Thanksgiving Eve, 2013

A drive through Swan Lake, ID, made me aware why it has the name.  There were about twenty swans on that nearby lake, that sometimes appears more like a swamp.  Beautiful creatures.  Generally I have seen swans on the upper end of the Oneida Reservoir on Bear River, a little north of the Maple Grove Hot Springs.

Lots of grumpy days, weather –wise.  Three days of waking up to snow.  The sun erased it by afternoon, except in the shaded spots.   It is staying cold, not winter-cold, but still cold.  The snow line on our mountainsides goes up and down, then up again.  One of these first days it will be down to stay.  These winds coming out of the north encourage curling up by the warm fire with a good  book for some relaxed reading time.  However, if there are outdoor animals on a farm, there are those freezing chores that are required, 24/7.  Reality  that comes with winter!

Elder Jared Andra has returned from 24 months of serving in the Oklahoma, Tulsa, Mission.   He is the son of Heather and Greg Andra.  Jared left for the mission when the Andra family lived in Corvallis, MT.   He has worked in three different states:  the cities of  Miami and Cedar Ridge in Oklahoma,  Mountain Grove and Stockton in Missouri, and  Fayetteville and Prairie Grove in Arkansas.

Patti and Forrest Christensen have recently returned from a jaunt to Hawaii.  The purpose of this visit was attending the wedding of Patti’s son Matthew. The ceremony was held on Hamona Beach in the Hana area of the island of Maui. Needless to say, the Christensens had a great time in that 86 degree weather.   Matthew and Marissa will be making their new home in Granite Bay, CA, east of Sacramento.

            Thanksgiving is on everyone’s mind.  Many are staying at home in Mink Creek, but some have travel plans.  Can you smell the pies and rolls baking?  It makes me think of the holiday with similar sights and smells, year after year since the beginning of this little valley community  in 1872 when Karen Valentine Keller came up to join her sons in homesteading.  It went from a lonely winter tending cattle to a home filled with good cooking smells.

            Things are still crisp and cold.  Ice crystals form on the ground once dark sets in good and proper.  Evenings come early since Daylight Savings Time is at rest.  It is perfect for reflecting on the many things in our lives, big and small, that add to our joy.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!