July Wrap-up, 2014

       Marco Crosland, son of Robert and Phee, returned from his mission to Singapore. He keeps busy working here and there until time for college studies to resume. He recently spoke about his experiences in the LDS Ward. Family members made up 45 visitors: Two aunts; Carolyn and Mick Mitchi of Moroni, UT, and Marie and Ray Eads of American Fork, UT, both with families, then Marco's siblings; Jason and Malia Kunde and children  and Giovanni and Kristina Crosland and family, and various cousins.

       Others had Singapore connections, the family of Elder Hirshi, Marco's last companion, and the Mechams who met Marco in Singapore. The Mechams were in the area as part of a Stucki Reunion taking place in Preston and a whole bunch of about 50, came to hear Marco. Plus, friends from his days at Preston High. Yes, the chapel was overflowing!

      Joe and Kathy Jarvis have been enjoying a visit from their two granddaughters. All the rest of their grandchildren are boys. Shelby Erasmus is from Provo, UT, and Kirsi Jarvis is currently attending BYU in Provo.

      Our oldest Scouts took a fun high adventure trip earlier this summer. They traveled to southern Utah and soaked up the sights, hiking Zion's National Park. Some of them explored the slot canyons and rappelled on the cliffs. There was a feeling of being in “the middle of nowhere.” The leaders were Jake Longhurst, Paul McKay, Terry Westerberg, La Ron Baird, and Robert Crosland. It was a marvelous few days filled with new experiences.

      Summer is moving right along. Our grain fields are turning that lovely harvest color of various shades of amber, from tan to a nutty brown. Arcs of water sail across the fields that still require irrigation for yet another burst of growing power. The days are very hot, the nights cool down nicely for comfortable sleeptime.

      The community had an Athletic Night at our Ballpark. Not too many attended, but the little kids had a great time and the adults were able to catch up on neighborhood visiting.

      Connie and Vance Christensen came home for a few days. These two are currently living in Utah, after having spent several years as residents of Hawaii.

       We have been having some beautiful sunsets. Looking to the west down our little valley one can see all the way over to the west side mountains across northern Cache Valley. That is a good expanse of colored sky to enjoy.

July 22, 2014

      Cliff and LaDawn Jensen soaked up three weeks of teenage granddaughters staying at their home. Rebecca and Melissa Mackelprang, children of Mercedes and Darren Mackelprang, live in Statesboro, GA. The two southern ladies enjoyed visiting with cousins, seeing relatives in Cokeville, WY, and took a tour of the Utah State University giving Rebecca a taste of her college following her graduation from high school next spring.

       Four children of Bob and Claudia Erickson made trips home to Mink Creek over the last few weeks. First was the arrival of Drew and Hilary Erickson and their three children from Tempe, AZ. Next was Carla Nielsen and her two sons, of American Fork, UT. Claudine and LaMar McKague and five children drove down from Vancouver, WA. Their son, Jarin McKague, entered the MTC in Provo in mid July, preparatory to serving a mission in the Texas, Houston South, Spanish-speaking area. Kristin and Jay Collins and Claire are from Lakeview, OR and their daughter, Bailey, came up from Provo to join this extended family gathering. There was lots of fun and noise, with many hours spent cooling at the Erickson Pond.

       The family of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons has been on high alert for the last month. First their son Jacob had surgery at the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City, UT. Just as Jacob was sufficiently recovered to come home, two other sons, Ben and David, were involved in an accident. Ben's injuries were taken care of at the Franklin County Medical Center, but David was Life Flighted to Primary Children's. Following David's surgery there were possibilities that he would be limited to a wheelchair for the next two months. His recovery has been amazing: two weeks with the wheelchair and is now being fitted with crutches. Jeff and Jennifer express their gratitude to all who have had concerns and prayers for their family. 

       Children of Karl and Marion Haws have been in and out of the Mink Creek family home.

California is the home for daughters and  most sons and their families , but they have a special place in their hearts for this little spot in Idaho.  All their growing up years have spent time on the shores of the creek.

       We are grateful to have water for irrigation purposes. The irrigation pipes are on the move and the big guns are sending out huge arcs of water, covering large areas as they creep across a field. Otherwise it has been dry with only a short burst of rain while the town was sleeping.

       The fields of grain are turning to harvest colors. Gone is the green and we now match the famous description of “amber waves of grain.” Harvest is still in the future, but in the meantime those who raise hay are bringing their second crop of the summer season in to the barns.

2 week combination---7/8-7/15

I was out of town for last week's blog and had my head wrapped around other things, in a very tight wrap.  So I will combine and edit for readers this week and hope you are all in a forgiving mood.

         Preston North Stake Girls Camp had a rather wet beginning, with rainy weather and super cold temperatures. Shepherded by camp director, Anna Beth Olson, our group left bright and early for the drive to the camp site, formerly known as Rattlesnake Gulch.  Now it is much improved. Setting up tents while all things, including campers, was soaking wet was a challenge. Ice forming was evidence of the cold. The setting was miserable, but attitudes remained positive and upbeat. A warm campfire helped boost spirits, added to comfort while they endeavored to do some crafts. Sun shone on the following days so hikes and skits were fun. Good food and new friendships  formed with girls from other camps brought out smiles to wrap up the camp.

          Mink Creek School Reunion took place in the recreation hall of the LDS Church, in spite of technicians working on the sound system of the building. Many surnames from early Mink Creek were present: Wilde, Keller, Jensen, Carver, Moosman, Baird, Westerberg, Jepsen, Rasmussen, Crane, Larsen, Erickson, and Olson. Potluck offerings were delicious. Mike Jepsen arranged for a musical program from the Wilde family with Judy Wilde on piano and son Christopher Wilde on cello. Paul Carver delighted the audience with selections of Cowboy Poetry. There were donated door prizes galore: books, jams and jellies, copies of the story of Mink Creek's haunted house, walking sticks, sculpture, some farm fresh eggs, loaves of healthy homemade bread, a carrier bag---a great variety! This year Glade and Corinne Larsen were in charge and they passed the privilege on to Nate and Dana Olson for the 2015 reunion.

          Wynn Costley is home from a lengthy stay in China. He is currently shuttling back and forth between Mink Creek and Fairview, helping to build a house for his daughter Leah and Davin Gilbert and family of Fairview. Cecelie Costley is still in China, finishing up their contract of teaching English at a university.

          The community and beyond gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark to celebrate July Fourth in fine style. The cooking crew of Clare Christensen and Brent Sharp were on the spot early preparing Dutch Oven potatoes, roast beef, hamburgers, tossed salad, and rolls. Desserts were donated and also the results of a patriotic dessert contest. Activities enjoyed were softball, volleyball, soccer, face painting, hair wraps, a pinata, horseshoes and much visiting. Main events included a couple of greased pigs, the famous water slide, and money in the hay, all attracting crowds.  Everyone had tickets for a free sno-cone and the lines formed all afternoon.

        A program began with posting the colors by a squad of veterans under the direction of Glen Jepsen, USA  Air Force retired. Most fitting for the day! A ladies triple trio sang “God Bless America” and were ready with several patriotic songs, encouraging everyone to “sing along” on these familiar tunes.

         Matthew Westerberg, son of Terry and Wendy, has reported home. He left Mink Creek at the end of June to begin serving in the Peace Corp in Ethiopia.  They report he is assigned to a desert area of the country, the "adventure" is beginning.

         Christopher Egley, son of Jaren and Julie Egley was recently baptized and confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. That makes him the newest member of the ward in Mink Creek.

          We have had lots of coming and going the past two weeks.  Here are just a few:

Travis and Amber Arnout brought their new baby son and the rest of the family for a few days with his parents, Mark and Karen Arnout.  George and Judy Rasmussen are enjoying a visit from their daughter Sarah Thomas and her children. The family lives in Las Vegas and like our “cooler” temperatures.   Katherine and Leon Noorda are spending some time at their digs in the Keller Apts., also known as the red brick schoolhouse. April and Don Gill brought their children up from the Ogden area to re-connect with Mink Creek friends. George and Bobbie Garr are back in town and their daughter Diane has been visiting. 

          Lately the days have been scorchers.  There has been rumblings of thunder and masses of black clouds but not much moisture has resulted.  A quick burst of hail hit one afternoon, just enough to dampen the top of the ground.

July 1, 2014

          When members of the congregation of the Mink Creek LDS Ward built their Meetinghouse back in the 1920's they would never have dreamed of the latest feature that has been added. There is now an elevator, simplifying the means of descending to the lower floor for anyone who might have difficulty with the stairs. It has taken several months with excavating, removing, adjusting, etc. of the building that was finished in 1929 to insert this “new-fangled contraption.” Those residents of the past would have appreciated this convenience just as much as those using it now.

            Michelle Wall and her children drove over from Grand Junction, CO. She is the daughter of Kent and Tammy Beardall and it is always great to have some reunion time with the rest of the Beardall family.

            Day Camp for Cub Scouts at Aspen Ridge is a big deal in our community, and rightfully so since Dawnell Greene is the overall director. This year's theme was Safari, much of the activities centered around wildlife and African games. The boys painted wooden snakes, made rattlesnake eggs, learned a bit about decoding, cooked over an open fire. They learned about animals that have become extinct in the 10 years since the boys were born. In the Webelos Boot Camp EMT's helped them with the “readyman” program, and they studied plants, rocks, and water erosion.

            Much of the staff was made up of our residents: Nearly the whole green family---Chad, Josh, Izac, Hannah, Tristen, and Travis. Avery Gomez, Lizzy Wallentine, Cole Jepsen, Chance and Dakota Hatch, Austin Straight, James and Dallon Baird, and Ty Beardall. This is a well trained crew. Five Cub Scouts attended: Bryce Egley, Keenan Janke, Bracken Christensen, William Currie and Chris Egley. The leaders were Lisa Christensen, Julie Egley, Liesa Baird and Marie Keller.

           The mowed hay that got a good soaking last week is drying in the sunshine. The windrows are being turned over so that more area gets the benefit of the heat of the day.

           A new month has started with a turn of the calendar this mornng. Already the schedule starts filling up with the community celebration for the Fourth of July at the ballpark. The plans sound like things will be rolling along from morning til evening. It is an exciting day for this little village and it is amazing how many people attend this event, from near and far. Happy Fourth of July, God bless America!

June 25, 2014

          We have had three days of gloom and rain. Most of the time the word “rain” would sufficiently describe the wetness, but there were occasions of lengthy deluge. Needless to say we have the allotment of nature's moisture for the month of June. However we still have a couple of weeks left so there is no guarantee we will not receive more.

          Accompanying this wet the temperature has been cold enough to be grateful for extra warmth. Tendrils of smoke could be seen rising out of our chimneys. There was concern about gardens getting frozen, just when they are showing a good start after planting. Snow crowned our mountain peaks.

          Two children of Chad and Dawnell Greene have had a milestone day recently. Hannah turned twelve years old and graduated from the LDS Primary and became the newest young lady in the Young Women group. She also earned her Faith in God award. Izac Greene, had his 14^th birthday and was ordained to office of a Teacher in the priesthood.

          A group of young men have been on a campout near Mink Creek. It was discovered they are a scout troop from the Las Vegas area, here to do a high adventure project. We don't normally think of Mink Creek in those terms.  Home, not high adventure.

          The family of James and Bessie Baird gathered at the Mink Creek Ballpark for a reunion. Four of Ronald and Lana Baird's children made it: Daniel and Heather Baird and children ,, down from Sugar City; Maria and Devin Flake from Saratoga Springs, UT, Tamra and Jason Taylor and three children of Woods Cross, UT, LaRon and Liesa Baird and family of Mink Creek. Mary Jean(Baird) and Sherman Lindhardt brought children and grandchildren for the occasion. All enjoyed fun and games, plus the food prepared by LaRon and Clare Christensen, a neighbor with chef instincts.

         Allergies are plaguing some of us. Swollen eyes, hacking coughs, bronchial disorders in general. Spring and summer are good times, but this time of year can certainly bring on some seasonal discomfort for those who suffer.

         One of our residents has reported having elk visiting their home. It is an off season for their presence and has caused some wondering about what might be up in the wildlife department.

           For those of you who might be interested, the annual July 4th festivities are coming up.  Lots of plans are being made for a fun day of varied activities, not to mention food.

June 17, 2014

         The first crop of hay harvest is underway. Swathing, raking, baling, in that order, is the agenda for days for residents who farm. The smell of newly mowed hay fills the air, and the stripes , parallel across the patches, by length or breadth, or diagonal, leave an artistic design in each field.

        The Relief Society held a Summer Girls Night Out at the Mink Creek Ballpark. Girls of all ages from 0 to 100 were invited. The theme of the evening was “You Are My Sunshine,” and Jyllian Christensen played a violin rendition of that long favored tune. Claire Jepsen sang a solo, “There are a Few of My Favorite Things.” The pavilion and stage were decorated in the colors of green and yellow. Some of the balloons were yellow smiley faces.

         Tammy Coleman was in charge of the event and got everyone involved in games. Me Too game ended up making a yarn web as participants exclaimed, “me too,” and tossed the yarn. More fun came with the Mother/Daughter version of the TV show Newlywed Game. Everyone had been instructed to be prepared to share something about themselves that others may be unaware. These were a few of our favorite things. Lacey Christensen assisted with the decorations and planning. Candy Longhurst and daughters served Sprite floats, with a choice of ice creams, and cookies.

          Connie Erickson, daughter of Layne and Karen Erickson, became the bride of Adam Westenskow, recently. All of her siblings and their families were here as well as aunts and uncles. It was a treat for the entire family to have Great Aunt Sarah Westerberg in attendance. She came up with her daughter Judy and Ervin Larsen of Cedar City.

         Jon and Portia Jepsen and family were in residence at their Mink Creek home for a few days. This Jepsen family lives in the Salt Lake area.

         The wail of sirens announced a head-on collision that happened at about milepost 8 on Highway 36 in the middle of our village. In addition to the law enforcement vehicles two ambulances and a fire truck were on the scene. Traffic was rerouted over the loop on Birch Creek Road and Capitol Hill Road while occupants were taken care of and the cleanup took place. More information was reported in the regular edition of the Preston Citizen.

         Along with the rest of this section of the Rocky Mountains, we have had a couple of days of cold and rain. It has left some snow on our mountaintops and caused some soggy situations in the lower levels. There has been a scare for frozen gardens, but I have not heard any reports along those lines.

June 10. 2014

          The yellow and copper rose bushes are full and blooming, making bright spots against the local greenery. Chokecherry trees are full of white clusters of blossoms, hanging from slender limbs.. A ride up into our nearby mountains reveals that the higher altitudes are about a month behind, just now the curly flowers dot the forest meadows and snow can still be seen in the shady shelter of the pine trees. With each warm day there is constant change.

           At the lower elevations the blue and purple lupine and yellow ladyslipper/cowslips climb their green stems and the golden mules ears cover whole fields. Even ferny yarrow is full of white flowers.

          Carrie Ann Melton and her two little boys, Kenny and Thomas, have been here spending some time with Carrie's parents, Lorraine and Royce Christensen. The Melton family lives in Lafayette, IN.  The boys had a good time playing with Idaho cousins.

         Mike Stenberg came to the Mink Creek Ward to present a scouting award to Kent Beardall. It was the District Award of Merit. Kent has been active in the scouting program, one way or another, for thirty years.

         The Mink Creek School Reunion is scheduled to take place on June 21^st in the recreation hall of th LDS Meetinghouse. The time is at noon. This year Glade and Corinne Larsen are the family in charge. With these two individuals their Mink Creek roots run deep.

          Our community is dealing with a mudslide this spring. The oozing, bulging earth is trying to make its way across a section of Capitol Hill Road and county road crews and equipment are doing their best to keep it contained. It is taking out trees and brush, shoving things aside as it makes its way downward.

       It is irrigating time in Mink Creek, both domestic and industrial needs. Some are using garden hoses, others irrigation pipes, still others the big water guns than can cover an entire field. Water in the creeks is still high but bound to be backing off soon as the snow melt ceases in our surrounding mountains.

        The snowmobile crowd have called it quits for another season. Now the motorcycles roar up and down our main thoroughfare, with an occasional boat on a trailer, most likely headed up the canyon to Bear Lake and its attractions.