Clustering in a Winter Wonderland

Bees were active on January 14th with temperatures in the 50's. Happy and surprised they survived  the subzero temperatures which reached below -10 degrees F. They are amazing!

The "girls" are clustering in a winter wonderland now and even though the temperatures may be freezing outside, the center of the winter cluster is a constant 92 degrees F. The bees generate heat by “shivering” their wings. Bees will consume about 50 to 60 lbs. of honey in the hive during the winter months.

Hoping they have made enough honey for the winter. I have been giving them a pollen patty when weather permits. Yes, they have kicked out the drones that would consume too much honey and are attending the Queen.

Vintage McCoy Vase

I am almost positive this is a McCoy vase. It belonged to my aunt and was given to me by her daughter. This vase has all the bells and whistles for a McCoy vase and is perfect for holding flowers or Christmas greenery.

The color of this vintage  vase is matte off white with flowers and leaves and two handles on the side. It's Lovely and the base is marked USA. The vase measures approximately 7 inches by 7 inches handle to handle.

Getting Ready to Close for the Winter!

Participated in a hands on field day at Beech Mountain Beekeeping on Saturday, August 17. During the class participants learned how to apply pesticides for mites, treatments for nosema, feeding and food supplements for winterizing bees.  

Getting ready to apply Apiguard, a natural non-toxic treatment, used to control varroa mites in honeybee colonies. 

Installed a mouse guard to prevent mice from entering the hive. The girls are busy on this autumn day bring in pollen from the goldenrod.

Added a weatherproof hive wrap to help protect the bees from the fall and winter elements.

The Flying Dutchman

I loved seeing Wagner's The Flying Dutchman presented by the Piedmont Opera. The Flying Dutchman (Der Fliegende Holländer)  which premiered in Dresden in 1843 is an opera in three acts with music and libretto by Richard Wagner. The running time is about 3 hours with two intermissions. It is sung in German with English translations projected above the stage.

The staging was impressive and even the imagery with the  three large projection screens drew numerous "wows!" from those in the audience, The music in this production, both vocal and instrumental, really delivered as shown in the video. 

"Conched Out In The Keys" Trip

Wednesday, October  9^th

 6pm-11pm  Cuban Luau @ Smokin’Tuna With Coastline and Dan E Lockemy

11pm-Until… After Party at Ricks with Ray Scott

Thursday, October 10^th 

12noon-4pm YourBeachMusic.com Pool Party w/Ray Scott 

7pm-11pm King Tyrone “Under the Stars” with /Dan E. Lockemy

Friday, October 11^th

12n-4pm YourBeachMusic.com Pool Party with Ray and Coastline

5pm-8pm Sunset Cruise

8pm-Until… Duval Bar Crawl with Everybody!

Saturday, October 12^th

7pm-9pm “Coastline Karaoke” at the Reach Ballroom

9pm-11pm Farewell Gazebo Party (featuring Coastline Acoustic)

Sunday, October 13^th 

7am-10am “Bye Bye Breakfast” (Hugs and Kisses w/ Everybody!)