Never Forget, 2018

          Yes, it is 9/11, and I think the reminder a worthy one.  My recollections are crystal clear.
Sorry I didn't get the blog up last week.  You will read that I was dealing with the death and funeral of a great friend, one of my husband's cousins.  The blog just wasn't on my mind. Even the news of Mink Creek did not make the week's issue of the Citizen. What follows is this week's column, plus. Thanks for reading.

          The Mink Creek community was happy to attend the wedding of Sydney Eugene Whitehouse and Lisa Jean Blackmon on August 10th. The couple took their vows in a ceremony performed by Bishop Kurt Iverson. Missionary friends, David and Suzanne Ward, gave Lisa a lovely bridal bouquet. Friends and neighbors celebrated with the couple at a reception following the ceremony at the Mink Creek Ward recreation hall. It was decorated with fresh floral arrangements from local gardens. Refreshments of punch, muffins and fruit were provided by friends. Cecelie Costley decorated a beautiful wedding cake for the occasion. Out of town friends came from Brigham City, UT.

           Sunflowers, grain harvest and grasshoppers seem to go together. The happy yellow faces of the flowers dot the landscape all around us, heads searching for the sun. Some of these cloudbursts that have come our way have totally obliterated that sun. Those same storms have seriously depleted some of the grain that hadn't yet been harvested. A dry stalk of wheat takes a real pounding from those marble sized balls of hail that shucks out the kernels with such force, breaks the straw. The storms seem to have little affect on the insects. The yellow, red or black winged grasshopper creatures are everywhere. They do their share of gobbling up growth in their paths, giving us a reminder of the pioneer cricket invasions.

            Kent and Tammy Beardall have been kept on the road quite a bit this summer. They have been following the area rodeo circuit in support of their son Ty. Ty has been trying his hand, and all the rest of his jolting body, by participating in the saddle bronc events. His athletic prowess in other areas has discovered a new one to pursue.

            As befits the season, Mink Creekers enjoyed a water party as the fall days arrived. I am not sure if we were celebrating the beginning of fall, the end of summer, or that school was starting, all are a good excuse for getting together. It began with the adventurous set tubing the Bear River, starting from Red Point. A raft was available for those needing more security. All who wanted to stay dry assembled at our ballpark for dinner a bit later. Menu choices were hamburgers, hot dogs and slices of chicken, with whatever garnishes might be desired. A variety of chips went with the main plate along with glasses of homemade root beer. Brownies and ice cream topped off the evening. There was a good turnout for lots of fun.

             Bryan Erickson, Karen and Layne Erickson and Bob and Claudia Erickson traveled to Cedar City, UT, to attend the funeral of a cousin, Judy Spencer Larsen. She grew up in Mink Creek and married Ervin Larsen, also of Mink Creek. Judy passed away August 25^th, after a year's struggle with cancer.

           Margret and Kurt Iverson and family enjoyed a lengthy visit to the British Isles. Margret served as an LDS missionary in the England, Leeds, Mission, so much of this was familiar ground to her. They took a few days for Scotland and were able to visit two LDS Temples, one in Preston, England and one in London. They enjoyed the tourist attractions of the country and had fun renewing old friendships.

           We have survived another LOTOJA. Those letters represent the annual fall bicycle race from Logan, UT, to Jackson, Wyoming. Our Highway 36 is closed from 7am to noon on that day and our residents need a special pass to prove they have a true need to use the thoroughfare during those hours.

Blue Skies Do Exist!

           It is evident that the needs of irrigation for county crops is at the end of the season. A quick glance at the water levels of Foster Reservoir and Glendale Reservoir tells the story. A series of level lines show around their perimeters, dropping down, down, down. Now about all that is left is some mud and large puddles at the bottom of each. The water has been well used.

           The Robert Crosland family spent a few days in Texas for the happy occasion of naming a new granddaughter. Her parents are Marco and Christina Crosland. She was named Alia Mikelle Crosland. This new Crosland family live in Pilot Point, TX, north of Dallas. Robert and Phee spent some days helping them move into their home and getting things ready for a new chapter in their lives.

            We have had Haws family members dropping in for a few days here and there. Karl and Marion Haws were up from Santa Barbara, CA for a couple of weeks. Adam and Kamane Haws and their family and Peter and Gretchen Haws,with family, both brothers living in Solvang, CA, enjoyed some Idaho days and memory sharing.

          Johnny and Jeannine Iverson have had a summer full of relatives. Several of Jeannine's siblings have stopped by, plus children and grandchildren. The Iverson's have nine children so it makes for lots of coming and going during the summer when the grandchildren are out of school.

           New members of the LDS Ward are the family of Sam and Kim Daines. Kim grew up in Mink Creek, the daughter of Dennis and Judy Clark. Sam hails from Cache Valley. They have spent years raising their family back east, most recently in New York City. They are now in the process of renewing roots in the intermountain west. Sons Noah and Mathan Daines will be attending college at BYU/I in Rexburg, ID, and daughters Saige and Molly will be students at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

           The family of Dennis and Judy Clark were honored at the Livestock Sale at the Franklin County Fair. Dennis was killed in a traffic accident not long ago and his absence was felt in the management of the sales ring. He has been assisting in this position for a number of years. All of the Clark children were there for the presentation along some of the grandchildren.

              Finally a day with clear skies! It has been smokey sky so long that I have forgotten how lovely a blue sky, a vision of our nearby mountains, etc. can be. How that uplifts a person and helps the day start right! It has stayed that way the entire day. People have raved about the beautiful sunsets through the smokey haze, but the smell of burning wood, the constant haze diminishes the enjoyment of the sunsets. The brightness even seemed to enhance the green of the fields instead of the dry growth that exists this time of year when irrigation has pulled back.

August 21. 2018

            Happy First Day of School for the young set in our county, on both sides of the valley. The yellow buses arrived on time for excited kids.  They may complain in a week or two, but for now it is nice to get back with last year's friends.

           One of our young men, Dallon Baird, has had summer employment with the scouting program, serving at Camp Bartlett, just up and over our mountains on the Bear Lake side. For a couple of weeks a group of his friends, similarly employed, have traveled to Mink Creek to attend Sunday services in the LDS Ward. A good example of “get up and go,” since the services begin at 9am and Bartlett is definitely more than “a stone's throw” distance.

           Doug Bruderer ended up in a conflict with a horse, getting kicked in the face. Though his broken jaw is wired shut we are happy to have him home among us. Another resident in need of medical assistance has been Timber Christensen, small son of Kerry and Lacey Christensen. Between smokey air and the dust and dryness he was having trouble breathing and spent a few days in the hospital. We are glad to have that smiling face back at home up Birch Creek

           Sharla and Lin McKay have been on a biking vacation to the north. They took in Bear Tooth Pass on the Wyoming/Montana border and enjoyed the snow, the wildlife and beautiful scenery of Glacier National Park.

           Joseph and Rebecca Jones brought their young family home for a camping expedition in our nearby canyons. Though Joseph's parents, Austin and Kathy Jones, have moved to Gem Valley, Mink Creek is still home to Joseph.

            Patti and Forrest Christensen have been up north, all the way to Alaska on a fishing trip. They stayed at Boardwalk Lodge which is owned by Forrest's sister Raone and Brad Stuart. It is located on Prince of Wales Island. A friend of Forrest's, Laurance Leonhardt of Logan, UT, went with them for his first experience of ocean fishing. Patti reported that the weather was almost too great to go fishing. They saw bears and whales, both orca and humpback. One humpback put on a professional show for them, rolling and cavorting in the waves. Everyone had a great time fishing, catching mainly halibut and rockfish. As usual Patti caught the most and the biggest. Maybe they are attracted to her red hair.

           Hannah Singleton and her sons enjoyed their month of Mink Creek and family and are now back, ready for their fall season routine, in El Dorado, AR. The household of Wynn and Cecelie Costley has calmed down, with life resuming its normal pace.

            A garden fire that escaped brought the county Fire Department up to quench the hungry flames. The dry growth that covers all areas not under irrigation can provide plenty of tinder on occasions like this. Gratitude is expressed by the entire neighborhood and community to those men for their expertise and equipment.

            We were assaulted with a fierce cloudburst on Saturday past. It came with force and lasted longer than usual. Noise!!! and the results were piles of hail, new rivulets along the road as the swift water made its way down the slopes to the creek at the bottom of our valley. We got a real good soaking, and welcomed every drop. It was good to have the grain fields already harvested and tucked away. The deluge sank quickly into the cracks in the earth of those dry fields.

August 14, 2018

          Our main drag, Highway 36, has been undergoing a summer construction session. Chipping started at the county line on the road up Strawberry Canyon and has made its way steadily down to the intersection of Highways 36 and 34, just north of the bridge over Bear River. The time it has taken our residents to get to and from Preston has lengthened considerably while waiting for the pilot cars to guide us through. However, we know that it will be worth it in the improvement of future travels.

          The family of Wynn and Cecelie Costley celebrated her birthday with all family congregating at the Costley homestead. With five daughters and two sons, all with families of their own , it amounts to a good-sized group. They enjoyed the time together with games, food and lots of visiting and sharing of memories.

           There was a Jepsen Reunion, this time the Freeman and Ada Jepsen family. The headquarters of this group is on the family farm, now occupied by their oldest son, Glen and Betty Jo Jepsen. Seventy-three people attended. There were family representatives able to be here for all siblings except Bruce who lives in Washington state. Marilyn and Robert Godfrey of Mesa, AZ, JoAnn and Kevin Auger of Woodland Hills, UT, Dan Jepsen of Bountiful, UT. Projects and fun abounded: fence painting, timber cutting, attending the rodeo, and water fun at both the Mink Creek Ballpark and the Oneida Narrows Dam with three family boats to keep the water spraying. They included the annual family foot race for those feeling extra fit.

         The daughters of John and Edith Olson returned to their Mink Creek roots for a few days at their place perched on the western slope above Strawberry Creek. They have a splendid view in all directions and can soak up the mountains that became so dear to their family. They grew up in a spot called Heliga Vista. Karen Tribett from Elk Ridge; Margaret and Bill Wright, Janet Bergera, Mary Carter all of Payson; Nancy Olson of Alt Lake City; Emily Johnson and her daughter Jaycee of Moab; all are now Utah residents. Bill Wright is the mayor of Payson so Mink Creek is a good get-away for the Wrights. Some of the group included a visit to a neighbor from the past, Naomi Wilde, age 103, who now resides in Pocatello.

           Sheldon and Candy Longhurst announce the birth of their first grandchild. Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler, of Parma, ID, now have a tiny son, born on July 29^th. The whole Longhurst family drove up to celebrate this event.

          The Tate Family Reunion kept things going at the Egley Park on the shady banks of Mink Creek. There were multiple cousins from Utah and Idaho present to reconnect. There was no rain and it was good times all around.

            The grains are going through the combines. The whir of the combine motor is fall music. Golden fields transformed into tons of small golden kernels, hauled by trucks, dumped onto the storing floors of the recipient. Grain isn't the only thing in need of harvest at this time. Gardners are picking their green beans, chokecherries are nearly black in ripeness, summer apples are begging to be picked. It is a rewarding time to live in the country.

August 7, 2018

          We are certainly located in that part of southeastern Idaho that is listed as 'smokey skies.' To go along with the haze and the red sun is the smell of burning wood that wafts through the air.

           The sight of our country's flags flying at Pete Bennett's place as one drives on Highway 34 is wrapped up for a season. For nearly a month I have loved soaking up that feeling of patriotism that Pete regularly displays around certain holidays.

             We have one family moving out, another moving in. Kristi and Brett Hall have sold their riverside home to Garth and Robin Stevenson. On the evening of the official packing up some twenty individuals showed up to help Brett and Kristi load their belongings. The Halls will be living near the golf course in Preston. Garth is getting his fishing poles all in shape for a life on the banks of the Bear.

           Claudine and LaMar McKague and their family drove down from Vancouver, WA, to spend a week with her parents, Bob and Claudia Erickson. From Mink Creek all headed to Idaho Falls for the wedding of Jarin McKague, the McKague's second son on July 28^th. They were met there by three of Claudine's siblings. Laural Janke, Danalee Abernethy and Carla Nielsen, and their families for a memorable day.

             Rodeo weekend brought past residents back for the festivities. That includes a fair sized group of Mink Creek's children of the past for the 50 year reunion of Class of 1968. Marilyn Jepsen Godfrey, Jeff Olson and Garth Wilde attended. Lois Larsen was absent. Sheryl Crane May had moved to Burley about 7th grade, and Ray Keller and Bruce Jensen have passed away. Lots of memories shared.

          The rodeo parade was high on the list of fun for those lining the streets of Preston.. Our April Rasmussen caught a Frisbee tossed out by a passing commercial float and their family ended up with 3 tossed T-shirts. Her husband, Trevor, says this is a first for their family. Our Jyllian Christensen was riding her horse, decked out in beautiful western wear as she represented the Cache County Fair and Rodeo royalty as the Junior Princess.

           Raphael Arnsworth is in the process of a big remodel of the home he purchased a few years ago in Mink Creek. It was the home of Floyd and Jessie Erickson and their family. He has made some ancestral discoveries in the walls and attic in his dismantling process that he has shared with the former owners.

           The week of the county fair is nearly upon us, and after that school will begin. 4H projects are being completed, any procrastination ha to be a thing of the past. The few stores we have in our county are offering 'School Sales' and the teachers are gearing up for another year in the classroom. In Mink Creek we have several teachers in the public schools, we have several families who homeschool. We also have several residents who are employed by the school district in other positions, so the start of the school year has an impact on this community.

Last of July, 2018

           What a month this has been!  Full to the brim!  Of people and events, some planned for, others unexpected.  Life!

           Celebrating Pioneer Day the jumping off spot for the majority of river runners was full on July 24^th. There are frequent times when there needs to be a parking lot for those so involved. Vehicles line both sides of Highway 36 just east of the river bridge. Perhaps a crosswalk would be appropriate as well.

             Benjamin Seamons has received a mission call for the LDS Church. He will be serving in the Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, North, Mission, entering the MTC in October. Ben is the son of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons.

           Youth Conference for the teenage set of our community took place on Gold Hill, a place totally new for most of them, but part of our history. The group of around twenty camped there for two nights and got a feel for the early years of our community. Activities were varied: some rock climbing, shooting real guns at the gun range in Preston, a lunch at Oneida Dam prior to water sports using Kerry Jepsen's boat for power. One evening Brother Crowther from Lewiston, UT, came up for a fireside talk. There was singing, there was dancing, and lots of games. A sunrise hike to the top of Gold Hill was perfect for an early morning devotional. In their meandering they were able to see two of the old mines once operated at the hill. Top all this off with great food and talking around the fire, what could be better?!

           Kent and ReNae Egley and family members traveled to the northwest. Oregon was the site of car races for their son Matt Egley at the Hermiston Raceway. Hermiston is not far from the Washington/Oregon border.

           Terry and Hayes Carr and their daughter Courtney drove up from Centerville, UT, for a weekend visit with her folks, Mary Jean and Larry Rasmussen.

            Wayne and Jackie Olson's place is a little closer to their dreams. Their house arrived recently, but the workers lacked some equipment needed to get all things put together so the Olsons are 'on hold' again, reminding themselves that every step forward is progress.

           Bracken and Mariah Atkinson and their two little girls, Timberlee and Hadlee, have moved to Preston recently. This neighborhood will miss them. They will be living near Bracken's parents.

            Our little village has been full of visitors this month and not all have gotten recognized on this blog. So fun to have so many “come home” to Mink Creek,and this is the month with class and family reunions in full swing, also the Rodeo that holds memories for most.

            Our main street, Highway 36, is being chipped this month and we are needing to add travel time to and from home no matter where we go as we wait for the pilot car in the heat of the day. One of those glad/bad situations.

Happy Pioneer Day, 2018, aka July 24

          No official holiday, bu still one felt by this community.  Some of those pioneers were our founding families and the surnames are still a part of our village a little less than 150 years after their arrival.  We are grateful for their courage and willingness to endure hard times.  Because of them we are blessed to have this little valley as home.

           There was a surprise family reunion for the siblings of the Lionel and Alna Keller family. All who are living came to Mink Creek's July 4^th celebration to support the grand daughters of their deceased brother Bob when the girls performed at the celebration as the 'Keller Sisters Band.' Caysi and Chey Keller, daughters of Charlie Keller, Bob's son, grew up in Pocatello, and have moved to the Salt Lake City area. This reunion was unintentional, but enjoyed by all of the siblings. Scot Keller now lives in Tell City, IN, Myrna and Ralph Criddle call Mesa, AZ home. The other two brothers, Kent and Ben, still live in Mink Creek. The youngest of the family, Kolette Bybee, has also passed away.

           The Mink Creek girls attended the Preston North Stake Girls Camp this summer in Camp Kolob, near Cleveland, ID. Camp leader was Melinda Jepsen, with assistance from Young Women leaders and some spouses: Wynn and Cecelie Costley, Terry and Wendy Westerberg, Terrie McKay and Bishop Kurt Iverson. Girls attending were Hannah Greene, Emily Longhurst, Tara Jepsen, Ella Jepsen, Liberty Stanworth, Celina Crosland, Davanie Ostler, Tia Hatch, and Shayleigh Forbush. They are a fun bunch of young ladies. Activities included: hiking, rock wall climbing, target practice in the shooting range and uplifting sessions with stake leaders, besides eating fun food and wading in the cooling waters of Cottonwood creek.

            Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson and their entire family: five children, their spouses and all the grandchildren spent several days on the Oregon coast. The beaches, the ocean, the ocean breezes, shells and all that is part of the experience kept them going. Throw in family fun, games and some tourist shopping. A wonderful change from the usual summer activities.

           A piano concert was offered to our community by CJ Madsen and his wife, Sam. CJ is the grandson of Larry and Lillian Hansen. The Madsens are students at BYU in Provo, with music their main pursuit. The two performed vocal duets, CJ accompanying, and had a repertoire of pieces that Cj had arranged. The Madsen's little daughters, Charlotte and Hollis provided entertainment of their own, with some original dance steps not intended for the program. Lillian offered refreshments of brownies and lemonade to wind up a lovely evening.

            Elder Angelo Crosland has returned from serving a mission in the Indiana, Indianapolis, Mission. He spoke of his experiences at the LDS Ward this past week. Friends and family filled the chapel and welcomed him home. He is the son of Robert and Phee Crosland.

            One evening this week brought some serious wind damage to a few residents. Strong bursts swept the canyon, ripping branches from unsuspecting trees, and moving loose garbage cans and any other unsuspecting item about. The forces were strong enough to drop several big trees. Russell and Kaylee Bair lost a lovely yard tree. Stuart and Alona Ostler's place had three trees uprooted completely with four more cracked and split, needing to be removed. There may have been more damage of which I am unaware but these were reported.

             End of July and grain fields are golden. Second crop hay is being baled and hauled off fields that are now thirsty for moisture. Cherry trees have been heavy laden this year, the birds could not keep up with the ripening fruit, the first time in years. In just a few days the pie cherries will be demanding attention.