May Day, 2018

         The spring break for BYU/I in Rexburg, ID gave a few days for two young men to head to Mink Creek. Rico Crosland spent some days with his family, that of Robert and Phee Crosland, before heading out to his summer employment in the state of Washington. Davis Collins came down to spend the week with his grandparents, Bob and Claudia Erickson, away from the college hubbub. His sister, Bailey Collins came up from Salt Lake City to join the group for a day. The Collins duo has discovered that Mink Creek has some good hiking country nearby.

         The community turned out one cold evening to do our semi-annual cleanup of our length of Highway 36. In years past it has been a project for the youth, but our population is shifting to not very many youth so it has turned into an all-ages event. There was a good turn out and all enjoyed the refreshments that followed the work: homemade slimjims, cheese and crackers and glazed doughnuts.

         We have a young man who is involved in racing of a challenging sort. Bryce Egley, son of Jared and Juli Egley, participates in a sport known as cross country mountain bike racing. He is presently involved in a national race series, the Pro Mountain Bike Cross-Country Tour (ProXCT). In April he has been in two races. The first one was the 2019 US Cup Fontana National in Fontana, CA. Bryce was awarded the 3^rd place for his excellent driving. His is the CAT 2 men's 15-16 year old division. His second race this month, where he placed 2^nd , was the US Cup Bonelli Park XCT in San Dimas, CA. Of course his family are his biggest fans.

         Karen and Layne Erickson enjoyed a visit from her sister, Linda Schmidt, of Mesquite, NV. Linda stayed a couple of days and the two sisters did some catching up. It has been over four years since they had time like this together. Linda had been able to catch a ride to Logan with Nevada friends who were delivering a student to Utah State.

        Some fruit trees are bursting into blossom. The apricot trees are wearing pale pink blooms. The hawthorn, service berry, and wild plum trees, full of white flowers dot our landscape everywhere, the side hills, along our waterways. The scenery is becoming beautiful.

        Spring! Wonderful, crazy spring! Another day of much rain, some snow. The snow line on our mountains dropped bit by bit during the day. That was yesterday, today warmed up and the snow line crept back up the mountain sides. This is a great way to usher in the month of May. The dandelions are putting forth their bright smiling faces that always are reassuring that another season has begun.

April 24, 2018

         Ex-Mink Creeker Sharon Moran came visiting for a few days. She headquartered at Kim and Wally Christensen's home but made contact with others in the community. She was headed up to Pocatello for some time with her mother before returning to her island home in the Puget Sound of Washington state.

          Jeff amd Jennifer Seamons and their boys: Ben, David, Jonathan and Jacob, used much of their spring break time visiting various national parks in these western states.

          The recent change in the Priesthood Quorum organization of the LDS Church has brought about a shift in the Mink Creek Ward. The new officers of the new Elders' Quorum are Paul McKay as the president, Forrest Christensen as his first counselor, Terry Westerberg as second counselor and Kim Rasmussen as the secretary of the group.

           The Cub Scouts and families met for the annual Pinewood Derby event. Each boy with their individually designed wooden car were excited to see how their vehicle would perform. The hall was decorated with racing flags and the track set up with starting gate and finishing line. Cub master, Sharla McKay enjoys this night just about as much as the boys do.This is a night where everyone is recognized, each being “the most 'something'” The fastest this year proved to be Grayson Stanworth, winning every heat. Cubs participating were Jacob Seamons, Grayson Stanworth, Orin Baird, Jake Stanworth, and Conner Iverson. Refreshments were car-related, food cars, axle rods, etc. provided by the Wolf leaders, Phee Crosland and Lorraine Christensen. Other leaders on board were Mario Crosland, Wynn Costley, Mary Ann Jepsen and Jody Rasmussen.

          Dawnell Greene, District Roundtable Commissioner for Cub Scouts, welcomed Hazen Baird, son of LaRon and Liesa Baird, into the 11-year old Scout Troop. Hazen earned his Arrow of Light as he moves up the scouting ladder.

          Seven individuals have graduated from the Self Reliance Personal Finance course in the Mink Creek Ward. They are Jesse Wilcox, Robert and Phee Crosland, Mario Crosland, Celina Crosland, and Trevor and April Rasmussen. They feel this class has been worth their time and effort.

          A bright sunny, rather cold day, with the wind coming at us from the north. Our countryside is looking green, as in spring color. Actually a little richer green than usual, must have had some nitrogen in our recent storm moisture. One could hear the lawn mowers in action up and down the village. Once started that is a constant weekly task.

          Resident pheasants are up and about. I am finding their feathers that have gotten misplaced and seen several darting across our main drag, somehow missing the vehicles.

          Several Mink Creek home owners are gardeners of the first quality and their personal greenhouses are in operation as they await a safe planting time. Night time temperatures are still dipping too low for security at this point.

April 17, 2018

           Brady and Shoney Henderson and their family crew of Tom, Calvin and Jancy enjoyed the area around San Diego for a few days. They managed to hit some fun activities in the five days they were there: The San Diego Zoo, the Midway Museum, old town San Diego, and of course, some hours at the beach. Add to that the warm, more consistent weather and they had a great time.

          Warm water called to Alona and Stuart Ostler, they packed up their duds and took Jody Sharp, Alona's mother, and flew to San Carlos, Mexico. They did some fishing and particularly liked swimming with the dolphins and snorkeling. Once they got home in Mink Creek it was only a matter of days before the whole Ostler family traveled to St George, UT, for the final National Cheer Competition. The whole family is Davanie, Stetson, AlliRay and Brenten, plus parents. Davanie's cheer team took 1^st place in the competition and were awarded Grand Champions for the most points scored at the event. Extra cheers are in order for such an accomplishment.

            Sheldon and Candy Longhurst enjoyed a warm break with daughters McKinley and Emily. The family took several days to roam Las Vegas and all the glitter and glam, the palm trees and relaxation, away from the rigors of winter and life on the farm, the jobs and school.

            A reverse visit was the family of Jody and Laural Janke coming to Mink Creek during their spring break from school in Richfield, UT. Grandparents, Bob and Claudia Erickson soaked up all the noise and activity that came with the grandkids. The Erickson 4wheel machines were one of the chief attractions, besides the Easter holiday and General Conference activities.

           There are a few more signs that spring will come, in spite of the snow bursts that we have received this week. The turkeys have headed for the high country. One hears and sees the nesting wild ducks. The crocuses are in bloom outside the LDS Meetinghouse in the center of our community. Down in Riverdale and Preston the trees are getting just a bit of green, not quite to the lacey look, but encouraging. Naturally, the Mink Creek slopes are a bit behind, as it should be.

            Tis the season for pruning trees. Those extra branches that somehow sprout over a year's time have got to go. Tis also the season for repairing fences. As all know, “good fences make good neighbors.” In a community such as ours being good neighbors enhances the whole village. Having your neighbors critters encroach on your freshly planted field is not a welcome event and causes much disturbance on both sides of the fence.

April 10, 2018

      Spring Break from school duties scattered Mink Creek families in all directions. Most headed to areas where it was a little warmer. After a week in the sun it was hard to readjust to colder temperatures when they returned home to reality and Idaho.

        Sherrie and Shane Corbett and family, Brooke and Austin, headed to St George, UT, for spring break. Fun and R & R were needed items on their itinerary. From all reports all those goals were met.

         Jon and Portia Jepsen and some of their family drove up from their Salt Lake neighborhoods to soak up some down time at their Mink Creek home. Within a few hundred feet Jared and Andrea Jepsen and their children were hanging out at his parents place, Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen. Cousin time is a wonderful memory maker.

         Richard and Vickie Free and Robert and Phee Crosland, plus Mario, Celina and Jacobi, flew to Hawaii during spring break. This excursion has been a year in the planning stages and the timing was perfect. They soaked up hours in the sun at the Free's condo on the island of Maui.

          There is that hope locally that perhaps our yearly mud season may not last too long this year. Provided the spring storms allow for some drying time in between as we are always and forever dependent on the weather.

           A drive through our community shows that our spring burning of dry winter debris and growth has begun. The fence lines, the ditch banks, canal banks, creek bottoms are just right---will still burn, but enough moisture about to help in a controlled burn. One burn got away from an“unknown someone” however and a power pole or two became part of the flames.

          Shawn and Calllie Beardall and their four youngsters have been up for a visit with his parents, Tammy and Kent Beardall. Visits get traded with this family, not long after Tammy drove down to Spanish Fork, UT, for some more grandmother time with the kids.

           It has been too wet for our farmer population to get started on their spring field work. No one like a tractor stuck in the mud. Things do dry out given a few sunny days and farmers are accustomed to relying on the weather for nearly every action, every decision. It is the way of life on a farm. It won't be long before we have our green world around us.

          The gazillion turkeys have moved out. It has felt like they almost crept away in the darkness—one day they were scratching up the new growth in the fields and marching across the highway and the next day—gone. All of them! It is a temporary situation.

April 3, 2018

           Welcome to April.  Just the word causes thought of warmth and growing green things.  Let's hope that is how this month turns out.

           The Mink Creek LDS Ward has been participating at the Heritage Home Legacy Branch for the month of March. We have enjoyed the weekly visit with the residents of that home and hopefully have met the challenges of coming up with the various needs that goes with this type of assignment.

           Bret and Jodi Rasmussen now officially part of Mink Creek community. This has always been “home” for Bret because he grew up here, the son of Garland and Dixie Rasmussen. Bret left home, got married, raised his family in Riverdale and now is just returning on a more permanent basis. The are building a new house with a wonderful view, but with this season of the year and their ongoing construction they have to deal with lots of mud these days.

           Max and Gretchen Haws and quite a few family members were up from California to fill the Mink Creek Haws home with noise and fun. They live in the Santa Barbara area of southern California.

           Marco Crosland and his wife will be graduating from BYU in April. His major has been landscape management and he is leaving with more than a smile. Marco has been part of the landscaping team that competes nationally and this the is the second year they have come out on top. This year Marco received the top prize out of 710 students and the recognition will surely enhance his job possibilities in his landscaping future.

            Nate and Dana Olson will host a town meeting for Idaho Senator Mike Crapo the afternoon of April 4 at their home on Station Creek Road. Mink Creek residents are welcome to attend and voice their opinions and ask questions of Senator Crapo.

           Our spring birds are arriving and trying to adjust to the up and down weather that greets them. When the skies are bright and blue their presence is much more evident that when the clouds bring gloom. The calls of the bird society around encourages us that the seasonal change is struggling to come in for the long haul.

            The first robins have been sighted, most likely already building nests in my cherry trees, or at least nearby, just in case that particular fruit might make it past their observation and into our house. Those birds clean me out of cherries every season, no matter what my safeguards may be.

             Our Spring Break weather for last week turned out to be a mix. There had been forecasts of the whole week being rather on the wintery side, but we got some spring days tucked in on the last part of that week so there was opportunity for some outdoor fun. It was timed just right for Easter egg hunting.

March 27, 2018

           The Jimmie and Annabeth Olson duo have been traipsing about from child to child over the last month. First it was a visit to Rigby, ID, spending time with the family of daughter Peggy and Jon Flinders. During the state basketball tournament they combined sports and family going to the Preston High games but staying in Meridian, ID, at the home of daughter Dana and Charlie Petersen and their children. The most recent was a weekend jaunt to Brigham City UT, soaking up more grandparent moments with their son Mike and Anna Olson's bunch.

           Two of our young people participated in the spring concert of the Preston Junior High School orchestra. Jonathan Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, plays the violin, Bracken Christensen, son of Brian Christensen and Lisa Christensen, plays the bass.

            The community gave generously to the recent Boy Scout food drive. Early in the week the Cub Scouts delivered bags to each household and the following Saturday morning the Scouts toured our village seeking the yellow bags, now filled, that had been placed on door steps to be collected.

            The ladies of the Relief Society gathered on a March evening for an activity titled “Out of The Best Books.” Each participant gave an abbreviated book report of one of her favorite books. A list was compiled and now there is a local guide when one is wondering what might make for an interesting read. Light refreshments were enjoyed.

            Eldon and Danita Wilcox reported on their months spent in the Philippines, Quezon City, Mission. Most of their children and grandchildren were able to be here for this event. Four of their daughters live in Utah. Elise and Jeff Hardy and family live in North Ogden, Ami and Tom Fenton and children are in Tooele, Brittany Durrant and her girls live in Bountiful, MaKenzie and Tyson Gunter and their little boy are in Spanish Fork. Brigham and Jenipher Wilcox and children live in Idaho Falls and Jesse and Annavelyn Wilcox are home in Mink Creek.

             Spring is upon us, as is fitting for the end of March, much better than having it arrive in January as seemed very likely. The last few days have brought lots of rain, and a little snow. The dripping off of every structure, of every dry stalk of last years growth, every bare branch – sounds like music. Our underground springs are being refilled, and the creeks are rapidly rising. It is a nice season we are ready to welcome.

            The weather really is crazy. Left home in a heavy snowfall and the snow had been up and down all day---drove two miles, dropping in elevation, and into sunshine and blue skies, no evidence of what had been happening in our little mountain community whatsoever. No green on trees yet, but the lawns are greening up, still pretty wet to start digging around in the dirt—unless you crave wet dirt!

             It is Spring Break this week for our schoolagers and so quite a few families are off doing vacation activities. More about those in future blogs. Go ahead, dream about being in Mexico or Hawaii, then throw another log on the fire so there is warmth in Idaho.

March 20, 2018

           These heavy spring snow storms are adding more than just moisture. Driving in the thick huge flakes is a challenge, day or night. Car windows become covered before a person can make a complete round to clear them. One car during a heavy night storm pulled up under our yard light to clear the windows and it took two circuits before they could move on down the valley.

           The wildlife around us throw in another challenge, in good weather or bad. When the screech of brakes and tires is heard in the dark it makes a person wonder if there will be a deer carcass in the morning, or if it will be a knock on the door with someone needing the phone to report an accident.

          Larry and Lillian Hansen brought family up from Utah for a few days of being home at their place on Bear Creek.

          Kelton and Denise Keller and their daughter Maury of Alpine, UT, spent a weekend with his father, Vernon Keller, and other family members.

         We have some adult runners in this village. Three of them participated in the Ragnar Relay Race in Austin, TX, recently. Melinda Jepsen, Lacey Christensen, and McKenna Jepsen became part of the racing team of Tim Checketts, Melinda's brother. This is a 200 mile race and the teams are m ade up of twelve individual racers. This effort is a challenge in endurance and cooperation along with hours of exercise and teamwork.

          For those of us who raise cattle, this is the season for calving. With the fractious weather during the month of March, the owners need to be on alert twenty-four hours a day. A new calf born in the middle of a snowstorm can come with problems ready made.

           We have made it through the first week of Daylight Savings Time. Adjustments seem to be a bit sluggish this year for both man and beast. Farm chores are now a bit out of sync.

           The returning geese are parading around the ponds and in the fields of Mink Creek. When one drives through Riverdale on the way to town the turkeys are strutting their stuff down there. So glad we don't have as many geese as there are turkeys. To think that they arrived just 25 years ago when the Fish and Game brought in 10 toms and 10 hens. Ben Franklin's favorite bird has really reproduced during those 25 years, there appears to be at least a thousand, just in Mink Creek. And they have spread out considerably, arriving in Riverdale and now they are up our way and over the southeastern hills through Glendale and into Cub River.

           Hope you readers had a good St. Patrick's Day. The last several days have been typical March stuff---5 minutes of blustery snow, then a little rain, 5 minutes of sunshine, some wind, and then a repeat, all day long. Don't plan too much in the way of outdoor activities, flexibility is the key word!