May 23, 2017

         Richard and Vickie Free traveled to Disneyland for some family fun. Following that their agenda included attending an interfaith concert performed in Salt Lake City with their son Brandon and Heather Hodge.

           Jennifer Seamons made the long trip to beautiful Coeur d'Alene, ID, where she was the accompanist for string musicians from the Preston High School Orchestra. They were performing at the Idaho State Solo and Ensemble Competition. One of the soloists was her son, David Seamons with his violin. Her mother Kathy Jarvis went along for the ride as a chief supporter and fan. A great time was had by all.

           Bob and Claudia Erickson flew to Tempe, AZ, for several days of overly warm sunshine. The reason for the trip was witnessing the baptism of their granddaughter, Paige Erickson, daughter of Drew and Hilary Erickson. While there they were able to tour the campus of the College of Central Arizona where Drew teaches music classes. The morning after their return to Mink Creek presented them with two inches of snow, reassurance of Idaho spring after their days of 100plus degrees.

           Our local turkeys have moved to the back country, hopefully for the summer season. The owls seem to have picked up on having things less crowded and are holding nightly conversations up and down our valley. Our creeks are running full and fast with snow still in the mountains. The snows that arrive off and on have melted during the warmer hours of the day, but it is still a bit startling to find all things white at this time of year.

             The Relief Society held an evening meeting to start off the month of May, The topic for the night was most appropriate for homemakers, Spring Cleaning. Dana Olson gave a tutorial full of good ideas and tips for easing the process. She even gave away prizes in the form of cleaning products. The ladies enjoyed refreshments of an apricot slush and cookies provided by Patti Christensen and AnnaBeth Olson.

            There is another generation of Canadian geese that will claim Mink Creek as their home. Some goslings have been spotted as they try to keep up with their parents when on parade to the nearby waters. They will soon be in flight training.

           We are beautiful, everything is so green and fresh. New growth is evident in those parallel lines that result from the seed drills. Recent temperatures are encouraging the planting of gardens, as long as there are protective devices for any hot house plant that could take a frost hit badly. The risk is still very evident and evenings are chilly, but not freezing of late. That snow in our mountains and experience reminds us to be cautious.