September 26, 2018

           

           Mink Creek has been on fire this past week, literally. No homes were lost thanks to the expertise of those fighting the fire. Smoke filled the air for the afternoon and night of the 19^th. Planes dropped retardant, bulldozers were all over the place, along with the brush trucks and fire engines and all those that operate them. Over a dozen homes lay in the path of the flames and miraculously none caught fire. The flames licked the edges of their lawns, heated the spaces, but were directed around. Many had their vinyl siding melted, so it was close. A 5th wheel trailer and shed were burned. Spots were still smoldering the next day, with trucks and fighters still around, checking things out. Mink Creek hearts are full of gratitude.

           Doug and Beverly Bruderer welcomed some friends made while Doug worked in the oil fields of North Dakota. They are Daulene and Jerry Williams from Dickinson, N.D.

Cliff and LaDawn Jensen are enjoying having a granddaughter living close by while working in Logan. She is Rachel Mackelprang, from Georgia, the daughter of Mercedes and Darren Mackelprang.

          The family of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst have been spending time in this vicinity. Sheldon has been in the Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello, undergoing chemo, and they are all keeping close tabs there. Justin Longhurst and Cynthia Zilles' wedding took place on Sept. 15^th, so all gathered with friends and neighbors for that special event. Earl and Barbara Craythorn, Candy's parents, came over from Declo, ID, to celebrate with Justin, and give family support.

          Karen and Keith Tribbett of Elk Ridge, UT, brought some friends up for a taste of Karen's childhood. Diana and Dan Steele also of Elk Ridge and Steve and Kathi Tanner of Payson enjoyed some time at Bear Lake and Mink Creek. Now back in Utah they are dealing with evacuation and problems with those fires in Utah County.

           Lori Muldner is home recuperating from her 'only' shoulder surgery. She spent a few days in the Franklin County Medical Center, needing a day or two of extra care since she is an amputee. A very talented, capable amputee, I may add.

Jarin and Brynlee McKague took a few days break from jobs and school at BYU/I to visit with his grandparents, Bob and Claudia Erickson. The two have decided Mink Creek makes a good get-away.

             Loads of fuel,in the form of logs, or portions of the same, are moving down our canyons. Pickup loads, trailer loads, whatever will haul. This activity must accompany the lowering of the temperatures. Spots that had water going overnight were a bit crystalline this morning, at least until the sun peeked over the eastern mountain tops.