Faded Photograph

We've recently come across a couple of old photograph albums filled with memories of farm life in the 1940s and 1950s here on Crandall Hill.
This photo is of Arthur Metzger Sr. (on the right) and his father, J. Walter Metzger. They're tending to bees in the back yard, circa late 1940s. It's not surprising that there are still remnants of that beekeeping endeavor put into service in the 2018 version of beekeeping on the farm.
I  blogged about our honey bee adventure in 2017. In October last year, our Washington grandchildren enjoyed helping their Grandpa harvest honey.

Rowan was excited to use the smoker

Straight from the hive

Tasting is the best part!

Buzzing Of Bees

Every orchard needs bees. That's a fact that did not escape our Emporium friend Bob Stampee who showed up at our orchard gate a couple of years ago with a hive of honey bees.
Bob has been supporting our foray into beekeeping ever since, encouraging membership in the Beekeepers' Association, providing equipment, resources and his vast store of expertise.
The original beehive made it through the worst of the winter this year and on the unseasonably warm February days, bees were coming out to warm themselves in the sunshine. Fast forward to the fickle mont of March when a ferocious windstorm in March dislodged the top of their hive, something that wasn't noticed until some time had passed and alas, we lost the bees.
Upon hearing that sad news, Bob set out to find us more bees and last week, he showed up with this in the back of his van.

With Arthur and Laura's assistance, the bees were unloaded and established in their new home. We are looking forward to a long and happy relationship.