December 18, 2019

        Spencer Wilde and Paige Hilton were married that last part of November. There was a reception in Mink Creek on November 23. Paige is from Boonesboro, MD. Her mother, Cindy Hilton and a brother were here for the celebration. Spencer is the son of David and Judy Wilde. The couple will be living in Rigby, ID while Spencer finishes school at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg. Paige will graduate this month.

          Mary and Ron Norris travel to Herriman, UT , to spend Thanksgiving with their grandson. Now they have another grandson, Carson, visiting with them from Lone Peak,WY.

          Family members of Candy Longhurst gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving with their mother and sisters Emily and McKinley in Mink Creek. Tiffany and Spencer Wheeler and son Hudson came down from Parma, ID. Jake and Hollie Longhurst and little Alice were up from their place in Smithfield. Justin and Cynthia Longhurst are just yards away from the family headquarters.

           A family with a happy feeling about our snowy weather were Loren and Ken Nash and their son Shawn and Eliza Nash who were up from Sol Vang, CA for a two week winter holiday.

          Keenan Janke was presented his Eagle Scout award in a Court of Honor, while several members of his family were in Mink Creek for the holiday weekend.. Although he now resides in Richfield, UT, much of his scouting experiences took place here before his family moved. In addition to the family of Laural and Jody Janke visiting Bob and Claudia Erickson, there was the family of Jay and Kristin Collins of Lakeview, OR, and Carla and Mark Nielsen's family of American Fork, UT, plus Jared and Brynlee Mckague, Sage McKague and Claire Collins, students at BYU/I in Rexburg.

          We are happy that Stetson Ostler, son of Alona and Stuart, has been chosen to play at the Down Under football camp program this coming summer. Stetson's grandparents, Brent and Jody Sharp, owners of Western Dutch Oven Cooking, are having a fundraiser for him on Dec 20 with a take-out Dutch Oven dinner going for $8. They can be contacted in front of the Southfork Hardware that evening between the hours of 6 and 7 or food reserved by calling the business. Proceeds will go to Stetson to make this trip to Australia possible.

           The Relief Society celebrated the approach of Christmas with a festive dinner, complete with elegant table settings and centerpieces on each table. They were served by members of the Mink Creek Elders' Quorum. The evening's theme was “Helping to Educate Women Around the World Through the Pure Love of Christ."  Laurel Wilde and Jackie Olsen shared some of their own experiences with various sources that might be used to contribute to international charities that focus on assisting women worldwide. Brittnee Phillips favored the group with a violin solo, “What Child Is This.” This was a great start for the month of December and all that goes with the season.

           Blue skies yesterday, but not a degree of heat. No dripping from the eaves, no snow, just frigid air with animals needing winter care for the few of us who still have some measure of farming. We are happy to have a cleared highway that goes the length of the village—once we have the side roads plowed to reach that highway. Grateful for those state and county road crews that keep us on their radar in this sort of weather.

December 11. 2019

        I hope you gave a few moments of thought to Dec 7 and World War II, what that day meant to the world as a whole.  May we appreciate the sacrifices made that day.
         Pedro and Avery Gomez have returned from a trip to Chile, Pedro's home. He has been in the US for 18 years, a long time to be absent from family. He grew up in Pueblo Cisnes and was welcomed warmly. Avery's parents, Doug and Beverly Bruderer accompanied them. It was a time of family reunion, of sight-seeing, introducing his American family to his Chilean family. Just imagine the reunion after 18 years.

           Kent and ReNae Egley went to Las Vegas, NV, the last part of November to cheer their racing son, Matt. He was competing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Both his family and his crew were geared up for this event in the weeks prior.The results were that Matt placed fourteenth, has done a great job this past season and improves each year as he learns the ropes of his dream. Now Matt and the crew will start making plans, repairing, for the season to come.

          Our community has experienced another funeral, the third within a few weeks. LaDawn Hampton Jensen passed away, after struggling with poor health for a long time. Her husband, Richard (Dick) passed away not long ago. The Jensens lived in Mink Creek all their married life, Dick was raised here and LaDawn came from Franklin, high school sweethearts. They are the parents of Sherrie Ogden, Sid Jensen, Shelley Bell, Shawn Jensen(deceased) and Shirley Ahrens.

           Devlyn Nathaneal Currie was ordained a deacon in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the son of Wendy and Clayton Currie.

           Jeff and Julie Workmen of Stansbury Park, UT, spent several days at their Mink Creek home with their children and grandchildren. It is the perfect place for holiday celebrations, with snowy hillsides for atmosphere. Included in this celebration were Julie's parents.

           The parade of harvested Christmas trees has been going down our highways. Pickups, trailers, trees tied atop cars, whatever would carry the greenery. Over the holiday weekend it was a nearly constant stream. There had to be some slogging through snow to obtain the desired tree with the storms that descended at that time, where just the week before it had been nearly dry.

          We have happy people in the snowmobile set with the recent snowfall making it possible to make their first ride of the season. The big parking lots in our canyons: Birch Creek, Strawberry Summit, Copenhagen, etc. tend to fill up pretty early in the day over the weekends once we have an enduring layer of snow.

           December nights are beautiful when we have a full moon lighting up out snow covered slopes. It is even prettier to see the outdoor Christmas lights on our homes as a person drives through the community.

December 4, 2019

Only a day late, sorry, readers.  I have been submerged in research.

         This was the month for a favorite program in the LDS Ward when the Primary organization presents thoughts of what they have learned in the past year. The theme this year was Come Follow Me. The children sang and spoke of messages of Jesus Christ and God. The Primary presidency is Mary Ann, Jepsen, with counselors Jody Rasmussen and Jasmine Erickson, secretary Ramona Hatchett. Jackie Olsen is the chorister, ReNae Egley the pianist. Members of the Preston North Stake Primary Board were in attendance.

           This event brings out-of-town grandparent fans. Kelly and Teresa Rasmussen and daughter Kjerstin of Preston and Erick and Rexanne Nielsen of Lewiston, UT, were in town to witness the performances of Emma, Kate and Annie Rasmussen. Sharon Keller of Riverdale and Venice Buttars , both grandmothers, had their eyes on Morgan and Danny Keller.

          Vickie and Richard Free are excited to report that Heather Hodge, their daughter-in-law, has gon through the auditioning experience and will be performing with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Heather is the wife of Brandon Hodge, with their home in Bountiful, UT. She has total family support for this coming chapter of their lives.

           As in other places around the nation, Mink Creek residents are preparing for visitors coming home to enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday and weekend following. The gloomy weather forecast may alter a few plans, but the gathering will commence, perhaps with more indoor activities than originally anticipated.

             We have retained the snow that was greeted us one morning this week. Nothing much of depth, but it whitens the landscape. It will add a bit of adventure to those many, many people who are harvesting their yearly Christmas tree from the canyons between us and Montpelier. It is often a family tradition on this holiday weekend. We understand that 2000 tree permits have been sold. Cold, clear skies make us aware that winter is here. We are hopeful that the box elder bugs get that same message.

            Those who waited until the past weekend to get their trees had an extra challenge. Snow arrived for the Thanksgiving holiday, several inches, sufficient to provide sledding and snowmobile activities for our weekend guests. For some this is a once-a-year recreation, coming from California, Texas, even southern Utah. Snow has some rather magical qualities about it in reality, not just on the movie screen of Frozen.

November 26, 2019

          We have received the happy news that Jake Longhurst, son of Candy Longhurst, has qualified and will now be a commercial airline pilot for Skywest Airlines. Congratulations, Jake, on reaching this long time goal.

            Eldon and Danit Wilcox have been busy attending granddaughter baptisms. They went up to Idaho Falls to witness the baptism of Olivia Wilcox, a child of Brigham and Jenipher Wilcox. On another weekend they drove to Midvale, UT, for the ceremony of Adrienne Durrant, the daughter of Brittany Wilcox.

             Danny Keller, son of Jared and Hollie Keller, was baptized at the Preston North Stakehouse. This makes Danny the newest member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Mink Creek Ward. He is most welcome.

           Nicole and Nathan Denney and their little Zaydee were down for a few days spent with Nicole's parents, Kent and Tammy Beardall. The Denneys are students at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg, ID.

            We have to do a little button-popping over some recent activities of some our youth. In the high school muscial, “Tuck Everlasting,” Ty Jepsen had a lead role and Dallon Baird worked on the lighting crew. When the ballet “The Nutcracker” was performed at the Worm Creek Opera House Greenlee Christensen played the lead, Clara, and Ella Jepsen and Jyllian and Kassidy Christensen were part of the cast. Here again, Dallon Baird lent his skill in the lighting department.

           The turkeys are back in herds. Flock might be the right word for groups of birds, but when they get too many 'herd' might be a better descriptive term. They are patrolling Highway 36 and when bright taillights suddenly flash chances are it is because a turkey or turkeys have decided to cross the road. They pretty much go where they please, usually in single file. I notice that the Cub River birds have the same attitude.

           Angelo and Gracie Crosland have moved to McCall, ID. Angleo, the son of Robert and Phee Crosland, has a job with the construction of a home being built in that area. McCall is closer to Gracie's childhood home and family.

          I have noted some geese in their V flight pattern flying northeast in the skies above Mink Creek. My first thought was that they were using the wrong direction system. However, the second thought was that they were the tame Canadian geese that call Vernon Keller's ponds their year-round home and likely they had just been out for a visit to other local ponds of water, and were headed back to home base.
           Happy thanksgiving, everyone. We have so much for which to feel thanks.

November 20, 2019

          Josh and Brooke Reichman spent a weekend with her parents, Sherrie and Shane Corbett. The Richmans are currently living in Provo. Josh is going to BYU and Brooke is studying at Utah Valley University, both having full time jobs in addition to school.

           Reporting on some of our housing changes. Lisa and Sid Whitehouse are now living in the southern end of Mink Creek, in the former home of Opal and Merlin McKay on Bear Creek.

          Eldon and Danita Wilcox are building a new home on Valley View, living in Danita's parents' home in the meantime. The Wilcox duo sold their first home to Kade Nicholls and Leigha Beckes. Kade and Leigha had Halloween decorations out and seem to have settled right into the neighborhood.

         Raphael Arnsworth has sold his Utah holdings and is now a permanent resident of Mink Creek and Idaho, living in Floyd and Jessie Erickson's home which he purchased a few years ago. Raphael has spent considerable time in the remodeling stages since his purchase. Things are quite nicely “spiffed up ”and looking good.

          Lizzy and Josh Greene and their three small children have moved back to Mink Creek and have spent the summer remodeling their former home, that of Marlene and Orvid Christensen, at the top of Capitol Hill. Lizzy has been pursuing college classes and is close to meeting her goal.

           The Relief Society members of three area wards, Riverdale First, Riverdale Second and Mink Creek met at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Riverdale for an evening of fun and enlightenment. The Riverdale Second ward invited a local artist, Brent Borrup, to share his talent and his beliefs with the group. Lynn Sharp introduced Borrup and the stage was well set for his presentation. He is becoming well known for his artwork of Jesus Christ and various LDS Temples. All felt a spiritual boost for having been there. Refreshments of caramel apple cake were served to top off the night.

            The Mink Creek Ward Relief Society has had a change in their presidency. Laurel Wilde, who has been serving as the Second Counselor, has been released. Now being given an opportunity to serve in that calling is Cynthia Hanson. Cindy is relatively new in our community and we look forward to getting better acquainted.

             There was a wreck close to the entry of Strawberry Canyon that caused some excitement around here. Sirens and emergency outfits zipping up the highway. It made a couple of TV newscasts. A semi truck, loaded with containers of molasses was headed to his parent company in Montpelier and went down a steep embankment, flipping the rig over. Scrapes and bruises to the driver, no passengers, he had his seat belt in place. The highway was closed for cleanup and that took a portion of a couple of days. They needed some heavy equipment to get that semi upright. The wildlife may be licking up bits of molasses for an unexpected treat.

November 12, 2019

           Our Oct 31 party was titled a Fall Extravaganza and it was great! The recreation hall of the meetinghouse was packed with people of all ages. The central serving table, laden with varieties of chili and soups, looked full enough to provide a pot of soup for everyone in attendance. A trio of judges gave prizes for the most traditional, the most exotic, the spiciest and then the consuming began. Decisions had to be made and it was difficult, just so many! There were bread-sticks and crackers to add to the menu. Two or three servings were then followed by an assortment of pies---fruit pies, cream pies, caramel pies, nut pies, and so it went.

           A parade of costumes twisted up and down the room, much applause given. Prizes again, this time for creativity, cuteness, most frightening, best family group. More applause. Then let the games begin: eating doughnuts on a string, Jesse Wilcox was #1 with Justin Longhurst a close second; feeding a grown man a baby bottle, Kerry and Lacey Christensen aced it; shaking a box of pingpong balls (hard to describe, but hilarious). The winner here was our own Dr. Kerry Jepsen, staid orthopedic surgeon in our midst. Another was a balloon stomp where two gals ganged up on the male victor to declare victory for themselves! A twisted bowling type game appeared to be perfect for Eldon Wilcox, until he was challenged by Hannah Greene with her splendid strategy.

            After all the main-floor activities there was time for pictures being taken in a photo shoot and then the trick r' treat set moved to the basement for that part of the evening. All were grateful to be out of the cold this freezing Halloween night. Using a common phrase, “A good time was had by all.”

          The Egley family is having a bit of a break from following the racing circuit of their son Matt Egley. This past season Matt's car has raced four times in Meridian, ID, and twice in Hermiston, OR. He managed to get his first Heat win in Meridian. The last trip for the Egley fans will be to Las Vegas with a big race coming up the last part of November. In the meantime Matt's crew is making sure that #86 lime green car is in top condition.

           Deer are visiting yards on a regular basis. Perhaps they see themselves as the Cleanup Crew after the freezing nights wiped out whatever was left in gardens and froze much of the fruit that was not quite to the picking point in our orchards.

           It is that season when we see thin strands of spiderweb floating through the air outdoors, attaching here and there. We also have a frequent need to swipe our indoor walls and ceilings. Somehow that cobweb that is hanging at eye level, not there yesterday, is revealed in just the right light this time of year. It is getting cold enough that our outdoor world is seeking entry into our warmer homes. Likely the same condition exists where ever you live, reader of this blog. Happy Fall! For a week or so I feared we were going to jump from summer right into winter.

November 6, 2019

         Patti and Forrest Christensen have another adventure on their schedule. They visit Florida often, with Patti's daughter living there. Now the Christensens have purchased a house in Florida. Interestingly, it was the home of Nelson Coleman's parents, Nelson being a former resident of Mink Creek. The plan for the future for Patti and Forrest is to be snowbirds in Florida during winter months, soaking up the beaches and warmer climes and then head home tp Mink Creek when warm weather arrives.

          The families of Kathy and Joe Jarvis and Jeff and Jennifer Seamons have been filled with returning missionaries lately. They traveled to Utah to welcome Elder Jackson Jarvis who was returning from service in the Australia, Sydney, Mission. This past week the families have gathered again, this time in Mink Creek to hear Elder Samuel Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer, speak about his time in the Philippines, Legazpi, Mission. Samuel returned at the beginning of October. His fraternal grandparents are Cathy and Scot Seamons also of Mink Creek.

          Laural Janke and her children Sophia and Theo of Richfield, UT, spent the Utah School Break with her parents Bob and Claudia Erickson. A highlight of their visit was checking out the annual Halloween display of a friend, Arda Smith, in Riverdale. This display is always a treat for spectators this time of year.

          Vernon Keller and members of his family gathered to celebrate the wedding of Kylie Jensen a granddaughter. She married Britton Peterson. Kylie is the daughter of Karla Keller and Chris Jensen. The marriage took place at the Mt. Naomi Farms Vineyard in Hyde Park. Karla's family were there, both from Utah and Idaho. Oldest brother Kelton and Denise Keller and their daughter Mari came up from Alpine, UT; Jeff and Kay Hill of Taylorsville and some of their family; Karla's twin, Karma and Doug Wood of Logan; a brother Kim Keller of Mink Creek; sister Kristi and Brett Hall of Preston and their children. These are Bridger and Kenzie Hall with baby Drew, Tyson and Ashlie Hall, and Tawni and Tayson Reid and brand new baby, Trapper.

          Spencer Wilde, son of Judy and David Wilde, is engaged to Paige Hilton with wedding plans for November 23. The two met while attending school at BYU/Idaho in Rexburg. Paige hails from the state of Maryland.

           Since we have no choice but to endure the very cold days of late, we are hoping the box elder bug population will also be more than uncomfortable. Any warm surface seems to attract them in droves outdoors. Although they don't bite, indoors they are a constant nuisance.

           The first week of Mountain Standard Time. It always takes time to make that mental/emotional adjustment. While it is nice to be able to have it light in the morning, getting kids on the schoolbus, off to work, someone always complains about it getting dark 'so early.' Actually it is just a tradeoff and the dark hours are when humans are designed to slow down after their work day. It always amazes me at how fast things lighten up in the days following our “shortest day of the year.”

          Our day time temperatures have risen a bit and it seems we may have some Fall weather after all. We will welcome it after having this scare of an early winter setting in.