DECEMBER

“It’ll soon be Christmas”. Whenever I hear that and no doubt it’s a phrase that we shall all hear more than once between now and 25th, my first thoughts are always, where the hell did that year go. I don’t know whether it’s being retired or whether it’s just an age thing, but the time certainly seems to fly by at an alarming rate. Goodness where I’d be without my bees. Even though there is little to be done at this time of year, I still try to pay them a visit as often as the weather permits. As I said, there’s little to be done but it sets my mind at ease to see that none of the hives have been dislodged or have been visited by the local family of green woodpeckers. Fortunately the wasps finally have departed the scene but with the hive entrances still restricted, and the mouse guards fitted, I like to check that the bees are still able to come and go should they wish. Occasionally I find a couple of dead bees blocking the entrance and these are easily dislodged with a thin twig or piece of grass stem. Also as I walk along the row of hives, I pause to place my hand on each hive roof for a second or two, it’s surprising the difference in temperature between the roof of a healthy hive and an empty one. So, barring any unforeseen catastrophes, that will be the pattern of events until I see the first bees flying come Spring. Sometime after Christmas they will all receive a dousing of Oxalic Acid. It’s about this time when I begin gently hefting the hives, about once a week, and I have a box of fondant standing by should any of them feel a bit light. I have  a couple of talks and demonstrations on candle making with a local Scout and Cub group booked for next week and I’m looking forward to that. So, that’s about it for another year.

Thank you for accompanying me through another year and for your kind comments. I hope you’ve all had a successful season and look forward to your thoughts and company in 2018. So, until then, I wish you all LOTS OF LOVE AND A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS.