July 14, 2020

        We have a new baby in town, always a reason for rejoicing. Roxi and Mack DeVries had a little boy, to be named Kayson James. He is a healthy chunk, weighing in at 10 lbs 2 oz. And 22 inches in height. Welcome to our cray world, little one.

         The Mink Creek annual July 4^th celebrations did happen, with the limitations of COVID-19 in place. Around 230 people participated, spaced in family groups throughout the Mink Creek Ballpark. Having shaded areas is a plus at this location. Naturally some changes had to be made but on the whole it was a good day. The flag ceremony was under the direction of Warren Wilde. A brief program was offered and Sheri Scott and Brittnee Phillips performed a beautiful violin duet of appropriate songs. There were some old-fashioned games for the children and the favorite water slide down the slope was available to all ages. The food committee also had to consider the limitations and so the menu consisted of a hamburger on a bun with all the fixings, a bag of potato chips, a drink, watermelon and an ice cream bar. The 'chefs' were Patti and Forest Christensen, Phee and Robert Croslandand Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox. We were able to get an airplane candy drop, one of the highlights of July 4 for the kids.

           A severe windstorm that swept up our valley had ripped off some limbs from the Ballpark trees prior to this event. There was a crew of residents with chainsaws and muscle who gathered to clean things  up and haul the wood away so that the park would be ready for company.

         We are sad to report the deaths of two of our residents. Myrna Despain has been in a Sr. Living facility in Lovell, WY, for several months. Her husband Bill had made a quick visit to Mink Creek the last weekend in June before her passing and he was welcomed here with open arms. The couple have been missed. Myrna and Bill both grew up in the Lovell area and moved to Mink Creek from Wyoming years ago.

         After a long siege with illness, Betty Jo Jepsen, wife of Glen Jepsen, passed away on July 4. Her funeral was July 11 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mink Creek, for family members only with the COVID 19 restrictions. After being raised in Mink Creek, marrying her sweetheart Glen, the Jepsens' lives have been in many places throughout the world with his military assignments and church service. Retirement brought them back home to Mink Creek. Her obituary was carried in local papers last week.

         Second crop hay is doing well. AT this point weather is cooperating. The waters spraying over the fields in the early morning sunlight has a sparkling beauty all its own, and that swishing sound provides a musical background for the scene.

         This season I had a new thief in our cherry trees, challenging the horde of robins that flock there when the fruit is barely pink. A raccoon got his fill and no one could argue about who was the biggest in this case.