Head full of doubt

Are you enjoying the warm, balmy weather?

Getting out? Sampling the cuisine?

Against my better judgement I put out more protein. I can’t help it. I just love watching the girls.

And they love the snack. Not to mention, the rare opportunity to get out in January. They’ll even chase that protein in the rain.

I’ve got real doubts as to whether this is a good idea. It’s definitely not natural. We’re still over a month away from maple pollen. I’m hoping we don’t end up with massive brood nests in March. We’ll see. Am I creating an epic year for varroa? Hope not.

So many things, you just deal with it as it comes… and try to learn.

We’re trying to stay optimistic.

And that’s why we built about a hundred new lids this week. 2020 is going to be an expansion year. Or, at the very least, we’ll hopefully get back up in the 700’s.

Beauties, aren’t they?

Louis and Bill, a couple bee clubbers helped free me of some old non-migratory junk.

Speaking of which… I’ve still got plenty of this stuff, for you interested beekeepers. Telescoping lids, inner covers, and bottom boards. Let me know if you want to take some of it off my hands.

And speaking of bee clubbers, I walked out of the meeting the other night (after a great queen rearing talk by Dan Williams) and Jim North caught me. He couldn’t wait to share the good news. Said that they had developed a technology to artificially pollinate almonds. Said that it not only did a better job than honey bees, it was going to be tested in California this year.

What??

If you’ve been following this blog longer than three weeks, you know we now have some skin in the almond game. I was sorta hoping to make this big gamble work out in the coming years.

Hmmm….

And this news from Jim came just after a full day of mounting doubts…. also concerning bees and almonds. No less than four people (at least one, a blog reader) felt compelled to share a dystopian article by The Guardian.

What are you guys trying to do to me?! You already know I’ve got more than a few insecurities. I think you’re feeding off this bad news… and what’s more, I think you’re enjoying it. No more of this crap! Please! I already had a head full of doubt.

So sticking to my resolution this week, walking the roads, I really got thinking about all this. Is it worth it? The risk, I mean? Sure seems like some heavy downsides to the whole thing. At one point, an Avett Brothers song came through my ear buds. And man, that just seemed to fit the moment.

I was moved. It entirely changed my mood. Then I went to You Tube and watched the video. That was pretty cool too.

It’s only beekeeping. It’s only life. What’s the worst that could happen?

Living in flux

-Posted by Isaac

Happy 2020! How’s it going so far? Are you sticking to those healthy resolutions?

We sure are.

Getting out, seeing new places, educating yourself?

Are you laying plans for those castles in the air?

Or maybe 2020 is just another year to further your kingdom…

Either way, I’m sure you’ve got your ducks in a row.

Until, surprise!— you find that your orderly ducks-in-a-row turn out not to be ducks at all.

Maybe you’re like me— you’ve picked a mind numbingly simple resolution. Like walking. I’m going to walk more this year.

Helps me think.

Like the wise men, I’m going to follow that yonder star. What exactly that means is yet to be determined.

And speaking of such…

You can see from the above, we took a little trip this week. Edisto Beach, SC. One last bit of fun in the sun before the jaws of reality squeeze shut— school, work, rain, cold… welcome to Ohio!

So I did a lot of walking (and thinking) down there. At times I had my ear buds in to help in that thinking process. I listened to several talks (hours worth) by a guy I consider to be the most important thinker and writer in the modern world—Yuval Noah Harari. Ever heard of him? No? I know, not many have. But anyway, I’m not trying to push anything on you, I just found something very funny and ironic a little later. In my going down that humanism rabbit hole with Harari, I ended up listening to a Ted Talk given by Amber Scorah about cult psychology.

And the irony— the very next day, a lady who looked exactly like Amber Scorah approached me and struck up a conversation. She spoke of her two trips to Heaven.

Gave me a book and everything.

I think she was trying to save me. (In the most inconvenient of circumstances.)

It was a bit awkward because I didn’t have my pants on at the time. I had just finished a run and was trying to change in the car. That didn’t seem to phase her. We talked for a good five minutes through the car window. I mostly just listened and nodded and smiled, my crumpled wet shorts in my lap.

It was all about her experiences… and it seemed to me she left feeling very uplifted. (Another lost soul saved! Check.) I continued to smile. And wondered for awhile. I should’ve asked for details, darn it.

I finished dressing and thought out loud... What a world we live in.

So goodbye to 2019. Sure doesn’t seem like we’re getting any saner.

Maizy did this little video she wanted you to see.

(I learned that you guys on the mailing list can’t see the YouTube videos. Somehow they don’t attach, and I’m not ambitious enough to try to fix that little problem.) So here’s Maizy’s: https://youtu.be/EMHKGp1hfTY

Sorry to those on the mailer. I’ll just try to remember to link it in the future, and you can open the videos in another window. I had doubts that anyone was actually watching these things, but Amanda R. gave me hope last week with that David Foster Wallace speech.

And I found a little sendoff for you too. A meme I saw on Facebook in the waning hours of 2019. (While considering a no-more-Facebook resolution for the new decade.)

Hot dog, let’s bring on 2020!

Infinite Jest

-Posted by Isaac

Have you found The Light?

Or are you a perpetual seeker?

My cousin and I sat in back at the Christmas Eve service on Tuesday. We were waiting to go up for the cantata, looking out at all our friends, neighbors and family. The good people we’ve known since birth. We had a revelation of sorts. Scanning that congregation, I think the epiphany hit us at the same moment because we looked at each other, looked back out, and said the same thing— we’re getting old.

Yes, we’re sure getting old.

But thankfully there’s always the next generation to help us forget, albeit fleetingly, our own mortality.

Christmas morning began as usual. An early bright flurry of opening presents.

Followed by sugar.

Followed by more family and more noise.

One gift quickly became more popular than the others.

That’s right! The legendary Red Rider BB gun.

We’re now filling hours with target practice and walking the woods. Looking for… who knows? I’m amazed and happy the kids are enjoying this so much. And we have yet to shoot an eye out.

I’m also pleased that we’ll now be able to defend ourselves against a tyrannical government.

Even if they catch us in our jammies.

The 2nd Amendment folks were right all along.

The awesome weather continues. Sixty degrees and sunny— a Christmas gift to surpass all others.

If ever you’re undecided as to how to pass the time on a beautiful sunny afternoon, just ask the goats. It’s inspiring. I’m often humbled to be in the presence of such enlightened beings.

Of course our other enlightened beings were also out enjoying Christmas…

On my way to visit the goats, I grabbed an old protein tote on a whim, thinking that the bees may enjoy a little treat.

Boy was I right! Within minutes they had figured it out, and within hours they had finished it. I ended up watching the feast for probably over an hour. Laughing. The sun felt so good, I sort of lost myself. I was feeling mellow with Iron and Wine rolling through my ear buds. The kids were happy. Nobody needed me. I sat down and soon started laughing. I really can’t explain why. Happiness? Nirvana? Somehow it was all so hilarious. Watching those bees dive in and zip back out. Seeing that dusty yellow mountain sink one grain at a time. The bees rolling in the stuff, cleaning themselves, flying off.

Fantastic and funny at once. Just as I neared some kind of hazy oblivion, the famous David Foster Wallace commencement speech came into my ears. This Is Water. I had YouTubed the Iron and Wine, and for some reason that speech was next on the play list. (Introspective Day on YouTube?)

So I listened.

All 22 minutes. Still laughing.

Bees, thought, music and sunshine. Is this The Light? Had I finally stumbled into it?

I think so. And it’s extremely amusing. I can’t begin to comprehend.

Unfortunately it couldn’t last forever. I finally had to get up and pack for the trip to Grandma’s. Back into orbit, back to the perpetual seeking. But I walked away feeling like this was bound to be one of the more memorable Christmas days— the one where I found the Buddha.

Last minute necessities

-Posted by Isaac

This week I visited the Tarlton yards.

(Check out the heat coming off those middle two.)

These are the hives producing the tulip poplar honey in the spring. I realized that it had been two full months since I made the drive. Last time I was there, we were pulling the fall honey.

No pressing reason for the trip. I was just missing them. I think I’m experiencing some separation anxiety after last week. After watching that big load of bees go down the road.

I took some leftover winter feed that was stashed away in the cooler room. Brought along the winter spacers too. Probably unnecessary, but oh well, it was something to do…

Everyone seemed happy. Ready for winter.

Now I’m realizing how thankful I am for the hives left behind. The 200 or so. They’ll give me some much needed company through the cold months.

Sure is hard taking supers out to the yards for winter storage, not having anybody to visit.

I get a little melancholy seeing those empty pallets.

Lafe keeps busy with the painting and repairing. (Just look at those pearly white supers!) But for now, I prefer to stay away from the monotonous shop work. These short, dark days seem more savory when you’re moving.

Another two loads of firewood made it to the porch this week. Compliments of my brother with the splitter. I have to hustle when I’m with him. No time for swinging the axe. No long quiet hours to ponder the righteous veracity of Aldo Leopold.

I’ve got to say, I prefer the axe. There’s a solace in solitude. A comfort in silence.

But Christmas break brings an end to all that.

The kids are now out of school. And it seems the adults are quickly going out of their minds. Or is it just me?

Four days until the big day. And we rush around like idiots. Got to get those last few gifts. Wouldn’t want to ruin Christmas or anything. Or disappoint anyone. I’ve been yelled at twice now for leaving unwrapped gifts out where a kid could see them. And both times it resulted in a fight. Afterwards I’m sulky and brooding. But I’m also sorry. I really am. It’s my fault. I don’t fit into the craziness mold.

I’m pretty sure I’ve told you all about my Christmas inhibitions. If you’re a long-time blog reader. I won’t get wordy with this one. But believe me, there’s still plenty of sleepless pondering. Do any of you have the same misgivings? I can’t be the only one who suffers.

There’s no cure, but there are therapies. I’ve mentioned a few already: visiting the bees… swinging an axe… Aldo Leopold… they all sooth in their own way.

And here’s one more: geologic time.

Specifically, thinking about geologic time.

Try it! Those of you with Christmas disdain… just try it! You’ll see.

Last minute lines at Walmart suddenly won’t seem so hellish. In fact, when you give it a look with a geologic perspective, it almost seems trite. You’ll smile. 100 million years ago dinosaurs waited around in the sultry swamp. 300 million years ago there were trilobite lines at the bottom of the shallow sea. And if you look at the clock, these are some of our nearest neighbors. No worries. That Harry Potter Lego set isn’t such a big deal. There’s plenty of time.

California bound (with a few hiccups)

-Posted by Isaac

Just look at that Christmas honey.

It’s been an eventful week on the bee farm. Last Saturday the Honeyrun Open House was a big hit.

And we’re back at it again this Saturday. In fact, right now I’m avoiding things by doing this blog post. If I go out there, someone will make me socialize. Or work. Or worse yet, explain the benefits of local honey for the millionth time.

I think I’d rather tell you about all the bee excitement.

Last Sunday afternoon it was time to get the girls ready for their road trip.

I’m very thankful for the harrow loaned by Becky and Justin. It made all the difference. You can see in the above picture, the harrow made a nice counterbalance when lifting three stacked bee pallets.

Each stack, I’m guessing, weighs around 1500 lbs.

Got all the hives stacked nicely on a dry, 40 degree Sunday.

Then on Monday the rains came. And if that wasn’t bad enough, the temperature bounced up to a balmy 55 degrees. Not ideal.

We were tested. When the rains weren’t pounding down making us miserable, the bees were out flying, enjoying the heat. For a span of about four hours, it was a soggy mess of loading and smoking bees. Stings to be had by all.

But slowly things came together.

And I do mean slow. I remember fifteen years ago, my boss in Montana would take about an hour to load a semi truck. Pretty slick.

We were every bit of three hours before the first strap was even unrolled. The driver took a nap during most of it.

But hey, it was my first time!

My slowness gave Dad (pictured above) plenty of opportunity to ask questions and make assessments. If you know my father at all, you’ll know what I mean. When the driver woke up, he became the new victim.

I’m sure it was a relief when I finally finished loading, and he could distract himself with netting the load instead of answering questions.

Two big green nets made a Christmassy backdrop for Eden’s photoshoot.

By this point, four hours in, I was starting to feel relieved. All he had to do was pull out on the road and get going.

Easy, right?

Nope. Not easy at all. The rain had turned the field into a muddy soup, and our tiny road with steep ditches made it impossible to make a simple turn. By about the third try at a wide turn, his tires were spinning.

Stuck!

My little tractor didn’t even budge that 80,000 lb load. Not an inch. What to do, what to do?

All I can say is, I’m glad my brother is a grain farmer. And I’m glad I haven’t made him too mad over the years. And I’m glad he was home when the plea for help came. And I’m especially glad it was warm enough that day to fire up his big bad dual-wheeled 160 HP Case International. Brother Justin to the rescue!

The next hour involved lots of mud, big chains, big engines and big wheels. I’m kicking myself that I didn’t take a picture. But in my defense, I was stressed out and covered with mud.

Eventually, just before dark, we were able to get that big load on it’s way to California.

It was enough excitement to take me through the week.

I think I’m ready to go out and talk about local honey now.

If you happened to miss the Open House, but really wanted something, don’t worry. We’re always slow in getting things put away. Jayne’s wonderful creations will be out on the tables for probably another week.

Stop on in!