Tuesday, August 30, 2016

Bees and Honey

Preparing to gather the honey frames... 

At this time, two hives had already been
visited with two left. 

The beekeepers are all dressed in white
coveralls with head gear and gloves.




A spray called "honey bandit" was sprayed 
on a cover which is suppose to push the
bees down (out of the way).

The beekeepers also used smoke which is
an attempt to calm the bees.


As the bees make honey, another box is added
full of frames.  So some of the hives have
several boxes.

Now to collect that honey.


A frame is removed, the clinging bees are
brushed off and the frames are put into
another box for transport



This is just a small portion of the honey
filled frames... I believe they said there 
were 84 frames.



I hope I have all this "bee language" correct.  They
build their honeycomb, the honey then fills it and
when the frame is full the bees put a wax cap on it.

It really isn't that easy - google bees and honey
for more info  :)

The wax cap is then removed... with a heated knife.



The frames are then put into an extractor
and the honey is spun out.




Then here comes the honey....



The honey is ran through two strainers
and then bottled....

It is so tasty!



Sunday, August 28, 2016

A Little Brewery

During a visit to the little town, Montevideo, 
we found a new brewery.

Talking Waters Brewing Co.
click here for more




We did get in on a tour (by the middle school
teacher himself).  

This time we tried a flat of four different beers ~
next time we visit we will see what is new.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Turning "1"

Yesterday grandson #1 turned 1 year old, 
today we celebrated it was a 
Barnyard Bash



It is tough turning one ~ our guest of
honor just before the party started not
feeling well.  He needed some rest time.


The Birthday Barn cake was so cute ~ it
is tough being one when sweets just
didn't taste good.



....but he tried.

Happy 1st Birthday ~ now onto
working towards being 2!

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Tomato or Tamata!

The tomatoes are ready -the tomatoes are
ready to be picked! 

We picked what medium to large tomatoes 
there were and made two packets of
freezer salsa (we like it and it is so easy).




One more batch - going to try the freezer
chili base.  I have been using the Mrs. Wages -
it is pretty tasty.

I also picked just a few little tamatoes
for my salads.




Salsa and Chili Base



And we had a little bit of Grandpa's corn to 
freeze (we ate most of it fresh) it is so
sweet and delicious (a good reminder to
appreciate the fresh garden items).







Tomato or Tamata!

The tomatoes are ready -the tomatoes are
ready to be picked! 

We picked what medium to large tomatoes 
there were and made two packets of
freezer salsa (we like it and it is so easy).




One more batch - going to try the freezer
chili base.  I have been using the Mrs. Wages -
it is pretty tasty.

I also picked just a few little tamatoes
for my salads.




Salsa and Chili Base



And we had a little bit of Grandpa's corn to 
freeze (we ate most of it fresh) it is so
sweet and delicious (a good reminder to
appreciate the fresh garden items).







Monday, August 15, 2016

A Humming Party

Since last week the hummingbirds have been
crazy....  way more than the usual 3-4 hanging
out at the birdfeeders.

In fact, I am filling both feeders every day.




Hope they are just stocking up... and that
it isn't a sign that the weather is
getting cold fast.

We are still enjoying our summertime
weather ~ warm days and cool evenings
have started.  We still have way too
many mosquitoes.

Thursday, August 11, 2016

August 2016

Wow it seems like we get rain every
day if not every other day!   Our grass is
still very green and we are still mowing
quite often.

(all a bit unusual for August)



in three days we will be half way through
the month of August and that means here
that summer is winding down.

Our niece, in Louisiana, started school this
week.... the local kids here in Minnesota will
start right after Labor Day.


the mushrooms are growing ~ I don't know
which ones are safe to eat (I don't mind
a bit of mushroom thrown on my salads).



The woods are turning their late green
colors - next will be the fall colors. 

The woods and everywhere else outside
is also full of mosquitoes - they have been
absolutely terrible!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

We Celebrated July 4th

We have a tradition for 4th of July ~ usually
consisting of a parade, some down time at
the beach (in our spots for the late show) 
and then late evening fireworks.




It was grandsons first 4th of July ~ here he is
hanging out with Grandpa ~ the parade
kept his attention and then....

who did we see



waving, waving..... he saw



he saw his other grandpa in the parade ~ grandpa
has a restaurant and has great pizza! 



This is our parade group...


Then off to the beach (our spot by the lake by the
old beach house)... we spend some time visiting..


playing (meeting new friends) and seeing
old neighbors... 

Until dark when the fireworks start...



This year our weather turned risky just before
fireworks would start ~ a storm came through.
We waited and waited, some people left or 
went to wait in their vehicles.... we waited

Some folks came back not wanting to miss
a good show.  We waited... then they started

and they were the best we have seen
by our little town...

Sunday, August 7, 2016

June - Father's Day

 We made it to a Minnesota Twins Game - at the Target
Field.  A first for Steve, I and Dad. 

It was a Father's Day surprise for my hubby - 
by the kids.

My Dad, great grandpa, ended up coming also
when our daughter's husband couldn't make it.


The weather was perfect and was probably
the "hottest" day thus far of the summer (at 
least for us northerners)


Our traveling, parking, etc was surprisingly
quite easy.


Waiting on the game.


Spending the day with Dad ~ he and Thomas
hit it off.


Our first Minnesota Twin's Game.


Our group sweating it out watching the game ~ 
some of us had to find relief in the fans up 
at the concessions.



Our group ~ what a fun day!




The little baseball watcher was happy
to see his daddy when we got home. 

What a day - the plans changed when our
son-in-law couldn't go... it ended up being 
so very hot...  but it all went well. 

A good time getting us all together.

And the Twins beat the Yankees  7 - 4 which
made it even better yet!