TOWN BEES

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

December Check

Today Mr. Ellis and Jess came over to do a winter check up and socialize a little. The bottom brood box was removed from Hive #6, Nuc #3, Nuc #1 and Swarm Hive. There was very little if any honey in the bottom brood boxes. So top brood box was put on the bottom and the super was put back on the hive. Lots of honey in brood boxes and supers. Hive #4 - left everything like it was - will check all hives again in Dec. weather permitting.

On the swarm hive, the bees made rows/columns not sure what to call them (it looks like worms) in the space between the brood boxes. I don't remember where I got this brood box from but it's not quite right. Mr. Ellis will cut off some of the bottom to make it the right height. Took an empty brood box and just moved everybody over for a good fit.

Good day to check bees - we're having warm weather right now.
I'll leave the brood boxes out for a day or two then stack them for the winter.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Egg . . . . citing

Little bitty eggs! They are about the size of a bantam egg. There was another one today and it was a little bigger.
I'm thinking it's Elly Mae. The girls are happy and eating like a house on fire but not producing.
I'm not eating these little things - I'll wait for regular size.
Lily loves these little eggs - it's a great treat for her.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Saving Seeds

I'm determined this year I will save more seeds. These are just a few of the ones I have ready to go in the refrigerator. That's right - put the seeds in ziploc bags and put in the fridge where the temperature is cool and relatively constant (unless the power goes out for a long time) and they'll be good for a year or two. I've always left mine out somewhere with no temperature control - it could be freezing or hot as blazes but this year, I'm doing it right! Don't forget to label - the seeds all look the same next year.

I should have enough zinnas, sunflowers, marigolds, and other assorted plants to furnish the county with seeds.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Pineapple Sage

Pineapple Sage is such a great plant. The bees just love it! Yesterday they were out and about - today was a little cold so I didn't check but it's the first of November - good gracious, it's time for a cold spell and some frost.

I was #98 at our polling place today. Yes, I like to VOTE on ELECTION DAY.

PINEAPPLE SAGE CAKE

2 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. granulated sugar (I use half Splenda)
2 tsp. baking soda
2 eggs
1 tsp. salt
1 can crushed pineapple packed in its own juice, undrained*
2 Tbs finely snipped young pineapple sage leaves* (or sub lemon verbena)

Note: This is such an easy cake to make, even with a spoon, as I prefer not to use an electric mixer as it tends to emulsify the pineapple. It is even moister the second day. There’s no oil or shortening in it because the pineapple provides the moistness.
In a large bowl, put all of the ingredients in at once. Mix well with a wooden spoon; pour batter into a well-greased 9×13-inch pan. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes. (In my oven 25 minutes is enough, but someone told me they used a glass pan @ 325 for 40 minutes.) While still slightly warm, frost with your favorite cream cheese icing and decorate with fresh pineapple sage leaves and its flowers.
* It is important to use young leaves (those at the top of the plant) - older leaves do not have much flavor. This is an old recipe that published (without the herbs) as Pineapple Perfection Cake, Mexican Wedding Cake, and even Chop Suey Cake.

NOTE: I have not tried this recipe - sounds good but you know how that goes!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

The River

Well, this isn't the River - it's just rising water. Nothing compared to stuff the folks up North have had to deal with - I think we got the EASY button on this one.