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.”