Get a grip woman!

Suffolk_lass

We attempted a bit of bee-wrangling yesterday - the secret quarantine colony in the garden have started to draw comb in the brood box above that is full of pristine new comb, so we topped up the syrup feeder and left them to it.

By then pup was getting himself in a right state so I stayed with him while DH went over to the Farm and checked them. Both had consumed all the fondant we had left them so he replaced that with fresh, but also checked the under super (put there for warmth) on one, - no brood in there but lots of pollen coming in so there is a laying queen. Rather than fiddle too much he swapped the boxes and put in a Queen Excluder, so they can store nectar if they need to, freeing up room for her to lay.

The second hive over there has been hot but wasn't yesterday. He managed to check the super that was on top (because we could not remove it in autumn as they were so hot) and there was no brood, so he added a Queen excluder below it, replaced it and popped fondant back on. So both colonies have room to build up and they have food if the weather gets too cold or wet for them to get out. 

Last two need checking today to make sure they have what they need. They will be more tricky because their gardener (who knows diddly squat about bees) has frightened them with stories of bees where his friend gardens so they now want us to move them. They don't realise it isn't like moving garden furniture! Especially now they are out and foraging.

Suffolk_lass

More bee wrangling to do today as it did not happen three days ago. Puppies are little tie stealers.

On money matters I've been looking at my grocery spends to date as we are 3 months in to the year and have spent £995.72 (albeit including half a lamb (£80)) and I am being meticulous about recording all stores, direct debits and subscriptions. It has certainly dented my smugness re groceries. I suspect a large part of the £245.72 overspend (based on an average £250 a month against a £3000 annual budget) is better and more accurate recording but I also notice butter is £1.65 instead of £1.45 for the basic stuff in Morries - so somewhere between the devil and the deep blue sea. Nightmare. 

We are away on holidays from Easter until after the first May B/Hol so April needs to be really frugal

themadvix

Are puppies tie stealers or time stealers?! The first conjures up some great images! 😊

Yes, small increases everywhere seems to be the case with prices at the moment (except fuel obviously!).

I’ve seen my credit card statements for this month and between them and being away for much of May, April definitely needs to be frugal here, so will join you with that.

Humdinger1

Nearly caught up on your fabulous diary @Suffolk_lass; only 9 pages to go! I must say you set a rabbit running when you mentioned banjos. I had visions of experts, scenario planning to the melancholy plucking of strings; a sort of Woody Guthrie r&b with household jobs for lyrics. Subject and genre would be quite well matched from my experience.  Am simply loving the style of your diary, the ethical and day to day discussions.   So glad you've got the all clear on your health.  Love Humdinger xx 

Humdinger1

Suffolk_lass said:

You do know you are completely bonkers starting at the beginning of my ramblings @Humdinger1!

@Suffolk_lass

It has been said before, and more than once! I love immersing myself though.  All caught up and have subscribed! 

Suffolk_lass

Haha, tie stealers. More like slippers than ties.

Welcome to the small gang of readers and posters @Humdinger1

I've been to Argos in one of the big towns to collect two stair gates to use with pup. It's ten miles each way. Imagine how happy I was when they said there was only one. I explained I had had two notifications with the same number and the assistant checked the numbers either side and found the second one was there after all. So pleased. Not so much of a bargain if you add the fuel. Good customer service too. Very happy.

Just checked when I said I wanted my shallots and I said from March. Fingers crossed they get here before we go away as I want to get them in the ground. DH weeding that bed while I was in the big town.

In sad news my neighbour has died. Her husband came round to tell us. He has a fading memory and she has been managing him and that for the last two years with her own medical conditions. She was diabetic and had proteinuria (kidneys had stopped absorbing protein). Apparently it is common in long-term diabetes. I knew her blood pressure was raised as a mobility related surgery was postponed. I feel very sad for him. He is not going to be able to stay there on his own. They have children and I think the youngest wants him to go there. I will need to permanently reduce my egg order as I have been taking six to them since the start of the pandemic.

beanielou

So sad 

greent

Sorry to hear about your neighbour - both the death and that the husband won't be able to manage by himself.🙁

Karmacat

I'm sorry to hear your news, SL, that's difficult for the whole family.

Humdinger1

So sorry to hear this  @Suffolk_lass.  I'm sure you'll be making a huge difference.  Love Humdinger x