July 17, 2013

Girls camp, this year Mink Creek leaders chose a spot just north of Soda Springs.

To get to know each other better each girl was given a “secret sister’ to discover and treat in special ways.  Evenings were a bit chilly and they were glad to have blankets to wrap in as they sat around the campfire.  For activities they hiked, had a scavenger hunt, learned new songs, sang old songs, played games, were both silly and serious.  Some suffered from a little homesickness.  The theme centered around acceptance, that all people are children on God.  Laurel Wilde was the Camp Director, helped by Lacey Christensen, Wendy Westerberg, Karen Arnout, Kristi Hall, Macy Jepsen, and Mary Norris.

TJ Biggs was ordained to the office of elder in the LDS Ward.  He is the son of Dawnya and Cass Biggs of Malta, ID, the grandson of Cathy and Scott Seamons of Mink Creek.

Norman and Viola Larsen’s family held their first reunion in 15 years.  The location was Mink Creek Ballpark.  The oldest sibling of the family, Doran and Frances Barlow, came up from Ogden.  His family was from the St. George area.  Blaine and Connie Larsen were unable to attend, but their children came from far away, Washington state and Atlanta, GA.  There were representatives from all the children of the original family.  Raylo and Bonnie Larsen have both passed away but their son Craig Larsen, living in Mink Creek, was responsible for arrangements. Hours were spent visiting and getting to know each other again.  Some visited an old logging operation where Doran had worked.  Some participated in a 4-wheel ride.  It was a successful reunion and the Larsens are planning another reunion in two years.

Claudine and LaMar McKague and children of Vancouver, WA, spent a week with family, enjoying a break from city life. She is the daughter of Bob and Claudia Erickson. There was a trip to Lava Hot Springs, a cookout or two, swimming in the farm pond, just being a bit more relaxed overall. The cousins, children of Laural and Jody Janke of Mink Creek were delighted to have a week of constant playmates.

It is motorcycle season on our main road, Highway 36.  Whether it is a single bike or many the road if full of them, going up the canyon, coming down.  It is fun to wonder where they came from and where they are going.  Jackson Hole, WY, attracts many.  Some are just going around the Utah-Idaho loop of the corners of the states.

Lately our days have been dry and hot.  We are needing moisture, and only get a few sprinkles when the forecast says 20-30% thunderstorms likely.  As in the early days of the community, our water sources are still holding up, a reason the early settlers chose this lovely little valley. Gardens are looking good; the raspberries just starting to come on, peas are in the pods. The hum of bees is outdoor music, and awareness. With the heat my spinach is ok, but the lettuce is a bit on the wilted side.

July 10, 2013

The week started out with the air conditioner on the blink at the LDS Mink Creek Ward for their Sunday meetings.  There was much waving of paper programs, fan-shaped or not, to create some sort of comfort in personal space.  Bishop Egley reminded the congregation that this was how it may have felt in the early days of the building  The doors were open wide, insects could be buzzing through and an occasional barn swallow may have winged its way into the chapel.    His reminder lightened the mood. We still have regular wasp visits, but no birds.

Fifteen of our Cub Scouts enjoyed Day Camp at Aspen Ridge Camp in Hull Valley.  Their leaders were Melinda and Clair Jepsen, Marie Keller with her Webloes, Lana and Ivan McCracken, Liesa Baird and Nathan  Bairid shepherding the Wolf and Bear Dens.  The theme for this year’s camp was Galaxy Trek and activities matched that theme:  planetarium, moonwalking, paper rockets, archery, cooking moonpies over hot coals, and, of course, knots.  A scout camp of any kind needs some training in knots.

With Dawnell Greene the overall go-to person at this event nearly half of the staff was made up of help from Mink Creek friends.  Those on the roster were:  Ty Beardall, James Baird, Chad Greene and his children Hanna, Izac, Josh and Travis, Tristin Thomas, Austin Straight, Avery Gomez, Chance and Dakota Hatch, Kalee Bair, Kerry Jepsen, and Lisa Christensen. Boys, leaders, and staff came home tired, but satisfied with the events of the day.

Angelo Crosland , son of Robert and Phee, was ordained to the office of  priest in the LDS Ward.  Malia and Jason Kunde and family came down from the Rexburg area for the occasion.  Giovanni and Kristine Crosland and children are staying in Mink Creek for the summer months.  Gio has just completed part of his medical training back east and is awaiting the next step towards becoming a doctor.

The recent production of Alice in Wonderland at the Worm Creek Opera House was laced with youth from Mink Creek.  There was a trio of directors and one of those was our own Cecelie Costley.  There were three casts because so many children auditioned and as a result more children were able to have this fun opportunity.  Those from our little village were:  Ty Jepsen, Keenan Janke, Ella Jepsen, Davanie Ostler, Tia Hatch, Jonathan Seamons, Sophia Janke, Abigail Janke, Haylee Hatch,  and Tara Jepsen.  The parents have had several months of chauffeuring  the little actors and actresses back and forth to rehearsals.

One of the main activities in this hot weather for visiting families is to “ride the river.”

Tubing down the Bear River makes for a cool afternoon, no matter what the temperature is.  It isn’t just county residents that enjoy this “sport”, there are plenty of out-of-state cars at the drop-off and retrieve spots.

July 3, 2013

Haying season has its ups and downs during  “life on the farm.”  The smell of freshly cut alfalfa is very satisfying.  It is great to see heavily laden windrows, parallel designs of trails following the swather.  When there are no storms, no rain, little wind, no breakdowns of the various harvesting machinery life is happy.  Growers are dependent on the moods that nature presents.  It is a rare year when all goes smoothly, particularly in the machine department.  All sorts of things, big and small, choose this time to break down, need repair, giving hours of frustration.  If you have ever lived on a hay-production farm or ranch you will understand.

Tiffany Longhurst, daughter of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst, received a mission call to the California, Anaheim, Mission.  She will leave in August.  Recently Tiffany spent a few months in Florida working at Disney World.  She commented that she was training in Disney World to go to the land of Disney.

Cole Jepsen, son of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen, received his certificate of graduation from LDS Seminary. 

We have been invaded by Cranes.  Three were now adult children of Rex and Brucia Crane, putting in some work time plus fun at the Crane retreat.  Bruce lives in Logan, Sheryl May in Paul, ID, and Linda Shewmaker in Jerome, ID.  Not long after their cousin, Tracy and Joni Crane happened by for an “every so often” visit to Mink Creek.  Tracy and Joni live in Vernal, UT.

Nate and Dana Olson are home after spending a couple of weeks in Utah while Nate was undergoing some heart surgery.   He is doing well.        

Derek and Teresa Atkinson and children have moved into our community.  They are living in the home recently vacated by Shane and Alynna Graham.

This month we have had weddings for two of our young residents.  Nicole Straight, daughter of Avery and Pedro Gomez , married Matt Vanburen from around Grace, ID.  Colton Belew, son of Greg and Brenda Belew, married  Shawntae Bradford, of Preston.  Both couples held their reception on the grounds of the beautiful Deer Cliff Inn up Cub River.

Hot and Dry!  We, too, have been in the three digit temperatures.  It is not even the 4^th of July and things are sweltering.  The frequent wind kicks in and dries up the moisture that was just put out on the garden, the flowers, the lawn. 

It doesn’t look like a very good year for chokecherries.  All those lovely white fragrant blossoms this spring must have gotten frozen.  The developing berries are scanty, often misshapen.  At least that is the state of things in my neighborhood, perhaps further  up the mountains and in the canyons it might be more encouraging.

  Happy 4th of July, Everyone!  Mink Creek always has fun on that holiday, will report next week!

Last one for June, 2013

Summer is officially here and we are off and running in this little village.  Everyone seems to be working on scheduling many things into their lives.  A big one coming up will be the Mink Creek July 4^th celebration.

Carl and Carol Egley have spent a few days here.   The draw this time was the wedding of Shalynn Egley, daughter of Carl’s brother, Lynn and Shelley Egley of Benson, UT.  Mink Creek is home ground for the Egley family going back several generations.  Carl and Carol now call Kansas home, but they manage to visit occasionally.

Paul and Terrie McKay with Andy and Morgan took a few days of late spring for a trip to the Canyon Lands of Utah.  This is one of the family’s favorite spots.  They took in lots of sun, lots of hiking, and lots of fun.

The Mink Creek School Reunion was  held  on a beautiful Saturday afternoon with around sixty people  soaking up friendships since childhood.  Names that have been part of the Mink Creek heritage abounded, most with a Scandinavian sound:  Jensen, Keller, Crane, Moosman, Westerberg, Wilde, Rasmussen, Oliverson, Erickson, Christensen, Jepsen, Larsen, Nelson.  This year the family of Mike and MaryAnn Jepsen were in charge with Mike’s siblings assisting.  After a sumptuous meal from the potluck offerings three people entertained.  Eleanor Jepsen Kirkbride played old time songs on the piano for a session of “Name That Tune” with Susan Jepsen Auger handing out candy bar prizes to the lucky gussers.  LeAnn Jepsen Walton  and Russel A Westerberg shared memories of days they spent in the Mink Creek classrooms and beyond.  Leonard Nelson and his guitar took emotions back with some solid western songs and a special number with lyrics describing love for Mink Creek community. 

There was a drawing for door prizes that had been donated.  The walls and tables were decorated with photos from the past:  classroom groups, activities, individuals.  Memories were kindled.  In the final drawing  (rigged) a name was chosen to take up the banner for next year’s event, the winner being Glade and Corinne Larsen.

Leonard Nelson made the observation that growing up in mink Creek gave people the opportunity to learn to do a lot of things.  So true, not only of Mink Creek, but most small communities.

The Mink Creek Summer Fun season is about to begin.  That translates into weekly activities at our ballpark for about a month.  Often refreshments are part of the package.  More about that in future blogs.

June 19, 2013

Two young moose put in an appearance recently as they gamboled across the highway.  The deer are still roaming the neighborhoods, similar to winter months, but their coloring is a beautiful shade of tan, a new spring wardrobe.  There are a flock of turkey buzzards that roost nearby.  They may not be the most attractive bird, but watching them soaring on the updrafts of air can be a mesmerizing occupation.

Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen have been soaking up some California sun with the family of their daughter Annie and Steve  Earl and their children.  They live in the San Jose area so there are lots of fun activities from which to chose.   The Jepsens attended recitals for the grandchildren and put in some babysitting time while Annie and Steve got a break.

Mary Ann arrived home to find that she had been released from her calling as the Relief Society President of the Preston Idaho North Stake of the LDS Church. This was officially announced in the Stake Conference held recently.  She has been serving in this position for five years and is now anticipating getting reacquainted with her own ward members.

The yellow and copper rose bushes have added so much color to the countryside this year.  Every bush is so full of blooms and vibrant.  The lilacs are winding up their lovely spring display, but this year has been good for them, in all shades.  They will be missed as we had into hot, more discouraging temperatures.

The Olson sisters, daughters of John and Edith Olson, have been in Mink Creek, visiting their old stomping grounds. They soaked up the scenery, the clouds above, and just some time together, remembering. Their headquarters at this time of their lives seems to center around Payson, UT.

Those who raise hay are into their first harvest.  Swathers, rakes and balers are in motion up and down the valley.  So far we have escaped any rain storms.  There has been some fierce wind sessions, but for the most part that has been manageable.

The family of John and Sandi Cude has moved from our community and are now living across the border in Utah.  We are glad that isn’t too far away.

June 12, 2013

Those rains of the past, sending nitrogen loaded moisture, has certainly given plants a growth spurt.  The combination with sunny days equals lawns (and weeds) growing by leaps and bounds.  Most days the roar of a lawn mower is echoing off our hillsides.

Lorraine Christensen flew to Indiana to spend time with daughter Carrie and Ken Melton  of Lafayette.  The family celebrated little Kenny’s third birthday with the paternal grandparents in Illinois.  Lots of grandparents made for a happy little boy.  When Lorraine returned from the Midwest she and her husband Royce took some vacation time around Lake Tahoe and Virginia City, and made their way to Phoenix, AZ, for the baptism of granddaughter Aurora Christensen.  

Clare Christensen and Linda Coverdale were married in an outdoor ceremony at the Mink Creek Park.  Friends and relatives gathered together to wish them happiness as they begin this chapter of their lives. Nearly all of Clare’s children and all but one of his siblings were able to be in attendance.  Linda is from Twin Falls and her mother, a sister and sister-in-law came down.  Following the ceremony, conducted by Bishop Kent Egley, the couple treated all to a feast.  Brent Sharp and Stuart Ostler had prepared BBQ ribs, Dutch-oven potatoes, baked beans, rolls, hotdogs & buns for the younger set and a selection of iced sodas and water. We are happy to hae Linda become part of our community.

Laural and Jody Janke gave their new baby boy a name and blessing at the LDS Sacrament Meeting.  He is named Theodore Jesse Janke, his first name after his paternal grandfather, the middle name for his great-grandmother on his mother’s side.

Kathy and Austin Jones had a full house for the weekend. Joseph and Rebecca Jones and their little girl were up from Herriman, UT. Two Jones daughters and their children, now living in Utah joined them:  Karenina Bullock and three children from Sandy and KayDee Clark and her five from Nibley.

Some of our mountainsides  look ablaze with gold, so thick are the blossoms of the mule’s ear flowers.  The local livestock are enjoying being able to graze on rich green pastures.  However, unless we get some more rain pastures and dryland fields will be looking pretty drab before long.  One understands why water rights have always been an important part of the development of land.

It is the annual Mink Creek School Reunion this weekend.  There will be a lot of sharing of memories.  I will report more next week, after I attend…I was made an honorary member years ago.  My status as an import has nearly faded into oblivion.

June 5, 2013

School year 2012-1013 is finished; the yellow buses are at rest.  A multitude of children in the county are enjoying some “sleeping in” hours.  Four teens from Mink Creek are celebrating having graduated from high school.  Nicole Straight, daughter of Avery and Pedro Gomez, and Thomas Biggs (better known as TJ), son of Cass and Dawnya Biggs, graduated from Franklin County High School.    Rico Crosland, son of Robert and Phee Crosland, and Cole Jepsen, son of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen graduated from Preston High School.

Johnny and Jeannine Iverson have been on a wedding roll for grandchildren.  They were in Brigham City, UT, for the ceremony and celebration of #14 grandchild, Natalie Iverson.  They flew to Washington D.C., for nuptials of grandchild #15, Scott Shilling.   It had been six years since Johnny and Jeannine had seen this young man and the reconnection was wonderful.

The entire Mainini bunch, Steve, Terrie and children Tony, Angelina, and Mario  flew to California for a birthday celebration with family.  Steve’s mother turned 75 and the clan gathered in Ventura for a reunion with fun and festivities.

Memorial Day always brings past residents to Mink Creek.  The gates to the Pearson place were open, indicating that plans for summer occupancy was underway.  Colleen and Howard Hawkes were up from Kaysville, just part of the family.

Bruce and Shauna Crane of Logan have been preparing for family visits at the Crane Cabin.  The parking area by their place was filled with three different outfits.

Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen enjoyed having Glen’s brother, Bruce Jepsen and his son, Randy Jepsen, visiting from Kirkland, WA.

The family of Hugh and Bonnie Hansen circled the wagons, modern day campers, in their family park on the banks of lower Mink Creek.

Jon and Portia Jepsen and family members came up from Utah to warm up the walls of their Mink Creek home.

The Lewis and Clark Volunteers, a mountain man group, met for their annual spring rendezvousat the lush park on Vernon and Sallee Keller's farm.  It was a sunny weekend for the Mountain Men, great for all the outdoor, competitive activities. For the past several years this spring get-together has been gloomy and rainy.  The Volunteers are planning two more sessions of re-enacting historical lifestyles before the end of this year.

            Karl and Marion Haws of Santa Barbara, CA joined with grandchildren and their friends at the Haws home.  Their son, Aaron and Heather Haws and their children, of the Boise area, drove down for a few days of Mink Creek time with the rest of the family.  Regardless of his California background, Aaron's affinity for Idaho is very strong, Mink Creek is still "home."