March 26, 2019

          Dirty Season has arrived. The rains expose the scars of winter, and there are many. Suddenly the trash that traffic has tossed out their windows on their way through our village is visible along the roadsides. Trash looks like, well, trash! Places where snow plows, both domestic and governmental, have grabbed some dirt along with the snow are no longer white, but have a dirt pocked surface on top of melting snow. Carcasses of the dead deer or turkeys that have been picked clean by local scavengers are part of the scenery. It all looks pretty grubby. It is one of the few times that our area is not beautiful to the beholder.

          We are happy to announce the arrival of Richard Hurst in Mink Creek. He is the grandson of George and Bobby Garr and has been visiting this area for years. He comes to us from Long Beach, CA, and is living in his grandparents' home. Richard is enjoying the advantages of “small town living.” He is employed by the Post Office. There is some anticipation of spring bringing more family back to their Idaho holdings.

           The family of Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen, all of them, gathered in Salt Lake City to attend a performance of “Wicked” together. This means some came from Canada, some from Texas, some from Utah, and of course, Idaho. A good time was had by all,particularly in getting acquainted with the new baby of Kyle and Stacy Jepsen, the Texas branch. It was the little one's first time in a land of ice and snow.

          We have had several reports of active wildlife within our village boundaries with the temperatures warming. Pheasants popping up in yards where some feed is visible. A trumpeter swan swimming in local waters, along with a pair of wild geese checking out nesting possibilities. A young cougar lounging in a yard that has some bare spots, minus the snow. This sort of thing is a constant reminder that our land is their land too.

           This winter has felt so very long. Now we have Spring Break with the schools. It started with a snowy day and many expressions of disappointment, but has since improved. Today it actually did some melting. Next week there should be lot of news because quite a few residents have headed out for winter vacations with the break. Our canyons still have plenty of snow and the snowmobile crowd are still loading up the parking lots at Copenhagen, Birch Creek and the smaller turnouts on the highway over to Bear Lake.

          Just a few days and March is behind us, with April and Easter in the offing.  Cheery thoughts.