Bee Check.

The Potter's had us over for BBQ and so Krista and I did a bee check. But first very curious sheep and goats had to be put in the barn.

Then I lit the burlap and pine needles for the smoker and we got busy.

In the Left box, 6 frames were built out, heavy with honey. Right box, just 4 are built out. We are doing an experiment with our boxes. Left box has all natural beeswax inserts in each frame. Right box frames are plastic but coated with beeswax. Left box the bees seem to be building from top to bottom, Right box from left to right.

We were thinking this frame had mold or perhaps this is what brood looks like. But after Krista inquired about this greyish-ness to her wise beekeeping aunt, we believe it to be blackberry pollen of all things.

Colonies seem well and the oozing gold inside looks delicious. When the last frames are busy with bees, we will add a super and the hives will each be 2 high.

 

(thanks for taking pics Tara!)

Art Memorial Concert.

Hutters,

Last night was really special. Great music, a student art show, a room filled with loved ones and caring hearts all created a night to remember. My Mom was an artist and she had big dreams to inspire children to pursue a life of creativity. When she died, donations in her memory came to the school (El Dorado Adventist School) I grew up in/taught at. We call it the "Patty Sattler Memorial Art Fund". The community was so generous, we the family knew we could do big things with the funds. Last night's special event was a long time in the making. We knew we wanted a concert, a display of the students' artwork and a way to grow the memorial fund. My friend Lupe (the art instructor at El Dorado Adventist School) approached me with the idea of having a Christian Vocal Group give a performance and the students have an art show, judged and awarded by us family members. She kept me apprised of the details and pulled it all together. Faith First is the vocal group who performed, their harmony and message was inspirational. We asked for a love offering/donation and the audience gave $5,718! Every cent goes directly back to the art programs at the school. I am humbled by the outpouring of love and support and overjoyed to see such dear friends all in one place. Admittedly I was very preoccupied with the program and set up and so I didn't take any photos of the students' artwork. Their talent and hard work was inspiring. If you were there with me last night, thank you.



And my Mom's grandlittles sang a tribute song in her honor. "Blackbird" by the Beatles, one of her favorites. Thank you Sydney, you played your guitar beautifully.  

Pets With Pre-Existing Conditions.

The other day Ivy caught a blue belly lizard at Olive's house. It was super fat and so we figured it had just eaten a big meal or was pregnant. At home an hour later it started laying eggs. I checked the internet to find out what to do with this lizard. Did you know they can lay up to 17 eggs? Uh, no thanks.

See the egg? When she started getting nuts again in the bowl we were keeping her in I rushed down to the garden and released her in the cabbage patch.

Sunday morning long after I had opened up the coops, there was a crazy sound coming from the backyard. This lovely...

is a ROOSTER...disastrous. Taylor was my favorite pullet-almost-hen. I'm still a little in denial but now that we know he is most definitely a rooster, several things about him totally make sense. I made a few half-hearted inquiries about a new home for him, spoke to my closest neighbor about potentially rehoming him (which she thinks is ridiculous, says she doesn't mind us keeping him) and then last night he somehow broke off a good third of his beak! Blood and tissues everywhere, poor guy. He is a mess. He didn't crow today, either I figured out a way to delay the racket or he is hurt pretty good. I think we will see how it goes, I'd like to keep him. I'm calling him El Señor! Tim is going to loose it...

 

Last Day Of Kinder.

Today Ivy, my little red, graduated Kindergarten. Her teachers put on the sweetest little ceremony, complete with a tear-jerking poem and a group song from the students. Ivy was so proud to be surrounded by her classmates and supported by family. 

 Her audience.

 Receiving her diploma from Mrs. Trilevsky.

 Family cheering her on.

This is The Morris Family; Tara, Jeremy, Luxon and Olive. Olive and Ivy are girlfriends and in the same class. We are so thankful for their friendship. Goo and I have enjoyed many school mornings playing with Lucky and Tara while all little girls were in class.

 Goo and Hank debriefing.

Proud Mama.

This sweet lady is Mrs. Trilevsky. She is Ivy's Kindergarten teacher and is the most patient person I have ever met (I mean super unnaturally patient), her kindness and genuine sweet nature are incomparable. She is so organized and thorough, juggling all her students differences and needs. Her family is relocating this summer and so it is with thankfulness and relief that I say I am quite delighted Ivy had the opportunity to have Mrs. Trilevsky as a teacher.

Lately.

This weekend we spent quality time with good friends close to home. We went to The Potter Family's Silvertip Ranch. Evenings at their property are sublime. And while Tim worked yesterday, The Littles and I went to a pool party of some dear friends here in town. I made whoopie pies and deviled eggs.

So The Babies aren't babies anymore. These chicks sit here on the deck above their coop in the evenings, I scoop them up and put them to bed. They act like they hate it when I hold them, especially Tiny the white Americana (and the largest of all), but then the next day they do the same thing.

This is the last week of school. While I am excited to have The Little Girls home with me for the summer, I am also soaking up as much one on one Goo-time as I possibly can.  

R&R.

This week has been a blur. I've had trouble adjusting back to the jolt of each day's busy reality after such a calm relaxing vacation. Truth be told, I don't think the stresses of all I take on are good for me. I need boundaries and I forget that most times. Tonight is Book Club and the host is holding it at my favorite local restaurant but I couldn't care less because I'm tired. What I really need is a quiet night at home. Enjoy the long weekend.

Zoo Day.

Today was Ivy's Kinder zoo field trip. We had a fun time visiting her favorite animals and spending time with her friends outside the classroom.

But Ivy's favorite activity was riding the flamingo on the carousel. And The Goo too.