Thankful

December 2, 2008 1 Comment

I know it’s not Thanksgiving anymore, but I found this at Bunny Trails and couldn’t resist. After all, I’m thankful all year long for what and whom is on my list (and not in any order). Enjoy!
1. My man, Spider X (such a great best friend)
2. Catz, my sweet girl
3. Mr C, my funny boy
4. afternoon sun shining in my bedroom window
5. music, preferably played loud
6. my home
7. the scent of a roaring fire
8. Krispy Kreme donuts
9. muffins, cupcakes, and all foods baked
10. our Nikon D70
11. my hubby’s ultimate computer intelligence
12. our quiet neighborhood
13. my mom (my prayer warrior)
14. homeschooling (What a blessing!)
15. Photoshop
16. my lost Ipod (I miss you!)
17. old movies
18. our cat-kids
19. my sisters
20. my brothers
21. memories of Dad
22. memories of my brother Roger
23. 2nd chances
24. the smell of cookies baking (or anything baking for that matter)
25. being sick-free since August
26. spending time with my family
27. Netflix (who knew?!)
28. yummy bread (Swedish coffecake…mmmm!)
29. my 3 oldest nephews and their positive impact on my kids
30. seeing bears walking in my neighborhood
31. traveling with my family
32. camping
33. Christian music
34. my garden
35. brownies (preferably made with Ghiradelli chocolate)
36. healing of Mr C’s former wart colony
37. Baby Blues comic strip
38. Mac & Cheesy (not-enuf) Ham
39. the smell of sweet alyssum
40. playing in the dirt
41. taking fun photos of my kids
42. Family Movie time
43. Rose is Rose comic strip
44. The Peanuts theme song
45. pizza (almost any kind, anytime)
46. baking
47. God, my heavenly Father
48. blogging (It’s fun!)
49. family-friendly movie companies
50. flannel sheets (snuggly warm!)
51. hot chocolate with whipped cream
52. praying in the shower
53. leftovers (I don’t like to eat ‘em, but I like to serve ‘em when I’m busy.)
54. the experience we had raising the squirrels
55. scrapbooking (Gee, I’d like to do that someday…it looks like fun.)
56. reading funny posts that make me LOL
57. crafts
58. JoAnn’s and Michael’s
59. getting nails done with Catz
60. swinging with Mr C (He’s so snuggly but almost too big for my lap!)
61. baking with the kids
62. my sewing machine (what is that racket?)
63. Belgian chocolate shake at Hagen Dazs
64. Spider X’s desire to make me happy
65. sewing
66. being married to my beloved
67. the nice folks at the supermarket (I practically live there)
68. Shoebox Heirlooms
69. cooking shows
70. when my family is happy
71. the Magnum
72. my MIL and FIL (’cause they raised my beloved)
73. buffets (I love a variety!)
74. God’s never-ending grace
75. Spider X’s vast knowledge of everything computer/electronic/gadget
76. wildlife in our yard

 

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A B See Photo Meme: D is for Darling Dress…a la LOTR

February 10, 2009 4 Comments

 

Seeing as Catz’s 13th birthday is coming up, I guess I can divulge one of my latest projects {and do the A B See Photo Meme, too}. Last summer my sweet girl requested I sew her a special dress for her special birthday. She chose this one {dress A} due to her love of the LOTR series of books and movies. And hey, it’s a pretty dress!
No, I don’t consider myself a seamstress. That term I save for those girls and women who can whip out a wardrobe in a week {or less}. They’ve got skills! Me? I feel very blessed if I can make a skirt. In less than a year.
It’s not that I can’t, it’s that I always seem to find other things taking up my time. Like homeschooling. And making dinner. And reading all the 119 blog feeds I signed up for. I really need to prioritize.
Anyway, as you see, the pattern pouch is sitting on some of the fabric Catz chose. It’s a deep olive/forest green and it is supposed to will have gold satin lining in the sleeves as well as something similar to shantung in the yoke.

For those of you who are saying “Shan-what?”, don’t feel bad. When I first saw the word I couldn’t decide if it was some sort of fancy cutlery or a disease of the mouth. Praise the Lord I have Google to define words or I’d have to walk to the bookshelf and crack open a book. I personally think using the computer to define a word is a lot like using a remote to change the tv channel. But that’s another topic…back to sewing.

In the above photo the pattern is also lying near my nasty Kenmore sewing machine. Yes, I am thankful I have my own machine. Especially when there are starving kids in…uh, wait. Wrong story. Anyway, I’m happy, even thrilled to have this noisy contraption device to sew on. But let’s face it. This thing is so ornery that it often times simply refuses to work properly. It’s like a toddler keeping his lips firmly shut when mom is trying to feed him. Veryfrustrating.

But I am determined to deal with it. So here I am. With a beautiful dress to make for my cutie. And a moody sewing machine. But I have one more thing that’s even worse…a deadline.
So before I get back to sewing, I have to ask…what projects are you trying to finish?

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Homeschooling High School: The 4-year Plan

August 30, 2011 1 Comment

 

Photo credit: MS Word

Recently I gave a rally cry for all of you contemplating homeschooling your kids through high school.  So today, in an effort to give a glimpse of what one child’s high school plan looks like, I want to share Catz’s 4-year plan.  

Remember, a plan is a guideline.  There is no need to set everything in stone when your child enters high school.  That’s part of the beauty…having the option to change things around to suit the needs of your child.  And also keep this in mind: each child is different.  A plan for one kid will not be exactly the same as your other kids.  Sure, certain requirements will dictate particular subjects are taken by all {i.e., everyone needs to take English}. But feel free to choose with your child those courses that are best suited to his or her gifts and line up with possible higher education plans.

{Go here to see how this year’s credits break down and to learn what curriculum/publishers we’re using.}

Required Courses/Credits
This course of study is based on the following credit requirements set forth by our homeschool group, with some courses falling under guidelines from the State of Florida:
  • English –  4 credits
  • Math – 4 credits {must include one credit of Algebra 1 plus 3 higher math}
  • Science – 3 credits  {must include two labs}
  • Social Studies – 3 credits  {must include World History, American History, American Government and Economics}
  • Bible – .5 credit for each year
  • Foreign Language – 2 credits
  • Performing and Fine Art – 1 credit
  • Personal Fitness and Physical Education – .5 credit of each
  • Electives – 4 credits
Total minimum credits required – 24
 
9th Grade {8.5 cr}*
English 1  {English – 1 cr}
Algebra 2   {math – 1 cr}  *Catz completed Algebra 1 in 8th grade, which our state allows to be counted as 1 high school credit.
Biology  {science w/lab – 1 cr}
World History  {social studies – 1 cr}
Spanish 1  {foreign language – 1 cr}
Bible  {bible – .5 cr}
Creative Photography  {fine arts – 1 cr}
Computer Applications 1  {elective – 1 cr}
10th Grade  {9.5 cr}
Personal Fitness and Phys. Ed.  {P.F. and Phys. Ed. – 1 cr}  *taken during summer break
English 2  {English – 1 cr}
Geometry   {math – 1 cr}
Chemistry  {science w/lab – 1 cr}
American History  {social studies – 1 cr}
Spanish 2  {foreign language – 1 cr}
Bible  {bible – .5 cr}
Computer Applications 2  {elective – 1 cr}
Drawing 1  {elective – 1 cr}
Voice  {elective – 1 cr}
11th Grade   {6.5 cr}
English 3  {English – 1 cr}
Advanced Topics in Math OR Pre-Calculus   {math – 1 cr}
Marine Biology  {science w/lab – 1 cr}
American Government  {social studies – .5 cr}
Economics  {social studies – .5 cr}
Bible  {bible – .5 cr}
Painting 1 {elective – 1 cr}
French 1  {elective – 1 cr}
12th Grade   {3.5 cr}
British Literature  (English – 1 cr}
Bible  {bible – .5 cr}
French 2 OR German 1  {elective – 1 cr}
Internship  {elective – 1 cr}

Total credits attempted – 28 {with many extra electives}

Again, this is just a plan.  Will it change? Possibly. When Catz is in 11th grade, she might enroll with College Prep for a year and then move into regular College Plus.  Alternatively {or after College Plus}, she may enroll in a local multi-media university. We shall see.  She has many plans herself so we will trust where God leads us for her future.

How are your plans going for your high schooler?  Are you hoping to homeschool your child or children through high school?  I’d love for you to comment and share your plans!

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How a Roadtrip is Part of God’s Plan

October 4, 2011 2 Comments

photo credit: MS Word


I am exhausted. Beaten down. Tuckered out. Completely wiped.
These past two months have done a number on me.
And my family feels the same.
Since mid-July my kids have been going gangbusters on a tough year of school subjects.  My husband has been doing double-duty as a full-time “computer guru” with a major company as well as designing new apps on the side. I’ve been volunteering and involved in too many different organizations and events to remember, as well as I’m homeschooling my teens.
For 12 weeks we’ve done these things and much more…and. we. are. toast. Burned out. Stressed.
We need relief soon or we’re gonna blow. And so, to remedy our dilemma…we’re taking a roadtrip!
Catz and I were already planning a trip to the Relevant conference in PA.  But my amazing family needs a vacation where the four of us can spend time with each other, not split up in a hotel.  So I’m selling our two tickets and we’re all going somewhere else instead.  Together.
My family thrives on roadtrips and adventure! The last time we went away was two years ago.  Two years!  You know how people calculate dog years? For us, two years with no vacation is like 10 traveler’s years. Waay too long!
The original driving plan for Catz and me was to stop along our trip and enjoy a couple of spots from Florida to Pennsylvania. But now that the whole crew is going, we’re making it a little bigger. We haven’t decided yet if we’re taking the D.C. route to enjoy our nation’s capitol {Smithsonian!!}, or going up the Blue Ridge Parkway to marvel at the mountains and fall leaves.
But either way, the most important thing will happen: we’ll be relaxed and together.  And I know that is part of God’s plan.

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Filed Under: travel and adventure

Sweetness…by Mail

March 10, 2011 Leave a Comment

Stepping outside onto the warming front porch slab I blink in the late morning sun. The walk to the box isn’t one of my normal routines. That’s TechDaddy’s job. But today I make the walk in true Florida-girl style: bare feet! The feel of the sidewalk and grass is so yummy to my soles and my soul. It’s been cold for far too long and I need a faux field trip. I almost feel like I’m skipping school or taking an extra-long lunch break from work, it’s that good.

I didn’t expect much from the mailbox. It was really just a catalyst to get me outdoors. But there’s a treasure tucked in between the car insurance quote that I don’t need and the sample baby diaper {I get these still? My kids are teens now!}.

A card. It’s wrapped in a pale yellow envelope like a hug waiting to explode. Wait, who’s it from? Ah, my sweet Catz! She is such a gem! It’s got encouraging words and a special note from her, and I run to find her sitting on her loft studying biology notes. She sees what’s in my hand and her eyes light up as I climb up to wrap her in my hug and kiss her sweet-smelling head and we spend some time chatting about cells {briefly}, books {mostly}, and our trip to Disney.
And I say a prayer of thanks for the push to be intentional this year. In an effort to connect with friends old and new I decided to invest in them via an old-fashioned vehicle: snail mail. Yep, that’s right. Licking envelopes and sticking on stamps.  This is the motivation behind 52 hearts.
As I pondered over buying so many cards, I decided to join Dayspring’s Heart Connection Card Club {woo! What a mouthful!}. Every month they send me a pack of cards they hand-picked. If I like, I keep and send them my payment. If I don’t like, I send the cards back, no payment. It’s a pretty sweet deal as I’ve been sending cards  to this person or that. And I don’t have to worry about sending the same card to mutual friends {“Look at this cute card Susan sent me” “Hey, she sent me the same one.” Gulp.}.
So I stuck the cards in a cute basket in my kitchen, letting Catz have full access to send cards to anyone on her list. And this time it’s me!!
How does this make me feel?  Special. Cared for. Loved.
But most of all, I feel blessed.

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Project of Love

September 2, 2010 2 Comments

Ever heard of a dress made from a pillowcase?  Me neither.  At first I thought this was some kind of ruffly thing to put on my pillow in my bed.  Until I read about them from Kristen of We Are THAT Family.  She had heard about the non-profit group Little Dresses for Africa, which provides pillowcase dresses for girls in orphanages in Central Africa, and inspired her readers to pitch in and help provide. 

As Catz and I love to make things AND have a heart for orphans, this project was right up our alley.  You can find the directions through both links above, but I’ll give you a brief description ’cause it’s super easy.  And ’cause I’m nice that way. :)   Basically, you take a pillowcase and cut the seam end off leaving the hem at the other end intact.  {If you cut off the hemmed end then you might as well sit down and weep over the extra work you just made for yourself. Pay attention, now.} Then you cut a little quarter moon on either side for the arms.  At the cut seam end you sew a channel and slip in some elastic.  Next, you sew some bias tape along the arm holes leaving them open at the top to tie.  Mmm, I think that’s it.

And voila!  You have pillowcase dresses.  Aren’t they cute?  Catz and I just adore them so much we might make one for a little cutie we know.  {Shhh! It’s a secret!}  This time around we made 6 of various sizes, and we plan to contribute more dresses to LDFA.  Our goal is to each make 2-3 per month.  I know, that might sound low to some of you, but we actually need to continue a few important things around here…like cooking, homeschooling, photography classes, laundry, sleeping, eating, etc.    So I think our goal will work.  By the time summer rolls around again we should have a sizable number to send.

In case you’re interested in doing a project like this, you can use your own gently used pillowcases, buy them at thrift stores, or purchase them new.  As most of our linens have been either packed up in storage or given away in preparation for our upcoming year-long RV trip, and our local thrift store doesn’t carry linens, we went shopping.  Catz and I found the most reasonable prices and cutest designs at Walmart {no, I do not get compensation for mentioning this company}.  The cases we purchased came in little pouches, so we attached bias tape to those and made little purses/belly bags to go along with the dresses.  Don’t you love ‘em?  So what projects have you been working on?  I’d love to hear about them!

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Filed Under: faith and mercy, handmade Tagged With: , , ,

Our First Gift

February 27, 2010 Leave a Comment

When I woke this morning still snuggling under the flannel sheets, a smile slowly crept onto my face as I pondered the day to come.  “This was the day,” I said quietly as my strong yet sweet husband slumbered next to me.

This was the day, fourteen years ago, that began a new chapter in God’s Great Book of Life.  The chapter that God has laid out for our dear, sweet daughter Catz.  For today is her 14th birthday!

Reflecting on these years the memories are like wispy clouds amid bright sunshine…her birth and adjusting to being a new mommy…her sweetness as a two-year-old when she held her newborn brother…dancing with her daddy at a friend’s wedding…her giggle and sharp wit…the bond between she and I that has grown beautiful and strong just like her.

Amid the laughter and singing that is inevitable on such a special day as this is remembrance.  Scattered amongst the pile of wrapping paper and ribbon is thankfulness.  And hidden between the last crumbs and frosting on the party plates is hope.

Because out of the ashes of a devastating miscarriage, hope was reborn.  Where once there was grief and loss instead emerged the beautiful blessing of a sweet baby girl, resulting in prayers of thankfulness.  And in the everyday snapshots that a mother mentally captures and stores away over these many years are also carried remembrance of the precious, perfect gift she was given. 

One of the many ways God is awesome, don’t you think?

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Get the Most from Shopping: Shopkick

November 24, 2011 Leave a Comment

Have you heard of Shopkick?  It’s a super cool app available for iPhones and Androids.  The premise is to earn kicks, or points, when you walk into certain stores while the app is running on your phone.  Each “kick” is worth a certain number of points depending on which activity you are sent to do: scans; instant surprises; and walk-ins.

Here’s how each one works.

Let’s say you’re going to shop at Target so you turn on the Shopkick app on your phone.  You can switch it on at home or wait until you’re in the parking lot, just be sure to drag the screen down for an update of local shops (though it seems to do that automatically sometimes).  Right away you can see if there are any kick opportunities with the shops listed.

For this example, let’s look at how to collect kicks instantly using the picture above:

#1 – Click on the row for SuperTarget.

#2 – By clicking on the Target row, you can see that you can earn kicks by two ways.

#3 – First, by clicking on the “Instant Surprises” row you can find and touch the surprise to reveal either a point or a bubble to burst.

#4 – Pop the bubble to reveal a piece to a collection. When you’ve collected all 3 pieces, you get bonus points.

The second way, in the picture example above, to earn kicks is by scanning certain products with your phone (remember, either iPhone or Android). They list the products, you find them in the store (like a scavenger hunt!), then you scan the barcode or QR code {whichever the app directs}, and you collect kicks.

Another way to earn kicks is called “walk-in”, where you simply walk into the store with the app on and collect points.  After I finished shopping at Target the other day I strode next door to Old Navy where I walked in, stood at the entrance for a few seconds while the app located me and showed my points I collected, then turned around and walked back out. Simple as pie.

And the final way that I know of to earn points is by using the audio feature in the app to “listen” to tv commercials on the WB network from certain stores.  The two that I saw were for Macy’s and Best Buy and were listed at 100 points each.  I skipped this option, though, since you had to do it during two specific shows on a specific night.  And let’s face it, I wasn’t about to watch tv shows I don’t normally view just to score some points (especially these two particular programs – eww).

Otherwise, it’s very easy to earn points.

Oh, wait. Have I mentioned what you can earn from all of these kicks?  Along with Target, you can also earn gift cards from Best Buy, Restaurant.com, Macy’s, Old Navy, Toys R Us, and many more. You can also earn gift cards for gas for your car, which is awesome.

When I first read about Shopkick (from Jenny at Southern Savers – thanks, Jenny!) and downloaded the app I was skeptical.  But in 4 days I’ve earned over 1200 kicks, which qualifies me for a $5 Target giftcard!  This may seem to some like small change, but when you think about how few days it took me to get that many points, and how I can earn much more the longer I use the app, the Shopkickapp is so worth it.

While I can see how it’s possible to spend my time looking for kicks instead of many other things I should be doing, I’ve made it a rule to only use the app when I’m out and about.

Shopkick Special!

Sometimes the walk-ins are doubled or there’s a special deal attached.  To celebrate the upcoming shopping chaos known as Black Friday (at the end of this week, in case you forgot), Shopkick has a special deal.  If you get the app for yourself and then invite 5 friends and they download the free app, they will each automatically earn 100 kicks for themselves, and you will earn 100 kicks for each friend who joins.  That’s 500 kicks for you alone! Plus, by them joining now, you will unlock the “2X VIP Pass”which will allow you to get double walk-in kicks on Black Friday.

And if you’re thinking “I’m out here in the boonies…I don’t live anywhere near those large stores, so I’ll never be able to use this app,” guess again.  As I drove along the other day with my kids, and Catz kept refreshing the app as we drove to different parts of town (on actual errands), we discovered stores we didn’t even know existed.  Instant kicks for veterinary clinics, dry cleaners, and even a tree cutting service popped up on the app.  It’s a great advertising tool for businesses, small and large, so the possibility for Shopkicks in your area is pretty high.

Besides, the app is free!  From now until Thanksgiving if you click here to get Shopkick, you can download the app and earn 100 kicks immediately (and I will earn 100 kicks as well – thanks!!).  Then, you can go to the 2X VIP Pass header in the app and invite 5 of your own friends to begin earning more kicks.  They make it very easy by giving you options to invite folks via Twitter, email, text message (SMS), and Facebook.  You can also take your link and include it in a post (like I did here).

And what a perfect time to begin using Shopkick!  With all of the driving around your town you’ll be doing – Christmas shopping, visiting friends, Christmas play/choir rehearsals, looking at Christmas light displays – you’ll be sure to gather up kicks just as quick as a squirrel storing up nuts.

Note: You are welcome to download the app directly from iTunes {for iPhone} or Market {for Android}, but you won’t get the 100 immediate kicks as this is a special offer through Shopkick and it’s current subscribers.  If you do go through my personal link to get the Shopkick app and your 100 kicks, I thank you and hope you enjoy this fun and money-making app!

I’d also love to know how you like it, so please let me know how it’s going for you!

P.S. If you click the link after Thanksgiving you can still download the app and receive 50 kicks (and I’ll receive 50 as well). Have fun!

 

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Filed Under: technology

Praying for my Son when He’s gone

September 3, 2011 Leave a Comment

Last night was a first.  As I left my son at the middle school lock-in at my church, I thought about how many times I had walked away from him. Not walking down the hall or simply walking into another room.  I pondered about walking away from his dependence.

Sure, TechDaddy and I had left MrC overnight before with family. When he was little, he and his sister had stayed with one of my sister’s and her crew while hubby and I enjoyed an anniversary cruise.  But this was different.

In a nutshell, after almost five years of going to the same church, we are now getting involved in the youth ministry {both middle and high school}.  So when this lock-in popped up, MrC said yes purely for the opportunity to meet new friends.

So last night rolls around and my hubby and I bring our boy.  Staying to help with dinner setup and clean up for about 50 kids {pizza!}, TechDaddy and I hung around for a couple of hours.  {Don’t worry, we were in adult-mode but totally staying clear of our son.  You know, the “free-space from parents” mode.}

Then, after the kids had moved on to another activity and we had cleaned up, TechDaddy and I began our walk to the door.  Me, being a total mom, slipped over to MrC who was resting from a game of beachball volleyball.  After v e r y   q u i e t l y exchanging some “I love you”s and slipping him a buck for candy, I joined TD by the door.

And then I walked away from my son.

I didn’t feel it until later, after we got home and were spending time with Catz.  But the emptiness was thick. In my home his absence was real and heavy.  No jokes or funny quips abounded.  The sound of MrC jumping onto the stair landings was missing. And in my heart the ache was visceral.

Then this morning I woke with the reminder that my son is not in my home.  And while the rest of my family slept, I walked upstairs to his room, curled up on his bed, and prayed.

My prayers covered his heart, like the ones I spoke to Papa days and weeks and months and years before today. Prayers that begged for protection, both physical and emotional.  Prayers requesting my boy be happy and safe in his new environment.  Prayers that God would guide my son through every step and stage of his life.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.    Jeremiah 29:11

But my prayers also covered me.  That my Father would shore up my heart against the ache that comes when learning to give way to my boy’s growing independence.  The ache that hurts longer and deeper than those birth pains from over 13 years ago.

My boy is home now, happily snacking and laughing with the rest of us as we watch a movie all huddled up on one couch. And though I feel a twinge of what is to come as I continue to hand over more and more independence, I feel content in knowing that my Father’s hand is guiding my precious son and that all of my prayers are heard and stored away in the heart of the One who loves my boy more than I ever could.

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Nature…It’s in My Yard!

September 5, 2009 Leave a Comment

I love nature.

Reeallly, really love it.  Love being outside, walking barefoot, squishing mud through my toes, spotting wildlife, taking pix of all of it.  Love it.

Mr.C loves nature, too.  If he sees something outside move, then he’s got to be out the door investigating it in a millisecond.  He’ll take pictures, catch it, touch it, try to smuggle it into the house.

Catz loves animals and some nature.  You got a baby squirrel who needs to be hand-raised?  She’s your girl. {Her mama taught her that, thankyouverymuch!}  But show her a bug, even a cute one, and you’ll see her high-tail it to the nearest place she can hide. And yes, there are cute bugs.

Hubby likes nature…from afar.  I think that comes from his growing up just outside Chicago.  Not a lot of nature there.  Probably why, when he first moved to Florida, he commented that ”a good snake is a dead snake.”  {shaking my head} Ironic since we’ve had at least two snake-encounters per year since then.

But sometimes I get just a bit verklempt over this thing I love called nature.  Like what we discovered just the other day.

Check out the photo below.  It’s a squirrel nesting box that Hubby built and secured about 10 feet up in our elm tree last November.  It’s a pretty good size at 18″ tall and 10″ square.  Worked perfectly last winter when we released our three rehabbed squirrels.

Now, check out the next shot.  It’s an Epipen used to treat folks for anaphalaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.  {Psst! It’s mine and I’m right here typing this, so everything is a-okay.}.  Do you know what these two pix have in common?

You guessed it — bees!  Little did we know that our cute squirrel box, which the squirrels vacated last spring, had now become home to a hive of honeybees.  When I saw it I was so excited!  Honey-making was going on in our front yard!  How cool is that?!

Until my son {my 5′ protector} thrust my epipen into my pocket.  And I was reminded to be careful!

Instead of exterminating the flying critters, we chose to relocate them since honeybees are in short supply in the U.S.A.  For various reasons, their numbers are dwindling more and more every year.  And we all know how important honeybees are to our food supply.

Thankfully, I was able to reach the wonderful folks from Fredrickson Apiary here in Florida. {Psst! An apiary is where they raise bees for honey, honeycomb, and all that good stuff.} Bill and his lovely wife, Marion, drove all the way to my house early this morning {7:00 am} and removed the beehive.  It was the neatest thing to watch!

Okay, actually Hubby wouldn’t let me near the tree {cuz he thinks I’m cute and wants to keep me around}, but he videotaped the Fredrickson’s do their thing.  This couple, while remaining happy and laid back, used a ‘smoker’ to corral the bees who were hanging around outside the entrance.  Those bees marched right inside with the rest and just stayed put.  Amazing!

Bill put a piece of metal screening over the entrance to keep them inside until he could get them back to his farm.  Here’s a shot of the hive before the wire was fastened.  Look at all the honeycomb!  Bill and Marion said the hive was probably begun about 2-3 months ago.  Wow.

When I mentioned that I mow the grass under that tree every week, and wow wasn’t I blessed to have never been stung, their response surprised me.  They said that these European honeybees – which nest in trees, chimneys, and just about any old hole up high – just go about their business collecting for the hive and are not aggressive.  {On the other hand, African bees – which nest in old tire swings, culverts, or other places down low - are very aggressive.}

So now we have a new field trip location to visit.  The apiary just added a bakery {where the only sweetener Marion uses is honey}and another building.  Hubby and the kids will be the ones donning the protective, white suits to visit the bee yard.  But I plan to be inside – checking out the bakery, of course.

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Filed Under: homeschool, travel and adventure Tagged With: , ,
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