…’cause he needs some new digs, that’s why…
Yesterday afternoon, we saw/heard this football-sized swarm on the rose arbor:
As we were bereft of beekeeping equipment, I tried to get hold of some beekeeping friends who I knew would be interested. When I didn’t hear back, we decided to go for it ourselves. C was on his way home from work by then and so he stopped at Biofuel Oasis to pick up the necessaries. He already had a Tyvek suit from work…
…and was soon ready to go.
He was very calm in this new situation…you never would have known how adrenalized he was…
…even when the bees got reeaaally mad. It wasn’t an easy catch. They were wrapped around part of the arbor and the rose vine…nothing we could cut off for removal all in one go.
Tap, tap…into the hive box.
We’re not 100% sure yet they’ll stay…there’s a lot of activity around the hive box, but still clumping on the arbor…and, well…I don’t really have any idea what I’m talking about. Right now, we’re just hoping there are some scouts doing the happy dance.
Exciting. And I’m hoping we have enough borage and blossoms and berry bushes in our own yard to keep them busy…anyone know how far they travel? Pretty much every neighbor around here owns one of those poison sprayer-backpacks or pays someone else to wear one for sickening their flowers and trees…I’d like to think it won’t be of interest to these bees or present in the honey they produce, but…
Shifting gears, we had a birthday:
There were smiles and wishes and a crepe paper crown…
Click the picture for a link to my Ravelry project page. It was a fun knit…quick and satisfying, although embellishing was the best part. I saw some comments about tearing issues, but I made sure to crinkle the paper every few yards before I knit with it, and the crown whipped right up, nice and smooth.
Pete also got a birthday knit…
The photo links to Ravelry, but you can find the free pattern here on the Bamboletta blog. I used some of my long-draw handspun and I’m really pleased with the results.
Sadly, I did not photograph the Handmade Ho Down on Saturday…it was a little crazy and I was totally exhausted. I had an awesome helper (thanks, Alli!) and so for most of the show I spun, spun away and felt buzzy with fresh ideas. Expect new goodies in the coming weeks. Many thanks to everyone who came to play!
Thespunmonkey's Blog 
that is one fabulous crown. Happy 5! and yeah, my neighbors wield the poison backpack, too. Argh!
Just a helpful beekeeping/swarm retrieving comment.. Those Atlas gloves are great, but not sting-proof. The backs can easily be covered with stinging bees, who will sting through the cloth. Swarms are usually docile, but if not, you will want to be wearing some bee gloves.
Hi Melissa!
Thank you for your comment…yes, we know his gear was not adequate. It was a last-minute decision to go for these swarms (obviously, since he made a skep out of an old wastebasket and plaster!). If we enjoy beekeeping and decide to continue with it, we’ll be purchasing a proper suit and gloves…his Tyvek suit from work certainly is not secure, either!
Shannon,
The picture of C and The Boy in the water is just precious! You need to make a copy for your mother, frame it and give it to her for Mother’s Day. Then tell her that she has to bring it to work so that everyone can enjoy the picture. Love it!
Love you! Mari