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!