Friday, June 22, 2012

Happy Birthday Honey

Today is my sweeties birthday, Happy Birthday 'honey'. A bit of a double meaning here as he got an early B.day surprise Tuesday evening.

While I was getting ready to prepare dinner, a knock came at the door. It was a neighbor on the other side of the property next to the Little House, what we call Charlies place (but now Pat's place, a story for another time). He came to tell that there was a large swarm of bee's next to our other garden. Yikes...the Mr. was on his way home from work and perhaps 45 min. away. That meant that I had to get a hive over there and be a brave girl..OOOhh Nooo!

I swallowed hard, laced up my boots, put rubber bands around my pant lets, grabbed my bee hat thing (technical term) and special gloves.  Emptied the wheelbarrow, loaded the spare hive and wheeled it over and loaded it in the rig.

Off I went, not knowing what to expect or how to even take care of it when I got there.  



Oh boy, as you can see, the swarm was huge.  That is a branch on a walnut tree and it was pulled down by the weight of the swarm..just inches from the ground.  No room for me to put it under them so, with the help of neighbor Jerry, I placed it as close as I could and hurried back to a safe distance.   Those are pollen patties on the top, if you were wondering.



When the Mr. got there, he had some more pieces to add to the hive and went to work switching things around.  I am always happy to see him when he comes home but for some reason I was a lot happier that day!!



Here he is, with no protection on, giving 'the girls' a bit of a nudge to their new home.  You can imagine me biting my nails on the sidelines.

You would have been very proud of me in the end...I took loppers and cut that limb while he held it.  After that,  the limb was free to be placed right on the hive and in they all went.

Tonight or tomorrow night, we will be moving the entire hive over to our place, in the field right behind the house.  I will take some pics and share next week.




The window boxes are starting to fill in nicely and will be so pretty when all of the flowers start spilling over the sides.

You can see the little shed/shop in the bottom photo, I will be starting that project on Monday..can't wait to share progress with you all.

Wishing you all a joy filled weekend.  xo

18 comments:

Lola Nova said...

Happy birthday to your Mr! What a brave woman you are! and a very thrilling story indeed. Swarming bees are so fascinating and the honey is so sweet!

Can't wait to see your shed progress!
Have a wonderful weekend.
xo

Lap Dog Knits said...

oh my...I would have NO idea as to what to do with a hive of bees....

except RUN....and run fast.

this post entry tells me I have no idea of how to live anywhere other than exactly of where I am right now.

your flowers are beautiful and so perfect for the coming 4th.

can't wait to see the shed..
I love seeing your photos..I look at each and every detail searching all the open space and beauty.

Lap Dog Knits said...

oh my...I would have NO idea as to what to do with a hive of bees....

except RUN....and run fast.

this post entry tells me I have no idea of how to live anywhere other than exactly of where I am right now.

your flowers are beautiful and so perfect for the coming 4th.

can't wait to see the shed..
I love seeing your photos..I look at each and every detail searching all the open space and beauty.

Unknown said...

Hah, sounds like an eventful day! Happy birthday to your man, and happy summer, too. I can't wait to see how that little shed of yours turns out. :)

Alison said...

Holy Smokes! Hope the new hive thrives for you! Do you know for sure if you got the queen? I would have been scared out of my mind.

Lynn said...

Well now, that is one adventure I'm glad you had and not me! Happy to hear it's all under control now! Happy B-Day to your hubby and happy weekend:@)

Dorothy said...

What a brave girl you are! Glad your got them into the new hive successfully.
Love your patriotic flowers!!!
Happy (belated) birthday to your hubby!

Leigh said...

Oh my goodness, what a birthday present. What an adventure! What a great story. :)

vintage grey said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet Mr.!! You are so brave. I don't think I could've done it. So happy they are in the hive!! I am already in love with your shed, and can't wait to see what you do!! Have a lovely weekend sweet friend! xo Heather

Debby said...

Happy Birthday to Honey.......I see why you call him that.
That's scary. I can't believe that the Mr. had no protection. Yikes.

Michelle said...

You are way braver than I am! That was one huge swarm. Yikes! I look forward to seeing the start of your shed project.

Vintage Home said...

OH my goodness that is amazing! ...fascinating & completely brave. I don't think I have ever seen one b4...a swarm I mean!...WOW!
Happiest of birthdays to your sweet man & a blessed weekend to you too!

Lori P said...

Wow! My hat is off and tipping in your direction. I'm impressed and loved seeing the images to go along with your story.

polkadotpeticoat said...

A very Happy Birthday.....I would have been petrified.....

koralee said...

Happy Birthday to your sweet guy...your window boxes are so lovely. xo

momto8 said...

oh my gosh!!! I would never go near that hive..wow!!
your flowers look gorgeous...probably all those bees helping!!

Lynn Proctor said...

wow---those bees!--lovely window boxes!!

Lynne said...

Happy Birthday to you "beeloved" Mr!

Sherri, your window boxes are absolutely beautiful!
~Lynne
w/L.