Happy Mother’s Day! I really meant to drag out an old photo of me and my mom… and just realized that as I sat down here to type away. That’s typical. Seems like I was late more than once with her Mother’s Day present! So, Mom, here’s a SALUTE to you… I miss you daily!
Yesterday… did you miss it? You did if you just scanned my post.
MY BEES SWARMED YESTERDAY. Which means they left my hive. They landed in a gate post in my yard and the queen proceeded downward. How the hell do you get bees out of a metal pipe? You make it unappealing. I tried to lift them out using a long piece of aluminum tipped into an “L” shape, and though I did it EXTREMELY SLOWLY… I was worried I’d smash the queen. I thought about heating the pipe, but I didn’t want to cook them, just make it unfavorable as a hive. Then I was going to lure them into a piece of old comb donated by a neighbor. I lowered it deep into the pipe and left it overnight. What it did was chase them out… and I should have just grabbed them and dumped them back in my hive and locked them in for a few days! I should have just said BAD BEES! and grounded them! But I didn’t. I hung the comb next to them, hoping the queen would adopt it as her home. The workers were starting to cover the combs and I really thought it was going to work! My neighbors came by, the ones that gave me the old comb, and they were at a loss as they’d never had a hive swarm. GREAT.
So? We talked and hemmed and hawed and looked and discussed. By now, it’s late morning and they were getting more active. Still not bad… I could have sprayed them with water and calmed them a bit… and then the neighbors wanted to look at Daniel’s “baby” bulls. So, with a moment’s hesitation… (why do I never agree with my first impulse, which was to stay with the hive?). Twenty minutes later we went back to the house… to Nothing.
NOTHING.
NADA.
MY SWARM HAD SWARMED AGAIN.
This time I have no idea which way they went.
The carpenter was working on my roof and he didn’t see them… but sometimes he’s very focused on what he’s doing. They didn’t fly past the barn because we didn’t see them… so my first impulse is to say they flew back towards the creek, but they, honestly, could be anywhere. They’re gone.
I SHOULD HAVE SWEPT THEM INTO MY HIVE WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE.
I AM SOOOOOOOOSTUPID.
I’m holding out hope that we’ll spy them somewhere and I can recapture them… but… POOEY.
And my favorite chicken died.
Is this a sad country song or what???
Find me here!
Would this be a sad country song or a bee bop a bye bye song? (sorry, I feel your loss, but wanted to make you smile a little)
Sorry about the hen. Lucas! He was just being a over helpful fella I’m sure.
Do you follow Bethany (one girl trucking)? I loved this post: http://www.onegirltrucking.com/2013/04/babies-first-outing/
It will cheer you up… how can you be sad watching baby chicks. Hugs
That IS a sad country song. Sorry about your hen passing. If you do find your bees, how will you get them home? Hopefully you can find them.
Oh dear! I feel so bad for you – that is a lot of loss in one day. Hope you will be able to replace your hen, and I hope those bad bees come home!
“The sun’ll come out tomorrow….” from the musical, Annie!
Oh, wow Carol, I feel so sad for you. I have had days where nothing feels good and your words are conveying exactly that as I read your post. I so get strong feeling one has towards a chicken, cat, dog, bird, etc., just like a beloved family member. And your bees, gosh, wish I were nearby to help you locate them.
I, too, have realized “gut feelings” shouldn’t be ignored (I’m still strengthening this impulse); on a stronger thought, maybe this is the Lord whispering to us and, we, strong-willed humans we are, tend to ignore. Deep, eh.
Blessings to you my virtual friend, Jackie in NC
Awww…..darn and drat! What happened to your hen? Maybe you should go ride around and you’ll find your bees….probably not a feasable thought, but….
Oh RATS! on all counts. Sorry to hear about your hen and your hive. Hope you are able to locate them.