Spring!

You know it is Spring on the farm when the honey bees begin to swarm!  That is when the activity really begins for Lee.  On a warm sunny Spring day I have usually been instructed to keep my eyes open for a swarm.  To date, Lee has had about four swarms.  They began last week, and one swarm
was first noticed by our three-year-old great grandson, Easton, who lives next door.  He was visiting his g/granddad and playing around the drive while watching Lee clean and repair bee hives in anticipation for new swarms.  I had decided to check on them and was seated in the garage talking to Lee when I heard Easton exclaim, "a bee, a bee!".  We both reassured him that a bee would not bother him if he just stood still and did not begin yelling.  No, he said, BEES!  With that, I looked behind me and there was a huge swarm of honey bees at the edge of the open garage door!

Lee grabbed a pan and a hammer and began making loud noises while he gently walked the swarm away from the garage.  I took Easton by the hand and carefully guided him across the drive to his house until the bees settled down.  Apparently this swarm could not decide on their new home and swarmed again before the day ended.  We do not know where they went, but they did not stay here.  Since then Lee has had two more swarms and fortunately was able to find someone to take them to their new home.

Easton is a very special little boy!  Sometimes he goes AWOL from his house next door to come and visit us.  I have included a picture of him in the swing set we keep in our backyard.  We have used it for most of our grandchildren, and thought about removing it, but decided to keep it for those g/grandchildren who are now here.  The picture below was taken last year so will have to update for you.  So far, we have three!  Easton (3), Emily (1 1/2) and Alyssa (1 month).

Lee is hoping that his hives will not leave this year.  Last year he experienced hive abandonment.  He does not know why they left, but they did.  Unfortunately, he did not get any honey for the year 2013.  He is hoping to get some honey this year, but then again, it is up to the bees, the queen and the entire hive!

Today it is rainy and a bit cool.  I have enjoyed a day to read, to write on my blogs, do a little catch-up on laundry, talk by phone to a couple of good friends and enjoy the quiet relaxation of the day. Lee, on the other hand, has been out and about all morning.  He decided to attend Rotary for meeting and lunch and will probably return soon. This coming week-end will be very busy with visits from my two brothers and their family, and from my sister and her family.  We will celebrate her new book, and she will get to have a family book-signing!  We are all excited about this event. 

                                                  Easton Lee Spencer, age 2, Spring 2013


More Later.............................Brenda