Ha. Yes… not intentionally so much as I ran out of time and thought no one really reads anyway. I’m glad you did, thank you… they’re safely set up in their box and a new wooden hive has been delivered. Now to see if they behave as when I checked them, they’re already causing my cortisol levels to rise. That’s bees for you…
Dear Will, thank you for inviting us into your special world, an England that still exists when seen and recounted by a gentle wizard, and one that makes magic potions to share. Bravo for the Bee swarm! Kate
Will, finding your writing is like stumbling into a hive - you know you should probably leave but the honey is too good. That you subscribe to me leaves me not just humbled but, given the subject matter, thoroughly bumbled... Thank you.
I vastly prefer the British amongst/amidst/whilst to the American among/amid/while. I don’t have a clue why.
A swarm of bees clung to a tree branch in my neighbor’s yard near our fence line recently. My neighbor was in a panic and asked if I knew a good exterminator (horrors!). I told him to stay 20 feet away from the swarm, enjoy the sight and sound, and that they would all fly away within a day or two. They did. I miss ‘em.
Also, I’m pleased you got your neighbour to see sense. Swarm is a word that terrifies people, when they really are the most gentle things. Perhaps you should get yourself a hive to look after?
When I’m out working in my garden, the bees are flying around me feeding on my native plants. We happily co-exist in the same space. No aggression. But your adventures with hive management are a bridge too far for me. I’ll just follow your exploits here! 🐝
The lovely thing with bees is they really don’t see you as anything other than something interesting to land on if they’re tired from a long forage. In the years that I’ve looked after them, I think the only times I’ve been stung have really been my own fault for rushing a move or not reading their temperament beforehand. Weirdly, a box of fifty thousand bees open in front of you is incredibly calming. Usually.
Sounds like living in some kind of heaven, 'limited edition'.
Not completely free of envy, but my elderbush flowers all year round, and my first ever elderflower vinegar is bubbling its first fermentation quietly on top of my fridge.
Waiting for calima - a strange thing to do - to collect fresh fig leaves and dry them on 'fresh air' until crisp dry.
Though I keep asking myself why I'm doing this. Ah, yes, heaven.
"And with the arrival of great big tomatoes that I slice into ungainly slices and sprinkle with little more than a big pinch of wild garlic salt and a good splash of oil, the world is a happier place."
Swarms are incredibly docile as they gorge themselves with honey before they make their journey. Bees generally are not really interested in us at all. It’s only when they feel threatened that they can become silly.
Good to know. A swarm found its way into our house a couple of years ago. After initial panic about a house full of bees, I diligently helped them out with a long handled soft broom. (And no, I wasn’t stung.) I was worried they might set up shop under the eaves, but they moved on, fortunately. Local beekeepers were not interested!
There are certain cedar trees that also make a fine cordial that when mixed with apple and soda tastes of the forest… Not Yew though … Definitely not Yew…
Transported, blissfully, Will. You are rare indeed … to have the knowledge is one thing, but to have the language and the generosity to share you world with us, magical. Thank you.
You don’t half leave us in suspense about your swarm! I suppose I must be patient.
Ha. Yes… not intentionally so much as I ran out of time and thought no one really reads anyway. I’m glad you did, thank you… they’re safely set up in their box and a new wooden hive has been delivered. Now to see if they behave as when I checked them, they’re already causing my cortisol levels to rise. That’s bees for you…
Thank you - I also was wondering!
Dear Will, thank you for inviting us into your special world, an England that still exists when seen and recounted by a gentle wizard, and one that makes magic potions to share. Bravo for the Bee swarm! Kate
Thank you Kate. I’m sure your little corner of France looks awesome as summer arrives…
A lot of people can describe flowers. Far fewer can describe labour.
Thank you for reading Elli.
Will, finding your writing is like stumbling into a hive - you know you should probably leave but the honey is too good. That you subscribe to me leaves me not just humbled but, given the subject matter, thoroughly bumbled... Thank you.
Thank you for your very kind words Elli.
“large influx of new subscribers”
Quality will out. 👏👏
I vastly prefer the British amongst/amidst/whilst to the American among/amid/while. I don’t have a clue why.
A swarm of bees clung to a tree branch in my neighbor’s yard near our fence line recently. My neighbor was in a panic and asked if I knew a good exterminator (horrors!). I told him to stay 20 feet away from the swarm, enjoy the sight and sound, and that they would all fly away within a day or two. They did. I miss ‘em.
Aren’t words peculiar things Baird ?
Also, I’m pleased you got your neighbour to see sense. Swarm is a word that terrifies people, when they really are the most gentle things. Perhaps you should get yourself a hive to look after?
When I’m out working in my garden, the bees are flying around me feeding on my native plants. We happily co-exist in the same space. No aggression. But your adventures with hive management are a bridge too far for me. I’ll just follow your exploits here! 🐝
The lovely thing with bees is they really don’t see you as anything other than something interesting to land on if they’re tired from a long forage. In the years that I’ve looked after them, I think the only times I’ve been stung have really been my own fault for rushing a move or not reading their temperament beforehand. Weirdly, a box of fifty thousand bees open in front of you is incredibly calming. Usually.
Me as landing strip, fit for purpose. I like that!
My boyfriend would appreciate that plate of tomatoes
Sounds like living in some kind of heaven, 'limited edition'.
Not completely free of envy, but my elderbush flowers all year round, and my first ever elderflower vinegar is bubbling its first fermentation quietly on top of my fridge.
Waiting for calima - a strange thing to do - to collect fresh fig leaves and dry them on 'fresh air' until crisp dry.
Though I keep asking myself why I'm doing this. Ah, yes, heaven.
"And with the arrival of great big tomatoes that I slice into ungainly slices and sprinkle with little more than a big pinch of wild garlic salt and a good splash of oil, the world is a happier place."
Yes, indeed, it is.
Brave man! I can’t imagine ever being comfortable that close to bees. Hope you’ve found a hive for your new swarm.
Swarms are incredibly docile as they gorge themselves with honey before they make their journey. Bees generally are not really interested in us at all. It’s only when they feel threatened that they can become silly.
Good to know. A swarm found its way into our house a couple of years ago. After initial panic about a house full of bees, I diligently helped them out with a long handled soft broom. (And no, I wasn’t stung.) I was worried they might set up shop under the eaves, but they moved on, fortunately. Local beekeepers were not interested!
I think a house full of bees is similar to the time my dachshund brought in a live pigeon and it flew around the ground floor for half an hour…
Marvellous Will, thank you. I will try to find a window of peace at the weekend to make spruce tip vinegar, which I've not done before
There are certain cedar trees that also make a fine cordial that when mixed with apple and soda tastes of the forest… Not Yew though … Definitely not Yew…
Yew only once…
Transported, blissfully, Will. You are rare indeed … to have the knowledge is one thing, but to have the language and the generosity to share you world with us, magical. Thank you.