January 1, 2020

There it is---the year 2020.  Now to get adjusted to writing that new year on everything that requires a date.  Don't know about you, but that always takes me a few days/weeks to change my way of thinking.

          The Syringa Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers took a little different approach for their monthly meeting for December. Eight members assembled in Richmond, UT, at LD's Restaurant for the lunch of their choice, enjoyed a historical lesson and shared friendship time.

         We have the big cats, cougars, visiting our yards and fields, here and there throughout the community. Those large paw prints left in the snow raise our awareness of how the creatures accept our presence. It is one thing to own a house cat or two to help keep down the vole population, it is quite another when these big felines come in close. The first is a comfort, the second more of a threat.

          The coming marriage of Celina Crosland and Jesse Grosebeck, a son of David and Jennifer Groesbeck of Worland, WY, was celebrated in a reception at the Mink Creek LDS recreation hall on Dec 20. The following day her siblings and her parents, Robert and Phee Crosland, traveled to Rexburg, ID, where the couple were married in that Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Temple. That evening their family gathered at the home of another Crosland daughter, Malia and Jason Kunde in Rigby, ID, for a Christmas party.

          Wynn and Cecelie Costley hosted a Christmas Morning Breakfast, aimed at community residents who would not have family close by on this winter day. It was a potluck affair, resulting in the offering of: a potato breakfast casserole, bacon, banana bread, a french toast casserole, a pull-apart loaf, coffeecake, grapes, ham, and peach cobbler, with beverages of choice, milk, orange juice, and cocoa.

           Regardless of the chilly temperatures there are homes under construction here in Mink Creek. Hansen Hall appears finished on the exterior and the Hansen family has added an outbuilding. It is not quite a barn, neither is it just a shed, a 'storage' unit will suffice for description. Things are looking good. The progress of the Dean and Michelle Wilde home on the brow of cemetery hill is steady. The loop of Valley View drive has several houses in various levels of completion. Just across the lower boundary of Mink Creek another home is going up in the Narrows Estates of Riverdale.

           Happy New Year! One day early, but the Eve is when our minds kick into gear of what we might do with improving---whether it is something tangible, such as our homes, cars, etc. or those things within ourselves that we know could use some shaping up. Lots of people scoff at New Year resolutions because often those lofty plans are short-lived. A short life is better than none whatsoever.

Happy self-reflections to one and all.

Christmas Day, 2019

Sorry for this week late post.  Can you imagine why a woman would neglect a weekly post that came due on Christmas Day?  Well, that explains things!

        Jeannine and Johnny Iverson were happy to have a visit from their son Steven and Jessie Iverson of Dallas, TX and their children, Daniel and Christina. Another part of the package was Steven's son Michael and Julia Iverson and their four youngsters of Spanish Fork, UT. For a few hours Aaron and Tandy Iverson, plus their five children, stopped by. This last family lives in Virginia but were visiting family in Pocatello. Those southerners were happy to have some snow fall providing some winter play before their headed for home.

          Layne and Karen Erickson and Paul and Terrie McKay and son, Andy, gathered at the home of Bryan and Shannon Erickson in Wellsville, UT, for the holiday feasting. They were met there by Connie and Adam Westenskow from Woods Cross, UT, and Eli and Morgan Curtis from Logan.

         The Mink Creek community Christmas party was full of people, food and entertainment. Tables running the length of the hall were decorated for the season and the chairs were quickly filled.. Plates holding a large croissant filled with ham, cheese and lettuce and a cup of broccoli salad, plus a chocolate brownie, iced with peppermint were served by the youth. There were potato chips and apricot mayo in the center of the tables within easy reach of the diners. After tummies were satisfied all eyes turned towards the stage where an original play, written by Cecelie Costley, was about to take place. The title was “More Than a Baby In a Manger.” Local residents made up the cast, with hours spent preparing. It takes a sizey group of volunteers to manage an evening of this description. Phee Crosland, Terrie McKay, Brittnee Phillips, Trevor and April Rasmussen and the LaRon and Liese Baird family were key contributors for the production. The kitchen crew consisted of Margret Iverson, Kim and Wally Christensen, Mary Ann and Mike Jepsen, Cathy Seamons, Tammy Beardall, Sid and Lisa Whitehouse and Ben and Marie Keller.

          George Jensen, brother to Lael Jensen Littke, passed way the last part of November. He has been living in California not too far from Lael in Pasadena.

           Ramona Ranzenberger Crane, wife of Keith Crane died on December 15. She has been living in St.George, UT, near her daughter Lisa. Growing up in Smithfield, Ramona taught elementary school in Mink Creek for a number of years. After she and Keith moved their family of 5 children to Burley, ID, she continued teaching there. She will be buried in Mink Creek.

December 18, 2019

        Spencer Wilde and Paige Hilton were married that last part of November. There was a reception in Mink Creek on November 23. Paige is from Boonesboro, MD. Her mother, Cindy Hilton and a brother were here for the celebration. Spencer is the son of David and Judy Wilde. The couple will be living in Rigby, ID while Spencer finishes school at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg. Paige will graduate this month.

          Mary and Ron Norris travel to Herriman, UT , to spend Thanksgiving with their grandson. Now they have another grandson, Carson, visiting with them from Lone Peak,WY.

          Family members of Candy Longhurst gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving with their mother and sisters Emily and McKinley in Mink Creek. Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler and son Hudson came down from Parma, ID. Jake and Hollie Longhurst and little Alice were up from their place in Smithfield. Justin and Cynthia Longhurst are just yards away from the family headquarters.

           A family with a happy feeling about our snowy weather were Loren and Ken Nash and their son Shawn and Eliza Nash who were up from Sol Vang, CA for a two week winter holiday.

          Keenan Janke was presented his Eagle Scout award in a Court of Honor, while several members of his family were in Mink Creek for the holiday weekend.. Although he now resides in Richfield, UT, much of his scouting experiences took place here before his family moved. In addition to the family of Laural and Jody Janke visiting Bob and Claudia Erickson, there was the family of Jay and Kristin Collins of Lakeview, OR, and Carla and Mark Nielsen's family of American Fork, UT, plus Jared and Brynlee Mckague, Sage McKague and Claire Collins, students at BYU/I in Rexburg.

          We are happy that Stetson Ostler, son of Alona and Stuart, has been chosen to play at the Down Under football camp program this coming summer. Stetson's grandparents, Brent and Jody Sharp, owners of Western Dutch Oven Cooking, are having a fundraiser for him on Dec 20 with a take-out Dutch Oven dinner going for $8. They can be contacted in front of the Southfork Hardware that evening between the hours of 6 and 7 or food reserved by calling the business. Proceeds will go to Stetson to make this trip to Australia possible.

           The Relief Society celebrated the approach of Christmas with a festive dinner, complete with elegant table settings and centerpieces on each table. They were served by members of the Mink Creek Elders' Quorum. The evening's theme was “Helping to Educate Women Around the World Through the Pure Love of Christ."  Laurel Wilde and Jackie Olsen shared some of their own experiences with various sources that might be used to contribute to international charities that focus on assisting women worldwide. Brittnee Phillips favored the group with a violin solo, “What Child Is This.” This was a great start for the month of December and all that goes with the season.

           Blue skies yesterday, but not a degree of heat. No dripping from the eaves, no snow, just frigid air with animals needing winter care for the few of us who still have some measure of farming. We are happy to have a cleared highway that goes the length of the village—once we have the side roads plowed to reach that highway. Grateful for those state and county road crews that keep us on their radar in this sort of weather.

December 11. 2019

        I hope you gave a few moments of thought to Dec 7 and World War II, what that day meant to the world as a whole.  May we appreciate the sacrifices made that day.
         Pedro and Avery Gomez have returned from a trip to Chile, Pedro's home. He has been in the US for 18 years, a long time to be absent from family. He grew up in Pueblo Cisnes and was welcomed warmly. Avery's parents, Doug and Beverly Bruderer accompanied them. It was a time of family reunion, of sight-seeing, introducing his American family to his Chilean family. Just imagine the reunion after 18 years.

           Kent and ReNae Egley went to Las Vegas, NV, the last part of November to cheer their racing son, Matt. He was competing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both his family and his crew were geared up for this event in the weeks prior.The results were that Matt placed fourteenth, has done a great job this past season and improves each year as he learns the ropes of his dream. Now Matt and the crew will start making plans, repairing, for the season to come.

          Our community has experienced another funeral, the third within a few weeks. LaDawn Hampton Jensen passed away, after struggling with poor health for a long time. Her husband, Richard (Dick) passed away not long ago. The Jensens lived in Mink Creek all their married life, Dick was raised here and LaDawn came from Franklin, high school sweethearts. They are the parents of Sherrie Ogden, Sid Jensen, Shelley Bell, Shawn Jensen(deceased) and Shirley Ahrens.

           Devlyn Nathaneal Currie was ordained a deacon in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the son of Wendy and Clayton Currie.

           Jeff and Julie Workmen of Stansbury Park, UT, spent several days at their Mink Creek home with their children and grandchildren. It is the perfect place for holiday celebrations, with snowy hillsides for atmosphere. Included in this celebration were Julie's parents.

           The parade of harvested Christmas trees has been going down our highways. Pickups, trailers, trees tied atop cars, whatever would carry the greenery. Over the holiday weekend it was a nearly constant stream. There had to be some slogging through snow to obtain the desired tree with the storms that descended at that time, where just the week before it had been nearly dry.

          We have happy people in the snowmobile set with the recent snowfall making it possible to make their first ride of the season. The big parking lots in our canyons: Birch Creek, Strawberry Summit, Copenhagen, etc. tend to fill up pretty early in the day over the weekends once we have an enduring layer of snow.

           December nights are beautiful when we have a full moon lighting up out snow covered slopes. It is even prettier to see the outdoor Christmas lights on our homes as a person drives through the community.

December 4, 2019

Only a day late, sorry, readers.  I have been submerged in research.

         This was the month for a favorite program in the LDS Ward when the Primary organization presents thoughts of what they have learned in the past year. The theme this year was Come Follow Me. The children sang and spoke of messages of Jesus Christ and God. The Primary presidency is Mary Ann, Jepsen, with counselors Jody Rasmussen and Jasmine Erickson, secretary Ramona Hatchett. Jackie Olsen is the chorister, ReNae Egley the pianist. Members of the Preston North Stake Primary Board were in attendance.

           This event brings out-of-town grandparent fans. Kelly and Teresa Rasmussen and daughter Kjerstin of Preston and Erick and Rexanne Nielsen of Lewiston, UT, were in town to witness the performances of Emma, Kate and Annie Rasmussen. Sharon Keller of Riverdale and Venice Buttars , both grandmothers, had their eyes on Morgan and Danny Keller.

          Vickie and Richard Free are excited to report that Heather Hodge, their daughter-in-law, has gon through the auditioning experience and will be performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Heather is the wife of Brandon Hodge, with their home in Bountiful, UT. She has total family support for this coming chapter of their lives.

           As in other places around the nation, Mink Creek residents are preparing for visitors coming home to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend following. The gloomy weather forecast may alter a few plans, but the gathering will commence, perhaps with more indoor activities than originally anticipated.

             We have retained the snow that was greeted us one morning this week. Nothing much of depth, but it whitens the landscape. It will add a bit of adventure to those many, many people who are harvesting their yearly Christmas tree from the canyons between us and Montpelier. It is often a family tradition on this holiday weekend. We understand that 2000 tree permits have been sold. Cold, clear skies make us aware that winter is here. We are hopeful that the box elder bugs get that same message.

            Those who waited until the past weekend to get their trees had an extra challenge. Snow arrived for the Thanksgiving holiday, several inches, sufficient to provide sledding and snowmobile activities for our weekend guests. For some this is a once-a-year recreation, coming from California, Texas, even southern Utah. Snow has some rather magical qualities about it in reality, not just on the movie screen of Frozen.

November 26, 2019

          We have received the happy news that Jake Longhurst, son of Candy Longhurst, has qualified and will now be a commercial airline pilot for Skywest Airlines. Congratulations, Jake, on reaching this long time goal.

            Eldon and Danit Wilcox have been busy attending granddaughter baptisms. They went up to Idaho Falls to witness the baptism of Olivia Wilcox, a child of Brigham and Jenipher Wilcox. On another weekend they drove to Midvale, UT, for the ceremony of Adrienne Durrant, the daughter of Brittany Wilcox.

             Danny Keller, son of Jared and Hollie Keller, was baptized at the Preston North Stakehouse. This makes Danny the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mink Creek Ward. He is most welcome.

           Nicole and Nathan Denney and their little Zaydee were down for a few days spent with Nicole's parents, Kent and Tammy Beardall. The Denneys are students at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg, ID.

            We have to do a little button-popping over some recent activities of some our youth. In the high school muscial, “Tuck Everlasting,” Ty Jepsen had a lead role and Dallon Baird worked on the lighting crew. When the ballet “The Nutcracker” was performed at the Worm Creek Opera House Greenlee Christensen played the lead, Clara, and Ella Jepsen and Jyllian and Kassidy Christensen were part of the cast. Here again, Dallon Baird lent his skill in the lighting department.

           The turkeys are back in herds. Flock might be the right word for groups of birds, but when they get too many 'herd' might be a better descriptive term. They are patrolling Highway 36 and when bright taillights suddenly flash chances are it is because a turkey or turkeys have decided to cross the road. They pretty much go where they please, usually in single file. I notice that the Cub River birds have the same attitude.

           Angelo and Gracie Crosland have moved to McCall, ID. Angleo, the son of Robert and Phee Crosland, has a job with the construction of a home being built in that area. McCall is closer to Gracie's childhood home and family.

          I have noted some geese in their V flight pattern flying northeast in the skies above Mink Creek. My first thought was that they were using the wrong direction system. However, the second thought was that they were the tame Canadian geese that call Vernon Keller's ponds their year-round home and likely they had just been out for a visit to other local ponds of water, and were headed back to home base.
           Happy thanksgiving, everyone. We have so much for which to feel thanks.

November 20, 2019

          Josh and Brooke Reichman spent a weekend with her parents, Sherrie and Shane Corbett. The Richmans are currently living in Provo. Josh is going to BYU and Brooke is studying at Utah Valley University, both having full time jobs in addition to school.

           Reporting on some of our housing changes. Lisa and Sid Whitehouse are now living in the southern end of Mink Creek, in the former home of Opal and Merlin McKay on Bear Creek.

          Eldon and Danita Wilcox are building a new home on Valley View, living in Danita's parents' home in the meantime. The Wilcox duo sold their first home to Kade Nicholls and Leigha Beckes. Kade and Leigha had Halloween decorations out and seem to have settled right into the neighborhood.

         Raphael Arnsworth has sold his Utah holdings and is now a permanent resident of Mink Creek and Idaho, living in Floyd and Jessie Erickson's home which he purchased a few years ago. Raphael has spent considerable time in the remodeling stages since his purchase. Things are quite nicely “spiffed up ”and looking good.

          Lizzy and Josh Greene and their three small children have moved back to Mink Creek and have spent the summer remodeling their former home, that of Marlene and Orvid Christensen, at the top of Capitol Hill. Lizzy has been pursuing college classes and is close to meeting her goal.

           The Relief Society members of three area wards, Riverdale First, Riverdale Second and Mink Creek met at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Riverdale for an evening of fun and enlightenment. The Riverdale Second ward invited a local artist, Brent Borrup, to share his talent and his beliefs with the group. Lynn Sharp introduced Borrup and the stage was well set for his presentation. He is becoming well known for his artwork of Jesus Christ and various LDS Temples. All felt a spiritual boost for having been there. Refreshments of caramel apple cake were served to top off the night.

            The Mink Creek Ward Relief Society has had a change in their presidency. Laurel Wilde, who has been serving as the Second Counselor, has been released. Now being given an opportunity to serve in that calling is Cynthia Hanson. Cindy is relatively new in our community and we look forward to getting better acquainted.

             There was a wreck close to the entry of Strawberry Canyon that caused some excitement around here. Sirens and emergency outfits zipping up the highway. It made a couple of TV newscasts. A semi truck, loaded with containers of molasses was headed to his parent company in Montpelier and went down a steep embankment, flipping the rig over. Scrapes and bruises to the driver, no passengers, he had his seat belt in place. The highway was closed for cleanup and that took a portion of a couple of days. They needed some heavy equipment to get that semi upright. The wildlife may be licking up bits of molasses for an unexpected treat.

November 12, 2019

           Our Oct 31 party was titled a Fall Extravaganza and it was great! The recreation hall of the meetinghouse was packed with people of all ages. The central serving table, laden with varieties of chili and soups, looked full enough to provide a pot of soup for everyone in attendance. A trio of judges gave prizes for the most traditional, the most exotic, the spiciest and then the consuming began. Decisions had to be made and it was difficult, just so many! There were bread-sticks and crackers to add to the menu. Two or three servings were then followed by an assortment of pies---fruit pies, cream pies, caramel pies, nut pies, and so it went.

           A parade of costumes twisted up and down the room, much applause given. Prizes again, this time for creativity, cuteness, most frightening, best family group. More applause. Then let the games begin: eating doughnuts on a string, Jesse Wilcox was #1 with Justin Longhurst a close second; feeding a grown man a baby bottle, Kerry and Lacey Christensen aced it; shaking a box of pingpong balls (hard to describe, but hilarious). The winner here was our own Dr. Kerry Jepsen, staid orthopedic surgeon in our midst. Another was a balloon stomp where two gals ganged up on the male victor to declare victory for themselves! A twisted bowling type game appeared to be perfect for Eldon Wilcox, until he was challenged by Hannah Greene with her splendid strategy.

            After all the main-floor activities there was time for pictures being taken in a photo shoot and then the trick r' treat set moved to the basement for that part of the evening. All were grateful to be out of the cold this freezing Halloween night. Using a common phrase, “A good time was had by all.”

          The Egley family is having a bit of a break from following the racing circuit of their son Matt Egley. This past season Matt's car has raced four times in Meridian, ID, and twice in Hermiston, OR. He managed to get his first Heat win in Meridian. The last trip for the Egley fans will be to Las Vegas with a big race coming up the last part of November. In the meantime Matt's crew is making sure that #86 lime green car is in top condition.

           Deer are visiting yards on a regular basis. Perhaps they see themselves as the Cleanup Crew after the freezing nights wiped out whatever was left in gardens and froze much of the fruit that was not quite to the picking point in our orchards.

           It is that season when we see thin strands of spiderweb floating through the air outdoors, attaching here and there. We also have a frequent need to swipe our indoor walls and ceilings. Somehow that cobweb that is hanging at eye level, not there yesterday, is revealed in just the right light this time of year. It is getting cold enough that our outdoor world is seeking entry into our warmer homes. Likely the same condition exists where ever you live, reader of this blog. Happy Fall! For a week or so I feared we were going to jump from summer right into winter.

November 6, 2019

         Patti and Forrest Christensen have another adventure on their schedule. They visit Florida often, with Patti's daughter living there. Now the Christensens have purchased a house in Florida. Interestingly, it was the home of Nelson Coleman's parents, Nelson being a former resident of Mink Creek. The plan for the future for Patti and Forrest is to be snowbirds in Florida during winter months, soaking up the beaches and warmer climes and then head home tp Mink Creek when warm weather arrives.

          The families of Kathy and Joe Jarvis and Jeff and Jennifer Seamons have been filled with returning missionaries lately. They traveled to Utah to welcome Elder Jackson Jarvis who was returning from service in the Australia, Sydney, Mission. This past week the families have gathered again, this time in Mink Creek to hear Elder Samuel Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer, speak about his time in the Philippines, Legazpi, Mission. Samuel returned at the beginning of October. His fraternal grandparents are Cathy and Scot Seamons also of Mink Creek.

          Laural Janke and her children Sophia and Theo of Richfield, UT, spent the Utah School Break with her parents Bob and Claudia Erickson. A highlight of their visit was checking out the annual Halloween display of a friend, Arda Smith, in Riverdale. This display is always a treat for spectators this time of year.

          Vernon Keller and members of his family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Kylie Jensen a granddaughter. She married Britton Peterson. Kylie is the daughter of Karla Keller and Chris Jensen. The marriage took place at the Mt. Naomi Farms Vineyard in Hyde Park. Karla's family were there, both from Utah and Idaho. Oldest brother Kelton and Denise Keller and their daughter Mari came up from Alpine, UT; Jeff and Kay Hill of Taylorsville and some of their family; Karla's twin, Karma and Doug Wood of Logan; a brother Kim Keller of Mink Creek; sister Kristi and Brett Hall of Preston and their children. These are Bridger and Kenzie Hall with baby Drew, Tyson and Ashlie Hall, and Tawni and Tayson Reid and brand new baby, Trapper.

          Spencer Wilde, son of Judy and David Wilde, is engaged to Paige Hilton with wedding plans for November 23. The two met while attending school at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg. Paige hails from the state of Maryland.

           Since we have no choice but to endure the very cold days of late, we are hoping the box elder bug population will also be more than uncomfortable. Any warm surface seems to attract them in droves outdoors. Although they don't bite, indoors they are a constant nuisance.

           The first week of Mountain Standard Time. It always takes time to make that mental/emotional adjustment. While it is nice to be able to have it light in the morning, getting kids on the schoolbus, off to work, someone always complains about it getting dark 'so early.' Actually it is just a tradeoff and the dark hours are when humans are designed to slow down after their work day. It always amazes me at how fast things lighten up in the days following our “shortest day of the year.”

          Our day time temperatures have risen a bit and it seems we may have some Fall weather after all. We will welcome it after having this scare of an early winter setting in.

Pre-Halloween, 2019

          Karl and Marion Haws have been with us for the past month. Periodically they need to reconnect with their Idaho lives. While here they have had family visitors. Ken and Lauren Nash were up from Sol Vang, CA. Adam Haws, also of Sol Vang, and a friend took advantage of the deer hunting season. Kasey and Julie Haws were welcomed home. They were released not long ago after serving for three years as the President of the Mexico, Villahermosa, Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Kasey and Julie live in Redlands, CA.

          A new family has moved onto the Two Creek Ranch. They are Greg and Pearl Olsen with their daughter Marie and her children, Shea, Courtney, Kendall and Morgan. A son is deployed in the military. Curry Donaldson, father of the family, manages a large ranch in Arizona and comes north frequently to support his children in their varied interests. Shea Donaldson spoke recently in the Mink Creek LDS Ward, prior to her leaving to serve in the Paraguay, Asuncion, Mission.

          Kent and ReNae Egley managed a few days break after the intense hay harvest to slip down to southern Utah. They enjoyed the slightly warmer weather and the scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding area.

          Jeff and Julie Workman spent their fall break from their Utah jobs to spend time at their Mink Creek home. They live in Stansbury Park. Even though our weekend was rainy and skies were on the gloomy side, the switch is a boost for them.

           Hunting season is getting short. Still getting some reports of both elk and deer, tagged and being readied for the freezers. Seems to have been a pretty good year, judging from word-of-mouth reports, nothing official.

         Ended the day with snow sifting down and woke to the same. It has been a frigid day, but beautiful in its whiteness. No depth to speak of, enough to leave tracks of whatever moved about, be they critter, vehicle, or human. Don't think we are quite ready for this yet, the lawn grass is still green

          For any reader who might be interested in scheduling our community facilities, aka the Church building or our Ballpark, there has been a change. Forrest Christensen has dealt with that for the past several years. He has been released and the current facility coordinator is Layne Erickson.

          Don't forget to cast your vote  on Nov. 5th, it is a privilege denied many around the world.

October 23, 2019

         Some farmers are done, some still pushing to get that third crop of hay done. Some have raked it at least three times in the drying process. The baling equipment goes to work even in the dark and there is much relief when the task is completed. This has been a year to deal with a damp fall for an obstacle.

           The vibrant colors of our trees a week ago are now a blur of crackling dry leaves, colors muted nearly to the point of tan and grey. The slightest wind has the leaves falling into a crunchy carpet. The deer hunters will have a hard time sneaking up on their prey. The deer will have an equally hard time slipping off with noiseless steps.

           Lana McCracken is home after having some shoulder surgery. This was repair work was for a torn rotator cuff, following a fall. She is doing well, and learning to be ambidextrous. With a few more weeks of physical therapy she plans to be good as 'almost new.'

            The turkeys are coming back from their summer vacation to the higher mountains. They have been seen feeding in the fields by Turkey Curve near the home of LeeAnn and Clyde Gilbert. Not in great quantities thus far, perhaps these are the scouts for the rest of the flock. I note that the birds are bustling around the Cub River area as well. Our two areas are connected with a ridge in between.

            The family of John and Arlene Warburton gathered in Mink Creek for the funeral of John. Two of their children live in St. George, UT, Paul and Sandalee Warburton and James and Chantelle Warburton. David and Wendy Warburton are in American Fork, Ut, Rita and Richard Cargill in Beaumont, CA. Michelle and Chris Ure live in Ogden, Ut. Cherise and Tracy Olsen, in Franklin, the only ones still in Idaho.

           The roar of the motorcycles traveling up and down our highway has lessened with the chillier temperatures. Earlier in the season a cavalcade of thirty-two bikers were headed south after being in Bear Lake country. Imagine trying to pass that parade!

            It has been a rather wet few days, and if not wet then at least gloomy. We have awakened to skiffs of snow a couple of mornings, but that is gone in an hour or two. Halloween decorations adorn some porches and yards. This year the plan is to have our Harvest social at the recreation hall on Oct 31^st for warmth rather than outdoors, with contests for chili and soups, finishing up with pie. It will be nice to be where we can be comfortable. Costumes for the young, optional for those of “more advanced years.”

October 16, 2019

          It is a beautiful Fall in this community. Evans Hill, to our south is a swirl of red and orange from top to bottom, and if a person looks across the broad valley over to the west side their mountains tend to be a match. We have had a thorough freeze, but it is still lovely to see. An overnight snowfall has stayed in every spot untouched by the cold rays of the sun. With this last freeze the deer may miss out on some of the munchies from orchards and blackened gardens.

            Elder Samuel Seamons is back among us after serving for the last two years in the Philippines, Legazpi, Mission. He is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons and his family had a great time welcoming him home when his flight landed at the Salt Lake City airport. Kathy and Joe Jarvis, grandparents, have welcomed two returning missionary grandsons this month, both from island missions, the Philippines and Sydney, Australia.

          La Ron Baird had a brief stay in the hospital in Pocatello after having a ATV vehicle rollover. He had been hunting in the Burley area and ended up with a concussion and injured shoulder.

           The Forest Service had a control burn up our way a while back that caused some excitement. Seeing smoke rising, knowing how dry the terrain was, caused some anxious moments for residents until they learned it was a planned situation.

            There has been an unusual roadside fatality. A coyote was the victim, we expect to see deer, racoons, skunks, even a turkey now and then but a coyote carcass is a rarity.

           Speaking of roadkill.. .When a skunk is the victim all vehicles do their best to avoid contact with the downed critter, and there are quite a few on the commute from Mink Creek to Preston and points south.

            There have been quite a few reports of success with the local deer hunting season in progress. Even with all the shots echoing through our valley we still have deer in our yards, on the highway. Just this time of year.

Oct 8, 2019

          It was a perfect evening, but a little on the chilly side. Mink Creek community took a Fall Foliage Ride into the mountains around Station Creek. It was a great turnout, more than 30 outfits, 4 wheelers or Side by Sides. The group split into three sections, led by Nate Olson, Jeff Olson and Lin McKay, each taking a different trail, all headed to the top. Great scenery all along the trails. Some elk were rousted out. When the goal was reached there were marvelous views of Glendale, Cub River, the whole west side of northern Cache Valley. A person could see all of Mink Creek village up to the entry of the Caribous National Forest. Once back down to the Olson farm there was huckleberry and huckleberry cheesecake ice cream to top off the activity. The local LDS missionary pair, Elders Duke and Rich, provided some vocal and guitar music along with the refreshments. It might have been cold but huckleberry ice cream is always acceptable.

         Mink Creek has four young men playing on the Preston High School football team this year. They are Andrew and Charles Iverson, sons of Kurt and Margret, Stetson Ostler, son of Stuart and Alona Ostler, and Ty Jepsen, son of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen. On the PHS volleyball team this year is Emily Longhurst, daughter of Candy Longhurst.

          We started this past week off with our first low snowfall of the season. Sept 29^th, after a couple of days of rainfall, sent some big heavy feathery flakes in the morning. However within just a couple of hours it had warmed up and looked as if it had only been a dream, unless you looked up into our surrounding mountains and the whiteness was still in place.

          The Lewis and Clark Volunteers, a Mountain Man group that headquarters in Soda Springs,ID, were here for a weekend of fall rendezvous. The group gathers on the Vernon Keller farm on the banks of Mink Creek. Vernon's daughter-in-law, Denise, came up from Alpine, UT, for this annual event.

           The time for harvesting chokecherries is past, but there are plenty left on the trees, up and down our village. Our local bird population is now doing their share of harvesting the berries. The trees shake with the activity taking place within their branches, in and out, repeatedly. Seeds must be scattered for nature's planting over many miles.

           Most of our residents that still farm are hoping for enough dry days to get that third crop into the barn, or wherever they stack it. The hay is cut, raked and waiting. Nights are frosty and bring moisture. Gardens are done for, only a few root crops still holding on. Vines of tomatoes, squash, cukes an melons are black, but it is mid October and we expect nothing else.

Day after 1stSnow, Oct 1, 2019

        The Relief Society ladies gathered at the ball park, before it got too cold, and enjoyed a Harvest Dinner. It was a pot luck affair with dishes made from the produce grown during the warm months. It was also a sharing time for anyone that had an overabundance of such things as green beans, zucchini or yellow squash, tomatoes, cucumbers. Getting a few new recipes always goes with a session of this sort.

         Jeff Olson drove to Ft. Carson, CO, just outside of Colorado Springs, to witness the ceremony of his son Andrew Lane Olson as he was installed as the Commander of 299^th Engineer Battalion of the U.S. Army. Better known as Andy, Commander Olson had been in the Army corp of Engineers and had served in Iraq for10 months supervising repairs on a large dam near the city of Mosul. He was transferred out of the Corp and into regular Army to become the commander of the unit. Andy and his family live in Colorado Springs at this time but were previously in Seattle, WA.

         Bob and Claudia Erickson drove to Kaysville, UT, to attend the funeral of her brother-in-law, Vaughn Perkins. Others of the Erickson family joined them there: Danalee and Gene Abernethy, Carla and Mark Nielsen and Laural Janke. Others attending with Franklin County roots were long time friends: Colleen Hawkes, Bishop Reed Povey and Eldean Holliday.

          Jody Rasmussen and her sisters recently took on the adventure and challenge of hiking Mt. Borah, Idaho's highest peak, part of the Lost River Range in the Challis National Forest. It proved to be grueling, not for the fainthearted, but worthwhile and each of them came away from the experience with a broadened perspective and appreciation of life.

         The passing of Richard Clair Jensen, known well as Dick, came unexpectedly to our community. He has been in the role of caregiver for several years with his wife, Ladawn. He is well known for his fun sense of humor, his teddy-bear approach to driving one of our school buses for many years and his love of his horses and his farm. This leaves an empty spot on our village roster. The Jensen brothers all grew up in Mink Creek: Lynn, Dick, Val, Ed, and Robert, sons of Leeral and Naomi Jensen.

         Geese are revisiting our ponds and fields as they make their way south with the weather changing. Their conversations can be heard while they are finding tidbits and bugs to refuel their energy for the flight.

         The first freeze has arrived. Also the first snow, although it didn't last long at the lower levels, Our mountain tops are white and the days since then have been cold enough that it hasn't receded. For some of our residents this will be their first winter where snow is the normal weather forecast. Welcome to Idaho in all seasons!

Sept. 24, 2019

           The beautiful scenery that surrounds our little valley has been various shades of green for several months. In just the last few days the dropping temperatures have started to produce some fall colors among the green, some bright yellow, red and orange. We have had some skiffs of snow on our highest reaches for a morning or two.

          Recent rainstorms have delivered a drenching. There is a good side and a bad side to that. The flowers in our gardens seem brighter than ever, full and lush as they await the freeze that is bound to come. Our farmers that are working to harvest that third crop of hay are met with the challenge of searching for a window of time when the crop can be swathed, with several days of clear, warmer weather following to dry before it can be baled.

          Claudine and LaMar McKague and their girls, Sage and Elsie, drove down from Vancouver, WA, for a Fall stay with Claudine's parents, Bob and Claudia Erickson. The visit was timed so they could pick up a returning missionary son, Elder Ethan McKague, in Pocatello, and also deliver Sage to the Idaho Falls area with her plans to attend BYU/I in Rexburg. The family of Laural and Jody Janke came up from Richfield, UT, to join in the family fun and get in some good cousin time.

          In one of those coincidences that somehow come into our lives, Elder McKague in his flight layover in Salt Lake City, briefly met Elder Jarom Olson, who also has Mink Creek roots with grandparents, Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson. Elder McKague has been serving in Las Vegas, Elder Olson was just on his way to serve in the Las Vegas Mission. Even more interesting is that Elder Olson's first assignment is in the same location where Elder McKague last served before being released.

          With fall upon us the constant stream of summer visitors to our village is slacking off. Ken and Loren Nash were here from Sol Vang, CA to close up their family's Mink Creek residence for a month or so. Sam and Sylvia Stanger have been popping in and out over the summer at their yellow brick school.

         We are happy to announce the birth of a baby boy to Tawni and Tayson Reid. Grandparents Kristi and Bret Hall are busting their buttons with pleased smiles over the event. This makes another great-grandchild for Vernon Keller.

           The Forest Service had a controlled burn today in our area. It went fine, but caused some concerns within the community when we didn't know that was the cause of flames and smoke, and on a windy day.

            A few turkeys have been seen down in our lower regions. I am sure it is just the tip of the iceberg of what will soon be descending. Their summer absence has been very satisfying, but it is time to put on the alert for the next go around.

           There was a baby shower for Haylee Hatch Jensen, and it included her husband Bryce. It was held at the Benson Park in Preston on a day that turned out to be rather chilly. The Hatch family was prepared with warm cocoa and plenty of treats for the guests.

September 17, 2019

        The annual LOTOJA Saturday has been and gone. The weather, cloudy and cold on Friday, brightened up and was in the bikers favor for the race. No snow on the summit of our canyon this year. The riders filled the highway in the morning hours, some singly, some in pairs or small groups, and others in droves, pedaling almost synchronized as they ascend to Copenhagen and beyond.

          With the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Mink Creek ward getting a new Bishopric a couple of months ago, there was also a change in the Elders' Quorum presidency. The president is Clare Christensen, his counselors are Clifford Jensen and Brint Phillips. Miles Erickson is secretary for the organization. The former bishop, Kurt Iverson, has just been called to serve on the Preston North Stake High Council.

          Justin Longhurst was recently ordained to the office of an elder in the priesthood. Family gathered to witness this occasion. His brother Jake and Holly Longhurst and baby Alice drove up from Smithfield, sister McKinley Longhurst came from school at ISU in Pocatello. His mother Candy and sister Emily live here in Mink Creek. Grandparents, Earl and Barbara Craythorn of Firth, ID, attended. Justin's wife, Cynthia, had family visiting as well, her brother Quentin and Nikki Zilles, and her parents, Lori and Ross Zilles, all of Weston. Long standing friends, Bill and Myrna Despain cam up from Preston.

           Kaden Loyd is now stationed at a military base in Japan. His wife, Cheyenne, and baby girl flew over to join him. She is the daughter of Jody and Brett Rasmussen. Cheyenne had her hands full for the trip—besides bags she had baby necessities like a stroller and carrier, plus the babe. It was great that other passengers gave her a helping hand. Japan seems a long distance at the Rasmussen household.

            Kent and ReNae Egley are often on the road, along with other members of the Egley clan. They are following their son Matt Egley in his car racing competitions that has recently gotten underway. Matt has come in with the checkered flag a few times this season. Not to say that this racing life doesn't have some moments when big-time repair is needed. He has a great crew.

           We have had some fierce wind and rain storms this past week. The whipping trees could match up with Harry Potter's tree. Rivulets cut down through the dirt on the sides of driveways and roads as the swift water showed how much force it could produce, leaving behind small canyons. Any fruit near the stage of ripeness in our orchards was flung to the ground, not dropped, but flung, and now smushed and fodder for the wasps and bees.

          With the temperatures following a zigzag pattern lately, it is time to think about those nights which will soon be coming when we need to cover tomato plants, or anything else that might need protection from a freeze. So far I have heard no reports of garden disasters. However, snow has touched the tops of our mountains a couple of times in the last two weeks. No two ways about it, it is time to prepare. 

Sept 10, 2019

         Eric Hickman and his mother Delores Hickman were up from California to close out the Mink Creek Hickman home and get it ready for the prospect of selling. Delores lives in Long Beach. Eric built the home a few years ago for his parents, Van and Delores. Van passed away this summer.

          Richie Hurst has enjoyed having some of his friends, also from California, come by and spend a few days in Mink Creek. For some of them it is their first visit to Idaho. Rich enjoys introducing them to the pluses of life in small-town Idaho.

           The “Garlic Project” that took place on the Longhurst farm a year ago has born its harvest. Around fifty friends and neighbors, along with Longhurst family, gathered to bring in what they had helped plant. The farm was busy as a beehive, getting rid of the weeds that had grown along with the garlic and finding the bulbs.

           Ben and Marie Keller are back in town full time after being employed at Camp Bartlett for the majority of the summer. Much of their recent calendar was Sundays in Mink Cree, the rest of the week, up the canyon and over the hill to help with the upkeep of facilities at the Boy Scout camp. Bartlett is a thriving spot all summer long.

          The daughter of Lin and Sharla McKay, River McKay comes up off and on while she is settling in to her new job with Backcountry in Park City. It is to our advantage that she has a tendency to get pangs of home sickness.

           As we turn the calendar over to September it marks the end of lots of summery family visits. One might say that reality sets in and it is back to school, or jobs, or just a tighter schedule. The college age set have returned from summer employment, stopped at home long enough to eat some good meals, rearrange items in their bags and pick up a few more and head out in all directions to the college of their choice.

          We are seeing, and hearing, loads of firewood being harvested in our canyons. The sound of chainsaws in action is one familiar in this place. Trailers and pickup loads go up the highway empty and come back down loaded to overflowing.

         Members of the Larry and Lillian Hansen family have come up frequently from Utah to spend time at the Hansen place on Bear Creek. Larry's ancestor roots go way back to when this farm was first homesteaded.

          We've had a couple of gully-washer storms move through town the last few days. Wind and rain left some damage spots behind them.

September 3, 2019

            Combines are busy in the grain fields. Heavily loaded trucks are hauling the kernels to storage, whether it is on the home farm or at the grain elevators in Preston. It is a busy time of year. Just a few days ago another crop of hay was in the harvesting stage and being transported to the best vantage point, some by a hay wagon and tractor, others with sufficient quantity to require a semi truck.

             The countryside is drying, things are only green if they are being irrigated, whether that is a field or a lawn. The whir of the grasshopper wings is heard in the Fall air. The revolving of seasons is once again taking place.

             Stetson Ostler is helping his uncle Rex Sharp and his grandmother Jody Sharp with the care and training of race horses. This occupation is winding down a bit with the starting of school. The family of Stuart and Alona Ostler are also part of a catering business, Western Dutch Oven Cooking. It is a mobile business where they travel with their ovens to the event and the food is prepared close to the site where it will be served. Alona's parents, Brent and Jody Sharp of Cub River, are part of this cooking crew. They have magic with the ovens, producing yummy food.

           Phee and Robert Crosland took one last family trip before school got underway. Some of their children had the wish to retrace a trip taken when they were youngsters to the Oregon coast. Malia and Jason Kunze and their children of Rigby, ID, combined with Giovanni and Kristine Crosland and their little ones from Tremonton, UT, plus newlyweds, Angelo and Gracie Crosland, and all traveled caravan style to the northwest. They soaked up the beautiful scenery, enjoyed the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and various tourist sites while they were camping and having fun together. Good memories were both relived and made anew.

          Crystal Christensen, wife of Jeremy, and their children came up to spend a few days with his parents, Kim and Wally Christensen. Jeremy is now employed as an actuary for insurance for the Nevada State employees. The family lives in Carson City, NV.

          The village is gearing up for the annual LOTOJA bicycle race, Logan to Jackson, that passes through on our main street yearly. It will be this coming Saturday. Generally it happens without incident and residents are given a pass that enables them to use the local roads while the race is in progress. One year the weather turned cold and the bikers were caught in snow at the summit at the top of Strawberry Canyon. Those who organize and participate have to consider many different possibilities. Bikers have been making practice runs during the past months in preparation for this event.

August 28,2019

           Things were hopping at the Longhurst farm a couple of weeks ago. It was the Craythorn Family Reunion and there were trucks and RV's, trailers and such all gathered round. The head of the family is Earl and Barbara Craythorn of Declo, ID, Candy Longhurst's parents. There was lots of help and lots of fun happening in that beautiful piece of ground surrounding the Longhurst home.

          Keith and Karen Olson Tribett were up from Utah to soak up some Idaho hours at their place on Valley View Hill. It really is a great view in all directions from that location.

          Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen spent several days in California at the home of their daughter Annie and Steve Earl and family. They live in San Jose. Annie and children had been visiting Mink Creek earlier for a summer visit. The Jepsen brothers have also been around off and on, keeping things busy at this Jepsen place.

            Reed Swann and daughter Penny have had a full month of family in all directions. They have had the E. A. Swann Family Reunion with Reed's siblings and families at a park in Preston. The more immediate family hasbeen camping near Alpine, WY, with Charles and Sarah Swann and their children, a family tradition.

            Bryce Egley has been doing his share of mountain-bike racing these past summer months. And he has been doing quite well, placing high in the winner bracket often. He is the son of Jared and Juli Egley and has a following of family fans in his activities. Bryce competed at Nationals in Winter Park, CO, and placed 21^st nationally, out of more than 150 riders. With school starting he is now competing as a member of the Green Canyon Team, out of Cache Valley.

           Drew and JoAnn Ford's home has been spilling over with family visitors this summer, literally all summer long. Two of their daughters are in the process of moving and needed a temporary home while the process was taking place. There have been overlapping visits. Andrea and her family are located in Spencer, ID, Melissa and her three girls came from Iowa, Amy and Ben with their four children are from North Ogden, UT, and Jacob and his family hail from Eagle Mountain, UT. In addition to these families, JoAnnn's father has come up from Bountiful, UT for a lengthy visit and Drew's brother and his wife came for an over-nighter from Washington state. Things have definitely been stirred up at the Ford's Bear Creek home.

           There has been a few nights that left no question as to the arrival of Fall, temperatures took a drop, but didn't freeze. The color change has not set in yet, but the hillsides are tan rather than green.

There are several new houses under various stages of construction on Valley View Hill. We have some new residents to our community to go along with the houses..

          All the hubbub of the county fair and rodeos has calmed down. School is underway, the routine of the next few months is being established in most homes. Garden harvest is beginning in earnest

August 21, 2019

        Sorry about missing last week. It was one of those where I lose track of time and deal with too many things on the proverbial platter.

         Members of our community gathered in the Oneida Narrows to join in a float down the Bear River. Instructions had been to bring life jackets and wear sunscreen. Forty-seven people showed up to participate in this annual event. For some it was old-stuff, done-it-before, but for others it was a first-timers adventure. Arrangements had been made for a village dinner at the Mink Creek Ballpark to begin at 7 p.m., with the land lubbers waiting for the arrival of the wet river-runners. The menu was hamburgers or hot dogs with all the fixings provided. Salads were furnished by surnames A thru K, and desserts, letters J thru Z. The weather smiled upon us and the evening could be described, 'just right.”

          The family of Jeannine and Johnny Iverson who have had nine children, have been in and out all summer long. Their big family event is that of hiking the Wind River Mountains in Wyoming. This year they had a family attendance of 120 at their family reunion, coming from Texas, Utah, Idaho, California, Virginia and Washington D. C..

           Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson held Cousin Camp for grandchildren at their place on Station Creek. The age bracket is from ages 8 to 12. This year they had eleven young ladies: from Brigham City, UT; Rigby, ID; Meridian,, ID, St George, UT; and Richmond, UT. Three days of hiking, crafts, singing and having a grand time. No one wanted to go home.This group echos the strains of the song, “It's always fun at Grandma's house,” for parents and kids. Now Grandma and Grandpa Olson are recovering, but it was worth it!

          Ken and Loren Nash brought family up from the heat of California to enjoy the warmth of Idaho at their Haws home on a rise above Mink Creek.

          Eldon and Danita Wilcox soaked up some grandparent time with a visit from MaKenzie and Tyron Gunter and their little boy Dryden and baby girl Preslie. The baby is only about a month old.

          Able-bodied men of the community met at the farm of Craig and Elaine Larsen to get in their hay crop. Craig is struggling with health issues at this time.

          Children of Layne and Karen Erickson came together to wish their dad a Happy Birthday this month. Connie and Adam Westenskow live in Woods Cross, UT, Julie and Todd Kunz and their two children are in Idaho Falls, Terrie and Paul McKay, right here in Mink Creek, and Bryan and Shannon Erickson and Jesse are in Wellsville, UT.

          Our Boy Scouts enjoyed their time at Camp Bartlett. They had a challenging event requiring knowledge of tying knots. Their leaders, Steve Baldwin, Bishop Paul McKay and La Ron Baird had built a flag pole, with knots, ropes, stakes, etc. and the boys were to construct a replica of the same.

They needed clove hitch knots and found they needed their lashing to be a bit tighter, but finaly ended up with the replica being straighter than the original. Attending were Hazen Baird, Conner Iverson, Jacob Stanworth, Calwell Forbush, and a guest from a Cub River troop. Other than getting some bad sunburns they all had a good time.

         We have some neighbor's cows who have turned into a menace. They are experts at leaving their home ground and are turning up all over the community. Besides wrecking hay bales they have managed to completely destroy a garden, right when it was beginning to be highly productive.

The neighborhood deer are doing their best to prune low-hanging apple trees, and have sampled some winter squash, just enough to spoil things for the gardener. Even thorny raspberry bushes are on their menu.

         The County Fair was enjoyed by both spectators and contributors. As the last days of August are upon us the village is adjusting to get back into the routine that goes along with school and cooler days.

August 7, 2019

         The young women of Mink Creek enjoyed their 'Girls Camp' miles from home. This year found them and their leaders at Lake Powell, water skiing, exploring some slot canyons, boating, repelling, and paddle boarding. One bonus was floating on a floating island. Each evening ended with a devotional lead by the girls. Their theme this year was “Do you know who you are?” Crafts and games, plus fun cooking experiences. With the current warm weather they got to stay in an house with air conditioning. Those participating were Jyllian Christensen, Josie Neitz from Canada, Ella & Tara Jepsen, Hannah Greene, Emily Longhurst, Davanie Ostler, Liberty Stanworth, Shaylee Forbush, Tia Hatch. Kerry and Melinda Jepsen were there with our boat, Lacey Christensen was camp director with help from her husband, Kerry Christensen. Macy Jepsen was an adult leader, Bishop Paul McKay and his wife Terrie came down on Friday of that week. Tears were shed, gratitude expressed, mingled with lots of laughter and fun.

         There has been some active drilling going on up in these mountains. Not for oil, but for water to go with homes seeking a supply for the homes in construction. Recently there have been three rigs set up and searching.

         Forrest and Patti Christensen have been globe trotting. They went to Florida, came back to Mink Creek in time to pack their suitcases and then were off on a River Cruise down the Danube River in Europe. Every day was a totally new adventure. Things began in Budapest, Hungary and they floated the river through four other countries: Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania. So much beauty to see throughout, a perfect time of year to be sight-seeing. They soaked up the music, architecture, the rich farmland with fields of vibrant flowers, the churches and the frescoes on the walls and ceilings. The colors all appealed to Patti's artistic side. They learned about history back to 300 B.C. The tour guides and local people added much as they related the days under Communist rule. The cruise included a trip to Transylvania, part of Romania and finished up in Bucharest. This has definitely been a vacation that will fill pages of the Christensen's journals.

          Jim and Debbie Harrison have been up again. Did you know he has written another novel? This is a bit different from the books he has written in the past. The title is Wrong Place, Wrong Time and it is a suspense novel. His author name is E. James Harrison, same guy, just spruced up a bit.

        If you read the Mink Creek news in the Citizen –well, it didn't make it last week. One of those computer glitches where it got lost somewhere between my desk in Mink Creek and the editor's desk in Preston. It did eventually show up and so was combined with this one in this week's edition.        Apologies to those who asked me what happened—at the time I wondered myself.

         The area has survived the Rodeo season, all the candy wrappers on the parade route seem to have been swept up or blown away. Mink Creek community overflowed with visitors this past week, reports will come later. It is wonderful to have 'home' to come and visit.

July 31, 2019

           A restful Sunday picked up speed with the announcement of “Fire on the Hill.” Sirens punctuated the stillness of the hot afternoon. At least 6 brush trucks arrived on the scene and went to work. The hill in question was just south of what locals call Telluride Road, and that path was the best trail to reach the blaze. The land belongs to Richard Free, a plus is that the fire was nearly surrounded on all sides by green fields rimming the base of the hill. When this village has a fire we are glad to see Kent Egley on his bulldozer. The county Fire Department, Forest Service and BLM gave several hours of hot work from their crews, even some overnight ones. Thanks.

           Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen traveled to Canada to celebrate the high school graduation of their grandson Carson Neitz He is the son of Mark and Jill Jepsen Neitz and they have a ranch near Stettler, Alberta. In their traveling about the Jepsens managed to visit three LDS temples over the northern border in Cardston, Calgary and Edmonton.

           Jared and Hollie Keller have recently moved into our community. Jared's Keller roots go way back to the early days of Mink Creek. He is the great grandson of Urias and Annie Keller, in fact        Jared and Hollie are living in the Urias Keller home, totally remodeled and restored. They have two children, Morgan and Danny. Jared deals in commercial real estate. It isn't just welcome to Mink Creek, it is welcome back.

           Sherry and Ernie York, plus grandson Brayden York, spent the early part of July in Dillon, MT.

They stay at the Southside RV Park each time they go, claiming it is one of the best camping places they have encountered in their traveling about. This trip up they hunted for crystals in a spot west of Dillon, visited Bannack which was the first Territorial Capitol of Montana and part of the Bannack Historic State Park, then did some relaxing at the Hotel Metlin in Dillon, hearing about the ghost stories that go with that establishment.

           We have had a visit from the Garr family. George and Bobbie Garr have a home in Mink Creek, now occupied by their grandson, Richie Hurst. George and Bobbie escaped to Idaho from Long Beach, CA and brought Richie's mother, Diane Hurst along for a few days. Struggles with health issues enforces the need to be in California most of their days this summer.

          Second crop hay is in the process for our farmers. Depending on location , some are just mowing, while others have already baled and hauled the bales, either to a stack of on a semi-load for a more distant destination.

            There have been lots of river runners on the Bear River lately. These hot days bring people and their tubes to jump in and ease the heat. It looked like a flotilla the other day, with lots of shouting from the participants.

July 24, 2019, Pioneer Day

          If you are a night owl, like me, it isn't quite July 24, there is still a hour before that, but the mood is on to think of Mink Creek's pioneers  and how pleased I am that they chose this lovely little corner of what became Idaho.  It is a beautiful place that appeals to the aesthetic senses, nearly all year long.  Mud season is the most discouraging--not much in the way of color and even the black and whiteness gets a bit blurry.  It is a short season and there is the anticipation of the spring greens that carry us through.

          It is a joy to hear the county mosquito abatement trucks come patrolling our entire community, dirt roads, paved roads, they hit all the places that might be spots where the bad guys may lurk We appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

          A trio of young ladies have moved into our village. Laura Cheney, Cindy Hanson and Amanda Sidwell are renting a home from Richard Free, establishing community connections while anticipating the building of a home to be constructed on the western slopes of Strawberry Creek.

         It is so good to have Mary Jean Rasmussen back home. After the death of her husband Larry, she spent some time in the northwest with Larry's brothers and their families. Her daughter Terry Carr and granddaughter Courtney Carr traveled with her. They had fun at a surprise birthday party for Brent Ramussen in Deer Park, WA. Courtney Carr has been in the Mission Training Center in Provo, UT and will soon be on her way to serving a mission in Ohio. Mary, with her son Kim and Terry recently went to Sacramento, CA, to attend the funeral of a great aunt. While there they were reconnected with twelve cousins. Traveling is good, but it is nice to be home.

          Jared and Juli Egley took some time off and celebrated their 20^th wedding anniversary with a trip to Isla Murjes, Mexico and its coast and beaches. It was timed just right before Jared would be caught up in the production of hay with his parents, Kent and ReNae and brother Matt at Egley Farms.

         The Bill and Marie Aupperlee home has been purchased by Roxy and Mac DeVries, formerly of Franklin, ID. They are the parents of a little girl, Adalyn, and the proud owners of two dogs. Mac drives a big rig semi and Roxy is employed in Smithfield, UT.

         As usual our community is host to multiple summer visitors, some with a quick overnight stay, others visiting relatives and soaking up life in these green mountains.

          Hot and dry days and the big gun sprinklers are in action, as are pipe lines and wheel moves. Anything that can deliver water to needed crops are being used, but I haven't heard of anyone going back to the use of a shovel on an irrigation ditch.

          Both our young men and our young ladies have just returned from Summer Adventure trips and they had a great time. More about that next week.

July 16, 2019

         The annual Mink Creek July 4^th was a resounding success. Activities got underway around 10:30 a.m with paper rockets, Frisbee golf, bubble blowing, gaga ball, and goldfish toss. When the sound of the approaching airplane, piloted by John Kezley, was heard the activities ceased and the drop area (also known as the baseball diamond) was cleared of people. The candy drop is always a favorite. John made three drops, kids scrambling for the candy after each, but clearing out as he circled to come in again. The flag ceremony was conducted by Glen Jepsen, retired Air Force, and any vets in attendance as the national flag was hoisted and the Pledge of Allegiance recited by all.

         “Lunch” had been in the makings for hours by various volunteer cooks. Many hands were involved. The menu was beef brisket or roast chicken, Dutch -oven potatoes, rolls, tossed salad with lemonade or root beer for the beverage. Dessert came in the form of a variety of brownies and servings from the patriotic decorated desserts that were entered in a contest of the same.

          Clouds moved in during the lunch hour and there was fear that the beloved water slide would be so cold it would be canceled. The water troops were elated when the sun came back in time to set things up on the back slope and the wet fun got underway. Another afternoon activity was Bingo for the more sedate. It was a great day and well attended.Appreciation is expressed to the many volunteers who made this event possible.

         The children of Carl and Lenna Christensen gathered for a family reunion during June. Not everyone was able to make it. Some of those descendants still live here in Mink Creek with their families: Danita Wilcox, Phillip Christensen, Bryan Christensen, Jesse Wilcox, Forrest Christensen, Kerry Christensen. The group hosted a relative from far away Norway, Carl Top and family.

          For travelers on Highway 34 north of Preston, it is one of the times of year to thank Pete and Mary Bennett for their patriotic display of flags near their home in Riverdale. The colors of red, white and blue flying in the breeze serve as a strong reminder for gratitude forour citizenship in this nation.

           Irrigation systems, individual for each land owner, are in full swing. Both grain fields and hay fields are needing the moisture. We did have a couple of intense rain storms whip through one day and were anxious that it might develop into hail. This time it did not, however we understand that the Preston area was hard hit with hail.

July 9, 2019

           There is a building going up in the west end of our community, not far from the Bear River. The descendants of Hugh and Bonnie Hansen are erecting a structure on their home farm

that will become their reunion retreat. In my mind it is the “Hansen Hall.” The family has gathered in this same spot for several years at festive times and this indicates plans for years into the future.

          Steve and Amy Baldwin have moved to a home with a hillside perch and a beautiful view in Mink Creek.Some years past the Baldwins lived in Riverdale and Steve worked with supervising the Deseret Industries. Still employed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, they were transferred to St. George, UT, for further training. Promotions brought Steve and Amy back to Franklin County and we are happy to have them living within the Mink Creek boundaries.

           Emily Longhurst enjoyed a spring trip to Samoa, traveling with her friend Ashlynn Sparks and her family. The sun, the beach, the ocean, the blue, blue sky the relaxed atmosphere was a luxury in unexpected ways. Here she was while Idaho was experiencing cold temperatures. She was not fond of the insects, particularly the mosquitoes. Emily was willing to try different foods and loved the coca rice. The highlight of her trip was getting to know the people, the smiling, happy Samoans.

         Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox and Eldon and Danita Wilcox have been on a cruise, along with all the other Wilcox children and families, totaling 34 members. Only MaKenzie stayed in Idaho with he new baby. Included in one of the ports of call was Ensenada, Mexico, where Wilcoxs reconnected with Omar Lopez. Omar had been an exchange student at PHS from several years ago who lived with the Wilcox family. The grown up Omar and his family, two children and he works for Toyota. He was most helpful setting up a bus and tour guide for this family group. They threw in some ziplineing and swimming for fun activities.

          Nearly a year ago the Mink Creek community banded together in order to plant a field of garlic at the Sheldon Longhurst farm. Sheldon was battling leukemia in the Portneuf Hospital in Pocatello but his wife, Candy, and their family were trying to fulfill his dream of raising garlic. His college degree had been in horticulture. Sheldon lost his battle, but the field had been planted. Recently the growing crop of garlic needed some extra care in the way of trimming the scape from the plants so that the underground bulbs would be encouraged to grow in size. Over twenty neighbors, armed with scissors and buckets met at the fields one Saturday morning to accomplish the task. It was successful before the day warmed up too much and the group celebrated with a feast of cool watermelon.

          This year there are plenty of robins in Mink Creek. I think most of them are now concentrating on any cherry trees that are grown in our community. The fruit is not ripe, just with a slight rose tint, but the birds are gobbling them up well before they have a chance to ripen.

          A couple of heavy rain squalls pushed through here, but we didn't get the hail that clobbered the Preston flats area. Our fields, gardens, yards all got a good soaking.