Last of December, 2016

             With the chill of winter upon us it is noted that we have a number of new beards sprouting on the handsome faces of some of our menfolk. At a recent community gathering nine beards were in evidence, coming along nicely. One of these gentlemen commented that the biggest accomplishment to cultivating a beard was that of “getting it past the itchy stage.” Chances are, their wives feel the same way.

            The couple who purchased Sharon Moran's home, Chris and Christine Mueller, are getting their first taste of Mink Creek's winter. Sharon, in the meantime, has been enjoying her new life in Washington state, sharing pictures of the wonderful produce she has been able to grow this summer. She and her son, Willie Moran, drove back to Idaho to celebrate Christmas with her family in the Pocatello area.

            Kathy Jarvis is back home after having some serious surgery on her foot. She has been recuperating in Utah for several weeks and glad to be back in her own house. Her husband, Joe, is doing well after his knee surgery that took place not too long before Kathy's appointment.

            Our college-age population is coming home for their break from studies. Some are here full-time. Others who have jobs in Logan along with their USU student status are close enough to travel back and forth and still be gainfully employed.

            The youth of the community loaded onto hay wagons and went caroling, singing Christmas songs at the doors of homes. It was cold enough that their stops were a bit limited, mainly just around the center of our village. Blankets and warm layers of clothing were helpful, but their faces still felt the freezing temperatures. They were happy to head back to the meetinghouse, knowing that cups of hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls waited for their return.

           Snow began to arrive the evening of December 23. More came our way on Christmas Eve. Our dreaming of a white Christmas came to pass. The ice is still under the snow and our awareness is heightened, but the snow is welcome, not only because of the moisture it brings, but because of the wonderful feeling that comes. No complaints about shoveling just yet. Today, second day after Christmas, the temperatures have dropped again and it has been bitter cold.

            New Year's is a few days away, 2017. The positive approach will be good for starters. May it be a good year for all of us. Thank you for your continued reading support, feel free to make comments.