Time Out for a Sweet Reminder -- Rejoice and Bee Happy!

Jesus ran out of his shoes seeking
consolation from Mary as He
saw the instruments of the passion.

St. Paul tells us to "Rejoice in the Lord always." So even in these troubled times, we can turn our minds and hearts to Jesus and rejoice in His love for us. And what a great God who gives us a tender Mother to whom we can always run for consolation, just like Jesus did! 

Being the first day of spring, my thoughts are engaged with Spring "work." Among the most exciting projects to me is going to the bee yard and checking on the girls.

All three hives made it through the winter and we expect to multiply three into six. We did our first inspection about two weeks ago and all was well in the three little kingdoms which are filled with busy bees already bringing in pollen and nectar. You can read about it if you're interested at my grandma blog.

We've been beekeeping now for eight years and it's been quite an adventure. We expanded to six hives at one point and were knocked back by a bear visitation during holy week which forced us to spend Holy Thursday putting up an electric fence. Once a bear finds the "candy store," he'll always be back for more. So up went the fence. 

This was our peak season - 2017. I hope this year we can expand to its equal!

The next year a juvenile was so determined to get the goodies, he dug a little trench and squirmed under the bottom wire, demolished a hive, and squirmed out again without damaging the fence. Larry had to add another wire closer to the ground and since then we've had no further incursions. But I give credit for apiary protection and our continued "success" in beekeeping to the patrons of beekeepers, sprinkling the hives with holy water, and having the Poor Clares pray for our enterprise. We always take them honey after the harvest in late summer. If we are successful with our splits this year, the sisters will get a bumper return in thanksgiving for their prayers. 

If you're interested in beekeeping come visit. Beekeepers are never shy about sharing their enthusiasm for the hobby. We love it and pray that the Lord will keep us healthy enough to continue for years to come.