Another smashing end to the Yuletide at the freshly expanded Prancing Pissmire.
New Work! “Summer Snack, Mongolia” Step-by-step
4 years ago
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Dickens Christmas Fair
Another Yultide romp in Charles Dickens' London. Never enough time to see and do everything, but had lots of fun anyway.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Taking a Little Break
There are more wee birdies in the garden, as the weather gets cooler in the hills and up north. The fox sparrows have been back for a couple of weeks, and this time I have three visiting instead of just one. Because there are more, I get to hear their squeaky chatter, that kind of sounds like the "chirp" I can make. Last week, one of them was startled, and flew into the breakfast room window. I dashed out to pick it up before the cats did. It just had the air knocked out of it, and I set it in a rhody while it reinflated. They look so big when I look at them among the white-crowns, but it was so tiny in my hand. I love their dark brown plumage and streaky breasts. Of course I didn't think to get a photo until it had flown off.
But this morning, an Anna's hummingbird hit the same window. I had the camera at hand, and charged to the rescue. Although there was no blood or obvious injuries, Mr. Anna didn't look so good, and I worried he wouldn't make it. I took a few pictures, and then set him in the dish of the thistle feeder. He wasn't grasping with his claws, so I figured this was a safe enough spot for him. When I checked back in a few minutes, he was gone, hopefully to defend his flowers from the honeybees. Yes, I've seen them chase off a bee.
I've been working on my third and last indexing exam, and I've been mostly a mole person for about a week and a half. This afternoon, before having some lunch, I went out to blink at the weak sunlight, water the veggie garden and pick some produce. The beans are still producing, and I'm sure the lettuce will continue until the rains really come on.
There are still some beets and carrots left. Sadly my August plantings didn't do anything, so I'll have no winter and spring roots. The broccoli and kale are coming into their own, and I am pleased to finally have success with the broc. Marathon is great, because it keeps putting out flowerets after the main bunch is cut.
I'm not sure where the seed came from, but I have a volunteer tomatillo. I doubt it'll give me any fruit - it's way too late in the season. But it's blooming prettily.
And now it's back to the exam.
But this morning, an Anna's hummingbird hit the same window. I had the camera at hand, and charged to the rescue. Although there was no blood or obvious injuries, Mr. Anna didn't look so good, and I worried he wouldn't make it. I took a few pictures, and then set him in the dish of the thistle feeder. He wasn't grasping with his claws, so I figured this was a safe enough spot for him. When I checked back in a few minutes, he was gone, hopefully to defend his flowers from the honeybees. Yes, I've seen them chase off a bee.
I've been working on my third and last indexing exam, and I've been mostly a mole person for about a week and a half. This afternoon, before having some lunch, I went out to blink at the weak sunlight, water the veggie garden and pick some produce. The beans are still producing, and I'm sure the lettuce will continue until the rains really come on.
There are still some beets and carrots left. Sadly my August plantings didn't do anything, so I'll have no winter and spring roots. The broccoli and kale are coming into their own, and I am pleased to finally have success with the broc. Marathon is great, because it keeps putting out flowerets after the main bunch is cut.
I'm not sure where the seed came from, but I have a volunteer tomatillo. I doubt it'll give me any fruit - it's way too late in the season. But it's blooming prettily.
And now it's back to the exam.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wild Hive in Petrolia
Today I took my friend Ananda out to collect a wild hive. She's been wanting to start beekeeping, and this seemed to be a perfect opportunity.
Petrolia is on the Mattole River out on the Lost Coast of Humboldt County, reached by a narrow, windy, potholed road. The scenery is lovely, but sometimes must be missed if one is not to plunge off the road or get hit by an oncoming vehicle. The town is in a lovely broad valley that is home to many back-to-the-landers. The cabin with the wild hive was a bit out of town, just a poison oak-laden stone's throw from the river. I was expecting the weather to be horribly hot, but it was a most comfortable mid-70ish day.
This particular wild hive was in a solar power battery box, and was small but thriving. The bees were very mellow, and tolerated us removing and trimming comb remarkably well. This was an intermediate to advanced level beekeeping exercise, but Ananda bravely stood her ground amid a cloud of confused bees. I believe her only other beeking experience was helping me with a hive inspection last year. Our only problem was that a large number of them kept leaving the hive box, and settling on the cabin wall in a large cluster. We would brush them into the box, and more would gather. Thinking that perhaps they just needed some time, we drove back into town for a lunch break.
Oh my goodness, if you find yourselves at the Petrolia Market, and there's freshly barbecued tri tip and pork ribs (and you're a meat-eater), buy some and devour it on the spot! We quickly polished off a pound of sliced tri tip, and had apples for dessert.
On our return to the cabin, we found the main cluster still on the wall, and several small clusters of bees in fights to the death. It appeared that a nearby hive had scented the honey, and had come to rob our hive. We swept up as many bees as we could, dumped them into the hive box and closed it all up. A small but lively cloud of bees followed us to the car, and joined us inside. They behaved themselves quite well on the drive back.
Ananda also keeps chickens, a turkey and rabbits. The turkey closely supervised the hive set-up. I think she was watching me, but she could have been thinking about a little bee snack once our backs were turned.
Petrolia is on the Mattole River out on the Lost Coast of Humboldt County, reached by a narrow, windy, potholed road. The scenery is lovely, but sometimes must be missed if one is not to plunge off the road or get hit by an oncoming vehicle. The town is in a lovely broad valley that is home to many back-to-the-landers. The cabin with the wild hive was a bit out of town, just a poison oak-laden stone's throw from the river. I was expecting the weather to be horribly hot, but it was a most comfortable mid-70ish day.
This particular wild hive was in a solar power battery box, and was small but thriving. The bees were very mellow, and tolerated us removing and trimming comb remarkably well. This was an intermediate to advanced level beekeeping exercise, but Ananda bravely stood her ground amid a cloud of confused bees. I believe her only other beeking experience was helping me with a hive inspection last year. Our only problem was that a large number of them kept leaving the hive box, and settling on the cabin wall in a large cluster. We would brush them into the box, and more would gather. Thinking that perhaps they just needed some time, we drove back into town for a lunch break.
Oh my goodness, if you find yourselves at the Petrolia Market, and there's freshly barbecued tri tip and pork ribs (and you're a meat-eater), buy some and devour it on the spot! We quickly polished off a pound of sliced tri tip, and had apples for dessert.
On our return to the cabin, we found the main cluster still on the wall, and several small clusters of bees in fights to the death. It appeared that a nearby hive had scented the honey, and had come to rob our hive. We swept up as many bees as we could, dumped them into the hive box and closed it all up. A small but lively cloud of bees followed us to the car, and joined us inside. They behaved themselves quite well on the drive back.
Ananda also keeps chickens, a turkey and rabbits. The turkey closely supervised the hive set-up. I think she was watching me, but she could have been thinking about a little bee snack once our backs were turned.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Two Hive Cut Outs
On August 23, the FBBBs* united with Bob MacMullin to remove two wild hives from the wall of the abandoned Bomac lumber mill in Arcata. Much stickiness ensued. The bees were amazingly mellow, though it took Julia & Bob a few days to get all of the bees to go to their new homes.
I processed the honeycomb, and extracted close to 3 gallons of honey. There are plans to make mead with some, with plenty left over for each of us to take some honey home.
*Fabulous Babes of the Bee Brigade
I processed the honeycomb, and extracted close to 3 gallons of honey. There are plans to make mead with some, with plenty left over for each of us to take some honey home.
*Fabulous Babes of the Bee Brigade
Monday, July 19, 2010
Loch Morgan July 14-18, 2010
In the 11th year of this Morgan's Compaignie tradition, XX chromosomes were allowed to play. Of course they couldn't be wimpy, froofy chromosomes, but strong and "manly". Belching and crotch-scratching were optional.
The camp lies across the Loch, on Ryan's Cove. This year the water was high, which presented some boat-mooring challenges. In typical Siren fashion, these challenges were creatively & effectively met.
The mornings were lazy, with waking and breaking fast lasting until about 10:00, when our first rum ration was poured and the colours were raised.
Then it was out on the water for a sail to the sand spit. Because of the westerly ocean breeze, tacking to the spit took a goodly portion of the midday. I got more experience working the jib and being ballast.
On Friday, Pierre (Pia) met us on the spit, after hiking in from Dry Lagoon. As most of us lunched on the spit, Pierre transformed into a siren, and helped the Otter ashore in a calm spell. Upon our return to camp, Harvey-sensei made picnic-style Tea for all takers. A sake party followed, complete with camp sushi by Michael. In the evening there was gambling in the tavern tent and a campfire outside.
Saturday saw the annual treasure hunt. Boats darted across the water as swiftly as the wind would allow. Michael piloted the gin boat, delivering G&Ts to thirsty sailors. One clue was missing, but fortunately the architects of the hunt recalled the words to it, and we moved on. Later, the missing clue was found in a geocache by the boat dock, apparently moved by someone who didn't appreciate treasure hunts. At least they didn't follow the clues and find the treasure.
On the spit, we unearthed a "teaser" treasure that contained yet another clue. We played a game of bocce on our way back to the boats, stopping to visit an attractive wee wooden boat and its crew. Nearby, sunbathing lasses waved and flexed lithe gams at the sailors.
The final treasure was hidden back at camp, and was properly distributed into rum cups upon discovery. The chest also contained "educational materials" which no doubt were useful to many of this lot.
A few stinky sailors took an afternoon dip in the cove, and played sea lions on the floating dock. The Lord Chamberlain suffered the indignity of becoming a diving board for some. John learned to be cautious about accepting drinks from disreputable sorts like Michael.
The evening saw more drinking, gambling, smoking and singing (if you call what we do singing).
On Sunday morning, all but Bruce & Rauri broke camp, and began loading boats for the return to the mundane world.
The camp lies across the Loch, on Ryan's Cove. This year the water was high, which presented some boat-mooring challenges. In typical Siren fashion, these challenges were creatively & effectively met.
The mornings were lazy, with waking and breaking fast lasting until about 10:00, when our first rum ration was poured and the colours were raised.
Then it was out on the water for a sail to the sand spit. Because of the westerly ocean breeze, tacking to the spit took a goodly portion of the midday. I got more experience working the jib and being ballast.
On Friday, Pierre (Pia) met us on the spit, after hiking in from Dry Lagoon. As most of us lunched on the spit, Pierre transformed into a siren, and helped the Otter ashore in a calm spell. Upon our return to camp, Harvey-sensei made picnic-style Tea for all takers. A sake party followed, complete with camp sushi by Michael. In the evening there was gambling in the tavern tent and a campfire outside.
Saturday saw the annual treasure hunt. Boats darted across the water as swiftly as the wind would allow. Michael piloted the gin boat, delivering G&Ts to thirsty sailors. One clue was missing, but fortunately the architects of the hunt recalled the words to it, and we moved on. Later, the missing clue was found in a geocache by the boat dock, apparently moved by someone who didn't appreciate treasure hunts. At least they didn't follow the clues and find the treasure.
On the spit, we unearthed a "teaser" treasure that contained yet another clue. We played a game of bocce on our way back to the boats, stopping to visit an attractive wee wooden boat and its crew. Nearby, sunbathing lasses waved and flexed lithe gams at the sailors.
The final treasure was hidden back at camp, and was properly distributed into rum cups upon discovery. The chest also contained "educational materials" which no doubt were useful to many of this lot.
A few stinky sailors took an afternoon dip in the cove, and played sea lions on the floating dock. The Lord Chamberlain suffered the indignity of becoming a diving board for some. John learned to be cautious about accepting drinks from disreputable sorts like Michael.
The evening saw more drinking, gambling, smoking and singing (if you call what we do singing).
On Sunday morning, all but Bruce & Rauri broke camp, and began loading boats for the return to the mundane world.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Swarms
On a sleepy Independence Day Monday evening, I responded to a swarm alert at the home of two local artists, Becky Evans and Bob Benson. The cluster was nice & big, perhaps 4 pounds, and relatively easy to gather. Becky took some photos of the process, and kindly sent me copies. In a quick check of the hive two days later, I found some eggs. Here's hoping the queen continues to be a winner.
A few days before, I'd joined my beek friend Joy in gathering a swarm near my house. Joy didn't want the swarm, so I got it. Getting bees off the base of a rose bush is not easy. We may have injured the queen, because when I saw her, I found a dent in her abdomen, and a tag of "skin" hanging off it. She seemed lively enough, but there were no eggs after a few days. I trimmed the "skin", in case it prevented her from sticking her abdomen into cells and laying eggs. Here's hoping she is also a winner.
Joy also let me have a swarm from one of her hives, but she has right of first refusal if I find a marked (recently purchased) queen in there.
Overall, the queen situation is improving. Some of this spring's young queens are doing well, and I'm waiting on a couple more. I think I have nine hives right now, though three of these are nucs. After all the queen trouble this spring, I want to hoard as many queens as I can until after harvest.
The hives are filling nicely with nectar, and mature honey is getting capped. I'm hoping for at least a couple of boxes of honey to harvest in August.
12 July Update:
The Evans/Benson swarm is doing very well. They have four frames well filled with eggs and larvae. The queen is very long and a beautiful espresso color. Now that she's proven herself, I have named her Rebecca, after Ms. Evans.
Sadly, the rosebush queen is no more. I fear my intervention did more harm than good. I found a small patch of brood right after trimming her (of course), but now there is no new brood. Her followers will be combined with another hive today.
The queen from Joy's swarm does not appear to be her recently bought one. This one is unmarked, and hasn't started laying yet. She's a blond Italian beauty. I hope she has mated well, and will be laying soon so she can earn a name.
A few days before, I'd joined my beek friend Joy in gathering a swarm near my house. Joy didn't want the swarm, so I got it. Getting bees off the base of a rose bush is not easy. We may have injured the queen, because when I saw her, I found a dent in her abdomen, and a tag of "skin" hanging off it. She seemed lively enough, but there were no eggs after a few days. I trimmed the "skin", in case it prevented her from sticking her abdomen into cells and laying eggs. Here's hoping she is also a winner.
Joy also let me have a swarm from one of her hives, but she has right of first refusal if I find a marked (recently purchased) queen in there.
Overall, the queen situation is improving. Some of this spring's young queens are doing well, and I'm waiting on a couple more. I think I have nine hives right now, though three of these are nucs. After all the queen trouble this spring, I want to hoard as many queens as I can until after harvest.
The hives are filling nicely with nectar, and mature honey is getting capped. I'm hoping for at least a couple of boxes of honey to harvest in August.
12 July Update:
The Evans/Benson swarm is doing very well. They have four frames well filled with eggs and larvae. The queen is very long and a beautiful espresso color. Now that she's proven herself, I have named her Rebecca, after Ms. Evans.
Sadly, the rosebush queen is no more. I fear my intervention did more harm than good. I found a small patch of brood right after trimming her (of course), but now there is no new brood. Her followers will be combined with another hive today.
The queen from Joy's swarm does not appear to be her recently bought one. This one is unmarked, and hasn't started laying yet. She's a blond Italian beauty. I hope she has mated well, and will be laying soon so she can earn a name.
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