September 10, 2016 was Canada In A Day. We were asked to film our lives — whether it be a special occasion or a simple moment. The resulting video compilation will be used to celebrate Canada’s 150th Birthday next July.
Instead of a film, my story is one of pictures, reflections and simple gratitude for being a Canadian who has the privilege of living and farming on the vast and beautiful prairies.
Life is made great by the million little things that piece together our days and weave into their way into the tapestry of our lives.
Here are the pieces which made #CanadaInADay special to me.
Waking up to the smell of freshly brewed coffee, pouring a cup and enjoying this view.
Wandering through my yard, taking time to notice the little things, like bees on the towering sunflowers in my garden.
The satisfying job of chopping garden-fresh tomatoes, peppers, onions and celery, followed by aroma of simmering salsa wafting through the kitchen .
Listening to the consistent ‘snapping’ on the jars of the finished product, knowing they are properly sealed and preserved for the months ahead.
Having the combine come out of the shed to finally resume harvest after a week of rainy weather.
Enjoying the delicious, fresh, crisp crunch of a B.C. Honey Crisp apple for a snack.
A leisurely afternoon walk with our dog. She stopped briefly by this freshly cultivated wheat field. We work the straw into the soil to improve organic matter and soil health.
“Pure joy! ” Watching my trusty side-kick , having a blast running through a wheat field. Here the straw has been baled to be used as bedding for cattle this winter.
Appreciating that I can walk for miles on quiet country back roads without seeing a soul. It doesn’t necessarily mean my presence isn’t noticed though…The dog and I obviously piqued the interest of the neighbour’s cattle!
Seeing these hives is a reminder that a delivery of fresh honey will soon arrive at our door. A fellow farmer keeps bees in the shelter of an old yard-site on our farmland. The bees love the canola and alfalfa we grow, and we love the honey they produce!
Walking to the marsh that borders part of our farm and capturing the beauty of the bulrushes and wildflowers blowing in the wind. The marsh provides a unique and diverse ecosystem for a wide variety of plants, animals and birds.
Riding alongside my husband in the combine, enjoying his company and the view as he harvests a field of canola.
Taste-testing the fresh-made salsa for an appetizer. So good!
Watching this bald eagle overlook the field we were harvesting. They aren’t usually this close to our yard, but hunting was easy as rodents scurried away as the canola swaths were picked up.
Being thankful for a south wind that kept the moisture at bay as clouds rolled in later in the day. Once the grass is wet with dew in the evening, it often makes the crops too ‘tough’ to harvest. Here the combine is unloading canola onto a grain truck so it can be hauled to our farmyard and put in a storage bin.
Taking the time to savour this view at the end of our farmyard as the sun set. The end my tribute to #CanadaInAday.
Sandi Knight 
I love this tribute to Canada on the farm. You’ve explained things well for those who haven’t had the joy of farming as part of their lives. I could almost smell the salsa. On the 10th I was hectically busy with our Toastmasters Fall Rally that Portage Club hosted for all of the clubs in Manitoba, NW Ontario and NW Minnisota. It was an awful lot of work but everyone had a great time and that was what our aim was. We even managed to make $75 for the district when we feared we would go in the hole.
Thanks for posting such a contrast to my day.
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