May already half over!

Can't believe it is already May 15th.  Where does the time go? 

The routine has started with the bees.  We have to suit up on Wednesdays after work and one day on the weekend to check the hive and give them more syrup.  A little more work than we thought; but already see the honey and honey combs.  We started building the new hive which will give them more room to make honey and separate the queen and brooders from the workers.  Getting to very interesting.  Now if the just will pollinate the pomegranate fruit tree!  That's what they were brought here to do!   Time will tell.

Ben getting the smoker 'smokin'!

The garden war against bermuda is well under way.   Ben has burned and burned and burned.  He started tilling deep and we still see bermuda grass in places.  So another added chore is to walk the garden "daily" and we hand pick and dig out any green we see.  It will be a small garden this year with hopes this fall can be planted fully.  I have been able to get all my herbs in, picking strawberries, and making peppermint and wintergreen mint tea.  The tomatoes are small but promising to be good. 

In all fairness to Ben, I promised to tell on myself. I purchased one of the As Seen On  TV Pocket Hoses, that retract automatically and do not kink.  Well it worked GREAT until last weekend - (5/11).  Yes I got ahold of the burning torch and got too close... NO I didn't hit it directly - just was in the vacinity.  But it exploded.   There - it's all out in the open - now both of us have to be supervised while burning.

As Seen On TV - Pocket Hose Blow Out

Our newest cat, Miss Crosby, (Ben's dad's cat) is getting adjusted to the routine and shows up always at the right time for breakfast and dinner.  I can now pet her without a hiss, scratch or her running away.  The other cats can get close, but still all keep a distance.

Crosby getting more comfortable at her new home

Chickens have been trying to brood; but we decided not to allow it this year; since we have the new 8.  They are just about ready to be co-mingled with the rest of the flock and not worry that the cats will get them.  If you want Eggs, I've got them.  We get between 18 - 24 a day...  I've learned you can scramble them (keeping them raw) and freeze them in ice trays.  About 3 egg cubes = 2 eggs scrambled.  Not idea; but a way to store them for baking and scrambled egg recipes.

Now the fun stuff!  Watching the young kids (goats)!  There are 12 running, bouncing and playing around here.  It is adorable how they just POP off the ground.  When separated from their mom; I can hear the cries in the distance.  Wait patiently for mom to respond - and she does.  Music to the ears!.  I can sit and watch them for hours.  I want to start milking the moms and try my hand at cheese making, soap making or something fun. 

Well it's time to get to the jobs -- Happy Wednesday 1/2 way thru May day -- Friends!