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.