December 14, 2021

 

Dana and Charlie Petersen and their family drove down from Meridian, ID, just before the holiday to spend some time with her parents, Jimmie and Anna Beth Olson. Then they headed to Rigby, along with Mike and Anna Olson’s family of Brigham City, UT. The majority of the Olson family met together for Thanksgiving at the home of Peggy and Jon Flinders in Rigby, ID. Jimmie and Anna Beth had previous commitment to be in St. George over the holidays with their son Jerry and Christine Olson and family. This Olson bunch had good weather fun touring some of the national parks located in southern Utah.

Has anyone noticed the beautiful swans that have been visiting the northern end of the county? The flocks have been seen in fields near Banida and Winder, and, appropriately on the Swan Valley lake.

Walter Iverson, now a student at BYU in Provo, UT, and Johnny Iverson, his wife Gabby and their daughter Emelia from Rexburg, ID, came home to be with Kurt and Margret Iverson over Thanksgiving. Grandparents, Jeannine and Johnny Iverson were there. Kurt had also invited a niece, Erica and Steve Mannowitz and their 5 children from Newton, UT, to spend the day.

Maria and Devin Flake and son Jude were up from Orem, UT, taking in these last few days of warm fall at the farm. Maria’s mother is Lana Baird McCracken and the Flake family love to come to Lana and Ivan’s place for lots of grandparenting. Joining them for a belated Thanksgiving were Daniel and Heather Baird and family, Savannah and Danny Wells and baby Damien, and Joshua Coats, all of Sugar City. LaRon and Liesa Baird’s family, living across the road, were part of the gathering.

Thanksgiving meant a household of 20 at the home of Bob and Claudia Erickson. Dinner was served in the garage, swept and warmed. Overnight guests were the Jay and Kristin Collins family from Lakeview, OR, and the Jody and Laural Janke family from Rexburg. Day-only arrivals were Jarin and Brynlee McKague of Idaho Falls, Carla and Mark Nielsen family of American Fork, UT, and Ethan McKague of Provo, UT.

Our slopes are getting several inches of the white stuff tonight. The weatherman had said this should happen and we are happy to see it delivered. Earlier the wind was sweeping through bringing the snow behind it. It is time to hunker down and find a good read. It is a challenge to keep the TV discs swept clear in order to watch whatever might be on during the storm. 

December 7, 2021

 

The Primary organization furnished the program for our Sacrament Meeting. It was delightful, even though we only have nine children active in the group. Their songs were beautiful, their parts well delivered. Each child chose a favorite song and then explained why that was their favorite. The Primary president is Brittnee Phillips with Terrie McKay, the chorister and Linda Christensen playing the piano.

Carol Gaines Wilkinson, mother of Wendy Currie of Mink Creek, was stricken with COVID-19 the first part of November. She was transferred by life-flight to the Veterans Hospital in Boise, ID. She passed away Nov. 15, in Boise. Her funeral was held in the Mink Creek Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, on November 27, 2021.

Armando Crosland has been enjoying a two week visit with his family members who live in this area. With his occupation in Washington DC taking him to various places around the world it is a treat to be able to come home to Idaho for this length of time.

Bishop Paul and Terrie McKay had a houseful for Thanksgiving. Their son Cody and Kevyn McKay were up from their home in Queen Creek, AZ, another son, Andy up from Logan and Morgan and Eli Curtis also Logan. Add Connie and Adam Westenskow of Logan and Layne and Karen Erickson, Terrie’s parents and the McKay’s had a full house.

Clifford and LaDawn Jensen were happy to have daughter Mercedes Mackelprang home for a few days around the holiday. Mercedes lives in Statesboro, GA, and it has been four long years since her last visit home.

It is a time for celebration. Angelo Crosland has graduated from Bridgerland Applied Technology College in the field of welding. He is looking forward to a job using these talents.

Jodi Free Loveday passed away unexpectedly at her home in Logan. She is the daughter of Richard and Vickie Free and Wayne and Susan Ivison. There was a graveside service for family and friends at the cemetery in Wellington, UT.

We are expecting some snow. Hoping for it! Farming country, growing country, needs good moisture bearing winters. It seems so strange to go into the month of December with brown hills and mountains and sunny skies, all the color of fall, not the changes that the winter months bring. We do have the longer hours of darkness to remind us that the holiday of Christmas is less than 3 weeks away. Tonight our community Christmas tree will be decorated in our only public building, the LDS Church meetinghouse.

November 30, 2021

 "Thirty days hath September, April, June and November"---and here we are in 2021.

Jesse and Celina Groesbeck spent a week in Hawaii, just having fun. The ocean, sightseeing, the gentle warmth, the beaches, just beauty of this wonderful vacation place, perfect for a break from the rigors of new parenthood.

Hunting season has wrapped up and there are many happy faces and photos to prove the success of the pursuit. The thought of full freezers of meat is also comforting in this time of escalating grocery prices. Our local deer are back to grazing leisurely in the fields and roaming around at all hours.

Michael and Mar Ann Jepsen headed to St. George, UT, for some family time with children over the Thanksgiving holiday. With their families in Utah and California, St. George is a central spot from all directions. Also it had beautiful golf courses, always a magnet for the Jepsens.

The home of Raphael Arnsworth was full of good food and good people. The good reviews of his culinary efforts has not gone unnoticed. Relatives and non-relatives enjoyed the hospitality of Raphael and ReNae over the holiday, along with the beautiful scenery of Mink Creek.

Claudia Erickson took a trip to Richfield, UT, with Jody and Laural Janke, now of Rexburg. Their son, Keenan, was performing in the Richfield High School’s musical, “Oklahoma” in the role of Will with its production this past weekend.

Nicole Denny and children were down from Rexburg for a visit with her parents, Tammy and Kent Beardall. The warm weather made for fun outdoor activities.

As you read above I was out of town last week on my usual blog day. It was great and I did play the role of the proud grandmother for Keenan’s job well done. Kicking up one’s heels in cowboy boots is not an easy task.

It may be the last day of November but our lawns are still green. Outdoor vehicles have frosty windows first thing in the mornings. It is certainly jacket-wearing weather, but we are still hoping for some good storms to arrive. There seems to be a cold-bug making the rounds and it is helping us to consider getting the flu and booster shots that are available.

November 16, 2021

 

The parents of little Desmond Wilcox had a birthday party when he turned one recently., and the whole community was invited to share in the fun. The community involvement is traditional in the Philippines,. His father, Jesse Wilcox, served an LDS mission to those islands, and Annavelyn, his mother, is Filipino. Annavelyn’s sister, Haydee and her husband Keith Moore came up from Casa Grande, AZ, for this event. The family had planned to do the celebrating outdoors but the day turned rainy and cold. The Filipino food smelled wonderful and the flavor matched the aroma. Mink Creek has a number of residents who have spent years in the Philippines.

The Syringa Camp of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers met this month at the home of Ramona Lower-Hatchett. This camp have members who live in Mink Creek and Preston. They enjoyed a light lunch and Ramona shared a story about her ancestor, Patty Bartlett Sessions. Mary Ann Jepsen is he Captain of Syringa Camp.

The Jared & Juli Egley family, Hayden, Bryce, Chris and Ryan, plus Jared’s mother, ReNae Egley were down in St. George for some southern Utah relaxation along with bike racing. Bryce rides with the Green Canyon High School team and this was the State Finals of Utah high schools mountain bike competitions. While there they enjoyed a birthday party for Ryan at a fun park. It was a few days of family fun with pickleball, races, sightseeing and just being together.

Reed Swann took a hunting trip to the Cheyenne River reservation in South Dakota. He and Mark Mitchell, a friend from California, traveled there and met Mark's son, Brett, who lives in Kansas. The group were pheasant hunting. On their return trip they stopped at the Martin’s Cove Visitor Center on the Sweetwater River west of Casper, WY.

For me, a sure sign of approaching winter season is that of crickets making their way indoors. It seems like there have been more than usual. Hopefully that is an indication of the type of winter we need to replace dwindling water sources.

Bugs, bugs, I do understand that they are seeking protection, warmth for the winter, but could they try the barn or the woodshed instead of the house! Everyone is dealing with this, hoping that a good hard freeze would solve some of this problem, particularly for the box elder bugs, so persistent, in all rooms. Earwigs have gone dormant for the most part, a big beetle of one kind or another shows up, spiders, but the box elder bugs are on everyone’s “hit list.” Not Mink Creek news exactly, but a top mental priority for the author at this time. Wonder what plagues (other than COVID) some of you readers living in other places have at this season.

November 9, 2021

 A Christensen Cousin’s Reunion seemed like old home week when this group got together. A few live here in Mink Creek: Clare and Linda Christensen, Royce and Lorraine Christensen, Eldon and Danita C. Wilcox, Forrest and Patti Christensen., Lee and Sandra Christensen. Clare’s twin sister,Clarice C. Feichko, came up from Centerville, UT. Verneal Lowry is from Tooele, UT. Brad and RaOne C. Stuart have homes in both Mink Creek and Bountiful, UT, Jay and Joyce Christensen are located in Pocatello. Vance Christensen and Sonja C. and Melvin Rae are now in Vernal, UT. Two cousins live in Franklin County, DeVerl Christensen in Dayton and Jeanette Christensen in Preston. Carolyn Younger came over from Caldwell, ID. Three came up from Utah’s Davis county, Marlene Elgin, DeAnn Childs and Roy Christensen. More cousins were unable to come due to conflicting dates. The connecting links for this bunch are their fathers, Allen, Lloyd, Jewel, and Carl Christensen, all Mink Creek residents from days gone by. The cousins are planning to make this an annual event.

River and Hunter Morgan are beginning a new chapter in their lives, locating in St. George, UT, buying a house, settling in. They were here staying with her parents, Lin and Sharla McKay, for some fall Mink Creek fun.

Paul and Lisa Auger had the fun of a grandkid visit. Two grandsons, Derek and Draven Owens, spent some time at the Augers while their parents were at at survival course in Nevada. The young men were a great help during this cleanup time of year.

Our village held a Halloween party on Halloween Eve at the ballpark where there could be a bonfire. There were inviting activities: a fishpond with prizes, doughnuts on a string for those willing to get a little sticky, a cakewalk and a costume parade. The dinner for the evening was a baked potato bar with the fixings: chili, cheese, broccoli, bacon bits, sour cream, and of course butter and seasonings. Jonia Jackson’s sister, Virginia Burbank was visiting, and attracted lots of speculation in her witch costume—was she the “real deal?” “Jini” resides in Riverton , UT. (picture of witch)

Our fall colors are lasting. Such great golden leaves, just now starting to drop the blanket of gold, brown and green at our feet. What a great backdrop of blue skies the last few days! The moisture received seems to just brighten the environment and keep things looking clean and sparkling.

That last paragraph was changed overnight. A night and day of rain has sogged every inch and sodden leaves are off the branches and making for slick footing in our yards. It has been cold with a low cloud ceiling, likely hiding snow covered mountain peaks above.

November 2, 2021

 

The rainy weather, though not particularly comfortable for the hunter, has helped some of our residents bag their deer for this season. Several of our youth have experienced their first successful hunt and their smiles reflect that feeling of accomplishment. There will be stories to tell, to remember.

Michael and Mary Ann Jepsen have been called to serve in the branch presidency of the Legacy 3^rd Branch. Mike will serve as the 2^nd counselor to President Jay Jensen, Mary Ann is to be the 2^nd counselor to the Relief Society president, Nancy G. Jensen.

Angelo Crosland, son of Robert and Phee Crosland, and Karissa Weekes were married last month in Pocatello, ID. Karissa is from Archer, ID, the daughter of Suzanne and Jody Weekes, and is now teaching at Preston’s Pioneer Elementary. Angelo’s brother, Marco Crosland and his wife Christina were able to come from Texas with their family to attend this event. Mario and Amanda Crosland of Smithfield, UT, Celina and Jesse Groesbeck and baby Oakley of Mink Creek, Giovanni and Kristina Crosland and family of Franklin, and Rico Crosland of Mink Creek/ Rexburg (depending on the season), were all able to be there, a fairly big percentage of Angelo’s immediate family. Robert and Phee and Karissa’s parents held a feast for over 100 people following the ceremony as the families celebrated the occasion.

Several days of rain were enough to wash the blood stains that have been on our Highway 35 for at least a month, evidence of collisions with roaming deer as vehicles speed through our village during the dark night hours.

Mink Creek has to recognize the birthday of one of its daughters, although she now lives just south of our village boundary, in Riverdale. Arda Keller Smith is 98 years young, achieving that distinction on October 28, 2021. Even now, with family help, she has a beautiful yard and home, the envy of many. She is an amazing lady and has a memory bank full of the experiences she has had during the last century. She is the wife of the late Theo Smith, the mother of Sam Smith, LaDawn Hansen, Wendy Westerberg, and Kelleen Smith. Happy Birthday, Arda, another one celebrated by the many people she has influenced over the years.

We are looking forward to the end of Daylight Savings Time. For now it is mighty dark when the school bus comes our way in the mornings. The resident turkeys are still slumbering in their night-time tree perches.

Pre-Halloween, 2021

 

What a weather mix of days this Fall season has been so far. Heavy wet snow, buckets of rain, beautiful colors in the leaves of the trees as they decide to call it quits and get a rest, strong winds threatening branches heavy with snow. It continues: frequent frosty mornings, lovely blue skies. Our community has several residents who are dedicated hikers and they are making the most of these last hiking days that are available.

Florida has had quite a few visitors from Mink Creek. Richard and Vicki Free and Eldon and Danita Wilcox have closed out their summer travels with some balmy days in Florida. They connected with Sid and Lisa Whitehouse in Orlando and enjoyed the famous Myrtle Beach and the Kennedy Space Center.

The family of Phee and Robert Crosland put together a family reunion, taking place in Florida. Not all of their children, spouses and grandchildren were able to make it, but those that did enjoyed having a few days together. In these days of COVID and restrictions challenges inevitably arise. Part of the event was a Caribbean Cruise. Another was the adventure of Disney World. When the reunion wrapped up their son Armando Crosland headed north to his job in Washington, DC and the rest of the group made their flights to their homes in the western part of the nation.

Some members of the Mink Creek Ward filled an assignment at the Canning Center in Ogden, UT. Twelve workers, divided into two shifts. One group served in the production line of cream of mushroom soup and the other crew packaged beef chunks from the previous day’s production. Those on the crews were Mike and Mary Ann Jepsen, Jeff Olson, Drew Ford, Jonia Jackson, Kim Christensen, Linda and Clare Christensen, Corinne and Glade Larsen, Bishop Paul McKay, and Terry Westerberg. They put in hours from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and it was a full day.

After several days of rainfall our world looked gorgeous today. Bright sunshine on the valley floor, purple storm clouds on the horizons just accented the golden colors of fall and the brightness of the revitalized greens from the big drink of water they have just received. It was a strong reminder of how lovely our surroundings are and that we have the privilege of living in such a place. If we haven’t been filling up on feelings of gratitude in days past, remember that the Thanksgiving month arrives with the next flip of the calendar.

The community Halloween party is scheduled as an outdoor event and the forecast of a drier weekend is a welcome one. Happy, fun, Halloween!