These bears of Tom’s Bee-Loved Honey went to Bill in Atlanta last week, in exchange for a $5 / bear contribution to one of Tom’s favorite charities. Because of the events below, more are available. If you’re interested, email me at primahub at aol.
Last week I errantly reported that three hives had mysteriously died. Yesterday Rose and I took advantage of a near record-setting 68 degree day to take apart, clean-up, and try and autopsy those hives.
Upon amateur bee-keeper analysis, we believe the first two hives perished because they didn’t have strong queens. There was no massive grave of dead bees in the bottom of the hive, showing their numbers just dwindled over time. And, there were numerous “queen peanuts” meaning both hives had tried to requeen on their own.
And the third hive? They came boiling out to greet us when we opened the top. They must’ve been hiding in the basement (playing their WII? I mean BEE?) when we checked them last week. (In our defense, it was quite chilly so we got in and out of each hive as quickly as possible.)
So, the great news is that we head into winter with six, not five hives that appear to be fairly strong. And, in finding the blessings of the two hives that have perished — we now have alot more of Tom’s honey available for a charitable contribution, and I have about 10 frames of golden honey to extract and bottle, which keeps me from missing Tom too terribly.
November 18, 2009 at 12:28 am |
Hi Charlotte, I’m Souha’s sister. I live in Atlanta and teach 5th grade. She was telling me how you may go in to talk to Ranya’s class about bee keeping and I told her I wished you could do that for my 5th graders. She said “You never know, her daughter lives in Atlanta.” She also told me about the Scarve-clad bears of honey and I’ve tried to look on here so I can place an order, but have been unsuccessful….please email me where I can submit an order.
She had shared with me stories of Tom and everything you were going through. My heart went out to you. She talked of you and Tom fondly, and as I’ve been sitting here for the past hour and a half, reading your blog and wiping my tears, I fully inderstand why. May God give you comfort and strength to deal with your loss.
December 14, 2009 at 1:54 am |
Is there a chance I could get an order sent before Christrmas>
December 14, 2009 at 4:44 pm |
Yes Marilynn, absolutely! I can ship them the next day or two using the one-rate 2-3 day post office option.
Please let me know how many, and what they should be wearing. Each wears its own scarf, so you have a full range of options of colors there, plus each scarf has a bead, ranging from basketball to football to golf clubs, cats, dogs, or “whatever” (flower, bee, etc.) I’ve had a lot of team color scarf requests.
The largest one-rate box fits 14, and is $10.35. The smaller ones are less, and I’d use whatever is appropriate for the 3 of bears you want.
You could send me two checks — one for postage, and one to either Meals on Wheels or Loaves & Fishes for the per bear ($5) charge …. or, just donate on line or to a local comparable organization in your area — Tom would feel very honored.
Thanks so much! I look forward to personalizing the bears to making them special for your recipients.
Best — Charlotte
December 22, 2009 at 12:04 pm |
Purchased some bottles of Tom’s honey at Corey Lake Orchards this October. Would it be possible to buy more? Thank you for your cooperation. Again I deeply regret reading of Tom’s death. Jim Williams
December 22, 2009 at 12:07 pm |
Purchased some bottles of Tom’s honey at Corey lake this October. Would it be possible to obtain more? Jim Williams