April 17, 2018

           Brady and Shoney Henderson and their family crew of Tom, Calvin and Jancy enjoyed the area around San Diego for a few days. They managed to hit some fun activities in the five days they were there: The San Diego Zoo, the Midway Museum, old town San Diego, and of course, some hours at the beach. Add to that the warm, more consistent weather and they had a great time.

          Warm water called to Alona and Stuart Ostler, they packed up their duds and took Jody Sharp, Alona's mother, and flew to San Carlos, Mexico. They did some fishing and particularly liked swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling. Once they got home in Mink Creek it was only a matter of days before the whole Ostler family traveled to St George, UT, for the final National Cheer Competition. The whole family is Davanie, Stetson, AlliRay and Brenten, plus parents. Davanie's cheer team took 1^st place in the competition and were awarded Grand Champions for the most points scored at the event. Extra cheers are in order for such an accomplishment.

            Sheldon and Candy Longhurst enjoyed a warm break with daughters McKinley and Emily. The family took several days to roam Las Vegas and all the glitter and glam, the palm trees and relaxation, away from the rigors of winter and life on the farm, the jobs and school.

            A reverse visit was the family of Jody and Laural Janke coming to Mink Creek during their spring break from school in Richfield, UT. Grandparents, Bob and Claudia Erickson soaked up all the noise and activity that came with the grandkids. The Erickson 4wheel machines were one of the chief attractions, besides the Easter holiday and General Conference activities.

           There are a few more signs that spring will come, in spite of the snow bursts that we have received this week. The turkeys have headed for the high country. One hears and sees the nesting wild ducks. The crocuses are in bloom outside the LDS Meetinghouse in the center of our community. Down in Riverdale and Preston the trees are getting just a bit of green, not quite to the lacey look, but encouraging. Naturally, the Mink Creek slopes are a bit behind, as it should be.

            Tis the season for pruning trees. Those extra branches that somehow sprout over a year's time have got to go. Tis also the season for repairing fences. As all know, “good fences make good neighbors.” In a community such as ours being good neighbors enhances the whole village. Having your neighbors critters encroach on your freshly planted field is not a welcome event and causes much disturbance on both sides of the fence.