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.