What's the Buzz?

I always liked the idea of having bees, but I really never thought it was attainable.  Like all other things in life, you gotta just do it!  Something I keep learning, again & again & again. 

I had been looking into hives and hive management and was really interested in the alternative to the langstroth hive, the warre hive, and happened to find someone who makes them at the WI/IL border through craiglist.

My husband added the copper roof to deck it out and to protect the wood.  We lamented over the best placement and even considered modifying our roof (a part that is slightly slanted) to completely have it out of the way.  We ended up opting for it tucked behind our chicken coop, entrance facing the 6 foot fence.  The idea behind that being bees will fly up and out over any barrier.  We also placed a little water bowl for them to drink from near the hive, as suggested by the many books and websites I have looked over.  The hive is complete with plexiglass covered viewing windows.  The boys have loved looking at their bees in this completely safe way!  

Having the bees has been an excellent experience and I am so glad we jumped in!  They do not bother us at all, even when the kids are downing mommy's homemade fruit popsicles outside.  The workers live to do their job.  They are amazing creatures and it feels good to be part of keeping them in the city.  Sweet success so far - no stings.  Although, we keep epipens on hand "just in case" the kids or a visitor happens to be allergic.

Empty Nest

How did this happen, how is my first born baby ready to go to kindergarten in less than 1 week!?  Full-day kindergarten at that (all CPS is full day K).   I have been in denial, but reality is around the corner.  Don't get me wrong, some moments I delight at the idea of having a daily break from my darling eldest son.  However, when he is gone, it just feels weird.  I feel like I need to tell people "I have one more" when we are out and about, as if I am explaining/ justifying why I am missing a piece of essential clothing - heck, a limb. No more impromptu field trips with all 3 to places that are insanely busy and best avoided on weekends. No more leisurely getting about our day, or late nights to bed.  No more seeing my kid for more hours a day than anyone else.  Ugh!

Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, this is a major milestone and life experience for my big boy.  A milestone he is elated to conquer thankfully!  I wish for him to stay this excited about school.  I try to leave my own bittersweet apprehension to myself - well, to myself and to my husband after kiddos are in bed.  Homeschooling has crossed my mind. I just wish there was something in between; something that allowed freedom for real life learning and also providing the life lessons being in school teaches.  On a bright side, my middle child can receive a bit more attention now, something I think he needs before I am going through this same trepidation over him hitting the school halls.
 

Parenting is hard.  Some days are so slow and trying on every part of my being, but then you wake up and years have flashed by!

First Came our Chickens, We Finally Got an Egg!

Hooray, our first egg!  I heard a ruckus in the coop and thought either they were ganging up on girl Vespa.  OR, could it be an egg???  Been looking every morning in hopes one would show up soon.  We are not sure which lady did it, but the whole family was very excited!  We all took a little bite of the first egg, but the prize went to our youngest lady of the house.  Our 1 yr old had it for dinner and gobbled it up!  Our first egg had a double yolk too. . .not sure what old wives tales are about that, but we got a kick out of it.

On a side note, Girl Vespa seems to have been accepted in to the flock.  She is low in the pecking order, but they roost together at night now and cohabit without bloodshed.