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.

Oct 29, 2013

       Sorry if you tried to check this and there was zilch.  My life has been full of glitches this week and I forgot about it, until here I am two days later.   Let this be a warning to those of you who think retirement always goes along smoothly.  It is still life, and that should explain everything.

        We have had gorgeous fall days!  The red of the maple tress has gone, but the dark  green pines and yellows of other deciduous trees still appeal to the soul.  Warm temperatures in the days, more and more chilly at night, but hard frosts still  only here and there.

Our skunk population has to be dwindling.  This statement  is made due to the number of carcasses along the highway, giving off their own special aroma.  It does raise a person’s awareness of their existence!

Kent and ReNae Egley went north to Alaska for a much deserved vacation.  They saw so much breath-taking scenery, mountains, glaciers; plus having some great getting-away time.  The stillness of great lakes and nature was just what was needed for this pair.

Victoria Taylor and Toni Cox of Hull, England visited with Jimmie and AnnaBeth Olson for five lovely days.  A favorite activity was riding the Olson’s 4-wheeler.  They took in a corn maze and enjoyed the Logan Temple.  The Olsons' intent was to show them the beautiful Teton Mountains, but due to snowy weather conditions the park roads were closed; the group got as close as Jackson, WY and enjoyed the scenery offered from that distance.

 Lauryn Hawkes, daughter of Robert and Liz Hawkes, has turned sixteen  and received the Mia Main certificate. She will now be in the Laurel class at the LDS Ward.

Shawn and Callie Beardall and their trio of children are up from Spanish Fork, UT, to enjoy the fall and hunting season with his parents, Kent and Tammy Beardall, and their family.  It is a family tradition, going back for years.

Ray and IlaRae Van Vleet of Grace are having a break during their mission service at the Heber Valley Girl’s Camp in Utah.  They dropped over to see their daughter, Tammy and Nelson  Coleman and family. 

Max Haws and his family have been up from California.  Mink Creek residents think of Max as the deliverer of avocados because he brings what extras he has from his crop in California to share with his Mink Creek neighbors.

A wild wind visited us one day this week for most of the morning.  The trees were whipping around in the style of Harry Potter movies.  One child commented that it looked like the branches were jumping rope.  Fall leaves marched southward, no obstacle was too big in their paths.  After hours of this, it quieted, and then the rain began.  A rather gloomy, but interesting, day.  Since then we have had a smattering of snow, but it has only stayed in the tops of our mountains.

Oct 23, 2013

Deer hunting season is upon us.  Mink Creek area is known nationally for its deer and we attract hunters of all varieties.  Some years ago this area was featured in the Sports Illustrated magazine as a home of mule deer.  Now one finds vehicles  parked willy-nilly up our back roads and in pastures while the hunt continues.

Maria Baird, daughter of Lana  and Ivan McCracken and the late Ronald Baird, was married recently to Devin Bryan Flake.  The ceremony took place at Rock Canyon Park near Orem, UT.  Her brother, LaRon Baird had the privilege of giving her away.   Later the couple was honored at a reception and dinner at the Sky Room of the Wilkinson Student Center on the BYU Campus. Along with Maria’s parents and LaRon’s family other siblings gathered were: Owen and Penny Baird of Bountiful, Madeline Baird of Brian’s family, Nathan Baird of Mink Creek, Annette Batchelor of Albuquerque, NM, and Tamra Taylor and family from Woods Cross, UT.

David Seamons, son of Jeffrey and Jennifer Seamons, was presented the Faith in God certificate, recognizing accomplishments in Primary.  He was ordained to the office of  deacon.  Both sets of grandparents live in Mink Creek:  Scott and Cathy Seamons and Joe and Kathy Jarvis.

Todd and Julie Kunz and children Kamri and Kreighton, of Idaho Falls drove down for a weekend stay with her parents, Layne and Karen Erickson.  Todd and Kamri enjoyed going to a USU football game in Logan while they were here.

The funeral of Arden Rasmussen brought many Rasmussen relatives home.  There was a great deal of reminiscing with friends and family.  Arden was the 6^th child born in a family of 15 children.  Six of these siblings are still with us. Arden and his wife, Sheila Stephenson, had four children, two boys, two girls and all of these families were able to be here for his burial.

Bob Erickson spent the first week of October fishing for salmon.  This is an annual trip taken with his brother Gary Erickson of Chubbuck, ID, and other friends.  It is always a fun time, no matter how large or how small their catch.  Now comes the task of smoking the slabs, but worth the work!

We now have pheasant hunting going on, along with the deer.  It makes a person wonder if it is safe to step outside with shots being heard from all directions.

Oct 16, 2013

The slopes of the mountains surrounding us look as if washed in red-orange paint as the maple trees predominate for a week or two.  Stations Creek, Bear Creek, South Canyon, Mink Creek, Birch Creek, Strawberry,  all have their share of color, Riverdale included.  Bits of yellow and fall’s bright green make it gorgeous.

At this end of Riverdale are a herd of cattle; among them are some that must be related to the Texas Longhorn, judging by the span of the horns they carry.  This is a motley bunch of bovines, blacks, browns, brockle-faced and those that pack a rack of horns.

Tyson Hall, son of Kristi and Brett Hall, was ordained to the office of an elder in the LDS Ward.  His brother Bridger came up from Logan to witness this event.  His grandparents: Sallee Keller of Mink Creek and Dallas and Deone Hall of Wellsville, UT. were in attendance.

Rico Crosland was awarded his Duty to God achievement certificate for services rendered during his Aaronic priesthood years.  He also spoke in the LDS meeting prior to leaving for the MTC in Provo.   After a few October days in that locality he will be flying to Auckland, New Zealand, to serve in the New Zealand, Wellington, Mission.

Macy Jepsen, eldest daughter of Kerry and Melinda Jepsen,  has received her mission call to Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Mission.  The call arrived at her home in Mink Creek and her parents were given permission by Macy to read it to her with a Skype communication while Macy is in Italy a little longer.  She will be leaving here in February.

Mike Dyer must be moving outside of our community.  His home is posted as rentable with the intention of buying.  There are several homes within our boundaries that are now available.

Karl and Marion Haws have enjoyed a lengthy visit with us this summer.  If they aren’t careful they are liable to receive assignments of community tasks for village activities.   Lately they have had one foot in California, one in Idaho, and yes, that is an mightyl big step!  Other family members have flitted in and out of the Haws home during the last few weeks.

The community wood project gets underway this time of year.  First there is the gathering and then follows the splitting of logs at various homes where the homeowners might not be able to provide the physical labor required to lay in the fuel.