Garlic and Archery

We spent a few hours at the land this morning. What was accomplished:
Another timber was cut down for the finishing beams on our 'shelter'.
We made some adjustments to our tree swing, it's less of a 3 person size & more individual now...still a little wonky in it's swing style--to think we thought the tree swing would be a simple project!
We attempted to till some of the field to plant some cover crops--not much success on that front. We're going to need a bigger tiller.

We're pretty certain the guineas have relocated permanently. Not sure where to, but we prefer the relocation idea to other possibilities...
We target shot a few arrows (thanks to a family of boys we know)

Meanwhile, back at our urban homestead, we have harvested a large amount of Garlic. We have several braids, each with about 6 heads, of fresh & DELICIOUS garlic. If you're interested in purchasing a braid we'll meet you at the Wed. curb market in Downtown Greensboro, or elsewhere. $5/braid. (dirt included ;) )

found this great blog when 'studying up' on garlic braiding.

Liquid Gold

Well our first honey harvest for the season is in. So far we have honey from one hive but there are hopes of more we will just have to see how to bees do this summer. Its going quick so if you want to order some let us know.

The honey is in each of these "rows" each one is called a frame, the entire box of ten frames is called a super.

This is what the honey frames look like when you take them out. The white covering over the honey cells is called cappings. We cut that off so we can get the honey to come out.

See the honey with the cappings off of it?

Naomi teaching Leviah just what to do. It didn't take her long to get it once she tasted it.

Some cappings cut off, we just use a bread knife to cut them off, some day we will get a nice heated knife to do it.

Now we put two frames in the extractor and spin them for a few minutes per side. this makes the honey shoot out onto the sides and then we let it out a spout at the bottom. the best part is the spinning makes a breeze of honey air.

Here is the final harvest.

Not so still in the night.

The bees have officially found a spot on the land. The mighty stand assembled last Sunday has been put to good use. Last night Lane & Drew, after dark (in hopes of keeping all the field bees who would be snug in bed for the night), toted all seven of their combined hives to their new & hopefully permanent & comfortable home. Apparently, however, they were not docile. In fact, they were quite riled up & stung Drew & Lane numerous times through their bee suits! So, if you were wondering when bees sleep--they don't. Apparently they stay buzz-y into the wee hours! ;)

Since Drew didn't get to see them in the dark & because the first part of our 'drive way' was installed this morning & because we needed milk from a conveniently located dairy, we took a drive out. We forgot the camera so all we have to document are these not so great shots from what appears to be the worst cell-phone camera ever. Major thumbs down on that one Droid...

But, both the driveway & the bees really help pull things together, like a physical signature on the property--we're there to stay!

We keep discovering great things, plant life, etc. One of which is a plethora of blackberries. One variety is ripening right now & we've enjoyed munching on them when we take a second to find them. This weekend should prove a fruitful harvest, should you want a bowl for yourselves. (earlier=better as the heat is imminent for the weekend).