Off Week

-Posted by Isaac

Well, a somewhat decent weather week has now culminated in this:

Misery from the skies.

But hey, at least we have wood for the fire.

34 degrees and raining. All day.

5 am, I got my walking in. Cold and wet, ice on my jacket. 6 am, Jayne headed north to brave the market. 7 am, I called Lafe off. And he was really looking forward to some overtime. By 8:00 I was dozing peacefully by the fire. The kids woke me. Breakfast! Waffles! And we launch into another Saturday.

It feels like an off week on the bee farm. Not much to talk about. I thought I’d have to entertain you with Trump analysis and commentary. But even with the politics… in between scandals, in between impeachment hearings, in between World Wars… we seem to have fallen on an off week.

So back to Honeyrun we go. I guess we did get a few things done. I started in on a new project.

Two projects, in fact. One short-term.

Another long-term:

Both expensive.

But education is expensive…

These young minds are malleable. We’ll put the square baler in the ‘child rearing’ expense column. I grew up baling hay, and my thinking is, it may be good for our own kids. Maybe a distraction from the devices?

Question is, will Whole Foods buy Honeyrun Farm hay? No? Ah, maybe City Folks Farm Shop…

Back to honey production. Lafe finished up with the lids.

Then jumped on piecing the nuc boxes together.

Jayne and Hannah made 7 batches of soap, then she and Katie did some new product R & D.

We even got a gentlemanly visit from Jim North, our Pickaway County honey competitor.

And what do you think we talked about? Did we trash each others’ business? Did we exhume the honey hatchet?

No, we talked bees, of course!

Jim caught me that day while I was out feeding. Most hives had made it through their first helping, and needed another. They’re looking good. So far, we’re under 1% loss. But don’t count your chickens, right?

Mostly Jim wanted to talk about the bees in California. And to that, I had to respond with the truth: I haven’t a clue. I have no idea how our almond pollinators are doing. They don’t keep in touch.

But you know what? I’m heading out tomorrow! Bound for the sun. I’ll soon see for myself how the girls are doing. Good or bad, next week I’ll fill you in.

Maybe that’s why this relatively busy week felt slow. I’ve been anticipating next week.

The illustrious life of a migratory beekeeper— bouncing from coast to coast. I think the anticipation alone will get me through this rainy cold Saturday.

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.