Dec 29, 2015

            Lana and Ivan McCracken took a few days off to travel to Allen, TX. They were there to witness the baptism of a grandchild. Two of Ivan's daughters live in this area near Dallas. It is a Big state.

            The Mink Creek Community Christmas Party was full of fun. Wynn and Cecelie Costley were the organizers of the event and the night started off with a rousing game of Hotcha. It is one of those that gets people moving and becoming better acquainted. The recreational hall was full with three tables running the length, covered with red and green tablecloths, as befitted the occasion. After the icebreaker game those attending were served a light dinner : a pulled pork sandwich, potato chips, olives and pickles, quickly followed by a dish of mint ice cream and brownies.

            The program started off with songs from the children, accompanied by Macy Jepsen. Christmas songs filled the air. Ty Beardall was the narrator of Cecelie's script that wove the various numbers together. Liesa Baird, Terrie McKay, Jody Janke,and Eldon Wilcox were a vocal quartette. There was a violin solo by Joseph Seamons. Friendly Santa arrived to listen to wishes and requests, passing out popcorn and candy canes, along with some words of wisdom for the older set. Of course the help in the kitchen made much of this night possible. They were MaryAnn Jepsen, Kim Christensen, Sandy Wylie, Terrie and Paul McKay and Jeff Olson, plus a bunch of teenagers from the Young Men and Young Women groups.

            With Christmas we are missing our residents scattered around the globe on LDS missions. Tyson Hall is in the Chile, Antofogasta, Mission, James Baird in North Dakota, Bismarck, Johnny Iverson in Japan, Kobe, Joe and Kathy Jarvis in South Africa, Johannesburg, and Leon and Katherine Noorda in Vietnam, Hanoi.

           The shortest day of the year has come and gone and it is amazing how quickly the days start getting longer. Even the solar lights that adorn yards and houses take note b y lasting a little longer with increased daylight hours to up their power.

           Mink Creek has been full of family returning to be home for Christmas. License plate from Colorado, Arizona, Utah, Montana, Canada, California and other attest that many enjoyed having a white Christmas in familiar places this year.

Dec 23, 2015

          Any fat geese around here had better be careful---hunters are about this Christmas season. I haven't heard anyone singing the song about the goose getting fat, but I have heard one or two blasts of a shotgun .

         A missionary calling has been announced for Bryce and Terry Stromberg, a pair of our summer residents. They are headed to Salt Lake City, UT. Bryce will be serving on the LDS Temple Square Security and Terry will be working in the Family History library.

          The Relief Society members gathered for a Christmas evening. The dining hall (better known as multipurpose room) was filled with six beautifully decorated tables, full of color appropriate for the season with lovely place settings of pretty dishes, goblets, and elegant centerpieces. The food on the board gave two selections of green salads, rolls and three choices of soups: cheesy broccoli, creamy potato, or clam chowder. Two large carafes were full of citrus water. The dessert which followed the program was a raspberry topped wedge of cheesecake, the smoothest ever tasted. The program for the night was a holiday reading by Lana McCracken, Christmas carols sang by a duo, Tate Bradfield and Corey Swainston, and a medley of holiday songs played by the Seamons Strings. For this evening the Seamons group was comprised of four brothers, Joseph, Samuel, David, and Jonathan. Generally there is a fifth brother performing, but due to Ben injuring a shoulder while wrestling he enjoyed the music as a spectator on this occasion.

           It has been carpet cleaning time for the LDS Meetinghouse this week. That translates into the need for all in the community to be mindful of scheduling activities on more suitable days.

            The newest member of the Mink Creek LDS Ward is Jyllian Christensen, daughter of Lacey and Kerry Christensen. She was baptized and confirmed just last week. Jyllian has had a hard time waiting for this big day.

           Beware of the turkeys that inhabit our area. They have been known to cause vehicular accidents. There are so many of these creatures and they are spreading their feeding grounds further north along Highway 36. They congregate in the fields near the highway and have no traffic sense whatsoever.

          We are still anticipating a white Christmas, just like the ones we use to know. Last year was so dry. The recent storms are received with gladness. The driving around in them, perhaps not so much.   Merry Christmas to all readers, may the day gladden your hearts and bring a few moments of peaceful reflection.

Dec 15, 2015

          Johnny and Jeannine Iverson hosted a big family gathering over the holiday. Forty people surrounded their bounteous table. Their eldest son Steven and Jessie Iverson came up from Argyle, TX and their six children and their families came from all across the continent: Virginia Wisconsin, Utah, Idaho, and students going to BYU in Provo, UT. Family guests were arriving for three days. Cousins of all ages enjoyed getting reacquainted as they played games and did crafts. Add the family of Kurt and Margret Iverson who live here to this mix. In spite of all the hubbub that goes with this sort of thing, it was also very rewarding.

           The family of Jeff Knudson are regularly in and out these days. A fair sized group were here for a few days. Tony and Camille Knudson and family come from Stansbury, UT. Shawn and Ginger Knudson are at home in Provo. We are glad to see these good people often..

            Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson gathered all their family. That means: Lydia and Jason Stucki and family from Moscow, ID, Jerry and Christine Olson and children of St. George, UT, Peggy and Jon Flinders and their bunch from Rigby, ID, Dana and Charlie Petersen and children of Meridian, ID and Michael and Amy Olson and family of Brigham City, UT. That area on Station Creek Road was kept humming for a few days, especially a recently remodeled granary/dormitory.

            Another full family platter was that of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst. Jake and Holly Longhurst drove up from Logan, UT. Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler came down from Parma, ID. In addition there are the three still home, Justin, McKinley and Emily, and a good time was had by all.

             There has been a change in the Young Women's Presidency in the Mink Creek LDS Ward. The new president is Laurel Wilde, her first counselor is Mary Ann Jepsen, second counselor, Dawnell Greene, the secretary is Annevelyn Wilcox.

            A beautiful snow storm moved in on Sunday night and it stuck around most of yesterday. We are now the picture postcard village with white mountains surrounding us and a winter blue sky above. Let the winter activities begin! Kids are dreaming of sledding, skating, skiing, snowmobiling...and it isn't just the younger set with these visions dancing through heads. Of course, there is also the changing of driving habits, the possibility of becoming stuck, falling down, etc. There always is some bitter with the sweet.

Dec 9, 2015

             Kent and ReNae Egley traveled back to Huntington, IN, attending the wedding festivities of their grandson, Bryce Nielsen. Bryce has recently graduated from army training at Ft. Huachuca, AZ, and is now moving to a new chapter in his life and new bride, Emily Brown. He is the son of Jeff and Tara Nielsen. Bryce will be deployed for a hitch in Afghanistan, later making a home in Colorado Springs, CO. Kent and ReNae hosted a wedding open house in Mink Creek for the new couple on their return from the Midwest.

             Kathy Jones has recently had surgery on a foot. With her husband Austin's broken leg they are a matched pair as they each work to move about on their individual scooters. Their positive attitude balances out the problems they encounter.

             We have had some visits from branches of our Haws family. Kasey and Julie Haws took a  bit of retreat in their Mink Creek home as they prepare to begin a calling to serve as mission president couple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Loren(Haws) and Ken Nash came up from Solvang, CA, with some of their family to enjoy the last days of fall, Idaho style.

             Our community has grieved with two funerals this past week. Three funerals in one month has served to shake us at our roots.  Marlene Christensen, widow of Orvid Christensen, passed away after many months of suffering with cancer. Her family members and friends gathered here to bid farewell. Teresina Crosland, daughter of Robert and Phee Crosland, passed away unexpectedly while living in Arizona. She is now at rest, back home with loved ones.

            Thanksgiving holidays took some of our residents great distances, others not far, but most stayed near the coziness of home. The families of Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen and Kerry and Melinda Jepsen were able to spend a week together in the balmy paradise of Hawaii. Ramona and Jerry Hatchett went down to West Jordan, UT, to a gathering hosted by Ramona's daughter, enjoying the company without the pressure of preparation.

             The small amount of snow that has managed to stay for the last week or so vanished in a warm rain that arrived the night of Dec 7^th. It felt rather strange to wake up the following morning and have our lawns all green again.

            The local Deseret Industries store in Preston had a drive for Christmas items early in the month and from the display on the shelves the whole county answered the call generously.There is a great selection.

December 2, 2015

          There are flocks of turkeys, alive and well, up and down the valley after the feast of Thanksgiving Day has come to a close. These wild birds are enjoying whatever leftovers they can find in our farmers' fields.

           Three canals in the county claim water from Mink Creek as their source: Twin Lakes, Riverdale, and Consolidated Irrigation. Our community has some other waterways that provide nourishment to our fields. Some now are dry, others with their depths are down to not much more than a trickle with the end of the growing season. Any movement is slow and sluggish in this season of the year.

            Mink Creek has had three young men playing on the Preston High School varsity football team. They are Sam Seamons, Ben Seamons and Travis Greene. Now that the season is over these three will be moving on to winter sports.

             Maria and Devin Flake have been up from their home in Saratoga Springs, UT, to visit with her mother, Lana and Ivan McCracken. They were introducing their tiny son, Jude Bryan Flake, to the Mink Creek community. He sports a cute thatch of black spikey hair. Daniel and Heather Baird and their four children from Rexburg gathered here too for the Thanksgiving weekend. LaRon and Liesa Baird live across the road from the McCrackens, Nathan Baird is close at hand. The families enjoyed being together and sharing memories and good food.

            During the last part of November there have been all types of vehicles headed out of our canyons with their prize Christmas tree in tow. The harvesting of the chosen tree is evidently a tradition in many families. The first few days the area would have been dry and chilly, then a storm moved in on Tuesday of this past week so those seekers would have some snow to navigate and add to the excitement.

           Our summer population has dwindled a bit. Cold weather has arrived, the various hunting seasons are to an end, a beautiful fall has turned into a biting winter. Those residents needing warmer temperatures have headed to other locations: St. George, California, Las Vegas, Arizona among them.

          One indication that pheasant season has closed is hearing roosters crowing now and again. They are also more visible along the roads and in the fields.

Two days before Thanksgiving Day, 2015

             Phee Crosland took some time off to go to Colorado for a visit with daughter Arianna and Ben Hostetter. The arrival of a new baby girl came a bit earlier than expected but help and grandma time was still needed by the family. Knowing how these things go it might be appropriate to call this a “working vacation” for Phee. An added bonus was hanging out with Crosland son, Angelo, who is currently staying with Arianna and Ben.

           Ramona and Jerry Hatchett have returned from a fall trip back to the midwest. They enjoyed taking in some church history spots in Nauvoo, IL as part of their travels. Jerry has many family members in this area. They visited Fairborn, OH, to see family and friends, then Indianapolis, took a trip to the top of the St. Louis Arch in St Louis, MO, visited a special dog museum in Illinois. If you know Ramona you know how she loves dogs. They wore themselves out and are glad to be home.

          We regret the recent passing of Marie Aupperlee. Her funeral was held here last weekend. Marie and her husband Bill chose to locate here more than fifteen years ago. They came from Arizona and Marie, having been raised in Canada, wanted to be somewhere with snow. We have been happily blessed with their decision to choose Mink Creek. Marie's daughter, Sandy Wylie, has been living with Marie for the last year, having moved from Texas. Sandy's children were up for the funeral along with her sister, Marcia and Scott Eisenhower of Roy, UT and their children.

            Doug Bruderer is back with us, after spending several years employed with the oil boom around Williston, ND. Now driving truck in Burley, ID, he gets regular days off to be home with his wife, Beverly, and two families of grandchildren, Avery and Pedro Gomez and Lacey and Kerry Christensen.

           It is just two days before Thanksgiving Day and so the entire community is thinking about their plans for that holiday, either here or traveling to be with others. We still have snow on our highest peaks, the area of the Mink Creek Steeps looks to be frozen already, but no one is attempting to get up there to check it out. Enough winds have come through that the trees are now bare and shivering, leaves spread around their trunks. The evergreens stand out, strong and upright. I walked along a path under a huge cottonwood that harbors a nest of pair of hawks. Those birds were being very vocal, either in argument or complaining about the lack of foliage to protect their home. Perhaps it is moving time for the couple.  Happy Thanksgiving, blog readers, there is much to reflect upon!

Nov 17, 2015

           The community fall social combined with the Halloween trunk-r-treat was a fun evening for adults and children alike. It began with a chili cook-off, plus some other soups. Besides the smiles that accompany full tummies the results were: 1^st place, Dawnell Greene; 2^nd place, Dana Olson; 3^rd place, Mary Ann Jepsen; 4^th place, Marie Keller. Costumes ranged from Hogwarts characters, scarecrows, Crocodile Dundee wannabes, crayons, zombie and ghouls to gypsies, members of the highway crew and Sherlock Holmes and his associate, a big variety. Visitors that have claimed Mink Creek as home in past years attended along with current residents, the recreation hall was full to overflowing.

             Members of the LDS Ward were well instructed by children of the community when they spoke and sang in the Primary Program. Primary president Sherrie Corbett was in charge of the preparations for this event, with assistance from those adults working in that organization. Music was under the direction of Melinda Jepsen and Macy Jepsen. Music touches hearts, particularly the words to “Gethsemane.” Members of the Preston North Stake Primary Board attended.

          Eric and Rexanne Nielsen drove over from Linrose, ID, (Weston). They were soaking up some grandparent time with the three little girls of April and Trevor Rasmussen.

           Jennifer and Jeff Seamons and their family attended a mission report from a nephew, Nathan Erasmus, in Draper, UT. He had served in Toronto, Canada.

           There has been much “finishing up” lately. Hunting season is done, for both deer and elk. Snow has arrived, along with crippling frosts and so canning season is also finished. Homes are stashing their canning kettles, pressure cookers, jars, lids, juicers, all the paraphernalia that goes with the process of preserving foods. All put away to await another season. Even though not every leaf has fallen, most of them are down and we have a golden and brown carpet to enhance our outdoor walks.

           Our local gardeners have reported a bumper crop of pumpkins this year. They were welcome a few weeks ago for the Halloween festivities and recipes abound for varieties of uses now, particularly centered on Thanksgiving come up. Nice to have this bountiful supply.

            Our deer are happily cleaning up any leftovers in gardens or orchards, especially during the nighttime. They love those apples that fell from the trees, worms and bruises are totally overlooked.  They serve as a thorough  cleaning crew, but were absent during the hunting season.  They have us humans figured out!

First snow for the season, 2015

            Mary Jean and Larry Rasmussen have had the fun of welcoming home a missionary grandson. Kenneth Carr, son of Hayes and Terry Carr of Centerville, UT, recently returned from serving in the California, Riverside, Mission. Mary Jean and Larry were able to be at the airport on his arrival, and again in Centerville to hear his report to his LDS Ward.

            Talk about a vacation, Kent and ReNae Egley have been touring the Atlantic Coast for several weeks! This was timed to enjoy the beauty of New England in the fall season and it lived up to its reputation. Breathtaking loveliness and all sorts of history! To name a few of their stops: New York City, Newport, RI; Massachusetts, Maine, and Canada. Canada deserves a whole chapter by itself: St. Johns Bay in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia with its lighthouses and historical Halifax, Quebec, a place much heard of with Montreal and Quebec City (the nest door neighbor of the Egleys was born in Montreal), then to the Atlanta International Airport where they connected with their pilot son, Jared Egley, for a quick visit before he went to his flight and they headed home to the Salt Lake City Airport.

           Austin Jones is enduring a session of home-bound recuperation. He broke his leg in a fall from a roof while working at his talent of construction. The inactivity was not part of the plan.

           Election day was wet and blustery. There were moments when the wind was sufficiently strong that it took extra strength to pull open the entry door. Rain fell the day long. Regardless there was a good turnout, particularly for such a small amount of candidates on our fire commissioner ballot. Over fifty percent of the ballots given were used by our citizens. We appreciate the opportunity to vote.

          I just don't have enough newspaper space for the activities lately, I am falling behind. We had our community fall social/trunk or treat, but that needs to be in the printed page, not on the blog. The Primary program meets the same qualifications. I guess I know what needs to start off the next column.

          This morning we awoke to a white world. The flakes started falling last night, the big feathery kind that just floated down and kept coming until the blanket was lain. Hopefully things will dry out again so that some of that carpet of fallen leaves can be raked and hauled off to a burn pile.

          The work on the bridge over Mink Creek by the ballpark is still going on. The workers are bundled up against the cold. One lane appears completed but it is still slowing up the traffic with their stop light. There should be a big party when this project gets wrapped up.

Nov 2, 2015

           Daylight Savings Time, over and done with for another season. Adjusting of households takes place again. School buses will be arriving in daylight, both morning and afternoon. Meal preparation has to be stepped up because darkness comes earlier now. Usually it takes about a week or two to get back into the preferred routine for families.

           Giovanni and Kristine Crosland and their family are now living in Blackfoot, ID. Gio is doing his medical residency at the Bingham Memorial Hospital, a residency in internal medicine. The Croslands have three children. Both sets of grandparents, Robert and Phee Crosland of Mink Creek and David and Sherrie Rawlinson of Franklin, ID, are happy to have this bunch a little closer to home.

           Ted Janke, a brother of Jody Janke, spent a few days at the home of Jody and Laural and their family. Ted lives in Ottawa, IL, and his job of supervising construction takes him all over the nation. This time he is assigned to work on a project taking place in Boise, ID. Jody's family is excited to do some visiting back and forth during the time of this assignment for Ted. They are doing their best to get him thoroughly acquainted with the beauties of Franklin County.

           During the absence of her husband, MaKenzie Gunter of Pocatello, came to see her parents, Eldon and Danita Wilcox, for a few days. Her husband, Tyson Gunter, has been legally blind since birth but doesn't let that stop him. Tyson has been clear across the world, competing in track events in Doha, Qatar, for the International Paralypic Athletic World Championships. He participated in the 100 meter and 200 meter races and the long jump. Athletes are judged by skill, fitness, power, endurance, tactical ability and mental focus, the same factors that account for success in sports for able bodied athletes.

         As October closes there is no question as to whether or not to expect a night frost. The other morning I enjoyed watching the frost line rise, bit by bit, as the morning air warmed. It started as a silver sheet laying over the fields, then it rose a few feet, a wispy white slice of crystal. Pause, then up a few feet again, another pause, until it was high enough to catch some horizontal movement that helped to lift it off our valley. Wish you could have been here, the words just don't seem adequate but I wanted to share with the readers who get pangs of Mink Creek homesickness.

         Snow is predicted before the week is gone. In the meantime we are having off and on rain. The smoke columns rise from our chimneys on such days. Still, we are greener than I have ever seen it for this time of year—that is fifty-three years worth.

Happy Halloween, 2015

           Our community had a Hobby Night recently. After a dinner of lamb, pork ribs, Dutch-oven potatoes and various salads and desserts those attending were treated to discovering the hobbies of two residents. Brady Henderson is a houndsman, training and hunting the six dogs that are shared with his wife Shoney and their three children. After watching a power point presentation about this passion a person had no question but that this was a family affair. Following the Hendersons, Kim and Twlonie Bullock demonstrated how they make and restore violins. They showed instruments in various stages of construction, and had several that were completed. Kim and Twlonie played a violin duet. Then Joseph Seamons was asked to play, helping the audience to understand the different qualities of the violins. He favored the group with a different solo from each instrument. It was a great night of learning for all who attended.

             Kel and Karen Crane stopped by Mink Creek to revisit their Crane roots. Kel spent his early years in Mink Creek, the son of Rex and Brucia Crane, living on the banks of Birch Creek, just down the road from his Crane grandparents, William and Jemima. Now he and Karen live in Soda Springs.

            Rico Crosland, a son of Robert and Phee Crosland, has returned home from his two years of service in the New Zealand, Wellington, LDS Mission. He spoke to the congregation of the Mink Creek Ward recently. His siblings have been here to welcome him home: Armando from the Washington DC area, Angelo from Colorado, Malia and her family from Rigby, ID, Giovanni with his family from Blackfoot, ID, Marco from BYU in Provo, UT, and those who live here, Mario, Celina, Jacobi and Talon. Three sisters were unable to attend, but extended family and friends were on hand.

             Deer hunting is closed for this season. There have been reports of success, but there has also been reports of not even seeing one during the whole season. As a farm family, we can report that the deer did seem to feed on our fields after dark when the hunters had retired for the day. Elk season is still open and I understand there are quite a few showing up on the east side of Preston, alive and well.

             Night time temperatures are dropping sufficiently to need blankets for any tomato plants that are still in the ground. Apples are prime for picking, and for drying or any other method of preservation that  homemakers might choose.

             Homes up and down the valley are decorated with appropriate Halloween décor. It has been a good year for pumpkins and many orange ghoulish faces adorn walkways and porches. One spot down the road a bit is the home of Arda Smith in Riverdale. Her family members have  gathered to make a real production worth visiting to become acquainted with headless horsemen, skeletons and other spooky creations.

October 20, 2015

          The youth of the community have been out doing their fall highway cleanup. There were orange bags decorating the edge of the road the whole length of Mink Creek when this project was completed. It was a good evening weather-wise and their efforts are appreciated. When it got too dark to see and the youth gathered back at the LDS church the refreshments were the perfect reward for a job well done.

           Robert and Mario Crosland are back home after three weeks of roaming around the Philippines. Both father and son served in that country as missionaries. It is the first time for a return for Robert, he has raised most of his family since his two years among those people. Mario returned from his mission just last fall. This pair have had a wonderful time rekindling friendships and seeing places that both hold dear. Now they have one more Philippine memory to share. What a marvelous experience.

          After this break they now resume the task of building the new Crosland home that will replace the one destroyed by fire last spring.

           Larry and Lillian Hansen have purchased the home recently vacated by Lin and Sharla McKay. This home was built by Martin and Lula Christensen, ancestors of Larry's, in the early part of the 20^th century. Larry spent childhood years in Mink Creek and has some good memories of that time. The Hansens had been hoping to find a retirement home in Mink Creek and now are becoming reacquainted with our community. They come to us from the Salt Lake City area.

           David Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, was ordained to the office of a teacher in the LDS Ward. Terrie McKay was sustained as the secretary for the Young Womens organization of the Preston Idaho North Stake.

            Those outdoor solar lights that were so perfectly placed a few months ago are certain evidence of the movement of the earth. They end up in the shade too many hours at this time of year to last long when darkness falls.

             I haven't seen a fall as green as this 2015 version. The hay fields are working on growing a 4^th crop, bright green. Yard trees, that receive water on a regular basis are now starting to change color. The leaves of the hillside trees are dried and brown, making for not-so-silent deer stalking. There have been rain storms lately, but no hard freezes just yet. We are wondering, along with the weathermen, just what sort of winter will come our way.

October 14, 2015

          Patti and Forrest Christensen have wished for some recuperation time after a three week vacation to Scandinavian countries. They traveled with two of Forrest's siblings: Vance Christensen and Raeone and Brad Stuart, to Denmark, Norway and then Iceland on their way back home. The group toured and included a variety of activities. Denmark and Norway are ancestral homes for the Christensen family. Vance served a mission in Denmark, Raeone served in Norway. The countries were beautiful as they camped , visited LDS and family landmarks, went to beaches, climbed rocky precipices in the fjords. One familiar sight was lots of sheep. The trip was lots of fun but they were definitely ready to return to Mink Creek as their traveling wound down

          It must be fall, the turkey population is making itself known once again. A person need to be aware of these creatures because they cross the highway at the slightest notion, then they change their mind and traipse back. They are a daylight hazard. The nocturnal varieties are deer, raccoons and skunks.

           Bob Erickson has been on a week long fishing trip. He and his brother Gary, plus a couple of friends, drove out to the Columbia River in Washington for a few days of salmon fishing. This has become an annual celebration.  It is always fun no matter how many fish they bring home, even nada.  The fun is what counts!

           Ben Seamons, son of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons, has been pursuing his Eagle Rank in scouting. His project has been a bit different from most. Ben had had a book drive, gathering children's books for a school in Zimbabwe. He was hoping to get enough to start a small library.

            Our 7^th grade residents have reason to celebrate this week. The dreaded bug collections were due  in science class and, one way or another, IT is done for those junior high students. Even their families and neighbors are breathing that sigh of relief that indicates a job well done.

            Deer hunting is in earnest. First one sees an empty vehicle by the side of the road, a bit later there is the sound of gunfire, generally followed by more gunfire. The results? Who knows, but the deer are moving around and some are surviving the onslaught. This area was featured in a national wildlife magazine some years ago as a great place for mule deer. The population has diminished since that time.

October 7, 2015

            Our night sky put on quite an elaborate light show last night. Lightning flashed from several directions, and within seconds of each other. Of course there were the booms of thunder to accompany all the action. After all, what is a theatrical production without some good mood-moving music? This was not a lullaby. The rain and the wind thrashed about a bit, but the lightning definitely played the lead part.

            Kristi Hall has entered into a business partnership with Tara Johnson, one that suits them both to a T. It is called Weddings and Wingdings, offering all wedding décor and catering. It isn't just for the marriage market because they will take on parties in general. The two don't have an official location because they run it out of their homes. They can be found on Facebook. Kristi's other half is Brett Hall, Tara's is Blake Johnson. They have been pretty busy this fall.

             The Mink Creek LDS Ward has a new Relief Society presidency. The President is Patti Christensen, her 1st Counselor Linda Christensen, 2nd counselor Anna Beth Olson and Secretary is ReNae Egley. The released president, Danita Wilcox, underwent hip surgery this past week.

            In an LDS meeting Sister Macy Jepsen shared some of her experiences in the Cambodia Phnom Penh mission. Macy is the daughter of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen. Her aunt Janna Musgrave and her children came up from Ogden for this occasion, as did her uncle, Kyle Jepsen from Dallas, TX. Another aunt, Sandy Checketts and family, drove over from Nampa, ID. Great uncle Lenard Nelson, now living in Idaho Falls, was there. The congregation was filled with friends from school and past employment.

            It is volleyball season in the Preston North Stake. Mink Creek has teams of youths participating, as well as some singles going for the fun and exercise of it with the co-ed adult games.

            Hunting season has been underway for those with archery skills and there has been reports of success. Nice sets of antlers, smiling hunters in camo. Won't be long before the rifle variety of season opens. In Mink Creek the sounds of gunfire echo off our mountainsides, up and down. A near miss makes for staccato booms.

          Fall plowing and planting is on our farmer's agenda. Those recent rains have been a boon to the new seeds in the ground.

Sept 29, 2015

             Another fall wedding in our village. This was Cody McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, being married to Kevyn Bruce, daughter of Brian and Tammy Bruce of Globe, AZ. They were married in the Bountiful Temple and the McKay family hosted an outdoor reception at their home on Station Creek Road the following evening, After several days of rain, the sun shone just right for the occasion.

              Larry and Mary Jean Rasmussen were happy to have a weekend visit from their son, JR. He and his wife, Elaine, and their two boys, William and Luke, drove up from Riverdale, UT, for good grandparent time, much to Mary Jean's delight.

             A new family have moved in, living in the home previously owned by Tammy and Nelson Coleman. They come to us from the San Diego area in California. The Mathis family consists of Ray and Mindy Mathis, plus Jessie and Mike Morris and their daughter Ella, and Jennie Mathis and Russell Sipes. Ray is a truck driver whose company is based in Smithfield, UT. The family has an online business, making and selling dog jackets. They have just finished getting their production room set up and are now pushing to fill orders. The company, Pittie Coats, constructs custom made jackets for their canine clients across the country.

              Julie Kunz and her daughter Kamry spent the weekend with her parents, Karen and Layne Erickson. It was a nice change from her pace at home in Ammon, ID.

              Lorraine Christensen has traveled back to Indiana, enjoying an unusual grandmother task. She accompanied a new baby granddaughter who will be adopted by her daughter Carrie Ann and Ken Melton. The family is excited over this important decision in their lives. They live in Lafayette.

              We had a beautiful night for viewing the red moon. As it came up over our eastern mountains the eclipse was already in progress. Interesting photos were reported up and down our valley. By the time it was all done and the full moon looking large and pale it was time for closing out the day.

               Jeff Knudson had a home full of family visitors for one weekend. His quiet time was shattered with all the activities of these guests.

                The Sheldon and Candy Longhurst family traveled to Parma, ID, to participate in  an open house for their recently married daughter Tiffany and her new husband, Spencer Wheeler.

Sept 22. 2015

             Fall rains are upon us, and, at present, we have some snow crowning our tallest mountains. The tree filled slopes around our community are becoming a mixture of orange, red, yellow and various shades of green. It is a pretty palette. With all the wetness farmers are happy to have their third crop of hay in their barns.

             One night recently, during a lightning storm, an ancient cottonwood came crashing down. The tree had been perched on the side of the Riverdale Canal bank for more than fifty years. It buckled as it dropped, narrowly missing power lines in its descent. Upon investigation this particular tree was rotten in the core. Branches were cast across Highway 36 as it fell.

           Alexis Iverson, daughter of Margret and Kurt Iverson, became the bride of Scott Strong this past week . Scott, son of Jeffrey and Deborah Strong, is from Spanish Fork, UT. The Iverson family celebrated the occasion with a reception at their home on Station Creek Road.

            The infant son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Lizzy) Greene was given a name and blessing recently. He was named Bently Jay Greene. Grandparents, Chad and Dawnell Greene of Mink Creek and Dale and Charity Wallentine of Franklin, witnessed the event, along with great grandparents, Marlene Christensen of Mink Creek, Ron and Thelma Womack from Franklin, Eydie and Reed Wallentine of Lewiston, UT, and Carol Bodily of Pocatello. Aunts and uncles came from Mink Creek, Franklin, and Preston.

            Sister Macy Jepsen has returned from her LDS mission to the Cambodia, Phnom Penh Mission. Her parents, Kerry and Melinda Jepsen, traveled to Cambodia to visit people and places where Macy had served in the days following her release from service.

            Local bow-hunters have been enjoying the opening of that hunting season. There are reports and pictures testifying to the success of their endeavors.

             Seems like all living things are preparing to batten down the hatches for the coming season.  That includes spiders, flies,  wasps, mice, etc. Grasshopper season is slowing down, but wasps are filling the vacated air space. Box elder bugs are starting to cling to the south side of our homes. Bits of spider web, floating through the air outdoors is apt to come at you unexpectedly. The minute a door is opened, a fly feels like it is an invitation to enter and bring his friends.

September 15, 2015

           Labor Day presented a big traffic load heading south on our main thoroughfare. Judging from the amount of trailers and RV's the campsites in our canyons and beyond must have been busy. Some visitors spent this weekend in our community. Fred and Victoria Christensen were with his parents, Royce and Lorraine. Howard and Colleen Hawkes were up from Utah with family at the Pearson Lodge. Jeff Knudson's place was overflowing with guests. The parking area by the Crane home was full. Keller Apartments were occupied.

             Mink Creek had lots of visitors for the wedding of Tiffany Longhurst and Spencer Wheeler. The weather was great for the outdoor reception at the Longhurst home. Spencer hails from Parma, ID and the couple plans to call Parma their future home.

            Our children are boarding yellow school buses of Preston School District, arriving early in the mornings, four days a week. Shelly Bray drives the bus picking up the larger percentage of Mink Creek kids, residents along Highway 36 and the northeast end of the village. Glen Smedley is at the wheel of the bus boarded by the youth from Station Creek, Bear Creek and on to Riverdale stops.

           Bishop Kurt and Margret Iverson's family has had two moments of recognition recently. Their son, Conner, was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. An older son, Andrew, was ordained to the office of a teacher in the LDS Ward.

           The Relief Society held an autumn social, inviting spouses and friends to a potluck supper. It was held on the grounds of the home of Raeone and Brad Stuart, the end of Mink Creek Road. A dark and stormy cloud moved in with a downpour for a few minutes. The large porch was perfect for a quick tucking in of all the tables and the night of visiting barely stopped.

           Sept 11 ^has come and gone., 14 years past. I would guess there were many reflective thoughts on that day of the changes that have come into our lives as citizens of this nation.

            Hearing the clamor of a flock of Canadian geese, I looked skyward, expecting to see the familiar V pattern headed south for the season. The V was there, though a little scraggly, but the birds were headed northeast. They must have been a local domesticated flock headed homeward to their pond, having made a visit in our area.

           A friend reported harvesting all her ready tomatoes and peppers, trying to stay ahead of a quick overnight freeze. So far that hasn't threatened, but will be advancing towards our gardens soon. For now anything left in the soil is well watered. We have had two days of unexpected rain.

Labor Day, 2015

            Our section of Highway 36 has been an active stretch lately. The Idaho State Highway crew has mowed the long grass and weed growth that borders the road on both sides. Thank you very much, that service is so helpful when we are trying to avoid collisions with our local wildlife as they cross the road, whenever and wherever they want to. There is serious work going on reconstructing the bridge that crosses our Mink Creek waterway, located close to the Mink Creek Ballpark. There is still quite a bit of work to be done and only one-lane traffic for a short distance. A stoplight has been set up, causing a 90 second delay that seems to bother some travelers, but we hope it will all be worth what aggravation has been caused when we have the final results.

            We express another bit of appreciation to the Franklin County Mosquito Abatement crew. The sound of their night-time visits brings a smile. The results in this part of the county have been great, a big reduction of the pesky critters. Evening outings are a high point of summer.

            Brooke Corbett earned three outstanding awards for her equestrian skills in our County Fair a couple of weeks ago. She and her horse are a great partnership.  She also had some awards for her showmanship with her sheep. Now she is looking forward to competing at the Eastern Idaho State Fair during Labor Day week.

             Lana and Ivan McCracken are happy to announce the birth of a new grandson. This little bundle is the first child of Maria and Devin Flake, of Saratoga Springs, UT. Lana and Ivan have spent some time enjoying the roll of Grandma and Grandpa..

            Jim and Debbie Harrison have been up from St. George, UT. We are pleased that they haven't given up on their residency in Mink Creek.

            A bit of chilly weather moved in. It was enough to brush some of the garden squash and pumpkin vines with some frost in the early hours one morning. Tomatoes are a main canning item right now and I have heard a few homemakers reporting that their green beans just won't quit.

            We have had wind and lightning bouncing about during evening hours. A couple of rainstorms have slowed up the final stages of our third crop hay harvest. The fields were mowed and then the raking and drying process had to be extended a little longer than had been planned.

             Labor Day was traditional for a farming community---a day of labor. Tractors and balers busy, gardens yielding their wares, early loads of firewood heading down the valley. There must have been a serious accident on our Highway 36 because the complete set of emergency vehicles went past my yard this afternoon. Hope all my readers had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day, however you chose to celebrate.

September 1, 2015

             Eldon and Danita Wilcox traveled to Toronto, Canada,to join with MaKenzie Wilcox Gunter, watching their son-in-law, Tyson Gunter, participate in the Parapan Am Games in various track events. This is an international event for paralympic athletes from North, Central, and South American countries. Tyson received a Silver medal in the men's long jump and qualified to compete in the World Championships this coming October.

            Austin Corbett, son of Shane and Sherrie Corbett, was ordained to the office of teacher in the LDS Ward. His grandparents, Craig and Vickie Golightly, were here to witness this event. Josh Greene, son of Chad and Dawnell Greene, and husband of Lizzy Wallentine, was ordained to the office of an elder. His parents, siblings and Lizzy's parents, Charity and Dale Wallentine of Franklin and other family members met for this occasion.

          Another missionary from Mink Creek is headed to the North Dakota, Bismarck, Mission. James Baird, son of LaRon and Liesa Baird will enter the MTC at Provo in early September. Aunts and uncles, cousins galore, from the Baird and Orton families gathered to hear his remarks in the LDS Ward.

          Kathy and Austin Jones have enjoyed a visit from four daughters over the past few weeks. Katrina Hadlock brought her four children from Montroxe, CO. Kayleen and Spencer Joshnson with little Xavier drove from Provo, UT. Karenina and Michael Bullock and their four children live in Eagle Mountain, UT. This bunch made visits to the fourth sister KayDee and her family in Lewiston, UT.

            Vernon Keller has had some early fall visitors. His son Kelton and Denise Keller and their daughter Mauri came up from Alpine, UT. A nephew, Curtis Keller and Kathy Keller drove over from Soda Springs, expanding the family gathering.

           As summer eases its way out all this coming and going is bound to slow down. Nothing like the beginning of school to anchor families.

           We have the college-age set, having been home for the summer, headed off educational or employment pursuits. Chris Wilde has found his way down to Ephriam, UT and college. Marco Crosland is home from Jerusalem studies and back at it in Provo at the Y. Tawni Hall is moving down to Logan, going to school at Bridgerland Tech. There were several of that age bracket that stayed in their college towns and only came home for an occasional visit during the last months.

            This might not be the usual newsworthy item, but I have had a bunch of black cows loose in my orchard twice in the last week. They are taking a toll on my apple crop, not to mention the unwelcome fertilizer they leave on exiting. I am still trying to locate the owner of these critters. Life in the country is great, but it has some challenges that city-dwellers never get.

August 25, 2015

          Spencer Wilde, son of Judy and David Wilde, reported on his mission in the LDS Ward. Spencer was assigned to serve in the South Dakota, Rapid City Mission when he began his two years of service. While there some new missions boundaries were formed and his area was included in the North Dakota, Bismarck Mission. A large group of family and friends were here to welcome him home. It has been four and a half years since the five members of the David Wilde family have been together. The three brothers, Aaron, Christopher and Spencer, have all served missions during that time, overlapping the time of entry and release.

            Leon and Katherine Noorda are finishing time in the Provo MTC , preparing to serve another humanitarian mission in Asian countries. This time they are going to Hanoi, Vietnam. Past mission experiences were in Indonesia and Thailand. They will be doing a Welfare Mission.

           Siblings and their families of Colleen Wilde gathered from near and far at the home of Warren and Colleen on Capitol Hill Rd. for a Lewis Family Reunion. Ann was unable to come but her sons represented her side. Bob and Renae Lewis came from Denver, CO. Benson and Julie Lewis live in Sandy, UT, Beth and Buddy Alford in Idaho Falls, Lynn and Steve Cherrington in Santaquin, UT. Lots of cousins attended, the group totaled fifty-five. One night the siblings met at the Bluebird Restaurant in Logan for dinner while the cousins chose Angie's Restaurant for their meal. Everyone enjoyed a hayride and lots of visiting, catching up on each other's lives.

           The County Fair has folded up. Participants have put away their ribbons and other rewards and can now start planning for what interests they might display next year. Even the livestock get a break, not more scrubbing baths, no more spiffing up to look perfect for the judges.

            The bicycling population is practicing on our Highway 36, getting ready for that Lotoja Race that takes place every fall, Logan to Jackson. This year it has been taken one step further with a highway sign down in Riverdale, lights flashing around the request. “Share the road with bicycles.”

I thought we already were.

             An extra blip on the above news about the Noordas heading to Vietnam. They started out fine and then ended up with a delay regarding their visas. They were marooned in California for a few days while things got straightened out. True to form, they found fun ways to fill the time, one was a Disneyland outing. The last message received was that they had arrived in Hanoi.

August 18, 2015

          The family of Shane and Sherrie Corbett have had some great down time down under. Their daughter Brooke flew to Australia in the middle of July. She participated in Downunder Basketball Camp. What a great opportunity! Her parents and brother Austin traveled down to share in the last few days of her visit. The sightseeing, the ocean, kangeroos, koala bears, and family fun were all part of a “once in a lifetime” experience for the Corbetts. A stop in Hawaii and Waikiki Beach was a bonus as they made their way back to Idaho and home.

            Claudine McKague, daughter of Bob and Claudia Erickson, made a spur of the moment decision to spend a few days here in Mink Creek, helping her parents get caught up on some summer chores. She lives in Vancouver, WA, and happened to be coming in this directions with a friend who needed to be in Utah for nearly a week.

           Mark and Karen Arnout hosted a little family reunion when all of their children got together at their place in Mink Creek. Lance and Tosha Arnout and their family came from Midway, UT. Kelly and Adam Jensen and their children live in Rockland, ID. Travis and Amber Arnout and their bunch drove up from Logan, UT. Dustie and Jessica Arnout are from Saratoga Springs, UT. Mark and Karen have been up in Montana at an art show in Whitefish, displaying the metal art they create in the family business. It is a long drive, but beautiful scenery.

           A Wheel Ride scheduled in the community was enjoyed, in spite of the inclement weather. Royce Christensen organized the event. The terrain was back country and the outfits for transportation were chosen accordingly. It was damp, a bit muddy, but still fun for those who participated.

            Our skies are smoke filled, hazy , blocking our usual view of our beautiful mountains. The smoke is traveling with the winds from the western part of Idaho, coming many miles, smudging the world around us. Thus far we have no fires near us as the season's drying takes place.

            With school days coming up fast our community is having less visitors. The home of Tracy and Michelle Gibbs was full to overflowing a couple of weeks ago.

           Lana Baird McCracken drove down to Orem, UT, to take part in a baby shower for her daughter, Maria Flake. This will be Maria and Devin Flake's first child so the excitement is high.

August 11, 2015

         Rodeo weekend and the high school class reunions are the reason for a number of visitors as August gets underway. Jacob and Ranette Free and their two children drove over from Pinedale, WY, to shelp with rodeo parade preparations at his dad's ranch. Richard and Vickie Free raise Paso de Fino horses and enjoy the parade ride.

         The five children of Freemon and Ada Jepsen all gathered together at their parents home, the first time they have all been able to make it for many years, Bruce Jepsen, Dan Jepsen. Marilyn Godfrey, JoAnn Auger and Glen Jepsen, plus all their spouses, had a great time reminiscing about their growing up years on the farm. Although the siblings are now scattered they have kept an interest in their parents home,

        Karen and Layne Erickson enjoyed a visit from their yongest daughter, Connie and her husband Adam Westenskow. Connie and Adam live in Logan

          Three young adult of our community are making marriage plans for this fall. Tiffany Longhurst, daughter of Sheldon and Candy, has an August date with Spencer Wheeler of Parma, ID. Alexis Iverson, daughter of Kurt and Margret Iverson, and Scott Strong of Spanish Fork, UT, will wed in September. Cody McKay, son of Paul a d Terrie McKay, has also chosen September for a wedding date with Kevyn Bruce of Globe, AZ.

        Two young men with recent birthdays were ordained to the office of priest in the LDS Ward. Ben Seamons is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, Andy McKay, the son of of Paul and Terrie McKay.

         Terry and Hayes Carr and family came up from Utah to visit with her parents, Mary Jean and Larry Rasmussen. Carrie and Ken Melton and their two boys are visiting her parents, Lorraine and Royce Christensen The Melton family lives in Indiana.

        We are having a day here and there where it is feeling like Fall is on its way. It seems a bit early but then this whole year has been on a tipped schedule. Due to frequent rainstorms the countryside still looks fairly green, as though the dryness of harvest is being held at bay.

          Last week sent a couple of storms that had our streets serving as swift waterways as the heavy rain made its way down to the creeks, flowing to the mouth of Mink Creek where it empties into Bear River. There was thunder and lightening popping about, but no reports of damage as a result.

August 4, 2015

             There has been some Christensen Family Reunions around here. That surname covers a large group connected with this community, sufficient to have smaller batches getting together. I know of one taking place in Preston, another out our way.

            Eldon and Danita Wilcox were able to gather all of their children and families together for some summer fun. Three of them live in Utah: Elise and Jeff Hardy in North Ogden, Brittany and Matt Durrant in Salt Lake City, Ami and Tom Fenton in Tooele. Lesli and David Evans live in Savannah, TX. The rest are in Idaho: MaKenzie and Tyson Gunter in Pocatello, Brigham and Jennifer Wilcox in Idaho Falls, Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox here in Mink Creek.

           Jesse Wilcox was sustained in the LDS Ward as the ward clerk this past week. He replaces Nelson Coleman who is moving to Thatcher.

          Wynn and Cecelie Costley have had several weeks of grandparent fun. Hannah and Spencer Singleton brought their children for a lengthy summer stay. Their home is in Arkansas. Hannah's siblings thay live a bit closer to Mink Creek brought their families up and there was some great cousin hours enjoyed

           The Young Women held their summer camp near Rexburg, ID. Thirteen girls participated with five leaders: Laurel Wilde, Candy Longhurst, Tiffany Longhurst, Terrie McKay and Melinda Jepsen.

Activities included a long hike, a rope course, a trip to the Rexburg LDS Temple, and water fun at Camp Takedown.

          Melissa Colvin and her children have been staying for a few weeks with her folks, Joann and Drew Ford. The Colvin family is in the middle of a move from their home in Nebraska with a job change that will take them to Iowa. This makes for an even greater distance when it comes to family visits.

           Summer apples are falling from the tree branches. If the tree happens to be domesticated, and the apples are sliced with the lawn mower, bees and wasps gather for a sweet feast. It behooves a person to keep that in mind when traipsing through the grass. A sweet sting still hurts!

          The Famous Preston Night Rodeo weekend brought home lots of people and their friends. More details will follow in next week's blog.

            Franklin County Fair commences next week. Day One is Aug 10^th and children and parents are finishing up those last bits and pieces of projects to enter. 4H leaders have their hands full, especially if they are both leader and parent. It is scramble time!

July 28, 2015

            The Mink Creek Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints held a Ward Conference this month. The presidency and stake officers of the Preston North Stake attended, with Pres. Dax Keller presiding. The stake auxiliary officers presented information and instruction in their corresponding sessions. The Mink Creek Primary children sang “Gethsamane,” a selection that touched all in the congregation.

             The family of Laural and Jody Janke went on vacation time to the midwest. En route they stopped at places of historical interest. In Nauvoo, IL, they connected with friends from Richmond, UT, Hal and Leslie Briggs and discovered new things that they had in common. Most of their days were spent in the area around Ottawa, IL, where Jody's family has roots, with his brother and sister's families.

            Charles Iverson, son of Bishop Kurt and Margret Iverson, was ordained to the office of a deacon as he graduated from Primary. He also earned the Faith in God award.

            Linda Shewmaker and Sheryl May, sisters of Bruce Crane, came down from their homes near Burley, ID. They try to have this family time in Mink Creek at least once a year at the Crane Cabin on Birch Creek not far from where they spent their early years.

            We have a couple of houses that are in various stages of completion. Kerry and Lacey Christesnsen are doing some expanding on their home on Birch Creek road. Kerry is spending a lot of after work hours wearing a carpenter apron with his hammer handy. A new home is going up on Barley Hill, tucked around a corner off Station Creek Road. It belongs to Jeff and Deborah Olson. One of these first days they will move into the neighborhood. Jeff's Mink Creek roots run deep.

           Temperatures plummeted yesterday, down into the 40s. A big wind swept up our valley, ahead of a lengthy rainstorm. No freezes reported thus far. Our weather has been abnormal ever since last winter.

             People have been picking huckleberries in our canyons. What chokecherries there are will be ready soon. A spring that was full of blossoms has turned into a summer that is nearly bare of berries in the lower area of Mink Creek. I am guessing it is similar traveling east.

           I had surgery on my right hand last week and am bandaged up for a couple of weeks.  Please endure my left-handed endeavor to keep up with my writing assignments. 

Between the hand and the brain it is a challenge.

July 21, 2015

             A Boy Scout Court of Honor recently celebrated three young men receiving their Eagle rank. They are Andy McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, Ty Beardall, son of Kent and Tammy Beardall, and Sam Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons. Their Eagle projects were quite individual. Andy constructed a sign for at the junction of Station Creek and Glencoe roads. Ty built a fence on the 1^st base line at the Adam Beardall Field of the Preston High School Baseball complex. Sam designed and built frames for cast displays used at the Worm Creek Opera House.

           Keith Crane, born and raised in Mink Creek, started his family on Two Creek Ranch, then moved them to Burley, ID, for the finishing up years. He was laid to rest at 90 years of age in the Mink Creek Cemetery last week. His wife, Ramona and children RoZann, Lisa, Gilbert, Tracy and Kelly, plus more family and friends gathered for this occasion. Quoting one of his nieces, “there was a whole flock of Cranes” all together. The combined Relief Societies of the Burley 3^rd and Mink Creek Wards provided lunch following the graveside services.

           Seminary certificates were awarded to youth of the LDS Ward. James Baird, Ty Beardall, Brooke Corbett, Angelo and Celina Crosland, Claire Jepsen, McKinley Longhurst, Andy McKay, River McKay, Ben and Sam Seamons, Austin Straight, Chris Wilkerson and Travis Greene received certificates and both McKinley and River lettered as well.

          Bill and Myrna Despain drove to Lovell, WY, to attend their 60^th high school class reunion. On their return they hosted the Despain Family Reunion. Around twenty family guests came from three states: Montana, South Carolina, and Idaho.

          Tammy and Nelson Coleman have sold their Mink Creek home. The move won't be too far away. Tammy grew up in Grace, ID, and the Colemans will be living in Thatcher while building a home nearby. This couple will be sorely missed, but Tammy's family are happy to have them closer.

           Our gardens are doing well. I had three yellow crookneck squash from an anonymous donor today. I felt good about picking my first couple of cucumbers from my few vines and then one of my green thumb friends tells me she has sufficient to start doing dill pickles. For those readers who are interested I predict a good crop of chokecherries this year. They are not close to harvest day, but they are plentiful. Just remember that the local bird population keeps a close eye on their degree of ripeness, and will be ready to feast when the berries are perfect. Anything that is a berry or cherry they gobble right up.