Seedpod of Datura sp.?

Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans, everywhere!

Wanted to wish all Americans, at home or living in other countries around the world, a wonderful Thanksgiving today. Special thoughts to those who are serving their country, and their families, especially those who will not be able to spend the day together. I do hope you all have a happy and safe day. No matter what our circumstances are, there are always endless things, large and small, to be thankful for, especially when compared to those who live in many less fortunate countries around the world. Enjoy your turkey dinner, if you are lucky enough to have one, and enjoy the company of family and friends, if you are fortunate enough to have either or both! Our Canadian Thanksgiving was on 10 October this year.

This photo was taken on 11 November 2016, when my daughter and I had a day out together. We started off at 9:00 am and drove straight to the Saskatoon Farm for breakfast - I had a delicious meal of quiche and sweet potato fries. On a quick wander round the grounds, several Ornamental Cabbage or Flowering Kale were the only plants with colour. The rest had all gone to seed. This Datura sp. (?) seedpod made me smile - looks like it's snarling at me : )

The Saskatoon Farm is an interesting place that is maybe a 25-minute drive SE from the southern edge of Calgary. You can collect your own Saskatoon berries in season, look around their outside greenhouses, 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/

We then drove west into Okotoks, to go to the antique store, All Around the House" and to the Christmas Market being held in the town.

From here, for some insane reason, we drove as far as Millarville to go to their annual Christmas Market. I don't think I have ever seen as many cars anywhere, for anything! It was totally crazy, with endless vehicles lined up along various nearby roads, waiting to be able to park in the fields, as the market parking lot was full most of the time. Thankfully, they had arranged for two or three small school buses to transport people from the field to the Market. Some people chose to get a wagon ride instead, or walk.

Later, when we were ready to leave, we had to wait for a bus again. More time (hours?) was spent waiting for buses than was spent actually walking around the huge Market. Once inside, it was absolutely packed, so you couldn't really get to any of the booths to look at things, anyway. I think we've both decided that this would be our last annual trip to this Market! We know that it would be much more relaxing and fun to be driving the back roads, looking for birds and other things to photograph : ) However, for me, the main reason for this day was to spend precious time with my daughter, so it was a good day. Thanks, Rachel!