To recycle or to reuse. What rhymes with potato cakes?
I was half listening to John and the kids talk about potato cakes at the breakfast table, while I stood at the sink, soaking labels off empty jars, daydreaming about an abundance of summer honey. “What...
View ArticleBuilding a beehive
Hive assembly is challenging. But at least there’s no risk of being stabbed by a miniature Victorian man. Competent beekeepers are also competent carpenters. I’m telling you this because nobody told...
View ArticleSex education
Take advantage of opportunities to scare your 13 year old daughter about the reality of pregnancy. Don’t worry about who may overhear. Preparing the household for the arrival of 10,000 honey bees is...
View ArticleDropping a frame
Moments after Myles snapped this photo – through the window – John dropped that frame of bees. I took a break from a hive inspection this afternoon desperate for a glass of water having sweated like...
View ArticleBees, bullets, bows & arrows
I never worry too much about restrictions on beekeeping. Here in Missouri, the government encourages dangerous backyard pursuits. One afternoon, just for fun, I practiced target shooting with my friend...
View ArticleDoes beekeeping exploit bees?
Does laughing at SpongeBob exploit sea sponges? Last night I got into a conversation with a vegan who doesn’t eat honey. After he accused me of exploiting and enslaving bees, I realized I wouldn’t have...
View ArticleShaggy troll live on set
My hair started to flyaway, like a dandelion head in autumn. A few members of the Eastern Missouri Beekeeping Association work extremely hard so the rest of us lazy members can benefit from the club’s...
View ArticleMoonshine is just moonshine
Beekeeping puts me in touch with people outside my urban social circle. The thing I love most about attending beekeeping club meetings is being thrown into the company of people refreshingly opposite...
View ArticleBeekeeping is guided by natural observation
When the dandelions come out, the drones come out I give my kids all kinds of life advice. Last night I told Myles, “Don’t sleep with wet hair. You’ll wake up with it sticking out all weird.” I’d like...
View ArticleHow to find the queen
Queen bees are as elusive as a book in the library stacks, so beekeepers mark them when they spot them. (She’s the big gal wearing red.) photo by Suat Eman via freedigitalphotos.net As I headed out the...
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