October 9, 2018

        The much anticipated rains have come. The arrival was announced with wind, lightning and thunder that continued for some time, occasionally flipping the electricity off, then back on. It made any TV watching or computer work impossible for an hour or so. Once the violence was past a gentle drizzle stayed for most of the night. Two nights later, the raindrops returned, but calm this time around. Our earth has received it as a sponge, soaking up the drops.

        Turkeys are back, invading yards and orchards as well as the harvested fields. They converse freely and the conversations often alert homeowners to their presence as they gobble and murmur amongst themselves. Drivers beware, they haunt the roadsides every bit as much as our deer, and give no more warning of their decision to cross the road.

         Sheldon and Candy Longhurst announce the birth of their second grandchild. A very little girl, just a bit over five pounds, was born to Holly and Jake Longhurst of Smithfield, UT. She will be called Allie, officially Alice. The Longhursts also have been hosting an exchange student this fall. She is Alara Polmak and calls Stuttgart, Germany her home.

          Dallon Baird, the son of LaRon and Liesa Baird, was ordained to the office of a priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. His sister Juliana and Blaine Packer and their children were here to witness this event. They live in Heyburn, ID.

         Sid and Lisa Whitehouse are home after their honeymoon trip. They were involved in an accident during this time and are still recuperating. Sidney Eugene Whitehouse has since been ordained a priest in the Latter-Day Saint Ward.

          Our community has had several weddings take place in the last couple of months. It appears we have finished up the list with the wedding of Austin Straight to Ashlyn Seamons. Austin is the son of Avery and Pedro Gomez, Ashlyn, the daughter of Mary Beckstead. Currently Mink Creek has no more nuptials on our calendar. Congratulations to each couple.

          It has been cool enough to warrant an evening fire in the fireplace. Tonight was the first for covering our tomatoes, just not ready to give up on those yet. There simply is no comparison of a store tomato and a home grown variety.

           Our northern hillsides, blackened by the recent fire, are attracting visitors. Having heard about the fire from one source or another, they drive through for a look for themselves, marveling, as do we, that the homes in that area escaped damage. There is a horizontal slot of tan, dried grasses, dotted with houses along the strip in the middles of all that black. The untouched area takes a turn or two upward to the houses higher up the slope. It is understandable why people want to see if the reports were truthful.