Hometown as subject

 

When I come back to my hometown of Kamsack, Saskatchewan - which isn't often enough - I like to take pictures. Certain subjects stand out and demand to be photographed.

The LTS Farms elevator, which I have painted previously, stood out several times as I walked around town at different times of the day. 

I've always been struck by the Kamsack Post Office. It's a beautiful building that is now over a century old. 

The Westminster Memorial United Church, that has played host to scores of weddings and funerals on the Thomas/Bennett side of the family, still stands proud. The last time I was inside was when I served as a pall bearer at my grandfather's funeral. According to the Kamsack history book it was built in 1919. 

There are structures that catch my eye, like this abandoned home.

I started playing with filters. Which version looks most interesting to you?

The storied Kamsack water tower is a must to photograph. It has stood sentinel over the town since it was erected in 1915. The iconic KAMSACK lighted sign at the top was installed in 1940s.

Kamsack's history, and our family history, are inextricably connected to the railroad. Trains still roll through, including the odd passenger train. My mom and dad smile when they hear those familiar sounds and see the cars two blocks to the west. This rusting pile of railroad spikes is just a few blocks from the house.

I love this cute couple that sits peacefully behind the town office. After cleaning some bird poop off the old fella, I snapped this picture. It may be a great inspiration for a painting down the road.

Kamsack comes alive on a Tuesday after a long weekend. There are signs of activity and commerce everywhere as the town wakes up after a period of dormancy. It will likely never be as active as it was in its heyday, but it nice to see shop keepers opening up, farmers picking up supplies and first nations neighbours out for a day of shopping. 

My major task was to take Dad up to the hospital for some tests. The blood test was easy, but the urine sample was a little more complicated as he now uses a catheter. The lady at the lab - who was so accomodating and helpful - said that she wasn't allowed to take a sample from the collection bag strapped to my dad's leg. 

"Regulations," she said. "Let me see if I can find a nurse to help so your dad doesn't have to go to the ER."

She was unsuccessful and suggested that instead of forcing my dad to hang out in ER for an eternity, she gave us a sample bottle and told us to go home and have Mom draw a sample from the bag. That would be way easier. 

After what turned out to be a short excursion to the hospital, dad was exhausted and promptly fell asleep on the sofa. His time being fully awake is completely dependent on his energy levels and what is happening in the house.

He sparked up for an hour or two when my brother Keith joined us for some yard work and several games of Kaiser. 

The day was made extra special as my old friend Warren treated me to lunch. We got so caught up in our visit that we forgot to take our requisite double selfie. I'll pull one from the archive to close out this post.