February 16, 2016

            The youth of Mink Creek spent several hours on ice one evening, skating at the Longhurst Rink. It was a night of 10 degree temperatures and activities encouraging moving about were uppermost. Hockey sticks provided some extra motivation. The Beehive class were in charge of this event and provided refreshments of rice krispie treats and hot cocoa. The music wafting out from the warming shed sounded throughout the neighborhood.

            Devin and Maria Flake and their son spent a weekend with her parents, Lana and Ivan McCracken. Then it was back home to life in Saratoga Springs, UT.

           It is lambing time for those in our community who raise sheep. This year's season has been a hard one for all concerned: the ewes, the newborn lambs and the rancher who needs to keep an eye on the proceedings 24/7. It helps to have the lambing sheds and the warmth they can offer from the freezing weather. As with the birth of any living creature it is not an easy task and often requires some human assistance.

           Greg and Brenda Belew are in a staggered process of moving from our community. Staggered, because Greg is already working in law enforcement in St. Anthony, ID, with the city police department. Brenda is tying up the loose ends here and will be joining him shortly. The Barber place where they have been working has been sold.

           Anyone getting tired of coping with February weather, maybe winter in general? It has been a very long time since we have had such a depth of snow overall that has stayed. Now, with the melting then freezing, we have that sheet of ice underfoot to make all movement perilous. Ice skating is only fun when you volunteer and are equipped. What we have had this past week only makes for frazzled nerves.

           Then to add even more threat a storm moved in with snow, followed by rain. In Mink Creek that makes for icy slopes to walk upon. Our flat ground is very limited. Most readers will be familiar with the old adage stating all Mink Creekers have one leg shorter than the other due to walking the hillsides.

           These conditions can be a challenge with machinery as well. A neighbor had his tractor slipping, bit by bit, down toward a drop-off into the creek waters below. He had to call for help and a bigger tractor to pull all things to safety before the icy slope took charge completely. Yes, good fences make good neighbors, as the poem goes, but having the tractor savvy is a big plus in these moments.