Boxing Day, Mink Creek, 2017

           Time to take a big breath, it is December 26. Perhaps that is how the Briisht holiday of Boxing Day came into being.I talked my husband into exchanging one of the gifts I gave him.  Felt it was my duty on Boxing Day, my grandmother would be proud.  Even put a few gifts away.

          The FedEx delivery vans and the UPS trucks, along with the daily mailmen/women, are busy outfits this time of year. They are getting a bit ahead of Santa, and rightfully so, since his delivery day is still a few days hence and he is rather dependent on their efficiency.

           Jackie and Wayne Olsen combined with their daughter, Donnell Owen, to perform a beautiful accappella trio for the LDS Ward. Their selection was “Far, Far Away on Judea's Plains.”

          Kelton and Denise Keller and their daughter Mauri, were in Mink Creek for a weekend. They live in Alpine, UT, and travel this way often to spend time with Kelton's dad, Vernon Keller.

          Nancy and Kevin Alder put in an appearance at their Mink Creek digs. They travel considerably and split time between adventures, Utah, and Idaho.

           Josh and Lizzy Greene and their boys, Bently and Oaklan, took a break from their new location in North Dakota for a visit back in the old stomping grounds. Josh's parents are Chad and Dawnell Greene of Mink Creek. Lizzy's parents are Thelma and Ron Womack of Franklin, ID.

             Peter and Gretchen Haws and some of their family came up from the fires and smoke in southern California for a breath of clean Mink Creek air. Several of the Peter's family, parents and siblings, who spend considerable time in Mink Creek have homes in and around Santa Barbara and as a community we have been concerned as to their welfare. This family has been connected to Mink Creek for over fifty years.

             Anyone need a turkey, or perhaps a hundred of them? Or more? Between Mink Creek and Riverdale there are huge flocks feeding in empty fields. We are glad they take to the trees to roost at night, reducing the chance of crashing into one in the darkness. During daylight hours they parade about at will, drivers beware, as the big birds choose to cross the highway whenever the notion strikes them.

            We have had a White Christmas. The first storm brought in about six inches, the persistent one on Christmas even delivered around another six. A good start for the winter season. Winter sports enthusiasts are smiling this week!

            Ross Wilde checked out the winter fishing conditions around the Blackfoot Reservoir and then toured the Chesterfield area. This man loves to fish, weather is no barrier.

December 19, 2017

           December is certainly underway in Mink Creek. The Relief Society enjoyed a Christmas Dinner, held in the decorated multipurpose room of the LDS meeting house. This was a full-fledged Christmas dinner, with all the extras. Dana Olson was the chief chef of the preparations with assistance from several others. A reader's theatre, written by AnnaBeth Olson was part of the program. Musical numbers were a trio from Emma, Kate and Annie Rasmussen and a duet featuring McKinley and Emily Longhurst. Those attending sang several carols to celebrate the coming season.

           The community met on a frosty Saturday morning to have a holiday breakfast, prepared outdoors by Forreset Christensen, LaRon Baird, Clare Christensen, Pedro Gomez, Doug Bruderer, Royce Christensen, Mario Crosland and Kim Keller. The menu included mounds of scrambled eggs, sausage patties, ham, hashbrowns and pancakes swimming in syrup. A good crowd attended. Crafts kept the children busy following the meal as they waited for the arrival of Santa. A program featured some stories. One, told by Lana McCracken was The Candle in the Window and was illustrated through a video for the entertainment of the listener. Another, told by Paul McKay, was about an old man who had been a boxer in his youth, now dying with a huge debt to leave behind. With no training, no practices, a final match was arranged, the old boxer was declared the winner and receiving the prize money was able to pay his debts before his passing. A gift to leave for those he loved. Songs were sung by the audience as Santa entered the recreation hall and began interacting with the waiting children. The traditional bag of nuts and candy, along with a cute felt Christmas mouse decoration was sent home as the group parted for the day.

            Greenlee Christensen, daughter of Lacey and Kerry Christensen, was recently baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is the 'newest' member of the Mink Creek Ward.

             The Relief Society leadership has had a bit of a shakeup. ReNae Egley is the new second counselor and Annavelyn Wilcox is the secretary. Patti Christensen as president and Anna Beth Olson as first counselor remain the same.

              Thus far we don't have much in the way of snow. The little we have had is still in evidence because the bitter cold has prevented much melting. The heavy nightly frost contributes much in the way of glittering crystals all over, as though some giant as just broadcast a handful of diamonds in our direction.

            There is gruesome evidence that a couple of deer met their demise during a night this past week. The highway was thoroughly bloodied in two separate spots between milepost 7 and the lower Bear River bridge in Riverdale.

            The power company has installed a new bulb in the farmyard light at the intersection near milepost 6. The light has been going off and on every three minutes for the last two or three months.

Even the wildlife that live in the neighborhood must have been confused by this erratic behavior.

December 13, 2017

My apologies to any who read this who were looking for last weeks entry.  I did make one, honest I did---but I, not paying attention, posted it on my other blog and didn't realize that until today.  Here is this week's version.  Rest assured that you likely didn't miss much.  I could transfer that one if anyone is interested---just comment to that affect and I will oblige.

         A new bridge across Mink Creek has been installed on the old Ervin/MelRoy Larsen place. The current owners are Johnny and Jeannine Iverson, but they lease the farm to Dennis Clark.The bridge has been a need for quite awhile, particularly for any heavy vehicles. A group of workers and kibitzers gathered with tractors, backhoes and such other necessary equipment to lay the heavy I beams across the gap. A good job to have done and passage to the far side will be much safer.

           Kent and ReNae Egley have been vacationing in Mexico during November. Oh, the fun they had: ocean fishing, checking out the sharks, a camel safari. It was great weather, shared with great people and felt like a life of luxury.

           Richard and Vickie Free enjoyed the warmer weather for a few days in Florida when they went down with their son, Brandon and Heather Hodge and their family from Bountiful, UT. In Orlando the grandchildren and the Animal Kingdom and Epcot center were a great combination. The Free's have been having quite a bit of family time lately. Their son Jacob and Ranette Free of Pindale, WY, brought their children over for a weekend stay.

          Loren and Ken Nash and family were up for the holiday at the Haws family retreat. It was a nice break from their home in Solvang, CA. Theh cold hadn't settled in at that time.

Brooke Corbett, recently returned from an LDS Mission to the Argentina, Resistencia, Mission spoke in the Mink Creek Ward. Family from both the Corbett side and the Golightly side, along with friends gathered to listen as she shared her experiences.

           Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen spent the latter part of November in Canada with the family of their daughter Jill. It was fun for them to be able to be part of the grandchildren's activities. It was worth enduring the bitter cold that engulfed the area while they were there.

           Another couple soaking up Florida sunshine was Patti and Forest Christensen. They traveled there to spend time with Patti's son and his family. She claims there is nothing quite like warm water and a beach with a beautiful ocean stretching to the horizon, particularly during Idaho's cold season.

           Austin and Kathy Jones have been over for visits several times. They now reside on the border area between Thatcher and Treasureton, making for easier walking than the hills of Mink Creek.

           It is 'foggy days in Preston town', but we have not been so afflicted thus far. We have a little lying low in the dawn moments, but it recedes. We can see, down in the valley, a long layer of white that often is there most of the days. Our days have been sunny and bright, cold and crisp. We know from experience that the mists will make their way to us for longer periods of time. Unless, that is the word, unless, we get a good storm to blow things out. It is our hope this second week of December.

After the Ball is Over, 2017

          Turkey Ball that is.  I am a bit behind with trying to get my surroundings back to normal after the big family gathering. Feeling extremely grateful for my modern washing machine and dryer.

          The Baird and McCracken families enjoyed one of those accidental reunions. Tamara Baird Taylor & her children of Woods Cross, UT, and Maria Baird Flake, with hhusband Devin Flake and son Jude, of Saratoga Springs, UT, dropped in for a visit with Lana (Baird) and Ivan McCracken. At the same time, the daughter of LaRon and Liesa Baird, Juliana & Blaine Packer and their two children were here to spend some time with her parents, LaRon being the son of Lana Baird. One of those nice coincidences that put them all in Mink Creek on the same days.

          The family of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons took a trip to Cedar City, UT, to attend one of the tours for the open house of the Cedar City LDS Temple. Joe and Kathy Jarvis, Jennifer's parents accompanied them.This was a much awaited event for them as they had lived in Cedar City for years prior to moving to Mink Creek.

           Women of the Relief Society enjoyed a Quilting Service Day recently. They gathered at the LDS Meetinghouse to assist in tying a quilt for Kristi Torfin Hall. A light luncheon was served to those attending and applying their needle skills.

           Men of the community showed up with hammers and working gloves in hand to help in roofing the home of Craig and Elaine Larsen. The home is located on the shores of Birch Creek and the service project was well received with no injuries reported.

           Our local wildlife are totally comfortable with our presence. The deer come close to the homes, eating frozen garden tidbits and flowers. They are thorough pruners often to the demise of the perennial plant or the breaking of branches.

            The Christmas tree parade goes right down our main street. The mix of license plates is probably 75 % Utah, 25% Idaho. No wonder the local providers claims they are all out of permits to cut your own live tree. Vehicle after vehicle drive by, with a chosen tree attached in some way. Many trees ride, tied down to the top, others are hauled in the back of a pickup or on a short trailer, all destined to be festooned with lights and baubles before many days have passed.

           Mink Creek had lots of guests over the Thanksgiving weekend. College kids were home. Several residences were bulging at the seams. From the sounds of things we all fared fairly well, no injuries, no illnesses. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect day as far as weather was concerned. The Salt Lake news stated it was the warmest Thanksgiving day since 1907. That is a lot of weather records to check out. Hope your day was all you hoped for.

Pre-Thanksgiving, 2017

Happy get-ready-for-Thanksgiving Days, plural, because this day doesn't just happen overnight.  May it be a day to reflect on the many blessings in your lives, large and small.  Those small and simple things mean so much in our day to day living.         

           Kent and ReNae Egley spent several days on the east coast. This is not their first visit to this part of the nation and they were able to take in some of the spots that they have missed before. They enjoyed both tourist and historical sites of Virginia, particularly in Williamsburg and Jamestown, getting a feel of the early settlers that claimed those regions.

            The Robert Crosland family took themselves northward to Blackfoot, ID. They were there for the baptism of a grandson, Anthony Crosland, Giovanni and Kristine Crosland's eldest child.

            Lori Muldner is back with us after several weeks down south. She has been “on the road” seeing family and friends A son and a brother live in Arizona. In Texas her visits were scattered with a daughter and grandchildren in various communities: Monahan, Springtown, Azel, Waco, Goldthwaite. She shared memories with family and friends from her days as a cattle-truck driver in that area. For some it has been years of absence. Lori attended a Christian Conference in Ft. Worth and made new friends at that event. She moved on into Colorado with her youngest son living in the Denver area, before heading across Wyoming back to Idaho and Mink Creek.

          Ryan Egley, young son of Jared and Juli Egley was baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the first part of this month. This rite took place at the Preston North Stakehouse in Preston and he was announced the newest member in the Mink Creek Ward the next day.

            Andy McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, entered the Mission Training Center in Provo this week. He spoke in the Mink Creek LDS Ward, recalling a motorcycle accident at age 13 that nearly took his life. His siblings, Cody and Kevyn McKay and Morgan and Eli Curtis drove up from Logan, UT, for the occasion. Other out-of-town family gathering were: Connie and Adam Westenskow of Woods Cross, UT, Todd and Julie Kunz and children from Idaho Falls, Bryan and Shannon Erickson and sons of Wellsville, UT, Carla and Mark Nielsen and Aidan of American Fork, UT, River McKay of Logan, UT. Jay and Christen Curtis of Wellsville, UT.

           With the cessation of Daylight Savings Time there has been adjusting to the lighter mornings for children getting on the school buses and bread-winners heading out to jobs. It is harder to adjust to the earlier darkness and often it finds us with little time to take care of outside labor before it is too dark to do much.

           Everyone is gearing up for the Thanksgiving holiday and from occasional conversational tidbits overheard it seems that the population of Mink Creek will increase considerably over the next day or so. A temporary situation and many of those visiting are looking forward to being able to claim drinking rights to Mink Creek water. It is a popular beverage for anyone who has set up residency in their past.

            We have turkeys galore with the lower temperatures, not the variety for eating. These would make a rather tough chew on any Thanksgiving menu. In some fields there appears to be more than 500 critters, digging and scratching in the left over stubble.

November 14, 2017

           First staying snow of the year, November 4^th. It went from rain, to sleet, to snow, covering all the way down to our beautiful creek that marks the base of our valley. A bit of melt and snow off and on during the week, fitting for the month. November early morning fog hangs in the dips and hollows, challenging the early commute to work.

             The Mink Creek Ward was the location of the recent blessing and naming of the little son of Jacob and Mallory Linderman who live in Nampa, ID. The guest of honor was named Canyon Jacob Linderman. Grandparents on both sides have Mink Creek connections which brought them here for this event. Lin and Sharla McKay claim Mallory, while Dan and Pam Keller stand behind Jacob. McKay family gathering for this occasion were: River McKay of Logan, Payton and Judith Newby and children Xander and Declan of Springville,UT., Josh and Sarah Newby and their boys Gage and Nash of Farmington, UT, Terrance and Rachel McKay and Braxton of Rigby, ID. Coming from the Linderman side of the family were Dan and Pam of Preston, Jason and Cherone Linderman and children, Jeff and Amy Keller and family, Tara and Brian Watson and their children, Ashley Boehme and her children, Justin and Georgia Keller, Elise and Kade Cox, Tami and Tyler Gaumer. This group hails from a variety of  Idaho places: Preston, Franklin, Oxford, Boise and Idaho Falls. Jacob and Mallory were the family who came from the longest distance and everyone was excited to see this new addition to the family tree.

           Another infant blessing with Mink Creek connections was that of Silas Reaugh Cowgill, the son of Mitch and Cheryl Cowgill of Logan. Silas arrived a bit earlier than scheduled but all is well. Cheryl is the daughter of Craig and Elaine Larsen of Mink Creek and the late Marge Larsen.

            Sarah McGregor Spencer Westerberg, passed away Oct 30, in Cedar City, UT, where she has lived with her daughter, Judy and Ervin Larsen, during the last few years. She had turned 97 on her last birthday in June. Most of her adult life was spent among the hills of Station Creek, part of the Mink Creek community. Born in Perry, ID, Sarah was a World War II bride and then a widow when her husband Ben Spencer was killed in a battle over the Pacific Ocean. She later married Charles Vernon Westerberg of Mink Creek. Her burial was in the Grace, ID, cemetery on a snowy Nov 4, 2017.

           Squirrels, badgers, wild cats, etc. a bit scarce with the approach of winter and the snow. Deer and turkeys are enjoying the gleanings off of the empty hay and grain fields. Sometimes they have their own little area exclusive, other times it is a deer/turkey mix, chomping in the same spot. There have been a couple of deer fatalities on the highway the past week. The mantra in Mink Creek is “Watch out for deer!”

November 8, 2017

          Recent winds have denuded our trees and the earth is covered with a mixture of crisping yellow, bright green, dull orange and purple leaves, making a rather beautiful mosaic if one is so inclined. The beauty is appreciated, however the efforts of raking and dealing with these bits is daunting to all homeowners.

          Mike Jepsen ,his son Jared, and Jared's son JJ, along with Reed Swann and his son Charlie,went with some friends from California for a week of pheasant hunting in South Dakota. It took place on an Indian Reservation. joined a hunting party to check out the possibilities of South Dakota. Jaren Jepsen lives in West Point, UT, and Charlie Swann lives in Lewiston, UT, so both were close enough to enjoy this time with their fathers.

         The Primary children presented their annual program in the LDS Ward. Their theme this year was Choose the Right. The talks and songs are always ones that touch the hearts of those listening in the congregation and that includes the smiles, waves and shenanigans. The Primary President is Juli Egley and the chorister is Candy Longhurst.

          Callie and Shawn Beardall and their four children were up from Spanish Fork, UT, to hunt with his family, Kent and Tammy Beardall. This year Shawn's oldest, Braxton could do more than 'tag along' so it was an exciting year for the whole family.

          Jeannine Iverson is “coming along nicely” after her surgery some weeks ago. For the first four weeks of her recovery at home she and her husband, Johnny, were assisted by week long visits from their four daughters: Rebecca from Washougal, WA, Cherie of Rural Retrea, VA, Teresa of Greeley, CO, and Christine of Roseville, CA. It helped immensely and Jeannine is now able to resume two of her favorite pursuits, Family History work and sewing. She is grateful for the physical therapy program that is now an important part of her life.

           Doug Bruderer's father, Delbert Bruderer of Garland, U , was here for a day or two with Doug and Beverly. They managed to get in a little hunting time.

            Christine Olson and her children drove up from St. George, UT, to spend some time with AnnaBeth and Jimmie Olson.

           Grandma Phee Crosland traveled to Colorado Springs, CO when she received word of the arrival of a new baby in the family of Arianna and Ben Hostetter. This little girl was born October 24 and will be named Makayla. She was 7 lb, 9 oz, and 19.5 inches in length. All doing well.

           Snow on the valley floor has arrived, each morning is more than frosty, though it does warm up a bit during the day. If the sun doesn't reach an area in the shadows, those areas have maintained their mantle of white. Hunting seasons have closed, there is a feeling of quiet. Already the State Highway snow plows are going up the canyon to Strawberry Springs and beyond.

November 1, 2017

           The thankful month, I like it.  Just knowing that Thanksgiving is coming up is a reminder of the many things in my life for which I am grateful, big and small.

           The turkeys have moved back into the community with the coming of fall. Beware of them crossing the highway as you travel about, they own the right-of-way. Geese, on the other hand, are making preparations for the long flight south and from the sounds one hears, they are squabbling about who gets to ride point.

           Much of the once beautiful leaves have crisped and fallen, leaving rattling, bare branches overhead and crunchy paths below. Colors with whatever is left are very muted, other than the forest green of our evergreens and the bright yellow of the trembling aspen leaves before they too drop underfoot.

           A local foursome took a fall trip to Washington DC. Phee and Robert Crosland and Richard and Vickie Free have anticipated this week to be spent with the Crosland's son, Armando, who has been employed in DC for several years. They planned to have Armando as perfect tour guide but things don't always work out the way one plans. Armando's job took him to Armenia on a government project during the same scheduled days as their arrival. Minus their guide they enjoyed getting acquainted with our nation's capitol city, particularly the many museums that are available.

             Dennis and Judy Clark have been in Nampa, ID, attending the National Bull Riding Finals. The sport of rodeo has flown in Denny's blood from his youth onward so this was a great way to have some vacation time from his farming activities.

          There has been a seasonal pumpkin shoot at the park on Vernon Keller's farm for his friends and family. Pumpkins provide a fair sized target and things get pretty messy when the well-placed bullet connects.

          The Mink Creek Ward Choir, under the direction of Jennifer Seamons, presented a special musical number, “One By One,” at the recent High Priests gathering at the Preston North Stake. The soloist was Johnny Iverson, currently a student at BYU-Idaho. Children of the Mink Creek Ward Primary also participated, singing a verse of the song. Accompanying was Judy Wilde and Kathy Jarvis. Also featured in the number were the Seamons Strings, comprised of the sons of Jeff and Jennifer, plus Christopher Wilde on cello. This may have been a final performance for the instrumentalists as they are growing up, off on missions, attending college and moving on in different directions.

           It has been a gusty day today. The wind is working to strip whatever leaves have been stubborn enough to cling to the deciduous branches. Any flags in the vicinity are flying parallel to the earth in whatever direction the wind chooses. The sky has been rather foreboding all day long. Perhaps this is suitable for the day following Halloween.

October 24, 2017

         The local deer cleanup crews are overdoing things. One resident went out to harvest her fall grape crop, only to find the grapes had disappeared as a deer feast. There went  her visions of grape juice, grape jelly and grape syrup. We have reports of bites taken out of squash, pumpkins, tomatoes. The critters are also hard on flower beds. The petunias that have survived the frost are evidently an entre on the deer menu.

            Garden spaces are becoming bare as they get cleaned off. It is time for the age old preparation for the coming colder months. Root cellars,bottles and jars, bags and freezers are getting their final fill of the season's growth.

           John Garr reports that his mother, Bobby Garr, has survived the cancer treatment she has been enduring this past summer in California. She is now declared cancer-free by her oncologists. We have missed having George and Bobby with us for several months and are delighted at receiving such positive news.

          It was a big day in the life of the Jeff Seamons family. Samuel Seamons, the son of Jeff and Jennifer, spoke in the LDS Ward prior to leaving to spend a few weeks at the Missionary Training Center in Provo before departing to the Philippines, Legazpi, Mission. This same family had a younger son, David, ordained to the office of a priest on the same day. Extended family members who gathered for the occasion were many: The family of Randolph and Janelle Seamons of Riverdale, ID, the family of Rebecca S. Liechty and family of Tremonton, UT. Andrea Haehnel, currently going to USU, represented the family of Jeff's sister Catharine. On Jennifer's side of the family were her siblings Mary Erasmus and family of Draper, UT, and Jamon Jarvis and family of Springville, UT. Both sets of Samuel's grandparents live in Mink Creek, Catharine and Scott Seamons and Kathy and Joe Jarvis.

            Pedro and Avery Gomez are happy to have a new granddaughter. Their daughter Nicole and Matt Van Buren brought their tiny girl to Mink Creek for her baby blessing by grandfather Pedro. The name she was given is Taylor Emery Van Buren. Welcoming relatives attending this event were great-grandmother Beverly Bruderer and Lacey and Kerry Christensen of Mink Creek, grandparents Joe and Denise Hardy of Thatcher, ID, Matt's siblings Sydney, Wyatt and Paige and two aunts, Donna and Lauralee.

         The Young Womens program of the LDS Ward has new leaders. Cecelie Costley is the new Young Womens president and Terrie McKay and Wendy Westerberg will be serving as her counselors.

           Julie and Jeff Workman enjoyed their UEA days at their Mink Creek home. Each time they come they find it harder to go back to their real lives down in Utah. Welcome to the Mink Creek fan club, glad to have them on board.

           As soon as the sun sets behind our western peaks the chill sets in on a daily basis. People are busy laying up a store of firewood judging by the pickup and trailer loads that go zipping down our main drag on their way south. The sounds of chainsaws compete with the gunfire accompanying deer season.

October 17, 2017

          Besides the colored leaves there is another sign of the arrival of fall. Farmers chopping corn fields. There is sympathy felt for those farmers down in valley of Franklin County who still have fields of corn to be chopped. The weather cooperated for a time, the stalks were at their peak for chopping, the machines moved in and the chopping got underway and then the rains fell, and fell some more. Wet stalks, muddy ground. At present time there are many fields still standing, looking for a finished job. Some are now being labeled “Corn Maze” and with a maze design within attract those looking for fall entertainment.

            The children of Drew and JoAnn Ford have been in and out during much of the summer months. The Fords have enjoyed visits from each one and the grandchildren. As summer drew to a close JoAnn went into the hospital for some surgery that has been on hold for quite some time. Now she is home and doing those things that enhance recuperation.

            Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen were able to enjoy the recent LDS Church Conference at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City. Despite the rainy weekend it was a time of comfort and peace a befits such an occasion.

             On a crisp evening the community gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark for the 2^nd annual Cider Fest. Due to the freezing of the our local apple blossoms this past spring, it was necessary to import some extra apples for the pressing of the cider this year. It did not dampen the event. A milkcan dinner was prepared for those attending and the homemakers furnished a favorite fall dessert to finish the menu.

           Katelyn Rasmussen, daughter of Trevor and April Rasmussen was baptized and confirmed a member of the LDS Church this month. Grandparents Kelly and Teresa Rasmussen and Eric and Rexanne Nielsen were able to celebrate with the family along with multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.  The following day the Rasmussen family traveled to the Salt Lake City area to witness the blessing and naming of a new baby on the Nielsen side of the family with April's brother.

            Conrad Scott, son of LuJean Jensen and Erick Scott, has been called to serve in the Washington, Tacoma, Mission. He will be entering the MTC in Provo on November 8. He spoke in the Riverdale 2^nd Ward recently. He will be missed not only by his family, but by customers of Adventure Video in Preston where he has worked in the family business.

               Our local deer are a bit more scarce than usual. Deer Season is underway, antlers only. Bow hunting has been going on for some time, but that is a more quiet version. When the rifles get into action it is a call for retreat for the wildlife, excepting raccoons and skunks. Soon the pheasants will be taking to the dense brush and grasses.

              The weather staying dry, fall plowing is still going on. There is a house for sale in Mink Creek, that of LuJean Jensen, located on the banks of the Bear River, just at the official beginning of the southwest edge of Mink Creek community.

              A new house is under construction, looks to be a large log affair with a great view from the front yard. This one is on the north east side of Ant Hollow. Bret and Jody Rasmussen have been working on this residence, one way or another, for a couple of years.

October 12, a bit late, 2017

             All the hype there is about the beautiful fall in New England --- we have a more localized rival. Mink Creek is so full of color this season. We have had several days of rains but the moisture we have been receiving has just intensified the beauty. A few days will pass and the inevitable change will take place, those beautiful leaves will turn brown, dry, and fall, making for a crunchy, and a bit noisy, passage underfoot for the coming hunters who are trying to sneak up on our wildlife as the various hunting seasons open.

             A neighbor has been trying to beat the racoons to the fruit in his orchard. Is there a hunting season on racoons? Those clever creatures can invade any place they want, short of using a padlock.

Karen and Layne Erickson attended the LDS Wellsville 10^th Ward in Wellsville, UT. The occasion was the sustaining of their son,Bryan Erickson, as the new Bishop of that ward. One of his counselors is a young man with Preston roots, Jeff Andrus, who married Audrey Jo Madsen.

           David Seasmons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, has been playing on the Preston High School soccer team this fall. As a sophomore, he plays on both the Jr. Varsity and the Varsity teams.

            Mariah Atkinson and her two girls, spent a fun week with her parents, Brenda and Greg Belew in St. Anthony, ID. The Belews love having grandparent time with these little ladies.

            Kent and Tammy Beardall enjoyed a trip down to Spanish Fork and spending a relaxing weekend with the family of Shawn and Callie Beardall. Shawn was on call with his firefighting job, but that didn't interfere with the togetherness of this bunch.

            Bob and Claudia Erickson spent a few days in Richfield, UT, at the home of Jody and Laural Janke. They attended lots of soccer games with family playing on four different teams. A visit to Cove Fort was a fun day, even though cold enough to be wrapped in a blanket while touring.

          Columbus Day, nearly a forgotten holiday these days. Anyone remember when it was a holiday, and also a time during elementary school that centered on the official discovery of the continent and some facts about the explorer? There were even some interesting tidbits about other explorers that were out there seeking the New World, before and after Christopher. Now the online information about him and most other explorers make them sound like monsters. Times and expectations have altered in those 500 plus years since the days of when the world was flat and civilization was quite different.

           I wrote this early, then forgot to post it when the rest of the day took off.  Just how life works!

And October begins, 2017

           What a gorgeous day this has been! It is a beautiful time of year in Mink Creek. Fall colors announce the season in the mountains and the valleys. Evans Hill on the south side is full of the red of the maple leaves amongst the dark green evergreens and the tan spots of hillside fields. Those red leaves stand out like exclamation marks up and down the length of the community. Bits of orange color is scattered here and there. Our quaking aspens' leaves offer a variety, trying to decide about staying bright green or starting on the way to being the yellow orbs of autumn. The dark brown stalks of Indian tobacco stand at attention on the creek banks and border the canals and fields of our village. Add all of this to a clear blue sky and plenty of dark green forest and it is the picture of our daily surroundings.

            It is time for the '17 Roundup of livestock that have been grazing in the Cache National Forrest during the past summer months. After the gathering this involves some sorting, the work to keep them separated before hitting the road back down the canyons. Time to “head 'em up and move 'em out'---in the direction of home pastures.

            JoAnn and Kevin Auger were up from Woodland Hills, UT for a short visit with JoAnn's brother and family, Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen. The Augers were returning home after a few days at island Park.

            Preston High School has two young ladies from Mink Creek on their cheerleading squad. McKinley Longhurst is a Senior, a daughter of Candy and Sheldon Longhurst. Hayden Egley, a Junior, is the daughter of Juli and Jared Egley.

            Joe and Kathy Jarvis attended the missionary farewell meeting for a grandson, Jackson Jarvis, in Fruit Heights, UT. He will be serving in the Australia, Sydney North, Mission. The following weekend the Jarvis family held a mini-reunion at Bear Lake. Along with Joe and Kathy, the family of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons, all boys, participated in this event that brought siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles together for a wrap-up of summer months.

            I wrote the first paragraph  six days ago.  Since then, days of rain and getting colder, it is that time of year. But it is still beautiful, colors still vibrant, time to get out my camera before it is gone. Anyone trying to harvest a 4^th crop of hay is challenged trying to get it dry enough to bale. There was even a little snow that fell yesterday. This morning we woke up to frost all around. It is definitely harvest time. The ever-bearing raspberries are doing well this fall, but it is challenging to pick them in the wet and mud. Guess it depends on how great the demand is at home for raspberry jam in the winter months and beyond.

September 27, 2017

           Anyone reading will get a double dose this posting because I was out of town last week and unable to chat.  Now life is back to my version of normal, or at least close to it.  I am still catching up, and canning along with it.

          Wedding bells, again in Mink Creek. Wally and Kim Christensen's son, Aaron married Amanda Anderson of Logan in a beautiful ceremony at Logan's Lundberg Park, followed by a reception These two young people met years ago when Amanda's family lived in Mink Creek for a short time when Aaron and Amanda were children attending Primary. They will be living in Logan where Aaron is employed.

           Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen had a visit from their son Jared and Andrea Jepsen and their three children. Jared and Andrea live in West Point, UT.

             Fruit in the Mink Creek orchards are few and far between due to a spring freeze this year. Our local deer are cleaning up any fruit that has fallen from the trees and often giving the trees an unwanted pruning on branches they can reach with a good neck extension.

           The Pearson place was visited on a couple of weekends. Howard and Colleen Hawkes of Kaysville, UT, and their daughter Melanie Evans and her family of Lehi, UT, were up to soak up some Idaho summer one weekend and another group commandeered the Pearson driveway on the day of the LOTOJA race, cheering on the bicyclists as they went up the hills towards our canyons.

           Two of our young ladies are involved in Preston High School fall sports programs. Emily Longhurst is playing volleyball and Hannah Greene is on the girls' soccer team.

           Speaking of volleyball, the word has gone out inviting young women, a little older women and also a co-ed group to join and play the game at the Preston North Stake House on Wednesday nights. Good chance for some fun exercise for those so inclined.

           Alexis Strong has been enjoying some time with her parents, Kurt and Margret Iverson, and her brothers. Alexis currently lives in California. Her husband, Scott came up to join her as his employment allowed.

             Rico Crosland was home with his family, Robert and Phee Crosland, for a few days before heading back to college at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg, ID. He has spent his summer months in the eastern part of the nation with a job selling pest control. 

           Many hands lighten the load, so true in this community. A Roadside Community Cleanup morning was held recently with all ages encouraged to lend support. We ran out of the traditional orange bags and resorted to multiple colors of bagged trash from the gathering efforts. A great breakfast was served at the LDS Ward meeting house following the activity. Terry Westerberg and Bishop Kurt Iverson turned out the pancakes, Paul McKay kept the potatoes warm and plenty, Glade Larsen had piles of scrambled eggs, Clair Christensen did a brisket to perfection, Bryce Stromberg was the overall help with the entire menu. Wives and other committee members made it a memorable occasion, a breakfast to remember. The event gave a wonderful feeling of community unity.

           Andy McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, has received a mission call. He won't have much time since he is due at the MTC in Provo on November 15^th. He will be serving in the Iowa, DeMoines, Mission, English speaking.

           There has been a change in the LDS Sunday School Presidency. Second counselor, Heath Avery, has been released and Pedro Gomez sustained in that position. Douglas Bruderer, Sunday School President and Kim Keller, First Counselor remain the same.

Karen and Layne Erickson and Paul and Terrie McKay and Andy drove to Wellsville, UT, celebrating the return of Elder Seth Erickson, from his mission to Spain, Madrid, Mission. Seth is the son of Bryan and Shannon Erickson who live in Mt. Sterling.

           The Lewis and Clark Volunteers met in their fall Rendezvous on the banks of Mink Creek on the farm of Vernon Keller. This black powder group headquarters in Soda Springs, ID, and meet in our community several times annually. Curt Keller, a leader in the Volunteers, has family roots in this valley.

            Kerry and Lacey Christensen and children took a late summer trip to Glacier National Park. Theirs is an outdoor family and they had a great time. Lots of wildlife and beautiful scenery, clean air and fun in the package.

          The youth of the village worked on hauling in some extra dirt and improving the back yard of Sandy Mason's home. It had suffered during the flooding this spring. Sandy expressed her gratitude for the service, a job she could not tackle alone.

September 13, 2017

            The Highway crew has mended the broken guardrails around milepost 3 on the Highway 36. It was stop and go for traveling motorists for a few hours, but worth the short wait to have things set in place, on both sides. They have also been repairing the shoulders of the road where the winter weather took a toll. Many thanks for the improvements.

            Mary Jean and Larry Rasmussen took great delight in having their son JR and Elaine Rasmussen home for the Labor Day weekend. They live in Riverdale, UT. Having those two little grandsons, William and Luke, around for a few days added some energy and fun to the Rasmussen household.

           Andrew Iverson, son of Kurt and Margret Iverson, was ordained to the office of a priest in the LDS Ward recently. Ella Jepsen, daughter of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen, has graduated from primary and is now a part of the Beehive class in the Young Women organization.

            The new baby daughter of Bracken and Mariah Atkinson was blessed and given her name this past Sunday. She is Hadlee Denny Atkinson and welcomed by a big sister, Timberlee. Atkinson family members here to participate in this occasion were grandparents Jay and Theresa Atkinson, great-grandfather Lynn Atkinson, all of Preston, uncle Jordan and Jen Atkinson of Logan, UT, aunt Shaylee Atkinson of Twin Falls, ID. On the Belew side of the family were: grandparents Greg and Brenda Belew of St. Anthony, ID, great-grandparents Dennis and Judy Clark of Mink Creek and Reed Belew of Tremonton, UT, great-uncle Casey and Constance Clark and their girls from the west side of the valley, uncle Destin Belew and Jess Read and aunt Mikayla Holton, all of Preston.

            Jody and Laural Janke and their children drove up from Richfield, UT to spend the weekend in Mink Creek at the Bob and Claudia Erickson home. They enjoyed a last dip in their favorite summer swimming hole before it got any colder.

           Another family visiting for the holiday weekend were Aaron and Heather Haws and their children from Meridian, ID. They take advantage of a few days to spend it with his parents, Marion and Karl Haws.

            Our farmers are in the process of wrapping things up for the end of the growing season. Combines have been active and trucks loaded with grain, hauling in the golden kernels to the elevators for storage. Third crop hay, mowed, raked, baled and on its way to the barn or the buyer. This crop has been a little sketchy in areas where the standing water from a wet spring killed the alfalfa.

           We are still receiving jolts of earthquake activity. The last total I read was 297 since Sept 1^st, according to the US Geological Survey. The casual question at the breakfast table now seems to be, "So, did you feel any tremors during the night?”

           The time for clearing off gardens is fast approaching, one of these first days we will have a freeze hit and everything above ground will droop with the morning light. Residents are discussing the canning of tomatoes, chili sauce, salsa and other related tomato recipes

September 6, 2017

          It is the season for our wild sunflowers. They are everywhere, yellow and brown heads checking our the sun and looking perky among the dry weeds at their base. There is plenty of the dock that has gone to brown seeded columns, better known as Indian tobacco in these parts. It is a nice fall color combination.

           Samuel Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons has received a mission call to the Philippines, Legazpi, Mission He will enter the MTC in October.

           The Mink Creek home of Karl and Marion Haws is a busy place for a few days with children, grandchildren and even some great-grands keeping things going. Their daughter Lauren and Ken Nash and family are visiting. The Nash family lives in Solvang. CA.

           David and Judy Wilde held an open house for their son Christopher and his bride, Heidi Morgan at the LDS Meeting house. Heidi's parents, David and Danni Morgan of West Jordan, UT, were here for the festivities. Chris and Heidi are now living in Logan preparing for jobs and school.

            We have news of Danita Wilcox being laid up with a broken foot due to tripping on an uneven surface. Danita and her husband Eldon Wilcox are in the middle serving a mission in the Philippines and this injury is bound to hamper some of their activities for a bit. She does have a walking cast and is encouraged to keep that foot elevated as much as possible for the next four to six weeks.

           Our little village has four players on this year's Preston High School football squads. They are Ben Seamons, Walter Iverson, Izac Greene, and Andrew Iverson.

            Another mission call is in the process. Andy McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, was ordained an Elder this past week. Family that gathered for the occasion were: siblings,Morgan and Eli Curtis and Cody and Kevyn McKay of Logan; uncle, Lin and Sharla McKay of Mink Creek and Layne and Karen Erickson, grandparents, of Mink Creek.

           Austin Corbett , son of Shane and Sherrie Corbett, was ordained to the office of a priest. Out of town family present to witness this were Vicki and Craig Golightly of Whitney and the family of Jason and Angie Golightly of Preston.

            A local deer met its demise when it was caught between the highway guard rails as a fast vehicle flew through our area. There was no chance for anything but a deadly collision.

           The days are a bit murky with smoke laden skies. It makes for brilliant orange tinted sunsets. From all reports there are fires raging in Oregon, Washington, and Montana and we are the recipient of that drift. At this point we aren't getting the ash fallout that those people living in those regions are experiencing. Time to count our blessings.

           We are continuing to feel jabs of earthquakes that began over the weekend.  A strange noise, a bit of unexpected movement, flickering lights, all most likely part of these tremors.  At last count I read was over 100 had happened.  Some I felt, others not.  It does keep a person on alert, wondering what is going on down under southeastern Idaho.

August 29, 2017

               As with all roadways heading to Idaho Falls the traffic on Highway 36 through Mink Creek increased in the days surrounding the solar eclipse. Jackson Hole held its usual allure as a bonus for those on this road. The solar eclipse was felt here in Mink Creek, but not at 100% as it was further north. We felt the temperature dip considerably, thinking a jacket might be in order. The sky darkened a bit, not quite dusk, but with that feel. At least one group took advantage of having family living near Idaho Falls. The Robert Crosland family, plus some extensions, went up for a visit with their daughter Malia and Jason Kunde in Rigby, ID.

             That heavenly event postponed the arrival of our school buses to start the new year. The very next day those yellow carriers were on schedule for the excited youth of the community. And so the more regular routine for the residents of our villagae has begun, again. The time for Fair princesses, Rodeo Royalty and beautiful modeling of clothes by those seamstresses has closed out and the volleyballs, soccer balls and footballs are claiming priority of 'leisure time.'

              Orin Baird, son of LaRon and Liesa Baird, was recently baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. With this he becomes officially the newest member of the local LDS Ward.

             Joshua and Lizzy Greene and their sons, recent members of our community have moved to North Dakota. They are now living in Williston, where Josh is employed.

           The family of Jeannine and Johnny Iverson has had numerous visitors lately. With nine children of theirs, plus the children of those children, it seems their doors are open much of the summer months. They have had some from as far away as Virginia and Texas, others closer to home. Not long ago a group of Iversons participated in their annual camp trip, hiking to the Wind River mountains of Wyoming. Kurt Iverson reported that there were no injuries of a serious nature.

Jim and Debbie Harrison have been up from St. George. It is always great to see lights in their Mink Creek home.

            Imogene Stein dropped in for a visit with her brothers, Bob Erickson and Layne Erickson, while she was up this way attending a Class Reunion. Emmie currently lives in Saratoga Springs, UT close to a couple of her children.

             The community got together for a shared outdoor movie night at the Mink Creek Ballpark. All attenders were encouraged to bring comfort in the form of blankets, lawn chairs, to enjoy the evening. Popcorn, brownies and homemade rootbeer filled in the concessions offered. This was a first time event and the weather was a bit threatening, but held off for the evening.

            When the thought comes that rain would be welcome here, the immediate impression is that of all the rain that friends in Texas are experiencing, their concerns and problems. Our hillsides are dry, brittle growth, so grateful for the water here to keep crops and gardens green and growing.

            Our summer folk ares sparse as fall approaches, school and cooler routines take them back to the winter destinations. Now it will be just occasional visits to their Mink Creek oasis.

August 22, 2017

          We have our share of river runners at the lower end of Mink Creek, close by where the creek empties into the Bear River. It is a sufficiently active spot that a little area now has blacktop for the parking area, be the users fishermen or river runners.

            Several Mink Creek residents were part of a group that took on the watery ride down the canyon of the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. One participant commented that “it is an amazing white water rush.” The water craft were five rafts and six kayaks. Good food, good fishing, natural hot springs, wildlife and perfect weather, all pieces that make this trip great fun. Especially the great people. Our participants were: Lin and Sharla McKay, River McKay, Paul and Andy McKay, Brian Westerberg and his son Kayson.

           Arianna and Ben Hostetter and family of Colorado Springs, CO, have been vacationing on the banks of Birch Creek at the home of her parents, Robert and Phee Crosland. Actually Arianna gets a bit homesick now and then so this visit is a temporary cure, until the next time. She and Ben are fixing up their home in Colorado, getting it ready for the scheduled arrival of a new baby.

           Reunions continue to abound in Mink Creek, The descendants of Oscar and Martha Wilde met together. Two Fairview Wards have used facilities up this way for a ward reunion or a youth activity.

         Hannah Costley Singleton and her two boys, Samuel and Grey, of El Dorado, AR, have been soaking up time at her parents home on Strawberry Creek. This is an annual event and grandparents Wynn and Cecelie Costley consider it a highlight of their summer months. All sorts of projects develop when family members from around the area gather. Generally Spencer Singleton, Hannah's husband, takes some time off and heads west for some days before the Singleton bunch head back south for school and the change of season that comes with it.

          Bug battles are ongoing, spiders, earwigs, wasps, hornets, garden pests  There is always extra interest this time of year to find a specimen that will be just right to become a part of the bug collections needed for the Jr. High School science classes. How about a praying mantis, or a gorgeous moth, a red winged grasshopper? The whole county knows to be alert for these.

          There is that hint of fall approaching, just a hint. Things are still growing, no frosty nights yet, but that special feel is in the air. Walking outdoors, even a short distance during daylight hours, brings on an attack of grasshoppers as they bounce about. The yellow seem to dominate, but there is plenty of those big black winged ones with the yellow strip on their wings, the red winged are in the minority. They all pack a wallop bigger than their size.

           Today was that first day of school in our district, new duds, new friends, new supplies, reconnections, old friends, new teachers, old teachers. Sigh, back to the normal routine, more or less.  Hopefully the beginning of a happy year.

August 16, 2017

            Fremon and Ada Jepsen's family were gathered at their place on Bear Creek the last of July. Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen live in a home on the family homestead at the head of Bear Creek. The original Julius and Della Jepsen home, later that of Fremon and Ada, became the center of activity. Marilyn and Robert Godfrey arrived from Mesa, AZ along with some children and grandchildren, totaling 15. Add 8 more with  JoAnn and Keven Auger from Woodland Hills, UT, and their family. Dan and his wife,Jean Jepsen came from Bountiful, UT, bringing three more family units of 16.Glen and Betty Jo had two daughters, Jill Neitz from Alberta, Canada, and Jana Musgrave from Ogden and their children at their house. Kerry and Melinda Jepsen, Mink Creek residents, with their children added 22 to the happy gathering. Since more accommodations were required than the three Jepsen Mink Creek homes could provide, the family borrowed the house recently purchased by Larry and Lillian Hansen for extra beds and bathrooms, tents on the farmhouse lawn and pasture nearby.

           One night they enjoyed the use of the Mink Creek Ballpark. In a special activity willing members participated in what they call "The Speedy Creeker," a run from the homestead to the Glencoe road crossing, approximately 2 miles, albeit mostly downhill. This year the winner of the adult run was Clay Jepsen, who has been relentlessly training since being edged out last year. Their family service project was evidenced in paint-spattered individuals as they painted the picket fence around the original farmhouse. Saturday activities centered at the dam and the water of the Oneida Narrows. Sunday found the family reconnecting with community friends at the Mink Creek Ward before they all headed home in various directions to Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, and Canada, saying goodbye to Bear Creek for another season.

           The family of Mike and Jessie Morris and their daughter Ella relocated a few months ago and another family has already purchased their home. Julie and Jeff Workman come to us from Stansbury Park, UT, and are getting moved into the large home bit by bit, enjoying the feeling of life in the country.

          Our community had three weddings on August 5^th, perhaps setting a record. Morgan Mckay, daughter of Terrie and Paul McKay married Eli Curtis, a young man from Young Ward, Wellsville. Christoper Wilde, son of David and Judy Wilde, claimed Heidi Morgan, as his bride. Brody Carter, grandson of Warren and Colleen Wilde, tied the knot with Analise Barlow.

            There was a collision of some kind on Highway 36, between markers 2 and 3. The guard rails on both sides of the road are bent and smashed. Doubtful that it was just someone trying to avoid the meandering deer or other wildlife.

            This isn't the only evidence of collision. A totaled deer was in a barrow pit along this same roadway, plus a crumpled raccoon . One collision was evident from the scent, yep, a skunk.

           Not sure what it says about the approaching fall season, but my backyard squirrels are certainly busy shredding my pine cones and littering the ground below.

           The county fair is getting in high gear and the pace will only continute as the week slips by. There was a lot of judging today with ribbons distributed, other projects still coming in for display. Spectator time will be more official from Thursday on through Saturday night.

August 8, 2017

          Rodeo time in our area seems to be the perfect time for families to organize family reunions back at the home grounds. Several have taken place in our little village.

           The descendants of Harley and Lima Jepsen kept things active at the Rasmussen park. Jonathan and Portia Jepsen of Salt Lake City, were in charge this year. All of the siblings were able to attend and most of them included children and grandchildren in the family package. Eleanor Kirkbride lives in North Ogden, Carolyn Hill in Pleasant Grove, UT, LeAnn and Garth Walton are in Logan, Susan and Charles Auger in Layton, Mike and MaryAnn Jepsen in Mink Creek, the only ones still in Idaho. Fifty-three were there and several were absent while serving missions for the LDS Church. They enjoyed a water slide, a train, all sorts of games, good food and good conversation.

           A Wilde bunch got together at Jay Wilde's home in Mink Creek this past weekend. Katheryn McCarrel, four children and some grandchildren came up from Lehi, UT. Two of Jay's children and his daughter-in-law were there to assist him. Warren and Colleen Wilde, of Mink Creek were pleased to have their daughter Bambi and some of her family from Amalga, UT, and their son Randy and Robin Wilde from West Jordan, plus some grandchildren

          John Garr is in residence on his mountainside perch in Mink Creek. John makes lots of trips back and forth between California and Idaho keeping track of his parents George and Bobby Garr, and his grandchildren.

           Abigail and Sophia Janke drove up from Richfield, UT, for some Mink Creek time and reconnecting with Franklin County friends before the school year starts for them down in Sevier County, where they will be the “new kids.”

           Wynn and Ceclie Costley are back in the United States and Mink Creek, enjoying their family full time. They have been in Qingdao, China, a coastal city across from Korea. They have enjoyed teaching English there at the Ocean University of China.

            Smoke from the fire near Twin Lakes on the west side of the valley filled our afternoon hours. The beautiful sunset had that muted orange glow surrounded by lavender haze.

           Since I wrote that we have had more smoke, this batch from a raging fire between Blackfoot and Pocatello. We got a little rain today and that has thinned out the smokey haze. It is nice to be able to see our mountains again.

           Not only is our Mink Creek Ballpark busy with reunions of one kind or another most weekends, but some of the parks our residents have get occupied for out of town reunions. We live in a beautiful place.

August 2, 2017

           Just turned the calendar over and it is August already.  It feels like August, but July felt like August too.  What is up with that ?!

          Our raspberries are on, but the anyone picking needs to get to them quicker than the neighborhood deer. Those critters even enjoy the leaves and stalks. The local robins have enjoyed every cherry that saw fit to develop after a late freeze this spring.

           Charles Iverson, son of Kurt and Margret Iverson, was ordained to the office of a teacher in the Mink Creek LDS Ward recently.

            The Young Women's group held their annual Girls' Camp. This year it was at Emigration, under the direction of Melina Jepsen. In their nature walks they learned about various plants and some of the uses of those plants. Even though one young lady described their hiking experience as “a bit grueling”, the girls felt it was a lesson teaching that they can do hard things. Different aspects of this camp helped each person realize their own strengths and those of the others that worked together for a successful camp.

            Congratulations are in order for Chris Egley, son of Jaren and Juli Egley. He has earned his Arrow of Light award from the Order of the Arrow in Cub Scouting.

           Jyllian Christensen, young daughter of Lacey and Kerry Christensen, and an absolute horse devotee, is currently reigning as the Jr. Queen of the Bancroft, Idaho, Rodeo this summer. She is having plenty of horse fun, waving at friends and making new friends.

            Afternoons seem to attract thunderheads and thosse clouds have given our ground some good soakings. The timing varied one morning last week and it poured for nearly an hour not long after breakfast. The farmers in our village are in the middle of their second crop of hay, some freshly mowed, some just raked, others into the bale, so we greet this moisture with varying emotions when it arrives.

          Taking a short ride the other day revealed the tawny glow of big fields of grain nearly ripe, with bright green splotches of alfalfa tucked in among them. Beauty to an agricultural heart. It won't be long before those golden fields will be harvested and trucks are loaded for the haul to storage.

           Our 4H members and leaders are gearing up for the fast-approaching county fair. Horseback rides into the mountains, feeding animals, learning some cooking skills, all things to be crammed into these last few remaining days.

             The sprinklers and water guns are kept in operation. The result is a green valley, contrasting to the dryness of our hillsides, the cheat grass that jabs into our socks and many pricklies that are here and there on the ground as we walk about. Backyard squirrels are dropping bits of pinecones to add litter to the neighborhood. The summer heat is pushing our farmers towards grain harvest before too long.