Happy New Year, 2013

Local deer have been seen pawing through the snow to reach dry growth beneath for snacking. The critters are also pretty intent on any stacks of hay that are left unguarded from their approach.  Now even more snow has fallen so the search will be more concentrated.

Tammy Beardall’s mother, Doreen Wells, is here for a long Christmas vacation with Kent, Tammy and the family. Mrs. Wells lives in Pocatello.

Royce Christensen is on leave from a job he was working on in Nevada.  He had a freak accident, causing a flash burn to his face and hands.  He is healing, but it will take some time before he no longer needs gloves to protect the skin on his hands.  He is up and about, grateful that this wasn’t any worse. Royce is employed by a Salt Lake company.

One weekend the family of Lin and Sharla McKay went up to Rexburg, ID, for the wedding festivities of their son, Josh Newby and Sara Erickson.  The next weekend the families combined in Preston for an open house for the new couple at the Franklin County Firehouse.

Giovanni and Kristina Crosland and children have been home for the holidays.  For these two “home” covers most of Franklin County. Gio’s home is in Mink Creek with Robert and Phee Crosland.  Kristina’s home is in Franklin with David and Sherrie Rallison.   When they travel from as far away as Kirksville, MO, it makes it nice to be able to have time with both families.

We have had the young single adults  of our community come home to celebrate Christmas. Some are going to school, others employed elsewhere. There have also have been some sets of young married couples.  There were too many to mention individually, they have come from all directions, wherever life has taken them.

            Our snowy hillsides are full of snowmobile tracks, particularly where there has been sledding in progress and the machines keep the energy alive in those enjoying the swoosh down the slopes.  Hiking back up can wear a body out after just a couple of rides.

            There was a minor car crash in front of our house during the holidays.  A visiting family were on their way back to Utah, their vehicle slid off the road on the ice and careened into our utility pole that holds our yard light.  Luckily no one was injured, just the pole.  The following day we were without electricity for a few hours while the power company came up and did repairs.  Now the  night time glow is better than ever.

            Turkeys are all along the main road, as well as out in the fields.  Their black bodies really show up against the whiteness of the snow.  No matter the season these are birds that change their minds quickly.  Remember that if you happen to be slowing for them to cross the road.  A bunch of them may get almost across, then do an about face and the whole flock will parade in front of you in the opposite direction.  Don’t let your foot off the brake just yet---totally unpredictable.   Sounds a lot like the coming year--- Happy New Year to you all.