January And February

The bees keep their winter cluster intact, except on the occasional sunny days in the 50's and above when the bees can fly. The queen begins to lay eggs, and brood rearing begins in the largest, healthiest hives.
Kentucky often gets a sharp cold spell in January. Cold weather will not hurt the bees if they are ready for it with a good cluster size, plenty of stored honey, and the mites and nosema disease under control. This is not too surprising, since hives are well adapted to overwinter successfully in northern Canada. Temperatures in the hive cluster measure about 80 to 90 degrees on January days.
Your goal should be to have the bees and the equipment ready for making honey by Mid-April. Take a look at the maple trees through the month of February. The maple flowers are a drab, dark red and bees collect yellow pollen from them. This is an indication of the first availability of food for the bees, and that the end of winter is coming. YES! My bees are out today and looking good.

Ancient Sailors Ate This On Voyages To Stay Healthy

Raw, fermented foods are brimming with health promoting probiotics and have been staples of the human diet for thousands of years. One such ancient food is sauerkraut, produced simply by covering cabbage with water and letting it sit for several weeks. Naturally occurring bacteria on the surface of the cabbage leaves thrive in this environment, chemically changing the cabbage and increasing its B vitamin content. Perhaps as importantly, fermented cabbage takes much longer to go bad than fresh cabbage.
Ancient sailors took advantage of this superfood and brought casks of sauerkraut along with them on long voyages to stave off scurvy, the debilitating disease of vitamin C deficiency that was one of the main hazards of the profession. You can get the nutritional and immune boosting benefits of sauerkraut by buying it from the refrigerated section of your grocery store.
At home, being of German decent we always had sauerkraut at least once a week. Mom would have pork chops and sauerkraut. Also spareribs and sauerkraut. I love sauerkraut. I am a kraut at heart!

Happy 8

Landen is 8 years old. He celebrated his birthday at school with a cookie cake. David took pictures. Landen will also be celebrating his big day at Chuck-E-Cheese. To be 8 again. Moments like this is what it is all about. What fun!

Avoid Antibiotics- There Are Alternatives

There are situations when antibiotics are necessary and sometimes life-saving. Severe infections of the nervous system, kidneys, blood, and lungs require antibiotics. But common respiratory and ear infections, for example, do not need antibiotics. Most of these are caused by viruses anyway so antibiotics will have no benefit. And antibiotics can cause significant adverse health effects, including setting the body up for future infections. Antibiotics kill off beneficial bacteria that discourage infections. Antibiotics also have a suppressing effect on the immune system, especially white blood cell productions and the body's own ability to fight infection. In addition, overuse of antibiotics are exposure to antibiotics through the food we eat has lead to bacterial resistance. Then antibiotics are ineffective fighting infections and we have to move to stronger antibiotics with even more side effects.
A much better solution is to use antiviral and antibacterial herbs and supplements to fight infections. So at the first sign of a virus take a Chinese Herbal Yin Chiao formula. Echinacea is sometimes helpful to stimulate white blood cell production as well. These are all available at many health food stores or on the internet.
For any infections take liquid silver, vitamin C, vitamin A, and increase your vitamin D to at least 10,000 IU for infection.
Stock up on these supplements for the winter season. Keep them available and start taking them at the first sign of infection.    

Everyone that knows me, knows that I love birds. So today my friend Elaine and I met for breakfast. Friday is my birthday so she surprised me with a beautiful bird house. I love it! Don't you wish it was yours? I just wonder what bird will set their sights on this delight!

Last night we had our monthly meeting of The Beekeepers Association. The subject was discussed about winterizing your hives. It sometimes happens that bees run low on available honey/syrup during the winter, or even during the spring when demand for stors is highest due to brood rearing. They say you can spray empty combs 2 to 1 syrup into them. Wave it across the surface of the comb. I don't know about this. I am new to all of this bee rearing. I will think about it !



Who Controls Your Mind

As soon as we begin talking about us being spirit soul, the servant of God, A person thinks, "Hold on here, what are you trying to get me into"? Nobody wants to be a servant. Everyone wants to be a master. They want to be glorified. They want the recognition. And if you go out all prettied up and think you are the belle of the ball and everybody pays attention to the other gal and not to you what happens? Enviousness! And it's this enviousness that makes it so a person does not want to hear about her true idenity, because then the only conclusion remaining is that your natural function is to render service to God.

2012

I try to be positive and have a good attitude about most things, but this economy has got me to thinking.We are now living in a year of prophecy that is, if you are attuned to such things. Where I built my Sanctuary in Brazil they have been talking about the Mayan Calendar for 20 years, and this year that calendar ends. For many gold and silver bugs 2012 signals the financial and economic apocalypse.
Plenty of strange things are happening already. The inhabitants of Troms Norway could hardly believe their eyes on the morning of New Year's Eve, a very large amount, an estimated 10 to 20 tons of dead herring washed up on the beach.Certainly no one is happy in China, Mexico, Texas and Argentina where record breaking droughts are cutting into food production. Austria is paralyzed by heavy snowfall for instance. In Alaska residents have turned to the state to help them dig out of massive snow levels that have collapsed roofs, triggered avalanches and even covered doors, trapping some people in their homes.
Almost everyone who follows the world of finance knows that we were saved in early December by the central banks who just simply created half a trillion dollars ( I wish I could do that!) and gave it away to over 500 European banks. At this point, to me at least, the present situation is like gravity. What goes up must come down. The tow of debt, 155 trillion and still going up will crash. When? Who knows, but we better all be ready when it happens.   

I would rather go anywhere than Walmart. The people are unfriendly and tons of them. Their produce section smells, and the people are darn right rude. With that said, listen to this story. When 45 year old Elizabeth Alisha Halfmoon was finally arrested for trying to set up a methamphetamine lab inside a Tulsa, Okla. Walmart store, she told police that she did not have the money to actually buy the chemicals and mix them on her own property. But according to reports, it took roughly six hours before anyone even took notice that Halfmoon had collected the needed ingredients from products throughout the store, and begun to set up her own meth cooking lab right on the premises.
Fox 23 News said that Halfmoon found a cozy little nook inside the store where she began mixing the chemicals in bottles. About six hours later, the police were called in.
If it were not for the very serious and potentially deadly nature of mixing meth chemicals, the situation would almost be humorous. After all, what other store besides Walmart would fail to notice a meth lab being set up right inside its shopping area? Now you see why I despise going to that store!  

Will Ding Dongs, Wonder Bread, and Twinkies disappear? 

Hostess Brands to chapter 11 bankruptcy, again. Just a few years after barely climbing of an earlier bankruptcy filing from 2004, Hostess Brands has announced that it is once again filing for Chapter 11 bankrupcy protection. The Wall Street Journal reports that skyrocketing debt and unsustainable labor costs have driven the company's cost structure to out of control levels, which have made it difficult for Hostess to main tain a competitive business in today's economic environment.
In a worst case scenario, Hostess could be taken over by the government and federalized, as was the case with General Motors. This is not a far fetched idea, as several of the attorneys representing the Teamster union during the bankruptcy filings are reportedly the same ones that worked with the Obama Administration during the GM takeover. I personally don't care if the whole mess goes in the slammer. Junk food is junk food! 

Teenager Bee Keeper On A Mission To Save Bees From Colony Collapse Disorder 

A bright, hyperactive boy named Henry Miller undertook an unusual mission at the age of eleven. The mission was unusual because he was so young and new to country life. His family had moved from urban Los Angeles to a rural spot in Washington State when Henry was ten.
His adopted mission was to contribute to the honey bees survival. He started his own bee keeping and turned it into a family business producing raw honey on their small run down farm outside of Behingham. Washington. Now at 14 years of age, Henry runs a family business producing raw honey. And he contributes part of his profits to the Foundation for the Preservation of Honey Bees. What a Kid! Lets all hear it for Henry! Henry was inspired by a serendiptious and sudden awareness of colony collapse disorder. When he was eleven, he boarded a plane with his mother and a stranger sat beside him. That stranger was a bee farmer, coincedence, I don't think so. Henry was informed of the bees important role of spreading pollen around to maintain agricultural and wild plant life.
The bee farmer explained how a strange phenomenon called colony collapse disorder was causing bees suddenly to disappear in large numbers in several regions around the world. He told Henry that if all the bees disappeared, in seven years there would be serious problems with the entire food chain.
Butterfly poputations had dropped as well. I can tell that in my own backyard. But the bees were affected worse because they return with polluted pollen to their crowded hives. What are claimed to be sub-lethal toxins accumulate over a short time into lethal levels. France was the first to ban Bayer's toxins in 1999 and their bee populations increased. Naturally Bayer disagrees with that assement.
There is a movement toward more sustainable organic small scale bee keeping letting bees breed and grow naturally. And promoting natural immunity for bees is chosen over killing natural enemies with chemicals.
More bee keeper hobbyists have sprung up recently , promoting honey bee survival by raising a few bees in their own backyards and on apartment building roof tops. And of course, there's Henry Miller   

The Value Of Teachers

 I'd like to discuss a subject which is close to my heart. Schools and teachers. I remember when the children were young and in school. Brad and Jennifer had some good teachers, and they had some bad teachers. Eventually I would have a conference with them and try to solve the situation. I received answers like our personalities don't mix. Come on! Get real! The teacher is in the classroom to teach and teach is what he or she should do. Teachers are very important to society and I think teachers should be able to teach.Our faltering education system may be the most important long term threat to America's economy and national well being, so it's frustrating to me why all these work sheets are used, and studying  to pass these tests at the end of the year. 
Conversely, a very poor teacher has the same effect as a pupil missing 40 percent of the school year. Now you wonder why our children are graduating not knowing how to read.
A great teacher is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to each year's students, just in the extra income they will earn.

I'm still in soup-making mode. It's the perfect winter food, both warming and comforting, and offering a nice change from all the sweet and heavy food of the holiday season. If your not a fan of watery soups then try a thick vegetable filled soup that's nurishing, comforting and delicious.
Speaking of food. A few things you might want to take off your foodlist are hot dogs. The casings are made from homogenized cow hides that are dissolved, then extruded into the shape of a tube gelatin, used in Jell-o.
Citrus -flavored sodas are made with a toxic flame retardant thats ban in over 100 countries, but not the USA. Are you surprised? Not me. I could go on and on, but your job is to look at the ingredients on the back of the can or package. I know I have been on food and exercise for a while bloggers, but lets face it, what you put in this body is important, and how you treat it is crucial.    

Fitting People With Books Is About As Difficult As Fitting Them With Shoes 

I met the nicest man at the gym and he is a writer of ghost stories. Well that is right up my alley.A good ghost story can make your hair stand on end, your palms sweat, and your heart race. Kentucky has a time honored history of storytelling, dating back to a period when the oral tradition was strong. I can remember as a child my  great grandmother used to tell us ghost stories. Our parents would get so upset with great grandma. Us kids loved it. My family was into reading fortune cards too, until the priest said no more of that. My Aunt Beulah used to always tell my fortune when we got together. It was just one of those family traditions. Well, my friend William Lynwood Montell, has collected more than 250 entertaining and diverse tales, reported as true accounts by people living in counties across the commonwealth. I bought his book.  
The story I am interested in is at the Gates of Hell Cemetery also know as Witches Graveyard. It contains the graves of unknown people from the eighteenth and nineteenth centeries.It is located in Elizabethtown about an hour and a half from here. The history here goes back to the olden days, say around the time of witch trials. There is a gravel road that ends at the gravesite. There is a tree that has hugh limbs that people were hung from, and when pictures are taken you will see people hanging off the tree. Yikes! Also, it is said there are unexplained noises and sightings. David has promised to take me to this cemetery. I am so excited about it. Will let you know the outcome.
 

It's That Time Of Year When A Cold Can Strike

If you feel yourself coming down with a cold or flu, this is NOT the time to be eating ANY sugar, artificial sweeteners or processed foods. Make sure you are drinking plenty of fresh, pure water. Garlic is a potent antimicrobial that kills bacteria. I eat a clove a day. I raise garlic, so I have an ample supply. Raw, organic eggs, preferably local chickens. By the way, I will be ordering my chicks the end of this month. Locally grown fruits and vegetables, and grass fed beef. Last but not least make sure you are getting high-quality sleep, and plenty of it. I forgot to mention Chicken Soup. A natural remedy for a Sore Throat, Fever. Have chicken soup and you will be feeling better. I remember David and I having the flu one winter when the kids were small. It was just horrible. The baby was on our bed and it took two of us to change her diaper. David's mother that day brought over some steaming hot chicken soup. Moms have been feeding us steamy bowls of this simple homemade remedy for years and years and, while most could not confirm definitively why or whether it was what made us feel better, but I think the majority would agree it played a role even if only for some heartwarming comfort. If you are feeling like a super nice friend, make it for a pal who is feeling a little under the weather. They will love you for it!

"Zombie" Fly Parasite Killing Honeybees



My son sent me this information and I thought I would pass it onto you bee lovers. If it isn't one thing it's another that our bees have to withstand. A heap of dead bees was supposed to become food for a newly captured praying mantis. Instead, the pile ended up revealing a previously unrecognized suspect in colony collapse disorder a mysterious condition that for several years has been causing declines in U.S. honeybee populations, which are needed to pollinate many important crops. This new potential culprit is a bizarre and potentially devastating parasite fly that has been taking over the bodies of honeybees in Northern California.
The parasite fly lays eggs in a bee's abdomen. Several days later, the parasitized bee bumbles out of the hive often at night on a solo mission to nowhere. These bees often fly toward light and wind up unable to control their own bodies. After a bee dies, as many as 13 fly larvae crawl out from the bee's neck. Yikes!   
The research team plans to track bees with radio tags and video cameras to see whether willingly or getting kicked out in the middle of the night and where the flies are finding eggs. But it's still a bit of a black hole in terms of where it's actually happening. Will keep you updated when I find out more.
God Bless our bees! 

Faith Says Thank You

No matter what is going on in life, you can find a reason to thank God. Each breathe we take, God gives us. What you dwell on is what you will draw into your life. You can either focus on your problems, or you can focus on your blessings. The question is: do you want more problems, or do you want more blessings? One thing I have noticed is that when you live with an attitude of constant gratitude, not only do you thank God for what He's done in your life, you start thanking Him for what He will do in your life. You thank Him for opening doors for you. You thank Him for bringing the right people into your life. When you say "thank you" to God for the things that are coming, its really a declaration of your faith in Him. You are saying in essence, " God, I am so sure of Your goodness, I am so sure you are working in my life I am going to thank You right now for what You are going to do tomorrow. That's the kind of faith that pleases God. When we trust in His goodness and believe that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him, that pleases Him. So today have an attitude of gratitude. Let your faith say thank you.      

Eating Healthy On A Budget

Food is our primary medicine and it can boost our immunity, increase our energy, and help support our moods. Exercise can do wonders to boost your energy levels, as well, and if you take a walk or run outdoors, you will be getting in that extra sunlight you need. I prefer to work out at the gym. I start on the treadmill and go down my list. I spend 4 days a week and approximately 3 to 4 hours a day at the gym. Back to food, if you think you cannot spend the money for quality, organic foods, add up all your eating out expenses and snack expenditures. Processed foods have unhealthy additives that make you eat more. That can add up to an expensive addiction. Grains and legumes from bulk bins are healthy and cheap. Produce is the trickiest for budgeting when it comes to fresh organic produce. It requires serious shopping. I can most of our fruit. I freeze the blueberries and strawberries for smoothies. I rarely have breads, but when I do I load them with dried fruit like raisins and cherries and oat bran. One more thing taking the time to meet with friends, family face to face is so important to our sense of connection with the outdoor world. Sunday worship, weekly dates to meet a friend and those regular date nights are so necessary. Social media, emails, and phone calls will never replace the need to meet with others face to face. As a matter of fact if you want my opinion our social skills are declining. Such a shame. Think about it. You know I am right!

   

News Alert!

While drinking Mountain Dew, have you ever seen or perhaps felt on your tongue a thick, jelly like substance? Maybe you assumed the ingredients of the soda had gelled. According to Mountain Dew manufacturer Pepsi, you may have been ingesting some extra protein with your beverage in the form of liquified rodent. That is precisely why I only drink water and life waters. An Illinois man is suing Pepsi, claiming he found a mouse in his can of Mountain Dew. Let's hope that anyone who thinks drinking Mountain Dew is a relatively harmless dietary indulgence hears about this case and thinks twice before swigging some of the bright green beverage. If a mouse can become jelly over the course of the shelf life of a can of soda, just imagine what it can do to you body, especially if you drink this substance regularly over the course of several years.  

Why Do Farmers Burn Their Gardens And Me Too?

Today is a perfect day to burn my garden. Temperatures are in the 50's and not a stir in the air. Fire is a tool for the production and cultivation of certain crops. It is used to minimize pests and weeds. To remove residue on the ground, and to prepare your crops for the coming spring. Burning is great for your garden. I think this year I am going to cover my garden in newspaper. It is a great fertilizer and also prevents weeds and grass from taking over.

Look What I Found!

I ordered a poultry book filled with all kinds of good stuff. Murray McMurray Hatchery has been around for a while, and has a good reputation. I have always ordered Rhode Island Reds, but decided to go for the Dominiques. This breed goes back to the early days in New England. Their eggs are brown with black and white barred plumage. In their catalog I saw this handcrafted portable coop. David wouldn't have to do a thing, but put the pieces together, or maybe I could. I don't know about that. Anyway I am really excited. I forgot to tell you, David said yes. It's a miracle. The problem is; this coop only holds 4 chickens comfortably. You have to order 25 chicks from the hatchery. I have a situation here. Would anyone be interested in buying some chicks? You would have fresh eggs every day and meat that is sooo good. If you are interested please e-mail me at david.susan@insightbb.com       

Are you a NO chemical, No feeding, and No interference beekeeper? I am! If they can live in the wild and survive, why can't they live in my backyard. Your assignment this month, should you choose to accept it, is to go through one or two beekeeping magazines and note how many kinds of bees there are for sale. There are 20 species. I have Italians, which I am pleased with so far.
My goals are helping our bees make it through the winter. How? By having a queen-right colony.
Having a strong colony population.
Having a sufficient food stores.
Having healthy bees.  
My bees were out today and looking good. YES!

http://youtu.be/9755v261uhQ

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By Lockerz

Alfredo Florentine Lasagna

1 container(15oz.) ricotta cheese
1 egg
1 pkg(10oz.) leaf spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 jar of Alfredo sauce
12 lasagna noodles cooked and drained 
1 lb. mozzarella cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine first 5 ingredients in medium bowl; set aside. Spread 1/4 cup sauce in baking dish. Layer on noodles and 1/2 of the ricotta mixture, 1/4 cup sauce and 1/3 of the cheese; repeat layers, ending with noodles. Top with remaining sauce.

Cover with aluminum foil and bake 40 minutes. Top with remaining cheese. Bake an additional 10 minutes. Makes 8 servings. This dish is a great alternative to a meat lasagna.