February 6, 2019

           The temperatures of this winter have had several of our residents taking a break to places around the globe that offer warmth and comfort, as opposed to the need to shovel snow while dressed in layers of clothes.

          Kent and ReNae Egley celebrated their 45 Anniversary spending several days in the warmth of Arizona's sunshine. They checked out some of the wild west tourist spots. There was beauty unexpected at the Desert Botanical Gardens, the landscape blooming at this time of year. Time was spent in Gilbert and Phoenix. Shirt-sleeve weather for a few days before returning to our freezing.

           Kim and Wally Christensen have been on a Caribbean Cruise, more warm days. A hiighlight was a stopover in Half Moon Bay. Having monkeys perched atop their heads while on a jungle tour was a first-time experience.

            Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox have been gone nearly a month. They have been in the Philippines visiting Annavelyn's family. While there they were able to make connections with Elder Samuel Seamons, a missionary from Mink Creek, the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons. There is nothing quite like a familiar face from home when you are far away.

          The Birch Creek parking lot is a busy place these days. It is the starting spot for a great snowmobile ride on groomed trails. One weekends there is barely room for a vehicle to turn around, and even during the week it is well occupied by enthusiasts. There is deep snow and the road is closed to normal traffic.

          Christopher and Heidi Wilde were up from Logan, UT, to spend a few days with his parents, Judy and David Wilde. Later, they entertained another guest, Susan Robison, Judy's sister, who lives in Preston.

          Phee Crosland spent a week plus doing the grandma gig for the children of Malia and Jason Kunde of Rigby, ID. Malia and Jason were another couple who sought a few days of tropical sunshine in a Puerto Rico Cruise.

           Every driveway in our village has been covered with ice. When most driveways are on a slope this is no small challenge for getting to or from our homes. There is plenty of gratitude for 4-Wheel Drive vehicles and years of experience.

          Speaking of experience, Sid Whitehouse was one of the speakers at an afternoon session of stake conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the Preston North Stake last week. Looking out over the congregation can make a person a bit nervous in his position, but he inspired listeners as he shared his story of how he has been led to this village and the changes in his life.