My fields, while a few weeks behind on account of the late sunshine and warmth, are awash in blueberry blossoms. At this time of year, seeing bees foraging on my plants is deeply soothing. Not only does every berry need to be pollinated, but every seed in every berry needs pollination, and bumblebees are the best bee for the job of fertilizing the bell-shaped blossoms. I order a hive every year.
Imagine my alarm when, after several days with my new colony, all I saw was the odd wild bee. My hive was a dud. I called the company and found out that the self-contained box of bees must have gotten damaged in transit.
“The queen will lay new eggs and the hive will be operational again in a couple of weeks,” I was informed
“I have bloom now,” I said urgently.
“Hmmm, yes,” he responded. “We can send you a new hive on Monday when we ship. It will arrive next Wednesday, or we can credit your account.”
“I don’t want a credit, I want bees and I need them now. Wednesday is too late,” I replied back, the distress evident in my voice. It had taken days to get the right person to call me back and timing is everything. If a fruit set doesn’t get pollinated during bloom, it will bear no fruit. Hence my distress.
“Hmmm, yes. Ok. Let me get back to you”. He knew what was at stake.
My head was swimming. The thought of a consecutive crop loss was inconceivable.
A couple of hours later I received word that a new hive was being shipped immediately and I would receive it the next day. Kudos to the bee guy.
When I saw the Purolator truck roll up my driveway, I was weak with relief. Turns out I wasn’t the only one relieved. As I unloaded my precious hive, the driver, looking pale and shaken, said, “I’m damn glad to get that cargo off my truck.” He shuddered. I just smiled and cradled the buzzing box before rushing it out to the field to set it up.
My fields are now alive with the beautiful buzzing of busy bees. Happy days are here again.
The Flip Side of Fifty 
Obviously the delivery guy didn’t like bees! Glad you are getting things moving!
Haha. The buzzing was freaking him out and he was worried they’d get out.
Whew!! So glad to hear that all is now a ‘go’. I didn’t even think about bees altho’ I know they are vital.
Hi Carran, yep, vital for sure. Thinking about you. Thanks!
What a relief that would bee. So glad you were persistent. Hope you get a great crop.Sent with love, Sheila
It bee very nice to hear from you. Thanks. Love you back, Arlene
He should no better then to mess with Arlene Keith 😊Hugs!!
Ha! Me and my six shooters. Hugs and love. 😘
You live by the seat of your pants!! That was a pretty close call. I’d say it’s a 6 litre frozen yogurt frenzy if it was me. We now have summer weather but my deck is being sanded and stained. They’ve done the sanding. We have had weird weather so the guys couldn’t have done it much sooner. I’m taking my neighbour’s Tom cat to get neutered tomorrow morning. I’m paying for it. I think it’s a little late because he’s spraying his territory. He’s a beautiful little cat. I sewing my bee quilt but haven’t done the quilting on it yet. I’m getting on my brother’s quilt because I know what I’m in for time wise. I’m slowly making arrangements for my fall trip to Germany and Austria. I’m down to booking rail tickets. I thought I might stay in Rime an extra night but not at $600 a night for a dump. It’s shocking! Are you Gord all set for New Zealand this fall? You found a great partner, Arlene. I hope everything goes well between you two. It was, as always, a delight to hear from you. I’m sure your blueberries will be great. Love you to pieces. S. XO
Sent from my iPhone
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