It has been more than a month since I last posted and a lot has happened. My volunteer job at Salvos (Aussie-talk for Salvation Army and a good short hand) went very well except-- the couple of weeks before I left we were getting in so many books I could not come close to keeping up. So, I had to increase my time and increase my amount of work. I almost got everything straightened out but... just before I left there were probably 10 more large boxes of books stacked with the ones I was still trying to work on. It came time for me to leave so I did.
I am in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia and it is cold here. I have been here three weeks with one more week and two days to go. I leave here on the 10th and get home on the 10th. I fly out of Sydney at 1:25 PM and land in Dallas at 1:50 PM. Now you expect me to explain how a monstrously big airliner can go almost 10,000 miles from Sydney to Dallas in 25 minutes. Wellsir, it is magic and I don't mess around trying to get wizards, fairies and pixies angry with me so you will have to do it yourself.
I brought four books to read and have finished three of them which I shall donate to the local Salvos store. I wanted to download an ebook and thought I had made all the preparations but there is something stopping me. Yessir, I believe it is called technology. I jumped through the techno hoops and bowed to the nology gods and sacrificed 90% of my nerves and 99% of my patience but to no avail.
At first I couldn't find an ebook I wanted so after looking at several looks I settled for second best. Then that one would not fly through cyber space and land in this laptop. I have the silly program with its ugly icon on the desktop but nooo, it just sits there staring back at me and the book is probably gasping to death somewhere in the far cosmos.
That means that if my last book is not good I shall be forced to read one of the intelligent books my sis-in-law left me. Wow! Being on holiday means you don't have to think. Why would I want to dig deep into something that worked my brain muscles and caused me to exercise my brain cells. I won't stoop to bodice ripping romance books but "A Fatal Conjunction" might just be a tad heavy.
Yes, I have been getting all the weather reports from back in Oklahoma. I worry about my bees as they do not have air conditioning in their houses. After they earn their keep we can negotiate that service but they haven't provided a profit yet. Now that it is so bloody hot back there the bees may never be able to make enough honey to pay for their keep.
Each hive has its own water container so they can always have a drink. Some bees are so stupid they think they can swim and they go twirling around in their drinking water. I have lifted them out before but I have yet to administer artificial respiration. If they are that dumb they can go ahead and choke and cough.
I have tried to find beekeepers here in Broken Hill but it appears there aren't any or they are well hidden. The man at the Chamber of Commerce said they had all left because of the drought. I went to another's house and his neighbor said he had moved to Queensland as it was too cold here. I agree.
This year has been particularly wet so maybe they left or quit too soon. I would like to talk to a beek (NEOBA talk for beekeeper) here to see how much things are the same and different fom back home.
One week to go, I think I'll make it.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Where has the world gone
It has been more than eleventyteen days since I last blogged so I shall start. Actually, I have an ear appointment in a few minutes so I shall not complete anything today. I may try doing better later.
The book "job" is getting more intense and the bees are growing. I learned about varroaa mite last night and suspect that helped kill the colony Ilost.
More later
The book "job" is getting more intense and the bees are growing. I learned about varroaa mite last night and suspect that helped kill the colony Ilost.
More later
Saturday, March 12, 2011
It has been too long
I get caught up in trying to do too many things and this blog gets skipped. Let me tell about books after several sessions of bees. Books are my first love, next to pecan pie and family dinners, that is. I am still sorting books at the Salvation Army and it gets , uhhh, I dunno, frustrating at times. I love going there and being somebody as I know it helps them make money to run their save the dopey programs. This store's income is devoted to rehab program and it is a worthy cause. I have met several of the men coming through the program and i can see why I work there - other than the fact I love to do the "book work." We have had some really good candidates come through.
The last bunch had some apples which may have been over ripe but they got cut from our store and i don't know what happened to them. One guy's attitude seemed to infect the lot and they all left under rather hurried circumstances. One young man who didn't believe in helping the full time employee even went so far as to raise his voice in ire at the boss lady. Wrong!
The crew we have now are all soft spoken and seem to work fine. One even put out mu 1/2 price signs for me as I was gone Wednesday. Another and I can talk about a few topics and that seems to help him. I have not noticed them purposefully skipping or hiding from work as I did the young crew which just left.
On another front, I found a collection of Horatio Hornblower and took it over to my Captain Jack Sparrow grandson. When he finishes reading the 10 lb. novel he is now reading he will tear into Horatio and have as much or more fun as I did when I read him. I hope he enjoys H H as much as I did. Oh, I also found that I have not read the entire series so maybe I can borrow one or two and get caught up.
Several times recently I have been able to help people find books they were searching for - or hoped to find. One lady ended up buying 10 or more books as I found them and she wanted them all. She didn't want to take a chance they would be there when she returned. It was 1/2 price day so she could afford it.
Today I helped some young lasses find books about animals or concerning animals. I really like it when young kids come in and spend time picking out books. It is even better when they are actually looking for something they want rather than a "ho hum" attitude.
My great is coming soon so I better sign off for the nonce.
The last bunch had some apples which may have been over ripe but they got cut from our store and i don't know what happened to them. One guy's attitude seemed to infect the lot and they all left under rather hurried circumstances. One young man who didn't believe in helping the full time employee even went so far as to raise his voice in ire at the boss lady. Wrong!
The crew we have now are all soft spoken and seem to work fine. One even put out mu 1/2 price signs for me as I was gone Wednesday. Another and I can talk about a few topics and that seems to help him. I have not noticed them purposefully skipping or hiding from work as I did the young crew which just left.
On another front, I found a collection of Horatio Hornblower and took it over to my Captain Jack Sparrow grandson. When he finishes reading the 10 lb. novel he is now reading he will tear into Horatio and have as much or more fun as I did when I read him. I hope he enjoys H H as much as I did. Oh, I also found that I have not read the entire series so maybe I can borrow one or two and get caught up.
Several times recently I have been able to help people find books they were searching for - or hoped to find. One lady ended up buying 10 or more books as I found them and she wanted them all. She didn't want to take a chance they would be there when she returned. It was 1/2 price day so she could afford it.
Today I helped some young lasses find books about animals or concerning animals. I really like it when young kids come in and spend time picking out books. It is even better when they are actually looking for something they want rather than a "ho hum" attitude.
My great is coming soon so I better sign off for the nonce.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Yea bees!
Subject: working bees
Today (Sun 2/27/11) I started cleaning my extra hive bodies and checked on and cleaned the frozen hive. I noticed the remaining hive was very active so I sat down to watch them. I didn't really believe it but I saw some bees bringing in pollen. I then started to really pay attention and saw that many bees were bringing in pollen and all the bees were busy. My first thought, after I was convinced, was "where in the heck are they getting pollen?'
I removed the entrance reducer without getting stung, but with a stern warning, and then the bees really started to get busy. Whenever I get really brave, I will remove the wrap I have around the hive.
Yea bees!
C C Cook
Today (Sun 2/27/11) I started cleaning my extra hive bodies and checked on and cleaned the frozen hive. I noticed the remaining hive was very active so I sat down to watch them. I didn't really believe it but I saw some bees bringing in pollen. I then started to really pay attention and saw that many bees were bringing in pollen and all the bees were busy. My first thought, after I was convinced, was "where in the heck are they getting pollen?'
I removed the entrance reducer without getting stung, but with a stern warning, and then the bees really started to get busy. Whenever I get really brave, I will remove the wrap I have around the hive.
Yea bees!
C C Cook
Saturday, February 12, 2011
It's alive, it's alive
(02-12-11)
Sometime just before noon I was out attempting to clear enough for the mail person to get our mail without her having to walk in the snow. Then, as I was finishing the driveway somewhat later, I was at the back of my pickup near the end of the driveway. Sudden;y a small bee came and flew around me until; I made notice of her.
Then she flew away and I could not tell where.
later, after going in for a very late lunch, I saw bees coming and going at the hive. I thought I had lost everything but there must be enough left to keep that hive going.
SO! Back to plan 1. I shall start two new nucs, replace this queen or use the new queen to do another starter hive. I think I would like to have three here again and then two over at the ranch. OR-- I could do the opposite. Either way will be good.
Now I must get some frames & hive bodies ready. I hope for a long nectar flow in the spring. I hope to enjoy spring honey.
Yea bees.
Sometime just before noon I was out attempting to clear enough for the mail person to get our mail without her having to walk in the snow. Then, as I was finishing the driveway somewhat later, I was at the back of my pickup near the end of the driveway. Sudden;y a small bee came and flew around me until; I made notice of her.
Then she flew away and I could not tell where.
later, after going in for a very late lunch, I saw bees coming and going at the hive. I thought I had lost everything but there must be enough left to keep that hive going.
SO! Back to plan 1. I shall start two new nucs, replace this queen or use the new queen to do another starter hive. I think I would like to have three here again and then two over at the ranch. OR-- I could do the opposite. Either way will be good.
Now I must get some frames & hive bodies ready. I hope for a long nectar flow in the spring. I hope to enjoy spring honey.
Yea bees.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Well, DUH!
I must have the dumbest bees in the world. No, make that formerly had the dumbest. I went out today to fix their entrance where snow could not block it as I want them to be ale to continue to breathe. We are due for another storm which will drop eight to 14 inches of new snow.
Wellsir, there were five or six bee bodies in the snow. IN THE SNOW. One had made it almost six feet away, the others were much closer than that.
They looked around, crawled over a dead guard bee who had frozen in the doorway and then took off. Since one got about three feet or less and dropped, the others thought they would try it. It reminds me of the Red neck/Teenager joke about;"Hold my beer, watch this."
I am way ready for this cold weather to be over so my bees can go back to attacking me instead of committing hari kari in the sub-freezing weather.
Dumbass bees.
Wellsir, there were five or six bee bodies in the snow. IN THE SNOW. One had made it almost six feet away, the others were much closer than that.
They looked around, crawled over a dead guard bee who had frozen in the doorway and then took off. Since one got about three feet or less and dropped, the others thought they would try it. It reminds me of the Red neck/Teenager joke about;"Hold my beer, watch this."
I am way ready for this cold weather to be over so my bees can go back to attacking me instead of committing hari kari in the sub-freezing weather.
Dumbass bees.
Monday, February 7, 2011
way too cold
Here in Oklamania we have the extreme temperatures. There are several reasons for it, so I am told, but I don't like it whatever the reason(s). Anyway, last week we had below -0- temps every night for a while and then it was only 5 or 6 F the other nights. I did wrap my bee hive but I don't know how any warm weather bug could survive -0- temps.
I went out last Tue. or Wed. because the sun had been out most all day. The temp was still only about 15 - 16 F and guess what. The stupid little creatures decided to go out and play. They did, however, forget their little fur coats so the ones who made it out the door froze. I counted eight bee bodies in the snow I could plainly see. There may have been other I couldn't see.
If this weather continues I will not have any bees. Next year, after I start all over, I may put all my bees in Styrofoam containers with a small light bulb for warmth. That couldn't be worse than losing two hives. Of course, that sort of thing is unheard of and the light would probably short out frying all of them. I do not think I could have fried bees for Sunday dinner.
For those not from Oklahoma, this is an unusual winter. Our temps seldom get to an actual -0-F and when the temp does get there, it does not stay long. Yes, I should be singing, "Oh Lucky Me, I get to learn the worst on my first winter of my first year." (To be sung to the tune of Happy Days Are Here Again. Yes, it can be done, just squeeze some of the words together)
According to the experts, it is time to start feeding bees a formula to promote more broods. Wellsir, that will be hard to do as I have a great deal of difficulty getting to the hive and then if I raise the lid to put in a feeder, that will let in 12 F cold air and freeze all the bees that are left alive - if any.
I think I shall wait to start the brood formula as I can't afford little fur coats for all of them.
I have ordered two starter hives and a new queen for this hive. I want a queen from a gentle hive as she would produce more gentle bees, not like these smart alecks. You would think they were all Middle School girls all trying out for cheerleader.
You may recall that this is the aggressive bunch of bees. I can just say out loud, "Today is about the time I should check to see if the bees still have feed," or any other subject of that nature. That hive of bees knows when I get in a hurry and do not get completely suited up.
They quietly walk around the top bars and quietly whisper orders. They wait until I have the top cover off, have taken off the feeder and have my back turned to place the feeder on a stand and then...
"ATTACK" some beeness screams and here they come.
After I have replaced everything they continue to buzz me. I usually back as far away as I can but one or two continue to harass me.
Keep in mind that these are not Africanized bees, these are just naturally mean little buggers. The hive that froze (called the West hive) was the same bees; in fact, the aggressive bees came from that hive. I could work the West hive with very little or no protection. I would just be slow, gentle and careful.
This bunch, the pink hive, have been mad at me ever since I captured them in their first swarm. I really believe they thought they were going to start a new colony in some far away exotic place. "But NO!! That same old man got us and moved us about 30 feet away. Here we are in the same old place and there are absolutely NO wild flowers anywhere as we were promised by the Beeness who talked us into leaving the original hive."
I have it on good authority that confabulation took place. The rest of that story is that they have tried to wreak revenge ever since I recaptured them as they swarmed and put them in a new hive box in the same yard.
And I thought I was being so clever.
I went out last Tue. or Wed. because the sun had been out most all day. The temp was still only about 15 - 16 F and guess what. The stupid little creatures decided to go out and play. They did, however, forget their little fur coats so the ones who made it out the door froze. I counted eight bee bodies in the snow I could plainly see. There may have been other I couldn't see.
If this weather continues I will not have any bees. Next year, after I start all over, I may put all my bees in Styrofoam containers with a small light bulb for warmth. That couldn't be worse than losing two hives. Of course, that sort of thing is unheard of and the light would probably short out frying all of them. I do not think I could have fried bees for Sunday dinner.
For those not from Oklahoma, this is an unusual winter. Our temps seldom get to an actual -0-F and when the temp does get there, it does not stay long. Yes, I should be singing, "Oh Lucky Me, I get to learn the worst on my first winter of my first year." (To be sung to the tune of Happy Days Are Here Again. Yes, it can be done, just squeeze some of the words together)
According to the experts, it is time to start feeding bees a formula to promote more broods. Wellsir, that will be hard to do as I have a great deal of difficulty getting to the hive and then if I raise the lid to put in a feeder, that will let in 12 F cold air and freeze all the bees that are left alive - if any.
I think I shall wait to start the brood formula as I can't afford little fur coats for all of them.
I have ordered two starter hives and a new queen for this hive. I want a queen from a gentle hive as she would produce more gentle bees, not like these smart alecks. You would think they were all Middle School girls all trying out for cheerleader.
You may recall that this is the aggressive bunch of bees. I can just say out loud, "Today is about the time I should check to see if the bees still have feed," or any other subject of that nature. That hive of bees knows when I get in a hurry and do not get completely suited up.
They quietly walk around the top bars and quietly whisper orders. They wait until I have the top cover off, have taken off the feeder and have my back turned to place the feeder on a stand and then...
"ATTACK" some beeness screams and here they come.
After I have replaced everything they continue to buzz me. I usually back as far away as I can but one or two continue to harass me.
Keep in mind that these are not Africanized bees, these are just naturally mean little buggers. The hive that froze (called the West hive) was the same bees; in fact, the aggressive bees came from that hive. I could work the West hive with very little or no protection. I would just be slow, gentle and careful.
This bunch, the pink hive, have been mad at me ever since I captured them in their first swarm. I really believe they thought they were going to start a new colony in some far away exotic place. "But NO!! That same old man got us and moved us about 30 feet away. Here we are in the same old place and there are absolutely NO wild flowers anywhere as we were promised by the Beeness who talked us into leaving the original hive."
I have it on good authority that confabulation took place. The rest of that story is that they have tried to wreak revenge ever since I recaptured them as they swarmed and put them in a new hive box in the same yard.
And I thought I was being so clever.
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