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.

Pre-Halloween, 2019

          Karl and Marion Haws have been with us for the past month. Periodically they need to reconnect with their Idaho lives. While here they have had family visitors. Ken and Lauren Nash were up from Sol Vang, CA. Adam Haws, also of Sol Vang, and a friend took advantage of the deer hunting season. Kasey and Julie Haws were welcomed home. They were released not long ago after serving for three years as the President of the Mexico, Villahermosa, Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Kasey and Julie live in Redlands, CA.

          A new family has moved onto the Two Creek Ranch. They are Greg and Pearl Olsen with their daughter Marie and her children, Shea, Courtney, Kendall and Morgan. A son is deployed in the military. Curry Donaldson, father of the family, manages a large ranch in Arizona and comes north frequently to support his children in their varied interests. Shea Donaldson spoke recently in the Mink Creek LDS Ward, prior to her leaving to serve in the Paraguay, Asuncion, Mission.

          Kent and ReNae Egley managed a few days break after the intense hay harvest to slip down to southern Utah. They enjoyed the slightly warmer weather and the scenery of Bryce Canyon National Park and the surrounding area.

          Jeff and Julie Workman spent their fall break from their Utah jobs to spend time at their Mink Creek home. They live in Stansbury Park. Even though our weekend was rainy and skies were on the gloomy side, the switch is a boost for them.

           Hunting season is getting short. Still getting some reports of both elk and deer, tagged and being readied for the freezers. Seems to have been a pretty good year, judging from word-of-mouth reports, nothing official.

         Ended the day with snow sifting down and woke to the same. It has been a frigid day, but beautiful in its whiteness. No depth to speak of, enough to leave tracks of whatever moved about, be they critter, vehicle, or human. Don't think we are quite ready for this yet, the lawn grass is still green

          For any reader who might be interested in scheduling our community facilities, aka the Church building or our Ballpark, there has been a change. Forrest Christensen has dealt with that for the past several years. He has been released and the current facility coordinator is Layne Erickson.

          Don't forget to cast your vote  on Nov. 5th, it is a privilege denied many around the world.

October 23, 2019

         Some farmers are done, some still pushing to get that third crop of hay done. Some have raked it at least three times in the drying process. The baling equipment goes to work even in the dark and there is much relief when the task is completed. This has been a year to deal with a damp fall for an obstacle.

           The vibrant colors of our trees a week ago are now a blur of crackling dry leaves, colors muted nearly to the point of tan and grey. The slightest wind has the leaves falling into a crunchy carpet. The deer hunters will have a hard time sneaking up on their prey. The deer will have an equally hard time slipping off with noiseless steps.

           Lana McCracken is home after having some shoulder surgery. This was repair work was for a torn rotator cuff, following a fall. She is doing well, and learning to be ambidextrous. With a few more weeks of physical therapy she plans to be good as 'almost new.'

            The turkeys are coming back from their summer vacation to the higher mountains. They have been seen feeding in the fields by Turkey Curve near the home of LeeAnn and Clyde Gilbert. Not in great quantities thus far, perhaps these are the scouts for the rest of the flock. I note that the birds are bustling around the Cub River area as well. Our two areas are connected with a ridge in between.

            The family of John and Arlene Warburton gathered in Mink Creek for the funeral of John. Two of their children live in St. George, UT, Paul and Sandalee Warburton and James and Chantelle Warburton. David and Wendy Warburton are in American Fork, Ut, Rita and Richard Cargill in Beaumont, CA. Michelle and Chris Ure live in Ogden, Ut. Cherise and Tracy Olsen, in Franklin, the only ones still in Idaho.

           The roar of the motorcycles traveling up and down our highway has lessened with the chillier temperatures. Earlier in the season a cavalcade of thirty-two bikers were headed south after being in Bear Lake country. Imagine trying to pass that parade!

            It has been a rather wet few days, and if not wet then at least gloomy. We have awakened to skiffs of snow a couple of mornings, but that is gone in an hour or two. Halloween decorations adorn some porches and yards. This year the plan is to have our Harvest social at the recreation hall on Oct 31^st for warmth rather than outdoors, with contests for chili and soups, finishing up with pie. It will be nice to be where we can be comfortable. Costumes for the young, optional for those of “more advanced years.”

October 16, 2019

          It is a beautiful Fall in this community. Evans Hill, to our south is a swirl of red and orange from top to bottom, and if a person looks across the broad valley over to the west side their mountains tend to be a match. We have had a thorough freeze, but it is still lovely to see. An overnight snowfall has stayed in every spot untouched by the cold rays of the sun. With this last freeze the deer may miss out on some of the munchies from orchards and blackened gardens.

            Elder Samuel Seamons is back among us after serving for the last two years in the Philippines, Legazpi, Mission. He is the son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons and his family had a great time welcoming him home when his flight landed at the Salt Lake City airport. Kathy and Joe Jarvis, grandparents, have welcomed two returning missionary grandsons this month, both from island missions, the Philippines and Sydney, Australia.

          La Ron Baird had a brief stay in the hospital in Pocatello after having a ATV vehicle rollover. He had been hunting in the Burley area and ended up with a concussion and injured shoulder.

           The Forest Service had a control burn up our way a while back that caused some excitement. Seeing smoke rising, knowing how dry the terrain was, caused some anxious moments for residents until they learned it was a planned situation.

            There has been an unusual roadside fatality. A coyote was the victim, we expect to see deer, racoons, skunks, even a turkey now and then but a coyote carcass is a rarity.

           Speaking of roadkill.. .When a skunk is the victim all vehicles do their best to avoid contact with the downed critter, and there are quite a few on the commute from Mink Creek to Preston and points south.

            There have been quite a few reports of success with the local deer hunting season in progress. Even with all the shots echoing through our valley we still have deer in our yards, on the highway. Just this time of year.