April 28, 2020

          The yellow school bus still makes a run, but instead of hauling our kids back and forth to school, now it is bringing lunches to the center of our village, our only public parking lot. The expression on the children's faces as they see each other from safe distancing is priceless. Many waves and smiles, a time of reconnecting, while parents remind them of the quarantine.

          We are having the annual “rushing of the waters.” Mink Creek and all its tributaries are running high with the melting of the snow on our mountains. The sound of the swiftly moving water isn't too noticeable during daylight hours when activity and traffic contribute noise in the air. At night that same sound is music in the stillness. Bear River seems happy to receive the extra water and Station Creek adds its share a little further down the waterway.

         College kids are home. Some had chosen to return nearly a month ago, others were staying in their college digs, studying online and hoping for a return to 'normal.' That didn't happen, but the end of their semester has arrived to send them back to home base, or possibly summer jobs.

          Candy Longhurst has been happy to have daughter McKinley home from ISU. Tiffany L. Wheeler and baby Hudson have come down from Parma, ID, to add to the ranks. They have been getting their home grounds ready with garden prep, cleaning out strawberry plants and raspberry canes, enjoying some warm days together with all this exercise that is available on their farm. Or another descriptive word would be 'work.'

         Davanie Ostler, daughter of Stuart and Alona Ostler is an active performer with Cheer Force. This group went to Portland, OR, over a month ago and they took second place in their section. They were also awarded a bid to Summit. Summit is the Olympics version in the cheering world. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 restrictions this event was canceled. That doesn't stop us from being proud of Davanie's accomplishments.

         Our teenage girls, unable to get together, devised a Cupcake Contest. Each in their own homes baked and decorated cupcakes. They took pictures of the results and shared the photos with each other in texts. Just one more way to stay in touch, and every household benefited with having a special treat from the young women's efforts.

         We are looking very green with new leaf growth making the trees into various shades of green lace. Fields are being readied for the season in one way or another, plowing, or harrowing one that already has green showing. Of course in Mink Creek there is the forever task of rock picking. Somehow I don't think James Morgan Keller was concerned much about rocks on his farm when he founded this place 129 years ago. The instruments of farming of yore weren't as threatened by those sizey stones as are the machines of today.

April 22, two days late, 2020

A bit late, but still here.  Sorry if you were looking for it yesterday, I was a bit swamped. For some reason the newspaper only printed half of what I had submitted for the usual weekly news.  And so you may get a double dose of the same news, either this week or next, depending on how it plays out. Confusing? yes, for me too.  But, at least is isn't an update on the COVID-19, one more timie.

        The cliff-side spillway of the Twin Lakes Canal that originates in Mink Creek has a healthy trickle descending down to the Bear River below. It looks like nature has taken a white chalk and drawn a ragged zigzag vertical stroke against the rocky red background.

         Armando Crosland had come here some time ago for a visit with his family. His employment is based in Washington, DC. His visit to Idaho was lengthened out when the rules for the virus went into effect. There is always a project going at his parents' home on so his time has not been squandered, but it is a relief to get things straightened out for him. His job often takes him abroad but we are uncertain of how the COVID 19 restrictions might change that.

          Some of us celebrated Passover as well as Easter. With limited shopping and safe distancing it is amazing how creative people can be to still meet their goals and fulfill their wishes. Once a person has taken a trip to the Holy Land at this time of year the meaning of the Feast of the Passover is no longer just a time of celebration that we read about in the Bible.

            It is interesting to notice that with home schooling taking place in our families that during the week before Easter some of the topics being studied were about different aspects of the holiday. Some learning of different Easter customs around the world, others of the history of Easter, some religious related. Such a variety that, chances are, except for our current situation, these things would never have come so strongly to the children's attention. Much of that week would have been chocolate rabbits and eggs, both sweet and natural.

          That snow that keeps returning, along with the north wind that brings biting cold even when the sun is shining, just cannot quench people's desire and anticipation for the season of renewal. No matter the weather residents of this community are thinking of, and doing, tasks that spell S-p-r-i-n-g. Noted are garages being cleaned out, household repairs underway, seedlings planted indoors and coddled in spots of warmth and light to get a head start. Readiness for when the weather decides to settle down. One gardener has already got tomatoes planted and wrapped up in their cages, top to bottom, to give them encouragement, while offering protection.

            

         The spring wildflowers are making themselves known, in spite of the frequent snows that have fallen upon them. Curly flowers pepper the slopes and yellow bells, some call these buttercups and if the bloom were turned upside down in would be a lovely little cup. Nodding short stemmed bluebells. A neighbor brought us a bunch so that we could enjoy them without climbing the slopes.

We haven't yet gotten any water cress but I am hearing rumors that it is available now. Mink Creek spring is thriving.

April 14, 2020

         Happy after-Easter!  Things have been very cold the last couple of days, but beautiful in the way that Mink Creek always is as the greening starts up and down the valley.

         Spring Break got broken, even before it started and now it is spreading itself out. The coming and going of Mink Creek community is a bit more limited than it was just a month ago. The COVID-19 has a far reaching effect. No complaints, it only means that we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.

          The daffodils and the narcissus at our only public building, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are blooming. Farmers are starting to think about preparing the ground in their fields for planting. There are always fences that need some repair, posts that need stabilized.

          We have had snow, we have had rain. We also had a beautiful double rainbow following a rainstorm. It had the effect that comes with rainbows, feelings of promise and hope, while enjoying the beauty. We have even had some sunshine.

          Armando Crosland had come here some time ago for a visit with his family. His employment is based in Washington, DC. His visit was lengthened out when the rules for the virus went into effect. There is always a project going on  at his parents' home so his time has not been squandered, but it a relief to get things straightened out for him.

         Some of us will be celebrating Passover as well as Easter. With limited shopping and safe distancing it is amazing how creative people can be to still meet their goals and fulfill their wishes. Once a person has taken a trip to the Holy Land at this time of year the meaning of the Feast of the Passover deepens in its meaning.

          It is interesting to notice that with home schooling taking place in our families that this week some of the topics being studied are about different aspects of Easter. Some learning of different Easter customs around the world, others of the history of Easter, some religious related. Such a variety that, chances are, except for our current situation, these things would never have come so strongly to the children's attention. Much of this week would have been chocolate rabbits and eggs, both sweet and natural.

            Lockdown in Mink Creek means neighbors helping neighbors, only from a little further distance than usual. It also means taking advantage of online social connections in a positive way, building up, encouraging. It means waving as we drive by, and maybe even a stop of a few minutes, speaking to an isolated person who happens to be outdoors –but from a distance. What a great little village this is!

April 7, 2020

        Be of good cheer, this most recent snowstorm is only spring, approaching in Idaho syle. Those shivering birds are actually right on schedule. Robins, red-winged black birds, even the buzzards. The buzzards have been thoroughly enjoying the recent winds as they spread those big black wings and sail back and forth, with the added boost in the gloomy sky.

         Two couples have adjusted their marriage plans and are now Mr. and Mrs. River McKay, daughter of Sharla and Lin McKay, and Hunter Morgan decided to elope to some warmer territory. Benjamin Seamons, son of Jennifer and Jeff Seamons, went to the east coast, the groom at his wedding to Mollie Collins of North Carolina. His parents were able to go and witness this occasion.

          The four missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Mink Creek Ward, have returned home, with the coronavirus quarantines in place. Elder Walter Iverson was serving in the Dominican Republic. Sister Shae Donaldson, serving in the Paraguay, Asuncion, Mission, Elder Noah Daines in the Michigan, Lansing Mission, and Elder Matthan Daines, in the Georgia, Atlanta, Mission.

         Amazing what can be done in these 'haven't done this before” times. A baby shower turned into a virtual baby shower, with guests viewing and participating from on-line. This was for Cynthia and Justin Longhurst whose first baby is due in May.

        One thing that doesn't happen on-line, the birth of a baby. Mink Creek's population has increased by one with the birth of another son to Natalie and Jamie Forbush. He came a little later than planned and put on a little weight, weighing in at a bit over nine pounds. Both mother and son doing well at this time.

          For comments on our recent earthquakes: It was felt in Mink Creek, but those experiencing it seem to be selective. Several people, dwelling in the same house, usually report that only one or two felt the tremors. No evidence of damage has been reported. There were some sheep and goats out on the highway, but no one reported that incident having any connection with the earthquakes.

          Easter week. Our hills are bare of snow, for the most part. Palm Sunday for the majority of our residents was probably watching the General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on television. It was a great way to start this week of Easter thoughts.

         There must still be adequate snow up our canyons because the snowmobile people are still hauling their machines up there when weekends arrive. Happy Easter, everyone. May we all remember the real reason for this season.

March 31, 2020

       Our spring weather is surely on a roll. We have had rain, snow, sleet, hail, all interspersed with bits of sunshine. Things are greening up, and isn't March the month our minds go to the color of green? The pattern goes on. Where the snow is gone those underground flower bulbs are soaking up all this wet and pushing up for some encouraging warmth when the sun does appear. In the storms those leftover fall leaves that refused to detach from their trees are coming down, sticking to every available surface with nature's version of wet glue. Weeds are getting a head start, the bitter with the sweet.

        The returning Sandhill cranes are making their presence known. Their squawking call and gangly flight form is familiar to all who live in our valley.

         Cynthia Longhurst took some time to visit her sister and other kin in Texas. The warmth was most welcome and the group were able to take in some fun activities. We are glad she was able to return home before traveling about became rather limited with the Covid-19 efforts.

         Our eldest resident, Vernon Keller, passed away unexpectedly last week. Just the week prior he had been attending the farm auctions that take place this time of year. It has always been a favorite activity for Vernon. Now his family have been challenged in planning closure with a funeral and burial due to the current limitations from both government and ecclesiastic leaders. After private services, internment will be in the Mink Creek Cemetery, on the mountainside not far from where he has spent all of his 86 years.

         Like it or not, our home-bound scholars are missing their daily rides on our yellow school bus. Parents are working to provide not only a school replacement, but 24/7 entertainment as well. With restrictions on gathering in groups, one set of neighborhood kids decided to exchange notes and treats, back and forth, using a drop-off spot provided at each residence. Taking turns, this occupied time, created some learning moments and was supplemented with joyful anticipation.

          One family of four kids did some lip syncing to country western music favorites. It worked out to have a vocalist, drummer and guitars. Families have discovered that their backyards are great places for bird watching and identification, particularly at this time of year with so many feathered friends returning for the coming seasons.

          Last day of March. We have had a strong wind out of the south. Flags flying straight out from the flagpoles. When I write the word 'south' warmth automatically comes to mind, but not for this. The day has been cold, not frozen, but crisp. This month came in with a snowstorm, not a ferocious lion, but still not nice. It is supposed to go out like a gentle lamb. So much for that bit of ancient forecasting!

March 24, 2020

          Our lives in Mink Creek match those of the rest of the world with the restrictions needed with the current health crisis. Life still goes on and we juggle uncertainties. We have always been a community connected to each other and that will not change. One person making a trip to the grocery store may provide pickup for several other families, limiting the need to be out and about. Chores for taking care of livestock and pets are still part of the daily outdoor routines.

          River McKay, daughter of Sharla and Lin McKay is engaged to Hunter Morgan. Their wedding plans center around May 9, 2020, at this point.

           Morgan Curtis drove up from her place in Logan to spend some time with her parents, Paul and Terrie McKay.

           Angelo and Gracie Crosland were down from McCall, ID, staying with his parents, Robert and Phee Crosland while Angelo was checking out possible new employment in Bear Lake county.

           Jonathan Seamons, son of Jeff and Jennifer Seamons, has been invited to wrestle for Team Idaho at the Folkstyle National Middle School Heartland Duals in Iowa on April 9-11. At this point things are a bit up in the air, but Jonathan is still looking for work opportunities to help cover his expenses.

           With the changes occurring in the Boy Scout program a number of our residents have been released from callings with that organization. Liesa Baird, Phee and Robert Crosland, Kim Rasmussen, Sharla McKay, Dawnell and Chad Greene, Jeff Seamons, Jamie Forbush, Glen Jepsen, Kent Beardall, Layne Erickson and Lin McKay. There has been some jiggling around and some of them are continuing to work within the Primary organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

             We have a pretty bald eagle frequenting the area. The Canadian geese are setting up a racket and flying in formation up and down our valley. There are even some tulips poking up where the snow has backed off sufficiently.

           Vernon Keller, Mink Creek's oldest resident, passed away unexpectedly a week ago. More details will be in next week's post.

            Our spring of 2020 has officially started with a batch of rainy, drippy days. Luckily the ground isn't frozen and is soaking up the majority of the rainfall. Vehicles hauling snowmobiles continue to make their way to our canyons as the snow slowly disappears.

March 17, 2020

     Hope you have recognized  any Irish heritage you may have on this St. Pat's.  As for me, I wore my shamrock earrings for the occasion, my grandmother would smile, as she was baking Irish scones.

       Longhurst, Craythorn and Wheeler families and friends gathered at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the funeral and burial services for the preemie infant of Tiffany Longhurst and Spencer Wheeler. Tiny Liam Lamont Wheeler was placed near his grandfather, Sheldon Longhurst. Tiffany and Spencer and their son Hudson live in the Boise area.

       Kent and ReNae Egley have returned from a lengthy stay in California. There for medical treatment, they have managed to travel to a variety of spots during their stay. The Egleys are history buffs so anything along those lines were of interest. They particularly enjoyed the area around San Juan Capistrano, both beach and its past. The warmth, the beautiful flowers of California made the time there more bearable. They took in a NASCAR race in Fontana, did a day at Sea World, had a visit with friends living in Palm Springs. It is nice to be back home, but the snowy fields of Montana beckoned and they traveled north within a few days to enjoy snowmobile country.

      Paul and Terrie McKay made a trip to Arizona. They were assisting their son Cody and his wife Kevyn in a move from Logan to the warmer state, where Kevyn grew up. It won't be too long before the younger McKays will be living the constant air-conditioner life that comes with the territory.

       As the snow recedes there are some ugly, bare bones deer carcasses scattered along the sides of our highway. The scavenger birds are cleaning off the rib cages with total aplomb as the traffic moves past. The birds may have to work overtime due to the number of fatalities.

       Do keep an eye out for the live deer, particularly in the evening and night hours. They cross that main street whenever the mood strikes and with no warning.

        As with the rest of the world, the Covid-19 situation has affected us. Generally speaking the report is that we are doing as suggested and, as far as I know, none of our residents have been found wanting in the TP or bread departments. Up here a number of us still bake our own bread anyway. Pioneer stock shows up in times like these.