Okay.
First off Lazy neglected to tell me that every highway in his state is under some kind of construction or detour.
We arrived at Lake Darling State Park, after a long drive and set up with no issues. (Beautiful park, and I'd recommend it to anyone who camps.) I promised Lazy I'd call when we were settled, so did so on my way to get some firewood and bait for the kids. He told me not to bother, as he had plenty of worms and firewood, and he'd be right over.
Literally ten minutes later, he drives up with enough wood to keep a fire going all weekend and still have about 4 pieces left (you'll have to trust me on this) as well as a bunch of worms for the kids. So in the first 30 seconds of his arrival, he has made my wife happy (free wood) as well as my kids (FISHING!!!!!!). And he proceeds to help unload said wood. As kids do, after exactly 2 casts the line needed repair, so I set about helping my daughter get situated. Before I could tie a new hook on, Lazy had finished unloading everything by himself (much to my embarrassment).
I invited him to stay for supper as it was almost done, but he declined as his wife had some started already at home.
He left before supper to deliver wood and worms! Plans were made to meet the following morning.
Having been given perfectly clear directions, I found myself lost on the way to The Outyard. Once again, Lazy proves he was anything but and jumped on his bike to come and guide me there.
I had a list of questions I had written down as my memory lasts as long as a politicians promise, and we discussed everything from foundation issues to building and selling equipment to OA treatments to candle making. And that's just the bee portion. Ted came by to say hello and to pick up some nucs that were ready for him.
We did an inspection of all the nucs so we could see what was available and then choose which ones we wanted.
During the inspection, we noticed a few things. First a huge spider being carried out by a lone worker. Stung several times... Guess they weren't too keen on their houseguest. I noted as much and made a note not to overstay my welcome
We saw what I can only assume was an albino bee, as it had no color and its thorax's were almost silver in the sunlight. It was smaller than the others as well...
All the nucs were very strong. Here we are looking at a foundationless frame that was just starting to be drawn out
Eventually play time was over, as Ted had to go, so he chose his two nucs and got them all set to go
This is where the pictures stop, as this is where the rum started
I took a gamble and brought spiced rum, as it was never made known if this particular pirate preferred straight or spiced rum. My gamble paid off, and I even had the pleasure of introducing a new brand to him.
As you can see in the previously posted photo that it went over well.
We continued to talk and lunch was had. Lazy grills a pretty good cheeseburger. Discussion continued in a wide range of topics - how to get squeaky cheese curds to squeak after refrigeration (microwave for a few seconds) to why we are surprised we are both still alive (stupid stunts pulled in our youth).
After a short trip into town for supplies (store was closing and I promised I'd bring back some milk and other provisions) we continued to talk and look through some stuff set out for The Gathering next weekend. Fast forward to 11:30. Keep in mind my day started at 9:00 that morning. Not sure where the time went. Plans were made to continue the next day.
Rain. Wouldn't be Memorial Day weekend without it....
In between waves of the stuff we managed to make it to one of Lazy's outyards and look at the hives there. Glad we did as he found a queenless nuc that had a capped queen cell ready to go. Was nice to see that, as well as how he transferred a frame of brood from one to give to another (I had asked about this earlier in terms of how many bees to take with it).
We loaded up the nuc after the next wave of rain died down with the only hitch being the #6 hardware cloth Ted left behind let the bees walk right through the entrance we just stapled shut. Five minutes later we had the right screens cut and attached.
The only thing left to do was try some celebratory beer, which was fitting as it was my post here on that batch that brought this whole thing about.
Packed up this morning and made the drive home. The girls are now at their new home, hopefully happy as can be.
And if you are curious as to what my queen looks like? Look at Lazy's avatar.
What a guy. Thanks for the great weekend LaztBkpr! We will definitely have to do it again.
