Words from the Ranch 9/9/2024

I’m reminded and schooled by nature if I become quiet, observe, and listen.

Last week, I successfully gathered a swarm (past attempts have failed miserably) and deposited the body of bees in a French, warre top bar box. The swarm posted up in their new home for about two days before leaving.

I was totally bummed. Without the supplemental feeding and a comb to start the hive off, their odds of surviving the winter were completely vanquished. I assumed the worse—failure. Besides the swarm abandoning ship, this week our son dropped out of college—again, I assumed the worse . . .

With the thought of defeat hanging heavy overhead, we started the day harvesting apples. During the harvest, my husband found that the swarm of bees had moved down the way. The hive had relocated behind my She-Shed in an unused and stored top bar hive.

The lesson being, even with the best intentions and assistance, the other will choose their own path. It's highly likely with a little help, they too will be able to endure the inevitable hardships of the season.

🖤🌈 🦬