August 14, 2013

The month of August is upon us, along with grain harvests, fair time and school.  There are lots of preparations for all of these things going on in our community.  That feeling of any relaxation that goes with summer months is rapidly dissipating since the flip of the calendar to this month.

Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson have recently returned from serving eighteen months in the England, Leeds, Mission.   They have been residing in the city of Hull near the North Sea.  Son Mike Olson picked them up at the SLC Airport.  Their daughter Peggy and Jon Flinders and three little, blond, Olson granddaughters came down from Salmon, ID, to help warm up the empty Olson home on Station Creek.

The Mink Creek Ward received a new member when Jonathan Seamons, son of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons was baptized.   Andy McKay, son of Paul and Terrie McKay, was ordained to the office of teacher.  Andy also receiver his Duty to God award from his service as a deacon.

Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen have been submerged in family.  Annie and Steve Earl and their family spent some vacation time away from their home in San Jose, CA.  Joe and Kate Jepsen made a trip up from Utah, getting in a few free moments before the school year begins.

Two family reunions were wrapped into one when Tiffany Longhurst spoke in the LDS Ward.  The Longhurst group moved their reunion date and the Craythorn Family from the Burley area, who had planned to be at Island Park, gathered for the same purpose, both at the Erickson pond and park in Mink Creek.

The Relief Society held a closing social for the summer at our community ballpark.  The members, with husbands, enjoyed a meal of Navajo tacos with all the trimmings, slices of watermelon and punch.  Dessert was a scone dripping in butter and honey.  Entertainment was provided by participation in a variety of Minute to Win-It efforts.

 Wild fires are raging in the mountains to the south of us.  These particular ones are across our state border in Utah and some have been going on for days.  Just one year ago we had fires popping up much closer and we understand the tension that accompanies the situation. During a dry year, such as now, that concern is constant.

 Last summer a considerable size of acreage between Mink Creek and Preston went up in flames.  The view afterwards  was stark blackened hills, skeletons of brush and trees pointing skyward, scattered here and there.   It has been rewarding to see the greening return this spring.  Even some of those stark tree forms have sprouted green leaves in the tops, above the reach of the flames, showing how hard it can be to quench life.  It has been a message of encouragement for me.

August 7, 2013

Howard and Colleen Hawkes of Kaysville, UT, Dean Pearson  and his family from Cedar City, UT, some of Carmen Pearson’s family, and other members of the Perry Pearson family have been up to the Pearson farm.  145  relatives were at this gathering.  Four came from Sweden!  Through genealogy pursuits, the Pearsons are discovering more and more family members still living in Sweden.  Due to recent surgery, Rebecca, Dean’s wife, was unable to attend.  Some took the opportunity to dine at Deer Cliff Inn, showing more of our countryside to the Swedish group.

Hestin Greene, son of Chad and Dawnell Greene, married Tristin Thomas from Preston on July 26^th.   Following the ceremony there was a reception at the Mink Creek LDS Ward.

Haylee Hatch, daughter of Sam and Katie Hatch was recognized in the LDS Ward, entering the Laurel class in the Young Women organization.

Bob and Claudia Erickson have had family making summer visits.  Jay and Kristin Collins and children drove down from Lakeview, OR.   Carla Nielsen and boys of American Fork, UT, joined in the week of fun.  Lots of swimming at the farm pond, shopping, the rodeo and cookouts galore.

Lana and Ivan McCracken had a dream come true.  They are antique enthusiasts and were able to be participants in the Antique Road Show television program when it was in Boise.  They met the master of ceremonies, Mark Walberg, and were able to have several item appraised: a painting, a Navaho rug, a stein and a bracelet.  It was such fun for them!  The broadcast date will be in January, 2014.

Mink Creek Ward has two young people leaving shortly to serve LDS missions.  Both spoke recently in a Sunday meeting.  Tiffany Longhurst, daughter of Sheldon and Candy Longhurst will be serving in the California, Anaheim, Mission.  Spencer Wilde, son of David and Judy Wilde, will be serving in the South Dakota, Rapid City, Mission.  By mid-August both will be at the MTC in Provo, UT.   

Daniel and Heather Baird and family came from Rexburg, ID to spend a few days with his mother, Lana and Ivan McCracken.

Weather is still hot and dry and it makes for long days in field work for those who have farms.  Barley fields are ready for the combine, the wheat crop still with a little time to go.  The yellow transparent apples are starting to fall from the tree.  Must be apple jelly time in Mink Creek.

We are happy to have Robbie Greene home from the hospital following his injuries in a car accident a couple of weeks ago.  From the description of the rollover it is probably good that he doesn’t remember anything about it.  For now he is in rest and recuperation.

Last day of July, 2013

The families of Louis and Eleanor Engel, visit Mink Creek often.  During summer grandchildren of the Engels come in waves.  The first wave was that of Kasey and Julie Haws and family from Redlands, CA.  Second wave was that of Loren and Ken Nash of Solvang, CA.and Andrea and Jim Harper of Merino Valley.  The Engel’s daughter, Marion and her husband Karl Haws, spend as much time as possible in what is now considered the “Haws House.”

Bobbi  Garr celebrated her birthday with about twenty of family and friends around her.  George and Bobbi had three children with them on this day, Diane, John and David.   The group tubed down Bear River, toasting Bobbi’s good health as they went.

Alex  and Donna Huxford and family have spent some summer time in Mink Creek.   Now living in Cedar City, UT, Alex is the nephew of Richard Free and spent his teenage summers at the Free ranch.

            Recently the Scout Troop with leader Paul McKay, canoed down Bear River, fairly close to home.  Now our Scouts had a fun trip to Alpine, WY.  Their goal was floating the Snake River with help from leaders Paul and Lin McKay.  Paul reported that when the boys had consumed all food taken with them for this adventure into the wilds, they were happy there was a Pizza Hut not too many miles away.  Water skills have been a goal  this summer.

The family of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons gathered for the ordination of two of their sons.  Benjamin Seamons, having turned 14, was ordained to the office of teacher.  Samuel Seamons, an older brother, was ordained a priest.  Both young men earned their Duty to God awards in their past quorums.

Lana and Ivan McCracken enjoyed visiting with McCracken relatives lately.  Peter and Margaret McCracken came down from their home in White Horse, Yukon, Canada, to attend the McCracken Family Reunion held in Burley. 

We got a thorough drenching on Sunday, a much needed one, unless the hay crop was lying mowed in the field.  It cleared the air, made everything bright, in feeling as well as sight.

Our night skies have been lovely lately.  Things cool off and the outdoors is most welcoming.  The stars are great even on a night of minimal moonlight.  I so love living where I can see the stars.

Summer season is progressing.  I heard someone commenting that they had picked their first 3 cherry tomatoes of the year.  I got a handful of peas off my little container garden.  Raspberry jam is being manufactured regularly. 

            The rodeo is over, that means summer is starting to close down for most of us in one way or another.  The Fair isn’t far off and school starts on the heels of that endeavor.

Pioneer Day, 2013, for this area of the country

Mink Creek’s July 4^th was a hit with a large crowd at the Ballpark.  Camille and Jeff Knudson did a great job organizing the day.  The Flag ceremony began the day officially, with Mink Creek’s veterans, under the direction of Glen Jepsen, retired US Air Force, furling the colors. Kurt Iverson spoke about his feelings when he visited Pearl Harbor.  Linda Christensen, a newcomer to Mink Creek, reminded us of those who chose to settle this valley.  Dancers from the Strictly Ballroom group entertained.

Many hands were involved in food preparations.  The meats, pork loin, bbq chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs were cooked by Clare and Royce Christensen, Richard Free, Ben Keller, Kent Beardall, and William Wolfley.  The Wolfley family shucked the many ears of corn.  there were around 400 attending, so that is lots of shucking!!   Relief Society officers and spouses took over preparing fresh fruit and rolls.  Dutch-oven  potatoes were supervised by Stuart Ostler who kept a crew busing peeling ingredients:  Ramona and Jerry Hatchett, Cllifford and LaDawn Jensen, Wynn Costley and anyone else who got close to the production line.

            The dessert contest was such a success last year that it was repeated this 4^th.  Tammy Beardall was the overseer.  Awards were:  Best Looking, a raspberry layer cake created by Macy, McKenna and Clair Jepsen and Brook Corbett; Best Tasting, a Blueberry sheet cake, produced by Clay and Tara Jepsen; Best Overall was a Firecracker cake made by Lauryn Hawkes; Terry Stromberg got Honorable Mention with a luscious carrot cake. 

            Laural and Jody Janke and children took advantage of the holiday to make a lengthy trip to Jody’s family in Illinois, the area around Ottawa.  They made a visit to an aquarium in Chicago, did lots of camping, and had fun with Jody’s brother, sister and extended family.

            Grandchildren of Wynn and Cecelie Costley have been at their home in abundance, enjoying  “Cousins Camp.”  Hannah and Spencer Singleton, coming from Arkansas for this event, turned into assistant  camp directors. 

            The community has had several summer sports nights, plus refreshments of hot dogs and fixins’.  The ball diamond is usually in use as well as the horseshoe area.  The final night will be tonight, Happy July 24th!  Not far into August our residents are all invited for a windup event on the shores of Bear Lake,  signaling that it is time to gear up for the county fair and school to follow.  Summer visitors will also begin to decrease.

            In the meantime, raspberries are starting to be consumed, in fresh form or as jam.  The peas are in the pod, picking and shelling required.

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!