Dec 18, 2013

Much of the family of Lana Baird joined with her and husband Ivan McCracken for the last holiday.  Nathan Baird and LaRon and Liesa Baird and family live close by. Tamra and Jason Taylor and their children came up from Woods Cross, UT.  Owen Baird now calls Bountiful , UT, home. Daniel and Heather Baird and family are in Sugar City, ID, and Maria and Devin Flake in Orem, UT.

The Relief Society held their Christmas program entitled “My Gift” on Dec 5.  The evening was centered on keeping Christ in our Christmas celebrations.  Three of the women gave presentations.  Karen Erickson read The Parable of the Shopper, authored by our own Cecelie Costley a few years ago.  Judy Rasmussen’s story combined Easter thoughts with those of Christmas.  Laurel Wilde, told about her nephew, Matt Carter, a Navy Seal, and the sacrifices he made for family and country, particularly his final one.  A local women’s vocal group, The Mountaires, sang a lovely Christmas carol.  The program was followed by a tasting table of small sandwiches, a veggie plate, crackers and a cheese ball, and a cup of wassail.  Each woman who attended brought one holiday treat to share, so that each one could take home a plate of yummy goodies.

Sallee Keller, wife of Vernon Keller, passed away unexpectedly.  Her funeral was Dec 14 at the Mink Creek church.  She had a fun loving personality and she will be sorely missed.   Even after a knee surgery she has had difficulty walking much in the last few years.

One member or another of thee Haws family are still making regular visits.  Peter  and  Loren and their spouses were up from California  for a few days.  I am sure there was a big difference in the temperatures from southern California.

            Cecelie and Wynn Costley are currently teaching English at a college in China.  She reports that their home is close to the ocean.  The winds help in times of weather inversion.  Cache Valley is dealing with inversion right now.  As of today Mink Creek community was above the hazy air, but just dropping down into Riverdale as we drive south puts one into the murkiness.  It isn’t so cold, but just seeing the cloudy air gives one pause to think about the condition of healthy breathing.

            Garland Rasmussen had surgery on a shoulder and seems to be recuperating nicely.  It is one of things that waits until the farmer is done with his fall work before proceeding.

Heidi and Brendan Brown were here visiting with her parents, Richard and Vickie Free.

Cold Dec 11, 2013

Holiday time is company time.  Karen and Layne Erickson had all four of their children home for Thanksgiving.  Julie Kunz and her two children, Kamry and Kreighton, drove from Idaho Falls, Bryan and Shannon Erickson and their boys were up from Woodland Hills, UT.  Connie Erickson and her friend Adam Westenskow only needed to come from Logan.  Paul and Terrie McKay, plus Morgan and Andy, just live on Station Creek Road, in Mink Creek. It was a great day for all of them.

Johnny and Jeannine Iverson managed have only ten at their table.  From Highland, UT, came Gregory and Vicky Iverson and Kade and Juel along with banana cream pie and a tasty dressing.  Michael and Susan Iverson and their son Jared and his wife Kim came from Brigham City, UT.  Kurt and Margret Iverson and family, who live in Mink Creek full time, drove over the hill to Cub River to join Margret’s family, Walter and Sharon Knapp.

Eldon and Danita Wilcox hosted Brigham and Jennifer Wilcox and children, Brig is now going to school at Idaho State University.  Ami and Tom Fenton and their family were up from Utah.  Brittany and Matt Durrant and their little one drove from Salt Lake City to join in the fun.

Jerry and Ramona Hatchett enjoyed time with her daughter, Teresa Gray, in West Jordan, UT.  With grandson and friends they had about 20 people for the festivities.  They went to Salt Lake City to attend the presentation of the Dead Sea Scrolls.  So much learning to take place in such a small amount of time.

Mink Creek LDS Ward has stirred up parts of their organization. The new Primary Presidency  is: Sherrie Corbett, President, Julie Egley, 1^st counselor and Avery Gomez, 2^nd counselor, with Kristi Hall as Nursery Director.  The Young Women now have Candy Longhurst as President, Liz Hawkes and Terrie McKay her counselors and Wendy Westerberg, secretary. 

Sharon Moran did the holiday weekend with her mother in Pocatello, a break  from her life  on the Mink Creek hillside.  She doesn’t have much garden work these cold days, but it won’t be long before the snow shoveling becomes a regular task.

We do have snow, but not in much quantity.  Our temperatures the last few nights have been below zero, daytime it warms a  teensy bit, this afternoon it was 2 degrees at one  point.  The winter sunsets are gorgeous, streaks of iridescent orange across clouds of purple and blue just above those west side mountains.  Yep, breathtaking!

The season is bringing out some extra wildlife.  Cotton tail rabbits are coming into the yard.  The pesky raccoons with their innocent little faces are up to tricks.  We have had a busy beaver.  Of course there is the usual fox, deer, pheasant, turkeys always checking out us humans.  There seems to be quite a few eagles populating our skies this cold weather, and they are seen snacking on the road-kill deer carcasses.

Dec 4, 2013

Thanksgiving weekend is the big weekend for Christmas trees to be harvested from our surrounding forests.   There have been a few going down the road prior to this, but many families make getting their tree part of their Thanksgiving tradition.  There will be trees on top of cars, trees in trailers, trees riding in the back of pickups, whatever will work to get the tree back to home base.

The family of Steve and Terrie Mainini were all together for the holidays, or at least part of it.  The Mainini sons, Mario and Tony were here for the whole time.  Daughter Angelina, wanted to experience Black Friday in Salt Lake City before she came up for the weekend.

The Mink Creek girls volleyball team came away with a win at the Preston North Stake Championship game.   Coached by Laurel Wilde, this bevy of young ladies gave it their all and beat the opposing team, one that had never lost a game all season.  Congratulations are in order!

Matthew Westerberg, son of Wendy and Terry Westerberg, has proven to have an eye on international doings in his educational goals.  Currently at the University of Wyoming as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, he is a Masters Peace Corps International Student.  Matt is interested in civil-military relations in transitional democracies. He plans on developing his thesis around this topic and pursuing his research while serving as a volunteer for the Peace Corps beginning mid 2014.

Jeannine and Johnny Iverson had a great visit from her brother Allen and Vilma Pack of McKinney, TX.  An interesting tidbit is that Brenda Seamons Kemsley, daughter of Scott and Cathy Seamons of Mink Creek, is a Visiting Teacher to Vilma.  This is a surprise connection for both Brenda and Vilma! 

Health-wise, it seems to be cold season now.  Coughs and sneezes punctuate any community gathering.  Soft tissues are on the required list for children and adults alike.  It doesn’t help much to have a constant wind coming out of the north, with ice in its teeth.  Each morning we expect to see snow.  So far it has been short jabs of sleet and rain.  The forecast is for a 30 degree drop in outdoor temperatures.

The Christmas spirit seems to be hanging on to the coat tails of Thanksgiving.  Haven’t noticed any outdoor lights yet on our very dark hillsides, and we are three days into the month of December. The night sky is very dark right now too, but the stars are crystal clear and full of sparkle against that black navy background.  Don’t you wish you were here?!   There is probably some nostalgia for those nights if you now live in a city where there is no starlight.   It is one of my favorite Mink Creek bonuses!

Thanksgiving Eve, 2013

A drive through Swan Lake, ID, made me aware why it has the name.  There were about twenty swans on that nearby lake, that sometimes appears more like a swamp.  Beautiful creatures.  Generally I have seen swans on the upper end of the Oneida Reservoir on Bear River, a little north of the Maple Grove Hot Springs.

Lots of grumpy days, weather –wise.  Three days of waking up to snow.  The sun erased it by afternoon, except in the shaded spots.   It is staying cold, not winter-cold, but still cold.  The snow line on our mountainsides goes up and down, then up again.  One of these first days it will be down to stay.  These winds coming out of the north encourage curling up by the warm fire with a good  book for some relaxed reading time.  However, if there are outdoor animals on a farm, there are those freezing chores that are required, 24/7.  Reality  that comes with winter!

Elder Jared Andra has returned from 24 months of serving in the Oklahoma, Tulsa, Mission.   He is the son of Heather and Greg Andra.  Jared left for the mission when the Andra family lived in Corvallis, MT.   He has worked in three different states:  the cities of  Miami and Cedar Ridge in Oklahoma,  Mountain Grove and Stockton in Missouri, and  Fayetteville and Prairie Grove in Arkansas.

Patti and Forrest Christensen have recently returned from a jaunt to Hawaii.  The purpose of this visit was attending the wedding of Patti’s son Matthew. The ceremony was held on Hamona Beach in the Hana area of the island of Maui. Needless to say, the Christensens had a great time in that 86 degree weather.   Matthew and Marissa will be making their new home in Granite Bay, CA, east of Sacramento.

            Thanksgiving is on everyone’s mind.  Many are staying at home in Mink Creek, but some have travel plans.  Can you smell the pies and rolls baking?  It makes me think of the holiday with similar sights and smells, year after year since the beginning of this little valley community  in 1872 when Karen Valentine Keller came up to join her sons in homesteading.  It went from a lonely winter tending cattle to a home filled with good cooking smells.

            Things are still crisp and cold.  Ice crystals form on the ground once dark sets in good and proper.  Evenings come early since Daylight Savings Time is at rest.  It is perfect for reflecting on the many things in our lives, big and small, that add to our joy.  Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Nov 20, 2013

Flocks of turkeys are happily grazing in fields.  They take themselves to higher elevations, back from the highway, for most of the summer.  Now summer is over and they are back to their winter roosts, picking up grain that was scattered during harvesting season and anything else that appeals to their appetites. 

The young women of the LDS Ward are having a good time playing volleyball at home and around the stake.   Their coach is Laurel Wilde.  Girls show up regularly for practice and games, ages twelve to seventeen, loving the teamwork and fun. 

Robert and Phee Crosland were able to take a cross-country trip to see their daughter Arianna recently.  Arianna and Ben Hostetter and little boy, Skyler, live in Jacksonville, FL. where Ben is in law school.

Mink Creek has two LDS missionaries serving in the Philippines.  Following the typhoon, both are accounted for at this time, Elder Mario Crosland, son of Robert and Phee Crosland and Elder Tyler Hickman, son of Eric and Lisa Hickman.

Vernon Keller’s children and their spouses surprised their father with a birthday party to celebrate his 80^th year.  Sallee, his wife, kept the secret perfectly. It was held at the Preston Fire Station.  A lovely dinner was served to extended family and close friends.  The children of this Keller family are Kelton Keller, Kim Keller, Kaylene Hill, Karma Wood, Karla Jensen, Kristi Hall,  and Casey Torfin.  One highlight of the night was the expression on Vernon’s face when he realized the party was for his benefit, the other highlight was a presentation of photos of Vernon’s life that his kids had put together.

Richard and Vickie Free have recently returned from a seven night Caribbean cruise, aboard a ship named “Oasis of the Sea.”  Definitely a luxury liner!  On board was an ice skating rink, and Richard had to try it, ending up with a broken wrist.  The Frees enjoyed the company of Vickie’s sister and brother-in-law from Logan. Some sight-seeing took place in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cozumel.

Danny and Nicky Coleman and their son Charley were up from  to spend a weekend with his parents, Nelson and Tammy Coleman.  Danny and Nicky live in Logan and drop up fairly often.

George and Bobbi Garr have headed back to their winter warmth in California.  We have several families who are here off and on all year round, with their main homes in Utah or California.  In checking out our community telephone directory, it is time for a rewrite.  There are around 40 changes since the last edition.  We have had three or four families move in, just in the last six weeks.

Nov 13, 2013

Mink Creek’s Trunk R Treat Fall Party took place the night of Halloween.  First item on the agenda was filling tummies.  There was a good selection of soups:   vegetable chowders, chicken noodles, potato  and chili varieties, beef noodle.  Homemade rolls accompanied these. Next on the program was the parade of costumes, snaking up and down, around the recreation hall.  All costumed figures were assembled on the stage, while those who had trunks prepared for viewing and presenting of treats headed out to the parking lot.  Then the treating began, and there was plenty!   Great night for all ages!

Eric and Lisa Hickman were back home with us for a few days.   While here they got in on the first staying snowfall of our season on Nov. 3^rd. They spend most of their time in Colfax, CA, but Mink Creek is still a place they can call “home.”  In all the catchup visiting we discovered that their son Tyler is now on a mission in the Philippines.

Karen and Layne Erickson traveled to Mesquite, NV, Karen’s hometown, for the funeral of her brother-in-law.  On their return drive they stopped in Cedar City, UT, to visit with Judy and Ervin Larsen and Sarah Westerberg.  Driving north farther, they spent some time with their son Bryan and Shannon Erickson and their boys in Woodland Hills, UT.

George and Jody Rasmussen enjoyed a visit from their son Neil and Becky Rasmussen and their children.  The younger Rasmussen family lives in Highland, UT.

Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson drove to Meridian, ID, to witness the baptism of grandson 

Jaxon Peterson, who became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Dana and Charlie Peterson are the parents of Jaxon.  The Olsons are doing as much grandparenting as possible after their absence of 18 months in Great Britain.

After some very tense hours we are relieved to report that our Philippine missionaries are safe.  Mario Crosland, son of Robert and Phee, and Tyler Hickman, son of Eric and Lisa, have both contacted their parents.  Jesse Wilcox, newly married and living in the islands, was here in Mink Creek this past weekend and his wife is safe in Manila.

That first snowfall didn’t stay long.  The shady spots lasted a little longer than others, but since it has been perfect fall, and dry.  There is always plenty of outdoor work and the community is enjoying these days.  The farms that have livestock are letting them graze on nearby fields, but they have brought the critters down from upper summer pastures.

Nov. 6, 2013

October is gone, all that is left is munching on the Halloween treats.  There is anticipation of a break from the morning darkness of Daylight Savings Time, Nov 3^rd.  The darkness will be back for a short time in about a month, but the interim will be nice.  Children of our community can get on school buses for a few more weeks in renewed light.

Our village has had much BOO-ING going on through neighborhoods.  This translates as anonymous good deeds.  When someone has been Booed ( received a treat or whatever) then they pass that forward by Booing another household.  It has become a regular October activity in this valley over the last several years.

Patti Christensen has been out of town, in New Jersey, no less, visiting her daughter Sara.  Sara lives in Point Pleasant, with lots of fun: shopping, an ocean beach and places for bike riding.  Patti was able to meet Sara’s boyfriend and his family.  They took a trip to New Hope, PA, located on the Delaware River.  The historical highlight was the spot where George Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware on that cold winter night long ago.  Local rumors are that there are ghosts of the Redcoats in the woods near the crossing.

The LDS Ward thoroughly enjoyed the annual Primary program in Sacrament Meeting the last of October.  It is always delightful, as well as instructive.  The theme this year was “How We Know That We are God’s Children.”  There is something very special about a child performing, looking out at the audience to find those they care about.  Primary President Candy Longhurst and chorister Melinda Jepsen with Terrie McKay at the piano,  were in charge of this performance.

Tammy Beardall of Mink Creek and Keene and Dellene Rigby of Montpelier, ID, traveled with their children, Shawn and Callie Beardall, and grandchildren for a fall trip to Oregon.  They loved the sights of the Columbia River Gorge, the beauty of the river, and the fun of being together on the beautiful Oregon coast.

            We have had some snow that has stayed, at least in the places of constant shade.  The temperature matches. The whitened mountains are standouts.  So far there isn’t enough snow to encourage the snowmobiling crowd, but they are keeping close watch.  Meanwhile, most of us are enjoying the comfort of a wood fire within our homes.  Chainsaws are getting a good workout, trying to beat the next storm, whenever that might be.

            Halloween outdoor decorations are stashed for another year.  Jack-o-lanterns adorned this weeks garbage pickup.  We had fun while it lasted.  Happy November, everyone, remember to be thankful.