took part in decorating the tree. I was mesmerized by the sense of tradition that was almost palpable in the room.

Even baby Dylann joined in and provided some of my favourite shots of the evening.

Afterward, there was some relaxing: Sunday football on tv, and some baby screen time for everyone!

 

Overall, a perfect way to kick off the Christmas season.

Over the River and Through The Woods

At some point in my adventures in Okotoks, I had spotted a pedestrian bridge that traversed the Sheep River, which flows through town, essentially separating the "Olde Towne" from the newer districts. When December 2nd dawned with beautiful blue skies and immaculately white snow, I decided to go investigate.

On the way out...

 

On the way back...

and somewhere in the middle. :)

Perfect!

Live in view of the Rockies: Check.

Since first seeing the Rocky Mountains, I decided that someday I would live where I could see them from my bedroom window. Technically I can't from my window in Okotoks, but only because my room is in the basement. One block away, however, I can see the sun rise like this:

 

Yes, that's a deer. (More on that in future posts)

And yes, this definitely counts for a check off of my bucket list.