Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: riverbee on January 13, 2014, 07:44:33 pm

Title: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 13, 2014, 07:44:33 pm
riverbee's journey?

i am an allergic beekeeper having developed a bee venom allergy in the summer of 2012, and as it turns out, after the testing in october of 2012, i am allergic to all stinging insects; honeybee, yellow jacket, wasp, and hornets, and have been undergoing venom immunotherapy injections for all of these stinging insects since january 24, 2013 of last year, one year coming up.  3 injections per week and am now on monthly injections.  the monthly injections, (3) consist of venom equivalent to one sting of each of the following; honey bee, wasp, and mixed vespid (hornets and yellow jackets).

in the spring of 2012, i developed larger than 'normal' reactions from honey bee stings not normal to what i had been accustomed to.  these reactions increased in severity.  as the season progressed into july of 2012, i wound up in emergency rooms after july  into august 2012 on 3 separate occasions being treated for anaphylaxis.  the last one was pretty scary for myself and my family.  i still remember it, the fear, struggling to breathe, my life really essentially passed before me.

as beekeepers we really never think of suffering from abnormal reactions, or anaphylaxis, i never really did, and wasn't prepared for it.  i was fortunate, i had early warning signs and ignored them. sometimes there is no warning, one sting is all it takes and within 20 minutes your life changes. one sting changes everything.  for me it did. i have taken many stings, so why now, or why me?  i can't answer this.  no one can, lots of theories, our immune systems are so complex.

in the fall of 2012 i went through the testing process for stinging insect allergy twice.  after the testing, it took a month to order all of the required venom before i could start receiving injections. my immunologist  doc  informed me that  i could not work bees for at least 2 years and up to 5 years depending on my progress with the injections, to once again develop immunity to stings, and to protect myself from an anapyhlactic reaction. i might be in the category of a 'lifer';  continuing to receive injections on a monthly or 6 week basis for the rest of my life.

so i came to a 'crossroad' in my life, a choice of whether to continue to keep bees or not.  whether i make that choice now or sometime in the future, one choice was clear, that i needed to take venom immunotherapy injections for all the other circumstances arising by coming across a stinging insect, but could i or can i give up honey bees? i still struggle with that.  i have a great passion for honey bees, how can i give this up?  only time will tell, and that is the journey i am on. 

since late summer of  2012, i have not worked my bees, but did capture a swarm in full gear at about 100 degrees and high humidity last august.    i carry two epi-pens, an emergency dose of steroid, and liquid benadryl.  the winter months give me a reprieve on this. my epi pens have seen a fair amount of adventure and travel; learning to carry them, 'where's the pen",  losing them, leaving them behind,  being run over and near smashed, floating down a river, and actually having them stolen one time and returned..... :D

i still have the majority of my hives, and they have literally gone almost untouched.  a great degree of frustration of crash training a spouse in the fine art of keeping honey bees who is now very addicted to them, and catching swarms. 
 
my injections have been a long journey; weekly visits that were often times frustrating,  stressful,  and with a number of setbacks. i have suffered a great deal of abnormal reactions, (still do) adjustments to my injection schedule, a preparation of the needles to minimize the large reactions and  taking benadryl before and after the injections.  my doc and shot docs have been  entertained/educated in the process.  i found a way to teach  about honey bees.....from painting smiley faces on my arms (where i receive the injections), to wearing all sorts of bee hats, antennae,  bringing  pictures,  queen cages, package cages, honey, and comb honey and frames of capped honey with me.  wearing bee antennae in a clinic waiting room full of allergic patients gets a lot of looks, laughs, and questions, especially from children.

i still suffer from large reactions to the honey bee injection; probably always will, and my doc says, once back into the bees, i will most likely always suffer from large local reactions, and will most likely have to wear full gear.  i can deal with that. 

will i be ready to work bees this spring?  right now this is an unknown for me, my doc says lets talk about it come february or march and i think, another round of testing.  my doc says venom immunotherapy is successful. and i might add, encouragement of others has made this journey less stressful, and me a less impatient beekeeper as time passes with the injections.

i have never spoken of this or shared this.  the summer of 2012 was a very hard summer for me besides developing the allergy.  i hope never to see another emergency room, dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, or an orthopedic surgeon again, well, at least not all in  the span of a few months. the allergy was enough in and of itself.....so some history...... :laugh:

in 2010, i had to have a root canal re-done through a 3 crown bridge on an anchoring crown of a tooth of the seated bridge, leaving the bridge in place but cleaning out of the original root canal, as i said through the crown of the bridge. just wait......don't forget this...... :D

in the spring of 2011, i suffered a stress fracture to my r hip socket and completely tore the hip flexor muscle, so spent most of the fall and winter, 2011/2012  on crutches.  working bees in crutches is not on a bucket list and neither is fishing on a pair of crutches....don't forget this....
in the spring and summer 0f 2012, the fracture was not healing properly. i thought i might have to have surgery on this.

fast forward to 2012:
in june 2012 i lost a very good long time friend to ovarian cancer, she was only 48.  her husband is still lost without her.  can't imagine.

in july of 2012,  i developed a toothache under the 3 crown bridge. in short, a trip to the dentist, a trip to the orthodontist to look at the re-done root canal, back to the dentist, off to an oral surgeon, who sent me back to the dentist to cut the bridge off and then back to the oral surgeon who extracted the tooth. lots of mystery tools these folks have. LOL.  i chose to be put under.  needless to say i went to sleep without realizing it talking bees, and when i woke up apparently i was describing how drones mate with queen bees.   :D

in late july 2012, off to montana.  the night before we left, i checked the bees. i was stung.  i didn't feel good, by very early morning to get on the road, hives.  by noon i was covered in hives.  in miles city, montana i was treated with massive injections of steroid, an antihistamine, and a steroid prescription.

two days later, SOMEONE left a window open next to a doorway that shouldn't be there,  where underneath sat a cooler of cold ones.  after a long day of fishing, i grabbed a couple cold ones, and whack, hit my noggin on that window.  didn't feel so good. about knocked myself silly. red stuff trickled down my face.  off to the emergency room in livingston, montana.

two days after that....are you all still with me?   :D .....i slipped going up the bank of a river, and fell  on my right knee on a rock and jammed that right hip. and  dinged a new fly reel.  it was a long haul back to the truck.  stubborn as i can be sometimes, wasn't going back to an emergency room.

 3 days later in an emergency room in kalispell, montana, i was treated for that fall.  i was in excruciating pain.  i thought i had either re-fractured the socket or tore the muscle again.  so pain killers and a pair of crutches until i could get back home to the orthopede.  the crutches; alot of mileage, from my dad, to me, and now to my brother. so my fishing/family vacation was spent in e/rs, on steroids, painkillers, benadryl and crutches.......btw, you can fish on crutches with drugs.....hard to run after grandchildren  though....... :D

august/september/october 2012, two more e/r visits for anaphylaxis and then the tests for the allergy.  and ps, never want to be on steroids again, the withdrawal from these are incredible.

i don't lead a dull life, but does settle down from time to time.... :D

so....up to date...i hope with this new thread to keep everyone updated on my progress, and also answer any questions, or help educate others on reactions to stings, or the entire process; testing, venom immunotherapy injections, epi pens, etc  i have learned a great deal of information since my allergy started and wish to share what i know with others from my own experience, and maybe a few funny stories along the way. 

last but not least, i can't express enough of a thank you to all who have encouraged me through 'my journey'.  i have never 'met' any of you but think and feel as if i have.  many of you have given me a great deal of encouragement when i needed it the most.  thank you.  sorry for the long winded post!

what a great start for me to a great new year, one year of injections behind me.....old friends, new friends and a great new forum!!!
how cool is that!!!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Perry on January 13, 2014, 07:57:01 pm
"How cool is that?"

Pretty darn!  ;)
Glad to have met you, come to know you, and call you friend!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Walt B on January 13, 2014, 08:06:33 pm
Heck of a journey. They make em tough up north...that's why I moved south!  :D Hope you continue to do well.

Walt
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on January 13, 2014, 09:32:31 pm
I remember from an old TV show, HeeHaw, the quote, "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  That pretty much describes riverbee's last couple of years.

Her good luck is finding so many friends of this and the old forum.  Our good fortune is having her expertise, humor, and literary skills available to us.

I think I speak for everyone when I express our gratitude to you riverbee.  "Stay the course."

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on January 13, 2014, 09:36:44 pm
Holy Schmoly Guacamole! I'm.. just.. speechless
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on January 13, 2014, 09:50:27 pm
Jen, now you know why she's our queen of the forum.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on January 13, 2014, 10:32:56 pm
I am exceedingly Pleased to meet you Mrs River..  Knowing theres someone else in this world that has luck like mine, makes me feel less alone when my wife laughs hysterically at the blood running down my face, arm, chest or leg.....
   Tough old Bird is an understatement. To maintain the sense of humor and upbeat attitude that I have witnessed after all you have been through gives me strength. The next time life starts beating me up, rest assured I will think of you and be better for it.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: apisbees on January 13, 2014, 11:49:42 pm
Thanks for starting your anaphylactic shock story over here River It is a story worth sharing. Looking forward to the continued updates and wish you the best, and that in the end it allows you to continue to pursue your passion of beekeeping.
Best of luck.
Keith
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Marbees on January 14, 2014, 12:35:49 am
Riverbee's Journey

It's a great title for an action movie, and the opening post ... a screenplay for a horror movie.
Oh girl, you are too much :D I know you heard this statement before  ;D...
 
Glad we are friends, and glad you are a fighter :) Hope upcoming spring will bring some nice changes in the health department of your life.
You are one very  8) lady.
 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on January 14, 2014, 01:20:41 am
I remember from an old TV show, HeeHaw, the quote, "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  That pretty much describes riverbee's last couple of years.

Kind of describes her neighbors, too!   :laugh:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi156.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft35%2FBetsyBleepBlop%2Fheehaw.jpg&hash=8f694e8a229ee878ff993087a8aca92c6c4a4fca)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on January 14, 2014, 08:43:08 am
I remember from an old TV show, HeeHaw, the quote, "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  That pretty much describes riverbee's last couple of years.

Kind of describes her neighbors, too!   :laugh:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi156.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft35%2FBetsyBleepBlop%2Fheehaw.jpg&hash=8f694e8a229ee878ff993087a8aca92c6c4a4fca)

Slowmodem, that picture is a hoot.  An image from the past that is visually descriptive of riverbee's neighbors.  Good job. :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: jb63 on January 14, 2014, 09:57:50 am
My condolences on dinging a new fly fishing reel.The good news is now it has the lived in look and you won't have to worry about putting the first scratch on it.  :D Also, you left out the Lufkin snow blower incident. :thread:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on January 14, 2014, 11:46:37 am
I remember from an old TV show, HeeHaw, the quote, "if it weren't for bad luck, I'd have no luck at all."  That pretty much describes riverbee's last couple of years.

Kind of describes her neighbors, too!   :laugh:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi156.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft35%2FBetsyBleepBlop%2Fheehaw.jpg&hash=8f694e8a229ee878ff993087a8aca92c6c4a4fca)

Slowmodem, that picture is a hoot.  An image from the past that is visually descriptive of riverbee's neighbors.  Good job. :)

Actually, RFD TV shows Hee Haw  every Sunday night at 8:00 EST.  I try to watch/record it when I'm not working.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on January 14, 2014, 11:48:07 am
jb- I was thinking that too about the measuring tape that sailed into riv's head. Good Grief Charlie Brown
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on January 14, 2014, 11:51:15 am
Slow- I would watch Hee Haw as a teenager, then turn the channel and watch "Laugh In". Those were the days man! Hippies and Hillbillies.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: minz on January 15, 2014, 03:44:53 pm
Been spending more time over here on this forum (checking in at lunch time) and must say I was pretty disappointed you guys all moved away from me.  This recap was nice.  It put the crossroad forum into some perspective for those of us that did not want to read the 3000 posts to get caught up on the old one (forum not you).

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on January 15, 2014, 04:03:52 pm
Lest someone get the wrong idea about Riverbee, she is not the complaining type.  What she "exposed" in her introductory remarks is just objective, background reportage.  For those of you who haven't yet "met" her, she is one positive, optimistic woman with an amazing sense of humor.   And that isn't even the start of telling her merits.  I'm not one for filling out her praises (she might read what I write and get annoyed at me),  but keep your eyes open to anything she posts---you'll learn what I mean, and learn a lot of beekeeping too.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on January 15, 2014, 05:52:32 pm
Lest someone get the wrong idea about Riverbee, she is not the complaining type.  What she "exposed" in her introductory remarks is just objective, background reportage.  For those of you who haven't yet "met" her, she is one positive, optimistic woman with an amazing sense of humor.   And that isn't even the start of telling her merits.  I'm not one for filling out her praises (she might read what I write and get annoyed at me),  but keep your eyes open to anything she posts---you'll learn what I mean, and learn a lot of beekeeping too.


   I think i have said this before, but I am going to say it again...

   The words of a wise man!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on January 15, 2014, 06:15:46 pm
Lest someone get the wrong idea about Riverbee, she is not the complaining type.  What she "exposed" in her introductory remarks is just objective, background reportage.  For those of you who haven't yet "met" her, she is one positive, optimistic woman with an amazing sense of humor.   And that isn't even the start of telling her merits.  I'm not one for filling out her praises (she might read what I write and get annoyed at me),  but keep your eyes open to anything she posts---you'll learn what I mean, and learn a lot of beekeeping too.

Sometimes it's hard to label someone.  Some defy labels.  But, if I had to apply a label, I'd say RB is an inspirational survivor.  I hope that if I ever face obstacles like she has had to face, I will have half the courage and tenacity that she displays.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on January 16, 2014, 09:06:23 am
When Riverbee  first became allergic to bee stings, (maybe I should state, she became fatally allergic to bee stings) I posted that she should protect her life because her live is intertwined with so many others.  I hardly knew her at the time and erroneously thought she needed a pep talk.  Had I known her well I would have remembered Knute Rockne's quote of: "When the going get tough, the tough get going."  Riverbee is prepared for whatever live deals to her.  She just takes life in stride and continues along life's highway. 

She is inspirational.  It is people like Riverbee that anchor us.  That's why so many of us love her.  I am, of course, speaking of "agape" love.


 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on January 16, 2014, 11:54:49 am
If the bees knew how tough, stubborn, and a little mean streak, and get even attitude Riverbee has, they would think twice about stinging her. I think she's going through all the hades she's been through so she can show the bees she is still in charge, and can put them in a box she chooses to, and put them in an area of her choice without there consent. :D. I have several buddies who have wives 5ft.2" or 5ft.4" and there all alike ;D, i like to bring things up they done and want to forget (my wife says i'm sick  :-\) only to have them come straight at me laughing,standing on there toes and wagging there finger in my face, of course there finger is up above there head and they are looking up at me. :laugh: Why are the squirts always ready to fight. ;DJack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Ziffa on January 16, 2014, 12:00:53 pm
My brother once told me an old Chinese proverb - "Fall down 12 times, get up 13."  Your story brings it to mind.  You always just have to get up one more time. :)

I know its not easy to keep a smile on your face when the falls come in quick succession.  You have done a remarkable job of it though, Riverbee and I salute you.  Sometimes the hardest thing is to keep smiling, but somehow, once you do, it does seem to make the rest go easier.

Much love and light and wishes for a 'boring' 2014 for you. :D

love,
ziffa
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 18, 2014, 12:11:40 pm
my apologies everyone for a delayed reply and an update to my monthly injections on wednesday last week.  i am in florida, on the very southern tip of captiva island.  i am very humbled by all the posts here and can't thank each of one you enough for all the kind things that have been said, even jack ...... :D good things come out of pint sizes...... ;D

i will update soon as i get a chance to sit down for more than a few minutes, the beach is calling me!  8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on January 18, 2014, 04:30:42 pm
my apologies everyone for a delayed reply and an update to my monthly injections on wednesday last week.  i am in florida, on the very southern tip of captiva island.  i am very humbled by all the posts here and can't thank each of one you enough for all the kind things that have been said, even jack ...... :D good things come out of pint sizes...... ;D

i will update soon as i get a chance to sit down for more than a few minutes, the beach is calling me!  8)

I guess there's no allergic reactions to warmth?   ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 22, 2014, 01:02:28 am
off topic on my own thread, i hope you all don't mind, i returned last evening from captiva island florida. amazing, internet service was hit and miss. what warmth and sunshine does for the northern soul in january (temps plummeted to -20 here today)...... just wanted to share a few pix:

captiva sunrise......

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1056.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft373%2Friverbee1%2FWWB%2520Photos%2Friverbees%2520journey%2520pix%2FCaptivaSunrise_zps5486ff0d.jpg&hash=ebb7423d975584dbd5e06037481275f0e70f7d7a)

my good neighbor clearing 7" of snow from our city driveway........

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1056.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft373%2Friverbee1%2FWWB%2520Photos%2Friverbees%2520journey%2520pix%2Fmoresnow_zps0ff6ea11.jpg&hash=61bf26965bfef58495472784836e525e8678e675)

what i was doing when my neighbor was clearing that 7" of snow........ :D

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1056.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft373%2Friverbee1%2FWWB%2520Photos%2Friverbees%2520journey%2520pix%2FCaptivaWalkingTheBeach_zps8b6d049d.jpg&hash=ac3cf943ca9149e2b6fba09420218d5d517cdba6)

captiva sunset.......

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1056.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft373%2Friverbee1%2FWWB%2520Photos%2Friverbees%2520journey%2520pix%2FCaptivaSunset_zpsea4eb07f.jpg&hash=7894019bb8b9e1c210035a635c3f11480d19e995)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Perry on January 22, 2014, 07:05:09 am
OK, enough of all this "Kind, strong" syrupy stuff.
What kind of person jumps on a plane, heads south out of the cold, lays around on a sunny beach, takes pictures, and then posts pictures of it to the rest of us that are freezing our keesters off up here?
Mean I tell ya, Mean as all get out!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on January 22, 2014, 07:18:36 am
OK, enough of all this "Kind, strong" syrupy stuff.
What kind of person jumps on a plane, heads south out of the cold, lays around on a sunny beach, takes pictures, and then posts pictures of it to the rest of us that are freezing our keesters off up here?

They're called snowbirds.   ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on January 22, 2014, 09:35:07 am
Mean I tell ya, Mean as all get out!

   Well.. isn't that part of the female Genome Perry?  Over the years I have come to realize they are ALL mean once they get to know you!!  They draw you in with that syrupy sweetness, then GIGGLE when they stick their foot out and trip you up!!!     :laugh:

   I especially like the middle Pic..   footprints in the sand.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on January 22, 2014, 09:54:25 am
"They draw you in with that syrupy sweetness, then GIGGLE when they stick their foot out and trip you up!!!     :laugh:"

At the other Lazy:

A lady friend of mine says: "a man chases a woman until she catches him."  They're sneaky!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 22, 2014, 10:47:10 am
"OK, enough of all this "Kind, strong" syrupy stuff.
What kind of person jumps on a plane, heads south out of the cold, lays around on a sunny beach, takes pictures, and then posts pictures of it to the rest of us that are freezing our keesters off up here?"
Mean I tell ya, Mean as all get out!"

a pint size little squirt?.... :D 
and i might add, a pint size little squirt that forgot the epi-pens!  the gulf waters are a big watering hole for the honey bees.

"They draw you in with that syrupy sweetness, then GIGGLE when they stick their foot out and trip you up!!!     :laugh:"

i am giggling!  you guys are too funny! lazybk, met a guy fishing on the beach, from iowa.  i asked him what he was fishing for or if he was just fishing for the heck of it, he was fishing for the heck of it.  we laughed.  we shared a couple cold ones and yammered about fishing and all the folks back home freezing their keesters off....... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: jb63 on January 22, 2014, 10:41:27 pm
Good for you River.You have the common sense to go to a sunny beach when it turns bad.That's not jumping ship from the snow man team,it's just good time management.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on January 22, 2014, 11:36:35 pm
I'm not as brave as i was now  ??? i thought RB was snowed in and couldn't get out.I thought i could give her a hard time and she couldn't get down my way to hurt me :o, and by spring she would forget what i've been saying to her.I'm glad she got a break from the cold weather anyway. Some of my bee club buddies are snow birds and love calling me and telling me the temp. and saying they just got back to there cabin from swimming in the ocean. I tell them to be careful, that i heard they have shark warnings out in there area. :laugh: Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 23, 2014, 12:27:17 am
"I'm not as brave as i was now   i thought RB was snowed in and couldn't get out.I thought i could give her a hard time and she couldn't get down my way to hurt me , and by spring she would forget what i've been saying to her.I'm glad she got a break from the cold weather anyway. Some of my bee club buddies are snow birds and love calling me and telling me the temp. and saying they just got back to there cabin from swimming in the ocean. I tell them to be careful, that i heard they have shark warnings out in there area. (https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldwidebeekeeping.com%2Fforum%2FSmileys%2FwBee%2Flaugh.gif&hash=54d030e1ff023f40a65e5473be74689b1cf39f86) Jack"

oh my stars jack!  i heard of and saw some WARNING signs on the gulf side of the ocean....like this...?  i didn't see any sharks while i was down there.....but..... do you have one of these in your front yard?  cuz i aint snowed in...... :D

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1056.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft373%2Friverbee1%2FWWB%2520Photos%2Friverbees%2520journey%2520pix%2Fsharkwarning_zpse5a3fa54.jpg&hash=0e64b7dbfb878a7db250b9af7fa504625bb2f1e3)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Marbees on January 23, 2014, 01:27:05 am
OK, enough of all this "Kind, strong" syrupy stuff.
What kind of person jumps on a plane, heads south out of the cold, lays around on a sunny beach, takes pictures, and then posts pictures of it to the rest of us that are freezing our keesters off up here?

A smart one? :D :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on January 23, 2014, 09:42:33 am
My parents are snow birds.. they have a business in the Keys.. about the time it hits 55 I have to go to their house every day to make sure they didnt freeze to death between the door to the house and the door to the suv..  about fifteen steps away.  I get those calls every time the weather report for this area is bad..   
   HEY!!  How you doing up there? Just went for a walk in SHORTS and sandles, it was 78 degrees with a light breeze tonight, whats YOUR weather like?   (snicker)
   Sharks..
  Last time I went down to the keys, I went diving with my sister and brother in law..  Brother in law tapped me and pointed...  My sister had an absolute CONNIPTION FIT when she saw what we were doing..  brother and law and I both had a hold of a side fin letting a big hammerhead tow us along. Biggest one I have ever seen.  By the time we figured we had aggravated it enough my sister was back IN the boat, her tanks off and phone in hand waiting to call 911...   Cant say I have ever seen her that upset or mad before..    ;D  I had a blast, but I am sure my poor brother in law paid dearly for weeks.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey: 3rd Monthly VIT Injections
Post by: riverbee on January 24, 2014, 12:34:17 am
okay, so back on track here...... :D
i received my 3rd monthly injections last wednesday,  january 15, 2014; 3 injections: honey bee in the left arm, wasp and mixed vespid in the right arm.  the honey bee injection goes in the left arm by itself because of my history of the reactions from the injection.

just some info to bring everyone to where i am today:  for 9 months, or approximately 35 weeks, i went in weekly for 3 injections.  these injections are medically prepared venom, start out very small and are increased in venom amounts until the amounts of each injection reaches what is considered equal to one sting; a full needle or 1.0 milliliters of venom;  so 3 injections= 3 stings or 1.0 milliliters of venom for each injection, so in simple terms, 3 stings.

for me, once that amount was reached (about november 2013), i was placed on a 4 week (monthly) maintenance schedule, and hope at some point to reach only requiring these injections at 6 week intervals.  i receive, and will receive  the same dose, 1.0 milliliters of each for up to 5 years, or maybe for life.

it is amazing that these injections and the reactions i have experienced are very much similar to an actual sting;  burning, welting, swelling, on fire, itchy, local reaction or large local reaction.  in the allergy injection world, anything as large as a silver dollar is an abnormal reaction.......
LOL, silver dollar? my reactions have been abnormal since the start.  needles are prepared with an epi wash solution before the venom is drawn,  to minimize the reactions, and i am supposed to take benadryl the morning of injections and for at least 2 days after.  i grew tired of the benadryl fog, so quit taking it, and figured i could deal with the reactions, and i do. 

i typically suffer from a reaction to the honey bee injection (larger than a silver dollar), and to a lesser degree the wasp injection.  last wednesday i suffered a very large local reaction from the honey bee injection that extended below the elbow.  i suspect that my doc might adjust my injection for this once again.  unfortunately for me, the adjustment to an injection schedule,  but also  i was on an airplane early friday morning on my way to florida with my left arm swelled up and itching like crazy, and was too stubborn to take any benadryl.....LOL.....well i didn't want to be in a benadryl fog for the 4 days i was in florida.....i just dealt with it.   i am getting used to the 'drill', and someday it will get me back to bees.

i started a thread in general beekeeping on how to use an epi pen, if you haven't seen it go here:

Information/How To Use an Epinephrine Pen (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,660.0.html)

i will be posting some similar information here in this thread in the future on bee venom allergy's, testing, reactions, etc.  if anyone has any questions or i am not making sense  on something,  please feel free to ask me.

one last comment.....  thank you.  doesn't even begin to describe my appreciation for all of the encouragement and support you all have given me and what has been written.   what a great and caring 'bee yard' here to be in.

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey; Allergy to Insect Stings-Reactions
Post by: riverbee on January 28, 2014, 06:41:44 pm
Allergy to Insect Stings.

some good info describing reactions, what is normal and what is not on insect stings  this is a pdf file no longer available on the internet but has good info on the different types of reactions:  normal, local, large local, cutaneous (mild systemic), and systemic (anaphlaxis). i reprinted the info here and also uploaded the pdf document; to download the pdf file go to the very bottom of my post, left hand corner, where you see the 'paper clip' 'allergy to insect stings.  click on it and you can download it.

 "ALLERGY TO INSECT STINGS

There is some confusion among the general public about insect stings and allergic reactions. Insect stings come from ants, bees, or wasps but not from other biting arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks, or fleas. For example, a person may be stung by a wasp, but is bitten by a mosquito.
We've all heard people say that they are allergic to bee or wasp stings. Often, these people mention that they could die if they are ever stung. However, the fact is that true allergy to stinging insects is rare. Inaccurate statements about sting allergies cause people to have unneeded fears and unjustified prejudices against stinging insects.
People can have allergies to a variety of materials such as pollen, food, and dust. Stinging insect allergies specifically refer to reactions that take place in parts of the body distant from the place that the sting was inflicted. In fact, allergic reactions are usually whole-body or systemic reactions, and the effects are fairly widespread in the body. Differences between normal and allergic reactions to insect stings are listed in the following table. 

Table 1:  Reactions to Insect Stings
Normal  Reactions
1.  At the time of the sting
-pain, sometimes sharp and piercing
-burning or itching burn
-redness around the sting site
-a white area immediately surrounding the sting puncture mark
-swelling at the sting site
-tenderness to touch at the sting site
- large local (but non-allergic) reactions are characterized by massive
swelling around sting site over an area of 4 inches (10 cm) or more and
frequently increasing in size for 24 to 72 hours, sometimes lasting up to a
week
 
II. Hours or days after the sting
-itching at the sting site
-residual redness at the sting site
-small brown or red damage spot at the puncture site
-swelling at the sting site
 
Allergic Reactions (Potentially Life-Threatening)
1.  Cutaneous (skin) reactions
-hives or nettle rash anywhere on the skin
-massive swelling remote from the sting site
-generalized itching or tingling of the skin remote from the sting site
-generalized redness of the skin remote from the sting site
II. Systemic allergic reactions
-allergic rhinitis or conjunctivitis (swelling and redness of nasal or eye membranes)
-respiratory problems (difficulty breathing)
-abdominal cramps
-severe gastrointestinal upset
-weakness
-shock / unconsciousness
-hypotension or fainting
-difficulty breathing / laryngeal blockage (massive swelling in the throat)
 
Table modified after Schmidt, J.O. (1993). Allergy to Venomous Insects.  Chapter in “The Hive and
the Honey Bee.” Bookcrafters, Chelsea.
 
NORMAL REACTIONS
Description
Normal reactions to insect stings take place at the site of the sting and are not considered to be allergic. Symptoms may include swelling, redness, and itching of the surrounding area. Even a large local reaction such as from a sting on the hand that results in swelling to the elbow is a normal, non-allergic reaction. If the swelling was caused by venom from a snake bite, the average person wouldn't consider the reaction to be "allergic". In fact, such swelling is exactly the type of reaction that the insect venom was designed to induce. Though the pain from the sting in a normal reaction should not last beyond a few minutes, swelling and itching may last for hours or days. Local reactions, however large they may be, are not a cause for concern unless they occur in places where they threaten to block air flow such as the neck, inside the mouth, or in the nose. Victims should also seek medical care for severe swelling near the eye.

Treatment
If a stinger is present, remove it as soon as possible. The stinger should be scraped away, rather than grasped and pulled. Remember only honey bees leave their stings--yellow jackets and other wasps, hornets, and bees do not have barbed stingers and can sting repeatedly. Treatment of normal reactions usually involves washing the wound to help prevent secondary infection, then utilization of ice packs and/or pain relievers to reduce pain. Heat or warm compresses should never be used. Oral antihistamines and topical anti-itch creams such as hydrocortisone may help reduce discomfort. See a doctor or pharmacist for recommendations. 

CUTANEOUS (SKIN) ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Description

Reactions that take place on the body away from the sting site are considered to be allergic reactions, and are definitely a cause for increased attention and concern. Allergic reactions can be separated into two categories: cutaneous (skin) reactions and systemic reactions. Cutaneous allergic reactions  are characterized by itching, tingling, swelling, or redness of the skin in places away from the sting site. This type of reaction is not life threatening, though it may be frightening.

Treatment
Those who suffer from cutaneous allergic reactions may decide to consult a doctor about immunotherapy.


SYSTEMIC ALLERGIC REACTIONS
Description
Systemic reactions can have a variety of effects on the body and range from stomach upset to respiratory problems to unconsciousness and even death. Any systemic reaction such as these or others (see Table 1) are cause for serious concern and immediate medical attention is needed.

Treatment
Immediate treatment for a systemic allergic reaction is needed if a victim is suffering from dizziness, difficulty breathing, abdominal cramps, or any other signs of a systemic allergic reaction. Use of an epinephrine (adrenaline) shot is recommended. The shot should be given on the way to the hospital, or while an ambulance is being called. Scraping off the stinger and use of ice to prevent spreading of the venom is also helpful, but these measures should never delay calling for an ambulance or driving to the hospital.

An epinephrine kit requires a prescription from a doctor and anyone who works with bees or is known to be allergic to stinging insects should become certified for administration of epinephrine. See a doctor about certification.
 Immunotherapy for long term management can be very effective in preventing future allergic reactions. Anyone thinking about immunotherapy should discuss the pros and cons with an allergy specialist or other physician.
One important thing to remember is the psychological factor of having a good attitude. If you're having a systemic reaction, don't think you're going to die. Positive thoughts and level-headed responses help immeasurably in such emergencies.
 

MASS ENVENOMATIONS (Massive Sting Episodes)
Description
On very rare occasions, people and animals are stung hundreds or even thousand of times in a single episode. The total amount of venom from the stings in these mass envenomations  can be extremely dangerous or fatal. The cause of death in these cases is not an allergic reaction but rather a result of the poison itself, much like the body's reaction to a snake bite. 

Treatment
The number of stings that can result in death varies based on the person=s age and body size. People receiving over 1,000 stings have often survived such attacks. Anyone receiving 100 or more stings in a short period of time should seek immediate medical treatment as for an allergic reaction. Treatment for infants and small children should be obtained at much lower sting numbers. If in doubt, bring the child to a doctor or emergency room. 

IMPROBABILITY OF FATALITY
Though many of us have a real fear of insects, for the most people, this fear is unfounded. Insect stings cause less than 0.002 percent of all deaths. This figure is even lower for honey bees, less than 0.0008 percent. Put in perspective, the chance of being killed by a lightening bolt is more than twice that of being killed by an insect sting, and more than five times greater than being killed by a honey bee sting."


Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on January 28, 2014, 11:52:45 pm
IMPROBABILITY OF FATALITY
Though many of us have a real fear of insects, for the most people, this fear is unfounded. Insect stings cause less than 0.002 percent of all deaths. This figure is even lower for honey bees, less than 0.0008 percent. Put in perspective, the chance of being killed by a lightening bolt is more than twice that of being killed by an insect sting, and more than five times greater than being killed by a honey bee sting."

   Well, thats good to know!!   BUT?? Does it count when you jiggle the pole, with the bucket taped on it, and the great clinging GLOB of thousands of bees MISSES the bucket, and falls DIRECTLY on your head?
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on January 29, 2014, 12:35:32 am
One of two senarios:

1. You're dead meat
2. Remain very still and calm, don't panic! while breathing slowly ask the wife to go get the camera and post us a pic! ;) 8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on January 29, 2014, 08:53:32 am
LOL   Well, this year, there is a very real chance it will be video'd so you will be able to hear me scream like a girl and watch me run...     Be sure to cheer!!
   RUN FOREST!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on January 29, 2014, 09:16:28 pm
Seriously! I don't know if I've chuckled and laughed so much since this forum!

Lazy-  I have a friend that refers to me as 'Jinny'
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on February 17, 2014, 05:43:38 pm
just an update, i was scheduled for my monthly injections in february for last wednesday afternoon, i had to cancel and reschedule those injections for this wednesday afternoon, so the 19th.  i have been a little under the weather for the past 3 weeks, and the docs don't like to give allergy injections when one is running a fever/fighting off a viral infection of some sort. 

on another note, all of my hives have made it through our extended subzero temps, and snowy winter. we had to dig a path to get to them, but was very happy with putting my ear to each one of them to hear the sounds of the clusters. one by one, brought my heart great joy, and someone elses.... :D

just goes to show you worry wart beeks( :D)  just how cold hardy bees really are when they go into winter months pest and disease free, healthy, and healthy cluster, with plenty of stores packed away.  these hives really have had little maintenance to them since i developed my allergy, so i am amazed at how they have managed to survive with little or no intervention.  my only concern is/was one hive, a swarm hive we caught late in the season last summer, for lack of stores necessary for our climate. last fall it was given extra deep frames of honey, fed sugar syrup, and added sugar to the tops of the frames in the 2nd deep, until i could get a winter patty in there.  we were unable to heft the hives as they are frozen to the pallets they are sitting on, and could not pop any lids as the temp was only 10 degrees F. 

the other concern about the swarm hive was her queen........and the whereabouts of that queen...... :D
the hives were being readied for winter last fall by mr. rb, frames of honey rearranged, feeding etc. he comes running into where i have extra frames stored and he says to me:
"hmmm i saw your swarm queen, she was very beautiful.
oops i hear WAS....... :D
"what's this was stuff?" (you know eagle eye, deer in headlight questions to him).
"well, i lifted the inner cover and i saw your swarm queen with a circle of bees around her. i looked at the underneath side of the inner cover like you have shown me before i set it aside and there she was! she WAS very beautiful!"  (he was so excited to have spotted this).
i sent him back to look for her beneath the hive.
the story is, upon tilting the cover over the hive to get her back in the hive, she took flight on him.  my hives sit on pallets. she landed next to the hive, and then scurried away underneath the cover of the pallet......oops.....he tried to find her, thousands of bees in the air. no cluster found underneath and until dark and the next day.
it was kind of funny watching him down on his hands knees looking for that queen...... :D

i suspected that when we saw no cluster beneath or near the hive, the queen made her way back to the hive safe and sound, but i must say, he has been worrying about this since last fall, and when we listened to that hive this weekend, the question came up, would the hive survive a winter without a queen.  my reply to him was that the hive has a queen and all is well.  8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on February 17, 2014, 07:30:27 pm
i have been a little under the weather for the past 3 weeks, and the docs don't like to give allergy injections when one is running a fever/fighting off a viral infection of some sort.

Must have been something in that tropical air.......
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey 4th Monthly VIT Injections
Post by: riverbee on March 05, 2014, 10:49:47 pm
my fourth monthly venom immunotherapy injections were on the 19th of February. 
this was a rescheduled appointment because i had been fighting a virus.
the docs don't like to give injections if you are running a fever, or have a respiratory infection/virus as it could, worse case scenario, potentially set off an anaphlylactic reaction.

so i received the 3 injections for honey bee, wasp, and mixed vespid. one milliliter, or 100 micrograms of each of the venom's, a full needle.  the honey bee injection, as always, gives me a larger than normal reaction.  a large reaction to my upper arm.  i have become accustomed to it.

two things:
#1~ my doc has now placed me on a 6 week injection schedule.  this is good in my overall progress. 

#2~ the amount of venom in my injections, i milliliter or 100 micrograms of venom for each injection is equal to 2 - 4 stings of each insect.
       so i am receiving venom equal to, for the 3 injections, anywhere between 6 and 12 stings total.

can i dance now?!...... :D
i can't tell you how happy this makes me, i thought it would take forever to get to a 6 week interval with injections.  i am there, i am finally there.

will i work bees this spring?  maybe, maybe not. doc would like to see me get another season of injections in.
if i don't someone in my household will be wearing a 'go pro' camera on their veil...... :D

off topic on my own thread a little, we have had an extremely harsh winter with snow and sub zero temps since december 1st.  my bees have made it with little management. 

some pix, we still have about 3 1/2 feet of snow on the ground, with temps still consistently below zero or just above:

a red tail hawk:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs7.postimg.cc%2Fn3jo6222f%2FRT_Hawk.jpg&hash=0252a8b77251f58e3bbd7859a04fae82a7de18ea) (http://postimg.cc/image/n3jo6222f/)

and from one of our gardens, what you see is the top of one bird bath to the left without the bowl and a garden ornament that stands about 3 1/2 feet out of the ground when there is no snow:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.cc%2F76eqngp0j%2FDeep_Snow_Feb_2014.jpg&hash=b94c7da9e8e39d28dfccff8933c921449c904d4f) (http://postimg.cc/image/76eqngp0j/)

MEET WILL.....what a great guy!  this am we woke up to water leaking from a window inside the house from ice back up.....2 to 3 foot of snow on the roof, some ice dams, and have raked the roof off after heavy snow falls..... he shoveled all of the snow off, but on one side of the house where our deck is, we had to shovel the snow off the deck that was shoveled off of the roof.....so done with winter and snow.....

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs22.postimg.cc%2F620ameg1p%2FSnow_on_Roof_March_5_2014_001.jpg&hash=eb92992995128ee39a87c86fc8bf6fefd8e332b6) (http://postimg.cc/image/620ameg1p/)

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs22.postimg.cc%2F8teyz9p6l%2FSnow_on_Roof_March_5_2014_003.jpg&hash=5d1e57840274deda314d349c7091323740a7f808) (http://postimg.cc/image/8teyz9p6l/)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Marbees on March 05, 2014, 11:27:21 pm
So you got on a six week interval with your injections:-)) Really HAPPY FOR YOU, and proud of you. Atta girl :-))
Say hi to Will, wearing that jacket he must be of Dutch origin :-))
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Ziffa on March 06, 2014, 08:50:13 am
Congrats River - that's great news.  :goodjob:

Wow, all that snow.  I remember why i'm a southern girl.  Hope the thaw comes soon for you!

love,
ziffa
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey/Epi-Pen Offer 2014
Post by: riverbee on March 07, 2014, 12:11:22 pm
thanks ziffa, and thanks marbees!  ziffa, all the snow is character building for us northern girls...... :D

Epi-Pen offer for 2014 at no cost or reduced cost, go here, get the offer:

EPI PEN Zero Dollar Co-Pay Offer 2014 (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,1043.0.html)


(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.cc%2Fu3ti34fdb%2FEpi_Pen_001.jpg&hash=b3ec58e070e5d8b2ca8ad0287160a68321cf055d) (http://postimg.cc/image/u3ti34fdb/)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on March 07, 2014, 11:10:45 pm
Woot! Glad to hear it Mrs. River!! Even got goose bumps.. wait.. that was because the wife whispered in my ear........   Be back later!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on March 15, 2014, 07:41:22 am
First things first, that Will is a nice young fellow.  Go out of your way to treat him well. 

With increasing the amount of venom and increasing the time intervals, it appears you are making substantial progress.  It couldn't happen to a more deserving person.  Your love of bees is beyond my comprehension, and you deserve to be with them and vice versa. 

Have a nice day Riverbee. 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on March 15, 2014, 09:18:03 am
Hope you can get back to working your bees soon, i knew if anyone could over come all you've been through you would. Because i've heard that living where it snowed all the time makes some people determine, stubborn, mean, and it stunts there growth. :laugh: :laugh: Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: DonMcJr on March 16, 2014, 03:09:08 pm
Wow Riverbee! Sure hope the injections work and you're back in the bee yard soon!

I've never actually been stung by my Honey Bees and worry a little about this happening to me...

I have been stung by Yellow Jackets though, most recently right in my Adam's Apple at the Michigan Honey Festival! Just got a little red and an hour later nothing. Are Yellow Jacket stings different than Honey Bees?

I'll take more Videos this year and share just for you!  8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on March 16, 2014, 04:30:53 pm
They all hurt a little, hornets hurt me the worst then the bumble bee, one reason is because they can keep stinging till they get tired i guess. >:(  wasp and yellow jackets venom don't bother me much. About the only place a honey bee sting gives me trouble (as far as i know ;D) is on the back of my hands, they will swell up and itch like crazy
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on March 31, 2014, 09:41:11 am
In last evening's chat session, I saw where Riverbee had suited up and worked her bees.  Hmmmm, now the questions are:  Did the doc turn her loose because he does not have any thoughts of her demise in working with bees, or did the hard headed woman make that decision on her own?  We all what the answer is. 

Hey, we all are who we are, and people seldom change.  Riverbee, remember that this forum is chocked full of people that love you and work accordingly.

Be very careful suiting up.

Lazy
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on March 31, 2014, 10:28:26 am
Hey, we all are who we are, and people seldom change.  Riverbee, remember that this forum is chocked full of people that love you and work accordingly.

Exactly right!  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on March 31, 2014, 12:41:33 pm
Don't be too hard on my hero, Lazy. All us beekeepers have a stubborn old mule streak somewhere. It's what makes us beekeepers.  ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on March 31, 2014, 12:50:13 pm
lazy,
thanks, let me clarify what i did. i had two dead-outs, both a short distance from an active hive. we cleaned those dead outs up, and yes i suited up in full gear, (layers on underneath and wearing a jacket and leather boots) so as not to risk being stung by bees flying from the active hive. so yes, i did get a close up and personal look at two hives full of dead bees. :D

it is still cold here, snow on the ground, and when we started early afternoon, the active hive was not flying, although they did as it warmed up.  i think we actually hit 58 degrees.  the active hive didn't bother us although we did get some fly bys. the active hive was quite busy. we were unable to heft the hive, and i was concerned about food stores, because our weather is taking a nose dive again this week, and maybe for another 2 weeks. i had my husband lift the lid on her, as i stood back, and place in winter patties. i did take a peek at the tops of the frames to see how many bees were in the top.  that was it. when he lifted the lid, he neglected to use a little smoke so had a few zings to his veil and mine. (wasn't paying attention).  i had him replace the lid, wait, a little smoke through the hole of the inner cover, and wait, lift, a puff or two, and they were fine.  he has never done this before, so needed a little coaching, especially with sliding the patties in with frames covered in bees.  he did great.

i just lost these hives, get them all the way through this far, so close to spring. one was a swarm, caught late last summer. he has never helped me clean hives up, just move them. as we were cleaning up this hive, he asked me if i wanted him to go get his phone and take a picture for me of all the dead bees in the bottom deep. we had removed all of the frames and brushed the bees off into the bottom to scoop them out. 
i sort of gave him a look, and said, not sure i want a picture of a box full of dead bees, why would i do that?
his reply was "so you can show your guys on your forum"......... :D
oh for pete's sake, they have seen boxes of dead bees...... :D

i do have a stubborn old mule streak in me, i will admit it, just ask jack.......... :D
ps stubborn, but not foolish, thanks for caring..... ;)
don, thank you too!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Ziffa on March 31, 2014, 01:18:32 pm
Your husband sounds sweet River.  That was really thoughtful of him.

Looks like you found a keeper!

Hope your journey continues to progress to a happy ending.

love,
ziffa
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on March 31, 2014, 02:44:21 pm
River, considering how much help Mr. River is with your bees, it's amazing that you didn't get him into the act earlier.   There are many moments when I wish Mrs. Ef would be willing to give me a hand but still, even after all these years she still keeps a repectful distance from our hives.   :sad:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on March 31, 2014, 06:52:23 pm
River, considering how much help Mr. River is with your bees, it's amazing that you didn't get him into the act earlier.   There are many moments when I wish Mrs. Ef would be willing to give me a hand but still, even after all these years she still keeps a repectful distance from our hives.   :sad:

Besides bees, my wife reacts to a myriad of other things, she doesn't come close to the hives.  But, sometimes I'll drive up in front of the hives and she can watch the comings and goings through the car window.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on March 31, 2014, 11:49:20 pm
i do have a stubborn old mule streak in me, i will admit it

   Now see!  He was trying to be considerate and helpful and sweet, and his reward??     :laugh:


   Very glad you got to participate Mrs River!!!! 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on April 20, 2014, 09:37:27 am
Hey River, isn't it about time for another round of injections?  Please remember to keep us posted.  We are well into our second year with your reaction adventure, and we do not want to miss the "happy ending." 

I was into one of my nicer hives this week and had a bee crawling around on my hand, and I thought of you.  As much as you love bees, I wish you could have changed places with me.  When I was quite young, an old, wisened banker told me, "be ready for the changes."  i asked him what changes?  He told me, "everything changes."  He was correct.  It is regretful that with your love of bees, you will not be able to let a bee crawl on your hand.  But, on the other hand, your tenuous ordeal will cause you to love the bee moments even more.  I don't have the passion for bees that you do, but I so admire folks that go "all in" on anything.  You're the kind of beekeeper that has the relentless energy to keep on studying and  studying and studying.  As a consequence, your addiction will cure our ills with the the bees.

Let us know about your next injection.  We are waiting to hear from you………………..
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on April 20, 2014, 04:26:20 pm
Hey River, isn't it about time for another round of injections?  Please remember to keep us posted.  We are well into our second year with your reaction adventure, and we do not want to miss the "happy ending." 

I was into one of my nicer hives this week and had a bee crawling around on my hand, and I thought of you.  As much as you love bees, I wish you could have changed places with me.  When I was quite young, an old, wisened banker told me, "be ready for the changes."  i asked him what changes?  He told me, "everything changes."  He was correct.  It is regretful that with your love of bees, you will not be able to let a bee crawl on your hand.  But, on the other hand, your tenuous ordeal will cause you to love the bee moments even more.  I don't have the passion for bees that you do, but I so admire folks that go "all in" on anything.  You're the kind of beekeeper that has the relentless energy to keep on studying and  studying and studying.  As a consequence, your addiction will cure our ills with the the bees.

Let us know about your next injection.  We are waiting to hear from you………………..
  hehe..  and there are those that claim I can write a good line or two..  then looky here at what Lazy Shooter wrote!!   WELL SAID!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on April 20, 2014, 10:51:30 pm
See above :)
Well said indeed.


Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey: First 6 wk Maintenance Injections
Post by: riverbee on April 22, 2014, 07:24:52 pm
lazy shooter, thank you!  what would i do without you?
i am losing it......i swear i updated this thread with a post on april 3rd for my first 6 week monthly maintenance injections........ :D

i received my first 6 week maintenance injections on wednesday, april 2nd.  all went well, except i think that the r.n. mixed up the venom vials and which injections go in which arm.  i know,  you are all saying what? a reason for keeping these separate. because of the reactions i have always suffered from with the honey bee and wasp, these injections go in opposite arms.  honey bee on the left, wasp and mixed vespid (never react to) in the right.  instead, i believe i received mixed vespid on the left,(no reaction) and honey bee and wasp in the right arm. (very large local reaction).

so i believe i was given injections for the two i react to the most in the same arm.....i knew something was not right when i arrived  home and within several hours, my r arm was swelling up quickly,  and itching something fierce. by morning the swelling had extended beyond my elbow and to the wrist, with a slight numb feeling in my r hand and fingers.  the discomfort and numbness lasted 4 days until sunday. the shot docs are to keep these 2 injections separate to keep this from happening.  yes, i had a conversation with the r.n. about this, and reported the reaction. (required). the r.n, is usually a very precise and thorough person. she stated they went in opposite arms.  if so, i had an extremely large local to the honey bee, then my concern is why did this happen and will this continue?

the amount of venom in my injections, i milliliter or 100 micrograms of venom for each injection is equal to 2 - 4 stings of each insect.  so i am receiving venom equal to, for the 3 injections, anywhere between 6 and 12 stings total.  some powerful stuff (venom) in these little bottles i tell ya!

on may 16th, i have an appointment with my doc to discuss my progress and my 2nd 6 week maintenance injections.  will i be able to keep my bees? how and where is my immunity? the big question really comes down to this for me, at some point it is the first sting i will fear, whether it is now or later, or any sting, or perhaps stings thereafter. i have thought of this often now that i am in the maintenance stage of my injections.  i have a great deal of fear.  i have come this far and i will go with and follow the recommended advice, minimum 2 years before i can think about getting back into the bees.

ef commented about mr river.  he has always been supportive, and has helped a great deal in the past, but nothing like he has had to do since i developed the allergy.  hard to crash teach someone to keep bees, but he has done well under the circumstances.  might have to fix a 'go pro' camera on his veil this season..... :D

several weeks ago,  when we were cleaning out dead outs, i had him slip feed into the remaining hive. he was not going to wear a veil. hasn't been opened since last fall......

"what do i need a veil for, they aren't bothering us?"
"the bees won't like it".
"what do you mean the bees won't like it, they're not bothering us"
i said "hmm, do you have court in the morning or a trial?"
"no i don't, what does that have to do with me not wearing a veil"
"well, If you wear a veil, then you won't have to explain to the judge or your client why your eyes are  swelled shut, and how you drove yourself to the courthouse."

the veil went on....... :D

a few days after that he was trying to explain to a good neighbor friend why we lost the swarm hive. (captured late summer, made it all through winter to starve, ate themselves through a full deep).  this could have been prevented, a 3rd deep of food stores could have been added, but this is part of the frustration of being allergic to bees and not being able to manage them as they should be.  so the conversation went something like this between the two guys.  my guy is trying to explain honey frames in the top deep, and starvation. the friend asks:

"well why didn't they just go next door and get some honey from the other hives?"

mr river try's to explain the winter cluster.  the friend says:

"when the weather warmed up, why didn't they go next door to get some food?" 
(he wasn't getting it). so mr river put's it in this context to him :

"adam, the bees have homes, they know where their homes are.  that's not their home. bees aren't like humans, they don't just show up at the hive next door univited for a beer and never leave, and if they do it's called robbing."

adam understood............ :D

btw, anyone who is undergoing any type of allergy injections and carries epi pens for any allergy, your allergist is handing out the free cards for mylan's epi-pens.  if they forget, just ask them for it. 

ps, thanks to zweefer, offering to help me out he's just down the road from me.... ;)
what beekeepers won't do for one another!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on April 22, 2014, 07:33:18 pm
awww  don't thank me yet, I haven't done anything :)

speaking of, check your PM...
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey ~ Back To The Bees...
Post by: riverbee on May 28, 2014, 01:16:11 am
my  day has come.
after almost 2 years and 17 months of injections, my doc has given me the go ahead to go back to bees if i so desire.
i was not expecting this.  i thought she would have me wait until next season.

i received my  7th full maintenance dose of injections on may 14th, and a full checkup with my doc.  my progress has been good despite some setbacks. through all the setbacks, mix ups, and concern over abnormal injection reactions, readjustment of my injection doses and schedule, i  have not suffered any systemic reactions from the injections, and i have reached the 6 month maintenance dose at 6 week intervals successfully.   sometime this year my doc says she will get me to  an 8  week schedule of injections.  how long? i might be a lifer for the 3  injections.  that's okay, and i understand the dynamics of it. 

many members here have been with me, encouraged me, and supported me from the start, long before this forum. many members here now only learned of my 'journey' in more recent months.   how can i express how much i appreciate the support and encouragement you all have given me? a ' thank you' cannot describe my thoughts or feelings.  just know,  i am truly grateful and appreciative.  this forum, and all who have supported and encouraged me have in many ways been my 'salvation'  in many ways. no one understands but other beekeepers.

why did i wait to share this? i did with iddee, riverrat, g3 and perry. (thanks guys for your great support). i was questioning whether i was ready and  i had to think about it.  i had to think through the fear and reservation even though my doc says i will suffer nothing more than a local reaction.  so, the next part of my journey is to overcome the fear of the first sting, and i suspect i will carry that fear for sometime to come until it passes. 

1~ full gear for me. (have always worn a veil, not so much gloves or full gear)
2~ not by myself just yet, or a backseat for awhile.  my 'angel' and 'guardian' close to me.  i can hear him now, "watch where you put your fingers
     and move the frames, you just squashed a  bee"
..... :D
3~sting kit (epis, benadryl, steroid) at the ready.

what do you all think? what would you do?  knowing me, i think i might just get the fear over with, and take a sting deliberately, and not wait for it.

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on May 28, 2014, 01:56:28 am
Very touching story this is Riv- I feel a bit of adrenaline rush in my chest as I'm typing and feel your fear.

If it were me...

My first thoughts would be to sit in the parking lot of the hospital and take a sting. Make sure you have food in your stomach and you're not alone in the car. Listen to the radio and do a crossword puzzle while waiting for the results of the sting.

On the other hand...

I have this daring trusting side where I would want to sit in the bee yard at a distance from the hives, in a pair of jeans and a tank top, sandles, with the warm sun on my face and the hum in the air... knowing that the bees already know that you are uneasy and scared. And letting them bring you slowly back to visit them with confidence and love. The bees know Riv... they already know what you want and need. Take your time...

Then there is Scott's way...

Mix a pirate drink. Take a sip. Wander out to the hives. Breath the honey air. Take a sip. Unfold a chair and sit a spell, put your feet up on a stump. Relax. Take another sip. Know that it's gonna be okay...

~Wink and a Hug~
Love you Bee Sista!

 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on May 28, 2014, 02:57:55 am
Congratulations!!!!!!
We are all pulling for you riverbee.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: tbonekel on May 28, 2014, 06:14:14 am
I think Jen has some good options. I am not in a place where I can make any recommendations, but I think I would be in full gear without the gloves. It's so much easier to work the hives like that of course. Anyway, hang in there! You will do great!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: kebee on May 28, 2014, 07:45:21 am
 I am so glad to hear of the report Riverbee, if it was me I would gear up complete and go out to the hive and do an inspection, this way you will be more relax and fool the bees maybe. The more you do this in full gear the more confront you will get around them and be able to enjoy them more. I do believe that I would always be in full gear from now on though do not want this to rehappen and with cloves of some type to help.

Ken
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: DMLinton on May 28, 2014, 08:00:53 am
That's great news, River!  I'd just suit up in full gear, make sure someone was with me that knows the way to the hospital and head for the bee yard.  The gear and the comanion is not so much because they are needed but, rather, for the added peace of mind.  There is a lot to be said for determination and perseverance.

I agree with you on taking a sting deliberately rather than waiting for it.  I would find the suspense overwhelming.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on May 28, 2014, 08:39:23 am
Riverbee:

First things first, a hearty congratulations to you for "staying the course."  Your two year path to wellness demonstrated a high degree of discipline and perseverance.  I'm sure that there were moments of anxiety, as the reactions varied from time to time, and for lessors, it would have been easy to oust the bees and take a more comfortable route.  But, the riverbee was, and still is, up to any challenge and anything less than a complete recovery was unacceptable.  Oh Lord, it speaks well of the Riverbee's character.

I would recommend a full bee suit complete with gloves.  Full body coverage will allow you to mentally relax and inhale the moment.  I do mean "inhale."  Let your hubby do the lifting and prying and just stand back and savor the bees.  Watch the little creatures fly about and crawl on you.  Gee, I wish we could all be there to see your first time with the bees.  I am so delighted to hear of your recovery.  It's a prayer answered for me.

Lazy

PS  Most of us on this forum admire and respect the bee creation, but you love, love, love them.  Go get'im.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: electroman277 on May 28, 2014, 09:02:27 am
Mrs. River,
 This is great news. We have been waiting for this day to come for you with much anxiety. I say just take it a your own pace and over time you will regain the courage and comfort to work the bees at your comfort level. God has truly answered many prayers on your behalf. Now get out there and enjoy your favorite hobby. And by all means bee all a buzz with excitement.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Intheswamp on May 28, 2014, 09:07:23 am
A little celebratory gathering is called for the occasion...

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-bounce017.gif&hash=818cd0bb4e2a400c351a1fc44d233705e259cabd)(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-happy110.gif&hash=c485775bd8031ef39c86de4f85c3dbdd4cf7efff)(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-greet006.gif&hash=43d694178f10f02419801dd85fbdec62d402adde)

Best wishes and HAVE FUN!!!!!!!
Ed
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: CpnObvious on May 28, 2014, 10:53:09 am
I haven't read the entire thread, but certainly the original post and most of your updates.  I'm very glad things are progressing for you in a positive manner!

In response to your "What would you do?", I can only compare to what I've been through and do.  Although the scenario is pretty different, the anxiety, fear, and need for caution is still there for me.  Long story short: About 12 years ago I slipped took a 28' fall off a roof, lived in a hospital for a couple weeks, a hospital bed w/ full trapeze in my living room for a few months, and here I am today.  In reality, I escaped with the only real lingering effect being some pretty severe arthritis in a few spots.  Although situations I put myself in aren't necessarily life threatening... much of what I do in my insanely active life is/could be life changing, where-as playing with bees could be life-threatening for you.

Things I have learned and what I would do, in response to your question:

1) Do what you enjoy, what makes you happy. BUT...
2) KNOW & RESPECT YOUR LIMITS.  (no gloves-off here!)
3) Bee prepared (which it sounds like you already are, just keep up with it)

I still go on ladders & roofs if the need arises... As cautious as I was in the past, I'm FAR more cautious now.  I even harness myself in sometimes (should be all the time).  I think that may be comparable to you making sure to wear full gear at all times.  As good as your gear may be, take that extra step... Wear heavier clothing underneath, such as jeans and a long-sleeve denim shirt.

While I didn't develop a fear of heights, I'd be lying if I were to say that there's no anxiety present when I do certain things.  When in those situations, I do things a bit more slowly.  Do things a bit more methodically.  Check, Check, Triple-check.  Are your pants taped off?  Are your gloves sealed?  Is your emergency kit within reach?  Are your zippers completely closed?  Is the velcro sealed?  Is your emergency kit within reach?  If your other half isn't around and you NEED to help someone with a swarm, make sure they know and understand your situation and the potential severity and that if you shout out to get your EpiPen... they know to grab it and get it to you post haste.

A life in fear of doing what you enjoy is not a life...  Just take that extra step, or two, or three, of caution.

Oh, and smile while doing it :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: rodmaker on May 28, 2014, 10:57:05 am
 congratulations to you Riverbee your instincts and desire have brought you this far and i trust you will know what to do and when to do it good luck and enjoy
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on May 28, 2014, 03:26:16 pm
My personal opinion: (take it or leave it)
Start up with the hives as if you were a beginning beekeeper, taking all the necessary precautions to prevent getting stung--but knowing full well that they are unavoidable.  At least you have the know how as to how to properly remove a stinger and the ability to do it quickly.  Your experience with manipulating hives should push off that first sting for a while and undoubtedly, your bees will be happy now that they once again have you expertly handling them.
Another word of encouragement:  I've mentioned before about three of my children who had to undergo the two years of desensitization shots.  That was many years ago and to the best of my recollection, they all  have received stings since---with nothing more than a normal reaction.  So may it be with you.  :) O:-)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on May 29, 2014, 12:13:23 am
Prayers and crossed fingers for you!  I hope it goes as you want it to!  :)

Be sure and have an epi-pen and benadryl.  May you have many more years among the bees!  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on May 29, 2014, 12:46:54 am
Well.. I just got goose bumps...  WOOOOT!!!!!   Strange to be so excited for someone I have never seen, but the truth of the matter is.. I am excited for you Mrs. River..   Well done!!!

    What would I do if I was in your shoes?    If my doc told me I would only have a local reaction??  I am probably not the best person to answer that question, because I would run right out and get stung.   I know its a strange thing to say and do, but I would probably enjoy that sting so much I would cry. Your probably a bit smarter than I am.
   I don't know the limits.. if you get stung three or four times in a row?   So doing it on purpose may not be the best route just in case another sting or two come rapidly?
    I will just say that whatever the choice I will be here cheering for you. I am excited for you, and glad that you have been cleared to get back into your hives...

   edit;
   That is, if you can pry the hive tool away from your significant other.   ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on May 29, 2014, 01:09:08 am
Scott- "I will just say that whatever the choice I will be here cheering for you. I am excited for you, and glad that you have been cleared to get back into your hives..."

Ditto!  ;) 8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Intheswamp on May 29, 2014, 08:24:43 am
A pastor friend of mine had a "reaction" to shellfish one day.  He was deathly ill and the doctors told him that either he had shellfish poisoning or either a shellfish allergy and that it would be best if he avoided shellfish all-together just "in case".  He wasn't really sure that he had a seafood allergy but may have gotten some bad shellfish.  For some reason an actual test for allergies wasn't done, though it may be that my friend was impatient.  The friend *really* liked shellfish.  ;)

What he ended up doing was he and his wife went to a restaurant and order seafood..."to go".  They then drove to the emergency room, parked, and proceeded to dine not 100' from the ER doors.  ;D

He had no reaction but had an entire ER and hospital waiting beside his "table".  He's still eating shrimp and crabs and what-have-you.  If you can carry a restaurant table to the ER why not a beehive?...queen cages are cheap.

Just a thought. :)
Ed
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on May 29, 2014, 10:14:13 am
Great News little bitty buddy, ;D If you could have been with me last Tuesday you would have got the supreme test :o It was a cloudy, rainy day and i was 60 miles from home setting up some nucs i had made, i thought while i was there and gasoline $3.39 a gal. i would check some new hives i had set up two weeks ago ( i knew better) all the queens had been released and 3 out of the 10 was laying, couldn't find two of them. The reason for quick inspections was they were MEAN :o and i was inspecting between rains and i quite counting stings after 15 or 16 hits and not all in the same area :-\,. When your clothes and gloves  are wet and clinging to your flesh the girls can have a field day. I'm sure you remember all this from past experiences, but i thought i would remind you, Don't work bees on cloudy rainy days. I'm praying that the doctor is right and you can work bees again without any worries or fear. Your buddy, Jack
PS. (SQUIRT :laugh:)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on May 29, 2014, 07:56:46 pm
What he ended up doing was he and his wife went to a restaurant and order seafood..."to go".  They then drove to the emergency room, parked, and proceeded to dine not 100' from the ER doors.  ;D

He had no reaction but had an entire ER and hospital waiting beside his "table".

That's standard procedure whenever my wife has to test a new medicine.  We live 30 minutes from the hospital.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on June 08, 2014, 11:55:44 pm
thanks to all for the replies.....you are all, in one way or another my 'scout bees' and 'guardian angels' here looking out for me, i appreciate it, and i appreciate the replies, and each of the thoughts and support expressed.

"I have this daring trusting side where I would want to sit in the bee yard at a distance from the hives, in a pair of jeans and a tank top, sandles, with the warm sun on my face and the hum in the air... knowing that the bees already know that you are uneasy and scared. And letting them bring you slowly back to visit them with confidence and love. The bees know Riv... they already know what you want and need. Take your time..."
Then there is Scott's way...
Mix a pirate drink. Take a sip. Wander out to the hives. Breath the honey air. Take a sip. Unfold a chair and sit a spell, put your feet up on a stump. Relax. Take another sip. Know that it's gonna be okay...

and scott:
"because I would run right out and get stung.   I know its a strange thing to say and do, but I would probably enjoy that sting so much I would cry."

thanks jen, some wondrous 'poetry' in your words. i have already done sitting at a distance from the hives, and the 'pirate thing'.....lawn chair, sit a great spell, a sip, relax and enjoy, especially in the evenings when everything is still and quiet, a mist coming off the river, sun going down behind the ridge, and the bees coming in and quieting down for the evening.

thanks scott (and like dennis said the suspense) , it's not strange scott, i wanted to run right out right away and take the first sting. when i do i know i will cry in great joy.

lazy shooter, i will share my first visit to the bees with pics  if i can.....

ef, thank you, i looked forward to a reply from you knowing what your children had been through, and your post was comforting to me.

i went through all my protectivie gear, coveralls, veil, gloves.  i thought maybe i had shrunk my coveralls, but guess it is fat cells and winter pack weight. some of my gloves are pretty stiff, stand up by themselves and have seen better days so i ordered new ones. (blue, love those meyer gloves).

i went through all of my equipment for about 4 or 5 days to organize my bee shed, and to go through all of my deeps and supers and to cull any old frames.  i came across two frame jigs, one i am going to gift out when i get a chance to visit him......the other......this is  for jack.....jack, i dusted off an old frame jig for wiring and embedding foundation and i hate to admit it but i had forgotten and discovered that the majority of my honey supers still contain beeswax drawn foundation.  i really thought i had replaced more of this with you know what, and haven't.  the jig brought back memories, and i hate to admit it but thought of you...... :D

do you want the jig?........... :D

i am down to one hive to care for right now.
two years ago, (2012) i had 10  strong healthy hives and despite my allergy and with little management, took off a good honey crop. 6 hives i managed to farm out, out of those 6, between re-queening and dividing, another winter, 4 came through this winter and were divided and are still under the care of a good beek friend in minnesota.    i will leave them where they are for now,  in  very good care. one hive i lost  in the fall of 2012, i am quite certain she was queen-less. late last summer we picked up an awesome swarm, so we went into winter with 3 remaining hives.  these 3 came through winter until april.  one hive appeared to have suffered from nosema.  the swarm hive....well, she could have been saved if only i could have added a deep of honey to her, she starved.  i was so very sad and angry at my complete loss of not being able to manage properly.  angry is really not a good description, maybe frustration. the one hive i have now? the queen?  doesn't matter if she is the original or mutt, she sure is hanging in there with me!

perhaps it is best for me now to have one hive to care for and manage to help me get back into keeping bees again and also helping out a great new beek and member close to me.....
like jen said...
"warm sun on my face and the hum in the air... knowing that the bees already know that you are uneasy and scared. And letting them bring you slowly back to visit them with confidence and love".
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Intheswamp on June 09, 2014, 12:15:26 am
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freesmileys.org%2Fsmileys%2Fsmiley-basic%2Fsmile.gif&hash=1144bde7e6f0d829d7fbedf60811de7f320ae6e8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on June 09, 2014, 12:40:34 am
Awe Geez, had to get my hankie, and it's said men rule the world....  NOT!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey....Who took the lid off?
Post by: riverbee on June 16, 2014, 02:53:03 am
WHO TOOK THE LID OFF?......... :D

.......................RIVERBEE DID!...................... :D


(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs21.postimg.cc%2Fqm2x76843%2Fwho_took_the_lid_off.jpg&hash=612ca1dd532cf38b6608458ebb1a36548bbd4429) (http://postimg.cc/image/qm2x76843/)

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Garden Hive on June 16, 2014, 05:56:33 am
Yea !!!!!!! :yah: :yah: :yah:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on June 16, 2014, 08:27:51 am
WHOOOOOO PEEEEEEEEE
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: kebee on June 16, 2014, 08:41:11 am
 Now you went and done it, congratulation on the rest of the year.

Ken
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on June 16, 2014, 09:05:25 am
Looks like the bees know your back also, Did the bees write what looks like MAY DAY, MAY DAY, on top of those frames. :D Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on June 16, 2014, 09:10:11 am
heheh! WOOT, You GO Mrs. River!!!!!!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on June 16, 2014, 09:46:11 am
Well, it looks like Riverbee has "butted the saddle" again.  A word of caution, be aware of all safety procedures and know what to do when you get stung.  Euphoric moments tend to remove us from reality and make one bullet proof.  Remember where the epi pen is and keep your cell phone near for the 911 call.  After all you have been through, be diligent. 

The above being said, you have educated this forum and our old forum by diligently reporting your condition to us over the past two or so years.  The forum members have benefitted so much from your misfortune, and you have been such a great instructional leader on your cure and how you live your life.  Thanks again for sharing your real life information, and "vaya con Dios."
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on June 16, 2014, 01:29:56 pm
Prayers are answered!  Don't worry, bee happy!   ;)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on June 16, 2014, 01:57:59 pm
Looking at the way the girls are lined up in the picture, I would define it as a welcoming committee !!
Looks like the girls are glad to have you back.
Take good care of them.  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on June 16, 2014, 02:16:59 pm
AWE GEEZ!  :laugh:   I could just reach right thru this screen and give you the biggest bear hug EVER! I'm all giggly  :laugh:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on June 16, 2014, 11:57:22 pm
This has made my long, not-so-great day so much better!
Thank you and congratulations Riverbee!  ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey ~ June Maintenance Injections
Post by: riverbee on July 08, 2014, 01:33:21 am
me bad updating my thread........(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1056.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Ft373%2Friverbee1%2FEmoticons%2Fblushing_zps928c59b7.gif&hash=699bd20a7a71a970b8093baac5f535dc28161813)

i had my 6 week injections on june 25th.....it was my birthday that day.  my clinic called me twice to change my appointment time to earlier in the day, my appointment was the last of the day.  so to celebrate the occasion.......i ordered a small chocolate fudge cake and had the baker decorate it with a large honey bee on it........
AND i added 3 syringes to the middle of the thing instead of candles........ :D :D :D
(to represent the the three injections i take every 6 weeks now).

i also drew 3 big smiley faces on my upper arms with gold marker where i receive the injections for my new shot doc. (i did this once in the beginning, but not since).  anyways, between the gold smiley faces on my arms and the chocolate fudge cake adorned with a big yellow bee and 3 syringes, it got a lot of laughs.  i was the last shot, the office closed down, and had a pleasurable chance to visit with staff and my doc and answer 'bee' questions. 

i really enjoy not having reactions from these shots anymore.  the only one that really ever bothers me is the honey bee injection, but it has been minimal and i have not taken any benadryl or zyrtec prior to or after the injections to ease any reaction, so very cool! 

thanks for all your earlier comments, even you jack for the 'mayday'.......that was a pretty dang good shot!  errr.....ribbing!..... :D

i will never make it as a bee venom therapist. when i posted the pic of the first time opening the hive, i had tried to deliberately sting myself......i just wanted to take a sting and get it over with.  turns out, it didn't work that way.  it's just the way it is i guess, and i have yet to be stung.
what better way to guarantee a sting to one's self than to gather up a few guard bees at the entrance of the hive?
yep, that's what i thought.  so we set out that day i took the pic from my earlier post.  me in full gear.  queen roller cage. tried to gather a few guard bees at the entrance in the cage.  oops, someone else got stung in the process......and it was his birthday (dinner and party later that day).

i didn't want to be in full gear upon being stung. just tried to gather bees in a cage and take them back to the house, get the gear off, and set them on my arm.

one time...... gear up, ungear
two times.......gear up, ungear again
three times.........gear up, ungear again shook the cage to really irritate them........

birthday boy took three stings in the process.......and one to his face........well, at least we didn't have wedding pictures to fix.......... :D
so i just opened the hive.....well it wasn't as simple as that, just some discussion i will skip....... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on July 08, 2014, 01:45:15 am
one time...... gear up, ungear
two times.......gear up, ungear again
three times.........gear up, ungear again shook the cage to really irritate them........

     Wait! You mean the Gear Up Gear Down part, the bees wouldn't sting you?

'so i just opened the hive.....well it wasn't as simple as that, just some discussion i will skip.......'

     What!? you're gonna leave us hangin'
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey ~ Bees and Buckwheat
Post by: riverbee on July 09, 2014, 01:49:54 am
jen, the discussion?.....well,  just some things are better left unsaid........... :D

bees and buckwheat..........i took some pix of my bees working a field of buckwheat that we planted, it sure was cool to stand in that field with the bees flying all around me, and native bees as well. 

i only have one hive remaining right now, and that hive and queen has been and is going great guns. she is in 3 deeps with supers on.  i was going to divide that hive earlier in june.  i ordered and was promised two queens by a beek friend who ordered extra russian queens, and two of those queens were to go to me for my divides on this hive. (we often order together)  that beek stiffed me for those queens, apparently became greedy and used the queens for additional increase in her own hives.  what goes around comes around.  one of the queens died in her cage after being placed in a divide with her head in the candy and nurse bees alive. (inferior queen, not a candy problem).  guess destiny, or things happen for a reason, but i sure don't care for being doinked with.
my beek 'friend' called me in a panic when she found the queen dead in the cage on the 4th day asking for my thoughts and advice and what to do. needless to say i was very angry over what she had done to me, but inspite of my anger, i placed my anger aside and gave her my thoughts and advice on squaring away her divide. it is now doing well.

i have yet to be stung from my bees, but this is honey season and we have some nectar flows, the queen and hive is doing well.  when the bees are filling frames of honey  i really let them alone and don't poke around too much in a hive, there is no need to unless i see a problem.  i have so much enjoyed opening a hive again and seeing the bees teeming up to the tops of the frames side by side to take a look at me, or just plain ignoring me and going about their work in the hive and on the frames as if i had never taken the lid and inner cover off.  i sometimes stand and peer in just to 'absorb' them and their activity once again. it amazes me, and always will.

some pix a little fuzzy, an older small digital camera and the wind blowing like crazy.......enjoy!

a field of buckwheat~

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.cc%2Fq2i5tz2of%2FBees_and_Buckwheat_July_6_2014_024_compressed.jpg&hash=c89584572eb32ffe9df7104c22f7fabed8ef2c64) (http://postimg.cc/image/q2i5tz2of/)

too cool......
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs1.postimg.cc%2Faebaq25nf%2FBees_and_Buckwheat_July_6_2014_016.jpg&hash=18e22c298e59f4776ee7f73827bba73c0d0c567e) (http://postimg.cc/image/aebaq25nf/)

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.cc%2F8p92l14pl%2FBees_and_Buckwheat_July_6_2014_009.jpg&hash=2e6c03096dde0f269bd784c698c31188376d968c) (http://postimg.cc/image/8p92l14pl/)

a little pollen on her.....
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs18.postimg.cc%2Fc3gvfbh2t%2FBees_and_Buckwheat_July_6_2014_010.jpg&hash=bf915fe5eb1c4856505cc31f5fdbde47ebf0284b) (http://postimg.cc/image/c3gvfbh2t/)

and an ant......
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs18.postimg.cc%2Fplnrrlt85%2FBees_and_Buckwheat_July_6_2014_011.jpg&hash=4df28e83a66da26e7a00f726a792aab0d68152fd) (http://postimg.cc/image/plnrrlt85/)

and of course not complete without this picture, and we have all 'hammed' up for one like this................. :D
notice the trout on my flip flops?!......... :D

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs4.postimg.cc%2Fjoeo4nlah%2FBees_and_Buckwheat_July_6_2014_025.jpg&hash=1a042ec8a57be30e3206d97b7da4fc78739c555e) (http://postimg.cc/image/joeo4nlah/)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on July 09, 2014, 02:06:51 am
Look at that buckwheat! Isn't it gorgeous!

It just soothes me to see you standing amongst the bees Riv... does my heart good  :bee:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on July 09, 2014, 03:13:42 am
It's specially good to see that you are confident enough to wander among the flowers without boots on your feet.   8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 09, 2014, 03:18:44 am
thanks jen, the buckwheat is a pretty bloom, and some good honey.  i have been marking the frames as i see the bees are bringing it in to set aside when i extract.

does my heart good as well to stand or wander in a field of plants that my bees and native bees are working now with little fear, or not the fear i have felt. i have avoided going near anywhere i knew bees were in,  even though i knew/know bees rarely sting when they are collecting nectar/pollen, but my fear kept me away.  i don't like wearing any type of shoes in the summer, it's barefoot or flip flops or 'crocs'.  this has resulted in many stings to my feet in the past......i have taken more stings to my feet than i probably have anywhere else!  since developing the allergy, and through the injections, i have worn tennies or some type of boot, and am now going back to my favorite summer footwear AND enjoying the bees as i did on this day.

'standing amongst the bees'



yep that's me!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 09, 2014, 03:28:51 am
"It's specially good to see that you are confident enough to wander among the flowers without boots on your feet.   8)"

ef!  i had just posted my reply when i saw your post!  yes, no boots!!! how cool is that?!  not sure that it is confidence ef, maybe, but i wandered out to the buckwheat field, and thought about my footwear afterwards! i was so anxious to see how many bees were in there working, and then, just let it go.  some fear, and at first i was cautious, but then when i started seeing the bees, and they were flying around and past me, i forgot about my fear i guess.
i ran back to the house for the camera and didn't change my shoes.....!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on July 09, 2014, 04:48:01 am
River, I tried to post a similar picture, inspired by yours, that I took in my back yard---one of many bees visiting a flower of Phyla nodiflora, next to my sandaled feet.  I got the picture (no stings) but keep getting blocked on uploading it because of exceeding the file size limit.  The frustration is worse than a sting.   :sad:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on July 09, 2014, 07:59:40 am
Riverbee, Riverbee, what can I say?  Your presence among us lifts us as a whole.  It does our hearts good to see you back with the bees.  You have carried us through the entire spectrum of your allergic reaction to bees.  This has been a tremendous educational and motivational lesson to your readers.  Good on you for sharing, and good on you for returning to your roots. 

lazy
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Papakeith on July 09, 2014, 08:10:37 am
 :yah:
I can't say it better than lazy just did. 
so I'll just say "ditto"
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on July 09, 2014, 10:00:55 am
heheh..  Thats how my luck would run as well Mrs. River. It would be NO stings or half a dozen of them all at once.. which wouldn't be good..
   Sorry to hear about your Queens, Also glad you have managed to hold your hive together without them deciding to split themselves.
   Most importantly..  I am glad you are back in the game.  With around 40 hives..  I STILL look forward to the days I work the bees..   Swarm season is coming to an end, and my inspection intervals are about to jump to two weeks. I really do not see that as a good thing, though my bees probably do.
   Great pictures, and good feelings. Thanks for sharing your trial by fire with us. Inspiring and dramatic. You have a heart of steel!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on July 09, 2014, 10:14:19 am
Happy for you rb, nice looking buckwheat field. My first bloom is going to seed and i will disc it soon for another bloom soon. Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: jb63 on July 09, 2014, 10:22:01 am
Glad to see you out in the buck wheat River.Last summer my neighbor had some and the bees went nuts for it.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 09, 2014, 11:34:25 am
"River, I tried to post a similar picture, inspired by yours, that I took in my back yard---one of many bees visiting a flower of Phyla nodiflora, next to my sandaled feet.  I got the picture (no stings) but keep getting blocked on uploading it because of exceeding the file size limit.  The frustration is worse than a sting."

ef, yes that has happened to me, and did with the first photograph. what you have to do is compress (not crop) the  photo to reduce the file size.  you can do this with photo editing software.  not sure what the file size limit is for post image.  will pm you. 

the photo of my feet was an accident, just kept pushing the button as i lowered the camera......... :D
i sure enjoyed taking the photos of the bees !

thanks for the comments all, does my heart good to read them!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 23, 2014, 12:05:51 pm
hello, it's me again............. :D

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.cc%2Fnrkkf4smr%2F1_rbee.jpg&hash=abaaf975762b35cf83b1c512ab5b85798bdf8bd2) (http://postimg.cc/image/nrkkf4smr/)

just love it when the bees pile up at the tops of the frames to look at me, as they have always done, but i sure have missed it.....
the bees have been very calm and gentle, inspite of our up and down weather and rain, there has been some good forage for them, both pollen and nectar, and from what we have planted for them.  to date, i have yet to receive any stings, but to be honest i didn't want any stings prior to my trip home to see my family.

I am currently traveling in montana.  when i checked the bees on the sunday afternoon before i left, i wanted to check their progress on a super and post a pic of a frame of drawn foundation the bees had totally stripped of wax, (there were two stripped on one side) this is what they did within one week: (many have asked if bees strip or 'repurpose' wax, they will, and they do).

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs27.postimg.cc%2Fic6bxdnzz%2F2_rbee_stripped_and_drawn_frame.jpg&hash=4b257adf6eea32e0092655995b92f0c89b973a66) (http://postimg.cc/image/ic6bxdnzz/)

this frame is pierco waxed foundation, and was fully drawn in july 2007, and has been extracted a number of times. It is/was  being redrawn, as the other was, and being filled with nectar.

Well fed garden eater:  :D

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs24.postimg.cc%2Fsj4c0mq1t%2F3_garden_eater.jpg&hash=640263e18d455089b383767f0e00edd7a6fe405a) (http://postimg.cc/image/sj4c0mq1t/)

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs12.postimg.cc%2Fnm2fhwqt5%2F4_garden_eater.jpg&hash=acb4f7f4f07a03c2ec841bf2e8d6cbf5f6e27dad) (http://postimg.cc/image/nm2fhwqt5/)

I left for montana early last Saturday morning to visit my grandkids, my parents and family, and as always do some fishing.  We are currently in livingston montana, i will try and post up some pix of a guided river trip from monday......

i have a great deal of catching up to do, i hope everyone is doing well!






Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on July 23, 2014, 12:13:32 pm
Enjoy your wild west stay.  We look forward to your safe return home.
Best wishes to your family, especially to your brother.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 23, 2014, 12:16:21 pm
thank you ef, i sure have missed you and am happy to 'see' you this morning!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on July 23, 2014, 12:16:43 pm
Great Pics Mrs. River!! Hope you have a GREAT time on vacation!!!   We... will struggle through.. lonely, sad, until you return!!!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 23, 2014, 01:13:13 pm
........ :D

thanks scott!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on July 23, 2014, 01:14:46 pm
Love the first pic, 007 bees
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 23, 2014, 01:29:27 pm
that is one of the james bond.......err.....JANE bond frames.....where the bees secretly annoyed me by stripping the wax from it and 'hiding' it in other places in the hive........ :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on July 23, 2014, 11:32:08 pm
Great to see those photos River!
Enjoy your trip out west.  We drove out to Washington last year, its beautiful country!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 24, 2014, 12:42:23 am
thanks zweefer!

i will enjoy, and it is a much needed vacation and family time!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 11, 2014, 04:23:25 pm
i  returned from montana last wednesday, and on the day my injections were scheduled, not sure what i was thinking...... :D
i was unable to post pix of my travels but may do so elsewhere on the forum.   my injections were rescheduled for this week, wednesday. lots of catching up to do here !

i checked my bees on saturday; the progress of an empty super placed on before i left.  it's full, but not yet capped.  this hive has a full deep, a full super, both capped and this third needing to be capped. when i approached the hive, i saw  quite the pile of bees on the landing board and quite the roar going on.  the bees were about 2 1/2 thick in the pile. i gently tried to separate with a gloved hand, but as soon as i did, they all piled back on..... :D  at about 45 secs or so, you will see the ball of bees fall off the landing board.  they rolled around on the landing board for sometime before they rolled off.  i still couldn't see what the heck they were mauling until i sent a puff of smoke on the pile to reveal a big carpernter bee.  as soon as the smoke cleared the bees were piled up thick on the carpenter bee again (not shown), it didn't make it........
anyway, the bees could have cared less about me, and no stings, but this time of year with honey coming in, and with the defense of the hive for invaders as this, i am not usually stung.  i am wearing full gear and will continue to do  so.
(ps not sure what it is with you tube, but video quality is not always very good?)

http://youtu.be/JTtc_M9JNbY
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: kebee on August 11, 2014, 06:11:33 pm
That how my bees do the bumble bee when they enter the hive, quite a site to see, and it looks like they are biting the bee instead of stinging.

Ken
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 11, 2014, 07:31:06 pm
yep ken, they do the same to the bumbles, they were initially trying to 'suffocate' or 'overheat' by balling, none were stinging, good eye!  they were biting!
there were no dead bees on the ground when the dust cleared.  it is quite a site to see!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 11, 2014, 08:21:07 pm
Awesome vid!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 11, 2014, 10:13:46 pm
thanks jen!

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Lburou on August 11, 2014, 10:33:09 pm
That how my bees do the bumble bee when they enter the hive, quite a site to see, and it looks like they are biting the bee instead of stinging.

Ken
I read that bees have a paralyzing chemical -introduced via their mandibles- they can use on intruders like a moth or beetle larva.  A bite will paralyze a larva for a minute or two while bees have their way with them.  Perhaps that was the strategy this time, they sure had their way with that alien bee.....?   :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on August 11, 2014, 11:18:38 pm
Very cool, thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on August 11, 2014, 11:28:48 pm
Back to Riverbee's Journey, I remember being one of the first responders to her original post.  The journey has transformed into a destination.  The long trek that sometimes was one step forward and two steps back is over.  There remains the need to be diligent and disciplined.  Those casual sneak and peep moments must remain in the long term memory.  This has been a long journey over two forums, and it has concluded in the best of all scenarios. 

Riverbees journey is a testament to believing in something and just being an intrepid hard case.  Good on you gal.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 12, 2014, 09:50:13 pm
thank you lazy for your post......i appreciate it, and appreciate what you said.  i have some thoughts/comments to what you said, later...... thank you!

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: BellaFrunes on August 12, 2014, 10:44:26 pm
I never used to react to bee stings until this year.  I really swell up if I have too many stings in one day.  Only swelling though.  Takes about five days for it to go down.  My doctor said beeks are typically allergic.  I once read where you become immune if you take a few thousand stings per year. No thanks!  Sorry to hear your so allergic.  Anyway that is a cool video you have there.  Your bees have a really beautiful golden color to them.  Mine are mostly grayish.  See Ya
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 12, 2014, 11:31:29 pm
thanks bella for your post.  like you, and many others, never really reacted to stings until just before the allergy hit.  large welts and swelling and an escalation to hives and then the a shock.... lots of changes in my life at the time and before that may have contributed to the change in my immune system response to stings.  i will probably never know, but it does haunt me.  the injections are going great and i am keeping a positive attitude about it.    i recently bumped into and talked to a commercial beek who has been under the same doctor's care as i have been, only he has been receiving injections on an 8 -12 week basis now for the past 5 years, and says he will be for life, me too, most likely.  he suffered from anaphylactic events as i did.   sure was encouraging for me.  my first post in this thread describes in short what my experience was if you would like to read it.  i have been undergoing injections since that time.

the bees, or the queen in this hive was originally of russian/carni genetics in 2012.....  having gone relatively untouched with minimal maintenance for two years. but these bees and the queen are most certainly mutts by now! this hive really does amaze me!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Retroguy on August 13, 2014, 02:15:37 am
Riverbee, been there with the anaphylaxis (in my case I suddenly became allergic to aspirin in Alka-Seltzer).  It does get scary when you can't get enough air and especially when the crew is trying different injections and nothing's phasing it.  While I don't think I'm allergic to bee stings I'm having my doctor refill my Epi-pen prescription before Spring "just in case".
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 13, 2014, 02:19:51 am
Me Too Retro, just got my new one !! And I keep it in the exact same place All The Time ~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: CpnObvious on August 13, 2014, 08:05:30 am
I'm having my doctor refill my Epi-pen prescription before Spring "just in case".

Personally, I recommend filling before the year's end.  My last 2-pack has an expiration in October or November of 2015...  If you fill it by December 2014 you can take advantage of this: FREE EPIPEN VOUCHER (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,1043.msg13907.html#msg13907)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on August 13, 2014, 08:35:31 am
Do you guys carry your epipen with you when you work your bees?  It seemingly would need to be close at hand, especially if you worked alone.

Having an injection every eight to 12 weeks seems like a walk in the park if there is some potential for anaphylactic shock.  My oldest son is allergic to many things.  I told one of my old pals he was allergic to his own snot.  :)  His oldest son has huge reactions to wasp stings.  He has only been stung a couple of times, but both instances caused excessive swelling.  The kind of swelling that moves up one's arm.  His doctor said there was no danger of anaphylactic shock, but that he should see an allergist.  That is on schedule.  I am in a quandary about what to do, but the epipen seems like a cheap solution.  Obviously, neither my son or grandson are allowed close to my bees.

Neither I or my wife are allergic to any stings.  Thirty minutes after a sting, there is not visible mark or swelling left on my body.  Allergies are a strange and illogical to me.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: CpnObvious on August 13, 2014, 09:04:46 am
Lazy,

When I visit my hives I carry a small toolbox:

1) lighter/matches
2) hive tool
3) paper to start the smoker with
4) Epipen
5) Benedryl / allergy meds
6) Bee brush
7) maybe a couple other little things???

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a medically-trained professional, though I have a pretty good understanding of quite a bit...  Take my advice for what you pay for it.  I won't be hurt if you ask for a second opinion :)

There's a difference between an allergy and a reaction...  Swelling up at/around the site of a sting is just the reaction of your body fighting the venom.  Although this should always be monitored in case it turns into an infection, it's typically not something to worry about for most people.  I carry "OTC" Benedryl/allergy meds to help with this.  Whether it be for me or an innocent bystander.

Anaphylaxis‎ is an allergic reaction, quite a serious one, as I'm sure you know.  I do not experience this from insect stings.  I carry the Epipen in my toolbox more-so for others.  I have aided in CERT trainings, my better half is trained as an EMT, and I work in a hospital (where I make it a point to learn as much as possible).  Two of the most important things I have learned about Epipens are that:
1)  Even if it's expired, as long as it's not discolored, something is better than nothing.  After the expiration, the dose could be a little weaker than it should be, but if it can keep the person alive long enough for the professionals arrive, it's a good thing.
2)  A child/Jr size Epipen obviously delivers a smaller dose than an adult size one.  HOWEVER, if all you have nearby is a child size and an adult needs it... USE IT!  Something is better than nothing.  If all you have is an adult size Epipen and a child needs it... USE IT!!!  Paramedics can reverse the over-effects of the larger Epipen when they arrive better than they can reverse the effects of death because nothing was used.

Again, I'm no medical professional, but have learned a LOT about keeping those around me (in whatever setting I'm in) as safe as I can.

Also, something to keep in mind... Allergies can be developed.  You may not have an allergy today, tomorrow, 3 years from now...  But all it takes is that 1 or 2 stings to find out the hard way that your body has changed the way it's going to react to something.

~~  My two-cents worth.  Sorry for the long-winded rambling.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on August 13, 2014, 11:22:44 am

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a medically-trained professional, though I have a pretty good understanding of quite a bit...  Take my advice for what you pay for it.  I won't be hurt if you ask for a second opinion :)

There's a difference between an allergy   and a reaction...  Swelling up at/around the site of a sting is just the reaction of your body fighting the venom.

I'll sign on to what CpnObvious says but add what he hinted at but didn't say:  A local reaction (mild or severe) shows up associated directly with the site of the sting.  An allergic reaction shows up on parts of the body not directly associated with the sting.  Said in other words, if you got stung on your arm and develop a rash on your chest or back or feel tightness in your throat and have trouble breathing, THAT is a sign of an allergic reaction.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 13, 2014, 02:49:35 pm
Cpn- This is invaluable info here. Two years ago I had a scrip for an epipen from my doc, the pharmacist didn't tell me that there is an expiration date to take note of, hubby took note of the expiration date when I got home. Time went by and I got my new epipen, threw the old one out. Since this info, I will keep my expired one for awhile. Thanks!

Also, I don't keep my epipen in my tool box where the sun can hit it. Directions do say to keep the pen out of direct sunlight. I can remedy that tho by wrapping it in a small towel. I keep mine just inside the back door, inside a cupboard where it is never moved. 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: CpnObvious on August 13, 2014, 03:18:20 pm
Directions do say to keep the pen out of direct sunlight. I can remedy that tho by wrapping it in a small towel. I keep mine just inside the back door, inside a cupboard where it is never moved.

This is correct.  There's actually a fairly small temperature window that Epipens should be stored at... They recommend keeping it at mid-70s.  I keep my beebox in the shade when I have it out.  Otherwise this toolbox is kept inside the house.  One of my bee yards is about 6 miles away from my house, so for obvious reason, I can't just keep it inside the back door.

Sorry for hi-jacking the thread.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 13, 2014, 04:06:41 pm
Cpn- "This is correct.  There's actually a fairly small temperature window that Epipens should be stored at... They recommend keeping it at mid-70s.

Good to know ! Thanks!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: jb63 on August 14, 2014, 08:05:58 am
 Nice video River.Hope you had a good time at jelly stone nat.park. :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Beeracuda on August 16, 2014, 04:55:38 pm
Up to this point, I have only been allergic to wasps and hornets.  Unfortunately, I took a bee sting on Thursday and developed extreme itching and eventually  hives all over my body.  I didn't have any trouble breathing and didn't use my epipen.  I took zirtec and benedryl and eventually got through it. 

I don't know if all of this was because of the chemo or what.  I should have been at the bottom on all my blood counts on Thursday or Friday and be on my way back up now.  I also started throwing up during all of this.  I had never done that during either of the other two anaphylactic episodes I had from wasp stings.  That could have been caused by the morphine I was on for the previous 24 hours, but I don't know. 

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Slowmodem on August 16, 2014, 08:20:56 pm
Up to this point, I have only been allergic to wasps and hornets.  Unfortunately, I took a bee sting on Thursday and developed extreme itching and eventually  hives all over my body.  I didn't have any trouble breathing and didn't use my epipen.  I took zirtec and benedryl and eventually got through it. 

I don't know if all of this was because of the chemo or what.  I should have been at the bottom on all my blood counts on Thursday or Friday and be on my way back up now.  I also started throwing up during all of this.  I had never done that during either of the other two anaphylactic episodes I had from wasp stings.  That could have been caused by the morphine I was on for the previous 24 hours, but I don't know. 

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

It might be worth the time to go and see an allergist.  Please be careful and good luck to you!  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on August 17, 2014, 03:18:43 am

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

Beeracuda: PLEASE do not go to the bees, even fully dressed.  If, God forbid, you should get a sting (and who hasn't gotten stung though his/her protective garb?) it could be fatal  We all cherish your presence on this forum and are sure that there are plenty of others who would hate to see you go this way. 
No Joking.
Find another beek to do the work for you or just forego the crop.  It's not worth the risk. 
Get to an allergy specialist as soon as you can and till you get the OK, stay away from bees.
PLEASE!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on August 17, 2014, 09:07:40 am

Tomorrow, I will be suiting up and we will see how it goes.  I've got three supers to get off.  Hopefully there won't be any issues.  I will start seeing my allergist after all the chemo is done and get tested again.

Beeracuda: PLEASE do not go to the bees, even fully dressed.  If, God forbid, you should get a sting (and who hasn't gotten stung though his/her protective garb?) it could be fatal  We all cherish your presence on this forum and are sure that there are plenty of others who would hate to see you go this way. 
No Joking.
Find another beek to do the work for you or just forego the crop.  It's not worth the risk. 
Get to an allergy specialist as soon as you can and till you get the OK, stay away from bees.
PLEASE!

Pay heed to the above word, Efmesch is one of the most brilliant and caring person on this or any other forum.  He knows what he speaks about. 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Beeracuda on August 17, 2014, 12:58:50 pm
I will definitely go back to the allergist, just as soon as all my chemo is finished.  My oncologist said that I should wait until all this is done and then start over.  That is exactly what I will do.  I have a bone marrow biopsy the end of the month and provided that is good, I will do chemo in November and February and then I will be done!

From here until I get tested again, I think I will get my buddy to come by and check them for me.  It will be nice to have another set of eyes take a look at them.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 18, 2014, 10:41:38 pm
hey beer, i can only repeat what ef said.....
"PLEASE do not go to the bees, even fully dressed.  If, God forbid, you should get a sting (and who hasn't gotten stung though his/her protective garb?) it could be fatal  We all cherish your presence on this forum and are sure that there are plenty of others who would hate to see you go this way.
No Joking.
Find another beek to do the work for you or just forego the crop.  It's not worth the risk.
Get to an allergy specialist as soon as you can and till you get the OK, stay away from bees.
PLEASE!"


you suffered from a systemic reaction and i would be concerned, your immune system has taken quite a hit!  i would take the advice of your oncologist, as far as waiting until all is said and done.  and as the oncologist said, you may have to start over.....that's fine, don't get discouraged!  hang in there, and i know you can! going back to an allergist would be the least of my worries compared to what you are facing right now!

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Beeracuda on August 20, 2014, 10:32:20 pm
you suffered from a systemic reaction and i would be concerned, your immune system has taken quite a hit!  i would take the advice of your oncologist, as far as waiting until all is said and done.  and as the oncologist said, you may have to start over.....that's fine, don't get discouraged!  hang in there, and i know you can! going back to an allergist would be the least of my worries compared to what you are facing right now!

I talked to my oncologist again today at my scheduled appointment.  He said it was possible that since my blood levels were at their lowest when I got stung that I could now be allergic to bees.  I should be building back up now, but he said it would be best to be on the safe side to carry my epipen.   :o

And he liked his honey.  He tried to give me my copay back, but I wouldn't take it.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 20, 2014, 10:36:29 pm
I like that idea Beer, better safe than sorry at this point in time. I'm also real happy that you are back with your bees, and I know that they are happy your back as well  ;) 8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 21, 2014, 12:03:27 am
bc......
THANK YOU for the update.  our immune systems are so complex and you really have been through a great deal. like ef said earlier, i think i would forego getting near the bees until next spring, or whenever you are stronger, it's not worth the risk......
that's just my thought......

i was posting an update to my injections when your reply came in, i almost deleted this, cuz i did not want to take away from any replies to your current situation and update from your oncologist. i decided to go ahead, but just know, please keep us posted! 

just an update from me: i received my 3 injections last wednesday,  all went well.  it is sooooo good to have achieved a level of my injections so as not to suffer any effects from them, and also not have to take any antihistamines prior to or after.  the honey bee injection does give me a small welt beneath the surface of the skin, and redness on the surface, but nothing like the reactions i used to suffer from.

i call my new shot doc 'needles'....... :D
she has done well since decemeber. doesn't forget or mix up my doses, epi washes the needles and remembers to deliver them to the muscular part of my upper arms rather than than the backs of my upper arms.  most injections are given to the back of the arm (fatty part not muscle).  for some reason this has always resulted in larger reactions for me.  i believe there is an art to delivering injections........some folks not so 'gifted' have not been so good at it and i have requested not to have them deliver my injections.  they forget to 'epi wash' the needles, mix up my dose and give me the wrong dose, or wind up and shoot me in the arm like baseball players delivering a pitch...

the 'art' of injections is NOT:
forget the epi-wash for all 3 injections. pinch the skin real hard on the upper arms til it hurts, wind up or wind back 2 or 3 times,  guess and eyeball aim at the upper arm ya just pinched like heck, and then stab and poke  real hard after giving it the wind up or wind back (or two or three)  and a last good swing when the needle hits the skin...... :D

i have yet to be stung naturally from my own bees, but this time of year for me is typically very minimal for any stings.  the bees are busy bringing in the nectar and pollen, and i don't disturb them much except to check the progress of the supers.  capped, uncapped, do i need to add another.  taking honey off and fall preparations will be different.  i only check them about every 7 days or so until the honey is taken off, unless there is some other problem.  as always i am in full gear for these quick checks.  epi pens two, are always in my pocket, and i do not check the bees without the 'prince' present and nearby. i promised him that i wouldn't so my checks of the bees are 'limited' to when he is present, and really, i wouldn't do it any differently. limited is not a good word, but just that i do feel much more 'safe and confident' when he is nearby; i do not want to be by myself until stings are behind me and i may never reach that level of safety, but for now i am very content.  i so much enjoy being in the bees again. 

to some earlier posts:
retroguy, thanks for posting and sharing what you said about your anaphlactic experience, whether it is from bee stings or other severe allergy, it does not matter, the end result is the same and is very scary.  thank you.  i hope you continue to post and enjoy our forum!

lazy shooter, my eppys are really a 'fixture' of my anatomy for two years or so and probably always will be...... :D
i won't work bees alone and i have promised this.  kind of a 'no brainer' for me......another time, some stories about where those epis have been and traveled............errr........or not traveled........ :D

capn, thanks for your posts.....hmmm, errr, i have driven everyone bonkers about trying to educate about allergic reactions and epi-pens.  i have and always will carry an eppy, and not depend on an expired eppy, and if i had children, (i do have grandchildren) i would and do ensure i have a child's dose available to give them.  depending on anything less is foolish or for paramedics and/or er personnel to figure out how to reverse the adult dosage of an eppy (unless that is what you had available)  can cause other problems.  i don't want to gamble with my life or theirs and i don't mean to sound flippant or mean, but just get it right and get the appropriate prescription.  thank you for re-posting the offer for free epis!  appreciate it!

allergic reactions here in this thread, normal and what's not:
ALLERGY TO INSECT STINGS (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,572.msg8465.html#msg8465)

epi pen information sheet here:  (don't think i posted this one....instructions that come with the eppys)
Epi-Pen Patient Information Sheet (https://www.epipen.com/-/media/files/epipen/patient%20information.pdf)

anyway, enough about me, let's give our support to beeracuda!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 21, 2014, 12:20:24 am
Nice update Riv- Thanks! and I think I'll start the process to get a junior epi for my grands when they are visiting. thanks for calling my attention to that  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: CpnObvious on August 21, 2014, 08:01:41 am
Nice update Riv- Thanks! and I think I'll start the process to get a junior epi for my grands when they are visiting. thanks for calling my attention to that  :)

Jen,

I don't know about insurances out your way... but for you to get one might be a bit difficult.  I would recommend having your daughter (?) call her (?) kids' PCP and say "My mother, the kid's grandmother, is a beekeeper.  Could you write a script for them to have Epipen Jr.s in case something happens while they are visiting?  We're not sure what their reaction to bee sting might be and we'd all like to be prepared."

You might even want to have a script writted for each of them and take advantage of the  FREE EPIPEN POST" (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,1043.0.html).  This would get you 4 Jrs to have on hand.  Well, maybe 2 for you, and 2 for your daughter (?) to keep at her (?) place just in case...
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 21, 2014, 12:26:23 pm
Not a bad idea, Thanks! We do have good insurance. I'll check with my doc first, he knows all about my bees and my practice with bvt. Getting my daughter on that project could take months. I like the idea of having extra epi's cause when granddaughter comes over along comes 6 other kids to play in the yard. I'll update on this  ;) 8)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: CpnObvious on August 21, 2014, 12:31:37 pm
I'll update on this  ;) 8)

 :hijack:

Maybe move the discussion to the free epipen thread...?
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 21, 2014, 12:36:47 pm
Okay  :)


Update, so I moved that last three posts over to the epipen thread, but Riv might need to rearrange that  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 22, 2014, 01:29:26 am
well capn, this thread is not hijacked, and has not been hijacked, you started the advice to jen here.  jen's  answer/s do not need to be moved or any discussion about them... my thought, you hijacked the thread with the sign and your comment. you gave some initial good advice.  this is as good as any place to discuss epi pens or get answers, and jen i am not going to rearrange your posts. your reply remains here, discussion can remain here as well for others who may benefit. 

relax a little capn, life is a journey, it ain't always perfect.  :)

this thread isn't all about me, it's about helping others and maybe educating about my experience....or bee stings, reactions, normal and not so normal reactions, epi pens, etc...... it's about hearing from others who have experienced not so good reactions, like beeracuda, greg's wife, and recently retroguy .......and this thread does sometimes get off topic. it's about whatever.  it's about having a discussion about nothing sometimes.....but just sharing whatever. this is the good stuff in life sometimes.  i don't mind and i don't care.  it's the 'family' and the support here that helps me get through and help others, and also to feel free to post as they would like to this thread.  it's a journey, and has been, and i most certainly have enjoyed every post on this thread, appreciate all the support all have given me,  and have enjoyed posting absolutely nothing to do with the topic.  i hope this thread helps someone in some way, or enjoys a good read over morning coffee.....
that's my thought.....

to epi pen prescriptions.........sometimes docs require a visit to the office for a prescription for an eppy, even your long time physician.  if they know you are a keep, just a short visit or a phone call.   for allergists or immunologists, this is a must to get a prescription for the person they are treating (office visit).  here, i must make a separate appointment with my treating allergist/immunologist for a 'checkup' to receive a prescription for the eppy.  (CYA and required for them).  for my grandchildren, my regular physician gave me the prescription.  this is, really, a no brainer for them.  if you are a beekeeper, just ask, your physician will write the prescription. 

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Beeracuda on August 22, 2014, 10:50:03 am
bc......
THANK YOU for the update.  our immune systems are so complex and you really have been through a great deal. like ef said earlier, i think i would forego getting near the bees until next spring, or whenever you are stronger, it's not worth the risk......
that's just my thought......

anyway, enough about me, let's give our support to beeracuda!

That is my plan, as hard as it will be to do. Since they are in the back yard, it will be hard to completely avoid them.  But I will have my epi-pen or Auvi-Q in my pocket at all times. 

As far as taking care of the hives, I have a friend that I am sure will help me out with them in the mean time.  I have also had volunteers on this forum and in our bee club offer their assistance.

I truly appreciate all the support!   :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on August 22, 2014, 11:11:13 am
Even in the back yard the risk would not be much greater than encountering a bee from another hive or feral colony.
  The difficulty will likely not be from having a hive nearby, the difficulty will be having ACCESS to the hive nearby.
   I would have six bed sheets and two bee suits on with 4 layers of gloves. I'd look like the Michelin Man just so I could PEEK...   In the past (distant) I took on an X Miami Lineman and won, (with witnesses) so a little bee CANT hurt me right?  No, I have never been accused of having an average amount of intelligence, but with each year that passes, I like to THINK I get smarter..  My wife claims I am smarter than I was, but declines to give me any exact percentage...
   If the Danger was real, I would probably do exactly as mentioned. It sounds like a good plan. If the issue was long term I would probably have to try to sell most if not all hives. The ability and skill to rebuild is there if the situation was ever resolved.   
   Mrs. River is the living proof it is possible!   I raise my glass in toast to her indomitable will!


   indomitable
      adj 1: impossible to subdue


    ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on August 22, 2014, 12:16:44 pm
Hail! Hail! to women with indomitable will! clink  :occasion14:

     I would like to add, that I was not bless with genius... but I'm not stupid! We all learn at different levels, I need to ponder while I'm learning, and if someone says to me "What Jen? Are You Not Getting It!" That's when the middle finger comes up, then the index finger comes up, and they get both of their eyes poked out ~

PS. The bees have taught me more than I can express. Patience in learning  :) 8)   
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on August 23, 2014, 06:14:26 pm
Well, Cpn, Ah thunk Mammy Yoakum has SPOKEN.   :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on August 23, 2014, 08:16:53 pm
Don't think i would like having Mammy Yoakum and Squirt ganging up on me. :o but of course i would win in the end. :laugh: Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on August 23, 2014, 08:22:39 pm
Mammy Yoakum was the toughest little squirt I ever knew of, so I figured the title was well deserved.   :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on August 24, 2014, 02:21:17 am


...  I have also had volunteers on this forum and in our bee club offer their assistance

And it still stands!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on September 15, 2014, 10:49:19 pm
i backed into my extractor today.
4 days ago, i dropped the soft top to my jeep on top of it.
the soft top was stored sort of above it in the general vicinity, knocked it off the hangers and pling!  i put the jeep in gear (today), skipped a gear and whammo......
 :D
we took honey supers off 2 weeks ago.  extraction is done at my city res, and equipment is stacked  up neatly in the garage to take back to my rural res for storage.  moved the extractor and the soft top.....it's all good, maybe a ding or two.....

i took no stings while taking supers off.   the bees have been so calm and gentle. maybe it's just me, maybe i am being more careful about the bees now. full gear is annoying and gloves sometimes make it fumbly, but i have always been one to take my time.

since reading tom's post, i have had some  moments of reflection for myself...
tom's thread is here:
 In an hour all my bees will be gone (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,2505.msg33714.html#msg33714)

if you are reading tom, not easy, very bittersweet to give up bees.  i wish you well, and i really hope you hang around here in the forum to help others.

i might make it sound like this has been easy, and i am not 'indomitable' , but thanks scott. there has been many discussions in my household over my desire to continue keeping bees.  what i haven't said is the compromises and promises made short of getting rid of the bees since my doc's release to work bees again. 

1. i will not work bees alone, catch swarms or look at 'bee's' that turn out to be wasps, hornets or yellow jackets on my own.
2. i won't work/check anyone else's bees.
3. any larger than normal reaction to a sting to be determined.
4. any systemic reaction whatsoever, for example hives, the bees will be gone.
5. any e/r visit the bees will be gone.
and all my equipment.

that's where i am at right now.  only the first few stings or future stings will dictate where i will be at with keeping bees in the future.  for now, i am content.

just a short story....a couple days ago, i was out in the back forty shooting walnuts out into the woods with a hockey stick instead of a golf club and picking up downed branches before i started mowing.... :D
in the tall grass, i saw a little fuzzy head poking up.  i left the little fuzzy head there for a few hours thinking the mother would drag her back up to the nest. (sometimes they do)  we had some pretty good wind gusts that day, so figured she blew out of the nest a short distance away (like rounding up my deck umbrella 50 yards out) and for me a cherry picker to get her back up in the tree.  i kept checking, and found her nose down, shivering in the grass.  when i walked up to her she crawled right up onto my foot and ankle, just shivering.  i couldn't leave her to die. brought her in, got her warm and later, rehydrated. later, pretty hungry. called a friend of mine in wildlife rehab.....
a female, pretty healthy and about 4-6 weeks old.....
i enjoy critters as much as i do bees...

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs28.postimg.cc%2Fob0qeio4p%2FBaby_Squirrel_Sept_2014_003.jpg&hash=77ff6d9c8b265be79cbf9069f7666d1fc87c035f) (http://postimg.cc/image/ob0qeio4p/)




Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Gypsi on September 16, 2014, 12:07:11 am
please please please River, stick a bottle of clorox in your jeep.  Just a tee tiny bottle with an eye dropper, enough to smear on a sting while the other hands is fumbling for your epi
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on September 16, 2014, 01:22:58 am
Awwwwe Riv, that's the sweetest story ever. Reminds me of when I found my little brown bat on my back steps. I feel inside that we were meant to find them. Bless you for taking care of this sweet thing ~sniff~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on September 16, 2014, 08:00:51 am
I'm delighted to see this thread is still alive.  I'm surprised a wild squirrel would let you pick it up.  You must be close akin to nature.  I think your five articles of bee keeping are well stated.  Good on you for surviving the wee one, but be aware they are terrible house pets. 

My home is surrounded by pecan, persimmon and live oak trees and my squirrels look like they are cardiac patients.  They're the biggest fox squirrels that I have ever seen.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on September 16, 2014, 10:17:04 am
Hope that never happens to you squirt, I enjoy fighting with you. ;D Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on September 16, 2014, 11:15:41 am
............. :D
well jack, IF it did, you can guarantee i'll be here picking on you for some reason or another............you are stuck with me :laugh:

the squirrel lazy is an eastern gray. the squirrel came to me, crawled up on my foot and looked up at me. when i picked her up, she just curled up and tried to burrow in my shirt for warmth. seems over the years, i have been a 'rescuer' for many birds and critters of all sorts.   she went to the wildlife rehab friend. they really do need to be raised with other squirrels when motherless in order for them to survive when released.  she won't be released until next spring.  i donated the dollars for her feed and care, and also to support the non profit organization.  these folks are volunteers and are not paid for what they do. i volunteer time when i can to help out.

thanks gypsi, i hope to never be fumbling around with the eppy.  ;)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on September 16, 2014, 12:58:33 pm
Hey Riv  :)  that's the type of organization that I sent my little bat too. I found him/her in the late fall clinging onto my back step. I was going out to get some fire wood. Carefully and safely I put little bat in a box with flannel and a low watt light bulb to warm him up. I was able to give him water. Then I went to work finding where to take him. Turns out, that northern California had such a long cold winter/spring that there were not enough mesquitos or air born insects for bats to eat that summer, so they never fattened up for the winter. Calif Fish and Game posted an article due to many calls of bats on the ground. Nothing was wrong with 'little bat', he was just starving

Long story short, the organization that he went too, was able to keep him hibernating and fed for only three months, then he passed. The sweet lady that took care of him, said that 'little bat' would lay on her lapel to get a bit to eat and a drop of water everyday, then scoot back in his box to sleep. It was a moment in my life that will always stay with me.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: jayj200 on September 29, 2014, 12:57:58 pm
riverbee's journey?

i am an allergic beekeeper having developed a bee venom allergy in the summer of 2012, and as it turns out, after the testing in october of 2012, i am allergic to all stinging insects; honeybee, yellow jacket, wasp, and hornets, and have been undergoing venom immunotherapy injections for all of these stinging insects since january 24, 2013 of last year, one year coming up.  3 injections per week and am now on monthly injections.  the monthly injections, (3) consist of venom equivalent to one sting of each of the following; honey bee, wasp, and mixed vespid (hornets and yellow jackets).

in the spring of 2012, i developed larger than 'normal' reactions from honey bee stings not normal to what i had been accustomed to.  these reactions increased in severity.  as the season progressed into july of 2012, i wound up in emergency rooms after july  into august 2012 on 3 separate occasions being treated for anaphylaxis.  the last one was pretty scary for myself and my family.  i still remember it, the fear, struggling to breathe, my life really essentially passed before me.

as beekeepers we really never think of suffering from abnormal reactions, or anaphylaxis, i never really did, and wasn't prepared for it.  i was fortunate, i had early warning signs and ignored them. sometimes there is no warning, one sting is all it takes and within 20 minutes your life changes. one sting changes everything.  for me it did. i have taken many stings, so why now, or why me?  i can't answer this.  no one can, lots of theories, our immune systems are so complex.

in the fall of 2012 i went through the testing process for stinging insect allergy twice.  after the testing, it took a month to order all of the required venom before i could start receiving injections. my immunologist  doc  informed me that  i could not work bees for at least 2 years and up to 5 years depending on my progress with the injections, to once again develop immunity to stings, and to protect myself from an anapyhlactic reaction. i might be in the category of a 'lifer';  continuing to receive injections on a monthly or 6 week basis for the rest of my life.

so i came to a 'crossroad' in my life, a choice of whether to continue to keep bees or not.  whether i make that choice now or sometime in the future, one choice was clear, that i needed to take venom immunotherapy injections for all the other circumstances arising by coming across a stinging insect, but could i or can i give up honey bees? i still struggle with that.  i have a great passion for honey bees, how can i give this up?  only time will tell, and that is the journey i am on. 

since late summer of  2012, i have not worked my bees, but did capture a swarm in full gear at about 100 degrees and high humidity last august.    i carry two epi-pens, an emergency dose of steroid, and liquid benadryl.  the winter months give me a reprieve on this. my epi pens have seen a fair amount of adventure and travel; learning to carry them, 'where's the pen",  losing them, leaving them behind,  being run over and near smashed, floating down a river, and actually having them stolen one time and returned..... :D

i still have the majority of my hives, and they have literally gone almost untouched.  a great degree of frustration of crash training a spouse in the fine art of keeping honey bees who is now very addicted to them, and catching swarms. 
 
my injections have been a long journey; weekly visits that were often times frustrating,  stressful,  and with a number of setbacks. i have suffered a great deal of abnormal reactions, (still do) adjustments to my injection schedule, a preparation of the needles to minimize the large reactions and  taking benadryl before and after the injections.  my doc and shot docs have been  entertained/educated in the process.  i found a way to teach  about honey bees.....from painting smiley faces on my arms (where i receive the injections), to wearing all sorts of bee hats, antennae,  bringing  pictures,  queen cages, package cages, honey, and comb honey and frames of capped honey with me.  wearing bee antennae in a clinic waiting room full of allergic patients gets a lot of looks, laughs, and questions, especially from children.

i still suffer from large reactions to the honey bee injection; probably always will, and my doc says, once back into the bees, i will most likely always suffer from large local reactions, and will most likely have to wear full gear.  i can deal with that. 

will i be ready to work bees this spring?  right now this is an unknown for me, my doc says lets talk about it come february or march and i think, another round of testing.  my doc says venom immunotherapy is successful. and i might add, encouragement of others has made this journey less stressful, and me a less impatient beekeeper as time passes with the injections.

i have never spoken of this or shared this.  the summer of 2012 was a very hard summer for me besides developing the allergy.  i hope never to see another emergency room, dentist, orthodontist, oral surgeon, or an orthopedic surgeon again, well, at least not all in  the span of a few months. the allergy was enough in and of itself.....so some history...... :laugh:

in 2010, i had to have a root canal re-done through a 3 crown bridge on an anchoring crown of a tooth of the seated bridge, leaving the bridge in place but cleaning out of the original root canal, as i said through the crown of the bridge. just wait......don't forget this...... :D

in the spring of 2011, i suffered a stress fracture to my r hip socket and completely tore the hip flexor muscle, so spent most of the fall and winter, 2011/2012  on crutches.  working bees in crutches is not on a bucket list and neither is fishing on a pair of crutches....don't forget this....
in the spring and summer 0f 2012, the fracture was not healing properly. i thought i might have to have surgery on this.

fast forward to 2012:
in june 2012 i lost a very good long time friend to ovarian cancer, she was only 48.  her husband is still lost without her.  can't imagine.

in july of 2012,  i developed a toothache under the 3 crown bridge. in short, a trip to the dentist, a trip to the orthodontist to look at the re-done root canal, back to the dentist, off to an oral surgeon, who sent me back to the dentist to cut the bridge off and then back to the oral surgeon who extracted the tooth. lots of mystery tools these folks have. LOL.  i chose to be put under.  needless to say i went to sleep without realizing it talking bees, and when i woke up apparently i was describing how drones mate with queen bees.   :D

in late july 2012, off to montana.  the night before we left, i checked the bees. i was stung.  i didn't feel good, by very early morning to get on the road, hives.  by noon i was covered in hives.  in miles city, montana i was treated with massive injections of steroid, an antihistamine, and a steroid prescription.

two days later, SOMEONE left a window open next to a doorway that shouldn't be there,  where underneath sat a cooler of cold ones.  after a long day of fishing, i grabbed a couple cold ones, and whack, hit my noggin on that window.  didn't feel so good. about knocked myself silly. red stuff trickled down my face.  off to the emergency room in livingston, montana.

two days after that....are you all still with me?   :D .....i slipped going up the bank of a river, and fell  on my right knee on a rock and jammed that right hip. and  dinged a new fly reel.  it was a long haul back to the truck.  stubborn as i can be sometimes, wasn't going back to an emergency room.

 3 days later in an emergency room in kalispell, montana, i was treated for that fall.  i was in excruciating pain.  i thought i had either re-fractured the socket or tore the muscle again.  so pain killers and a pair of crutches until i could get back home to the orthopede.  the crutches; alot of mileage, from my dad, to me, and now to my brother. so my fishing/family vacation was spent in e/rs, on steroids, painkillers, benadryl and crutches.......btw, you can fish on crutches with drugs.....hard to run after grandchildren  though....... :D

august/september/october 2012, two more e/r visits for anaphylaxis and then the tests for the allergy.  and ps, never want to be on steroids again, the withdrawal from these are incredible.

i don't lead a dull life, but does settle down from time to time.... :D

so....up to date...i hope with this new thread to keep everyone updated on my progress, and also answer any questions, or help educate others on reactions to stings, or the entire process; testing, venom immunotherapy injections, epi pens, etc  i have learned a great deal of information since my allergy started and wish to share what i know with others from my own experience, and maybe a few funny stories along the way. 

last but not least, i can't express enough of a thank you to all who have encouraged me through 'my journey'.  i have never 'met' any of you but think and feel as if i have.  many of you have given me a great deal of encouragement when i needed it the most.  thank you.  sorry for the long winded post!

what a great start for me to a great new year, one year of injections behind me.....old friends, new friends and a great new forum!!!
how cool is that!!!


I am just say en someone is telling you to get right with GOD

GOD is not dead

*thanks jay
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on September 29, 2014, 03:09:19 pm
Thanks, Jay, for collecting all those dispersed, choice selections fron Riverbee's Journey.  On the one hand, I repeated my suffering with her pains for a second time, but on the other hand, I thank the living God for showing that He is with her all the way.  Obviously, she must be doing something right.  I'm sure I join with many others on the forum wishing her many long years ahead---in good health.






*thank you efmesch~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: kebee on September 29, 2014, 06:24:37 pm
 Amen to that efmesch.

Ken






*thank you ken~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on September 29, 2014, 07:39:59 pm
GOT MY VOTE.








*thank you iddee~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on September 29, 2014, 08:29:39 pm
Here, here, I always have been, and still am, in Riverbee's corner.  As always, Ef's use of our language is extraordinary.  We're privileged to have River and Ef on this forum.






*thank you lazy~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Perry on September 29, 2014, 09:14:37 pm
Here, here, I always have been, and still am, in Riverbee's corner.  As always, Ef's use of our language is extraordinary. We're privileged to have River and Ef on this forum.

Couldn't have said it any better myself!  ;)



*thank you perry~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on October 01, 2014, 11:10:53 pm
thanks jayj for your post.........
and to ef........

"I thank the living God for showing that He is with her all the way.  Obviously, she must be doing something right.  I'm sure I join with many others on the forum wishing her many long years ahead---in good health."

thank you ef. i feel blessed in many ways, and sometimes beyond belief, and i am thankful, and thankful for the greater 'compass' guiding me..... i hope to enjoy many years ahead in good health as we all do.  i had not read my first post here on the journey that started my injections since i posted it here in january 2014. so, some reflection for me.  i take very little in my life for granted anymore, and i have come a long ways since then in many ways.  thanks to all of you for your uplifting comments.  i wish we had a thank you button, but seeing's how i am a moderator on this forum i found another way to say thank you....... :D

btw i received my 6 weeks injections (all 3) last friday.  my injections went well, and very little welting, itching, or other side effects.  it is so nice not to suffer from the reactions; so nice not to take benadryl before and after or tape ice packs to my arms for the first 24 hours.  those days are gone and i feel i am well on my way......like a garmin gps saying....'arriving at destination'........ :D
only my destination will be reached when my injections begin at intervals of 8 weeks or maybe 12 someday, and more importantly, that i can take stings without a life threatening reaction. 
for some reason i believe i can and i believe i will.
if not i will adjust, as tom did and others have and make an appropriate decision, or .......'recalculate'............. :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on October 03, 2014, 07:26:58 am
Doctors are very cautious professionals.  Their liability insurance causes this.  Therefore, I believe with all my heart that if your doctor told you that you could resume beekeeping that he is SURE that anaphylactic shock is in your past.  I realize he is human and could be wrong, but again, I believe he thinks you are for practical purposes cured.  I'm sure he will want to keep you come in for a visit and another round of inoculations from time to time.

Also, I was thinking of the squirrel's affinity for you and I remembered the old quote, "birds of a feather flock together."  From there it's easy to go to "squirrels gather around other squirrels."  :):):)

Have a nice day gal.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on October 04, 2014, 02:12:34 am
they are lazy, but just as we all are in our professions.  the immunotherapy, from my own personal experience is the doc's follow a protocol.  i don't know how to explain this for others to understand, and there are different 'schedules' for the protocols, and standards that must be met.  how do i know this? because i asked my doc.  most take this for granted and do not ask, i learned from asking. and i also learned because my 'schedule' and the protocols had to be adjusted according to my reactions.  my doc is good though, she takes the time with me to explain and answer my questions.  i am most curious, and more so maybe than others.  there are very few patients she treats for sting immunotherapy, and i am the only one she treats for immunotherapy for all stinging insects.  it's not common.

i am confident in her, and i am confident that she would have never released me to resume keeping bees, given the knowledge i have about my own immunotherapy and the education she gave me.  in simple terms, i don't know how else to explain it, but when the injections reach a certain stage with little to no reaction, the immune system has built up the immunity.  i remember how much i pressed her, when? when i would ask, will i ever be the same.......she would smile and say "be patient" .  and so i was, and am, but impatiently..... :D   
i learned that if my immunotherapy had progressed very poorly with systemic reactions, even one,  they would have ceased or the amounts would have been greatly reduced and the outcome perhaps would have been different, and i would have been advised to stop keeping bees.

is medical science, diagnosis, treatment exact? a certain 'cure all'.  what is?  only time will tell, only stings will tell, and i have made the decision to continue for now.  she does not 'promise' me  or 'guarantee' that i won't suffer from a systemic reaction, but speaks rather in terms of medical/scientific probabilities of the likelihood of suffering a systemic reaction after successful and ongoing successful immunotherapy that a systemic reaction is highly unlikely.  i know it's jibberish to everyone but in short it's probably covering the murphy's law thing i think....... :D
with that said, i have been encouraged about how successful immunotherapy is. i met a commercial beekeeper she treated/is treating who suffered from systemic reactions, and anaphylaxis.  he went through the immunotherapy successfully as i did, went back to keeping bees, and receives injections every 12 weeks or so, and has for the past 5 years with no problems. 

as far as the squirrels lazy , they aren't the only ones that seem to have an 'affinity' for me......my prince often says to me, what is it with you?  i don't mind.  he comes home from work sometimes to find i have some feathered or fur in the house; in the living room, in the bathroom, in a box, in a cage, in the garage....... :D
don't ask me why they were in the bathroom...... :D
have you ever held a hummingbird in your hands? or an oriole, a young pheasant or grouse, or maybe a baby great horned owl, a young fawn who can barely stand in your arms?  pretty cool!  just getting them back to their environment successfully.  it doesn't always happen. 
thanks for your comments lazy!


Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on October 04, 2014, 02:27:29 am
Sweet River, you are the woodland critter whisperer  ;)  an honor indeed ~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on October 04, 2014, 09:28:20 am
Jen's comment caused the below sidebar:

My father, dad as we say, was a horse whisperer.  All animals connected to him.  It was a gift that did not inherit.  I treat all animals with respect, but animals to not make that magical, mystical hook up that they did with dad.  He's been gone since October 7, 1973, and I still think of him every day.  I long to see him again.

River's journey has been so educational to me.  I didn't realize that one could become deathly allergic to something in an instance.  In my non bio mind it seemed that an allergy would build, and I didn't realize that people could get stung and die from that sting because their immune system has undergone a radical change.  Since River's journey over the past three or so years, I have learned and read of others having severe reactions to stings.  A young man died this past spring from wasp stings in our community.  His family said that "he had not been allergic to stings, period."  Another middle aged man dies two weeks back after taking an inoculation from some type of illness.  Immune systems can change suddenly.  I find that amazing.

I repeat, River's journey has been so education to me and I assume to many others.  We have learned from her doctors and her reporting.  This has been a long, and for the most part, well thought post.  From disaster has come some valuable information, for all of us.  Good on River for sharing her journey.

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on October 04, 2014, 01:59:14 pm
This forum for beekeepers would be lacking a great deal if we didn't have this vast collection of vital information in Riverbee's journey. I'm wondering if mentioning the allergy aspect of the thread would get it to be opened by a lot more beekeepers who don't klnow what it's about.
May I suggest to the moderators that the title of this thread be adjusted to something like "Riverbee's jouney with bee-sting allergy" or "Riverbee's sting anaphylaxis"?
Every beekeeper should read this thread in its' entirety.  The information is vital to us all.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on October 04, 2014, 02:49:20 pm
I like that idea Ef! I'm sure more would read the title and be interested  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on October 04, 2014, 03:50:03 pm
And the one to decide has the power to do it if she wants. It's up to her.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on October 04, 2014, 03:55:43 pm
Well--Riverbee is a moderator isn't she?

 I shall redirect my suggestion to the doubly entitled person to decide---

River, what do you think about the suggestion?  I'm not pressuring, no rush, just give it a thought.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on October 18, 2014, 12:30:10 am
ef,  i have thought of your suggestion, and my apologies for not responding much sooner. 
this thread was started because of my allergy, i think it is also about many other things and thoughts that helped me to appreciate who and what i am in my life and has taken on other characteristics and some story telling......so a journey. and my hopes that someone else will benefit from anything posted in this thread.  i don't know how to describe this, other than to say, when one has a life threatening experience, there are many things one thinks of going forward from that point. for me, there has been a great deal of introspection and struggle.  bees are so magical and mystical to me.  i will never learn enough about them. with that said, so are many other 'places' and relationships in my life.  these  are more important to me.....if i could never keep bees again, i would accept it and move on.

nothing can describe the change in me i guess, at how i embrace/feel/think of my family; my parents, my brothers and sister, my son, my grandchildren and closest friends.   

somewhere in all of this, and all of these posts, story telling, etc, and 'conversing'  with forum members on this thread; mixed in with what i have learned was and is just my way of dealing with it.  a journey there.......if that makes sense? should i keep bees or not? are the injections going to work? the doc says so. lots of other questions and thoughts and i decided not to worry about all of this.   to me, i don't want to be known or pegged (especially to google..... :D) as the anaphylactic beekeeper/the allergic beekeeper......
i just want to be me, riverbee.
 :)
goofy smiley but it works....... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on October 18, 2014, 01:11:10 am
I am humbled by your reply Riverbee, knowing much of that self explored journey myself ~hugs~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on October 18, 2014, 08:45:11 am
We say in the oil patch that you never know a person until you see them in a "nine line bind."  Drilling rigs work from a traveling block that usually carries four and one-half wraps (nine lines) of heavy cable to lift the drill pipe up and down.  When something sticks the pipe it is critical and the weight increases by hundreds of thousand pounds.  That weight is distributed across the nine lines, hence the nine line bind.  Riverbee has been in that nine line bind over the past two or so years.  She had to have the treatment because whether she keeps bees on not, she is still the rugged outdoors Montana gal.  The sun has to shine on her old body, and she has to bumble about in the great out of doors.  She has to wade in those trout streams and feel that rocky bottom on her feet and she needs to walk in those meadows and feel the grass around her calves.  It's who she is, and it's what she would have given up if not treated for allergic reactions to stings.  Without immunotherapy Riverbee would have been and indoor couch potato wording about the next sting.  That's a picture that doesn't even enter my mind.  It's oblivious. 

Riverbee will exit life with sun burned wrinkles on her body and physical scars from all those injuries that the out-of-doors crowd accumulates in their daily lives.  (think about something thrown from the Hillbillies snow blower)  Each wrinkle and scar will carry a story of the old pioneer stock lady that just had to keep on keeping on.  With or without bees she's the same gal.  I'll place my bet on "with bees." 

thank you lazy ~
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on October 18, 2014, 09:47:25 am
 :yah: :agree: :goodone: :occasion14: :occasion14:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on October 18, 2014, 12:29:27 pm
Riverbee,  you are inspirational.  I'll happily continue with you, and all your firends, on your journey
May it continue as a long, healthy and happy journey.  O:-)

thanks ef
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on October 26, 2014, 10:52:46 pm
a couple pix from yesterday, this is what i like to see in a hive going into winter:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs29.postimg.cc%2F71z79p4oj%2FOct_25_2014.jpg&hash=fdb2e3673d813afeac1e3a057d42f4a1effb5147) (http://postimg.cc/image/71z79p4oj/)

a close up:

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.cc%2Fmj0vmzoxf%2FOct_25_2014_2_compressed.jpg&hash=65b109719b4f2abe05d5a0915ea1aee4ab18a4e4) (http://postimg.cc/image/mj0vmzoxf/)

this hive is extraordinary.  the last one standing since i developed the infamous allergy.  it hasn't been touched, divided, requeened in two years and to my knowledge has not swarmed. just very little management in two years. 3 years ago, this hive was a divide from a russian queen/hive utilizing swarm cells.  i have no idea what the queen is in this hive, a mutt for sure, but can say, this was the hive that the queen took flight last year on mr river when he lifted the inner cover off and she was on it. he spent some time on his hands and knees looking for her underneath the pallet the hive sat on...... :D 

i have not seen the queen, but i sure would like to get this hive through the winter and use any swarm cells from her for increase next spring.  she has been very gentle, and productive;  producing  a good amount of honey in two seasons, has not been treated for mites and has wintered well the past three winters.   

it was a beautiful fall day here yesterday, 68 degrees, sun shining, no breeze when i opened it up.  i removed the last of the honey frames i had set in, (rather than syrup) and wanted to check for honey stores, the weight.  i had placed a two inch shim on last weekend, they sure like having the extra space, and gives me room to add any feed on in winter months.  in one month i will probably add a winter patty and will wrap on or before thanksgiving. some of the bees are a beautiful golden color, and i did see some drones.  really unusual for this time of year, but it has been a warmer fall again.

when i opened her up, i spotted a 'bee' in my veil........?........i walked away, trying to remain calm, unzipped the veil and removed it to find i had a yellow jacket on the inside of my veil......SHAH!!!.....HOLY YOU KNOW WHAT!!!!........ :D   nearly peed my pants thinking i had a yellow jacket flying around on the INSIDE of my veil!  talk about some fear and a dance after i got the thing out and smashed it!....
anyway, i went back and opened the hive.  i was amazed, i had only sent a puff of smoke across the bottom board and a little puff to the top entrance.  i had no bees in the air, and no bees bumping the veil.  i was like, 'what's up with that?'.  so i was mesmerized and just watched for a little bit, took a few pix before i put the inner cover back on, and closed her up. 

i have yet to take any stings, i did take a sting to my left leather glove 3 weeks ago, but nothing to penetrate.  i wanted to lose the gloves yesterday, but after the yellow jacket wandering around in my veil, i decided to keep the gloves on......

some day maybe!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on October 26, 2014, 11:06:58 pm
I remember a post you commented on this summer, the poster asked 'What Do I Need To Look For When Inspecting?'

I remember you saying,"When I open the lid I want to see lots and lots of bees on top of the frames."  I've been using that bit of advice since then.

Your pics of the bees on top of the frames is just phenomenal! That's got to be thrilling to see that much healthy productivity  ;D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on October 26, 2014, 11:45:16 pm
thanks jen for your comments.  for me, opening a hive is phenomenal in and of itself and to see the bees this healthy going into winter, i am very, very happy.  they have a chance.  i like to see bees solid on the frames, rolling over the tops as these were, with good honey stores put away.  the hive has managed to make it with little intervention or management from me. i was mesmerized as i said, when i took the inner cover off, and had no bees in the air, irritated or annoyed.  i scraped some burr comb off the tops of the frames, still no reaction from the bees. i just enjoyed and snapped a couple pix.  we take looking at bees for granted i think.  i realized that i don't, i wanted to watch them much longer than i did.
 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on October 26, 2014, 11:55:15 pm
Riv- 'we take looking at bees for granted i think.  i realized that i don't, i wanted to watch them much longer than i did.
 
  I find that I do the same, once I have the lid off I prop it up on the back edge of the hive up against the fence. The whole inside lid and top frames are wide open. I can stand there and watch and spot my pretty pink/red bees, the black ones, the soft caramel girls... and I think it sets the tone for the inspection...  well most of the time anyways  ;)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey~ Injections today
Post by: riverbee on November 10, 2014, 10:25:30 pm
injections today,
all three went SWELL............  :D :D :D
actually, no discomfort, no swelling, no itching, nothing.  no ice packs, no benadryl.  yipppeee!
my shot doc noticed a rather large bruise on my upper left arm, and commented about it; thinking my injection in that arm might be painful, it wasn't. in reply to her i said i had forgotten about it, and she asked how did i get the bruise.........well, boot laces that came undone, and graceful as i am, tripping and falling into an inanimate object.... :D

i want to share an article from last month's American Bee Journal....actually this is from "The Classroom". a question and answer section by Jerry Hayes.
this stirred some thoughts from me about a number of things. allergies really are 'diseases'. antibodies in your immune system can get 'confused' and attack your body in various ways to fight off what the antibodies think is foreign or harmful, but really is not. many things can cause your antibodies to go haywire and will attack your own immune system and  sometimes other organs in your body that are functioning properly. this is a really simple explanation, but i do know this to be true.

in this article this is the first time i have read an american doctor admit that bee sting allergies and anaplyhlactic reactions may be caused from ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, rather than antibodies going haywire ie: aspirin, or ibuprofen. (barbarian, hope you read this)  i have read studies in the uk, that suggest that beekeepers, and long time beekeepers, who have not experienced allergic reactions in the past, do so, once suffering an injury and use an anti-inflammatory agent. "Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (ibuprofen and others) can sometimes produce anaphylaxis-like reactions.  These are called "anaphylactoid" reactions and are not due to actual allergy (antibodies) but rather to known drug effects on the immune system"  if one goes back to my first post in this thread, i suffered an injury. the anaphylaxis came on after that injury and a number of other stressors. i also have an autoimmune illness (in remission for about 8 years).  i think there is truth to what this physician says, but no doctor i have seen; internist, immunologist or endocrinologist will admit to the possibility that an anapyhlactic reaction may be caused by other factors than antibodies going haywire. also i disagree with what he says about arthritic relief from bee venom BUT....a good read and thought provoking on bee sting sensitivity.

American Bee Journal October 2014
‘The Classroom’ by Jerry Hayes
Question and Answer Column ~ Page # 1065

Question:
STING SENSITIVITY
I am rather new at 62 to beekeeping and have neuropathy in my legs.  I just recently realized that after getting stung daily or the days I get stung 10 to 30 times, I have more mobility and less burning in my legs.  I read about sting therapy, but do you know of any professional beekeeper who lost his resistance or is now allergic to being stung?  I would rather endure the discomfort of the stings then take all this medicine.  I carry an Epi-Pen and Benadryl in the dedicated truck in case someone else needs it.
Thanks from New JERSEY

ANSWER BY JERRY HAYES:
I am not a Dr. nor have I ever played one on TV.  But I do know a real MD.  Dan Goldstein, who helped me out with this:
“There are anecdotal reports of bee sting treatment (apitherapy) for peripheral neuropathy and other medical conditions.  However, there is no compelling evidence demonstrating that bee venom is effective except as a desensitizing agent for individuals with bee venom allergy.  Limited studies suggest possible efficacy for arthritis
* (http://www.bidme.org?Your Health/HolisticHealth/AlternativeHealth.aspx?ChunkID=13504).


(*the above url is invalid.)

"Bee venom is toxic by design, and produces a variety of inflammatory changes (that) can alter overall immune responsiveness.  This might explain relief of your symptoms, but some 'caution’ is in order.  There are many case reports of local nerve injury following bee stings, and while recurrent stings may produce a “resistance “(probably due to antibodies against bee venom components) they can also result in sufficient sensitization (other types of antibodies) that trigger anaphylactic response.  In short, I won't try to deny your personal experience, but the effectiveness of apitherapy and the risks and benefits have not been adequately investigated.  I cannot generally recommend this without further study.  You are wise to be prepared with an epi-pen, especially if you continue to experience (intentionally or otherwise) multiple stings on an ongoing basis.

“Beekeepers should be aware of several issues related to medications and anaphylactic reactions, especially older individuals were more likely to be of medications.  Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (ibuprofen and others) can sometimes produce anaphylaxis-like reactions.  These are called "anaphylactoid" reactions and are not due to actual allergy (antibodies) but rather to known drug effects on the immune system.  Certain blood pressure medications known as " ACE inhibitors" (captopril,lisinopril, etc.) can also cause anaphylactoid reactions.  A few authors suggest that these medications may increase the risk of sensitization and may even "re-sensitize" previously desensitized individuals.  More likely there is an interaction between response to bee venom and medications, resulting in a minor or even unrecognized reaction becoming much more serious.  Finally, being on certain beta blocker type medications for blood pressure may reduce the effectiveness of epinephrine in the event of an allergic reaction and may increase the risk of adverse affects from epinephrine.  If you have concerns about these interactions, you should consult with your physician before altering or discontinuing any treatment.  Concerns about interactions with epinephrine should not deter you from using an epi-pen in the event of a serious anaphylactic reaction as this is a life-threatening condition.”


This is a lot of detail, so the conclusion is to see your doctor to talk through your specific situation. 

***********************
(end of article)



Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 07, 2015, 09:17:45 pm
my 6 week injections were  on december 22nd, and i  neglected to update my thread.  i did have a larger than normal welt from the honey bee injection than i normally experience, the welt dissipated over night. i am not concerned about it.  next injections are in another 6 weeks, i was hoping to go to 8 weeks, doc says not yet. 

my shot doc and another were  quite busy, waiting room full of patients waiting for allergy shots.  apparently they have scaled back their hours for winter months. i always wait the 30 minutes after the injections and chat with the receptionist with whom i have come to know the past 3 years.  when  my 30 minutes were up, i stood up, wished her a merry christmas, a happy new year,  c ya in 6 weeks.  she replied by returning the well wishes, and added  "i hope you enjoy your christmas" .  my reply ? (said in jest):
"i will, i don't have any family coming to mess it up."
............... :D
i heard some giggles and snickers from behind me in the waiting room, and funny, two teenage boys who clearly understood and apparently appreciated what i said.........LOL!

EPI PENS; if anyone would like to take advantage again this year for a prescription on an epi-pen at little or no cost, please see my post here, mylan is once again offering this for 2015:

EPI PEN Zero Dollar Co-Pay Offer 2015  (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,3122.msg42671.html#msg42671)

december was very hectic for me, and into the first few days of january. mr. rb's firm moved their offices of 2 floors  to another building, just days before christmas, through christmas and new years.  their volunteer movers and helpers  were.......you guessed it.........a limited number of partners and associates and some of the spouses.  and i do mean limited.  i suggested they hire "two men and a truck".  (moving company less costly than others). leave it to 2 floors full of attorneys to be cost effective.  :D the stress meter in our household?  just call us the bickersons......the good thing about the move was they didn't have to move furniture,  it was all sold or donated,  and new was purchased.  i was asked to cut a rather large  conference table in half with a skilsaw if it couldn't be sold to get it in the elevator because they didn't want to pay a carpenter to do it.  it was sold and the buyer's problem to get it 6 flights down. 

on the 2nd of january, my prince bickerson came home ill with the flu and crashed.  he doesn't get sick. i quarantined him, i didn't want to get this stuff. on the 3rd of january, in the morning, the phone rang and it was his cell #.  i thought what the heck? did he lose his cell phone? nope, it was him from the spare bedroom calling me on the home phone with a 'request'........... :D on the 5th of january, monday, i ran for a prescription for tamiflu.  i had to gas up my jeep first, and ran into a small problem with the locking gas cap being frozen up and had to unthaw it in -30F windchill at the gas pump. i wasn't feeling well myself that day. needless to say, i came down with the bug.

last evening, i crashed on the couch for different scenery and put a movie in, and fell asleep.  i was awakened with 'pirates of the carribean, curse of the black pearl' blasting through the surround sound and prince bickerson shaking me and asking me if i was deaf........... :D, well yes i am sort of LOL.........it had awakened him one floor up.  i had somehow rolled on or pushed a button on a brand new smart remote i had recently programmed(harmony 650) , and the volume i unknowingly managed to turn up just sent the surround sound; johnny depp and the black pearl rumbling upstairs...... :D
love johnny depp!

all in all, christmas and new years was good, minus the move, the stress, the flu and the frigid temps. now looking forward to spring!......
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on January 07, 2015, 10:15:11 pm
@riverbee:

Moving is the most tedious, tenuous, mind muddling experience in life.  I would rather be whipped with a dead squirrel than to move one room of our house.  We always move the guns first and lock them in a safe for obvious reasons.  Even if you hire movers, it is still stressful, make that STRESSFUL

Gee, has it been three years?  It sure doesn't seem that long, but "time flies when you have fun."  I have fun nearly all of the time, and I think Riverbee does also.  It's got to be fun to be "old big momma" on this forum, and to know every dang thing in the world about honey bees.

Ever how long it's been, this has been the longest running thread that I have been associated with.  It's been informative, educational, thought provoking, and to sum it up its just been riverbee.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Ray4852 on January 08, 2015, 10:27:53 am
Riverbee

I get my shots now every six weeks. Next year every 8 weeks. Shots are working. I'm glad I’m in the program. 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Curtchann on January 08, 2015, 06:41:38 pm
riverbee,
I'm glad you carry your own Epi pens. As a FF/MFR, we have been informed that the new county protocol where we live is that the ambulance's won't be carrying them. I can't give someone an EPI pen, I can only assist the individual.

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Gypsi on January 08, 2015, 08:47:55 pm
Glad you are on the mend RB.  Johnny Depp is splendid!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 09, 2015, 10:56:53 pm
thank you gypsi, and j depp is, well except i didn't care for his movie edward scissorshands.......... :D

curtchann, thanks for you post. i do carry two epi pens.  FF/MFR............firefighter? medical first responder? or Microsoft Fingerpint Reader?.......... :D
aw heck, i just had to throw that one in LOL! i had to think about the MFR for a sec, terminology changes, used to be ERT or EMT (emergency response tech or emergency medical tech).  firefighter? jacks a former FF, (and many other things........ :D) and i used to chase after what started them........and who started them. was also certified as an emt.  why won't the ambulances be carrying them?  and why can't you administer them?  the sooner someone gets that dose of epinephrine in a life threatening situation, the better.......liability on the county?  so if you come across someone having an allergic reaction, who has no eppy, what can you do?  can you administer any steroid or antihistamine?  thanks for your reply in advance.

ray, me too!

lazy shooter...........
thank you. you have a way with words that always makes me laugh! ie " I would rather be whipped with a dead squirrel than to move one room of our house."
it has been 3 years, and a very long thread. i think if anyone just joins up, read post one, and read the current posts.  i do like to have fun lazy, humor is good for the soul.

"It's got to be fun to be "old big momma" on this forum, and to know every dang thing in the world about honey bees."

well lazy, i don't know every 'dang thing in the world about honey bees'..........iddee does............ :D
"old big momma"...........
and don't go giving jack any ideas about calling me anything different than a squirt........ :D

i am older, but aren't we all?  me and all the mods and admin team are angels..... O:-)
 maybe guardian angels? ;D
or the fellers are also all big momma's.......admin, iddee, riverrat, perry and george.............. :D

i know for sure i had a guardian angel looking over me three years ago....... :yes:

hey lazy, i read you are in louisiana? you take care ya' here! don't work to hard!

 




Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on January 10, 2015, 10:19:51 am
I agree, Epi pens should be carried on all emergency vehicle, when i was on the fire dept. rescue squad (a EMT also) the only treatment we had to offer was CPR. :o Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on January 10, 2015, 03:19:18 pm
I just ordered my epi's for this year, from the American Apithery Society. I got 4 regular ones, and two juniors for my grands when they come to play. I ordered 4 adult ones, 2 for me, one for my medicine apitherapist bag that travels with me to clients, and one for home for myself. Two extra just because.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on January 10, 2015, 03:43:28 pm
Jen, you sound overprepared.  I hope you don't over-react and use them unless they REALLY needed.  The last thing we need is a trigger-happy bee-keeper.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Curtchann on January 10, 2015, 04:39:25 pm
riverbee, Yes I'm a firefighter(just promoted to Captain and a medical first responder. We still have EMT's (Emergency Medical Technician) Do to county by county medical protocols which are decided by the Doctors that serve on the board, they make they decisions on who can do what. In the county I live in, I can't administer an epi pen or put in an airway. If I'm in the next county over, I can respond to certain areas that the ambulance service that i am employed by and do both. Just depends on the county. Our ambulance service doesn't carry them out of cost. We throw out 90 percent do to expiration than we use. Most people that need them, have them and have already used them before we arrive.

I have only had 2 calls in the last 6 years for bee stings. One the parents were allergic and their child had a bee sting and they thought the child would be allergic. Not the case though. The other a woman was stung in her car and pulled over. She couldn't find her pen and her daughter told her where it was in her purse. She refused to take it, said she didn't like how it felt. We couldn't make her so we transported her to the hospital and monitored her airway. She had no medical effects from the sting other than some swelling.

My mom has 2 epi pens as she is allergic to all sorts of stuff. Perfume, soaps and detergents, and even the adhesive on band aids. Her last reaction my dad took her to the hospital and her airway was closing. She didn't want to have to wake us up to do what we do. After a  lecture from the doc and then one from me, she now knows the seriousness of allergic reactions.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Ray4852 on January 10, 2015, 06:12:46 pm
I’m allergic to honeybees. I wont carry an epi pen around with me because I feel I don’t need one. I'm in the bee venom program now. I get the shots every six weeks. I never had any problem with the shots. I still get stung but I try to keep the stings to my hands. My doctor told me any bee sting above the heart can be dangerous. I got stung 5 times in the head and face. The first time I swelled up like a monkey. The second time I got stung 3 times in the face. I ended up going to the hospital. I think a lot of people over react with these pens. If your not allergic to honey bees you wont have a reaction. If you are allergic to the bees and don’t now it. You are a bomb waiting to explode. If people are afraid of getting stung they should see an allergy doctor. A simple blood test will tell you if you are allergic. If you are allergic and never had problems with bee stings. I think it would be a good idea to carry the pen. If your not don’t worry about it. Get a blood test. All beekeepers should get one. At least you know ware you stand. 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 10, 2015, 10:34:34 pm
curtchann, thanks for your reply.....
congratulations on your promotion to captain!  i have a question, what is the difference between MFR ~'medical first responder' and EMT 'emergency medical technician'?  like jack, i took the certification for EMT.....?  i think i do remember a first responder's course, but we were required to be certified as an EMT. ?  maybe things have changed now?

i have talked with some former colleagues, and have learned that some counties and emergency services stopped carrying the epi's on board because of the cost, and expiration, as you said.  i do understand that most folks who need them do have them, and have used them, but on a rare occasion, like me, i didn't have one, didn't know i was allergic. honey bee stings never bothered me or other stinging insects, then one day, 3 years ago that all changed, honey bee sting sent me into anaphylaxis. (read my first post if you haven't, gives a synopsis of what happened). i do not suffer from allergies to anything else. seems my immune system decided that  i am allergic to all stinging insects...... ;D  sheesh a beekeeper allergic to honey bees....that's just my luck or rather murphy's law, go figure..... :D

like ray, i have been going through the venom immunotherapy and now receive 3 injections every 6 weeks. the members here have been a great source of encouragement and support for me, (especially efmesch), through the past 3 years. thanks for sharing about your mom, i feel for her, and understand that ever present nagging feeling or question in the back of your mind about developing a systemic or anaphylactic reaction.

ray, i carry the epi pens, even with the therapy......one never knows, and i don't want to take the chance.  never heard the thing about stings above the heart?  any sting any where ~ allergic = systemic reaction or anaphylaxis.
the blood test can be a positive false positive type thing (doc's also consider your reaction/s that brought you to the blood test)......i went through the skin prick tests.  beekeepers will most likely always test positive for an allergy with the blood test, and even the initial skin prick tests, but the skin prick tests, as they progress, will give your allergist/immunologist a better diagnosis to the 'true level' of your allergic threshold.  not sure how to explain this?  i am sure i did somewhere in the past however many pages.......... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Ray4852 on January 11, 2015, 12:21:47 am
Riverbee

my face is the worst area for me to get stung. I broke out with the hives with pus filled welts on my back, I itched from head to foot, my tongue swelled up a little and I could feel a little abnormal heart beat for a few seconds. When I get stung in my hands, I itch for a couple days. The same thru out the rest of my body.  After getting IV treatment at the hospital. The doctor said my next bee sting could be very serious. I followed up with an allergist right away.  I'm glad I did. My insurance pays for most of it. I recommend anybody who has problems with bee stings. Go see a doctor. Get checked out. You never now whats going to happen to you because we are dealing with nature here. By all means protect yourself. It only takes one bee sting and you could end up in the hospital. I tested normal for other insects.   
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Curtchann on January 11, 2015, 08:49:10 am
riverbee,

Here in Michigan, MFR is the lowest level of training, an EMT is the next level that's about 160 hours of training. Our department requires all new firefighters to be MFR certified. I could have taken a 60 hour course right after my MFR course and become an EMT. EMT's can do a few more things that I can't. Start IV's and a few other things. Then there are EMT Specialist and then Paramedics. We have a mix on our fire department. We have 3 EMT's and 3 Paramedics. So we give a variety of care depending on who is available that day. We are a rural department that covers about 2 1/2 townships, over 80 square miles. So we are always cross training in a lot of areas. Farm rescue, water rescue, ice rescue(now that we finally have ice on the lakes).
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 11, 2015, 06:55:35 pm
thanks curtchann. i think anyone in a field as yours ought to have the basic training, and law enforcement officers as well. especially in rural areas where it may take some time for emergency crews to respond. sure is a plus to have the skills/knowledge for medical emergencies.

ray, i am ahead of you, i have been harping on everyone about bee stings and reactions for 3 years.................... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on January 14, 2015, 12:35:00 pm
Glad to see all is well on your end riverbee! 
I look forward to the time I can come visit your apiary and share a cold beer in person.  :yes:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on January 14, 2015, 07:45:20 pm
well zweef, my apiary has one hive standing now............ :D

meeting you in person and the cold beer sure sounds good!  it should be the other way around, i'd look forward to coming to eau claire and helping you out, AND having a cold beer with some bee conversation!........

and ps. we will supply the beverages........ don't bring any coors or bud light or old milwaukee........... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on February 16, 2015, 06:55:41 pm
i received my 6 week injections on friday the 13th......albeit 2 weeks late, put me at 8 weeks.
my appointment was scheduled for the 2nd of february.  had a gray moment i guess and totally missed it, i had neglected to put it on the calendar. oops. they give me the full dose anyway of all three injections. oh, did i say friday the 13th?...........
friday the 13th, i went to dinner with a popeye arm on one side, and a golf ball sized knot on the other, itching and trying  to ignore it.  for some reason, this injection and the last injections have brought some localized reactions. this one larger than the last. perhaps it's the venom mixture, or perhaps it was because i was at 8 weeks instead of 6. i will report it next time (6 weeks).

back in january, mr. rb sent me an email from his smart phone while in a meeting and asked me how many bees are in a standard hive with 2 deeps and four supers..............
my reply:
"depends....lots of variables and time of year, weather, available forage, and if the bees and queen are healthy.........is this bee trivia day, or are you getting questions from a politician or city administrator?" .......... :D

turns out, i didn't know he was in a meeting with a mayor, a city administrator, and a city planner at the time, so the DEPENDS answer didn't fly. but that's what attorneys say...... :D

so i gave him a scenario of winter, spring, summer, fall , averages, AND i gave them some 'queen math'.  i flunked math but politicians and city planners/administrators and attorneys  love facts, math and logic.  i think this is the only language they speak, and i am here to tell ya, it's true. oh, and also proper grammar when preparing a city ordinance. 

mr. rb is a city attorney for this particular suburban city who is allowing the keeping of bees, and he was fielding questions and getting ready to prepare a proposed ordinance for the city. how cool is that?  so my legal hat spent this past weekend finalizing and preparing that ordinance for the city. he had questions for me. a lot of questions. there are some model ordinances out there, some are very restrictive, some make no sense and some are very generalized. he is very anal retentive, and pays attention to detail.  public safety is a concern, as is costs to the city.

my first comment to him was:
"whatever you do, make sure you write an ordinance in the best interests of all to make everybody happy, the beekeeper, the neighbors, the mayor, the city administrator, the city planner and whoever has to enforce the ordinance. don't use generic language that opens a can of worms that you can't get the worms back in the can because the city won't be happy ."

reply on the 'can of worms'.....deer in the headlight look...........

my reply to the deer in the headlight look:
"okay, an analogy, don't let the bees swarm, cause you will be hard pressed to get them back in the box, you know that. management. manage the ordinance now before problems occur as we do with bees to keep them from swarming.  the city won't be happy when complaints start rolling in,  and won't be happy with the ordinance.  be specific and use beekeeping terminology. for example, from some models, ' must keep bees in a receptacle', bees aren't kept in a receptacle, it's a box/boxes of some configuration.  you will have someone thinking they can keep bees in a cooler, or something else.  define it, you will look smart, and the city will look smart and you won't be getting phone calls from the city complaining about how the original ordinance was written or them thinking they want to further restrict because of errant beekeepers"..............
point made.

seriously funny stuff, but was frustrating for me sometimes for the appropriate legal ease and appropriate grammar used in ordinances.....another:
"requeen is not a word."
 "yes it is."
"it's a noun then, i need a verb. replacing the queen."
"okay, requeening, that's a verb".
" that's not a word".
"yes it is. abc xyz says so and that's the terminology we use as beekeepers"
pull out the 'bible' and make him read requeen and requeening....
definition: replacement of the queen........ :D

i could go on and on, permit costs, setbacks from neighboring properties, providing a water source, definition of a nucleus, definition of a colony vs hive, and who's charged with inspections or fielding complaints...........much more.  i swear my brain was on overload by 6:00 pm last evening.

i feel honored to have input on this ordinance. i am anxious to see the end result of the proposed ordinance, and what the city adopts. when they do i shall post it here! 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on February 16, 2015, 07:19:18 pm
And RB's final question..... Do you want to eat cold baloney and weiners or steak and lobster for the next 6 months?   :laugh:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on February 16, 2015, 10:19:36 pm
............LOL!!!! pretty much! how did you know? ........... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on February 17, 2015, 12:46:41 am
Was that our ordinance? (http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,3373.0.html)   ;D

Seriously though, if you are looking for someones brain to pick, we literally just went through this... let me know via PM and I'd be happy to help you out.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on February 17, 2015, 09:41:53 am
thanks zweefer!

i don't think he had this one, but i will forward it on!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on March 17, 2015, 09:00:49 pm
last week we finally pulled out of an extended deep freeze, going from below zero temps to 50's 60's and 70's, and enjoyed the warm temps and so did my last standing hive.  she made it!  i watched my bees last week flying out, and the results of the fly outs from being couped up.......... :D

although this hive seemed to heft with good stores, i decided to take a quick peek this past saturday, temps were in the upper 60's, probably hit 70' or more.  i have promised not to check without someone present so did so on saturday.  my bees are strong, through all this harsh cold sub zero weather the past month and the long winter.  i was elated to see the frames of packed bees rolling over the tops of the frames.  they were in a loose cluster, and many were flying.  for insurance, i slid in another winter patty on top of the frames.  temps are not conducive to put anything else on, and won't be for awhile.  just to be in the bees, see them, hear them, it's really cool for me. this is my last standing hive since i developed the allergy, and there is something to be said about 'survivor bee's' and managing bees with little management or intervention. 

this colony was a divide from 3 years ago, relatively untouched, (the spring/ summer i developed my allergy), from russian nucs i purchased 5 or 6 yrs ago that built up into double deeps.  a mutt hive.  at the time i had 8-10 hives, and because of my allergy, i have not been able to properly manage any hives. i lost them one by one, but this one, amazes me. little or no management. i don't treat unless i find necessary and  i haven't treated these bees for varroa or nosema or anything else.  they are survivor bees.  last summer, harvested a decent honey crop from her, and she is still standing. 
all i do: entrance reducer at the largest opening, inner cover with a cut out of 2 1/2 ".  a shim in place to add feed to the tops of the frames; the bees really like this.  i wrap. 2" insulation above the inner cover.  that's it. on a wing and a prayer....... ;D

after we opened the bees we took a long walk along the river.  not that pretty this time of year,  usually with great snow fall we have different scenery from flooding, not this year.  anyway, always look for rising trout, agates and maybe some artifacts. i enjoy seeing all the differnet tracks of critters and birds/raptors in the sand on the banks.   when we arrived back from our walk, we sat in the driveway to enjoy the warmth of the sun, supplemented with some local brews from the rush river brewery....  8)
sure tasted good!

i had a bright yellow sweatshirt on.  A BIG YELLOW FLOWER..........lol! one of my bees found me, flew into my forehead, ZING!, she bounced off and kept flying into my sweatshirt. moved the chairs. kept moving the chairs around. one bee turned into 2 bees, 3 bees 4 bees etc, you all know the drill..... and moving the lawn chairs was not an option.....I CHANGED MY SHIRT....... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Bakersdozen on March 17, 2015, 09:08:46 pm
How exciting to hear your last colony still is a tickin'! 
Sounds like your bees were desperately foraging for anything!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on March 17, 2015, 09:16:59 pm
 :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes: :yes:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on March 17, 2015, 09:55:30 pm
"How exciting to hear your last colony still is a tickin'!
Sounds like your bees were desperately foraging for anything!"


thank you bakers, yes, incredible, amazing to me that these bees have relatively gone untouched for 3 years.  i did do some minimal management this past summer when released, but out of fear did not dwelve to deeply in the hive other than to see the queen was laying and laying well, good honey production, and no signs of varroa infestation. make sure they had honey stores for winter and fed them back frames of honey to get weight up.  to be honest, this is one of the first years in many years, (thought last year was the worst), i thought i might loose this hive.  all winter long hefting that hive, listening for life.  i am overjoyed.  she will make a good divide i hope.

the bees were on a mission to forage, not much to forage on. the willows have buds on them, soon that pollen will be available.  another cold snap this week, but now after a quick check, i am confident they will do alright!

for me, hard to explain how happy i am to still have this hive.........
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Bakersdozen on March 17, 2015, 10:16:42 pm
So river, after 3 years of being untouched, surely they have successfully re-queened themselves by now?  Queens, given the best circumstances don't make it much past 3 years.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on March 17, 2015, 11:12:16 pm
"inner cover with a cut out of 2 1/2 "
 
      I like this idea! think I'll be doing some inner cover surgery this spring  :)

      Love the fourth paragraph that speaks of nature and ends in a brew  ;)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on March 18, 2015, 10:34:38 am
"So river, after 3 years of being untouched, surely they have successfully re-queened themselves by now?  Queens, given the best circumstances don't make it much past 3 years."

i am unsure bakers, it's very possible, but i also think that it's possible she could be the original queen. wishful thinking.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on April 02, 2015, 11:34:37 pm
received my 6 weeks injections last friday, march 27th.
not sure what's going on, i think my shot doc mixed up what shots went into what arm. normally the honey bee goes in the left arm (the one i react to the most), the wasp and mixed vespid injection goes in the right arm.  wasp, i may get a little reaction from.
i try to pay attention to what they are doing, (i shouldn't have to, but do), make sure the shot doc epi washes the needles for the 3 venom/shots, and i get the shots, honey bee in the left, wasp and mixed vespid in the right arm. we get to yammering....i forget to watch what venom she is injecting me with in what arm, really shouldn't have to, it's in my records.  i think she shot me in the right arm with the honey bee and wasp in the same arm cuz my right upper arm swelled up pretty good with a reaction.
i go through months/injections with no reactions, then the last couple injections i suffer reactions?  unsure why?  i have a checkup with my allergist/immunologist doc in may.

my last standing hive is doing well, amazingly well............checked on monday, temp was maybe 50.  i have seen the bees bringing in some pollen, probably from the willows along the river, could be maples or elms, but thinking it's from the willows..........
 
(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs13.postimg.cc%2Fsip3fyn9v%2Flast_standing_hive_march_30_2015_001.jpg&hash=2927b14524b2170e26e4d50797463e7600072778) (http://postimg.cc/image/sip3fyn9v/)

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Jen on April 03, 2015, 12:40:53 am
Beeeautiful pic of your bees Riv  :)  Happy for you  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on April 03, 2015, 07:25:14 pm
Even without sound on my computer, I can hear those bees saying,  "com'n, mama, let's get going."
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on April 03, 2015, 11:47:15 pm
very true iddee,  the picture....you can 'hear' them!!!

i continue to be amazed at this hive and queen.  i have never seen this many bees in a russian/russian mutt hive this time of year.  it was so cool when i gently lifted the lid, (in full gear and gloves.....don't like all the gear) barely any sound from them, gentle and calm. no bees flying into the veil or at my gloves.  i stood and looked in disbelief at how many bees covered the frames and the bees clustering from the underside of the inner cover, (guessing the queen was in the middle of it). i stood with the lid open for a little and really enjoyed.

these shims work well, and the bees really seem to like the extra space, and easy to place extra feed in if need be. i had a half winter patty(bee pro i think) left in there, so placed another half patty in. it is still too cold here to feed any syrup, and if need be syrup will go on if they need it and when temps warm up. 

forgot to mention we turned the solar fencer back on a couple weeks ago, seems the bears around here are out and about from hibernation.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on April 04, 2015, 12:31:06 am
Those are sweet bees you have Mrs. Riv..  If I was you, I would buy a couple (dozen) packages and get them started well, then pull all the package queens. Wait 4 days and destroy all the queen cells and give them eggs from your survivor queen..  Bonanza!!   
 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on April 04, 2015, 12:42:25 am
I'd buy / barter for some of those! :yes: :yes:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on April 13, 2015, 10:23:33 pm
"Those are sweet bees you have Mrs. Riv..  If I was you, I would buy a couple (dozen) packages and get them started well, then pull all the package queens. Wait 4 days and destroy all the queen cells and give them eggs from your survivor queen..  Bonanza!!"   

great minds think alike scott................ ;D
they are sweet bees.......i didn't plan on having this hive make it through winter. i was gifted with 5 nuc hives at christmas..... ;D (pickup in june) barring any reactions from stings or trips to the e/r. anyway, she made it, so i started thinking on it and want the genetics from this queen. i have a trip coming up to alaska, i needed to think about timing, and how many hives i want to immerse myself in and manage.  if i didn't have any nucs coming, i would have purchased the packages, pinch the queens (if they hadn't already started supercedure or superceded) and introduced eggs from my survivor hive. what i am going to do is, make up one or two nucs to begin with, i will start with and utilize swarm cells from her. coming up soon! maybe one or two before the flow starts here with swarm cells (if they look good), and maybe one or two after the flow with eggs.......still mulling this over and a wait and see thing.  this hive would probably be a good honey maker, but i am willing to trade that to keep the genetics going. 

zweefer, no need to buy/barter......a gift if things turn out alright for me and this hive. wait........how well do you fix fences, run a chainsaw, and clear trails............ :D :D :D  oh wait, maybe i need to add to the list?............ :D

they are sweet bees, this past weekend was in the 60's, although very windy.  i took a long trail ride on the 4 wheeler along the river, very sad the river. the water is so very low; lack of winter moisture. i am concerned about going into a drought, and some say we are already in a drought for wisconsin. i had some of my bees flying just over me coming from the willows and collecting water along the river. i checked the bees, just weight, need for feed, observe, etc..... i removed the winter wrap and took off the entrance reducer to clear the dead bees away again.  my bees were very jammed up at the top entrance bringing in all sorts of pollen. they were light on stores. i added a pail of 1:1 syrup. daytime temps are alright, nighttime temps still dipping down somewhat here and there into the 30's a bit.  the bees were very gentle.
if next weekend is warmer, i plan on taking a closer look at what's going on, and exchange the crusty bottom board out which hasn't been changed out in about 3 years.  the bees probably don't care, cuz they usually clean it up pretty good,  but i do.... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: jb63 on April 15, 2015, 10:15:07 pm
Your bees look good River.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on April 16, 2015, 07:33:15 am
I'm pretty handy with a chainsaw.  What kind of fence? 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on June 22, 2015, 12:14:00 am
long time since updating my thread. spring and early summer has kept me preoccupied with many things going on in my life, my family, gardening, land maintenance and my life with the bees.  oh and a trip to alaska!

injections. they continue to go well, had a set of three  injections friday morning and 6 weeks ago with a full checkup with the allergy doc. i always get welts from the honeybee, and sometimes from the wasp injections, but it's normal, except on friday. new shot nurse; i suspect she won't be around long. the injections were painful and i developed huge welts on both arms within 5 minutes that extended just below the elbow. my doc had me stay extra time, but i was alright minus the abnormal swelling and itching from improper injections.

i was hoping  my doc would  move my 3 injections up to every 8 weeks instead of every 6 weeks. maybe sometime in the future, but i am okay with it.

i picked up 10 russian nucs  early  last saturday  morning in cresco, iowa. forecast said no rain. it was raining and rained pretty much all day. drove back to el paso and managed to hive the nucs in between cloud bursts. 4 were mine and the rest were for two friends and a guy the two of us are helping get started. i was to get 5, but passed on one. 5 hives for me is enough right now.
btw.......do NOT wear a really nice dark blue MILWAUKEE BREWERS jacket to pick up bees that have been cooped up and managed to find some small space to fly out of the nucs while loading.  those orange poop spots sure stood out on it......... :D

when we unloaded and hived the nucs, about 3 hours later, we both realized (after unloading) i had no protective gear on, and really, had no fear? all the protective gear went on when we hived the bees. it went great. queens look good, and the bees were a joy to watch as they oriented to their new home. absent minded,  i turned the solar fencer back on before closing the gate, (about 13,000 volts)and  inadvertently  touched the wires. i was sitting on my backside in a short hurry... :P

update on a brother, and another brother.........
many of you know about my younger brother who suffered an unfortunate, severe accident and near amputation of the leg below the knee.  his nickname is 'ozzy' but i call him 'oz'.  he is doing well, although he will probably never be able to return to the logging industry/forest service he is going into business for himself. thanks iddee, and thanks ef and thanks all for your prayers and well wishes for his recovery.  perhaps i will post a pic or two of him.

i flew home (montana) recently on a short trip. another younger brother, JB (nickname 'smurf') (a logging truck driver) suffered an unfortunate logging accident. he was getting into the cab of his truck, when the loader either  dropped, or rolled a log into him as he was stepping up into the cab.  broke his right leg and ankle up pretty good. surgery went well, and he is doing alright.  he was planning and is still planning on going to the 75th anniversary of sturgis. he has a nice custom built harley he has done all the work on. it's a pretty work of art!  he told me this morning he's going, one way or the other, and i know he will. guess he will have to get a sidecar.  btw jack, jb is a short little squirt like me...... :D

going to alaska on wednesday.  the 25th is my birthday.
guess me and my two brothers had some good laughs about being gimps........
for my 60th year, i will be getting new hips and sockets. sort of a shell shocker for me.  i was recently diagnosed with advanced osteo-arthritis in both hips/sockets (wear and tear). there is no cartilage left in either and it's bone on bone, and no space left in between. i will be scheduling surgery for hip replacements sometime after i return from alaska. 
my ortho/surgeon told me to look on the bright side, (knowing my adventurous history) and knowing i was not happy about it so he said:
" you had fun wearing them out, now you will have a new set to start wearing out"........ :D
that i will....

when he showed me the prosthetic's for the hip replacements,  i had one question:
"doc, are you going to give me an official card that says i weigh 10 pounds more than i really do from these titanium, ceramic coated big marbles you are putting in"
............ :D

he ordered up and i received cortisone shots to both hips last monday to ease the pain and muscular inflammation.
i was given a really styling pair of purty blue paper shorts to put on.....not sure why, they cut them up anyway. and just because....i  had to ask if there was a front and back on these.........there's no tags!........... :D
the radiologist is from minot north dakota, and his father kept bees.  we had lots to yak about in an hour.  he asked me what i was doing the rest of the day (some restrictions) shot up with lidocaine and feeling no pain, i said i was going on a 20 mile bicycle ride....... :D

thank you to my team mates, the leaders of this forum , who have given me support and encouragement since the diagnosis.  thank you. pride sometimes clouds reality and rational thinking......but then again, what beekeeper is rational?  :D

i will enjoy my trip to alaska, and i will post some pix if and when i can.  the cortisone shots will get me through relatively pain free; maybe some minor discomfort but not what it was. 

if i fall in an alaskan river while fishing at least i will be dinging the guides fly reel up, not mine.................... :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on June 22, 2015, 02:22:03 am
Riverbee, if I were to give air to all the thoughts your post inspired in me, I'd have to change the title of the thread---and I don't want to do that.  So I'll restrict myself to just a few comments.
Hip replacements:  You'll love them and keep asking yourself why you didn't do it sooner.  My wife had a replacement several years ago and is as good as new.  No pains no joint problems.  It's just that she sets off the security metal detectors and when flying has to undergo a physical check-up at security to prove that she's legit.  The card she has from the hospital isn't enough for them in ssecurity.
Alaska: You'll love it.  In June 2010 my wife and I went across Alaska on a one month trip.  No words to describe how wonderful it was.  But June is too early for the salmon runs.  Enjoy the long days and see if you can get above the arctic circle.  I saw no honey bees there---Maybe there are some beeks, but in the wild they just can't pull through the  winter.
Prayers are still coming for your brother's complete recovery.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on June 22, 2015, 07:00:35 am
River:

Amen to what Ef said about metal detectors.  My two knee replacements set off the alarms, and no, the security people don't even want you to pull out your medical card showing you have knee prostheses.  Apparently, those cards are easy to forge.

River, I am sorry to hear about the arthritis, but we all have to take what we are given.  Thanks again for updating one more time the longest thread ever on a social forum.  It has been a wonderful educational tool for all of its readers.

Also, I'm sorry to hear of the other brother's broken leg and ankle.  Logging is a dangerous business with lots of heavy equipment, saws and heavy logs to handle.  I will pray for his complete recovery.

I don't care squat for motorcycles, but they are a mechanical marvel.  There is a lot of physics and math attached to the engineering and construction of a motorcycle.  Some of the newer ones are significant engineering feats.

It seems your injections are continuing to slowly, grudgingly improving your immune system.  As always, keep on keeping on and have fun.

Lazy 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on June 22, 2015, 08:27:09 am
Glad to hear things are going well!  How long will you be gone, and do you have someone to keep an eye on the hives in your absence? If not, I know a keep on the other side of Menomonie who would make the trip :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on June 22, 2015, 09:54:08 am
Sounds like you and your family need all the well wishes and prayers you can get :o (you've got mine) If you see bears in Alaska while your fishing? remember there Hungry ??? but being a squirt they may not think it would be worth the trouble. :D All kidding behind, have a great trip, you've earned it. Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: tbonekel on June 22, 2015, 04:20:20 pm
I really hope you have a worry free trip. I've always wanted to go to Alaska. Thanks for the update!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on June 22, 2015, 11:38:22 pm
ef,
please feel free to give air to all comments and thoughts by you!  i so enjoy your posts! 

this thread really is a journey now of all sorts and somewhat of a sharing of my personal life and not just about what brought me to start it. if i spoke only of injections, i think all would get truly bored with this?.......... :D

will i keep bees or not?  for now i will, until that changes for me. an emergency room visit will most likely end any future beekeeping endeavors by me, but i am staying positive, and i will cross that bridge when the rough water flows under or over it, and not until it does.
i would like to meet many of you, maybe someday i will......i think sometimes we would like to 'get to know' another member, or having some 'insight', albeit through a thread like this. i hope no one minds my ramblings.  i also enjoy all of the posts and comments that follow and getting to know others from a distance and a keyboard.

zweef, i think we have it covered. thank you! the nucs were put in deeps right away, left them alone for a week. one of the hives is a bit snarky, and is busting and boiling with bees, and the queen was laying everywhere she could. i put an extra deep on her in my absence. the others will be fine. the one established hive i have is going good, a good honey year. i placed an extra super on (3 now, 1st one filled and capped, 2nd one filled not all capped, 3rd one empty drawn comb) just in case they get ahead of me..... ;D
i have a good friend down the road from me, she recently lost her husband. i helped get them started in keeping bees. she offered to check on them, and a beek friend 1 hour away also offered to check on them.  i like to get ahead of things in an absence, it doesn't hurt. worst would be is they wind up in the trees, or plastering honey and comb from the underneath of the inside cover when no extra super is on........ :D

i am not going to fiddly fart around with the hip thing..........the surgeries will get done, one first then the other 4-6 weeks later. i am not looking forward to it, but i am not going to wait, and i don't want additional cortisone shots as a band-aid fix to put it off. 

jack, bears? they don't like squirts, i read that somewhere........... :D :D :D

thanks all for your well wishes and prayers!


 



Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Lburou on June 23, 2015, 10:28:43 am
Riverbee, don't forget the DEET!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on June 23, 2015, 06:09:43 pm
DEET?

packed!!!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: kebee on June 23, 2015, 06:34:24 pm
 I second what Lburou said, the mosquito are big and bad in Alaska, spend a year in the service there and good luck and praying for you.

Ken
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: badgerbeekernube66 on June 23, 2015, 07:43:22 pm
Wow, that's some journey indeed river.....glad you have persevered to continue sharing the weather of knowledge you have gained in your life, and here's a cheers to the years to come!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on June 23, 2015, 07:55:58 pm
thanks badgerbeek........!

 and especially thank you for the 'cheers to the years to come'..............! ! !   :yes:

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Perry on June 23, 2015, 09:03:17 pm
When I first left Nova Scotia I was headed to the Yukon. I've heard that the Yukon, like Alaska, really puts things into perspective as to how small we really are. Sadly I never made it to the Yukon, but I will get to hear about Alaska through you riverbee. ;)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on July 12, 2015, 12:21:28 am
Riverbee:

I thought about you today.  It was a hot 100 degree afternoon and I was robbing my meanest hive.  I had my vented bee jacket on and checked all of my zippers and gloves and yada, yada, .......  As I was replacing the frames from the extractor, a bee stung me on the back of my right arm.  I can't believe that it stung me through the jacket and my shirt, but when I removed my jacket I had my wife look for a dead bee.  We did not find a bee inside my jacket or shirt, so maybe the bee stung me through the Mann Lakes vented jacket. 

I thought of you because I took all of the necessary precautions to not get stung.  I checked and double checked my gear (zippers, jeans tucked in boots, thick      gloves with elastic cuffs over the glove wrist, double checked all velcro connections, sweat band over ears, and yet I got stung).  I dressed carefully because as stated above, this is a hot hive.  My conclusion is that it is extremely difficult to not get stung.  I hope and pray that your allergist has reduced your reaction to bee stings to a safe place, because in my heart, I fear you will be stung again.  I hope and pray that I am wrong.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on July 12, 2015, 12:09:04 pm
I wear a jacket with the zipper veil and goat skin gloves. During the hot humid weather i can sweat through everything i have on in 30 min. or less, even have sweat dripping off the bill of my ball cap. That is when i start getting hits, the girls can sting though any part of clothing i have on, but most of the time they are what i call, half a sting because the stinger is stuck in the cothing and not me. 8) Seems to me they hurt worse when i'm hot and sweaty, so i now take two jackets and veils with me so i can change back and fourth. The bees have made me smarter over the years. :laugh: Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on August 07, 2015, 07:17:53 pm
long time no update........
my 6 weeks injections were scheduled for friday july 31.  i cancelled the injections per my surgeon's pa's advice, recovering from hip surgery.  too much going on with that right now, injections will resume when i am stronger in the recovery.

once again, i am unable to work my bees, i did my best before surgery to make sure the queens were laying in the 4 nucs, now double deeps, and that they were sailing along well.  in my one survivor hive, 4 supers were on. two weeks before surgery, i checked that super, (8 frames), not capped, but being capped, i made the decision not to add another at the time, knowing mr river could add another when necessary..........sometimes the bees will go to the new super and forget about fully capping the one below.
he checked for me this past saturday............oops............

(https://worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs4.postimg.cc%2Fgqn2yte1l%2Fsurvivor_hive_Aug_1_2015.jpg&hash=71222c65811146970c13b41ac4236f02093d43c8) (http://postimg.cc/image/gqn2yte1l/)

they needed a super 2 or 3 weeks ago.  anyway, the bees had honey comb all over the tops of the frames and on the underneath side of the inner cover.  it was all scraped off into a tupperware and another super went on.  we are having a good year this year.

i took the comb he scraped off, put it in a strainer, lined the strainer with nylon straining material i use, put it in a ziploc and set it out in the sun to let the honey drain out into a container below the strainer.  i filled a small jar with this and gave it to my preop surgery nurse with a thank you card.  she buys honey from me and she was really tickled to get honey straight from the hive!

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 15, 2016, 01:29:26 am
two stings..........the first two stings i have taken since spring of 2012.  i am good, no anaphlyactic reaction.

one to the ear, and one to the top of my head.............. :D
dang that ear shot hurt!

most know i am allergic, for those that don't read post #1.  been taking venom immunotherapy injections since to build my immunity.

i wear full gear.  i have one hive of 6 that are a bit hot and have been.  after checking supers, i walked away about 20 feet behind the first hive (the hot hive). it was so hot and humid, and i was hot and sweaty with all the gear on.  i removed my veil and gloves and walked away from the hives. 3 or 4 bees followed.  i walked quickly...........did my best, the new hardware i have in the hips is really not conducive to running right now........ :D  my brain says run like beejeebers but my legs can't move that fast right now............ :D

so i gimp scurried up the driveway towards the house and let out a non-family friendly expletive. mr river was in the garden (not far from my hives) and had been watching. he ran after me. i carry eppys, so retrieved them from my pocket; also the liquid benadyrl and steroid.  i took the liquid benadryl right away. i waited on the steroid and the eppy.  mr river had to scrape out the stingers from my ear and the top of my head, and used a benadryl pen on both (does help with taking the initial zing out of the sting). we waited........it's a long wait, and to be honest, i think we were both trying to be calm when really not..........should we jump in the truck and drive to the e/r? 

within 5 minutes or so, my upper arms, palms of my hands, and bottoms of my feet started itching (not experienced this before) and i did develop a very small patch of hives about a quarter size on my left upper arm.  this later dissipated. my breathing and all else was fine.

in all honesty, i was scared, i thought is this really worth it anymore?  this is the first time i have really asked myself, what am i thinking and is this worth it?  maybe it's time to give up the bees. 

the reaction from both stings, really was not as long lasting as i thought they might be.  the sting to my ear, swelled and moved down the left side of my neck. the swelling and itching really did not last long as i thought it would (applied ice right away and off and on overnight, along with taking benadryl). so the injections have given me the immunity.

i am back to weekly injections now; with two total hip surgeries in the past year it has set my injection schedule well behind.  i thought i had patience, endurance and fortitude.......... :D

on another note, i am going to miss an opportunity to meet tec.  tec contacted me several weeks ago. he and his wife are going to be in madison, wisconsin july 18th; traveling from texas to north dakota and then on to wisconsin. i was honored that tec asked to meet up me and if i was near madison. it wouldn't matter, i would drive to madison to meet tec.  we have friends coming from michigan this weekend, and we will be traveling to montana next week, and i told tec, we would probably be passing one another on I-94........them going east and us going west........lol, he told me if i saw a couple of grey hairs waving, to wave back :D :D :D

i put tec in touch with chip euliss, i hope you guys have a great visit!

thanks tec, thanks for thinking of me, happy trails and happy travels! 

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Perry on July 15, 2016, 06:46:06 am
Great news on the sting update. Do you feel as though perhaps you have turned a corner in regards to the therapy?
I know a lady here that is allergic as well and has been going for therapy for some time now, although her schedule got messed up as well which set things back.
She is at the point where she can take one or two stings and it knocks her flat for a couple days, but it isn't the threat it once seemed to be. She is the right hand "man" on a commercial operation.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: iddee on July 15, 2016, 07:08:14 am
Another milestone passed. Congrats.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on July 15, 2016, 08:40:01 am
Before you go on your next visit to the hives, I recommend that you check with your surgeons as to what kind of oil to use and where exactly in the hips to apply it on your new joints so that you beat the bees in getting a safe distance between you and them.   :D :laugh: :D

Now, seriously, maybe you should intentionaly get yourself stung at the end of your visits to the hives in a way that will allow you to get the stingers out immediatley. With your various meds at hand as a backup precaution.  Short "mini-stings" MIGHT very well help to speed up your re-developing of natural immunity.  Ask what the docs think.

But above all, stay well.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: lazy shooter on July 15, 2016, 08:59:19 am
@riverbee:

I agree with Iddee, it certainly seems that you have passed a "milestone."

Now to the fuss:  I don't know how far your hives are from the house, but I do know how hot a bee suit can be in the summer.  That being said, had you have walked to your house fully suited up this traumatic event would not have occurred.  Safety is carried on until the job is complete.  "fuss over"

You know I love you, and the above is "tough love."  It is wonderful that modern day medicine has brought you this miraculous cure that not only allows you to keep bees, but also alleviates the fear of just being stung by a bee for the rest of your life.  Thank you for going through all the trouble and tribulations to get to this place.  I don't think any of us can imagine you without bees.

Thanks for the update.

lazy
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Chip Euliss on July 15, 2016, 09:22:48 am
Keep at it and I bet your allergist gets you desensitized before long.  I went through all that many years ago and now I have no reactions to bee stings at all.  Some spots do hurt a bit while others just burn a little but no swelling.  My "bad" spot is on the tip of my nose; doesn't hurt so much as it makes me sneeze and get a runny nose for 10 minutes or so.  I think the bees do it when they're mad and want a larger target when I open my veil to blow my nose :laugh:

Just got a text and will be having supper with Tec, his wife and a couple of good friends in Jametown tonight.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: apisbees on July 15, 2016, 10:15:36 am
Good to hear the two years of injections have helped and are working. You just don't know until it happens. Now on the getting stung and retreating from the hive. You know I believe that the bees react to the vibe a person is emitting. The bees being persistent on their pursuit and your fear of what could happen if they did sting you caused you to be a hotter target for the few persistent bees. Now knowing the out come will help you in remaining calmer next time.
In keeping bees it is not a IF but WHEN you get stung.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: neillsayers on July 15, 2016, 02:43:25 pm
Wow RB,

I'm glad it ended well but it had to be scary for you and Mister given your history. Stay safe and maybe considered giving that hive the heave-ho- I'm not a fan of caring for critters that choose to hurt me.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 15, 2016, 11:23:19 pm
thanks for the replies........i want to try and answer each of the replies here.......

perry-
yes i did notice a 'turn in the corner' with regards to therapy.  i didn't swell as much, and really the two stings didn't bother me like before, well except for the big A reactions........ :D  the only difference was experiencing the itching in the palms of my hands and bottoms of my feet?  never experienced this before, and if i did, don't remember this.  my two surgeries have set me back for injections, having to go weekly when i was at 6 or almost 8 weeks, is sort of a pain in the back side.  but i will do it.  thanks perry.

iddee~
thanks, it is a milestone.

ef~
......... :D my surgeon would probably ask me again why i keep bees........but then again he knows me to well......... :D :D :D
i am almost a year out for the first surgery, and 6 months from the 2nd......it's hard, muscles need time to heal and gain strength again, and also flexibility. i can be so impatient with myself sometimes.  i walk everyday to get this back, from 2 miles to 3.5 miles. and i also do some pt.
thanks ef!

lazy s~
thanks my friend.........tough love is a good thing. my hives are about 40-50 yards i guess from the house. i did get an 'arse' chewing for shedding the veil and gloves so close to the hives, especially the 'hot' hive.  it won't happen again. 

chip~
i will keep at it, thank you!  and hope you enjoyed your visit with tec!

apis~
most times i would agree with you on the bees reacting to the vibe a beek gives out.........the hive has been hot since last summer. the queen needs to be replaced, but they sure are productive. it's always the last hive i check because i don't like them nailing me and pestering me while i am peeking into the other hives. i just walked away, and without thinking removed my veil.  i shouldn't have, but i did.  i was calm, and to be honest when i realized i had ticked off bees in the air, i walked quite calmly/quickly towards the house.  this same hive has had bees follow my husband up the driveway.
thank you apis!

neill~
thanks, it was a little scary. i am not sure who started to panic more than the other, me or him.......... :D
the queen in that hive needs to go.............i will wait now, vacation and travel, until i get back. one of the snarkiest hives i have had in a long time.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Chip Euliss on July 16, 2016, 07:26:59 pm
Had a nice visit with Tech and his wife last night River.  Turns out they are good friends of a good friend of mine here in Jamestown who sells cells in Texas each spring.  Tech bought cells from him in years past and they knew his wife from a project she was working on near their Texas operation--both were great fun to be around and we knew many of the same people in both of their professions.  We all had a nice dinner at my friends house and a good time was had by all.  From here, they are headed east for more visits and interesting stops along the way.  Tech said he got some of our ticks yesterday but he didn't mind since they were larger than the ones in Texas and easy to get off.  And all these years, I thought everything was bigger in Texas :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 16, 2016, 11:29:44 pm
chip, am envious!

"And all these years, I thought everything was bigger in Texas"

just the cowboy hats chip........... :D :D :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Les on July 17, 2016, 08:57:44 am
RB,
I am so glad you had no serious reaction, although the itchy palms is cause for concern, make sure to tell your doc about that.  You are a study in perseverance and it is a wonderful to see that you have gotten so far.
I so appreciate your advice and knowledge and keep doing what you're doing!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: vvand111 on July 17, 2016, 11:53:51 pm
I have only been her for a short period of time. I have appreciated your post and your responses to mine.  Glad all is ok. Thanks.

Vandy
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on July 18, 2016, 02:11:20 am
les, thanks!

the itchy palms, yes, i don't remember experiencing this in the past? and the bottoms of my feet with my boots on? had to get these off, it was driving me!............ :D

i know it's not funny but.......should have seen me trying to get my boots off........can't hardly bend past a certain point with the new hardware. mr rb trying to help me get them off, and my socks! i realized we were both waiting for the signs of the big A...........i haven't been stung for a very long time, so maybe my patience wasn't exactly at it's premium?! ........ :D :D :D 
i did talk with my allergy doc, i have an appt with her when i get back from montana, early part of august.

thanks for your comments les!

vandy, thank you very much!   




Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Les on July 18, 2016, 10:02:09 am
RB, I had to chuckle as you were explaining your fast hustle across the yard.  It reminded me of the first year we got our bees, the were delivered the end of March and, of course, had to be fed sugar syrup.  Being a newbee and thinking it was too cold for them to come out of the hive I did not put on my veil or jacket.  Pulled the cover to place the sugar syrup inside the deep and quickly closed it up.  Thinking I had pulled it off.....wrong!  This girl had me in her sights.  My first newbee mistake was swatting at her, which probably really angered her.  I took off running into the garage, slammed the door and she was still on me.  I ran into the house and into the bathroom, still on me!  I then ran down the cellar stairs and into Ken's office, still on me!  Ken finally knocked her off and she met her demise, unfortunately.  Sweating and panting, I collapsed into a chair.  Did I mention I had a fear of getting stung?  Too many childhood encounters with yellow jackets.  I am so over the fear now but that is a memory for the books.
Safe travels to Montana and have a wonderful time!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on July 18, 2016, 10:04:29 am
Good news Squirt, not on the stings though. :no: I know first hand of the pain the sting to the ear is ;D, for some reason that's the first thing they aim for when i stir them up. Now don't laugh, but i've taken up putting ear muffs on under the veil  :yes:, i got tired of walking around with swollen ears and the wife laughing and saying i look like i could fly with those big ears. ;D. The girls have out done there selves this year on honey stores and they intend to keep it too. I'm guessing it's the heat, rain and humidity, plus the beginning of a dearth, that's making them hard to get along with. ???. Sometimes women can be a big pain. Jack  :laugh: :laugh:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Lburou on July 18, 2016, 11:05:19 am
There must be a gene in the honey bee DNA programming a sting on the beekeeper's retreat.  Many a time, I have been stung while walking away from the bees and removing the veil.  Riverbee, I'd be interested to hear what the immunologist says about the symptoms in your hands and feet during this last sting episode.  Glad you have made great strides in your treatment.

I confess that I most certainly would have driven to the ER parking lot and waited there for the possible anaphylaxis.  I'm a chicken at heart.  :)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: LazyBkpr on August 09, 2016, 08:56:20 pm
Mrs River... I would not do this for anyone else, but for you, I would get out my drill and tap... we can install a grease fitting in that joint.. before you go out to the bees, have Mr River put three or four good shots of a moly EP waterproof grease in there!!   Then you can easily make the mile in six minutes if there are bees behind you!!!

   Seriously....   Seriously!!!! I am glad that you did not have a severe reaction..
   I have often wondered in the past, if you could do your own therapy with live bees once you reach a certain point in recovery?  I realize the "dosage" would not be as controlled, but if your body has become capable of handling it.. is that something that is possible?

   I remember the first time I got stung in excess of 50 times.. I was 13 years old, and my mentor was flat out in hysterics (laughter) while I left a rooster tail of dust as I headed down that gravel road at about mach1...   I got sick, I threw up, my face and hands were swollen terribly... but I never had an "actual" reaction, meaning I never had problems breathing, never felt dizzy etc...
   Over the years, the reactions have lessened...  The last time I got stung that badly.. I felt fine.. I woke up about 3AM and threw up... 5 min later I was sound asleep again, didnt swell, but was mildly itchy...     I got stung four times transferring nucs into hives yesterday, and had forgotten about it until I saw one of the stingers in my ear when I looked into the mirror that evening...  (It was HOT so no way I was wearing the suit)  I personally FEEL that time, and being stung often has allowed me the ability to more or less ignore being stung with little to no side effects.. yeah, it DOES BURN when I get stung, but.. I am married so PAIN is more or less meaningless these days..     8)
   just wondering, with continued therapy, and the possibility of SELF therapy, if the doc thinks this point may be reached, or if you will always have a strong reaction?

   Thanks for being here, Thanks for keeping bees, and thanks for sharing with all of us Mrs River!
   Scott
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on November 03, 2018, 11:23:28 pm
"Warning: this topic has not been posted in for at least 120 days.
Unless you're sure you want to reply, please consider starting a new topic."


.............. :D
warning we receive when we reply to an old topic......had to laugh a little, and the warning is in pink.....
oh well, i figured i could fire up my own topic again just to give everyone a little update.    ;D

so i thought i would post a little update to my thread.  i re-read the last few pages. pretty cool. had forgotten all the great stuff in this thread.
first, i just want to say thank you all for supporting me, thank you for your encouragement and thank you for your posts on this thread.
i have truly appreciated every post.

thanks scott for your last post.  i have a personal trainer now that applies plenty of 'greasing' to both artificial hip joints......... :D :D :D
and then some..... :D   i can hustle a lot quicker thanks to my trainer....... :D.
I have new hips, but I still have old muscles………recently pointed out to me by my trainer. I became frustrated with the constant knots and muscular fatigue. I forgot that I had to retrain the muscles that have incorrectly compensated before surgeries.

lee, i did follow up with my immunologist, (after taking stings to the head and suffering itchy palms and feet) although an improvement, she wanted me to continue with my immunotherapy and of course i did.  in all honesty i can't tell you how many times i suffered a sting, grabbed my eppy's and car keys and started driving towards the nearest e/r.

with my total hip surgeries/recovery and a ruptured appendix/complications/recovery and travel/vacations ...... i kept getting further behind in my injections. with setbacks i had to go back in the injections, and would have to catch up to where i ought to be.  missed injections meant going back again on an injection schedule (dosage), sort of complicated to explain, (it was a pain) but needless to say i kept up with them until last december when the appendix blew out. i had to forego injections and chose to do so.

i made it through almost 5 years of injections? 5 years because of all the setbacks, by 4 or 5 years (or less) it would be determined if i would just need 'maintenance injections'.  i maybe alright now?!

i wear full gear, and really have only taken stings to the gloves, and not often.

i am highly allergic to yellow jackets and wasps (or was) just as i am to honey bees.

on friday before labor day weekend, i walked out on my deck and a yellow jacket (annoying this year) nailed me 2 or 3 times in the fleshy part of my upper arm on the underneath side. i didn't realize i had been stung multiple times until later, i just felt the initial zing. guess i just blanked it out cuz i was running in the house for: (haven't been stung by yj's in awhile)

1. eppy pens
2. liquid benadryl
3. steroid
eppys, benadryl and steriod all together in my emergency kit

4. jeep key
5. drivers license/medical card
6. and the land line.......don't have a smart phone.......... :D guess that should have been first but sometimes my brain is not wired correctly for certain tasks or emergencies....... :D

i took the benadryl, the steroid, had the eppys at the ready,  sat down. had a 'panic' conversation with myself, should i drive to the e/r or should i just dial 911? i decided to just wait it out, er is less than 10 minutes from the house and our paramedics would be quicker than me trying to drive myself.

after my appendix ruptured ya think i would learn better than 'waiting it out'.......... :D

in the end, the reaction to the multiple yellow jacket stings (about 3) was ‘normal’.  just the normal stuff we all get; localized swelling and pain from the stings. I have not been stung this year from the bees, (just through the gloves) but again I wear full gear.

I visited with my immunologist, she was encouraging. any yellow jacket sting in the past could have potentially sent me to the er or i would have suffered from reactions that required a massive dose of a steroid for hives. i didn't suffer from hives or any other anamoly from the stings away from the site of the stings.
 
she wants to run another ‘sting test’ to see where I am at, not sure I want to continue injections because I am so far behind at this point, it may be I am okay.  I hope so. with that said, I will always carry an eppy pen.

and now to the rest of the story………. :D

in short, we will be selling 40 acres of our 80 acres, and maybe all 80 acres.  40 acres of the land of what we want to sell is where my bees are kept, also, the house, all the structures and pole shed; the structure that houses all of my bee equipment. once sold and long before, I will have to figure out where to move them to the other 40 (if that is not sold). that 40 is on the rush river, no house and no structures to house equipment.  I can’t exactly move this great old corn crib, great setup for me and the bees…………. and to keep out the bears and other critters:

the crib:
(https://pli.io/2MYIG8.jpg)

(https://pli.io/2MY1cU.jpg)

the crib had a chute, i took this out, widened it and replaced with a door:
(https://pli.io/2MYKfY.jpg)

a view inside of the crib:
(https://pli.io/2MYJIp.jpg)

solar electric fencing, cuz bears can climb, dig and chew.

if all 80 is sold, for sure I will have to figure out where to move my bees and where to house all my equipment. not sure where I will be next season for keeping bees. I can maybe farm them out, but this is really not practical. i am unsure of what i will do.

sorry for the long post and thanks!

Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: efmesch on November 04, 2018, 02:02:07 am
You only worry about the bees?   WHAT ABOUT YOU?  If you sell all 80 acres, where do you and the mister plan to live/relocate? 

A few years ago, when I was faced with the option to move fro my home in the country to an apartment in the city, I decided that I wouldn't be able to handle living full time in the city and chose to stick it out  nestled between the fields and the orchards.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Bakersdozen on November 04, 2018, 08:55:37 am
Thanks for the update, river.  It looks as though you have a little piece of heaven on the 80 acres.  The pictures are wonderful.  I think using the old corn crib is a wonderful idea. 
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Wandering Man on November 04, 2018, 10:26:13 am
Wow!  Great set-up.  I'm sorry to hear you will be downsizing.  I have wanted / wished for a hunk of property nearby to keep my bees.  Only recently have I really thought about the upkeep on the land.  While it might be "fun" to buy all of the farm equipment I'd need, and it might be "fun" to work the land a bit, I also realize I am no longer in my 40's or 50's, and the work required is now beyond me.  Not to mention that income is no longer flowing as easily as it did before I retired.  I understand the desire to downsize, and also the sadness that is likely to come along with everything that means.

Good luck on this new phase in your life.

And stay healthy!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on November 04, 2018, 08:56:57 pm
ef.....
to answer your question, this is our secondary residence. we have a primary residence about an hour and 10 minutes away on a 1/2 acre wooded lot, but does not allow keeping bees. i have kept nucs and divides there for short periods of time. my suburban city neighbors are pretty cool about it, but wouldn't want to keep the bees there, not enough forage and too many pesticide happy neighbors.

and wm, thanks, not downsizing just being practical i guess?

the river property has been paradise for us, not so much for a few years. the decision to sell has been in the thinking for several years. two contributing factors;

first factor:
a neighbor up the road decided to build an outdoor restaurant for the wealthy. township and county passed this with many questionable practices ; he always gets what he wants.  doesn't matter, don't get me started......... :D. 
all the speeding traffic goes past the house. just a little country road. we have limos, party buses, a hundred harleys going by with tunes cranked up, sports cars; folks pulling in my driveway, folks driving up on my lawn or wherever they desire, taking selfies and pics of the house, the barn, the garage, and the bee crib. arrogance, lack of manners/respect, traffic, noise, fireworks, hot air balloons, parties of all sorts. many other problems and has really taken away from what we purchased this place for.

our dream to own property on a trout stream and to get away from the city. my neighbor brought the city and the city bad manners to our quiet country home. it will never be the same.

second factor:
we want to travel more in the future.

it was a difficult decision for us. I don’t know what I will do with my bees. my bees have had good forage over the years and I have always had good harvests even in not so good years with drought and floods/rains. the good years carry the ‘bad years’. 40 acres is woodlands, mature trees and bushes bearing pollen and fruit. 40 acres on the river; many native and non-native growing plants, bushes, wildflowers, and berry bushes. also, we have worked hard to restore some of the river frontage to native species to our area to benefit all pollinators. this hard work has also provided my bees with the resources they need to maintain/survive and produce a honey crop  year after year.

some very  unique history in this place. it’s been in the family for about 75 years and 300 acres more, all sold at auction one cold rainy day. land like this on the rush river does not come up for auction and land for sale on the rush river is pretty scarce. usually passed on to the next generation.   we were very fortunate.

it brings great sadness wm. working through that will be a long process i think, especially for me.


Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on November 05, 2018, 01:19:57 am
Well Squirt, i don't know if i should be Happy or Sad for you two ??? I know what you are feeling, we are two miles south of Fair Grove, Mo. and the old farms and hay fields between our farm and town have new houses being built all over them.20 years ago our road to Fair Grove was gravel and only neighbors used it and we knew their cars/trucks, they are all paved now with people moving in they now keep the road hot? Most all the old timers have passed away  :sad: and only one couple are older than my wife  :yes: and we are next :o. Speaking for my self, if i had River property  i would never sell it and would pass it down,but that's just me.
   Did i read correctly? that you are moving south to John McCain country??? That's AHB country :o "Ouch"  My last move will be the Oven! i hate moving and our children are not going to be happy going through and getting rid of my junk. >:( :D  I got tired of the wife and family telling me i need a cab Tractor and broke down and bought a 60 hp Kubota with all kinds of buttons and levers, and is so pretty i've only used it twice since it's been raining, don't want to get mud on it so i use the old 3020 JD and they are fussing at me again :yes:I think i'll like it when the ice, wind and that white crap starts this winter. Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on November 05, 2018, 11:26:20 am
jack, it's a mix of both, sometimes the farmhouse is just like my J E E P.....Just Empty Every Pocket....... :D

it  was built in 1902. it's a great house, we have done many ugrades and improvements. we would like to hang onto the river 40.  there is an area that we could build if we wanted to. we have tossed that around. or we could purchase a trailer and park it there. not sure i am into the camping thing anymore.  i sorta like indoor plumbing  ;D

this property was not in our family, we are only the third owner. the widow that passed on, did not want to pass it on to family, wanted it sold (she owned 400 acres), most of the money went to charity/her church. we never had the opportunity to meet her although we are very good friends with her brother, and he lives in the valley, about 2 miles down the road from us.

not moving to arizona jack, i just said that cuz arizona does not observe daylight savings time! btw it's too hot there for me!

speaking of jeeps, i just emptied my bank account of $750 to repair that thing  :D
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Chip Euliss on November 05, 2018, 09:25:27 pm
Gotta keep the river River; without it, we'd just have to call you "Bee"!  Life decisions are tough wish you the best in the process!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Wandering Man on November 05, 2018, 10:33:04 pm
Gotta keep the river River; without it, we'd just have to call you "Bee"!  Life decisions are tough wish you the best in the process!

Or maybe “The Beekeeper Formerly Known as Riverbee.”

BFKAS, for short.
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: brooksbeefarm on November 06, 2018, 10:35:17 am
Jeepers, Creepers,  :-\ a friend of mine had a Jeep and loved it until it got a little age on it, then it was in the shop more than he was in it :o,He finally let it go :yes:. I have some old Farmall  tractors that i restored and some i haven't that i should sell that are taking up Barn space but, they seem like part of the family and i still like to do farm chores with them to bring back old memories and if something goes wrong with them i can fix it myself. Been a bad year for Bees in Mo. i have several hives that are short on stores and i have been feeding them but, they seem to be eating it instead of storing it? The temp is in the 50'sF daytime and the won't take syrup in the low 50'sF so my wife will have to make Fondant for them. I'm banned from her kitchen after my last Fondant making??? Gotta Go Vote now! Jack
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: riverbee on November 06, 2018, 12:23:19 pm
"Gotta keep the river River; without it, we'd just have to call you "Bee"!  Life decisions are tough wish you the best in the process!"

"Or maybe “The Beekeeper Formerly Known as Riverbee.”
BFKAS, for short."


"Jeepers, Creepers"

............... :D :D :laugh:
you fellas crack me up!  well, maybe you all can call me squirt bee, cuz jack calls me a 'squirt'.
jeepers creepers jack, my jeep only has 76,000 miles on it. when it dies, i will be sad, but i will just buy another one  ;D and your wife makes good decisions when it comes to you making fondant in her kitchen!
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Bakersdozen on November 06, 2018, 03:27:51 pm
well, maybe you all can call me squirt bee, cuz jack calls me a 'squirt'.


 :laugh:
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Wandering Man on November 07, 2018, 12:28:47 am
Gotta keep the river River; without it, we'd just have to call you "Bee"!  Life decisions are tough wish you the best in the process!

Or maybe “The Beekeeper Formerly Known as Riverbee.”

BFKAS, for short.

BKFAS needs to be represented by a symbol:



(https://thumb.ibb.co/mxJwHq/Riverbee.jpg) (https://ibb.co/mxJwHq)
Title: Re: Riverbee's Journey
Post by: Zweefer on January 09, 2019, 10:41:02 pm
Late to the party (as always) - you are always welcome to relocate them here! Don’t have a river, but elk creek is within spitting distance and there is trout in that.   
Hope whatever decision you and the hubby make gives you a sense of peace. You both deserve it!
Thanks for the update!


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