August 15, 2012

Twelve of our young ladies enjoyed Girls’ Camp this summer. They spent a few days at the Preston North Stake Campground with their leaders: Camp Director, Hilary Checketts, assisted by Macy Jepsen; Young Women leaders, Sherrie Corbett and Kristi Hall.  The theme for this year was Tropical Islands and Mink Creek was assigned an island off the coast of Japan, one they couldn’t pronounce.  Even so they learned about the island.  One evening they performed skits and were joined by Bishop Kent Egley in an acting role.  Lots of fun!

We have an engagement announcement.  RoZann Crane is engaged to marry Tom Baker.

RoZann brought Tom to Mink Creek recently to get him acquainted with her early years.  RoZann is the daughter of Keith and Ramona Crane, presently of Burley, but RoZann spent her pre-high school years here, living on the Two Creek ranch.  The Crane family in this area goes back several generations to the founding fathers of Mink Creek.  RoZann now lives and works in Los Angeles, Tom is located in the Salt Lake City area.  Their wedding is scheduled for November.   To her surprise, RoZann discovered that she still knew quite a few people living in Mink Creek.

            Some of the adult children, plus their children, of Johnny and Jeannine Iverson participated in a family hike of the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. At least two generations were involved. This has become an annual outing for all of the Iverson bunch who are willing and able to participate   .  They come from as far as Texas and Virginia.

Nate and Dana Olson welcomed a group of California friends at their home on Station Creek. The Olsons lived in Highland, CA, before moving to Mink Creek and were happy to introduce this group to Idaho, including the Preston Rodeo for entertainment.

The smoke from fires in Utah and Idaho continues to hang down into our valleys.  In the evenings the horizon is blurred with shades of grey, blue and orange ascending as the sun goes down, the mountain peaks hazy.  Some days it is noticeably present in the afternoon hours.  These fires aren’t even close to us in terms of distance.  Imagine all the gunk in the air, as well as the distinctive aroma.  As the sun rises in the morning it is like a pink ball, trying to peek through the gloom.

4H projects are due this week.  It is Fair Time in Franklin County.  I noticed a pickup loaded with hay, pulling a horse trailer, on its way to town today.  The weeks of tension and endeavor have reached their peak and now it is time for some relaxation and fun.  Both leaders and youth should have a sense of accomplishment, no matter what color ribbon adorns the projects they have worked so hard to complete.