July Wrap-up, 2014

       Marco Crosland, son of Robert and Phee, returned from his mission to Singapore. He keeps busy working here and there until time for college studies to resume. He recently spoke about his experiences in the LDS Ward. Family members made up 45 visitors: Two aunts; Carolyn and Mick Mitchi of Moroni, UT, and Marie and Ray Eads of American Fork, UT, both with families, then Marco's siblings; Jason and Malia Kunde and children  and Giovanni and Kristina Crosland and family, and various cousins.

       Others had Singapore connections, the family of Elder Hirshi, Marco's last companion, and the Mechams who met Marco in Singapore. The Mechams were in the area as part of a Stucki Reunion taking place in Preston and a whole bunch of about 50, came to hear Marco. Plus, friends from his days at Preston High. Yes, the chapel was overflowing!

      Joe and Kathy Jarvis have been enjoying a visit from their two granddaughters. All the rest of their grandchildren are boys. Shelby Erasmus is from Provo, UT, and Kirsi Jarvis is currently attending BYU in Provo.

      Our oldest Scouts took a fun high adventure trip earlier this summer. They traveled to southern Utah and soaked up the sights, hiking Zion's National Park. Some of them explored the slot canyons and rappelled on the cliffs. There was a feeling of being in “the middle of nowhere.” The leaders were Jake Longhurst, Paul McKay, Terry Westerberg, La Ron Baird, and Robert Crosland. It was a marvelous few days filled with new experiences.

      Summer is moving right along. Our grain fields are turning that lovely harvest color of various shades of amber, from tan to a nutty brown. Arcs of water sail across the fields that still require irrigation for yet another burst of growing power. The days are very hot, the nights cool down nicely for comfortable sleeptime.

      The community had an Athletic Night at our Ballpark. Not too many attended, but the little kids had a great time and the adults were able to catch up on neighborhood visiting.

      Connie and Vance Christensen came home for a few days. These two are currently living in Utah, after having spent several years as residents of Hawaii.

       We have been having some beautiful sunsets. Looking to the west down our little valley one can see all the way over to the west side mountains across northern Cache Valley. That is a good expanse of colored sky to enjoy.

July 22, 2014

      Cliff and LaDawn Jensen soaked up three weeks of teenage granddaughters staying at their home. Rebecca and Melissa Mackelprang, children of Mercedes and Darren Mackelprang, live in Statesboro, GA. The two southern ladies enjoyed visiting with cousins, seeing relatives in Cokeville, WY, and took a tour of the Utah State University giving Rebecca a taste of her college following her graduation from high school next spring.

       Four children of Bob and Claudia Erickson made trips home to Mink Creek over the last few weeks. First was the arrival of Drew and Hilary Erickson and their three children from Tempe, AZ. Next was Carla Nielsen and her two sons, of American Fork, UT. Claudine and LaMar McKague and five children drove down from Vancouver, WA. Their son, Jarin McKague, entered the MTC in Provo in mid July, preparatory to serving a mission in the Texas, Houston South, Spanish-speaking area. Kristin and Jay Collins and Claire are from Lakeview, OR and their daughter, Bailey, came up from Provo to join this extended family gathering. There was lots of fun and noise, with many hours spent cooling at the Erickson Pond.

       The family of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons has been on high alert for the last month. First their son Jacob had surgery at the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Just as Jacob was sufficiently recovered to come home, two other sons, Ben and David, were involved in an accident. Ben's injuries were taken care of at the Franklin County Medical Center, but David was Life Flighted to Primary Children's. Following David's surgery there were possibilities that he would be limited to a wheelchair for the next two months. His recovery has been amazing: two weeks with the wheelchair and is now being fitted with crutches. Jeff and Jennifer express their gratitude to all who have had concerns and prayers for their family. 

       Children of Karl and Marion Haws have been in and out of the Mink Creek family home.

California is the home for daughters and  most sons and their families , but they have a special place in their hearts for this little spot in Idaho.  All their growing up years have spent time on the shores of the creek.

       We are grateful to have water for irrigation purposes. The irrigation pipes are on the move and the big guns are sending out huge arcs of water, covering large areas as they creep across a field. Otherwise it has been dry with only a short burst of rain while the town was sleeping.

       The fields of grain are turning to harvest colors. Gone is the green and we now match the famous description of “amber waves of grain.” Harvest is still in the future, but in the meantime those who raise hay are bringing their second crop of the summer season in to the barns.

2 week combination---7/8-7/15

I was out of town for last week's blog and had my head wrapped around other things, in a very tight wrap.  So I will combine and edit for readers this week and hope you are all in a forgiving mood.

         Preston North Stake Girls Camp had a rather wet beginning, with rainy weather and super cold temperatures. Shepherded by camp director, Anna Beth Olson, our group left bright and early for the drive to the camp site, formerly known as Rattlesnake Gulch.  Now it is much improved. Setting up tents while all things, including campers, was soaking wet was a challenge. Ice forming was evidence of the cold. The setting was miserable, but attitudes remained positive and upbeat. A warm campfire helped boost spirits, added to comfort while they endeavored to do some crafts. Sun shone on the following days so hikes and skits were fun. Good food and new friendships  formed with girls from other camps brought out smiles to wrap up the camp.

          Mink Creek School Reunion took place in the recreation hall of the LDS Church, in spite of technicians working on the sound system of the building. Many surnames from early Mink Creek were present: Wilde, Keller, Jensen, Carver, Moosman, Baird, Westerberg, Jepsen, Rasmussen, Crane, Larsen, Erickson, and Olson. Potluck offerings were delicious. Mike Jepsen arranged for a musical program from the Wilde family with Judy Wilde on piano and son Christopher Wilde on cello. Paul Carver delighted the audience with selections of Cowboy Poetry. There were donated door prizes galore: books, jams and jellies, copies of the story of Mink Creek's haunted house, walking sticks, sculpture, some farm fresh eggs, loaves of healthy homemade bread, a carrier bag---a great variety! This year Glade and Corinne Larsen were in charge and they passed the privilege on to Nate and Dana Olson for the 2015 reunion.

          Wynn Costley is home from a lengthy stay in China. He is currently shuttling back and forth between Mink Creek and Fairview, helping to build a house for his daughter Leah and Davin Gilbert and family of Fairview. Cecelie Costley is still in China, finishing up their contract of teaching English at a university.

          The community and beyond gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark to celebrate July Fourth in fine style. The cooking crew of Clare Christensen and Brent Sharp were on the spot early preparing Dutch Oven potatoes, roast beef, hamburgers, tossed salad, and rolls. Desserts were donated and also the results of a patriotic dessert contest. Activities enjoyed were softball, volleyball, soccer, face painting, hair wraps, a pinata, horseshoes and much visiting. Main events included a couple of greased pigs, the famous water slide, and money in the hay, all attracting crowds.  Everyone had tickets for a free sno-cone and the lines formed all afternoon.

        A program began with posting the colors by a squad of veterans under the direction of Glen Jepsen, USA  Air Force retired. Most fitting for the day! A ladies triple trio sang “God Bless America” and were ready with several patriotic songs, encouraging everyone to “sing along” on these familiar tunes.

         Matthew Westerberg, son of Terry and Wendy, has reported home. He left Mink Creek at the end of June to begin serving in the Peace Corp in Ethiopia.  They report he is assigned to a desert area of the country, the "adventure" is beginning.

         Christopher Egley, son of Jaren and Julie Egley was recently baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That makes him the newest member of the ward in Mink Creek.

          We have had lots of coming and going the past two weeks.  Here are just a few:

Travis and Amber Arnout brought their new baby son and the rest of the family for a few days with his parents, Mark and Karen Arnout.  George and Judy Rasmussen are enjoying a visit from their daughter Sarah Thomas and her children. The family lives in Las Vegas and like our “cooler” temperatures.   Katherine and Leon Noorda are spending some time at their digs in the Keller Apts., also known as the red brick schoolhouse. April and Don Gill brought their children up from the Ogden area to re-connect with Mink Creek friends. George and Bobbie Garr are back in town and their daughter Diane has been visiting. 

          Lately the days have been scorchers.  There has been rumblings of thunder and masses of black clouds but not much moisture has resulted.  A quick burst of hail hit one afternoon, just enough to dampen the top of the ground.

July 1, 2014

          When members of the congregation of the Mink Creek LDS Ward built their Meetinghouse back in the 1920's they would never have dreamed of the latest feature that has been added. There is now an elevator, simplifying the means of descending to the lower floor for anyone who might have difficulty with the stairs. It has taken several months with excavating, removing, adjusting, etc. of the building that was finished in 1929 to insert this “new-fangled contraption.” Those residents of the past would have appreciated this convenience just as much as those using it now.

            Michelle Wall and her children drove over from Grand Junction, CO. She is the daughter of Kent and Tammy Beardall and it is always great to have some reunion time with the rest of the Beardall family.

            Day Camp for Cub Scouts at Aspen Ridge is a big deal in our community, and rightfully so since Dawnell Greene is the overall director. This year's theme was Safari, much of the activities centered around wildlife and African games. The boys painted wooden snakes, made rattlesnake eggs, learned a bit about decoding, cooked over an open fire. They learned about animals that have become extinct in the 10 years since the boys were born. In the Webelos Boot Camp EMT's helped them with the “readyman” program, and they studied plants, rocks, and water erosion.

            Much of the staff was made up of our residents: Nearly the whole green family---Chad, Josh, Izac, Hannah, Tristen, and Travis. Avery Gomez, Lizzy Wallentine, Cole Jepsen, Chance and Dakota Hatch, Austin Straight, James and Dallon Baird, and Ty Beardall. This is a well trained crew. Five Cub Scouts attended: Bryce Egley, Keenan Janke, Bracken Christensen, William Currie and Chris Egley. The leaders were Lisa Christensen, Julie Egley, Liesa Baird and Marie Keller.

           The mowed hay that got a good soaking last week is drying in the sunshine. The windrows are being turned over so that more area gets the benefit of the heat of the day.

           A new month has started with a turn of the calendar this mornng. Already the schedule starts filling up with the community celebration for the Fourth of July at the ballpark. The plans sound like things will be rolling along from morning til evening. It is an exciting day for this little village and it is amazing how many people attend this event, from near and far. Happy Fourth of July, God bless America!