Artichoke in bloom

Today, 1 October 2018, we are under a Special Weather Statement. A heavy snowfall is likely for parts of western Alberta this week. This morning, it is -2C (windchill -6C) with freezing drizzle in the morning with a few flurries this afternoon. I think the normal temperature for 1 October is around 15C, so we are well below average. Snow tonight, which means I am getting my snow tires put on (tomorrow) one day too late.

"The start of October will look more like the middle of winter across much of southern Alberta this week, as cold air and snow feature prominently in the forecast. After what have already been record-breaking amounts so far this year, more snowfall is on the way for parts of the Prairies, as Arctic air pours down from the north and Pacific moisture creeps over the Rockies. We're looking at the risk for some significant totals this week." From the Weather Network.

My daughter finally had a day free for us to get together on 23 September 2018. She suggested we could go to the Saskatoon Farm, a place we both love, for breakfast and a wander round the grounds with our cameras. One of my favourite things to photograph there is the Artichoke flower in bloom. So spectacular. This interesting place is maybe a 20-minute drive SE from the southern edge of Calgary. You can collect your own Saskatoon berries in season, look around their outside green houses, and their inside gift shop full of unusual things, and buy special baking, jams, teas and so on. They also have a restaurant that offers great food.

www.saskatoonfarm.com/

After that, we drove west to Granary Road. Though the Active Learning Park had closed for the fall and winter, it was open for the day on the day we went, It covers a large area and has all sorts of learning areas, including a mushroom area.

granaryroad.com/active-learning/